Weight Loss Values Research Articles

In Vitro Comparative of the Cutting Efficiency and Smear Layer of Ceramic Burs, Conventional Tungsten Carbide Burs and Diamond Stone

Purpose: To compare the cutting efficiency and the smear layer of three different types of burs ceramic, tungsten carbide and diamond stone. Materials and Methods:135 mica-based glass ceramics (Vita blocs Mark II) blocks were used to valuate cutting efficiency by weight loss method. Five points from each type of burs: Cera Bur (komet, Brasseler, Germany): K59, Tungsten Carbide tapered Bur (komet, Brasseler, Germany): H2 010 and diamond points (komet, Brasseler, Germany): 957AM 314 010, were used for cutting procedures. Each bur had made 30 seconds duration cut, each bur was used three times. Cutting was performed under standardized protocol using a specially designed machine for this purpose. Twelve unerupted human third molars were used to obtain Dentin slabs. Cutting was performed using the same protocol and the smear layer created was observed by means of scanning electron microscope. Results: The values of weight loss were: 0.18 ± 0.08 gm, 0.40 ± 0.07 and 0.50 ± 0.07 gm for each bur respectively. Less dense smear layer was observed with the Cera Bur when compared to the tungsten carbide and diamond burs. Conclusion: The new tapered fissure ceramic bur can be considered a promising tool for minimally dentistry, while providing a minimal reduction of the sound, hard tooth substance.

Analysis of the results of microscopy of semi-finished meat products cooked by the sous-vide method

The culinary products readiness is largely determined by organoleptic characteristics. Culinary processing can both improve and degrade the quality of products. Prolonged cooking increases the weight loss and nutritional value of the product. These losses are less while using the sous-vide technology, however, there are limitations in its use, which determines the relevance of the research, including morphological ones. The analysis of morphometric changes was carried out at two temperatures: 70 and 100 ⁰С. Samples of beef meat were removed out of the cooking medium every 15 minutes and the structure of muscle fibers was studied by microscopy. Visible transverse slit-like disturbances and fragmentation of the muscle fiber were observed sous-vide meat cooked, 25-30 minutes later than in meat at 100 ⁰С. The work noted that the sarcoplasm of the muscle fiber is more susceptible to high temperatures. Its decrease was observed, while cooking, which affects the volume of muscle fiber, lower their hydrophilicity and, as a result, increases the rigidity of the finished product. The following meat structure softening and the increase in organoleptic parameters is associated with the destruction of the muscle fiber, its fragmentation. Sous-vide meat is less of destruction, which helps the meat retain moisture - thus keeping it juicy. Analysis of the muscle fiber destruction at 100 °C showed the presence of numerous breaks, defragmentation and graininess and, as a result, more loss of sarcoplasm after 3 hours of cooking, which was not observed in the sous vide samples during the same time. This fact provides a partial explanation for the preservation of meat juiciness during long-term vacuum cooking at 70 °C.

Synthesis and Characterization of Multicolor Luminescent and Thermally Stable Thioureas and Polythioamides.

Two new polythioamides were prepared through the polycondensation reaction between thiourea monomers and terephthaloyl dichloride, while the thiourea monomers were synthesized by the interaction of aromatic (4,4'-diaminophenylsulfone) or alicyclic (1,2-cyclohexanediamine) diamine with ammonium thiocyanate. The elemental composition of polythioamides was confirmed through CHN microanalysis. The structure and properties of thiourea monomers and polythioamides were determined through proton NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, fluorescence, TGA/DTA and SEM. The polythioamides indicated high thermal stabilities which were assessed from their Tmax (temperature indicating highest rate of weight loss) values (670 °C and 346 °C) observed in their DTG graphs. The thioureas and polythioamides were fluorescent and showed multicolor (violet, green, yellow, orange and red) emissions at different excitation wavelengths. All the synthesized compounds were also tested for their antifungal and antibacterial functions and showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Influence of water absorption track and pre‐drying treatment on the long‐term hydrothermal aging behavior of recycled jute fabric‐reinforced composites

AbstractCorrosion resistance and durability are always considered in the safety design of composite materials. In this study, recycled jute woven fabrics from coffee bags were used to fabricate jute/unsaturated polyester composites. The effect of water absorption and pre‐drying treatment on the long‐term hydrothermal aging behavior of the prepared composites, as well as the aging mechanism, was discussed. The hydrothermal aging test was performed at a fixed temperature of 80°C for specified conditioning times of 24, 120, 240, 480, and 720 h. Weight gain and weight loss values were recorded and compared. The mechanical properties were evaluated using a three‐point bending test and observations of the fracture area. The results showed similar water uptake and flexural behaviors between the composites with different pre‐drying treatments, especially after long‐term hydrothermal aging. It was also found that the moisture diffusion of the composite followed a Fickian process, and the flexural properties of the bending specimens at every position reduced with the aging time and initially decreased rapidly during the first 24 h of aging. In particular, the reduction rate in flexural properties generally followed the sequence of NO.1 > NO.2 > NO.6 > NO.5. Additionally, the aging mechanism study revealed three steps for the composites during the water absorption process. The inclusion of jute fiber as a composite material in this research provides insight into the water‐absorption mechanism of jute fabric‐reinforced polymer composite (JFRP).Highlights Recycled jute fabric‐reinforced composites were produced using jute fabrics obtained from recycled coffee bags. The effect of the water absorption track and pre‐drying treatment on the long‐term hydrothermal aging behavior of recycled jute fiber‐reinforced composite and its aging mechanism is discussed. The clarification of the aging mechanism indicates that there are three steps involved in the water absorption process. Considering jute fiber as a composite could help explain the water‐absorbing mechanism of JFRP.

Efficacy of a modified FRAIL scale in predicting the peri-operative outcome of hepatectomy in older adults (aged ≥ 75 years): a model development study

BackgroundThe FRAIL scale for evaluating frailty consists of five items: fatigue, resistance, aerobic, illness, and loss of weight. However, it is difficult to obtain a specific weight loss value. Since the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) is simple, accurate, and easy to perform, we replaced weight loss with the TUGT in the FRAIL scale, with the remaining four items unchanged, and named it the FRAIT scale. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the FRAIT scale in predicting the peri-operative outcome of hepatectomy.MethodsThis model development study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2021. The reliability, validity and area under the curve (AUC) of the FRAIL/FRAIT scales were calculated. The frailty status of patients aged ≥ 75 years who underwent hepatectomy was measured using the FRAIL/FRAIT scales. Logistic regression was used to compare the relationship between FRAIL/FRAIT scores/grades and perioperative outcomes.ResultsThe AUCs for predicting operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death based on the FRAIL score were 0.692, 0.740, 0.709, and 0.733, respectively, and those based on the FRAIT score were 0.700, 0.745, 0.708, and 0.724, respectively. The AUCs for predicting operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death based on the FRAIL grade were 0.693, 0.735, 0.695, and 0.755, respectively, and those based on the FRAIT grades were 0.700, 0.758, 0.699, and 0.750, respectively. The FRAIL score has three effective predictors (intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death), while the FRAIT score has four effective predictors (operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and death). The FRAIL grade has two effective predictors (intraoperative bleeding and death), while the FRAIT grade has three effective predictors (operation duration, intraoperative bleeding, and death).ConclusionsThis study describes a new and more effective tool for the assessment of preoperative frailty in older adults undergoing hepatectomy. The items of the FRAIT scale are easier to obtain than those of the FRAIL scale, and the predictive effect of the FRAIT scale is stronger than that of the FRAIL scale.

Investigation and optimization of In-Vitro behaviour of Perovskite barium titanate as a scaffold and protective coatings

The piezoelectric effect is widely known to have a significant physiological function in bone development, remodeling, and fracture repair. As a well-known piezoelectric material, barium titanate is particularly appealing as a scaffold layer to improve bone tissue engineering applications. Currently, the chemical bath deposition method is used to prepare green synthesized barium titanate coatings to improve mechanical and biological characteristics. Molarity of the solutions, an essential parameter in chemical synthesis, is changed at room temperature (0.1–1.2 Molar) to prepare coatings. The XRD spectra for as deposited coatings indicate amorphous behavior, while polycrystalline nature of coatings is observed after annealing (300 °C). Coatings prepared with solutions of relatively low molarities, i.e. from 0.1 to 0.8 M, exhibit mixed tetragonal – cubic phases. However, the tetragonal phase of Perovskite barium titanate is observed using solution molarities of 1.0 M and 1.2 M. Relatively high value of transmission, i.e. ∼80%, is observed for the coatings prepared with high molarities. Band gap of annealed coatings varies between 3.47 and 3.70 eV. For 1.2 M sample, the maximum spontaneous polarization (Ps) is 0.327x10−3 (μC/cm2) and the residual polarization (Pr) is 0.072x10−3 (μC/cm2). For 1.2M solution, a high hardness value (1510 HV) is recorded, with a fracture toughness of 28.80 MPam−1/2. Low values of weight loss, after dipping the coatings in simulated body fluid, is observed. The antibacterial activity of BaTiO3 is tested against E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. Drug encapsulation capability is also tested for different time intervals. As a result, CBD-based coatings are a promising nominee for use as scaffold and protective coatings.

Optimization of leaching parameters for the extraction of copper from hematite-dominated copper ore using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The optimization of recovery of copper from Akiri hematite-dominated copper ore using hydrometallurgy was investigated in this study. The Akiri copper ore deposit hosts a high-grade copper mineral from which copper metal can be extracted. However, the ore is dominated by gangue minerals that need to be mechanically reduced for efficient copper recovery. The purpose of this study is to optimize the extraction of the metal from hematite-dominated copper ore. The experiments that were carried out in the course of this study include crushing, pulverization,mineralogical and chemical characterizations of the sample and sulpheric acid leaching. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the system parameters namely;temperature, concentration of the leachant and contact time so that an efficient method will be developed for the extraction of copper.Chalcopyrite, covellite and cuprite are the copper minerals while the gangues minerals were quartz ,mica, hematite,etc.on the characterization of the copper ore. The major oxides in the ore are hematite ,copper oxide and silica and revealed that the ore contains 4.61% copper and 65.8% iron. Effect of three independent factors like concentration ,temperature and contact time for copper extraction from the hematite-dominated copper ore was studied.Central composite design method was applied to the proposed quadratic model that connect the factors used for best copper extraction at the best process condition. The work shows that concentration of the acid was the best efficient factor for copper extraction compare to temperature and contact time. This may be as a result of high value of F-statistics for the concentration of the leachant, which effects to high level of copper extraction.Experimental and predicted values for weight loss from the copper ore were obtained as 39.10% and 39.03% at optimum conditions, respectively. The optimum conditions of 1.5M acid concentration, 90oC reaction temperature and 90minutes contact time were obtained and from which 6.64%Cu at recovery of 92.0% and 2.31%Fe was obtained without stirring. Also, the ore was subjected to leaching with stirring at 400rpm with the optimum conditions obtained to know the effect. The grade obtained was 7.84% Cu at recovery of 83.51% and iron content 5.47%. This shows that leaching without stirring is the best option against leaching with stirring to extract the copper and to reduce the iron and other gangues contents in the copper ore.The activation energies were estimated as 13.20kJ/mol and 22.67kJ/mol for liquid film diffusion and diffusion product layer respectively, the values indicate that the leaching rate is controlled by diffusion process.

Analysis of the Application of Fire Protective Composition for Wooden Structures

In construction, coniferous wood is usually used as load-bearing and enclosing structures. Wood is characterized by the ability to ignite and spread combustion when heated in air. Wooden building structures pose a fire hazard, since with an initial impulse of external thermal energy, ignition is possible. In addition, when a fire occurs in buildings and structures where wood is located, a number of dangerous fire factors arise: flames, sparks, heat flow, toxic combustion products, extremely low oxygen concentrations, decreased visibility due to smoke. In this regard, it becomes relevant to treat wood with special compounds that increase resistance to fire. The authors examined the fire hazardous properties of building structures made of wood, analyzed the fire retardant treatment of wooden structures with a special composition; examined the fire hazardous properties of building structures made of wood, the mechanism of pyrolysis, and the effect of fire retardant treatment on the behavior of wood when exposed to fire. The use of fire retardant significantly affected the pyrolysis processes of the samples. The information obtained during the study made it possible to assess the degree of differences in the values of the average weight loss of samples treated with different fire retardants. Samples using a fire retardant composition have a shallower charring depth. Damage associated with thermal exposure is fundamentally different from untreated samples. Treated and impregnated samples exhibit rapid weight loss. This is due to the fact that in treated and impregnated samples, when exposed to high temperatures in the oven, the reactions of dehydration and cross-linking of cellulose molecules are accelerated.

Ultra-low thermal conductivity and hydrophobic properties of high entropy β-type quaternary pyrosilicate

To raise the operating temperature of Si-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), thermal/environmental barrier coating (T/EBCs) materials, typically rare earth silicates are applied. However, the high thermal conductivity of each single silicate possible coating option and the mismatch of thermal expansion present a significant barrier in the development of novel materials to offer thermal insulation and environmental protection to CMCs. The entropy engineering is used to create a multicomponent equi-atomic single-phase pyro silicate with extremely low thermal conductivity and enhanced water vapor corrosion resistance at 1300 °C in 90% H2O and 10% O2 environment, specifically (Yb0.25Er0.25Tm0.25Sc0.25)2Si2O7. X-ray diffraction patterns confirms monophase formation and the thermal parameters such as specific heat capacity, thermal expansion and thermal diffusivity were determined and microstructures were described using scanning electron microscopy before and after water vapor corrosion. The ultra-low thermal conductivity of high entropy disilicates 0.90 W/m.°C at 1000 °C and very low value of weight loss 0.0014 g/cm2 is observed after 150 h corrosion time which is not reported before for even single or multicomponent high entropy rare earth disilicates.

Pengaruh Arang Aktif Bidara dalam Menunda Kematangan Buah Klimakterik Tomat (Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is classified as a climacteric fruit that is easily damaged, especially during the storage and shipping process, so proper postharvest management is needed. Postharvest management of climacteric fruit can be overcome by inhibiting the process of respiration and transpiration using activated charcoal. Activated charcoal works by absorbing ethylene gas during the respiration process. This study aims to analyze the use of bidara activated charcoal variations as an inhibitor of tomato ripeness and to examine changes in fruit quality during the 10day storage. The research used One Way Anova analysis with one factor of variation of activated charcoal with control treatment, 1gr, 3gr, and 5gr. Parameters tested were weight loss, Total Soluble Solid, and vitamin C. The use of bidara activated charcoal on tomatoes got the best results in the 5gr treatment with a weight loss value of 0.46%, 0.10 obrix total dissolved solids, and 18.93% vitamin C. Bidara activated charcoal had an effect on weight loss and total soluble solids but had no effect on vitamin C content. Bidara wood activated charcoal can be developed into an absorbent material for tomatoes.

Investigation of the tribological properties of POM and UHMWPE radial journal bearings made with different surface quality

Journal bearings are essential machine elements that are widely used in the bearing of rotating or oscillating machine parts. Many studies in the literature examine the tribological properties of journal bearings. Most of these studies focus on polymer journal bearings and testing the tribological performances of different bearing materials with the same surface quality. In this article, radial journal bearings produced from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material and polyoxymethylene (POM) material in two different surface qualities in the range of N7–N8 and N10–N11 were tested under different load and different speed scenarios and their tribological performances and relationship of this performance between material and surface roughness were investigated. For this purpose, first of all, bearing samples were designed and manufactured. All samples’ tribological and physical properties before the tests were measured, and then tests were carried out according to the determined scenarios. Different loads, different speeds, and different sliding distances were used in the scenarios. As a result, 96 tests were carried out by testing each situation three times in eight scenarios, with two different surface qualities from two different materials. In the tests, the friction coefficient, temperature, and weight loss values of all samples were measured, and after the tests, surface roughness measurements and SEM analyses were made. As a result, all the data obtained from the tests and measuring devices were compared with the pre-test conditions and material and surface quality. The results obtained from the comparisons and the evaluations of tribological performance are discussed in the conclusion part. The study results show that the material and the surface quality significantly affect the tribological performance.

Biodegradable Spoon Based on Glycerol and Cassava Starch with The Addition of Sugar Cane Pulp

Biodegradable Spoon is an environmentally friendly spoon-based product made from cassava starch, glycerol, and sugarcane. The research aims to determine the influence of the addition of sugar cane to biodegradable spoon characteristics. This research uses a completely randomized design (RAL) with 1 factor that is the variation of the addition of sugarcane. Each treatment is 3 times repeated and 2 observations. The results showed that the addition of sugarcane affects the value of water content, solubility as well as biodegradability of the spoon. The moisture content of ingredients ranges between 3.78-2.16%. The time of solubility in biodegradable spoon water is increasing with the highest time being 79 hours 50 minutes. The value of biodegradability of the highest spoon in the treatment of adding a 0% cane pulp with a value of weight loss of 52.92%, but on the other hand the increase of sugarcane is added the value of biodegradation increased.

Non‐destructive monitoring of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L) quality changes during storage using NIR spectroscopy

SummaryStoring asparagus under controlled conditions is crucial to preserve its freshness and quality after harvest. However, there may be changes in firmness and weight. This study aimed to evaluate surface changes of green asparagus using near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy during storage at 2, 10 and 15 °C for 12 days. Weight loss, firmness and NIR absorbance in 900–1700 nm were measured. The results showed that the storage temperature and time had a significant influence on the weight loss and firmness values. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) with first derivative spectral pre‐treatment performed well and achieved an average accuracy of 86.6% in cross‐validation. Furthermore, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model accurately predicted weight loss (RCV2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 1.04%) and firmness (RCV2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 1.89 N). Therefore, NIR spectroscopy was efficient in monitoring asparagus quality changes during storage at different temperatures and durations.

Revealing the effect of humic substance compounds on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of humic substance compounds (humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA)) on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs). Results showed that HA promoted degree of PE-MPs photodegradation with a higher value of weight loss and oxygen atom and lower average particle size (110 μm), compared with the presence of FA during 15 days of irradiation. Likewise, the needle trap microextraction (HS-NTME) combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that HA and FA promoted a variety of oxygen-containing products (carboxyl acid, phenols and ketones) and siloxanes additives released from photodegradation of PE-MPs. Moreover, HA was found to have a higher ability to generate free radicals (▪OH and O2–) than FA, which accelerated the photooxidation of PE-MPs and led to the different mechanisms of photodegradation pathway of PE-MPs. These findings not only shed light on how humic substances affect photodegradation process of MPs, but also support further investigation into the possible hazard of MPs when co-existing compounds exist in the aqueous system.

A Comparative Evaluation of Enamel Wear Against Different Surface Finished Ceramics: An In Vitro Study.

An essential factor in the clinical acceptability of all ceramic restorations is the degree of tooth enamel wear. Wear of human enamel has been shown to produce traumatic occlusion, loss of vertical dimension, supra eruption of opposing teeth, periodontal disintegration, and temporomandibular dysfunction. To assess and compare enamel wear against two different ceramics (IPS Empress and Zirconia) and against three different ceramic surface treatments (autoglazed, overglazed, and polished). Zirconia and IPS Empress (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) ceramic samples totaled 30, of which 10 each underwent glaze, overglaze, or polishing with Diaglaze polishing paste. Using a horizontal pin on the disc machine, 60 mounted premolar tooth samples were produced and put through wear tests against ceramic discs. Prior to and following wear, the weight of the tooth samples was measured, and the results were then statistically analyzed using the student t-test, unpaired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The qualitative data employed proportions, and the quantitative data used mean and standard deviation to express statistical information. The threshold of significance was set at 5% (α = 0.05). The results for weight loss after 25,000 cycles for ceramic surfaces that had been overglazed were just a little bit greater than those for ceramic surfaces that had been autoglazed and polished. In each of the various subgroups, it was shown that the weight loss values obtained with polished ceramic after 25,000 cycles were significantly lower than those obtained with autoglazed and overglazed ceramic surfaces (P=0.001). When comparing the results produced by the two separate primary groups, IPS Empress and Zirconia, there was no statistically significant difference between the autoglazed, overglazed, and polished groups. While statistically significant difference was seen for each subgroup of IPS and Zirconia (p ≤ 0.01), particularly Zirconia glazed (1.227) with a highly significant p-value of 0.00. The findings contribute to the understanding of the potential clinical implications of different ceramic materials and surface finishes in restorative dentistry, offering valuable insights for practitioners in their treatment decisions. Further research and clinical observations may be needed to corroborate these findings and guide evidence-based practices in dental restorations.

The effect of calcium chloride and sodium benzoate on CPO quality of oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as a source of food and biofuels

Palm oil yields are often of low quality and quantity. Production quality improvement can be done by preventing damaged or defective products, for example by spraying a solution of calcium chloride and sodium benzoate. This research aimed to determine the effect of calcium chloride and sodium benzoate on the quality of crude palm oil. The research was done at the Fundamentals of Agricultural Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Malikussaleh University, North Aceh Regency. The research was started from September to November 2021. The experimental design used was Factorial Completely Randomized Design. The first factor was Calcium Chloride (C) concentration, 0, 3000, and 4000 ppm. The second factors were Sodium Benzoate (N) concentration, 0, 3000, and 4000 ppm. The results showed that giving a concentration of 3000 ppm sodium benzoate spray was able to reduce the weight loss value of loose fruit and free fatty acids, as well as increase the yield of CPO. There was a very strong relationship between the value of the moisture of the fruit and the level of impurities on the yield produced. For best results it is recommended to use sodium chloride 3000 ppm.

Hyaluronic acid/cellulose acetate polymeric mixture containing binary metal oxide nano-hybrid as low biodegradable wound dressing

Wound dressing from a polymeric mixture of cellulose acetate (CA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) embedded with copper oxide (CuO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a scaffold was successfully fabricated. Several methods, including X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), contact angle, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite samples. The data obtained from XRD showed that pure HA with diffraction peaks at 2θ = 20.8°, 46.7°, and 63.2° that assigned to the semi-crystalline nature of HA. At the same time, the XRD pattern of the CuO@CA nanocomposites revealed the presence of a sharp crystalline peak at 2θ = 36°, representing the presence of the CuO nanomaterial. In addition, the typical cubic MgO peaks in the MgO@CA showed the pattern at 2θ = 43.1° and 62.5°. Furthermore, the diffraction pattern of CuO/MgO@HA/CA film shows strong crystallinity since its diffraction peaks are stated at 2θ = 8.8°, 13.01°, 29.6°, and 53.5° which represents CuO nanoparticles and the polycrystalline cubic structure of MgO nanoparticles exhibit several peaks at 2θ = 29.4°, 31°, 38.7°, 42.2°, and 63°. FTIR spectra of CuO/MgO@HA/CA displayed bands at 657 cm−1 and 843 cm−1 which correspond to the broadening vibration mode for the Mg-O-Mg and the existence of Mg-O vibrations, while the single band for CuO was shown at 1556 cm−1. SEM analysis revealed that the nanoparticles of copper oxide and magnesium oxide are evenly distributed throughout the polymer mass with the clean surface of the polymer with the appearance of nanoparticles with rough size and distribution in regions of varied densities by adding binary metal oxide nanoparticles (CuO/MgO@HA/CA). Furthermore, swelling rate percent, contact angle, and degradation behavior studies showed that the swelling rate percent of the polymer mixture film decreased when adding nanometal oxide. Contact angle was increased by incorporating the metal oxide nanoparticles in the polymeric mixture structure. Moreover, the degradation behavior of prepared samples showed lower rates of deterioration and the sample containing a mixture of metal oxide nanoparticles (CuO/MgO@HA/CA) exhibits a lower weight loss value when compared to HA, HA/CA, and CA samples. Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were used in in-vitro cytotoxicity tests. CuO/MgO@HA/CA sample treatment on cells suggests a non-cytotoxic impact, in contrast to the MTT test, which yields cell viability values of between 70% and 80% (72 h).

Study on the effect of acetate ions on the sealing treatment for anodic oxide film of 6063 aluminum alloy

In this paper, alkaline earth metal acetate was used to seal the anodic oxide film (AOF) to reveal the effect of acetate on the sealing process. In order to compare the effects of different anions, the same alkaline earth metal sulfate and hydrochloride were also investigated. The surface adsorbability, wettability, morphology, composition and corrosion resistance of the films were characterized by ink dyeing test, SEM, EDS, weight loss test and electrochemical measurements. The results showed that the alkali earth metal acetate had a great sealing effect with its weight loss value below 30 mg·dm−2, while the AOF sealed by alkali earth metal sulfate and hydrochloride had a much higher weight loss value. The ink dyeing test indicated that the ink residue on the acetate sealed samples was significantly less than that on the sulfate and hydrochloride sealed samples. And it was found that the addition of interfering ions did not have a great impact on the surface morphology of the sealed AOF. Moreover, the addition of interfering ions could significantly reduce the corrosion resistance of the sealed AOF, the icorr increased from 0.30 μA·cm−2 to 0.53 and 0.49 μA·cm−2 respectively. XPS analysis indicated that the sealed AOF treated by Mg(Ac)2 was mainly composed of Al2O3, Al(OH)3, AlOOH, Mg(OH)2 and MgxOy. Based on these results, a preliminary analysis of the sealing mechanism of acetates was carried out.

Postharvest application of Aloe vera gel and thymol enhances shelf-life of duke cherries via altering physiochemical parameters

BackgroundDuke cherry is a non-climacteric fruit but deteriorates quickly during storage due to thin pericarp and succulent fruit tissue. The application of edible coatings, essential oils, or their combination is an appropriate technique to maintain the quality characteristics and reduce the deterioration of fruits during storage. This research assessed the effect of Aloe vera gel (AVG), thymol, and their combined use on the physicochemical and qualitative properties of duke cherries kept at 5 °C and 80% relative humidity for 28 d.ResultsCompared to the uncoated fruits, duke cherries coated with a combination of AVG and thymol, showed more values of firmness (12.76–100.32%), total phenol (9.99–45.09%), antioxidant activity (7.90–84.56%), and sensory scores(50.15–100.00%), as well as the activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) (12.03–185.11%) and catalase (CAT) (10.20–243.66%) enzymes during cold storage. Moreover, duke cherries coated with a combination of AVG and thymol had remarkably lower values of weight loss (32.57–42.67%), respiration rate (34.96–49.78%), stem browning (24.50–50.53%), spoilage percentage (84.55–100%), anthocyanin (14.21–23.16%), and total soluble solids/titratable acidity (TSS/TA) (35.64–50.15%), as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (16.66–32.35%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (15.23–31.05%).ConclusionThe application of AVG and thymol, particularly their combination, can have a high practical potential to extend shelf-life and preserve the quality of duke cherries during cold storage. This treatment has various advantages including natural, edible, cost-effective, and efficient.Graphical

Durability Behaviours of Engineered Cementitious Composites Blended with Carbon Nanotubes against Sulphate and Acid Attacks by Applying RSM Modelling and Optimization

Chemical deterioration, including sulphate and acid attacks, is a major issue affecting the long-term durability of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) constructions that contact water from various sources, including groundwater, seawater, sewer water, and drinking water. This research enhances ECCs’ strength and resilience against chemical attack by combining cementitious composites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre volume fractions using multiobjective optimization. The central composite design (CCD) of RSM was applied to generate thirteen mixes of different potential combinations of factors (multiwalled CNTs: 0.05% to 0.08%, PVA: 1–2%) and eight outcome responses were studied, although eight response models—six quadratic and two linear—were successfully designed and assessed using analysis of variance. The coefficients associated with R2 for all the models were exceptionally high, with values varying from 84 to 99 percent. The multiobjective optimization predicted the best outcomes and developed optimal values for both variables (CNTs: 0.05% and PVA: 1%). The results showed that, at 0.05% of CNTs in ECCs, an ultimate improvement of 23% in compressive strength was seen. Additionally, when CNTs are used to grow in the ECC matrix, the expansion owing to sulphate resistance and length change due to acid attack are both reduced. In addition, when the percentage of CNTs increases in ECCs, the weight loss and pH value owing to acid attack, as well as the rate of chloride permeability test results, are reduced. Furthermore, CNTs and PVA fibres with 0.05% and 1–1.5% concentrations offer optimal construction sector outcomes.