Rise In Concentration Research Articles

Exploring the Processing Potential of Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoate, and Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) Binary and Ternary Blends.

Biodegradable and bio-based polymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), stand out as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics for a wide range of consumer applications. Studying binary and ternary blends is essential to exploring the synergistic combinations and efficiencies of three distinct biopolyesters. A comprehensive evaluation of melt-extruded binary and ternary polymer blends of PHA, PLA, and PBSA was conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed a heterogeneous morphology characteristic of immiscible blends, with a predominant spherical inclusion morphology observed in the majority of the blends. An increased PBSA concentration led to an elevation in melt viscosity and elasticity across both ternary and binary blends. An increased PHA content reduced the viscosity, along with both storage and loss moduli in the blends. Moreover, a rise in PHA concentration within the blends led to increased crystallinity, albeit with a noticeable reduction in the crystallization temperature of PHA. PLA retained amorphous structure in the blends. The resultant bio-based blends manifested enhanced rheological and calorimetric traits, divergent from their pure polymer counterparts, highlighting the potential for optimizing material properties through strategic formulation adjustments.

Enhancement of photodetector performance of aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin films fabricated via SILAR method: Structural, optical, and electrical analysis

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural, optical, electrical, and photosensing characteristics of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO) thin films, fabricated via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) techniques. The Raman and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses validated the hexagonal wurtzite structure and revealed that Al doping enhances crystallinity and crystal growth of ZnO. The average crystallite size increased from 21.6 nm in undoped sample to 23.8 nm in 5.0 wt% Al-doped sample, while strain effects decreased from 4.67 × 10-3 to 4.36 × 10-3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed improved film morphology and more defined geometries with increased Al doping, while energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed successful Al integration into the ZnO lattice. Optical analyses indicate a narrowing of the ZnO bandgap to 2.81 eV in 5.0 wt% Al:ZnO from 3.02 eV in the undoped variant, while photoluminescence (PL) peak positions remains unchanged. Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) indicated a reduction in electron lifetime with higher Al doping. Furthermore, Hall effect assessments reveal a decrease in carrier mobility and electrical resistivity, alongside a rise in carrier concentration with higher Al content. The photodetection efficacy was substantially improved with Al doping, particularly at 2.5 wt% Al, achieving a responsivity of 42.5 × 10-2 A/W, external quantum efficiency of 99.3 %, and detectivity of 1.8 × 1011 Jones. These findings exhibit that Al-doping substantially enhances the photodetection properties of ZnO thin films.

Numerical modeling of a coal/ammonia Co-fired fluidized bed: Control and kinetics analysis of nitrogen oxides emissions

The potential increase in nitrogen oxide emissions in the coal/ammonia co-firing can hinder the large-scale utilization of ammonia to reduce carbon emissions. In this work, a fluidized bed simulation model was established to investigate the NOx and N2O behaviors in the process of coal/ammonia co-firing. The effects of several variables on nitrogen oxides emission characteristics were studied, including the ammonia ratio, temperature, excess air ratio, and air/ammonia distribution strategies. The findings indicate that NOx and N2O concentrations rise and then decline with the NH3 co-firing ratio (CR-NH3) increased, peaking at 10 % and 5 % CR-NH3. The formation of N2O is insensitive to the addition of ammonia, while NOx emissions vary dramatically with different ammonia ratios. Higher temperatures enhance the formation of NOx but inhibit the generation of N2O within 750 °C–950 °C. As the temperature rises, the primary decomposition path of N2O shifts from N2O→N2H2→NNH→N2 to N2O→NO2→NO→N2. The generations of NOx and N2O are both enhanced due to the weakness of the reduced atmosphere with the excess air ratio increased. When the primary air ratio is raised, N2O gradually takes over as the main source of nitrogen oxides instead of NOx. The specific primary air ratio in the fluidized bed should be considered in the priority treatment of NOx or N2O in the process of lowering nitrogen oxides emissions. Ammonia distribution strategies have opposite effects on NOx and N2O emissions. With more NH3 introduced as a secondary fuel, the dilute phase area can change from the main source of NO to the consumption area of NO. The present findings can help control the emissions of nitrogen oxides during coal/ammonia co-combustion in coal-fired circulating fluidized bed power plants.

Association and clouding behaviour of surfactants in aqueous solution of propranolol hydrochloride drug: Understanding of the effects of potassium salts and temperatures

The investigation of the assembly of lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) and cloudy creation of triton X-100 (TX-100) in aqueous solution of amphiphilic drug propranolol hydrochloride (PLH) has been carried out by electrical conductivity and cloud point estimation method respectively. The influences of three potassium electrolytes (KCl, K2SO4, and K3PO4) on the micellization of LDS and clouding of TX-100 in presence of PLH drug have been examined. The conductivity experiments were conducted at temperatures between 288.15 and 323.15 K, with a 5 K interval.The introduction of PLH drug promotes the micelle formation of LDS up to 1 mmol kg−1 of drug. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of LDS in aqueous solution of PLH were shifted to lower values in aqueous electrolytes media. The cloud point (CP) of TX-100 + PLH system was observed to be increased with the rise in concentrations of PLH in aqueous medium. The reduction in the CP values of TX-100 and PLH mixed system has been attained with the enrichment of the concentrations of electrolytes and at a specific mole fraction of electrolytes, the CP values exhibited the order: CP (KCl (aq.)) > CP (K2SO4 (aq.)) > CP (K3PO4 (aq.)). The Gibbs free energy of assembly (ΔGm0) appeared as negative (spontaneous assembly) whereas ΔGc0 of clouding showed positive magnitudes indicating the nonspontaneous nature of the clouding process. The micellization of LDS demonstrate the endothermic and exothermic nature at lower and higher investigated temperature as revealed from the sign of ΔHm0values.. The positive values of entrpoyΔSm0 exhibit the micellization process to be entropically driven phenomena. The phase separation of TX-100 and PLH mixed system is entropy contributed in aqueous medium while the clouding in the presence of salts is enthalpy contributed evidenced from the negative enthalpy of clouding.

Meso-level surface modification of Hastelloy C276 by WS2 powder mixed electrical discharge alloying process through micro-EDM setup

The present research provides a rigid, wear-resistant lubricating localized layer on Hastelloy C276 (HC 276) surface at meso level by tungsten disulphide (WS2) powder suspended electrical discharge alloying (EDA) process through micro-electrical discharge machining (μ-EDM) setup. The performance characteristics of the coated surface were evaluated in terms of material deposition rate (MDR), surface morphology, surface roughness (Ra, Rz and Rq), recast layer thickness (RLT), compositional analysis, micro-hardness & indentation depth, wear test and water contact angle analysis. Maximum MDR has been achieved at 15 g/L WS2 concentration and 80 V of gap voltage whereas The RLT varies from 6.87 μm to 18.91 μm and is enhanced with the increase in WS2 concentration. The critical surface characterization confirms higher WS2 concentration reduces the crater dimensions and the presence of micro-cracks and micro-voids on the coated surface. The surface roughness has been increased with the gap voltage and capacitance, whereas higher WS2 concentration provides lower surface roughness. X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirms the presence of hard and wear resistance phases like WC, WO3, ZnO, and MoO2 on the coated surface. Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis along with elemental mapping justifies tool, dielectric materials, and powder particles migration on the coated surface. The micro-hardness of the coated surface (402 HV to 1166 HV) is enhanced by 3–4 times compared to the base material (299 HV) whereas the indentation depth has been reduced with the rise in WS2 concentration and lies within the RLT of the coated surface. The wear rate of the WS2 coated surface is drastically reduced compared to the base material with a lower value of coefficient of friction (COF). The coated surface became hydrophobic in nature with a contact angle of 109.6° compared to the hydrophilic base HC 276.

Dicliptera laxata (Acanthaceae) (C. B. Clark) Unblocks an Abamectin-Blocked Estrous Cycle and Restores Cyclicity in Female Albino Rats

The farmers of the Buea municipality, Fako Division, South-West Region, Cameroon extensively use Abamectin or Aba, a phytosanitary insecticide which targets insects such as mites, thrips species and leaf miners. In this area, the local population also uses Dicliptera laxata traditionally as a fertility enhancer and in stabilizing risky pregnancies in women. This study was aimed at evaluating the actions of Dicliptera laxata aqueous extract on the estrous cycle and reproductive system of Aba-treated female rats. A total of 30 adult female rats of the confirmed regular cycle were daily treated orally with a 2 ml/kg Abamectin for a period of 45 days, accompanied by the evaluation of the cytology of their vaginal smears at 5 days intervals. From the 46th day, they were subsequently treated with the leaf-aqueous extract of Dicliptera laxata for 15 days and were terminated on the 61st day during which blood and reproductive organs were collected for biochemical assays and relative weight indices. Chronic (45 days) exposure of normal cycled female rats to Abamectin witnessed a blockade in their estrous cycle, a significant drop in plasma estradiol and progesterone concentration, and a significant drop in the percentage weight of organs. Administration of Dicliptera laxata leaf-aqueous extract to these Aba-treated females resulted in a return to the regularity of their estrous cycle, with animals receiving the 300 mg/kg dose of plant extract recording a 60% regulation in the first week and 100% in the second week as compared to animals treated with distilled water that recorded a 0% and 20% regulation in the first and second week of treatment, respectively. Also, the animals that received 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract registered significant (p < 0.05) rise in plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol (36.44 ± 1.69 pg/mL and 77.73 ± 3.82 pg/mL, respectively) as compared to animals that received distilled water which showed 22.54 ± 2.19 pg/mL plasma progesterone and a 44.90 ± 7.63 pg/mL plasma estradiol concentrations, respectively. The actions of the leaf-aqueous extract of D. laxata could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals including steroids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and saponins in our extract, which have been reported to have important pharmacological effects on female reproduction. D. laxata, therefore, constitutes a potential treatment of female infertility and our findings justify its folkoric use by the Bakweri tribe in enhancing fertility. It can be used to stalize risky pregnancies and prevent miscarriages.

Heavy Metal Stress and Cellular Antioxidant Systems of Plants: A Review

Heavy metal (HM) stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses affecting flora and fauna worldwide due to a rapid global increase in the urbanization and industrialization and the consequent rise of HM concentration in the atmosphere. Typically, plants have distinct mechanisms to cope up with HM stress. These mechanisms rendering tolerance to the plants by detoxifying the HMs. Additionally, a number of physiological and molecular changes occur in plant cells due to their exposure to HMs. This culminates in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress in plants, which significantly affects plant metabolism and disrupts normal vital cellular functions. However, in order to cope with such stresses, plants possess a strong antioxidant defence system to counteract increases in the ROS-induced stress. The enzymatic components of this system include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR). The non-enzymatic components are ascorbate, glutathione and phenolic compounds along with lipid-soluble molecules such as carotenoids and tocopherols. This review makes an effort to collect and collate the currently available information on metal stress and cellular antioxidant systems of plants, emphasizing upon the role of enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms for detoxification of HM-induced oxidative stress.

On the Origin of Solar Hemispheric Helicity Rules: Rise of 3D Magnetic Flux Concentrations through a Background Magnetic Field

Sunspots and active regions observed on the solar surface are widely believed to be manifestations of compact predominantly toroidal magnetic field structures (“flux tubes”) that emerge by magnetic buoyancy from the deeper interior of the Sun. Much work has examined the evolution of such magnetic structures, typically considering them as idealized isolated magnetic entities and not as more realistic magnetic concentrations in a volume-filling background magnetic field. Here, we report results that explore the buoyant rise dynamics of magnetic concentrations in a volume-filling field in the full three dimensions. Earlier 2.5D work in this series established the remarkable fact that the twist orientation of a flux concentration relative to the background field affected its likelihood to rise and emerge, regardless of whether the buoyant rise took place in the absence or presence of convection. The contrasting dynamics between structures with differing orientations lead to a selection mechanism that reproduces characteristics of the “solar hemispheric helicity rule(s)” observations strikingly well. Here, we show that this two-dimensional selection mechanism persists in the face of the added complexity of three-dimensional dynamics. Arching of the magnetic structure in the third dimension, as might be expected in the solar application, is introduced. The role of tension force leading to this selection mechanism is elucidated and subtle differences that arise due to the three-dimensional geometry are discussed.

Tailoring the opto-electronic properties of SnS thin films by indium doping and fabrication of heterojunction diodes

This study comprehensively investigates the effect of Indium (In) doping on the structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties of tin mono-sulfide (SnS) thin films deposited using co-evaporation. X-ray diffraction studies identified the orthorhombic phase of SnS. Raman analysis confirmed the formation of SnS by co-evaporation. Morphological analysis revealed uniform coating of the films, a transition from rod-like to regular grain-like structures with increased In doping. A systematic reduction in Sn concentration, with the increase in In is observed in EDS, indicating the substitutional doping of In. The decrease in root mean square roughness with In incorporation suggests smoother film surfaces. The films demonstrated a pronounced improvement in optoelectronic properties, with a notable increase in the absorption coefficient and a bandgap reduction from 2.18 eV to 1.74 eV, resulting from In doping. A significant enhancement in electrical characteristics is observed, including a 140 % increase in conductivity and a systematic rise in carrier concentration with higher In doping levels. Heterojunction devices are fabricated with structure <FTO/Al:ZnO/In:SnS/Ag> having a series resistance of 29.9 Ω having an ideality factor of 2.8.

A Review on Global Warming

One of the most important environmental issues of our time is global warming, which is primarily caused by human activity. In order to provide a thorough examination of the phenomenon, this review paper will cover its fundamental causes, observed and anticipated effects on the Earth's climate and ecosystems, as well as proposed mitigating measures. The atmospheric emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), is the main cause of global warming. The remarkable rise in greenhouse gas concentrations during the past century has been mostly attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial operations, and agricultural activities. The effects of global warming are numerous and extensive. Increasing temperatures have sped up the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, which has raised sea levels and increased the likelihood of coastal flooding. Extreme weather occurrences, such as heatwaves, droughts, and violent storms, have increased in frequency and have a negative effect on agriculture, water supplies, and vulnerable communities. Additionally, as ecosystems experience extraordinary shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption are being seen. This paper presents a variety of potential mitigation tactics that could be used to alleviate the problems caused by global warming. Among these include switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, putting reforestation and afforestation programmes into action, and applying sustainable agriculture methods. Additionally, international collaboration and policy frameworks are essential for promoting group initiatives. With significant effects on the environment and society, global warming continues to be a top priority. On a local, national, and international level, cooperation is required to address this complicated issue. This review emphasises how crucial it is to comprehend the underlying causes, effects, and mitigation strategies in order to effectively combat global warming and build a sustainable future for future generations

Comparative Investigation of the Mechanisms of Calcium Response in Human and Murine Spermatozoa

Calcium signaling is a principal method of signal transduction in cells of non-excitable tissues. In both mouse and human sperm, it can be induced in response to progesterone, manifesting as oscillations or single peaks and followed by the acrosomal reaction. However, the molecular mechanisms of progesterone activation may vary between species. In this study, we aim to compare the calcium signaling mechanisms in human and mouse spermatozoa. We investigated the calcium response in mouse sperm activated by progesterone. We employed spectrofluorometry to quantify the rise in calcium concentration in response to progesterone in Fura-2 loaded mouse sperm cells in suspension. Our experiments demonstrated that mouse sperm cells respond to 50 μM progesterone with a peak 120 ± 35 s wide and 0.8 ± 0.3 μM high. Based on literature data, a scheme for the induction of calcium signaling was constructed, suggesting an intermediate stage with the synthesis of a certain prostanoid (possibly PGE2) and activation of mouse sperm by this prostanoid through a G-protein-coupled receptor. Based on the obtained reaction scheme, two computational models were developed: a point model and a three-dimensional model. As with human sperm, the point model provided only a qualitative description of calcium responses, whereas the three-dimensional model produced the shape of the calcium peak and the frequency of calcium oscillations in response to progesterone that were similar to the experimentally obtained values. Using in silico analysis, it was shown that in mouse sperm, the spatial distribution of signaling enzymes regulates the type and form of the calcium response. We conclude that the presence of time delays due to the diffusion and spatial distribution of calcium signaling enzymes regulates the calcium response in both human and mouse sperm.

Impact of Autocatalytic Chemical Reactions and Convective Boundary Conditions on NaC6H7O6–SiO2-Based Nanofluid Oblique Stagnation Point Flow Across a Stretching Sheet

The main motivation of this study is to examine the effects and behavior of Casson nanofluid mainly in reference to oblique stagnation points across a stretching surface. Oblique stagnation point (OSP) motions have so many applications, like artificial fibers, sticky materials, drying paper, and freezing electrical equipment, and numerous applications for endothermic and exothermic processes exist, including in heat exchangers, cooking, and drying damp clothes. Because of these applications on various domains, the Casson nanofluid OSP motion via a stretching sheet is studied with endothermic/exothermic chemical processes and convective boundary conditions (CBC). Similarity transformations are employed to convert partial differential equations (PDEs) into a collection of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Furthermore, some significant engineering coefficients are discussed and also evaluated the behaviors of several nondimensional factors using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg-45 numeric method with a shooting scheme and graphical representations. The outcomes signify that temperature and concentration both rise with a rise in the Casson parameter and activation energy (AE) respectively. A higher Biot value leads to a higher temperature profile. A temperature profile increases with an enhance in the Casson parameter. The addition of a solid fraction will enrich the mass transmission rate in combination with AE.

Synthesis of thermally and pH-responsive poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-based hydrogel reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals for sustained drug release

Hydrogels are widely employed in biomedical applications due to their high swelling potential, tailored mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and ability to incorporate drugs to modify their release behavior. This study explored the synthesis of dual stimuli-responsive composite hydrogels by combining poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) with 4, 8, and 12 % (w/w) of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) through in-situ free-radical polymerization, modifying their properties for topical anti-inflammatory release. Although PDMAEMA-based hydrogels have been known for their responsiveness to pH and temperature stimuli, which are useful for modulating the release profile of drugs, their use as a matrix for anti-inflammatory topical applications remains unexplored. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of CNC concentration's impact on PDMAEMA-based hydrogel structure and physicochemical properties is provided. The incorporation of ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory model was assessed, providing insights into the potential of these composite hydrogels for sustained drug delivery applications. Overall, the hydrogels exhibited homogenous CNC dispersion, with gel fraction higher than 70 % and ibuprofen load higher than 90 %. The rise in CNC concentration led to an increase hydrogel stiffness. Finally, the CNC incorporation also modified the ibuprofen release to a more sustained profile, following the Peppas-Sahlin model, which may be attractive for developing pharmaceutical devices for different therapeutical scenarios.

Modeling and Parameter Optimization of Multi-Step Horizontal Salt Cavern Considering Heat Transfer for Energy Storage

Horizontal salt caverns represent a prime choice for energy storage within bedded salt formations. Constructing multi-step horizontal salt caverns involves intricate fluid and chemical dynamics, including salt boundary dissolution, cavern development, brine flow, heat transfer, and species transportation. In this paper, the influence of heat transfer and turbulent flow is considered in developing a 3D multi-physics coupled flow model for the construction of multi-step horizontal salt caverns. The feasibility and accuracy of the model are verified by comparisons with the field data of the Volgograd horizontal salt cavern. The effects of turbulent flow and heat transfer on the dissolution process are thoroughly analyzed. By analyzing the characteristics of the flow field, the brine concentration distribution, and cavern expansion, the results indicate a steady rise in cavity brine concentrations throughout the leaching phases, with the previously formed cavities continuing to enlarge during subsequent leaching stages, albeit at a diminishing rate of expansion. Furthermore, the results reveal that a larger injection flow rate results in a larger cavern volume, whereas higher injection concentrations result in smaller cavern volumes. While the step distance has a minimal impact on cavern volume, identifying the optimal step distance remains crucial. This analysis of construction parameters aims to provide valuable insights into the design and engineering practices involved in developing multi-step horizontal salt caverns for energy storage purposes.

Effect of Oral Skim Milk Administration on Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis after Total Gastrectomy in Rat.

Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that is present in protein, and it is an essential factor in activating the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex 1 signaling pathway and increasing muscle protein synthesis. However, the loss of digestive function after total gastrectomy leads to impaired protein absorption, potentially failing to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether muscle protein synthesis is enhanced by oral skim milk administration after total gastrectomy. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into total gastrectomy (TG) and sham surgery (S) groups. After five weeks postoperatively, we orally administered skim milk to achieve 3.1 g protein/kg body weight and collected blood and gastrocnemius muscle. The gastrocnemius muscle weight was significantly lower in the TG group than in the S group (p < 0.05). The increase in plasma leucine concentration was significantly lower in the TG group than in the S group (p < 0.05). The skeletal muscle protein synthesis and the phosphorylation of p70S6K and 4E-BP1 showed a similar increase in both groups. Even after TG, muscle protein synthesis was stimulated by consuming skim milk, accompanied by a sufficient rise in plasma leucine concentration.

Geotechnical performance of black cotton clay in the presence of lead and cadmium solutions for geoenvironmental application

ABSTRACT The usage of bentonites and sand–bentonite mixtures as liners has become prevalent due to their low permeability. However, these materials are scarce and prohibitively expensive in India. Black cotton clay (BCC) was chosen as an alternative clay liner for this research due to its abundance in India and its mineralogical composition. Since heavy metals accumulation in municipal landfills is a rising issue with devastating effects on the ecosystem and human health, in this investigation, two heavy metals (lead and cadmium) were intended as permeants at three different concentrations (100, 500, and 1000 ppm) to imitate the impact of heavy metal leachate on BCC. The essential index and engineering properties of BCC were evaluated and compared under these two permeants from the liner perspective. Experimental results revealed that the free swell index, Atterberg limits, swelling and swelling pressures were reduced for a rise in concentration irrespective of metal type. However, this reduction was more with cadmium permeants compared to lead. The measured swelling data was compared with predicted swelling data using a rectangular hyperbola model, and a good correlation was achieved. The hydraulic conductivity (k) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values were increased for a rise in concentration with both metal permeants. At 1000 ppm concentration, the k values were raised to 3.5 and 6.7 times, and UCS values were enhanced by 8.3 and 5.5% for lead and cadmium permeants, respectively. At high concentrations, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results showed the formation of huge voids and aggregation.

Acid corrosion inhibition of mild steel by 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives: organic synthesis, characterization, chemical, electrochemical investigation and theoretical calculations

In this study, two 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, HAPAQ and EAPAQ, were first synthesized, and their molecular structures were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR. The effects of HAPAQ and EAPAQ on corrosion processes were investigated using weight loss, electrochemical, and theoretical methods. Overall, the data unmistakably demonstrate that the inhibition performance (η %) increases with an increase as HAPAQ and EAPAQ concentrations rise, peaking at 96.08% (HAPAQ) and 94.37% (EAPAQ) at the optimal concentration (10−3 M) for PPD technology. The two 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives exhibit inhibitory behavior, as seen by the polarization curve impedance tests; however, they demonstrate that adsorption promotes protective action on metal surfaces, creating a geometric blocking effect and a protective coating that impedes metal breakdown. HAPAQ and EAPAQ's inhibitory efficacy may be reduced by the rising temperature. Furthermore, it adheres to Langmuir’s single-layer adsorption isotherm, and the physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms are linked to the corresponding value of the adsorption energy (ΔG ads). Additionally, the MS scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been studied and discussed. The possibility of complex organization between the inhibitor molecules, 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives (HAPAQ and HAPAQ), and the Fe2+ ions generated during the oxidation process was established by examining the test solutions using UV–visible spectroscopy. Consequently, it is evident from DFT simulations that the surface recovery is dependent on the local reactivity descriptors. The theoretical outcomes derived from DFT are aligned with the findings of the experimental studies.

The Role of Pro-Inflammatory Chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5 in the Etiopathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Subjects from the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia: Correlation with Different Degrees of Obesity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a major global health concern, especially in developing nations. The high prevalence of obesity and related diabetes cases are attributed to rapid economic progress, physical inactivity, the consumption of high-calorie foods, and changing lifestyles. We investigated the roles of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL1, 2, 4, and 5 in T2DM with varying levels of obesity in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. In total, 170 confirmed T2DM subjects and a normal control group were enrolled. Demographic data, serum levels of CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5, and biochemical indices were assessed in the subjects and control groups by standard procedures. T2DM subjects were divided into four groups: A (normal body weight), B (overweight), C (obese), and D (highly obese). We observed that male and female control subjects had similar mean serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5. T2DM subjects in all the four groups showed significantly higher levels of all the four chemokines compared to the controls, regardless of gender. In T2DM subjects with obesity and severe obesity, the rise was most significant. There was a progressive rise in the concentrations of CCL-1, 2, and 4 in T2DM subjects with increasing BMI. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM subject groups. The increase in CCL5 was more predominant in normal-weight people, compared to overweight and obese T2DM subjects. Male and female control subjects had similar serum levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5. The progressive rise in blood concentrations of three pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, and 4 in T2DM subjects with increasing BMI supports the idea that dyslipidemia and obesity contribute to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM subject groups. The selective and more pronounced increase in CCL5 in the T2DM group with normal BMI, compared to subjects with varying degrees of obesity, was rather surprising. Further research is needed to determine if CCL5 underexpression in overweight and obese T2DM subjects is due to some unexplained counterbalancing processes.

Modification of the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-30%Zn alloy with Cerium and Silicon

This study investigates how the introduction of cerium and silicon influences the structure and mechanical characteristics of Cu-30%Zn alloy. The examined properties included tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance. The tensile strength of the developed alloys was determined using an automated JPL tensile strength tester (Model: 130812) with a capacity of 100 kilonewtons, following the ASTM D638 standard. The impact strength was assessed by the ASTM D256 standard using a pendulum impact testing machine (Model: U1820). Additionally, hardness testing was conducted using a Brinell tester. The Brinell hardness test was performed with a portable dynamic hardness tester (Model: DHT-6) by the British Standard (BS EN ISO 6505-1:2014). Specimens were prepared by incorporating cerium and silicon into the Cu-30%Zn alloy at concentrations of 0.1wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, 3.0wt% 5.0wt% ranging from 0.1% to 5.0%, with increments of 0.2% for micro addition and 2.0% for macro addition. Microstructural analysis was performed using an L2003A reflected light metallurgical microscope. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were also utilized to characterize the cast specimens. The findings revealed a proportional increase in tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness strength with the rise in dopant concentrations up to 3.0wt% for cerium and silicon. Also, the analysis uncovered the presence of. primary α-phase, β-phase (intermetallic phases), and fine stable phase. These phase modifications contributed to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Cu-30wt%Zn enriched with 3.0% cerium and silicon demonstrated heightened tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness, making it a recommended choice for engineering applications.

The Effect of Progesterone Elevation on the Day of Trigger Administration: A Review of the Literature.

Since the advent of assisted reproductive technology, different variables have been shown to affect pregnancy outcomes. One of the most prevalent studied events is the premature rise in serum progesterone concentrations on the day of trigger administration during cycles of ovarian stimulation. This phenomenon, classically known as premature luteinization, has been observed significantly for decades and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and lower live birth rates. Ultimately, a quest to find a precise serum progesterone concentration cut-off value that can be effectively used to predict pregnancy outcomes prior to trigger administration is still underway. The purpose of the current research was to study the available literature on the relationship between serum progesterone on the day of trigger administration in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles used for IVF in an attempt to identify a cut-off serum progesterone concentration that can be used to effectively predict future pregnancy outcomes in fresh transfers. This study is a review of the literature and is based on information and data gathered from 36 published articles. The majority of the literature shows that a serum progesterone concentration cut-off of 1.5 ng/ml (4.77 nmol/L) can be used prior to trigger administration to effectively predict pregnancy outcomes. Premature progesterone elevation on the day or prior to the trigger administration is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in IVF cycles. Other factors such as follicle number, serum concentration of other hormones, and ovarian response to ovarian stimulation should also be considered to predict the success of IVF protocols.