Suitability For Utilization Research Articles

Formulation of a Novel Polymeric Hydrogel Membrane for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration Using Tricalcium Phosphate-Alginate Reinforcement.

The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to facilitate the regeneration of tissues damaged by periodontal disease. In recent years, there has been a growing utilization of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes with bioabsorbable properties as these membranes are increasingly employed to guide the growth of gingival tissue away from the root surface. Both resorbable and non-resorbable membranes currently employed act as physical barriers, preventing the ingrowth of connective and epithelial tissues into the defect and thereby facilitating periodontal tissue regeneration. This study aimed to develop a polymeric hydrogel membrane reinforced with tricalcium phosphate (TCP)-alginate and assess its potential for periodontal regeneration. TCPnanoparticles were incorporated into the alginate mixture to form TCP alginate. Subsequently, the mixture was cross-linked with calcium chloride to produce a TCP-alginate polymeric hydrogel membrane. The membrane underwent hemocompatibility analysis, and also scanning electron microscopyand Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses were done. The SEM analysis revealed granulations and a bonded thread-like structure in the membrane, indicative of favorable conditions for cell attachment necessary for periodontal regeneration. FTIR analysis showed characteristic peaks in the spectrum, including those attributed to phosphate ion (PO4-3) at 1000.85 cm-1 and 600 cm-1, indicating the presence of β-TCP phases. Hemocompatibility assessment demonstrated a hemolysis rate of less than 5% for the TCP-alginate membrane, which is found to be within the limits. The developed TCP-reinforced alginate membrane exhibited hemocompatibility and safety, suggesting its suitability for utilization in periodontal therapy as an effective regenerative material.

Effect of bandgap tunability on the physical attributes of potassium-based K2CuBiX6 (X = I, Br, Cl) double perovskites for green technologies

Potassium-based perovskites hold significant potential to revolutionize renewable technology by enabling more cost-effective and sustainable energy devices. The DFT incorporated in the Wein2K interface is used to provide an extensive investigation of the structural, mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermoelectric behavior of double perovskites K2CuBiX6 (X = I, Br, Cl). Structural stability is confirmed through optimization curves, tolerance factor and octahedral tilting. Mechanical properties support the ductile character of K2CuBiX6 (X = I, Br, Cl). Electronic band structures reveal that perovskite K2CuBiI6 initially possesses a bandgap of 0.6 eV. This bandgap is increased to 0.97 eV when (I) atom is replaced with (Br) atom. Furthermore, a prominent shift in the bandgap value occurs when the bromine (Br) atom is replaced with a chlorine (Cl) atom, resulting in a bandgap of 1.3 eV. The Kramer-Kronig equations are used to evaluate the optical characteristic, which shows significant absorption in the visible range for all structures, allowing them to be utilized in optoelectronics. Numerous thermoelectric characteristics are calculated using the Boltzmann semi-classical theory. The perovskites exhibit substantial potential for renewable energy applications, as they demonstrate significant ZT values, along with elevated Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities, which enhance their suitability for utilization in clean energy technologies.

Inorganic Fullerene-Like WS2 Reinforced Polyamide Powders for Improved Mechanical Properties in Laser Sintered Nanocomposite Parts

Polyamide (PA) is a widely utilized engineering polymer, and its thermal and mechanical properties can be further improved by adding nanofillers. However, adding inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulfide (IF-WS2) nanoparticles (NPs) to PA to produce composite precursor powders for additive manufacturing is challenging. Here, we report a novel and cost-effective method for fabricating PA-12 based nanocomposite (NC) powders with fixed/partially encapsulated IF-WS2 nanoparticulate fillers utilizing an advanced mixing technique because simple wet mixing (WM) can only attach fillers weakly to the powder surfaces when compared to the proposed method. The resulting nanocomposite powders maintained nearly the original particle size distribution of PA-12. They also exhibited improved rheological properties, melting, and crystallization behaviors compared with those prepared by the WM method. The laser-sintered PA-12 nanocomposite specimens revealed enhanced powder thermal stability and higher tensile strengths than pristine PA-12, validating the advantages of the novel technique for the fabrication of polyamide nanocomposite powders and their suitability for utilization in laser sintering additive manufacturing. These results demonstrate that high-performance engineered PA-12 nanocomposite components can be directly laser sintered, and this technique can potentially be extended to fabricate other engineered polymeric nanocomposite powders.

Bidirectional-Reinforced Carbon Fiber/Polyether-Ether-Ketone Composite Thin-Walled Pipes via Pultrusion-Winding for On-Orbit Additive Manufacturing.

Benefitting from lightweight, high strength, long life, and green recyclability, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite (CFTPC) pipes have attracted extensive interest, especially in the on-orbit additive manufacturing of structural components. However, the preparation of CFTPC pipes remains challenging due to the on-orbit limited space and high processing temperature of thermoplastic resin. Here, we report an effective approach for high performance carbon fiber/polyether-ether-ketone (CF/PEEK) thin-walled pipes via bidirectional reinforcement using the pultrusion-winding technique. The continuous fabrication of thin-walled pipes can be achieved, but the limitation by the size of core mold is also broken. The compressive and shear performance of CF/PEEK pipes with different layer designs have been studied based on experiments and simulations. With the increase in axial prepreg tape layer, the resultant CF/PEEK pipes exhibit greatly improved axial compression strength. The finite element analysis indicates that the maximum axial stress is decreased due to the axial enhancement. The flexural strength is greatly proved with pultrusion-winding cycles. The simulation confirms that the circumferential strain is effectively reduced. The high performance of bidirectional reinforced CF/PEEK pipes and the facile controllability of this approach highlight their suitability for utilization in on-orbit manufacturing of large-scale structures.

Rational design of conductive metal-organic frameworks and aligned carbon nanofibers for enhancing the performance of flexible supercapacitors.

Carbonaceous materials are attractive active materials for the manufacture of flexible electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) because of their high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and inherent resilience against deformation. However, compared to pseudocapacitors, which store electrochemical energy via faradaic redox reactions, EDLCs generally exhibit inferior energy density. One potential approach to addressing this issue is to incorporate highly porous and electrically conductive materials into carbonaceous material-based EDLCs. In this paper, we present a hybrid electrode consisting of a conductive metal-organic framework (c-MOF) with high electrical conductivity and unique porous structure combined with a mat of aligned carbon nanofibers (ACNFs). Its highly ordered structure facilitates electronic/ionic transport, increasing the areal capacitance by up to 3.9 times compared to randomly-oriented carbon nanofibers (RCNFs). An additional increase in areal capacitance (+64%) is achieved by introducing c-MOF (RCNFs: 25.4 mF cm-2; ACNFs: 98.7 mF cm-2; c-MOF/ACNF: 161.8 mF cm-2). Additionally, an ACNF mat exhibits excellent mechanical flexibility and electrochemical reliability, making it highly suitable for the assembly of freestanding flexible supercapacitors. By optimizing the electrochemical performance of c-MOF/ACNF and its suitability for utilization in flexible energy storage systems, this study presents a promising avenue for the practical implementation of c-MOF-based supercapacitors.

Pin-loaded tensile behavior and failure analysis of CF/PEKK composites under extreme temperature

This study investigated pinned-joint bearing strengths and failure behaviors of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetherketoneketone (CF/PEKK) composites at different temperatures, with varying the width-to-hole diameter (W/D) and edge distance-to-hole diameter (E/D) ratios. Increasing the W/D ratio substantially amplified the pin load capacity, with net tension failure at W/D = 1.5 and bearing failure at W/D ≥ 2, irrespective of temperature. The W/D ratio exerted major influence on the bearing strength, maximum bearing strength was lower at low temperatures (LT; −60 °C) (390 MPa) and high temperatures (HT; 200 °C) (385 MPa) than that at room temperature (RT; 25 °C) (428 MPa). In comparison to RT, a reduction in specimen thickness at bearing area and accelerated localized kink collapse in 0° lamina was observed for LT. The increased ductility of matrix at HT, resulting in fewer matrix cracks. These findings indicate the outstanding bearing load resistance of CF/PEKK composites, supporting their suitability for utilization in high-performance structures.

Substrate Integrated Waveguide - Dielectric Resonator Antenna for Future Wireless Communication

A substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) fed rectangular-shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is proposed for application in the D - Band frequency regime. The Dielectric Resonator (DR) is designed to operate in higher order modes. A rectangular-shaped narrow slot is used to excite the DR element, leading to multiple resonances. The resulting structure is a multi-resonant antenna operating at six frequencies at 123.64 GHz, 125.76 GHz, 127.4 GHz, 129.9 GHz, 134.9 GHz and 137.7 GHz frequencies. These are identified as TE10δ1, TE7δ5, TEδ31, TEδ25, TEδ31 and TEδ35 modes of operation of the resonator, respectively. These resonances are merged to achieve a −10 dB impedance bandwidth ranging between 122.58 GHz and 139.51 GHz, equivalent to 13.4% at a center frequency of 125.76 GHz. Moreover, the antenna possesses a stable radiation pattern in the broadband direction, across the entire frequency band of operation. Simulation results show that the antenna has a peak gain of 12.3 dBi, maximum directivity of 13.14 dBi and maximum efficiency of 84% at a frequency of 126 GHz. Simulated results show that the proposed design has potential and suitability for utilization in future wireless communications.

Resource Assessment of Limestone Based on Engineering and Petrographic Analysis

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a massive in-progress construction project in Pakistan that connects more than 70 countries via multiple trade channels such as highways, railways, roads, and fiber optics. This project also involves the development of local infrastructure and industrial zones in Pakistan, which demands the discovery of new resources of aggregate to facilitate the construction. Therefore, physical characterization research was carried out on the Kirman hill region (Jurassic limestone), District Kurram, Pakistan, to investigate their suitability for utilization as construction materials using site investigation and laboratory studies. The results outline that all typical engineering parameters are within acceptable limits set by international standards like BS, ASTM, and AASHTO. Bituminous tests revealed that Jurassic limestone is appropriate as an aggregate for asphalt wearing coarse. Likewise, the petrographic study performed shows proper matching with engineering tests. The petrographic analysis of Jurassic limestone showed a minute amount of deleterious content; as a result, it is resistant to Alkali silica reaction (ASR) and Alkali carbonate reaction (ACR) expansions. Based on engineering and petrographic analysis, the Jurassic limestone, Kirman hill region, District Kurram, Pakistan is recommended as a potential aggregate for (i.e., base course, subbase course, cement concrete, and asphalt) and other mega and minor civil construction projects. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-03-02 Full Text: PDF

Effect of Malting on the Nutritional Composition, Anti-nutrition Factors and Mineral Composition on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Background: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is commonly named as Jowar, belongs to family Framineae. The presence of anti-nutrients affect the nutritional values by limiting protein and starch digestibility, hinder mineral bioavailability. This can be reduced by malting procedures. Hence, the study was undertaken to study the effect of malting on nutritional composition, anti nutritional factors and mineral composition. Methods: Processing methods include soaking for 24 hr and germination for different time periods and drying in hot air oven for 2-3 hr. at 50oC. The yield of malted sorghum flour is 95g/100g. Result: Nutrient composition include moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate and energy showed that the sorghum germinated for 3 days has the higher value of 6.7%, 11.37g, 3.27g, 1g 2.4g 73.57g 375 /100g respectively. The micronutrients i.e. calcium and iron content of malted flour was significantly increased (p less than 0.05) to 28mg/100g, 5.83mg/100g. Anti-nutrients like Tannin and Phytate decreased subsequently in three day germinated sorghum to 61.2mg/100g, 50.625mg/100g respectively. The result showed that processing increases the nutritional, mineral composition and decreases theanti-nutritional factors in sorghum. Hence, Sorghum has potential in fortification of food productsand its suitability of utilization in formulation of value added food products.

Translating SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology for prioritizing mass vaccination: a strategic overview.

The inception of the novel coronavirus has forced the world into despair. Rapid progress has been made in addressing the situation, and various clinical diagnostic methods were developed for early detection of transmission. However, with a rapidly increasing number of infected populations worldwide, the testing of each individual was impractical. The wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been implemented to evaluate disease outbreaks as an early warning system for pandemic preparedness. Numerous studies reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the open drains and STPs across the globe via recovery efficiency of surrogate virus from existing virus concentration protocols. However, the such reported studies did not justify the use of WBE to identify or pinpoint the specific hotspots of transmission which could be prioritized for rapid efforts to contain or accelerate active vaccination efforts. Identifying precise locations of hotspots could be an essential aspect in controlling the outbreak and surge of wave by prioritizing the region for primary outbreak response. This article focuses on the issues relating to the primary focus for WBE that can be adapted, and its suitability for utilization in the mass vaccination program is discussed. Effective use of WBE information in terms of source tracking might be crucial as we move towards mass vaccination to control outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic.

Characterization of optical and radiation shielding behaviors of ferric oxide reinforced bismuth borate glass

This study aimed to investigate the ferric oxide effect on optical and radiation shielding behaviors of bismuth borate glasses. Gamma-ray attenuation competencies of six glass samples along with optical properties were investigated in terms of their utilization suitability as a shield or personal protection equipment in industrial and medical fields. The chemical composition (60-x) B2O3 + 20Bi2O3 + 20Li2O+xFe2O3 with different Fe2O3 concentrations were prepared using the melt-quenching technique. Gamma-ray attenuation competencies of six glass samples along with optical properties were investigated in terms of their utilization suitability in industrial and medical fields. The outcomes of optical investigations indicated that direct optical band gap (Eg direct) decrease from 5.11 eV to 4.82 eV, while for indirect transition (Eg indirect) decrease from 4.62 eV to 3.79 eV, with increasing Fe2O3 concentrations. To determine the radiation shielding performance, mass attenuation coefficients (μ m) of samples were calculated using FLUKA code and XCOM program between 0.015–15 MeV photon energy range. Accordingly, gamma shielding parameters such as mass (MAC) and linear (LAC) attenuation coefficients, half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), electron density (Nel), and fast neutron removal cross sections (ΣR) were evaluated for all glass samples. The results showed that increasing Fe2O3 concentration in glass structure increased the MAC and Zeff. The Fe-10 was reported with the lowest HVL values in addition to the highest MAC and Zeff values.

Development of Caudal Fin Cell Line from Hill Trout Barilius Bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807) for Cytotoxicity and Transfection Studies

Abstract A cell line named BBdF-1, established from the caudal fin of hill stream fish Barilius bendelisis, has been subcultured for more than 52 passages and is being maintained in L-15 media containing 20% FBS. Species origin of the cell line was confirmed using amplification of partial region of 16S and COI mitochondrial gene sequences. The optimum temperature for growth of BBdF-1 cell line was found to be 28°C. Karyotyping revealed diploid chromosome number as 50. Cells exhibited strong binding for cytokeratin marker and thus were found to be epithelial-like. Strong green fluorescence was observed in BBdF-1 cells transfected with phrGFP-II-N vector, indicating its suitability for utilization in gene expression and manipulation studies. Successful assessment of cytotoxicity of two heavy metals, viz. mercury and chromium, was performed. The cell line can serve as a useful resource material for early toxicity screening of pesticides/pollutant and gene expression.

Utilization of Randayan Island Coastal and Small Islands Protected Area for Development of Sustainable Diving Tourism

Randayan Island and The Surrounding Water Small Island Park (TPK Pulau Randayan dan Perairan Sekitarnya) is one of the Coastal and Small Islands Protected Areas (MPA) in West Kalimantan which has the potential to be developed into a marine tourism destination, especially sustainable diving tourism. The area has resources with a high level of diversity such as coral reefs, coral fish, seagrass, and other potential aquatic biota. This study aims to identify potentials, conduct resource suitability analysis, calculate the carrying capacity of the area, the carrying capacity of utilization, and make a map of area utilization suitability for the development of sustainable diving tourism. This research uses quantitative methods with tourism suitability analysis based on Yulius, et al (2018) and carrying capacity analysis based on Yulianda (2019). The data source is secondary data obtained from previous research and from publications published by several related agencies. The results showed that the Tourism Suitability Index for diving tourism in the limited use zone of Randayan Island Small Island Park consisted of Station 1 (Pulau Kabung), Station 2 (Pulau Lemukutan), Station 3 (Pulau Penata Besar), and Station 4 (Pulau Randayan) are included in the Conditional Suitable category, with scores of 65%, 56%, 72%, 65%, respectively. The Area Carrying Capacity at each station are 596, 1,354, 1,028, 157 people per day, with the Utilization Carrying Capacity of 59, 135, 102, and 15 people per day.

Nanostructured SnS2 Thin Films from Laser Ablated Nanocolloids: Structure, Morphology, Optoelectronic and Electrochemical Properties.

Tin disulfide (SnS2 ) is a binary chalcogenide semiconductor having applications in solar cells, energy storage, and optoelectronics. SnS2 thin films were deposited by spraying the nanocolloids synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid. The structure, morphology, and optoelectronic properties were studied for films obtained from two liquid media (ethanol and isopropanol) and after heat treatments at various temperatures. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the hexagonal crystal structure of the films, whereas the 2-H polytype structure was identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Oxidation states of Sn (4+) and S (2-) identified from high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectra confirmed the composition and chemical states of the films. The SnS2 thin films exhibited distinct porous surface morphologies as the liquid medium in laser ablation was varied. All as-prepared and annealed films showed photoluminescence with a high intensity peak at 485 nm and a low intensity peak at 545 nm. Thin films annealed at 300 °C showed improved electrochemical properties upon illumination using a blue LED light source. Current-voltage curves recorded in dark and light as well as the photoresponse measurements showed their suitability for utilization in optoelectronic devices. The results of this study may trigger further research towards fabrication of nanostructured thin films in large area for optoelectronic and photoelectrochemical applications in an environment friendly and cost-effective way.

Microbial Production of Schwertmannite: Development from Microbial Fundamentals to Marketable Products

Pumped groundwater in the lignite open-cast mines in Lusatia, Germany, contains a high level of ferrous iron (up to 1000 mg/L) at an initial pH of about 5. In recent R&D projects G.E.O.S. developed an innovative water treatment process for ferrous iron oxidation using the autochthonous microbial consortium in the mine water. The pilot plant is operated in the Nochten open-pit mine in cooperation with the LEAG and produces 5 – 10 t of schwertmannite per year. Extensive research work was carried out in parallel to utilize the produced schwertmannite. Pigment production proved to be technically feasible but difficult due to economic and market constraints. However, the high affinity of schwertmannite to oxy-anions provides the suitability for utilization as adsorbent to remove arsenate, antimonate, chromate, molybdate, vanadate or phosphate from mine water or industrial effluents. In the R&D project SURFTRAPII two kinds of filter-stable sorption materials were developed 1) by compacting schwertmannite or 2) by adhesive curing using an organic polymer, respectively. The produced filter-stable adsorbents were tested under technical conditions in cooperation with potential end users to remove arsenate, molybdate and phosphate from mine and industrial water and to concentrate valuable metals. The results showed a better performance of the material compared to other commercially available iron hydroxide adsorbents.

Quantum dot as probe for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QD) possess unique optical and electric properties like size-tunable light emission, narrow emission range, high brightness and photostability. Recent research advances have minimized the toxicity of QDs and they are successfully used in in vitro and in vivo imaging. Encapsulation of QDs into polymeric nanoparticles and linking them with targeting ligands enabled the detection of tumors and cancer cells in vivo. QD-antibody conjugates were successfully used in monitoring and diagnosis of HIV and myocardial infarction. Application of near infrared (NIR) QDs was found to minimize the absorption and scattering of light by native tissues thus rendering them suitable in deep tissue analysis. Aggregation and endosomal sequestration of QDs pose major challenges for the effective delivery of QDs to the cell cytosol. Toxicity minimization and effective delivery strategies may further increase their suitability for utilization in disease diagnosis. New synthesis of QDs may provide new types of bioconjugates of QDs to biomolecules, which leads to a variety of applications to many challenged research areas. QDs with narrow emission wavelength ranges are very suitable for monitoring multiple cellular targets simultaneously, and still remain the best known probes for imaging as an alternative to traditional fluorophores in disease diagnosis.

Response of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants to low-let ionizing radiation: Growth and oxidative stress

The scenarios for the long-term habitation of space platforms and planetary stations involve plants as fundamental part of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) to support the crew needs. Several constraints may limit plant growth in space: among them ionizing radiation is recognized to severely affect plant cell at morphological, physiological and biochemical level. In this work, plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were subjected to four different doses of X-rays (0.3, 10, 50 and 100Gy) in order to assess the effects of ionizing radiation on this species and to analyze possible mechanisms carried out to overcome the radiation injuries. The effects of X-rays on plant growth were assessed by measuring stem elongation, number of internodes and leaf dry weight. The integrity of photosynthetic apparatus was evaluated by photosynthetic pigment composition and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) activity, whereas changes in total antioxidant pool and glutathione S transferase activity (GST) were utilized as markers of oxidative stress. The distribution of phenolic compounds in leaf tissues as natural shielding against radiation was also determined.Irradiation of plants at 0.3 and 10Gy did not determine differences in all considered parameters as compared to control. On the contrary, at 50 and 100Gy a reduction of plant growth and a decrease in photosynthetic pigment content, as well as an increase in phenolic compounds and a decrease in total antioxidant content and GST activity were found. Only a slight reduction of Rubisco activity in leaves irradiated at 50 and 100Gy was found. The overall results indicate P. vulgaris as a species with a good potential to face ionizing radiation and suggest its suitability for utilization in BLSSs.

An efficient computational model for deep low-enthalpy geothermal systems

In this paper, a computationally efficient finite element model for transient heat and fluid flow in a deep low-enthalpy geothermal system is formulated. Emphasis is placed on coupling between the involved wellbores and a soil mass, represented by a geothermal reservoir and a surrounding soil. The finite element package COMSOL is utilized as a framework for implementing the model. Two main aspects have contributed to the computational efficiency and accuracy: the wellbore model, and the 1D–2D coupling of COMSOL. In the first aspect, heat flow in the wellbore is modelled as pseudo three-dimensional conductive–convective, using a one-dimensional element. In this model, thermal interactions between the wellbore components are included in the mathematical model, alleviating the need for typical 3D spatial discretization, and thus reducing the mesh size significantly. In the second aspect, heat flow in the soil mass is coupled to the heat flow in the wellbores, giving accurate description of heat loss and gain along the pathway of the injected and produced fluid. Heat flow in the geothermal reservoir, and due to dependency of fluid density and viscosity on temperature, is simulated as two-dimensional fully saturated nonlinear conductive–convective, whereas in the surrounding soil, heat flow is simulated as linear conductive. Numerical and parametric examples describing the computational capabilities of the model and its suitability for utilization in engineering practice are presented.

Evaluation of the nutritional quality of four unexplored aquatic weeds from northeast India for the formulation of cost-effective fish feeds

A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional potential of four commonly available, unexplored aquatic weeds namely, Salvinia cuculata, Trapa natans, Lemna minor and Ipomoea reptans from northeast India for ascertaining their suitability for utilization as supplementary fish feed with the aim to reduce the cost of commercial feeds. Results of proximate analysis showed that the crude protein content of the aquatic weeds ranged between 11.0% and 32.2% (w/w), whereas crude fibre and ash contents varied between 4.2% and 20% (w/w), and 13.3% and 31.2% (w/w), respectively. Protein to energy ratio ( P/ E) of these weeds ranged between 30.7 mg/kcal and 95.3 mg/kcal and the highest value was displayed by I. reptans. All these aquatic weeds contained high amounts of vitamins E and C and mineral elements required for the normal growth and development of fish. Analysis of antinutritional factors showed that the concentration (g%) of trypsin inhibitor (TIA) ranged from 1.1% to 1.5%, calcium oxalate concentration ranged from 0.6% to 3.5%, tannin concentration ranged from 0.25% to 0.93% and phytate concentration ranged from 0.004% to 0.005% in these plant samples, and the amounts of these antinutritional components were within the tolerable limits of fish, particularly for carp. The present study demonstrates that commercial exploitation of these aquatic weeds, particularly I. reptans and L. minor, for the formulation of cost-effective and balanced artificial fish feeds appears to be highly promising.

Simultaneous Production of Hydrogen and Nanocarbon from Decomposition of Methane on a Nickel-Based Catalyst

From the decomposition of methane, hydrogen without carbon oxides can be produced with a high energy-efficiency, which is attractive for its suitability of utilization in the fuel cells. At a same time nanocarbon materials with attractive texture and structure can be produced in a large amount. Toward a simultaneous bulk production of hydrogen and nanocarbon, catalysts based on nanometer-scale nickel particles prepared from a hydrotalcite-like anionic clay precursor have been designed and tested to fit the process goals. For hydrogen production, as the equilibrium methane conversion of the reaction increases with the increase of the reaction temperature, the process is commercially more attractive if it can be operated at a temperature higher than 1073 K. However, a nickel catalyst has a maximum activity for nanocarbon production at 923 K. Modification of the catalyst with doping of copper increased the activation temperature and leads to a production of nanocarbon with an attractive structure. The feasib...