Weight Percentage Research Articles

DEFINE: A Prospective, Randomized, Phase 4 Trial to Assess a Protease Inhibitor-based Regimen Switch Strategy to Manage Integrase Inhibitor-related Weight Gain.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI)-based antiretroviral therapies have been associated with greater weight gain in people living with HIV versus on protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens. The DEFINE study investigated whether switching from an InSTI- to a PI-based regimen could mitigate/reverse weight gain. DEFINE (NCT04442737) was a randomized, 48-week, open-label, prospective, phase 4 study in virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 and ≥10% weight gain on InSTI+tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/emtricitabine (FTC) (<36 months pre-screening). Participants either switched immediately to darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/TAF (D/C/F/TAF) or continued InSTI+TAF/FTC during Weeks 0-24 then switched to D/C/F/TAF for Weeks 24-48. The primary endpoint was least squares (LS) mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) percent weight change from baseline to Week 24. Overall, 103 adults were randomized (D/C/F/TAF, n=53; InSTI+TAF/FTC, n=50); 30% female; 61% Black/African American. No significant difference in weight change was observed at Week 24 (LS mean change: D/C/F/TAF, 0.63% [95%CI: -0.44, 1.70] vs InSTI+TAF/FTC, -0.24% [-1.35, 0.87]; p=0.24); however, a trend towards weight loss was observed with extended time post-ARV switch to D/C/F/TAF (baseline to Week 48, -0.36% [-1.77, 1.06]), particularly in subgroups at higher weight gain risk (eg, females, Black/African Americans). Metabolic endpoints paralleled weight change over time. D/C/F/TAF was well tolerated, with comparable virologic efficacy between arms. While no significant change in body weight was observed at 24 weeks after switching from InSTI+TAF/FTC to D/C/F/TAF among adults with weight gain, a trend towards weight loss emerged with longer time post-ARV switch, supporting further investigation of antiretroviral selection/switch for weight management.

Activating agent-driven hierarchical nano-porous structure in mustard oil-derived carbon soot for supercapacitive application.

In the present paper, activated nano-carbon soot is derived from atmospheric flame combustion of thymol-mustard oil followed by activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to produce micro- and mesoporous interiors. Different forms of activated nano-carbon soot are produced by using different weight percentage ratios 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 of precursor carbon soot (CS) to KOH and named CS11, CS13, and CS15, respectively. An increase in specific surface area and average pore volume is observed with an increase in the amount of KOH with the hierarchical network having balanced micropores as well as mesopores in CS15. The electrochemical performance of prepared activated nano-carbon soot is further investigated by the fabrication of a symmetric electric double-layer solid-state supercapacitor (SC) device utilizing a 6M KOH electrolyte. The CS15-based device displays the highest specific capacitance (Csp) of 226.20 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g with energy density (Ed) 31.42 Wh/kg at a power density (Pd) of 250 W/kg. The Csp, Ed, and Pd are found to be higher than activated nano-carbon soot reported in the literature. Further, three-coin cells are fabricated using CS15 which are tested in series combination with yellow light emitting diode (LED) and are found to be able to glow LED for ~ 5min 25s.

4D printing of the ferrite permanent magnet BaFe12O19 and its intelligent shape memory effect

4D printing of the barium ferrite permanent magnets provides new opportunities for intelligent structure and process innovation of permanent magnets. In this paper, the preparation, filament manufacture, and intelligent printing methods with shape memory/recovery effect are studied for the barium ferrite permanent magnet. Firstly, the PLA/TPU/BaFe12O19 composite materials are developed by adding different contents of ferrite permanent magnet BaFe12O19 powders into the PLA/TPU (polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix. The weight percentage of the BaFe12O19 is 10–40 wt% with an interval of 10 wt%. Secondly, the composites are pelletized and further extruded to manufacture composite filaments with different BaFe12O19 contents. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used for the microstructural analysis. The BaFe12O19 particles are uniformly distributed in the PLA/TPU matrix, and the slight particle agglomeration phenomenon occurs in the composite filaments with 30 and 40 wt% BaFe12O19. The thermal properties of PLA/TPU/BaFe12O19 composite filaments are analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). After adding the barium ferrite particles, the glass transition temperature of the composite filaments changes within a small range from 53.5 °C to 55 °C. Thirdly, the filaments are successfully manufactured to magnet parts by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing for the tests of mechanical, magnetic, and shape recovery properties. With the increase of the barium ferrite content, the magnetic properties show a rising trend, proving the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to make magnets. The shape memory effects of the printed parts are excellent and the shape recovery ratios show a rising trend, from 85.6 % to 88.9 % under heat contact stimulus and from 88.9 % to 97.8 % under electromagnetic induction non-contact stimulus. Relatively, the parts hold fast response speed due to direct contact with the heat source under the heat stimulus, and the parts hold higher shape recovery ratios due to more heats produced under the electromagnetic induction stimulus. The addition of magnetic particles is helpful to improve the heat transfer ability and provide the possibility of non-contact heat transfer. The magnetic parts with complex structure and intelligent shape memory/recovery effect can be achieved for special application requirements. As a result, the research of this paper expands preparation methods of new magnetic composite materials, explores the manufacture process for intelligent magnets and lays a solid foundation for the development of new permanent magnet devices.

Microwave absorption performance of La1.5Sr0.5NiO4/SrFe12O19 composites with thin matching thickness

The global focus on electromagnetic interference and pollution is undeniable. To counter these challenges, high-performance microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs), typically composed of dielectric and magnetic components, offer effective solutions by ensuring favorable impedance matching. Leveraging these MAMs has proven beneficial across various sectors, including 5G technology, information security, energy harvesting, diminished radar cross-section, and advancements in military applications. We successfully synthesized composites of La1.5Sr0.5NiO4 (LSNO) and SrFe12O19 (SrM) composites through ball milling and heat treatment. With the escalation of SrM weight percentage in the composites, noticeable alteration in structural, morphological, and static magnetic characteristics was ensured.Moreover, the amalgamation of these components bolstered the EM properties, consequently yielding exceptional microwave absorption capabilities in the composites. The composites with 40, 60, and 80 wt% of SrM (named S4, S6, and S8) exhibited excellent microwave absorption performance with an absorption rate of over 99.9 % for a thin thickness. The S4 and S8 composites attained reflection loss (RL) values of −34.75 dB and −36.93 dB, with 2.0 and 1.6 mm thicknesses, respectively. Meanwhile, the S6 composite achieved an RL value of −44.24 dB with a thickness of 1.9 mm. These composites' outstanding microwave absorption performance can be attributed to their significant magnetic loss, remarkable dielectric loss, and synergistic effects.

Modifying the Ambient Light Spectrum Using LED Lamps Alters the Phenolic Profile of Hydroponically Grown Greenhouse Lettuce Plants without Affecting Their Agronomic Characteristics.

The growth and development of green lettuce plants can be modulated by the prevailing light conditions around them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ambient light enrichment with different LED light spectra on agronomic characteristics, polyphenol concentration and relative gene expression of enzymes associated with polyphenol formation in 'Levistro' lettuce grown hydroponically in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system for 28 days in a greenhouse. The spectra (blue:green:red:far-red) and red:blue (R:B) ratios obtained by enriching ambient light with Blue (B), White (W), Blue-Red (BR) and Red (R) LED light were B: 47:22:21:10, 0.5:1; W: 30:38:23:9, 0.8:1; BR: 33:15:44:8, 1.3:1 and R: 16:16:60:8, 3.8:1, respectively, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under the different treatments, measured at midday, ranged from 328 to 336 µmoles m-2 s-1. The resulting daily light integral (DLI) was between 9.1 and 9.6 mol m-2 day-1. The photoperiod for all enrichment treatments was 12 h of light. The control was ambient greenhouse light (25:30:30:15; R:B = 1.2:1; PAR = 702 µmoles m-2 s-1; DLI = 16.9 mol m-2 day-1; photoperiod = 14.2 h of light). Fresh weight (FW) and dried weight percentage (DWP) were similar among the enrichment treatments and the control. The leaf number increased significantly under BR and R compared to B lights. The relative index of chlorophyll concentration (RIC) increased as plants grew and was similar among the enrichment treatments and the control. On the other hand, the concentration of chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid increased under BR and B lights, which was consistent with the higher relative expression of the coumarate 3-hydroxylase enzyme gene. In view of the results, it is inferred that half of the PAR or DLI is sufficient to achieve normal growth and development of 'Levistro' lettuce plants, suggesting a more efficient use of light energy under the light enrichment treatments. On the other hand, the blue and combined blue-red lights promoted the accumulation of phenolic compounds in the leaves of 'Levistro' lettuce plants.

Development and performance evaluation of medical radiation-reducing creams using eco-friendly radiation-shielding composites

To ensure the safety of medical personnel in healthcare organizations, radiation-shielding materials like protective clothing are used to protect against low-dose radiation, such as scattered rays. The extremities, particularly the hands, are the most exposed to radiation. New materials that can be directly coated onto the skin would be more cost-effective, efficient, and convenient than gloves. We developed protective creams using eco-friendly shielding materials, including barium sulfate, bismuth oxide, and ytterbium oxide, to avoid harmful effects of heavy metals like lead, and tested their skin-protective effects. Particularly, the radiation-shielding effect of ytterbium oxide was compared with that of the other materials. As shielding material dispersion and layer thickness greatly affect the efficacy of radiation-shielding creams, we assessed dispersion in terms of the weight percentage (wt%). The effective radiation energy was reduced by 20% with a 1.0-mm increase in cream thickness. Ytterbium oxide had a higher radiation-shielding rate than the other two materials. A 28% difference in protective effect was observed with varying wt%, and the 45 wt% cream at 63.4 keV radiation achieved a 61.3% reduction rate. Higher content led to a more stable incident energy-reducing effect. In conclusion, ytterbium oxide shows potential as a radiation-shielding material for creams.

One-Year Weight Reduction With Semaglutide or Liraglutide in Clinical Practice

Limited data are available on long-term weight loss achieved with semaglutide or liraglutide for type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity in clinical practice. To document weight loss achieved with injectable forms of semaglutide or liraglutide and identify factors associated with weight reduction of 10% or greater at 1 year. This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records from a large, integrated health system in Ohio and Florida. Participants included adults with a body mass index (calculated as the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) of at least 30.0 who initiated treatment with semaglutide or liraglutide between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2022. Follow-up was completed July 28, 2023. Injectable forms of semaglutide or liraglutide approved for T2D or obesity. Percentage weight change and categorical weight reduction of 10% or greater at 1 year. A total of 3389 patients (mean [SD] age, 50.4 [12.2] years; 1835 [54.7%] female) were identified. Of these, 1341 patients received semaglutide for T2D; 1444, liraglutide for T2D; 227, liraglutide for obesity; and 377, semaglutide for obesity. Mean (SD) percentage weight change at 1 year was -5.1% (7.8%) with semaglutide vs -2.2% (6.4%) with liraglutide (P < .001); -3.2% (6.8%) for T2D as a treatment indication vs -5.9% (9.0%) for obesity (P < .001); and -5.5% (7.5%) with persistent medication coverage (ie, a cumulative gap of less than 90 days) at 1 year vs -2.8% (7.0%) with 90 to 275 medication coverage days and -1.8% (6.7%) with fewer than 90 medication coverage days (P < .001). In the multivariable model, semaglutide vs liraglutide (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.19 [95% CI, 1.77-2.72]), obesity as a treatment indication vs T2D (AOR, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.83-3.30]), persistent medication coverage vs 90 medication coverage days (AOR, 3.36 [95% CI, 2.52-4.54]) or 90 to 275 medication coverage days within the first year (AOR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.10-2.06]), high dosage of the medication vs low (AOR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.11-2.25]), and female sex (AOR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.27-1.94]) were associated with achieving a 10% or greater weight reduction at year 1. In this retrospective cohort study of 3389 patients with obesity, weight reduction at 1 year was associated with the medication's active agent, its dosage, treatment indication, persistent medication coverage, and patient sex. Future research should focus on identifying the reasons for discontinuation of medication use and interventions aimed at improving long-term persistent coverage.

Structural and Electrical Studies of Polycrystalline Pr𝑥Y1−𝑥FeO3 Materials Prepared Through Sol-Gel Route

Objectives: Investigations on structural, morphological and electrical studies of Pr substituted YFeO3 samples synthesized through sol-gel route are presented in this paper. Methods: PrxY1-xFeO3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) samples are synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method. Structural characterization of the samples is done by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Electrical properties are studied by J-E and Ln J-Ln E measurements. Findings: Rietveld refined XRD structural analysis shows sharp intense peaks indicating the crystalline nature of the samples and all the samples possess distorted orthorhombic structure with space group Pbnm. FESEM analysis shows non-uniform nature of grain size with increasing porosity. EDX data confirms elemental composition, weight and atomic percentage of the prepared samples which further confirms their purity. The leakage current density increases with increase in Pr doping. The slopes of Ln J-Ln E graphs of all the samples are in the range of 1.11 to 1.51 confirming that Ohmic conduction is predominant conduction mechanism. Novelty: Investigations on the effect of Pr substitution on electrical properties of single phase YFeO3­ samples reveal that the substitution of Pr in YFeO3 decreases the ferroelectric nature of the samples. Keywords: Sol-gel method, XRD, FESEM, EDX, Electrical Properties

Enhanced morphological and thermal properties of epoxy composites reinforced with Palm and Prosopis Juliflora fibers

Abstract This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of a hybrid epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Palm and Prosopis Juliflora fibers fabricated using the hand layup technique. Three composite samples were prepared with varying weight percentages of palm and Prosopis Juliflora fiber reinforcements: 5% (Sample A), 10% (Sample B), and 15% (Sample C). Sample B having 10 weight percentage each of Palm fiber and Prosopis Juliflora fiber and 80 weight percentage of Epoxy matrix, exhibited superior performance with a tensile strength of 45.5 MPa and a hardness of 86.5 Shore D. Thermal analysis revealed Sample B’s exceptional thermal stability, with distinct decomposition stages observed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Void content analysis indicated Sample C had the lowest void content at 4.5%. Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX) Analysis confirmed homogeneous fiber distribution and strong fiber-matrix adhesion, supported by carbon and oxygen peaks. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed interactions between functional groups, including alcohols, carboxylic acids, and carbonyl compounds. These findings underscore the composite’s potential for high strength, toughness, and thermal stability applications.

Effective move of Polypyrrole/TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites on removal of methylene blue dye by photocatalytic activity

Polypyrrole (PPy) was synthesized effectively by chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole. Organic-inorganic hybrid materials PPy-TiO2 with different PPy weight percents were prepared by mechanical mixing, by using titanium oxide nanoparticles. The characterizations of PPy-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites were analyzed by FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, TGA & DSC and SEM & EDAX. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to distinguish the structure of the attained PPy-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites. UV–vis techniques are proved the polymerization of pyrrole monomer and the strong interaction between PPy and TiO2 nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA-DSC) curves revealed that TiO2 can decrease the weight loss of nanocomposite and increase the thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposites. The residual mass of the pure Pyy-36.51 %, PPy-TiO2 (25 %)-64.82 %, PPy-TiO2 (50 %)-60.82 %, PPy-TiO2 (75 %)-70.50 % and pure TiO2- 96.69 % nanocomposites at the residual temperature 497.80 °C. The morphology and molecular structure of the hybrid nanocomposite were characterized by scanning electron microscope & Energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy (SEM & EDAX). These characterization results confirmed the polymerization of pyrrole and the strong interaction between PPy and TiO2. The material with outstanding absorption capability that meet in optical application is the challenging way, thus the photocatalytic analysis of PPy-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites is merely a admissible results. It is notably the favorable degradation efficiency of pure PPy, the PPy+TiO2 (25 % 50 % & 75 %) nanocomposites are 82 %, 66 %, 67 % and 53 % respectively.

Improvement of photocatalytic ammonia production of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles utilizing microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite

The development of decarbonized synthesis approaches is a critical step in the fabrication of ammonia, an indispensable chemical and a potential carbon–neutral energy carrier. In this regard, the photocatalytic production technology has gained ample attention as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental Haber–Bosch process. Here, we present cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite as a desirable novel photocatalyst for the ammonia generation. The zeolite introduced as a microporous support increasing the catalytically active sites. A straightforward one-pot sol–gel method was used to synthesize cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and CoFe2O4/ferrisilicate (CF/FS) nanocomposites with various weight percentages (10, 25 and 50%) of CoFe2O4. The photocatalytic performances of the samples in the production of ammonia were investigated under visible light irradiation. The highest rate of NH4+ production (484.74 µmol L−1 h−1) was achieved using the CF50%/FS photocatalyst. The distribution of < 50 nm-sized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the zeolite, as demonstrated by TEM images, and extensive BET surface areas are presented as convincing evidences for the improved photocatalytic activity paticularly in CF50%/FS photocatalyst.

Analysis of mechanical properties of basalt fabric reinforced fly ash filled vinyl ester composites using multi criteria decision making technique

The current research was to examine the mechanical properties of composite material made of vinyl ester filled with fly ash of various weight percentages. Before fabrication the amount of fly ash and resin were identified by using the Multi Criteria Decision Making technique (MCDM). The best filler weight percentage of 5 wt% is determined by using Weighted Aggregate Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) which is one of the MCDM methods. The virgin samples of vinyl esters are mixed with weight of 5 wt%fly ash by incremental of 5 wt% up to 20 wt%. All the mechanical tests of the specimen were conducted as per ASTM standards. Subsequently based on the results from the WASPAS method of fly ash content, the basalt fabric was reinforced with fly ash filled vinyl ester to fabricate the hybrid composites. By the mixing of fly-ash with vinyl ester the strength of the fly ash filled composites has been found to be enhanced in the filler. The results from the mechanical testing signified that fly ash can be used as filler material in basalt fabric reinforced vinyl ester resin. The fly ash infused basalt fibre reinforced yields significant development in mechanical performance contrast to the other fabricated composites.

Study of Some Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Bio-based (PLA)/(PCL) Blend reinforced with ZrO2 Nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to produce flexible films by combining polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and enhance their strength by reinforcing them with different weight percentages (0.75, 1.5, and 2.25%) of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles (NPs) using a solvent casting process. The physical and antibacterial properties of the films were analysed to determine their suitability for use in food packaging. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the PLA/PCL films containing 2.25% by weight ZrO2 nanoparticles have a peak at an angle of 2θ = 17.18°, accompanied by smaller peaks. This confirms that these thin films have a semi-crystalline structure and that the molecules in the thin films are well dispersed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the film surfaces reveals that the pure PLA/PCL films exhibit a smooth surface, while the (PLA/PCL/ZrO2NPs) films have a rough surface. The thermal behaviour of the blends through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed fluctuations due to variations in the reinforcement ratio, resulting in changes in the glass transition and melting temperatures. These oscillations indicate changes in the level of crystallinity. ZnO2 has antibacterial properties that promote growth inhibition, making these films more effective in food packaging.

The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundExcess body weight and adiposity can adversely affect metabolic health. Prebiotics such as inulin-type fructans (ITFs) from chicory root are known to modulate gut microbiota and may improve body weight regulation. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess evidence for chicory ITF supplementation to support weight management. MethodsEligible articles (initial search to 2021, updated to February 2023) were searched from EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Cochrane Library. Data on primary (body weight) and secondary outcomes [body mass index (BMI), total fat mass, body fat percentage, and waist circumference] were extracted by 2 reviewers independently. Random-effects model using inverse-variance method was used. Subgroup analysis (health status and ITF type) and meta-regression (dose and duration) were evaluated. ResultsA total of 32 eligible studies were included. Chicory ITF significantly reduced body weight [mean difference (MD): −0.97 kg; 95% CI: −1.34, −0.59); n = 1184] compared with placebo. ITF favored overall effects reduction in BMI (MD: −0.39 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.57, −0.20; n = 985), fat mass (MD: −0.37 kg; 95% CI: −0.61, −0.13; n = 397), waist circumference (MD: −1.03 cm; 95% CI: −1.69, −0.37; n = 604), and for intervention duration of >8 wk, body fat percentage (MD: −0.78%; 95% CI: −1.17, −0.39; n = 488). Except for considerable heterogeneity in body weight (I2: 73%) and body fat percentage (I2: 75%), all other outcomes had negligible to moderate heterogeneity. Significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference was evident irrespective of participants' health status. There was minimal evidence that dose, duration, or type of ITF influenced the magnitude of reductions in outcomes. ConclusionsChicory ITF supplementation may benefit weight management by reducing body weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and, to a certain extent, body fat percentage.This systematic review with meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020184908.

Long-Term Evaluation of Lipid Profile Changes in Olympic Athletes.

Dyslipidemia is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite high level of physical activity, athletes are not immune from dyslipidemia, but longitudinal data on the variation of lipids are currently lacking. We sought to assess lipid profile changes over time in Olympic athletes practicing different sports disciplines (power, skills, endurance, and mixed). We enrolled 957 consecutive athletes evaluated from London 2012 to Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. Dyslipidemia was defined as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ≥115mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) <40mg/dl for males, or HDL <50mg/dl for females. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as triglycerides >150mg/dl. At the follow-up, a variation of ±40mg/dl for LDL, ±6mg/dl for HDL, and ±50mg/dl for triglycerides was considered relevant. Athletes with follow-up <10months or taking lower lipid agents were excluded. Follow-up was completed in 717 athletes (74.9%), with a mean duration of 55.6months. Mean age was 27.2 ± 4.8years old, 54.6% were male (n = 392). Overall, 19.8% (n = 142) athletes were dyslipidemic at both blood tests, being older, practicing nonendurance sports, and predominantly male. In 69.3% (n = 129) of those with elevated LDL at t0, altered values were confirmed at follow-up, while the same occurred in 36.5% (n = 15) with hypo-HDL and 5.3% (n = 1) in those with elevated triglycerides. Weight and fat mass percentage modifications did not affect lipid profile variation. LDL hypercholesterolemia tends to persist over time especially among male, older, and nonendurance athletes. LDL hypercholesterolemia detection in athletes should prompt early preventive intervention to reduce the risk of future development of atherosclerotic disease.

A comparison of the proto-dolomite induced by cyanobacteria and halophilic bacteria: implications for dolomite-inducing microbe identification

This study investigates the morphological and mineralogical characteristics of proto-dolomite induced by two specific microorganisms with varying lifestyles: the extremely halophilic bacterium Vibrio harveyi QPL2 and the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya boryana. Halophilic bacterially-induced proto-dolomite (HBD) and cyanobacterially-induced proto-dolomite (CBD) were subjected to comprehensive characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Focused Ion Beam, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that both HBD and CBD exhibit a low degree of crystallinity and possess comparable molar ratios of MgCO3 to CaCO3. Moreover, neither of them exhibits the ordered structure of ideal dolomite. HBD and CBD exhibit notable distinctions in external morphology and internal structure. HBD forms a subunit aggregate with a less dense surface and numerous pinhole structures resulting from bacterial survival. In contrast, CBD adopts a bispherical shape with a relatively dense surface and minimal indications of cyanobacterial survival. Both HBD and CBD have an internal hollow structure. However, HBD is characterized by sparse population and loosely arranged subunits, while CBD features only a central cavity. Additionally, HBD particles are smaller compared to CBD particles. These morphological differences suggest that HBD primarily grows through bacterial surface-dependent processes, whereas the growth of CBD is not directly reliant on the surface of cyanobacteria. Compositionally, the weight percentage of crystalline water in CBD exceeded that of HBD with a value of 29.42 % compared to 5.9 %. This increase in internal crystalline water enables a faster conversion of CBD to the ordered ideal dolomite in a specific diagenetic environment. This study implies that the morphology and composition of microbial proto-dolomite may aid in identifying the type of dolomite-inducing microbes.

Experimental investigation on the tribo-mechanical behavior of PMMA reinforced by solid lubricant filler for dental implant applications

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical and tribological behavior in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) as a solid lubricant filler for advanced biomedical applications, particularly dental implants. PMMA/GO composites were prepared with varying weight percentages of GO (0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 wt. %) to assess their impact on material performance. A noteworthy improvement in both tensile strength and Young’s modulus was detected, reaching up to 141% and 10.6%, respectively, at optimized GO loadings of 1%. Microstructural analysis utilizing scanning electron microscopy for the worn surface revealed enhanced dispersion and interfacial adhesion between GO and the PMMA matrix, reinforcing mechanical coherence. Tribological properties also demonstrated enhancement, with PMMA composites containing 1 wt. % GO exhibiting optimal mechanical and tribological characteristics compared to lower weight fractions. Moreover, microscopic examination revealed a shift in the wear mechanism of the PMMA-GO composite, which was attributed to the lower friction coefficient obtained by GO integration.

Predictive modeling of MRR, TWR, and SR in spark-EDM of Al-4.5Cu–SiC using ANN and GEP

In this study, Al-4.5Cu alloy was reinforced with varying weight percentages of SiC particles (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) to create metal matrix composites via the stir casting method. The formation of intermetallic compounds was confirmed through energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. This article compares the performance of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Gene Expression Programming (GEP) models in predicting the Metal Removal Rate (MRR), tool wear rate, and surface roughness in the die-sinking electro-discharge machining (EDM) process of the ex-situ developed Al-4.5%Cu–SiC composites. The study considers three machine parameters—pulse on time (TON), pulse off time (TOFF), and current (I)—along with the weight fraction of SiC particles as input variables for the models. Both ANN and GEP models demonstrated high predictive accuracy for the EDM performance metrics, with correlation coefficients (R) ranging from 0.973 68 to 0.980 65 for the ANN model and 0.980 11 to 0.982 59 for the GEP model. Notably, the GEP model exhibited superior predictive capability, as evidenced by its higher correlation coefficients and lower root mean square error, indicating greater effectiveness in predicting the EDM process outcomes than the ANN model.

Mechanical Performance and Corrosion Behaviour of Aluminum7075 Reinforced by Nano-Titanium dioxide

في هذه الدراسة ، تم تطبيق تقنية الصب بالتحريك (SCT) لتكوين مركب الألمنيوم (Al) النانوي مع نسب وزنية مختلفة من مسحوق ثاني أكسيد التيتانيوم النانوي (TiO2). تم فحص الخصائص البنائية ,الميكانيكية والتآكل لمتراكبات النانو. دراسة البنية المجهرية تمت عن طريق المجهر الإلكتروني الماسح (SEM) ، بينما تم الحصول على التركيب البلوري للعينات باستخدام حيود الأشعة السينية (XRD). بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، تم غمر المركبات النانوية في محلول 0.5 مولاري من حمض الهيدروكلوريك لقياسات معدل التآكل والديناميكية الفعالة. أظهرت النتائج أن أفضل عينة كانت 0.03٪ ، حيث زادت الصلابة بنسبة 23٪ ، لكن قوة الشد زادت إلى 52٪. حيث أظهرت صور SEM للعينات المعززة بالجسيمات النانوية تجانسًا وانتشارًا واضحًا للجسيمات النانوية في المصفوفة. لذلك ، فإن إضافة جزيئات TiO2 النانوية إلى معدن الألمنيوم أدى إلى تحسين صلابة وقوة الشد للمركبات النانوية بشكل ملحوظ. بالمقابل أظهرت نتائج التآكل أن المواد المركبة النانوية لديها مقاومة تآكل أعلى من المواد المركبة القائمة على Al7075.

Nexus approach: Valorising underrated lignocellulosic waste biomass through conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for thermal energy storage facilities

Abstract Converting waste to a value-added material is a fortune. At the meantime highlighting the utilization of renewable solar energy as an inconsumable energy cradle is a future prospect to overcome the energy shortage and crisis. In this regard, storing the solar energy for the use at the off-sun periods is essential. Introducing sawdust waste for thermal energy storage system is a ecological chance. Treated sawdust was mixed with the environmentally benign magnetite to be a composite and mixed with technical grade paraffin base PCM. The composite was characterized through X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy, TEM analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope, SEM (augmented with Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, EDX). Micrographs and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) exhibited that the prepared composite substance is well prepared. The sawdust is subjected to the PCM system in various mass % ranged from 0.5 to 4%. Subsequently, the thermal system outline is presented and compared. The experimental data revealed that the addition of 2.0 weight percentage of the PCM of composite material showed the superior system performance. The system is achieved a heat gained reached to 82 kJ/min in comparison to 7 kJ/min for the 2.0% WCM-PCM and pristine PCM, respectively. Thereby, the current investigation is introducing the waste sawdust as an energy storage enhancement system that could be applied in heating application systems.