Protection Capability Research Articles

A novel refined maintenance strategy for full life cycle of high‐speed automatic train protection system

AbstractAutomatic train protection (ATP) system is essential for ensuring the safe operation of high‐speed trains. However, the existing extensive and fixed maintenance mode of the ATP system results in a waste of resources. To achieve a state of operation and maintenance that ensures both protection capability and economic efficiency, a lean method in a dynamic maintenance mode for the full life cycle of the ATP system is proposed. Firstly, reliability tests are carried out based on historical failure data. The parameter values of the possible life distribution are estimated by maximum likelihood method, and the optimal life distribution of different devices is obtained through the Kolmogorov–Smirnov hypothesis test. Secondly, a dynamic failure rate function is introduced to describe the impact of maintenance on device performance. A refined maintenance model is then established within the life cycle, and the dynamically changing preventive maintenance intervals and frequencies are obtained using a genetic algorithm. Finally, to mitigate the impact of the intermittent operation of ATP system on maintenance, the multidimensional relationships among the maintenance strategy, service time and operation mileage are revealed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through an example test on a type of driver machine interface device.

SE-NDEND: A novel symmetric watermarking framework with neural network-based chaotic encryption for Internet of Medical Things

The development of the Internet of Medical Things heavily relies on big data, and data security based on medical images has become a growing concern in society. Digital watermarking serves as a crucial technique for protecting and tracing medical image data copyright, as well as enabling forensic analysis. However, existing deep watermarking methods often neglect the protection of watermarks after extraction, leading to potential copyright disputes. To address this issue, this paper proposes SE-NDEND, a novel symmetric watermarking framework with neural network-based chaotic encryption for the Internet of Medical Things that significantly enhances the effectiveness and security of watermarking while maintaining robustness. Specifically, the SE-NDEND leverages neural networks to simulate chaotic systems and generate chaotic sequences, mitigating the complexity and high cost of implementing chaotic systems using hardware circuits. Moreover, we introduce a new noise layer with Moiré distortion that interacts with the decoder, forming a symmetric network structure that bolsters the robustness of watermarking. Parameters are jointly trained and shared during the training process to counteract potential interference from the noise layer. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of SE-NDEND in enhancing copyright protection, traceability, and forensic capabilities, surpassing existing deep learning methods in terms of visual quality (with PSNR of 45.8492 dB and SSIM of 0.9874), security, and robustness. The proposed framework can find application in protecting medical image data in the Internet of Medical Things.

The Application and Potential of Oleogels in the Food Industry

This article explores the utilization and potential of oleogels in various food applications, with a specific focus on their incorporation in bread making, meat products, dairy products, and their role in delivering fat-soluble nutrients. In the context of bread production, oleogels successfully alter the properties of the gluten network without impairing its formation, prolonging bread's shelf life and lowering its saturated fatty acid (SFA) content. However, further research is still needed, especially concerning potential changes in texture and flavor. The integration of oleogels in dairy products holds the potential for reformulation to decrease saturated fatty acid content while maintaining the desired texture and nutritional value. Additionally, oleogels are anticipated to revolutionize the delivery of fat-soluble nutrients by enhancing their bioavailability through added protective capabilities. Nevertheless, the full commercialization of oleogels has yet to be realized due to potential alterations in texture, mouthfeel, and flavor, which may impact consumer acceptance. Despite these obstacles, oleogels are widely used, have the ability to lower SFA in food items, and have the capacity to offer critical nutrients. This suggests that integrating oleogels into a variety of food applications is very practical. Continued research is essential to unlock the full potential of oleogels and drive a new era of health-conscious food production.

Experimental investigation of high-temperature insulation performance of vacuum encapsulated ceramic fiber-board

In this study, a thermal barrier coating (TBC) was used to encapsulate a porous ceramic fiber-board (CFB) under vacuum conditions. The thermal insulation performance and loading-bearing capacity of this structure were experimentally examined and compared to those of the original CFB and an atmospheric pressure encapsulated CFB (APE-CFB). Additionally, the heat transfer process of various specimen was numerically simulated. The thermal insulation experimental findings demonstrate that the 100 μm TBC is proficient in sealing the CFB against high-temperature oxidative ablation and water vapor intrusion in a thermal environment of 1373 K for 3000 s with negligible structural alterations. The TBC diminishes radiative heat transfer inside the CFB, while the vacuum encapsulated CFB (VE-CFB) effectively inhibits the gas heat transfer inside the CFB, substantially enhancing its thermal protection capabilities. Load testes indicate that TBC can increase the compressive capability of original CFB by as much as 73.5% up to 4.25 MPa within a 10% deformation range, which is advantageous in the design and application of integrated force-thermal load-bearing structures.

Improving high heat flux ablation resistance of silicone rubber composites by laying low-areal-density carbon fiber fabrics

To meet the thermal protection requirements under stress or high heat flux environments in advanced space vehicles, it is imperative to enhance the ablation resistance of flexible silicone rubber-based materials. In this study, low-areal-density carbon fiber fabric with distinctive mesh-like feature was introduced to build a high-strength char layer to improve the thermal protection capability. Under high heat flux (3.52 MW/m2), with the number of fabrics in the samples from 0 to 9, the compressive strength of the char layer reaches 9.400 MPa, developing by an impressive 134.65 %. In addition, the strong oxidation-resistant ceramization products converted from the silicone rubber matrix during ablation forms a skin-core structure with the fiber bundles, which conducive to prevent oxidative damage to the fabric. Further, the evolution of the char layer under different heat flux was revealed to assess the influence of fabric reinforcement on the ablation performance. In contrast to the composite without fabric (3.52M-0L), the fabric reinforced sample (3.52M-9L) with the best ablation resistance showed a decrease of 13.93 % in linear ablation rate and 30.43 % in mass ablation rate under the 3.52 MW/m2 heat flux. This study provides guidance for the design of flexible thermal protection materials with exceptional ablative resistance to withstand more severe operational environments.

A rapid one-step electrodeposition method for fabrication of the superhydrophobic nickel/cobalt alloy surfaces with excellent robustness and durability features

The artificial superhydrophobic surfaces were successfully assembled on various substrates by adjusting surface roughness and reducing surface energy. In this work, a series of superhydrophobic Ni/Co alloy (SNCA) surfaces with hierarchical micro/nano rough structures were prepared on brass substrates by a facile one-step electrodeposition method. Based on these surfaces, the influences of manufacturing parameters and their structure on the wettability of SNCA were well discussed. The results confirmed that SNCAt under the synergy of multi-optimal parameters (m, i, t) displays a more ordered cone-flower structure, showing excellent superhydrophobicity (WCA = 167.9°, WSA = 3.2°), and the massive pollutants spread on its surface can be easily taken away by the rolling water droplets within 40 s. It is reassuring to know that SNCAt surface still retains good superhydrophobicity after undergoing blade scraping, tape stripping, sandpaper cyclic wear, heat treatment and chemical corrosion, which shows long-term durability. The corrosion protection capability of the as-fabricated SNCA was also evaluated by electrochemical corrosion techniques. The results show that SNCA has outstanding corrosion inhibition performance in simulated seawater solution, and especially the protection efficiency of SNCAt can reach above 98 %. In conclusion, the existence of superhydrophobic surface can be regarded as a barrier, and the perfect interface of gas-liquid can effectively inhibit the permeation of corrosive ions. Therefore, the superhydrophobic surface with robustness and durability will be a promising alternative technique for corrosion protection.

Fabrication and performance evaluation of aramid laminated fabrics incorporated with silica composite aerogel for protective clothing

In recent years, researchers have made efforts to promote the thermal protection capabilities of firefighting suits in response to frequent fire accidents. In this paper, a novel silica/aramid nonwoven fabric (SiO2/AF) aerogel composite was prepared by combining AF and SiO2 aerogel using the sol-gel method and dip coating technology. Polyimide (PI) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) were used as insulation reinforcement materials to fabricate four types of laminated fabrics, namely, the outer layer + waterproof breathable layer + different insulation layers (AF, SiO2/AF, 0.8 % SiO2/AF/PI and 0.12 % SiO2/AF/ZIF-L, respectively). In addition, the fireman uniform was taken as the control group. The results showed that the insulation performance of the composite fabrics was better than that of the control group, and the outer layer + waterproof breathable layer+0.12 % SiO2/AF/ZIF-L laminated fabric exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity (0.038 W/(m·K)), best thermal radiation protective performance (RPP) (246.04 kW/m2) and excellent wear resistance (mass loss rate 0.46 %). This significant work will open up broad prospects for the applications of SiO2/AF composites in the area of heat-resistant clothing.

12-HETE activates Müller glial cells: The potential role of GPR31 and miR-29

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurovascular complication of diabetes, driven by an intricate network of cellular and molecular mechanisms. This study sought to explore the mechanisms by investigating the role of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), its receptor GPR31, and microRNA (miR-29) in the context of DR, specifically focusing on their impact on Müller glial cells. We found that 12-HETE activates Müller cells (MCs), elevates glutamate production, and induces inflammatory and oxidative responses, all of which are instrumental in DR progression. The expression of GPR31, the receptor for 12-HETE, was prominently found in the retina, especially in MCs and retinal ganglion cells, and was upregulated in diabetes. Interestingly, miR29 showed potential as a protective agent, mitigating the harmful effects of 12-HETE by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress, and restoring the expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). Our results underline the central role of 12-HETE in DR progression through activation of a neurovascular toxic pathway in MCs and illuminate the protective capabilities of miR-29, highlighting both as promising therapeutic targets for the management of DR.

Corrosion Protection of Galvanised Steel Using Organic Coatings Containing Inhibitive Additives Based on Benzothiazoyl Succinic Acid

It is increasingly apparent that the replacement of highly effective, but environmentally unacceptable chromium (VI)- based inhibitive pigment technologies within protective coatings requires the use of combinations of anti-corrosion additives. There is currently significant interest in using organic inhibitors containing hetero-atoms of nitrogen and/or sulphur in conjunction with conventional Cr(vi)-free inorganic pigments as a means of providing equivalent corrosion protection. One such organic inhibitor is benzothiazoyl succinic acid (BTSA), which is presently commercially available as an in-coating anti-corrosion additive, which can improve the protection capability in existing chromate free formulations. In this work we investigate the ability of BTSA to mitigate corrosion-driven organic coating failure within model coatings applied to hot-dip galvanised steel. In addition, the ability of BTSA to inhibit localised corrosion on bare zinc surfaces when released from a protective coating into corrosive electrolyte within a penetrative defect is also evaluated. A combination of time-lapse imaging and in-situ scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) potentiometry is employed to quantify cathodic delamination rates of model poly-vinyl butyral (PVB) coatings containing varying levels of BTSA additions. It is demonstrated that in-coating BTSA, both added directly to PVB or stored as an exchangeable anion in a layered double hydroxide “smart-release” pigment reduce rates of cathodic disbondment by up to a factor of 20. For both methods of incorporating in-coating BTSA, an increasing loading produces a progressive decrease in delamination rates and a transition from linear to parabolic coating failure kinetics. In addition, it is also demonstrated that BTSA dissolved in the aqueous NaCl (aq) electrolyte applied to a defect can also significantly reduce the rate of cathodic disbondment observed for an unpigmented PVB coating. Highly effective inhibition of localised corrosion of bare HDG surfaces by BTSA additions made to NaCl (aq) electrolyte is demonstrated by a combination on SVET and potentiodynamic studies. Linear polarisation resistance experiments demonstrate an inhibition efficiency of 95% for a 10 mM BTSA addition made to 1% w/v NaCl (aq) at pH 7, while SVET-derived, area averaged current density value are shown to decrease by over an order of magnitude compared with an un-inhibited case over a 6 h immersion period. Using polarisation curves obtained for HDG surfaces in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of dissolved BTSA, a mixed inhibition mechanism is proposed. At intermediate concentrations (1 – 10 mM), BTSA strongly adsorbs on the oxide covered Zn surface via its two carboxylate functional groups, thus hindering electron transfer reactions and providing net cathodic inhibition. At higher concentrations (> 10 mM) an additional reinforcement of any weak points in the adsorbed layer is achieved by virtue of the formation of an insoluble salt formed by reaction with Zn(ii) cations, producing a positive shift in free corrosion potential. In-coating BTSA appears to stifle cathodic disbondment by adsorbing strongly on the intact organic-coated metal, which in turn hinders underfilm oxygen reduction and the dissolution of the amphoteric zinc(hydr)oxide layer at the metal-polymer interface.

Ononin promotes radiosensitivity in lung cancer by inhibiting HIF-1α/VEGF pathway

BackgroundIn our previous study, we provided evidence that Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM) and its extracts possess a protective capability against radiation-induced damage, potentially mediated through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover during our experimentation that AM not only offers protection against radiation damage but also exhibits a radiation sensitization effect. This effect may be attributed to a specific small molecule present in AM known as ononin. Currently, radiation sensitizers are predominantly found in nitrazole drugs and nanomaterials, with no existing reports on the radiation sensitization properties of ononin, nor its underlying mechanism. PurposeThis study aims to investigate the sensitization effect of the small molecule ononin derived from AM on lung cancer radiotherapy, elucidating its specific molecular mechanism of action. Additionally, the safety profile of combining astragalus small molecule ononin with radiation therapy will be evaluated. MethodsThe effective concentration of ononin was determined through cell survival experiments, and the impact of ononin combined with varying doses of radiation on lung cancer cells was observed using CCK-8 and cell cloning experiments. The apoptotic effect of ononin combined with radiation on lung cancer cells was assessed using Hochester staining, flow cytometry, and WB assay. Additionally, WB and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to investigate the influence of ononin on HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Furthermore, Molecular Dynamics Simulation was employed to validate the targeted binding ability of ononin and HIF-1α. A lung cancer cell line was established to investigate the effects of knockdown and overexpression of HIF-1α. Subsequently, the experiment was repeated using tumor bearing nude mice and C57BL/6 mouse models in an in vivo study. Tumor volume was measured using a vernier caliper, while HE, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to observe the effects of ononin combined with radiation on tumor morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis. Additionally, Immunofluorescence was employed to examine the impact of ononin on HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in vivo, and its effect on liver function in mice was assessed through biochemistry analysis. ResultsAt a concentration of 25 μM, ononin did not affect the proliferation of lung epithelial cells but inhibited the survival of lung cancer cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the combination of ononin and radiation could effectively inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and suppress the excessive activation of the Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha/Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. In vivo experiments showed that the combination of ononin and radiation reduced the size and proliferation of lung cancer tumors, promoted cancer cell apoptosis, mitigated abnormal activation of the Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha pathway, and protected against liver function damage. ConclusionThis study provides evidence that the combination of AM and its small molecule ononin can enhance the sensitivity of lung cancer to radiation. Additionally, it has been observed that this combination can specifically target HIF-1α and exert its effects. Notably, ononin exhibits the unique ability to protect liver function from damage while simultaneously enhancing the tumor-killing effects of radiation, thereby demonstrating a synergistic and detoxifying role in tumor radiotherapy. These findings contribute to the establishment of a solid basis for the development of novel radiation sensitizers derived from traditional Chinese medicine.

SDN candidate and protection path selection for link failure protection in hybrid SDNs

Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) have emerged as significant frameworks for enhancing the network flexibility. Currently, the migration from legacy IP networks to pure SDNs promotes the development of hybrid SDNs. However, the inevitable link failures will damage the network reliability. Therefore, this paper focuses on upgrading the legacy routers to SDN switches with minimal deployment overhead for protecting against all link failures, and selecting appropriate protection paths with the routing flexibility of these switches, thus improving the network performance and resilience. Firstly, we propose the heuristic SCS_LN algorithm for SDN Candidate Selection (SCS) that narrows the selection range of SDN candidate nodes through the link protection difficulty and selects the upgraded nodes based on the node protection capability. Secondly, we develop PPS_PM algorithm with the weight-based selection rule for adaptive Protection Path Selection (PPS), which takes interactive path parameters into account, such as Protection Path Length (PPL) and Maximum Link Utilization (MLU). Finally, extensive simulation experiments on diverse network topologies with various parameters are conducted to demonstrate that our proposed algorithms save up to 12.58% of the SDN switch deployment, and gain up to 12.15% and 7.34% improvement of the average PPL and MLU over existing algorithms, respectively.

Sustainable innovation in ballistic vest design: Exploration of polyurethane-coated hemp fabrics and reinforced sandwich epoxy composites against 9 mm and .40 S&W bullets

This research aimed to evaluate the bulletproof capabilities of hemp fabrics and optimize the design factors for effective ballistic vests. Three main aspects were investigated: enhancing toughness with polyurethane-coated hemp fabrics, determining optimal placement of fabric-reinforced hemp epoxy composites in various configurations, and identifying the optimal number of fabric layers for performance against 9 mm and .40 S&W bullets. Penetration depth was measured in ballistic gelatin to analyze the results. The study showed strong statistical correlations between factor variables and penetration depth shifts. The most effective strategies included polyurethane-coated hemp on all layers and increased layering. The ammunition of 9 mm bullets exhibited the least penetration depth when tested against the sandwich-reinforced configuration. In contrast, the larger .40 S&W bullets demonstrated that the frontal arrangement yielded the minimum penetration depth. Notably, 9 mm bullets penetrated 1.25 times deeper than .40 S&W bullets. These findings emphasize hemp fabric's potential for reliable ballistic vests. Utilizing polyurethane-coated hemp fabric in epoxy composites within a sandwich reinforcement of at least 212 layers is recommended to stop 9 mm bullets effectively. The research contributes valuable insights to sustainable ballistic vest development, utilizing natural materials with exceptional bullet protection capabilities.

A H2 S-Generated Supramolecular Photosensitizer for Enhanced Photodynamic Antibacterial Infection and Relieving Inflammation.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment against bacteria-caused infections. By producing large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), PDT can effectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria, without causing drug resistance. However, excessive ROS may also impose an oxidative stress on surrounding tissues, resulting in local inflammation. To avoid this major drawback and limit pro-inflammation during PDT, this work prepared a supramolecular photosensitizer (TPP-CN/CP5) based on host-guest interactions between a cysteine-responsive cyano-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP-CN) and a water-soluble carboxylatopillar[5]arene (CP5). TPP-CN/CP5 not only possesses excellent photodynamic antibacterial properties, but also shows good anti-inflammatory and cell protection capabilities. Under 660nm light irradiation, TPP-CN/CP5 could rapidly produce abundant ROS for sterilization. After the PDT process, the addition of cysteine (Cys) triggers the release of H2 S from TPP-CN. H2 S then stops the induced inflammation by inhibiting the production of related inflammatory factors. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show the excellent antibacterial effects and anti-inflammatory abilities of TPP-CN/CP5. These results will certainly promote the clinical application of PDT in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.

Interfacial and Electronic Modulation of M-Bridged Heterostructures with L-Tryptophan and Transition Metallic Oxides: Enhancing Corrosion Resistance and Photocatalytic Activity.

Despite remarkable advancements in multilayer composite materials, achieving controlled growth on stationary platforms for optimal corrosion protection and photocatalytic capabilities remains a challenge. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach by integrating bifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into plasma-electrolyzed layers made on AZ31 Mg alloy. Metallic oxides of Zr, Ti, and W serve as new pivotal centers for MOF formation, while L-tryptophan (Trp) acts as an organic linker. This innovative approach establishes an efficient electron transport system that acts as a functional pathway for creating highly effective and versatile materials. The tunable structure of the MOF/plasma electrolyzed layer enables it to concurrently display electrochemical stability and photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of organic pollutants. Remarkably, the WOF complex emerges as a standout performer, effectively shielding the substrate from corrosive anion attacks. This sample showcases exceptional photocatalytic efficiency of 99.61% for crystal violet solution, with sustained performance after five cycles and a 72 h corrosion test (96.55% and 98.39% degradation, respectively). Moreover, DFT calculations elucidate the fundamental bonding modes between MOFs and inorganic constituents, delivering comprehensive insights into their structural formation. Our research addresses the critical challenge of achieving controlled growth for enhanced corrosion resistance and photocatalytic activity, demonstrating a novel pathway for creating multifunctional materials with practical applications across various fields.

Dual blockchain-based data sharing mechanism with privacy protection for medical internet of things

In the period of big data, the Medical Internet of Things (MIoT) serves as a critical technology for modern medical data collection. Through medical devices and sensors, it enables real-time collection of a large amount of patients' physiological parameters and health data. However, these data are often generated in a high-speed, large-scale, and diverse manner, requiring integration with traditional medical systems, which further exacerbates the phenomenon of scattered and heterogeneous medical data. Additionally, the privacy and security requirements for the devices and sensor data involved in the MIoT are more stringent. Therefore, when designing a medical data sharing mechanism, the data privacy protection capability of the mechanism must be fully considered. This paper proposes an alliance chain medical data sharing mechanism based on a dual-chain structure to achieve secure sharing of medical data among entities such as medical institutions, research institutions, and cloud privacy centers, and at the same time provide privacy protection functions to achieve a balanced combination of privacy protection capability and data accessibility of medical data. First, a knowledge technology based on ciphertext policy attribute encryption with zero-knowledge concise non-interactive argumentation is used, combined with the data sharing structure of the federation chain, to ensure the integrity and privacy-protecting capability of medical data. Second, the approach employs certificate-based signing and proxy re-encryption technology, ensuring that entities can decrypt and verify medical data at the cloud privacy center using this methodology, consequently addressing the confidentiality concerns surrounding medical data. Third, an efficient and secure key identity-based encryption protocol is used to ensure the legitimacy of user identity and improve the security of medical data. Finally, the theoretical and practical performance analysis proves that the mechanism is feasible and efficient compared with other existing mechanisms.

Understanding the driving mechanisms of site contamination in China through a data-driven approach

China currently faces significant environmental risks stemming from contaminated sites. The driving mechanism of site contamination, influenced by various drivers, remain obscured due to a dearth of quantitative methodologies and comprehensive data. Here, we used a data-driven causality inference approach to construct an interpretable random forest (RF) model. Results show that: (1) the trained RF model demonstrated remarkable predictive accuracy for identifying contaminated sites, with an accuracy rate of 0.89. In contrast to conventional correlation analysis, the RF model excels in discerning the key drivers through non-linear and genuine causal relationships between these drivers and site contamination. (2) Among the 25 potential drivers, we identified 18 key drivers of site contamination. These drivers encompass a broad spectrum of factors, including production and operational data, pollutant control level, site protection capability, pollutant characteristics, and physical-geographical conditions. (3) Each key driver exerts varying impacts on site pollution, with diverse directions, intensities, and underlying patterns. The partial dependence plots (PDPs) illuminate the role of each key driver, its critical value contributing to site pollution, and the interplay between these drivers. The key drivers facilitate the realization of three primary contamination processes: uncontrolled release, effective migration, and persistent accumulation. In light of our findings, environmental managers can proactively prevent site contamination by regulating single, dual, and multiple key drivers to disrupt critical pollution processes. This research offers valuable insights for devising targeted strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating environmental risks associated with contaminated sites in China.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Leather Conservation: Exploring the Potential of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite as a Leather Consolidation Agent

This research presents a comprehensive study on the application of hydroxypropyl cellulose/zinc oxide nanocomposite (HPC/ZnO NC) as an effective consolidant in leather conservation. The critical focus is to prevent photooxidative degradation, a significant challenge in preserving historical leather artifacts. The nanocomposite was evaluated for its protective capabilities against environmental stressors like UV radiation and moisture, mechanical robustness, and potential to stabilize acid-damaged leather. The uniform dispersion of ZnO NPs in the HPC matrix was revealed as crucial for improving leather properties, which was confirmed through SEM imaging. The HPC/ZnO NC coating effectively prevented UV-induced microcracks, surface degradation and collagen denaturation. It also demonstrated enhanced mechanical resistance, inhibiting the reduction in leather’s maximum tolerable force and increasing the elongation index, even after aging. Additionally, it exhibited improved water-repellent properties and increased the pH of the leather, offering potential benefits for the treatment of acid-degraded leathers. Overall, the findings affirm that the application of HPC/ZnO NC significantly augments the physical and mechanical properties of leather, providing enhanced resistance to environmental degradation.

WOUND HEALING POTENTIAL OF ACACIA CATECHU IN EXCISION WOUND MODEL USING IN VITRO AND IN VIVO APPROACH

Objective: The objective of this work is to elucidate the wound healing capabilities of various extracts derived from the bark of Acacia catechu, and to explore their potential therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the examination of several seasons has been conducted to assess their influence on the examined parameters. Methods: In this study, albino mice were used to assess acute dermal toxicity, excision wound healing, and histological changes. The wounds were monitored, and the area of the wound was measured at the 0th, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 21st days as compared to the control animals. Results: The test extracts showed considerable protection and wound healing capabilities in acute dermal toxicity, excision wound, and histopathological studies. Among the tested extracts, the ethanolic extract showed the highest wound healing (46.68%, p<0.001), followed by the methanolic (38.50%, p<0.001), acetone (33.87%, p<0.05), aqueous (32.04%, p<0.001), chloroform (29.83%, p<0.05), and benzene extracts (28.60%, p<0.05) at the 21st d of wound healing. However, the samples gathered throughout the winter, summer, and rainy seasons did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the present research work. Conclusion: This study helps to provide preliminary data on the concentration range of different extracts collected in different seasons. It is anticipated that this evaluation represents significant protective potential of indigenous flora for medicinal applications.

Study of photon shielding effectiveness of recycled environment waste Cement Kiln Dust doped Bismuth Alkali Borate glasses

In present communication, gamma ray protection capability of recycled environment waste Cement Kiln Dust(CKD) doped Bismuth Alkali Borate xCKD+(100-x)(65B2O3+25 Bi2O3+5Na2O+5 BaO) glasses (x= 0-30%) coded as BBCKD has been assessed in the energy range 15 keV to 15 MeV in terms of linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient(MAC), effective atomic number(Zeff), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), radiation protection efficiency (RPE) using Phy-X software. MAC of BBCKD glasses varies between (96.93-0.04) cm2/g and LAC between(408.77- 0.14) cm−1. Both MAC and LAC show decreasing trend from glass BBCKD1 to BBCKD5 whereas HVL and MFP show increasing effect from glass BBCKD1 to BBCKD5. Value of Zeff of BBCKD glasses varies between (80.06-31.73). Shielding effectiveness of these glasses was also examined in terms of RPE at 0.662 MeV,1.332 MeV and 2.50 MeV energy for 1.0 cm,2.5 cm and 5.0 cm thickness. Results of RPE were compared with other standard shielding materials like RS253G18, RS323G19, RS360 glass and Ilmenite-limonite (ILC), Basalt magnetite (BMC) as well as Ilmenite (IC) concretes. All BBCKD glasses exhibits better shielding capability in comparison to these conventional materials.

Prediction model for the failure behavior of concrete under impact loading base on back propagation neural network

Predicting the failure behavior of concrete under impact loading is of great significance for the repair of buildings and improving the protection capabilities of modern defense systems. Conventional approaches such as experiments, theoretical analyses and numerical simulation methods have been widely used in the analysis of this problem. However, they are not always accessible in situations where high accuracy, fast computation and simple modeling are required at the same time. In this study, with projectile penetration as impact loading, an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting the failure behavior of concrete is proposed based on the back propagation (BP) algorithm. Feature selection is conducted when constructing the model and the direct mapping between penetration features and failure behavior parameters of concrete is established. The model outperforms commonly used empirical formulas in terms of prediction accuracy. Compared with theoretical analysis method, it does not rely on the failure mechanism which is not yet clearly under stood and does not require complicated parameters analysis. Furthermore, its calculation time is negligible compared with the numerical simulation as the output can be obtained in a second from the input penetration features. Moreover, tests are conducted to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed model.