Sand Bath Research Articles

Impact of corrugated duct and heat storage element on the performance of a low-cost solar air heater under forced air circulation: an experimental study.

The need to address global warming issues and international policies has placed a greater emphasis on the development of solar energy utilization systems. Intensive study is necessary to expand solar energy applications, as solar energy potential varies widely. This study investigates the thermal and thermohydraulic performance of a modified flat plate solar air heater (FSAH) to assess the effects of using corrugated aluminium duct and sand heat storage elements (HSE) in various combinations. The different arrangements selected for the experimental investigation are the FSAH, FSAH with corrugated aluminium duct (FSAH-C), FSAH with a sand heat storage element (FSAH-S), and FSAH with a combined use of corrugated aluminium duct and a sand heat storage element (FSAH-CS). The materials used for fabrication are low-cost and readily available in the study area. The results indicate that the sand bed enhanced the thermal performance by acting as the thermal heat storage medium, which could also supply heat for a short duration after non-sunny hours, and the corrugated aluminium duct enhanced the surface area and allowed the air to pass twice inside the SAH. We observed that the SAHs with sensible heat storage had a higher top loss compared to the FSAH-S configuration. The average thermal efficiency of the FSAH-CS configuration was 59.17%, which is 8.81%, 5.72%, and 10.95% higher than FSAH-S, FSAH-C, and FSAH, respectively. Furthermore, this configuration achieved an exit temperature of 64.5°C. The proposed system has a thermohydraulic efficiency of 59.14%, which is not significantly different from the average thermal efficiency. Therefore, the suggested system verifies its ability to function without requiring substantial external power.

The Significance of Detecting Diatoms in Spleen Tissue for the Postmortem Diagnosis of Drowning

The aim of this study was to elucidate the diatomological investigation and the forensic role of spleen tissue in cases of drowning or non-drowning. Specimens of spleen tissue and other organ tissue from 136 drowning cases, as well as 21 cases where death resulted from causes other than drowning (acting as controls), were examined for the presence of diatoms. The diatom test was performed on all cases using the acid digestion method, involving fumed nitric acid on a hot sand bath. The presence of diatoms in spleen tissue was observed in drowning cases but not in non-drowning cases. Diatoms in spleen tissue showed a positive association with drowning (P=0.011). Among the 136 drowning cases, diatoms were most frequently found in lung tissue (n=134, 99%), followed by spleen (n=33, 24%), kidney (n=28, 21%), liver (n=27, 20%), and heart (n=22, 16%) tissues. Moreover, in 95 cases where putrefaction did not progress, diatoms were detected in spleen tissues in 14 cases, indicating that the highest detection rate among other enclosed organ tissues, excluding lung tissues. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the presence of diatoms in spleen tissue and those in enclosed organs, including the liver, kidney, and heart, but not in lung tissues. Our results revealed a significant correlation between the presence of diatoms in spleen tissue and drowning. Thus, the present study provides evidence that the presence of diatoms in spleen tissue may be a reliable indicator of death by drowning.

Naturopathic Interventions for Reduction of Perceived Pain in Patients Suffering from Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Arthritis affects millions of lives with its pervasive effects on physical health and quality of life. Addressing the complexities of managing symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, and pain requires prolonged treatment. Naturopathy is a treatment method that enhances the body's innate ability to restoreoptimal health through a holistic approach including natural products and lifestyle modifications. This systematic review addresses the intersection of naturopathy and arthritis treatment to provide current evidence about its potential benefits. Four databases (PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched with the keywords "Naturopathy" AND "Arthritis". Randomized, non-randomized, and cross-over studies in English were included. Studies reporting perceived pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) were selected for meta-analysis. A total of 15 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies were from Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, and the study periods ranged from 1992 to 2017. They suggested that naturopathic treatment modalities like exercise, mud compress, sand bath, or hydrotherapy may be used in addition to conventional modes of treatment for added benefit. There was a diversity of naturopathic treatment modalities and outcome evaluation methods. Most studies used mud compress or mud baths with reported improvement of symptoms. The meta-analysis of 10 studies (11 sets of data) showed a significant improvement in pain measured by VAS. The studies included in the review have a high level of heterogenicity. There is a need for more studies and uniform assessment methods with standardization of interventions for robust evidence. More clinical trials from countries where naturopathy is approved treatment modalities are needed.

Sweating as a Preventive Care and Treatment Strategy in Traditional Persian Medicine

Proper and regular sweating plays a significant thermoregulatory role. It is a common perception that, sweating has other important homeostatic functions such as clearance of excessive micronutrients, waste products of metabolic processes, and toxins from the body, which helps to maintain human good health. In addition, sweating, thermotherapy, and sauna are commonly used to treat various diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory and joint diseases. In traditional Persian medicine (PM) textbooks, sweating is considered a preventive care and treatment strategy as well. In this study, we aim to explain the beneficial effects of sweating in human health and its role in the management of various diseases, as well as introducing the therapeutic applications of some diaphoretic plants from the viewpoint of PM. We reviewed the most famous PM textbooks such as Kamil al-Sinaa al-Tibbiya, Al-Qānūn fī al-Tibb, Zakhireye Kharazmshahi, Kholasat al-Hikmat, Exir-e-Azam, and Hifzos-sihhat-e Naseri. Also, current evidence was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and other relevant databases related to the topic. The results of this study revealed that PM scientists believed proper sweating removes waste products and maintains the body’s health, thus, any disturbances in the excretion of these waste products can cause diseases. They recommended the induction of sweating through hot and dry baths, sun bath, sand bath and also the use of diaphoretic herbs for the management of various diseases. Therefore, further researches are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of these diaphoretic plants. [GMJ.2020;9:e2003]

A Comparative Pharmaceutical Study of Abhrasindoora by Traditional and Contemporary Method

Background: Rasashastra is a Pharmacotherapeutics of Mercurial, Metallic, and Mineral preparations Abhrasindoora (AS) is a unique Herbo-Metallic-Mineral Compound, which is mainly indicated in respiratory diseases. Method: AS contains Dhanyabhraka (Bio-purified Black Mica Powder), Shodhita Parada (Bio-purified Mercury), and Shodhita Gandhaka (Bio-purified Sulphur) in equal proportion. These mixtures were subjected to trituration in Kharal till Kajjali formation (ABS-72 hrs) followed by impregnation of latex of Arka (Calotropis procera linn) (QS) (16 hrs) and Vatashunga (Ficus benghalensis linn) (QS) (15 hrs). Then Batch-A & Batch-B were prepared separately in Valuka Yantra and Electric Muffle furnace by maintaining mild (150 0C-250 0C), (150 0C - 300 0C) moderate (250 0C -400 0C), (300 0C -450 0C) and intense temperature (400 0C - 550 0C), (450 0C -650 0C) respectively. Observation: Batch A AS was prepared in 37 hours and the total yield of the product obtained was 54 grams. Batch B AS was prepared in 21 hours and the total yield of the product obtained was 25 grams. Jet black colour Kajjali of AS turned to dark red which was sublimated at the neck of Kachkupi. Conclusion: The yield of Batch A was more than Batch B but it took more time. Hence, the preparation of Kupipakva Rasayana in a sand bath should be done repeatedly to conclude it is a more economic and convenient process.

A Method for the Isolation of Thymoquinone from Black Caraway Seed Oil (<i>Nigella sativa</i> L.)

Introduction. Thymoquinone (2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) is an organic compound of plant origin, which is formed as a result of the oxidation of thymohydroquinone. Thymoquinone is a component of the essential oil of black caraway seeds (Nigella sativa L.) and is known to possess a significant spectrum of pharmacological activity. Due to the lipophilicity of thymoquinone and its ability to accumulate in oils, we proposed a method to isolate thymoquinone from the fatty oil of caraway seeds in order to assess its selective accumulation and the possibility of using the oil as a source for the compounds production.Aim. Method development for the isolation of thymoquinone as an individual compounds from black caraway (Nigella sativa L.) seed oil, to confirm its structure and determine the degree of purity of the obtained substance.Materials and methods. To confirm the authenticity of the raw materials, analysis of key morphological and anatomical diagnostic features was performed. Quantitative assessment of thymoquinone content in black caraway seeds and control of the isolation process were performed though HPLC analysis. Sample preparation was carried out with methanol by: 1) triple extraction on a boiling water bath; 2) sonification; 3) maceration. The structure of the isolated compound was confirmed through the analysis spectral characteristics using IR spectroscopy by comparing the obtained IR spectrum with the data from the NIST database and one-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.Results and discussion. As a result of the morphological and anatomical analysis, the authenticity of N. sativa seeds was confirmed. Extracts from black caraway seeds obtained by various sample preparation methods were analyzed with HPLC. As a result, it was noted that the method of obtaining the extract does not significantly affect the yield of thymoquinone, the content of which in black caraway seeds is 0.25 ± 0.02 %, which is sufficient for isolation purposes. Through the evaluation of various isolation methods for thymoquinone from black caraway seeds – maceration with alcohol and n-hexane from crushed seeds, liquid-liquid extraction from fatty oil, steam distillation of oil – showed that the best way to obtain thymoquinone is through the distillation of black caraway seed oil with water steam [oil : water ratio (1 : 1)] in a sand bath for 3 hours. The yield of thymoquinone from N. sativa oil is 398 mg from 150 ml of oil (0.26 %). The structure of thymoquinone was confirmed by spectral characteristics in comparison with the NIST database and literature data.Conclusion. The possibility of isolating thymoquinone from Nigella sativa L. seed fatty oil with a chromatographic purity (HPLC) of more than 97 % along with the comparison of the isolated compounds spectral characteristics with literature data, which confirm the identity of the obtained compound, was shown. The proposed express and efficient method for the isolation of thymoquinone through steam distillation provides a yield of the target component of 0.26 %. This method can be applied at roduction sites that harvestand process of black caraway seeds to obtain natural thymoquinone.

Green synthesis of multi-functional carbon dots from medicinal plant leaves for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and bioimaging applications

In this research work, carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from the renewable leaves of an indigenous medicinal plant by the one-pot sand bath method, Azadirachta indica. The synthesized CDs were characterized for its optical properties using UV–Vis, Fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry and for structural properties using dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and high resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The synthesized CDs exhibited concentration dependent biocompatibility when tested in mouse fibroblast L929 cell line. The EC50 values of biomedical studies, free radical scavenging activity (13.87 μgmL−1), and total antioxidant capacity (38 μgmL−1) proved CDs were exceptionally good. These CDs showed an appreciable zone of inhibition when examined on four bacterial (two gram-positive and gram-negative) and two fungal strains at minimum concentrations. Cellular internalisation studies performed on human breast cancer cells (MCF 7- bioimaging) revealed the applicability of CDs in bioimaging, wherein the inherent fluorescence of CDs were utilised. Thus, the CDs developed are potential as bioimaging, antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.

Effects of mode of heat transfer on puffing quality of rice grain: A modeling and simulation analysis

AbstractCereal grains can be puffed by heating in hot sand bed or domestic microwave oven. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare the reasons of transformational changes in preconditioned rice during its sand bed heating and microwave heating in domestic microwave oven. Mathematical modeling and simulation techniques were used to estimate the changes in microwave power absorption density and temperature of rice with the heating methods. Sand puffing, initiated from the tips of rice, progressed toward the central region of the rice following the change in temperature profile of rice and outcomes were completely puffed rice. The rice grains, placed in the different radial zones on the turntable of oven cavity, experienced nonuniform and inconsistent rate of microwave power absorption within the rice due to its placement and rotation, the oven factors, grain's shape, size, and dielectric properties. Microwave puffing, initiated from the central region of rice, progressed toward the tips of the rice. The slow rate of heating resulted in evaporative cooling of rice and most of the rice were unable to puff completely. However, the rate of microwave heating of rice was comparable with that of sand heating and about 92.0 ± 2.3% puffed was observed when rice was place in radial zone of 5.0 cm. Hence, the exact placement of rice in the oven cavity was required for achieving good puffing quality of rice.Practical applicationsThe present study helps to understand the reasons for uneven puffing of rice in domestic microwave oven. This understanding of puffing process in domestic microwave oven provides an opportunity to develop strategy for microwave puffing of rice or design a specific microwave puffing equipment suitable for achieving quantitative and qualitative puffing of rice.

Characterization of Sterile Mining Dumps by the ICP-OES Analytical Method: A Case Study from Baia Mare Mining Area (Maramures, Romania)

This paper describes a former sterile dump site that is the result of mining and ore processing. A large site located in the Baia Mare mining area (Romania) with a significant amount of Suior-type mining concentrate deposits was selected for this research. The method of analysis used in this study is inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). To characterize the contaminated area, a total of 27 sterile samples and one soil sample were collected from the studied site, which was affected by the mining activity. The samples were mineralized by a mix of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. The disaggregation of the samples took place on a sand bath, and the concentrations of nine heavy metals were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The investigations provided the information for a detailed analysis allowing the assessment of trace element concentrations to establish whether the area requires remediation. This paper aims to highlight the importance of obtaining quantitative analysis data when characterizing heavy metal contaminated areas that need to undergo the remediation processes, utilizing accurate and fast systems such as modern multispectral analytical devices. The objective of this paper consists of the characterization of an area in the Baia Mare municipality, Romania, affected by high heavy metal concentrations due to sterile mining material being deposited on its surface in order to determine if the area requires remediation.

In English

Phosphates are specific compounds of the composition of living organisms, that play a special role in plant and animal life. The skeleton of most living organisms consists mainly of calcium, sodium, magnesium and other phosphates. Because phosphorus plays an important role in supplying nutrients to the environment, it is central to all forms of life. Therefore, interest in this type of material is great, and the scope of application is enormous, from agriculture to medicine. On the basis of clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite located in Georgia, zeolitic nanomaterials containing phosphates were obtained by two different methods. The first method is the introduction of mono-, di-, and tri-substituted sodium phosphates into the zeolite structure under conditions of boiling on a sand bath, where the introduction of phosphate ions is difficult. In the second method, phosphate ions almost completely occupy the inner structural area of the zeolite. The zeolitic nanoporous materials of mono-substituted, di-substituted and tri-substituted phosphates obtained by these methods and subsequently studied by Fourier spectroscopic method. The obtained materials have preserved the zeolitic structure, although their IR spectra are sharply different from each other, which can be explained by different anions occupying different positions in the zeolitic structure. It should be noted that after washing the obtained material with water, phosphate ions are almost completely washed out of the zeolite structure. The importance of the received materials and the perspective of their use are given.

Efficacy of Siwan Traditional Therapy on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Lipid Profile, and Atherogenic Index as Cardiac Risk Factors Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background and Objectives: The most frequent cause of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammation, dyslipidemia, and decreased physical activity are some of the main risk factors for CVD. Siwan sand therapy is a type of traditional therapy used in Egypt to treat RA. The approach of this therapy depends on the experience of the healers. The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of three sessions of Siwan traditional therapy to five sessions on common CVD risk factors and physical function in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients (9 male and 21 female) were assigned into two groups of equal size: group (A) received three sessions of Siwan traditional therapy in the form of a sand bath. Group (B) received the same form of therapy for five days. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and a health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were measured before and after treatment. Results: There was a significant increase above normal within group (A) for ESR (p = 0.001), triglycerides (TG; p = 0.015), total cholesterol (Tot-Chol; p = 0.0001), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL; p = 0.0001). However, there were no considerable differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL; p = 0.106), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL; p = 0.213), AIP (p = 0.648), and HAQ (p = 0.875). For the second group, there were significant changes within group B only in Tot-Chol (p = 0.0001), HDL (p = 0.0001), VLDL (p = 0.0001), AIP (p = 0.008), and HAQ (p = 0.014). There was a significant difference between both groups regarding HDL (p = 0.027), LDL (p = 0.005), AIP (p = 0.029), ESR (p = 0.016), and HAQ (p = 0.036). Conclusions: For RA patients, five days of Siwan traditional therapy caused significant changes regarding inflammation, Tot-Chol, LDL, HDL, AIP, and functional activity when compared to three days of Siwan hot sand therapy.

Environmental enrichment impact on the Japanese quails productivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production parameters and eggs quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as a possible response to the enrichment of the birds' living environment. The study material consisted of 280 individually marked Japanese quails (56♂:224♀). Birds at 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into 7 equal-sized groups with replication subgroups (4 per group, 10 birds in each replication). Birds were maintained in 0.5 m2 cages with unlimited access to water and feed. The differentiating factor was the presence or absence of enrichment in the birds' cages. The following groups were used: 1 – control (reared without any enrichment), 2 - nest box, 3 - scratching surface, 4 - corrugated flexible tube (tunnel), 5 - limestone cubes, 6 - sand bath box, 7 - drilled feed box. Bird liveability and productivity indices (laying rate, egg weight, body weight of birds) were recorded throughout the experiment. After 6 weeks of the experiment, 24 eggs were randomly collected from each group for qualitative analysis. It was shown that the presence of an enriched environment positively influences the production parameters and the quality of eggs obtained from Japanese quails compared to birds kept under standard environmental conditions.

From the Limit Test for Trace Elements Control to the Elemental Impurities Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry: Application on Six Samples of Metronidazole API

IntroductionThe objective of this work was to control the inorganic impurities by the trace elements and sulfuric ashs limit tests and to analyze the elemental impurties by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) wich is a novel method based on security data in six samples of Metronidazole API, collected from six pharmaceutical industries installed in Algeria. Materials and MethodsFor the trace elements and sulfuric ashs limit tests, a muffle furnace and a sand bath were used for samples calcination and each sample was processed according to the limit tests of European Pharmacopoeia eighth edition (Eur Ph 8 th ed). For the elemental impurities analysis, an ICP OES device was used for analysis of trace elements in diverse samples and each sample was processed according to the new procedures of American Pharmacopoeia USP 40-NF 35. ResultsThe results of trace elements and sulfuric ashs limit tests showed that all samples were conform except M1 sample wich contained more than 20 ppm of trace elements. The ICP OES elemental impurities analysis showed that the content of class 1 elements (Cd, Pb, As and Hg) and class 3 elements (Cu, Sn and Cr) of all samples was in the required limits. The content of class 2 elements (Co, Ni and Ag) was in the required limits in all samples except M3 sample which had Nickel content (3.5 ppm) exceeded the authorized limit for the parenteral route (2 ppm). Knowing that Nickel interferes very weakly with Osmium, this may be explained by the fact that this sample was intended to be put into oral forms. ConclusionThe highlighting of Nickel impurity exceeding safety standards confirm that trace elements test is neither specific nor exact, so it's recommended to manufacturers and quality control laboratories to apply the new procedures based on safety data which are well described in the new chapters (232) and (233) of USP or the general chapter 2.4.20 of Eur Ph.

Effect of Automation on the Heating of Waste Sand in Reclamation Process Using Arduino Microcontroller

Effect of Automation on the Heating of Waste Sand in Reclamation Process Using Arduino Microcontroller

Review on Abhrasindoora: A Sublimated Mercurial Formulation as a Herbo-Bio-Mineral Metallic Compound for Respiratory Ailments

Abhrasindoora is a unique mercurial formulation as a herbo-bio-mineral metallic compound which is mentioned under Kupipakwa Rasayana Prakarana in Rasendra Sambhava. There are four formulations are mentioned with the name of Abhrasindoora, amongst them one in Rasendra Shambhava and three in Rasayogasagara. In this review article we have focused on the specific method mentioned in Rasendra Sambhava, which is a combination of Dhanyabhraka, Shodhita Parada (Mercury), Shodhita Gandhaka (Sulphur) in equal proportion (1:1:1). Its method of preparation initiates with the Kajjali formation followed by impregnation of Latex of Calotropis procera (QS) and freshly expressed arial root juice of Ficus bengalensis (QS) and cooking into mud smeared seven layered glass bottle using sand bath heating system. Specific heating pattern consisting of mild (1200C-2500C) moderate (2500C-4500C) and intense (4500C-6500C) heat should be maintained for preparation of Abhrasindoora. Previous pharmaceutical study done by Dr. Jyoti B. (2018) had yielded approximately 28% bright red color Abhrasindoora. In Rasayogasagara, bhasmikarana process is mentioned for preparation of Abhrasindoora which is not appropriate as per current trend. Hence, Rasendra Sambhava method is appropriate to prepare Abhrasindoora. This formulation has broad spectrum activity along with suitable adjuvants. The therapeutic indications are Cough, Bronchial Asthma, Fever etc. This herbo-bio-mineral metallic compound is quick acting, low dose, highly stable, good palatability and helps to treats chronic ailments.

New two-dimensional functionalised silicon nanosheets prepared by direct exfoliation of calcium disilicide with tosyl chloride

ABSTRACT Among the variety of two-dimensional (2D) materials, silicon nanosheets (SiNSs) having nanometres thicknesses and lateral dimensions ranging from the submicrometer to the micrometre scale are highly desired for practical applications in physic area. Chemical exfoliation of calcium disilicide (CaSi2) Zintl phase is the most common route to prepare crystalline functionalised silicon nanosheets. However, the chemical functionalization of such layered materials suffers some disadvantages and needs to be improved. Herein, the synthesis of a new-layered organosilicon material is described, namely tosyl-modified silicane (Si_Ts), by the direct exfoliation of CaSi2 with p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride (tosyl chloride: TsCl), in nitrogen gas at 110°C in a sand bath. The new crystalline silicon-based functionalised material was successfully characterised by different spectroscopic techniques, which confirmed the impregnation of the organic compound onto the surface of layered nanosheets. This method opens the access of a large-scale synthesis of new hybrid organosilicon 2D materials, which are suitable for optical, electric, or photovoltaic applications.

Novel synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from bio-based Carica Papaya Leaves: Optical and structural properties with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are prepared from a natural resource Carica Papaya Leaves, by sand bath method. The as-synthesized CDs optical and structural properties were characterized by UltraViolet-Visible, FT- IR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Also the size, shape, and particle size distribution was studied using Transmission electron microscopy technique. These CDs were examined for biomedical applications like free radical scavenging activity using DPPH assay, antioxidant activity using phosphomolybdate assay, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity using membrane stabilization protocol. The CDs exhibited excellent biological activities at lower concentrations and showed notable half-maximal effective concentration (EC50). The EC50 of free radical scavenging activity (27.6μg/mL), antioxidant activity (23.00μg/mL), and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (15.52μg/mL) signifies that CDs can be potential therapeutic agents.

Performance analysis of crushed gravel sand heat storage and biomass evaporator-assisted single slope solar still

Performance analysis of crushed gravel sand heat storage and biomass evaporator-assisted single slope solar still

Physical and chemical properties of Castanopsis fargesii wood after heat treatment in sand or vacuum media

Castanopsis fargesii is among the most prevalent hardwood species in South China. To improve the poor dimensional stability of C. fargesii wood, heat treatments were performed using vacuum or sand as the medium at four temperatures from 170 °C to 215 °C for 4 h. As a medium, vacuum or sand can create a low oxygen environment. The results showed that, as the temperature increased, the oven-dry density decreased, whereas the dimensional stability and the total color change (∆E*) increased with both media, two different changing patterns of a* and b* were observed, the lignin content increased, and the holocellulose content decreased. The oven-dry density decreased 9.4% and 25.5%, volume shrinkage ratio decreased 27.8% and 37.7%, and the ∆E* was 19.63 and 45.52, the lignin contents increased from 17.62% to 28.62% and 42.87%, and the holocellulose contents decreased from 80.49% to 69.43% and 51.04% when C. fargesii wood was heated under vacuum and with sand at 215 °C, respectively. Overall, sand heat treatment affected wood physical and chemical properties more than vacuum heat treatment. The analysis of functional groups and crystallinity also showed that there were severe changes in C. fargesii wood under sand heat treatment.

Precise Assembly and Supramolecular Catalysis of Tetragonal- and Trigonal-Elongated Octahedral Coordination Containers

The construction of distorted or irregular coordination polyhedrons with specific shapes and functionalities is highly challenging. Here, we demonstrate a viable strategy for attaining a severely d...