Sample S2 Research Articles

Effect of heat treatments on microstructural and tribological properties of 3d printed 18Ni-300 maraging tool steel made by selective laser sintering process

The effect of heat treatments on the tribological and microstructural properties of 18Ni-300 maraging steel produced using the AM technique, which allows complex geometries, was investigated. The tribological properties of the samples were examined under dry atmospheric conditions through sliding wear tests at varying loads and speeds while maintaining a fixed distance. Studies utilizing spectrographic have unveiled that the material's structure is predominantly layered, consisting primarily of dense acicular martensite, along with recycled austenite and intermetallic components. The highest hardness was recorded in sample S1 with 49.7 HRC, while the lowest hardness was measured in sample S3 with 19.5 HRC. In terms of wear resistance, the lowest wear loss, at 0.098 g, was seen in the S1 sample, whereas the S3 sample displayed the highest wear loss at 0.209 g. With these findings, it can be concluded that the appropriate heat treatment significantly enhanced the tribological properties of 18Ni-300 steel.

Water quality, heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment of surface water bodies of Mohammedia prefecture, Morocco

Research work on surface water bodies in Morocco has been in majority restricted to physicochemical and biological concentration. Hence, this study was conducted to address the existing research gap by evaluating heavy metal contamination and its associated risk assessment in surface water bodies, in Mohammedia prefecture, Morocco. A total of 22 water samples were evaluated regarding physicochemical factors and heavy metals. The parameters analyzed are pH, temperature (T), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium (Ca2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Ammonia (NH+), dissolved oxygen (DO), Sulphate (SO42−), nitrite (NO2−), nitrate (NO3−), phosphate (PO43−), total phosphate (TP), total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Overall water quality (Ow) and status of contamination presented the water quality and pollution quantitatively. Carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks were estimated for health risk assessment. Ca2+ was the most abundant cation, and SO43− was the most abundant anion. Heavy metal concentrations were within permissible limits. Ow was good in terms of being suitable for parameters, i.e., <1 except for NH+. Which indicated water quality in the category of “highly polluted” >2.5. Pollution index (PI) indicated high pollution (14–74) at S3, S4, S5, and S6 sample points. In addition, Pb was a significant contributor to deteriorating water quality, with individual contributions ranging from 1 to 12 at sites S1, S2, and S3. For heavy metal hazards, i.e., adverse health effects, Hazard Quotient (HQ) (0.0002–0.01) was <1 for sample points, and Hazard Index (HI) (0.007–0.01) had a similar trend. They were inferring no significant non-carcinogenic health impact on its consumers. Carcinogenic risk (CR) was found to be within acceptable limits for CD, Cu, Pb, and Zn, i.e., 10−4 to 10−6. At points S2, S3, and S4, the carcinogenic index (CI) was above the acceptable limit, with values ranging from 1 × 10−3 to 7.9 × 10−3 attributed to Fe. Therefore, according to the findings of this research, the water quality is not suitable for direct consumption in its current state. Hence the study recommends treatment of surface water bodies prior to consumption.

Antimicrobial activity of honey

The present study is aimed at determination of antimicrobial activity of honey. Honey is an effective remedy for healing of wounds as it shows antibacterial and antifungal activity. To study the antimicrobial activity of honey, four types of samples were collected from different sources and labelled as S1,S2,S3,S4. These samples were used to study the antimicrobial activity against laboratory cultures of known pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus roseousand Bacillus megaterium. Antimicrobial activity of honey samples was studied by using ditch test method and MIC was determined by agar cup diffusion method. All results were recorded and it was found that S1 and S3 honey samples showed maximum antibacterial activity even at 6 times dilutions.

Equine fecal microbiota response to short term antibiotic administration

Though generally safe, research continues to demonstrate negative side effects of antibiotic administration on the gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiota across species. In horses, antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) is a life-threatening condition linked to the GIT microbiota. This study tested the hypothesis that short term antibiotic administration to healthy horses would negatively impact the fecal microbiota as measured by their ability to digest nutrients and through fecal shedding of disease-associated-bacteria. Twenty-four horses were assigned to one of four treatment groups: control (CO); potassium penicillin/gentamicin sulfate (KPG); ceftiofur crystalline free acid (EX); trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SMZ); and treated for 4 days. Fecal samples were collected before treatment began (S0), the day after treatment conclusion (S5), and at 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after initiating treatment. Horses had highly individualized responses to antibiotic administration. All horses receiving antibiotics experienced significantly softer stool compared to controls. Lactobacillus spp. were dramatically reduced in all antibiotic treated S5 samples. Horses receiving antibiotics were significantly more likely to test positive for C. difficile or C. perfringens on fecal qPCR. In conclusion, response to antibiotic administration displays high inter-individual variability, but shows changes to the functions of fecal microbiota that may depend on the antibiotic used.

Sound-absorbing and thermal insulating properties of natural coir/jute hybrid composites for functional materials

A composite designed for soundproofing integrates both sound absorption materials and thermal insulation, combining the benefits of both into a single product. The absorption component serves to dissipate energy within the system, while the noise barrier reduces the transmission of sound. This study focuses on experimentally assessing the sound absorption coefficients of hybrid composite materials composed of coir and jute fibers, reinforced with epoxy resin, using compression molding techniques. Six different composite samples were prepared with varying blend proportions of these fibers: S1 Coir/100, S2 Jute/100, S3 Coir/Jute 50/50, S4 Coir/Jute 70/30, S5 Coir/Jute 30/70, and S6 Coir/Jute 60/40, following the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The physical and morphological properties of the samples were examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), while the sound absorption coefficients (SAC) were measured via the impedance tube method, following ASTM E (1050), and Thermal insulation values were measured according to Lee’s disk method (ASTM C177). The experimental results show the thermal resistance performances of natural fiber composites based on coir/jute fiber materials, is S5 C/J (0.156 W/mK) and S6 C/J (0.146 W/mK), and there is an improvement in thermal conductivity when compared to the rigid polyurethane foam, which is one of the most efficient thermal insulators. Across frequencies ranging from 1600 to 5000 Hz. The results indicated that the composite sample S4 C/J exhibited exceptional performance in absorbing high-frequency sound waves, particularly above 2500 Hz. Furthermore, it was observed that increasing the thickness of the S6 C/J composite could significantly enhance its sound absorption coefficient at medium and low frequencies. These findings underscore the potential of coir and jute fiber-based composites as effective sound-absorbing materials. Notably, these composites exhibit sound absorption coefficients exceeding 0.83%, showcasing their promising acoustic properties. Additionally, the utilization of natural fibers such as coir and jute, sourced from renewable materials, offers advantages of affordability, biodegradability, and recyclability, making them sustainable choices for soundproofing and thermal insulating materials.

Application of fuzzy logic techniques for sensory evaluation of plant-based extrudates fortified with bioactive compounds

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the sensory profile of corn-based extrudates fortified with phytosterol and pea protein isolates (PPI) using the fuzzy logic technique to assess similarity values and rank the quality attributes. Methods: Using a mix of yellow PPI (ranging from 0 to 20%) and corn flour (ranging from 80% to 100%), extrudates were developed, ensuring a consistent addition of phytosterol-containing oil at 5%. For this experiment, the Box-Behnken (BB) design was used, comprising 17 runs, factoring in parameters like the percentage of PPI (0–20%), screw speed (300–500 rpm), and temperature (130°–150°C). The optimal conditions were found to be 2.78% PPI, a screw speed of 451 rpm, and a temperature of 150°C, resulting in a desirability value of 0.725. For sensory evaluation, the fuzzy logic technique was used to compare the functional extrudates (S1) with commercial variants (S2, S3, and S4). This helped to gauge acceptance/rejection, similarity values, rankings, and overall consumer acceptability of the extrudates. Results: Commercial sample S4 achieved the highest ranking on the sensory scale as “very good”. When considering the quality attributes of extrudates, taste and mouthfeel were the most favored, followed by color and flavor. This study underscored the value of using fuzzy logic for sensory evaluation in determining the acceptance of new food products. It also proved effective in assessing food products’ quality attributes, especially after evaluating the phytosterol content post-extrusion. Conclusions: The fuzzy logic technique in sensory evaluation has effectively identified the optimal extrudates and their quality attributes during the development of new functional food.

Efficiency of Some Chemical Reagents with Ultrafiltration System in the treatment of Abattoir Wastewater

The study seeks to evaluate the concentration of some toxicants in abattoir wastewater prior to treatment and after treatment using ultrafiltration system. Samples of water were gathered from the reservoir of wastewater in the Gwagwalada abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria without treatment and labelled S1. Some of the water was subjected to treatment using Chlorine + Alum + Lime (S2), another with Chlorine + Alum + Lime + Activated carbon (S3). Physico-chemical parameters such as: pH, colour, nitrates etc. were analyzed. Trace metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co and Cd) levels in the water samples were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Concentration of pesticide residues (μg/L), antibiotics and bacterial growth were also evaluated. The S1, S2 and S3 nitrate concentrations were 271.20, 22.40 and 26.57 mg/L respectively. Level of Zinc, Copper and Lead in the trio samples investigated were within the range 0.14 to 0.24 mg/L, 0.15 to 0.24 mg/L and 0.06 to 0.17 mg/L respectively. Dichlorvos, Lambda-cyhalothrin and Chlorpyrifos were found in the 3 water samples in varying concentration. Only sample S1 shows microbial growth of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., and Shigella spp. at 52.00 ± 8.49, 58.00±31.11, &gt;100 and 10.50 ±0.71 CFU/100ml respectively. In S1, 0.05 μg/L of oxytetracycline and 0.34 μg/ of levofloxacin were found. This study has shown that treating wastewater from the abattoir using ultrafiltration method with some reagents such as Chlorine, Alum, Lime and Activated Carbon can help in removing toxicants and purify it before releasing it into the environment.

Green synthesis of novel green ceramic-based nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel technique for diverse industrial application

Excellent characteristics and a wide range of applications made nanotechnology a key focus for modern researchers. However, environment-friendly and cost-effective measures still need to be taken to synthesize nanoparticles. This research focused on synthesizing Green Ceramic-based Nanoparticles (GCNPs) using the sol-gel method. This method is environment-friendly and cost-effective. Different analytical techniques were employed to characterize the obtained GCNPs. Crystallographic parameters were obtained through the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Morphological analysis was performed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analysis. The presence of different elements was identified by elemental analysis (EDX). Various functional groups present in the GCNPs were identified by Fourier Fourier-transformed infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. XPS and zeta potential analyses composition characterization and surface charge stability, respectively. Antibacterial strains against E. coli were performed. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of different organic compounds in the synthesized GCNPs which helped to increase bacterial inhibition in the antibacterial test. The FESEM images confirmed irregularity in the shape and aggregation of the synthesized GCNPs. The minimum average particle size was obtained from sample S2 which is 376.35 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silicon particles in the GCNPs. The crystalline nature of the GCNPs was assured by XRD analysis. The silicon percentages were higher than the other atoms shown by the XPS analysis. A significant amount of bacterial inhibition which was 18.0 mm obtained from sample S3. Finally, GCNPs were prepared, characterised, and significantly applied for diverse implementation for the safety of the healthcare field on a broad scale.

Optimization of the thermoelectric properties of Nb-doped Bi2S3 via high pressure and high temperature

Bi2S3 is considered a promising n-type thermoelectric (TE) material due to its inherent extremely low thermal conductivity and earth-abundant elements. Herein, we have successfully synthesized a series of Nb-doped Bi2S3 (Bi2-xNbxS3, x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) bulk materials by combining mechanical alloying (MA) method and high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) technology. The enhanced electrical transport properties of the Nb-doped Bi2S3 samples is derived from the collaborative optimization of carrier concentration and effective mass, which indicated that the Nb dopants acted as donors. In addition, differences in the direction of the lattice fringes were observed in the samples, and a large number of lattice distortions and dislocation defects occurred, which significantly reduced the lattice thermal conductivity of the Bi2S3 material. Consequently, a peak zT of 0.22 was achieved for the Bi1.98Nb0.02S3 sample at 543 K, which is 120% higher than that of pure Bi2S3.

Radiation Shielding Features of Glass Fiber Reinforced Cast Polyamide Using Phy-X/PSD and SRIM Software

The utilization of various materials for their nuclear radiation shielding properties has been the subject of a growing number of research and development projects. In this study, the radiation shielding characteristics of E-glass fiber reinforced cast polyamide were evaluated. E-glass is a form of glass fiber frequently utilized as a reinforcement in various composite materials to provide more durability, stiffness, and strength. Samples S1-S7 were defined according to various compositions of E-glass fiber contents (SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, MgO, CaO, Na2O and K2O) and cast polyamide (C12H22N2O2). Within the energy range 0.015-15 MeV, the shielding parameters: Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half and tenth value layers (HVL, TVL), mean free path (mfp), effective atomic number (Zeff), atomic and electronic cross sections (ACS, ECS), fast neutron removal cross-section (FNRCS) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) were analyzed. E-glass fiber reinforced cast polyamide S7 (70% glass fiber content) exhibited higher values of LAC, MAC and Zeff and lower values of HVL, TVL, and mfp proving it to be a better radiation shielding material among the samples. An abrupt reduction in values of Zeff was discerned within the photoelectric absorption-dominant region, contrasted with a stable trend within the Compton scattering-dominant region, and a marginal elevation was noted in the pair production region. The maximum and minimum values of FNRCS were observed for samples S1 (10% glass fiber content) and S5 (50% glass fiber content) respectively. Hence, S1 would be the most effective material in fast neutron shielding. At 35 mfp penetration depth, the minimum EBF values belonged to S7 in lower and intermediate regions (0.015-3 MeV) whereas S1 showed the minimum values at higher energy regions (4-15 MeV). Furthermore, the mass stopping power (MSP) and projected range (PR) of the samples for alpha and proton particles were determined using SRIM-2008 codes. S7 exhibited better shielding features for alpha and proton particles with lower values of mass stopping power and projected range. The reinforcement of glass fiber in the cast polyamide has been noticed to have a significant impact on the shielding performance of polymer composites.

Analysis of Ionic Conductivity of PVA/PSSA by Using Percolation Theory

Background:: Development of ionic membranes by using generic polymers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA), which have been implemented as sensing devices. Our health is directly influenced by wearable sensors therefore, we need to enhance its quality. Wearable sensors depend on the sensitivity of the material as well as the phase transition of ions. Method:: The phase transition of ion/charge is analyzed through percolation theory, which is based on the probability model. Percolation displays what are referred to as crucial phenomena. Result:: This typically indicates that the model contains a natural parameter at which the system's behaviour substantially alters. The PVA/PSSA(S2) membrane of 25% composition reveals the minimum percolation threshold of 0.20. Sample S1(10%), S2(25%), and S3(45%) possess phase transitions of 0.525,0.225, and 0.0343, respectively. The robustness of the phase transitions and the sensitivity were examined using the percolation theory. Out of five samples, the three samples have more feasible coordinates for building wearable sensors, which are sample S1(10%), S2(25%), and S3(45%). Conclusion:: The analysis of the pure PSSA polymer research is expected to be done in the upcoming months in order for a patent.

Caenorhabditis elegans as a suitable model to evaluate the toxicity of water from Rolante River, southern Brazil

Abstract Urbanization and agricultural activities increased environmental contaminants. Integrated analysis of water parameters and bioassays represents an essential approach to evaluating aquatic resource quality. This study aimed to assess water quality by microbiological and physicochemical parameters as well as the toxicological effects of water samples on the Ames test and Caenorhabditis elegans model. Samples were collected during (collection 1) and after (collection 2) pesticide application in the upper (S1), middle (S2), and lower (S3) sections of the Rolante River, southern Brazil. Metals were determined by GFAAS and pesticides by UPLC-MS/MS. Bioassays using the Ames test and the nematode C. elegans were performed. Levels of microbiological parameters, as well as Mn and Cu were higher than the maximum allowed limits established by legislation in collection 2 compared to collection 1. The presence of pesticide was observed in both collections; higher levels were found in collection 1. No mutagenic effect was detected. Significant inhibition of body length of C. elegans was found in collection 1 at S2 (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and S3 (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and in collection 2 at S2 (P = 0.004). Comparing the same sampling site between collections, a significant difference was found between the site of collection (F(3,6)=8.75, P = 0.01) and the time of collection (F(1,2)=28.61, P = 0.03), for the S2 and S3 samples. C. elegans model was useful for assessing surface water quality/toxicity. Results suggest that an integrated analysis for the surface water status could be beneficial for future approaches.

Chemical and antioxidant properties of two non-dairy probiotic drinks produced from tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) and soybean (Glycine max)

Probiotic drinks have become more popular and the desire for new flavours among consumers necessitates the development and production of improved probiotic drinks. In the present study, the reducing sugar, mineral content, antinutritional and antioxidant properties of non-dairy probiotic drinks produced from tigernut milk and soy milk were investigated. Probitication of the non-dairy milk results in the reduction of reducing sugars and antinutrient contents of the drinks. Probioticated tigernut milk sample (T2) has the least reducing sugar content (4.63%), while the highest was found in soy milk sample S2 (4.81%). However, there were significant increases in the mineral content and antioxidant properties of the probioticated non-dairy drinks compared to the non probioticated nondairydrinks. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), DPPH, and Fe2+ chelation activities of probioticated tigernut milk increased from 0.5% extract to 0.84% extract, 73.18% to 91.70% and 36.30% to 39.02% in samples T12, T2 and T1, respectively. The same increase was also observed in the probioticated soy milk compared with the unprobioticated. Results from this study revealed that probiotication enhances the mineral content and antioxidative capacity of milk from soybean and tigernut.

Comparative Evaluation of Bacterial Reduction by Laser-Activated Irrigation Technique (LAI) With Conventional Needle Irrigation (CNI) in Single-Rooted Teeth With Pulpal Necrosis: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim To compare the bacterial reduction in single-rooted teeth with pulpal necrosis after laser-activated irrigation technique(LAI) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Methodology In this clinical trial (CTRI/2021/09/047767), 32 patients with pulpal necrosis were enrolled. Under complete aseptic conditions, access cavity preparation was done and the baseline sample S1 was collectedfrom the root canal using paper points. After chemo-mechanical preparation they were allocated into two groups, following block randomization; Group A - CNI with 27 gauge side-vented needle, Group B - LAI with pulsed Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet) (2780 nm) laser. After irrigant activation, canals were dried and a second sample S2 was taken using paper points. Microbial analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was done to quantify the bacterial reduction among the two groups. Inter-group and intra-group analysis was done using the independent student t-test and Bonferroni test, respectively. The data was represented in terms of quantification cycle (Cq) values, which are inversely proportional to the microbial count. Results There was no significant difference in S1 between the two groups (mean difference=0.0205; p=0.912). There was a significant difference in S2 between the two groups for the organisms (mean difference=0.8042; p=0.000). The mean percentage of bacterial reduction in CNI was 10.82% and in LAI it was 25.92%. There was a significant difference in S1 through S2 within the two groups for the organisms (p=0.000). The mean difference of Cq value is high for LAI compared to CNI (1.3494). The fold change was calculated by taking the ΔCq value and ΔΔCq value after the logarithmic transformation of the Cq value. LAI showed lower levels of DNA at S2 similar to CNI. There is no significant difference in mean fold change between CNI and LAI (p=0.564). Conclusion This clinical trial concluded that both LAI and CNI were effective in bacterial reduction. There was greater bacterial reduction with LAI (25.92%) than with the CNI (10.82%) in single-rooted teeth with pulpal necrosis using qPCR analysis.

Effect of different solvents on color extraction and comparative study of their color profile and antioxidant profile of Palash and Jaba flower petals

Palash and hibiscus are used in Siddha medicine, a traditional system from India and the Southeast Asian countries of Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. These plants have natural health benefits that can help to cure diseases naturally. Food color from natural dyes is emerging globally as an eco-friendly colorant. This study is innovative in investigating various Solvents for using color extraction and subsequently conducting a comparative analysis of Different solvents concerning their outcomes. The color, antioxidant activity, and Phytochemicals are also thoroughly examined. There are a total of six samples prepared, and These samples of solutions were respectively 5% Citric Acid 24h (S1), 5% Citric acid 48h (S2), 5% NaOH solution 24h (S3), Glycerin with water (1:3) a time of 24h (S4), Glycerin with Water (1:3) a time of 48h (S5) and pure glycerin solution (S6). Phenolic content was high in The S7 sample in both flowers, and these values were 825.5 mg and 1778.75 mg, respectively, in 100 gm. Free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was high in the S2 sample in both flowers; these values were 77.41% and 79.16%, respectively. Color parameters, i.e., L*, a*, b*, help to detect the lightness index, redness, and yellowness index. Principle component analysis justifies the correlation of characterization parameters of palash and jaba flower petals. On an overall basis, it was found from the study that 5% citric acid solvent and pure glycerin solvent were considered the most effective and the highest concentration of readily accessible antioxidants and higher antioxidant Activity.

Isolation and Characterization of Dye Decolorizing Bacteria from The Textile Dye Effluents

The most significant challenge confronted by the textile industries is the discharge of dye effluents which contains toxic chemicals posing a considerable threat to environmental pollution. Biological method of treating effluents using bacteria is one of the renewed and accepted method in effluent treatment. The present study aims to isolate and characterise the dye decolorizing bacteria from the effluent samples of a dye industry from Chinnalapatti, Tamilnadu. The dye effluents were collected from the effluent plant of a leading dye industry and the Physiochemical parameters were analysed. The samples were plated in a Nutrient Agar and bacterial isolation were performed according to the standard microbiological procedures. The bacterial isolates identified by biochemical identification were tested for its efficiency to decolorize Methyl red and crystal violet dyes. Among the three isolates S1showed 98% decolorizing efficiency in reducing Methyl red dye and 92% efficiency in decolorizing crystal violet dye. Sample S2 showed 85% activity in decolorizing methyl red dye and 86% activity in decolorising Crystal violet dye. S3 showed a low decolorizing activity compared to S1 and S2. Both of these phenotypically identified isolates are subjected to molecular identification by 16s gene amplification and gene sequencing. The obtained FASTA sequence were analysed for the phylogenetic relationship and submitted to NCBI. The potential isolate that has the capacity to decolorise the dyes were identified as Bacillus Tropicus and Pseudomonas mosselli. This study proves that these bacterial strains can be used as a potential bioremediation agent in decolorizing the dye effluents.

Identifikasi hidroquinon dalam lotion pemutih dengan metode kromatografi lapis tipis

Background: Cosmetics have been widely used to enhance the appearance and make it look more attractive. One of the most commonly used cosmetics is lotion. As science and technology progress, many lotions are introduced to the market. As pharmaceutical regulations require, not all lotion products are safe, effective, and of high quality. However, many losses are caused by whitening lotion products in circulation, one of which is the addition of hydroquinone, a whitening substance that can cause damage to the skin.Objectives: This study aims to identify the hydroquinone content contained in whitening lotion.Methods: Experimental research using the Thin Layer Chromatography (KLT) method to test lotions for hazardous ingredients. It was conducted at the Chemistry Laboratory of Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh in June 2022. Materials are whitening hand body lotion available online and not branded as many as five samples—determination of criteria, namely, low prices, high demand, and instant results. The single variable used in this study determines the presence or absence of hydroquinone in lotion samples.Results: This study has shown that five whitening lotion samples are positive. Sample S4 contains hydroquinone with an Rf value of 0,55 (&lt; 0,05). Meanwhile, samples S1, S2, S3, and S5 were negative for hydroquinone.Conclusion: Some lotions tested have met the requirements of BPOM regulations and are safe to use, but one lotion is unsafe to use because it contains high hydroquinone.

Assessment of Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals in the Market Gardening Areas of Korsimoro

The aim of this study was to assess heavy metal soil pollution in market garden areas in the commune of Korsimoro. The analysis focused mainly on zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Composite samples of soil labels s1 to s21 were taken from the market garden site around the dam at a depth of 0-20 cm. A total of 21 soil samples were taken. The soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) at the Bureau of Mines and Geology of Burkina Faso laboratory (BUMIGEB).&#x0D; The enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), géoaccumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) were determined from the metal concentrations obtained.&#x0D; The average concentrations of heavy metals vary as follows:&#x0D; Cd &gt; Co &gt; Cr &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Hg &gt; Pb &gt; As.&#x0D; The average concentrations of cadmium (587.039mg/kg±20.546), mercury (29.048mg/kg±20,647), nickel (60.037 mg/kg±14,615) and cobalt (575.956mg/kg±66,693) exceed the WHO limit values for agricultural soils.&#x0D; The calculated CF values show very high contamination of Co, Cd and Hg, considerable contamination of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni and As, and no contamination of Pb.&#x0D; The EF values show very severe enrichment for cobalt (Co), followed by overall extremely severe enrichment for cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg).&#x0D; The calculated Igeo indicates extreme cadmium, mercury and cobalt contamination.&#x0D; The calculated PLI values are all greater than one. These results show that all the soils are polluted.&#x0D; The index determination approach makes it possible to predict the extent of soil pollution by the heavy metals considered in our study.

Genomic characterization of Mycobacterium lepromatosis from ENL patients from India

BackgroundLeprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Both organisms cannot be cultured in vitro. M. lepromatosis was found to be associated mainly with diffuse lepromatous leprosy and with Lucio's phenomena initially. Later, M. lepromatosis was observed in borderline leprosy cases (BL), lepromatous leprosy cases (LL) and leprosy reactional cases (T1R and ENL). Although many cases are being reported with similar clinical features like Lucio phenomenon in India but M. lepromatosis was not isolated from these cases. The aim of this study was to screen MB patients and patients with type 2 reaction for the presence of M. lepromatosis. MethodologyWe recruited a total of 75 multibacillary leprosy cases (45 MB cases without reaction and 30 type 2 reaction (ENL) cases) from TLM hospitals Purulia (West Bengal), Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh), Shahdara (Delhi) and PGIMER (Chandigarh), India. Punch biopsies of 5 mm were collected in 70% ethanol from all the study subjects. DNA was extracted followed by Hemi-nested PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene specific for M. lepromatosis. Further, PCR products were processed for Sanger sequencing for an absolute confirmation of M. lepromatosis. Whole genome sequencing was done to confirm the presence of M. lepromatosis. ResultWe observed presence of M. lepromatosis in 4 necrotic ENL patients by heminested PCR. There was 100% 16S rRNA sequence similarity with M. lepromatosis FJ924 in one case, 98.96% in two cases and in one case it was 90.9% similarity by nucleotide BLAST (BLASTn) by using the NCBI website. On the basis of Sanger sequencing, we noted presence of M. lepromatosis in 3 necrotic ENL patients as one sample only gave 90.9% similarity by BLASTn. On the basis of de novo assembly and genome obtained, only one sample S4 with a 2.9 mb genome size was qualified for downstream analysis. Sixteen M. lepromatosis- specific proteins were identified in this case and the closest species was M. lepromatosis strain FJ924 based on whole genome level phylogeny. ConclusionThese results provide valuable insights into the prevalence of M. lepromatosis in ENL patients in different regions of India and contribute to our understanding of the genetic characteristics of this pathogen in the context of leprosy.

Influence of Pr-ion substitution in Cu2X hexaferrites on their magnetic and dielectric properties

A series of Sr2Cu2PrxFe28-xO46 (x = 0.00 to x = 0.32 with a step of 0.08) hexagonal ferrite was synthesized by the heat treatment method, and heated at 1300 °C for 6 h. These samples were characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, VSM, and low-frequency (20 Hz–2 MHz) dielectric measurements. FTIR investigation confirms the ferrite phase formation in all the samples. XRD investigation reveals that all samples possess the X-type as a major phase with a minor M-phase. FESEM images show smaller grain size ranges between 25.27 μm and 51.25 μm. EDX elemental analysis confirms the existence of constituent elements in synthesized materials. VSM analysis shows that prepared ferrites possess a soft magnetic nature, the saturation magnetization of heated samples was found in the range of 35.99 Am2/kg to 49.44 Am2/kg, and coercivity was observed in the range of 10.372 kA/m to 37.443 kA/m. Relaxation peaks have been observed in the loss tangent profile for x = 0.00, 0.08. The Nyquist plot for samples S1 and S2 represents the low-loss universal capacitance circuit, while samples S3 to S5 represent the parallel conductance-capacitance circuit.