Superior Qualities Research Articles

A Role of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for Enhancing Seed Quality: A Review

Abiotic and biotic stresses impact seed growth, resulting in economic losses. Seeds are being subjected to an increasing number of biotic and abiotic stress combinations as a result of global warming and climate change, which has adverse effects on their growth and production. Drought, flood, salinity, heavy mineral contamination, cold, and heat were all found to have a negative impact on seed germination. Because of their massive surface area-to-volume ratio, nanoparticles—microscopic pieces with a nanoscale dimension ranging from 1-100 nm—have exceptional thermal conductivity, catalytic reactivity, nonlinear optical performance, and chemical durability. There are various methods for creating nanoparticles, such as chemical, physical, and biological ones. However, because dangerous chemical compounds are used as reducing agents, the chemical and physical procedures are expensive, complicated, and might be hazardous to the environment. The synthesis of nanoparticles using green approaches may be easily scaled up, and they are also cost-effective. Because of their superior qualities, greenly coordinated nanoparticles are currently preferred over traditionally delivered NPs. Green synthesis approaches are particularly appealing due to their ability to reduce nanoparticle toxicity. The use of vitamins, amino acids, and plant extracts has increased as a result. While dangerous and extremely hazardous substances are used in the chemical and physical processes that may cause environmental issues, capping and reducing agents are essential to the synthesis of nanoparticles. The capping or reducing agent used in physical and chemical processes is expensive. When used as a seed treatment, nanoparticles can enhance germination as well as the length, vigor, viability, and quality of the seedlings. This paper aims to provide an overview and evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a potential substitute for biosynthesised nanoparticles in seed quality improvement.

An integrated approach for response prediction in large-scale rotor-bearing system with local nonlinear joints based on FRF-based harmonic balance method

In the development and maintenance of gas turbines, the efficient computation to predict the responses of large-scale and complex rotating structures with local nonlinear joints is crucial. In this paper, a novel integrated strategy as a trade-off between time expense and accuracy for response prediction in large scale rotor-bearing system with local nonlinear joints is developed using the frequency response function based harmonic balance method (FRF-based HBM). To tackle the numerical challenges arising from asymmetrical matrices in rotating systems, a new approach is presented to compute the FRF using a spectral decomposition in second-order state space. Furthermore, the analytical mapping of eigen-solution against rotational speed based on Taylor series expansion is developed to address the computational expenses associated with speed-dependent FRF matrices. Then, a model reduction is adopted to mitigate the additional computational costs arising from the high-order unsymmetric matrices. The superior qualities and practical value in engineering of the new strategy are demonstrated on two numerical cases. The first is a one-dimensional rotor-bearing model subjected to the cubic nonlinear force under investigation, this approach shows an exceptionally high level of accuracy in response prediction, when compared to both the Runge-Kutta method and the harmonic balance method (HBM) without any form of model reduction. Another is a large-scale rotor-bearing model with two squeeze film dampers, the computational speed, being thousands of times faster than the HBM method and several times faster than the HBM considering the CMS model reduction, underscores the efficiency of this approach.

Investigation on mechanical behavior of engineered cementitious composites incorporating alkali‐resistant glass fiber and quarry dust

AbstractAt present, engineered cementitious composites (ECC) are rapidly replacing ordinary concrete in the building production due to its superior durability and mechanical qualities. Enormous researches have been done on ECC incorporating various fibers, industrial wastes, supplementary cementitious materials and super plasticizers. As far as fiber is concerned, poly vinyl alcohol fiber was widely explored. In this study, attempt has been made to involve alkali resistant glass fiber as a replacement for poly vinyl alcohol fiber. In addition, the high rate related with ECC as a result of the utilization of micro‐sized silica sand has restricted its extensive pertinences. Thus, this study recommends utilization of quarry dust to replace fine silica sand in the ECC at amounts ranging from 0% to 100% in order to establish a green, sustainable and cost‐effective ECC. The flowability and mechanical demeanor of the ECC mixtures in terms of the tensile, compressive and flexural properties were evaluated. It is arrived that 2% of volume fraction would be the optimum dosage by which better mechanical properties can be achieved. As a result of the present research findings, it is found that the quarry dust could be a better substitute for silica sand up to 75% without any compromise in compressive and flexural strengths. To attain higher tensile qualities, however, it might not be appropriate to replace more than 50% of the silica sand with quarry dust. Cost analysis of the ECC mixtures show that using quarry dust as aggregate is both cost‐effective and sustainable.

Microwave pyrolysis of waste biomass and synthesis of micro-mesoporous activated carbons: The role of textural properties for CO2 and textile dye adsorption

Hierarchical porous activated carbons (ACs) were efficiently synthesized in less than 2 min using microwaves and phosphoric acid (H3PO4), exhibiting excellent potential as adsorbent for carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methylene Blue (MB). The method emphasizes the development of selective physicochemical and textural properties crucial for CO2 post-combustion capture and textile dye removal from water, using agricultural waste as carbon precursor to address the environmental and economic challenges associated with the preparation of ACs. Dielectric properties confirmed H3PO4 increased the microwave absorption properties of the biomass. Employing a single-step method, the resulting ACs exhibited large specific surface areas exceeding 1000 m2g−1, achieved in less than 2 min and relatively low energies (2.4 GJ ton-1). Sample 0.4H4 displayed a surface area of 1145 m2g−1 and a significant ultra-micropore (<0.7 nm) content, demonstrating a CO2 uptake of 4.1 and 2.8 mmolg−1 at 0 and 25 °C, with high CO2/N2 selectivity (>38). The sample exhibited rapid CO2 uptake in 5 min and efficient regeneration after 20 adsorption–desorption cycles. Sample 0.3H3 developed large mesoporosity and a high surface area of 1217 m2g−1 with less than 3 min of treatment. The maximum dye removal was 281 mgg−1 and adsorption mechanisms involved diffusion into the mesoporous matrix, electrostatic interactions, H-bonding between AC and MB acid groups, and π–π interactions. The experimental data best fitted the Freundlich model. The results confirmed that microwaves have the potential to convert waste to micro-mesoporous ACs that can be used for a wide range of applications with significant processing time reductions and superior product qualities compared to conventional technologies.

Intelligent Solar PV Grid Connected and Standalone UPQC for EV Charging Station Load

The insertion of renewable energy sources into the grid, as well as the development of power electronics technology to regulate loads that are not linear, had an impact on power quality (PQ). This study focuses on the PQ enhancement of grid-connected and standalone solar PV systems (SPVS) with battery energy storage device (BESD) for the Electric vehicle (EV) charging station (EVCS) load in addition to the local load. Here, a hybrid control strategy that uses both the superior qualities of the sliding mode controller (SMC) and the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is suggested for the unified power quality conditioner (UPQC's) shunt filter. It's major goal is to achieve steady DC capacitance voltage (SVDC) during load (like EVCS, non linear balanced/unbalanced etc.) and irradiation variations, diminish of total harmonic distortion (THD) in source current and load voltage, and mitigate sag, swell disturbances, and source voltage unbalances. The created model's performance is assessed using two scenarios (grid and island) under four case studies with varying combinations of loads and grid voltage circumstances. However, to establish the superiority of the proposed technology, comparative research with standard technologies such as proportional integral controller (PIC) and SMC controllers is required. THD is reduced by the proposed method to 2.25 %, 2.36 %, and 1.71 %, It is inferior to the current approaches found in the survey.

POLYSACCHARIDE BASED CONTROLLED RELEASE MUCOADHESIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT

Mucoadhesion is one of the most extensively studied methods for the administration of medication for faster onset of action with enhanced bioavailability. Present investigation was concerned with the development and characterization of controlled release muco-adhesive drug delivery system for the drug Tramadol Hydrochloride (TRD) to extend the duration of analgesia for patients suffering from acute to chronic pain. Formulations were made using the solvent casting technique, incorporating natural polymers like Guar Gum, Xanthum Gum and Chitosan in conjunction with HPMC (hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose) to modify the drug release. The compatibility of film components were validated by Fourier Transform Infra- Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and subjected to physico-chemical evaluation parameters and ex-vivo drug diffusion study. Optimized formulation was tested for analgesic efficacy in vivo to determine extent of their suitability in therapeutic use. All the prepared formulations exhibited superior pharmaceutical qualities with respect to drug content, folding endurance, swelling index and mucoadhesion time. In ex-vivo drug diffusion study, all the films displayed a controlled release lasting longer than eight hours. Formulations containing Chitosan in combination with HPMC (F6) showed better controlled drug release over other combinations. The formulation F6 bring out remarkable in vivo analgesic efficacy with 58.10 % analgesia in contrast to the standard (61.16%). It was deduced that Tramadol hydrochloride mucoadhesive films were found to be an effective treatment for moderate to severe pain with a quick onset and a lengthy half-life.

Cadaver preservative properties of a solution composed of honey, ethyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, distilled water and citric acid: Experiments on rabbit cadavers.

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a solution including honey, ethyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, distilled water and citric acid (HEFS) as a preservative for rabbit cadavers, serving as a potential substitute for formaldehyde. The cadavers underwent preservation using three distinct solutions: 10% formalin, 35% alcohol and HEFS. The cadavers were subjected to a total of four sampling events, occurring at 4-month intervals, in order to collect specimens for microanatomical, histological, microbiological, mycological, colourimetric, texture and odour analysis. In terms of hardness, suitability for dissection and joint mobility metrics, the cadavers fixed with HEFS had superior qualities to those fixed with formalin. The fixation quality of HEFS for histological analyses was deemed acceptable, except kidney and intestinal tissues. In texture analysis, differences only in the elasticity parameter (p < 0.05) in the same sampling period. A total of 10 (13.9) bacteria isolates were identified among which, Metasolibacillus meyeri 3 (30%) was predominantly followed by Staphylococcus aureus 2 (20%), Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudarthrobacter oxydans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis with a proportion of 1 (10%), respectively, by both microbiological and molecular analysis. However, no anaerobic bacteria and fungi were isolated. A considerable percentage of the students had the perception that HEFS was appropriate for utilization in laboratory settings due to its absence of unpleasant odours and detrimental impact on ocular and respiratory functions. In conclusion, we consider that HEFS may serve as a viable substitute for formalin solution in the preservation of rabbit cadavers.

Recent Developments in Bio-Ink Formulations Using Marine-Derived Biomaterials for Three-Dimensional (3D) Bioprinting.

3D bioprinting is a disruptive, computer-aided, and additive manufacturing technology that allows the obtention, layer-by-layer, of 3D complex structures. This technology is believed to offer tremendous opportunities in several fields including biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Several bioprinting processes and bio-ink materials have emerged recently. However, there is still a pressing need to develop low-cost sustainable bio-ink materials with superior qualities (excellent mechanical, viscoelastic and thermal properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability). Marine-derived biomaterials, including polysaccharides and proteins, represent a viable and renewable source for bio-ink formulations. Therefore, the focus of this review centers around the use of marine-derived biomaterials in the formulations of bio-ink. It starts with a general overview of 3D bioprinting processes followed by a description of the most commonly used marine-derived biomaterials for 3D bioprinting, with a special attention paid to chitosan, glycosaminoglycans, alginate, carrageenan, collagen, and gelatin. The challenges facing the application of marine-derived biomaterials in 3D bioprinting within the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields along with future directions are also discussed.

Role of Phytoactive-based Nanoformulation for the Treatment of Arthritis.

Joints and arthritic conditions are among the most dangerous illnesses that humans have ever encountered and it is even more worrying that there is no recognized treatment for arthritis. The researchers looked for safer alternatives, such as herbal medicines, because the traditional treatments used to treat severe joint inflammatory issues have several negative side effects. A ligand-coated nanomedicine can bind to receptors that are overexpressed by cells in chronically inflammatory tissues, increasing its efficacy and reducing its systemic side effects. This is because the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis suggests that macrophages and overexpressed molecules exist within inflamed tissues, which increases permeability and allows nanomedicines to accumulate in inflamed tissue and cause retention phenomena. The anti-arthritic properties of a variety of plants, their components, extracts, and phyto-isolates have been studied to date. These plant compounds can pose stability and delivery problems, which restricts their efficacy as a treatment for inflammatory diseases. The multifunctional and adaptable features of different nanoparticles can help herbal remedies based on nanotechnology get beyond the delivery constraints of different natural ingredients. The application of nanoformulations in tissue engineering is an additional strategy for delivering drugs directly to bone and cartilage in RA patients. The medication is more therapeutically effective due to nanoformulation's improved synovium and cartilage absorption, accumulation, and penetration at inflammatory joints. Herbal medications with a nanotechnology foundation exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and drug delivery qualities, aid in better oral absorption, regulate drug release, boost in vivo retention capacity, target delivery, and have synergistic effects. This review provides an update on the use of herbal medicines based on nanotechnology, which show promise in treating arthritis and other ailments.

Isolation and characterization of novel bioplasticizers from rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) petals and its suitability investigation for poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biofilm applications.

The current growing environmental awareness has forced the use of biodegradable plasticizers, which are sustainable and abundant in plant resources. Rose petal plasticizers (RPP) act as an actual substitute for chemical plasticizers in this situation as they are biocompatible and biodegradable. Chemical procedures like amination, alkalization, and surface catalysis are used to extract the natural emollients from rose petals. XRD, FT-IR, and UV studies were used to understand the characteristics of the rose petal plasticizer. Based on the XRD data, the RPP's crystallinity size (CS) and crystallinity index (CI) values were determined to be 9.36nm and 23.87%, respectively. The surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer is investigated using SEM, EDAX analysis and AFM. RPP surface pores with rough surfaces are visible in SEM images, which make them appropriate for plasticizing novel bioplastics with superior mechanical qualities. The plasticizer's heat degradation behaviour is investigated using thermogravimetric and differential thermogram analysis curves. Following the characterization of the synthesised molecules, the plasticization effect was examined using a biodegradable polymer matrix called poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The reinforcement interface was also examined using scanning electron microscopy analysis. RPP-reinforced films demonstrated greater flexibility and superior surface compatibility at a 5% loading compared to PBAT-only films. Based on a number of reported features, RPP could be a great plasticizer to address future environmental problems.

Transforming melange fabric waste into mélange yarn employing compact, Siro, and compact-Siro spinning: A cleaner and sustainable strategy

The concept of sustainable and eco-friendly production of textiles has gained significant traction in recent years. Utilizing sustainable raw materials, processes, and recycling methods are fundamental strategies in the development of cleaner and more eco-conscious textile manufacturing. The current work reports a sustainable approach to manufacturing melange yarn from recycled fibers shredded from pre-consumer cotton/viscose mélange fabric waste. The recycled fibers obtained by the shredding method are short and lumpy, necessitating the blending with virgin fibers which serve as carriers throughout the spinning process. In the traditional ring spinning system, the poor inter-fiber cohesion, especially shorter recycled fibers, inhibits achieving the optimum yarn quality. With a view to their better control during spinning, advanced spinning systems such as Siro, compact and compact-Siro spinning were adopted. Experimental results revealed that all these spinning systems led to superior yarn qualities. Among them, yarn produced with compact-Siro spinning demonstrated the most significant improvements in yarn structure (reduced hairiness, unevenness & imperfections) and properties (increased strength & elongation). Through adept engineering and precise process control, 30-Ne (19.68 Tex) melange yarns containing up to 60% recycled mélange fiber were successfully produced. These melange yarns proved to be suitable for manufacturing knit fabrics with aesthetics similar to commercial mélange fabrics. The innovation of producing melange yarn, incorporating 60% recycled fibers, introduces a revolutionary concept aimed at supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12. This initiative aims to reduce the reliance on production of viscose, and cultivating and processing cotton, thereby making significant contributions to environmental conservation in various dimensions. Moreover, embracing this approach offers the potential for cost savings in the production of melange clothing.

Effect of mixed rare earth cations on structure, optical, mechanical and radiation shielding parameters of Na2O–B2O3 glass

The value of rare earth-containing glasses continues to increase, resulting in a higher cost for producing such glasses. The reduction in rare earth content reduces the cost of the production process. Investigating whether it is possible to prepare glasses with low rare earth (such as Dy and Sm) contents is valuable. In this work, the impacts of Dy2O3/ Sm2O3 substitutions on borate glass's structural, optical, and mechanical features were investigated. The optical studies reflected the structural modifications. For example, Urbach tail increased from 0.39 to 0.69 eV with further Dy2O3/ Sm2O3 substitutions. This increasing behavior refers to a less stable glass matrix. This outcome was substantiated by the diminished values of all elastic parameters in the current glasses upon additional Dy2O3/ Sm2O3 substitutions. Nonlinear optical parameters were examined across various wavelengths and compositions, revealing negligible variations within the visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spans. However, a notable decrease was observed in the UV region, exhibiting a rapid decline with increasing substitutions. Furthermore, induced defects within the internal structure of the glassy network, notably non-bridging oxygens with additional Dy2O3/ Sm2O3 substitution, resulted in heightened nonlinear optical parameters. Simultaneously, all elasticity moduli decreased with further Dy2O3 additions in the current glassy system, attributed to increased disorder caused by defect production, dangling bonds, and non-bridging oxygens in the glassy matrix.In addition, the half-value layers of all glass samples were compared to those of typical and widely used shielding materials. Through this analysis, certain glass samples demonstrated superior qualities compared to conventional shielding materials. Notably, the glass sample with the highest Sm2O3 level (and correspondingly the lowest Dy2O3 value) exhibited particularly favorable attributes. Consequently, our glass samples show potential as effective shields in nuclear radiation environments.

A Comparative Study on Wear Resistance of Cold-Sprayed Aluminum/Quasicrystal Composite Coatings

Cold spray (CS) technology has proven a great potential in the production of composite coatings, enabling the production of materials with superior qualities such as enhanced tribological behavior. This study aims to investigate the tribological properties of CS Al-based composite coatings reinforced by quasicrystalline (QC) particles. Two different Al alloys were used as the matrix, AA 6061 and AA 2024, and mixed with Al-based QC particles (Al-Cr-Fe-Cu) at different Al/QC ratios. A room-temperature ball-on-disc test was then used to evaluate the wear resistance of the composite CS coatings in air and compared to those of the non-reinforced Al alloy CS coatings as well as a cast counterpart (AA 6061-T6). We have demonstrated that CS could be employed to produce thick and dense Al-QC composites that can retain up to about 50 wt.% QC reinforcement in the structure. The incorporation of the QC particles increased the wear resistance by a factor of 7.

Evaluation of refractance window-dried type 3 sourdough as an alternative to liquid sourdough in bread production

The aim of this study was to produce type 3 sourdough using refractance window drying (RWD) and to compare the effects of dried and liquid sourdough on bread quality. The drying experiments resulted in a similar viability loss in the total LAB counts of type 3 sourdough samples (p < 0.05), with a 3-log reduction, and the lowest loss in yeast viability was determined in spontaneous sourdough samples. The specific bread volume was in the range of 3.18–3.24 mL/g in the usage of liquid sourdough and 2.75–3.12 ml/g in type 3 sourdough, respectively. The incorporation of type 3 sourdough increased the hardness of bread. The total cell counts, and area was statistically similar in bread produced using liquid spontaneous sourdough and dried Lb. fermentum. When sensory parameters were evaluated, it became evident that sourdough bread produced by dried sourdough exhibited superior organoleptic qualities when compared to those produced by the liquid ferment. As a conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the application of RW-dried type 3 sourdough can be considered as an alternative to liquid sourdough, without any adverse effect on the physical and sensory attributes of the sourdough bread.

Experimental investigation of layering pattern arrangements on mechanical, swilling and water absorption behavior of flax/coir fiber based bio-epoxy composites

As natural fibres are recyclable and biodegradable, they are essential to the creation of ecologically sound composite materials. When compared to synthetic fibres, they have benefits including less environmental impact, superior mechanical qualities, and a lightweight nature. Gaining knowledge about and improving the usage of natural fibres in composites can result in environmentally friendly solutions that have a lower carbon footprint and more durability across a range of uses. The present research concentrates on the manufacture of hybridized bio-composites with eco-friendly epoxy as the matrix phase and flax as well as coir fibre mats as reinforcing agents. The hybridized composites of flax (F) and coir (C) fibres were created using a low-cost manual lay-up approach, accompanied by a hot press containing various stacking sequences. The materials' static characteristics, like inter-laminar shear strengths (ILSS) as well as hardness, were investigated. Physical parameters like water absorption and swelling thickness were also investigated. The experimental findings demonstrate that whenever the layering pattern was changed, bio-composites displayed small variations in strength properties. The FFFF sample had the greatest ILSS result of 7.69 MPa. Short beam breakdowns feature such as perpendicular inter-laminar shear fractures, micro buckling, and fibre breakage have also been observed. Although there were some advantages in the mechanical properties of bio-composites over eco-friendly epoxy, there were no significant consequences for modifying the toughness characteristics of a fibre sheet's cross-ply. This might be attributed to the low interaction of coir and flax strands, in addition to the hybrid composite specimens' poor interfacial bonding and strength. In comparison to their hybrid equivalents, pure fibre or non-hybrid materials demonstrated greater resilience to water uptake as well as thickness swelling.

Comprehensive Survey of Cutting-Edge Methods for Software Architecture Evaluation

The crucial responsibility of assessing software architecture is of utmost importance in ensuring that a software system conforms to superior qualities. It is a crucial tool for cutting expenses and labor during the course of the software development lifecycle. The main goal of software architecture evaluation is to provide reliable methods for determining and improving the quality characteristics that are innate in software. This study is deeply devoted to investigating the wide range of techniques used in software architecture assessment. One of the main focuses of these evaluation techniques is scenario-based assessments, which offer a comprehensive picture of the software's behavior under different circumstances. Within the scope of this study, a thorough analysis is carried out on eighteen different methods. Thirteen of these fall into the category of early evaluation techniques, which are positioned to detect and address architectural problems at the outset of development. The other five strategies are classified as late assessment techniques and focus on validating and optimizing the software architecture in the latter stages of the development process.

Characterization of Fiber Metal Laminates for the Development of Subsea Housing

Fiber Metal Laminates (FML) are hybrid composites comprising metals and Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP). FMLs are the most widely used in aerospace, defence and automotive sectors due to their superior qualities like light weight, tensile, compression, flexural, excellent fatigue and impact resistance. The properties like strength-to-weight ratio, susceptibility to corrosion and good heat conduction of FML make it suitable for subsea applications. Commonly, FML with a combination of aluminium (Al), titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SS) alloys and FRP are widely used for ocean applications. Compared to other FML, the SS alloy-based FML is typically used in subsea applications as it has more creep and excellent corrosion resistance. In India, under the Ocean Acoustics programme of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous underwater Ambient Noise Measurement System (ANMS) has been developed and deployed in the shallow waters of Indian seas for the past 12 years to study the background noise prevailing in the sea. To accommodate electronics and power packs for the measurement of ambient noise at an ocean depth of 100 m, subsea housing with stainless steel 316L (SS316L) material for a pressure rating of 1 MPa has been developed. The objective of this study is to develop the FML with SS316L and FRP for reducing the weight of the housing. Based on the literature studies and Classical Laminate Theory (CLT), the FML has been fabricated as a 0.45 m (450 mm) panel with a sequence of SS316L as outer layers and E-glass fibre and carbon as the inner layers. The total thickness of the laminates is 0.006 m (6 mm). The developed FMLs are processed with water jet cutting machines to carry out various testing such as tensile, compression and flexural, which are relevant to the characterization of FML and the experimental results are described in the paper.

Dynamic borate ester bond-based 3D printing fluorescence polysiloxane with self-healing, antimicrobial, and shape memory

Developing a shape memory polysiloxanes possessing superior mechanical properties, antibacterial qualities, and exceptional self-healing capabilities has become a significant obstacle for the development of smart materials. We tackled this challenge by modifying polysiloxanes using N-acetylcysteine (NACL) and photosensitive molding with a dynamic borate ester crosslinker (S-BDB). The resultant photosensitive polysiloxane exhibited remarkable mechanical properties, with a stress up to 4.7 MPa. By utilizing the hydrogen bonds of grafted NACL and dynamic borate ester bonds of S-BDB to heal the damaged polymer network, the efficient self-healing performance (99.2 %) of photosensitive polysiloxane was obtained. Additionally, the material exhibited typical shape memory properties due to the rapid exchange of hydrogen bonds at elevated temperatures and the fixation of borate esters, enabling shape editing of the material. The material obtained a phosphorescent effect due to the introduction of B-O bonding, making it possible to have application value in the field of complex pattern fluorescent anti-counterfeiting marking manufacturing. Simultaneously, due to the amphiphilic ionic nature of NACL, the resin material obtained exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties.

Camellia oil with its rich in fatty acids enhances post-thawed boar sperm quality

BackgroundBoar sperm are highly susceptible to specific conditions during cryopreservation, leading to a significant decrease in their fertilizing potential due to damage to their membranes. Camellia oil, known for its fatty acids with antioxidant and biological properties, has not been previously explored for the cryopreservation of boar semen. This study aimed to examine the effects of camellia oil on post-thawed boar sperm quality. Boar semen ejaculates (n = 9) were collected and divided into six equal aliquots based on camellia oil concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5% v/v) in the freezing extender. Semen samples were processed and cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapor method. Thereafter, frozen semen samples were thawed at 50 °C for 12 s and evaluated for sperm morphology by scanning electron microscope, sperm motility using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer, sperm viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function, MDA level and total antioxidant capacity.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the supplementation of 1.5% (v/v) camellia oil showed superior post-thaw sperm qualities such as improved sperm morphology, motility, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial function by 14.3%, 14.3% and 11.7%, respectively, when compared to the control group. Camellia oil at a concentration of 1.5% (v/v) showed the lowest level of MDA (18.3 ± 2.1 µmol/L) compared to the other groups.ConclusionsIn conclusion, adding 1.5% (v/v) camellia oil in the freezing extender reduced the oxidative damage associated with cryopreservation and resulted in a higher post-thawed sperm quality.

Research Progress in Modifications, Bioactivities, and Applications of Medicine and Food Homologous Plant Starch.

Starchy foods are an essential part of people's daily diet. Starch is the primary substance used by plants to store carbohydrates, and it is the primary source of energy for humans and animals. In China, a variety of plants, including edible medicinal plants, such as Pueraria root, yam tuber and coix seed, are rich in starch. However, limited by their inherent properties, kudzu starch and other starches are not suitable for the modern food industry. Natural starch is frequently altered by physical, chemical, or biological means to give it superior qualities to natural starch as it frequently cannot satisfy the demands of industrial manufacturing. Therefore, the deep processing market of modified starch and its products has a great potential. This paper reviews the modification methods which can provide excellent functional, rheological, and processing characteristics for these starches that can be used to improve the physical and chemical properties, texture properties, and edible qualities. This will provide a comprehensive reference for the modification and application of starch from medicinal and edible plants.