Weight Percentage Research Articles

Biogenic fabrication of NiO-ZnO-CaO ternary nanocomposite using Azadirachta Indica (Neem) leaves extract with proficient photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye

In the current study, a ternary nanocomposite (NiO–ZnO–CaO) was successfully synthesized through the co-precipitation method using Azadirachta Indica (neem) leaves extract as green approach. The characterization of prepared nanocomposite was conducted using FT-IR, XRD, SEM and EDS to determine the metal oxides absorption bands, structural properties, elemental composition, and surface morphology of the nanocomposite. FT-IR analysis revealed characteristic vibrational peaks at 621, 684, and 721 cm−1, corresponding to Ni-O, Zn-O, and Ca-O bond vibrations, respectively. XRD patterns showed distinct diffraction peaks, indicative of the hexagonal structure of ZnO and the cubic structures of NiO and CaO. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of calcium, nickel, zinc, and oxygen with weight percentages of 9.2%, 14.4%, 15.1%, and 20.9%, respectively. SEM images displayed an irregular cube like morphology with noticeable clustering within the nanocomposite. The ternary nanocomposite was employed as photocatalyst and exhibited degradation efficiency (97%) against rhodamine B dye under 180 min of irradiation time. The kinetic studies of dye on the photocatalyst surface were accurately explained by a first-order kinetics model, with all R2 > 95, signifying a strong correlation between time and dye concentration. The potocatalytic degradation mechanism of ternary nanocomposite was proposed based on band positions of of NiO, ZnO and CaO forming double type II heterojunction. Furthermore, species trapping experiments employing different scavengers were carried out, revealing the active participation of OH● and O2●─ radicals in the degradation mechanism.

Dual sustainability of rGO/CuCoO2 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial insights

New growth and photocatalytic activity of CuCoO2 and rGO/CuCoO2 nanocomposites were demonstrated for model organic pollutant (dye) and antibacterial studies. The rGO/CuCoO2 nanocomposites were designed by hydrothermal technique. CuCoO2 and rGO/CuCoO2 materials were investigated and characterized by several instrumental techniques like FT-IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray diffractometer (XRD), DRS-UV Visible spectroscopy, HRTEM, FESEM analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and BET investigations. XRD confirmed the CuCoO2 cubic phase structure. It seems to have been evaluated for FT-IR and the Raman results were better than anything else that should be satisfied. Hence, Cu–O or Co-O (M−O−M) modes were confirmed peaks at 400 to 900 cm−1. We proposed CuCoO2 and rGO/CuCoO2 ((25/75), (50/50) & (75/25)) composite materials band gap energies at 2.8 eV to 2.0 eV. So, these results are also one of the benefits in the application area. A Sedum morganianum Burrito − Burro’s plant’s tail-like morphology was obtained in the pure CuCoO2 materials, and different weight percentages of rGO composites were also identified in FESEM-analysis as wood fungi, rods, and sheets-like structures. The rGO/CuCoO2 sheet-like morphology was confirmed by HRTEM measurements. The elemental composition of materials was investigated by EDX spectroscopy. We can prepare to suggest that the synthesis potential in the prepared matter is tbepensumed Bache formulation and much less explored, first-time declared phases and novelty of the synthetic designs, new morphologies, and bandgap energies. The synthesized rGO/CuCoO2 materials were achieved by 94 % Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in photocatalytic applications, in which case composites were more efficient with environment-friendly when compared to CuCoO2 nanoparticles. The role of the rGO composite can be divided into three different principles such as absorbance, charge separator, and photosensitizer. This rGO material can reflect a big absorption capacity depending on the dye to rGO, with parallelly obeyed for π-π interactions. Hence, it’s favored for catalytic improvement. Secondly, rGO degradation was improved to the charge separation and may be foiling for the recombination of electron-hole pairs. Finally, transform their wide bandgap semiconductor into the catalyst to facilitate parameters. The rGO/CuCoO2 composite materials have performed well in reusability and radical abilities. The antimicrobial activity of the CuCoO2 nanoparticle was investigated on Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus &Enterococcus faecalis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli &Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strain. As promised rGO/CuCoO2 and CuCoO2 materials were examined for better degradation activities and antibacterial activities. Antibacterial efficacy studies play a major innovative role in the present work and have not been previously published. Hence, we have selected this kind of material.

Enhanced solar desalination with photothermal hydrophobic carbon nanotube-infused PVDF membranes in air-gap membrane distillation

This work aims to increase the efficiency of the solar powered-air gap membrane distillation (SP-AGMD) process; a desalination method driven by solar energy, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to addressing global water shortages. The innovation lies in integrating photothermal hydrophobic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (h-MWCNTs), in varying weight percentages from 5 % to 60 %, into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes using the phase inversion membrane fabrication technique. The h-MWCNTs were synthesized through oxidation and functionalization with oleylamine (OL) to improve their photothermal properties. Their successful integration was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The h-MWCNTs-based SP-AGMD membranes were further evaluated for wettability, liquid entry pressure (LEP), surface temperature, and solar absorbance, demonstrating significant solar light absorption and localized surface heating. This generated the necessary driving force for the AGMD process. Performance metrics such as vapor flux, salt rejection, specific thermal energy consumption, photothermal efficiency, and temperature polarization (TP) coefficient were significantly improved, especially with a 20 % h-MWCNTs addition, which tripled the solar-energy-driven flux and increased photothermal efficiency by 326 % under standard solar conditions, compared to unmodified membranes. All h-MWCNTs-based SP-AGMD membranes achieved over 99 % salt rejection. Lastly, the membranes were tested with real seawater to confirm their applicability for desalination. This photothermal approach offers a scalable, sustainable solution for water purification, making a significant advancement in membrane distillation technology.

Impregnation Effect of Synthesized Fe3O4 Nanoparticles on the Jabon Wood’s Physical Properties

This study focused on characterizing synthetic magnetite (Fe3O4-NP) and evaluating the impregnated jabon wood’s physical properties. The co-precipitation method used for the synthesis of Fe3O4-NP, namely by mixing the iron solution (n/n Fe2+:Fe3+=1:2) with the strong base of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (MG-S) and weak base of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) (MG-W) as precursors. The impregnation stage uses parameters of a -0.5 bar vacuum for half an hour and 2 bar pressure for 2 hours with magnetite concentrations of 1; 2.5; 5% w/v in a demineralized water solvent. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) confirmed the presence of Ferrum content and Fe-O functional group in both Fe3O4-NPs produced. The Fe3O4-NP size was also measured via the X-ray diffraction analysis, namely 34.54 nm for the MG-S and 39.24 nm for the MG-W. Magnetic strength obtained was 7.51 mT for the MG-S and 8.58 mT for the MG-W. The impregnated jabon wood’s physical properties also improved with indications of an increase in wood density, weight percent gain (WPG), bulking effect (BE), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), and a decrease in water absorption (WA). The results showed the best treatments were MG-S 2.5% and MG-W 5%.

Elaboration and Experimental Characterizations of Copper-Filled Polyamide Micro-Composites for Tribological Applications

Polyamide 66 (PA66) has been used for dynamic bearing applications due to its good wear and abrasion resistance, hardness, and rigidity. PA66/copper micro-composites were studied with respect to micro-mechanical, tribological, and structural properties. A mixing step followed by injection molding was used to develop the different composites: PA66+5 wt.% Cu, PA66+10 wt.% Cu, and PA66+15 wt.% Cu. The morphological aspects of the composites were studied using scanning electron microscopy and microtomography. Good dispersion and adhesion of Cu particles across the matrix were also seen. DSC analysis showed a slight improvement in the % of crystallinity and thermal characteristics of the composites, particularly with 5 wt.% filler. Additional crystallization enhanced the tensile performance of the composites, including the modulus, elongation at break, and tensile strength. Nanoindentation tests also indicated an increase in indentation hardness and elastic modulus as a function of the filler fraction. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to study the friction and wear properties of neat PA66 and copper-filled PA66 composites. It was found that the composite with 5 weight percent copper had the best wear resistance. A progressive decrease in the friction coefficient was also seen. Copper filler increases hardness and may effectively reduce the temperature at contact interfaces during rotating cycles.

Development and wear resistivity performance of SiC and TiB2 particles reinforced novel aluminium matrix composites

The aerospace and automotive industries, in particular, rely heavily on aluminium matrix composites because of their exceptional strength-to-mass ratio and resistance to high temperatures. This study investigates the development and wear resistivity performance of Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) reinforced with SiC and TiB2 particles. The experimental work involved fabricating AMCs using Aluminium Alloy 7075 as the matrix material with varying weight percentages of SiC and TiB2 reinforcements. Tribological tests were conducted under different conditions of applied load, sliding speed, and sliding distance to analyze the wear behavior of the composites. Results revealed that higher weight percentages of reinforcement led to lower wear rates, particularly at elevated sliding speeds. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of SiC and TiB2 particles in the composites. It is observed that greater applied loads caused greater wear rates, bigger grooves, and substantial frictional heat production, demonstrating a direct relationship between load weight and wear performance. The study indicated that sticky wear management lowered wear rates at longer sliding distances not abrasive wear at shorter distances. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to optimizing the composition of multi-phase reinforced AMCs for enhanced wear resistance in various industrial applications.

A Simple Methodology to Gain Insights into the Physical and Compositional Features of Ternary and Quaternary Compounds Based on the Weight Percentages of Their Constituent Elements: A Proof of Principle Using Conventional EDX Characterizations

A Simple Methodology to Gain Insights into the Physical and Compositional Features of Ternary and Quaternary Compounds Based on the Weight Percentages of Their Constituent Elements: A Proof of Principle Using Conventional EDX Characterizations

Smear Layer Removing and Pulp Dissolving Ability of Sodium Hypochlorite Mixed with Two Etidronate-Containing Irrigants in Continuous Chelation Technique

The study aimed to assess the effect of two etidronate-containing irrigants and EDTA on the ability of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to remove the smear layer and dissolve organic tissues. This study evaluated the following solutions: distilled water, 3% NaOCl, 3% NaOCl + EDTA, and 3% NaOCl mixed with etidronate powder from two manufacturers [Dual Rinse, (DR); IsraDent, (ID)] to obtain 9%, 15%, and 18% solutions. To assess the proteolytic activity, bovine muscle tissue samples (56.1 ± 5.4 mg; n = 10 per group) were immersed in the tested solutions for 15 min. Absolute weight changes and percentages of weight changes (wt%) were calculated. To assess smear layer removal, the root canals of human wisdom teeth were instrumented, irrigated with the tested solutions (n = 10 per group), and evaluated using SEM. Statistical analysis employed an ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey test and paired t-test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with a pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum test, and the Friedman test with a pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The mean weight loss in the NaOCl group comprised 17.3 mg (32 wt%). Sequential use of NaOCl and EDTA resulted in a significant increase in proteolytic activity of the former (57 wt%), while mixing these solutions led to a reduction of proteolytic activity (17 wt%). All NaOCl/DR groups exhibited a significantly greater dissolution activity than that of NaOCl alone, with the mean weight loss ranging from 23.3 mg (40 wt%) to 24 mg (41 wt%). ID9% and ID15% significantly decreased the proteolytic activity of NaOCl. In most groups, the apical thirds of the root canals demonstrated a significantly heavier smear layer compared to the middle and coronal thirds. The most effective smear layer removal was observed after irrigation with NaOCl combined with EDTA or DR (all concentrations); however, in the NaOCl + EDTA and DR18% groups, it was accompanied by moderate to severe erosion. Irrigation with ID did not result in smear layer removal or dentin erosion. In conclusion, the smear layer removal and pulp dissolving effects of continuous chelation using etidronate were manufacturer/composition-dependent. DR9% combined with NaOCl demonstrated the most promising results.

Green Synthesis of Iron-Based Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Leaf Extracts: Characterization, Biomolecules and Indole Removal

This study investigates the synthesis of iron-based nanoparticles (Fe NPs) using pomegranate leaf extracts and their application in removing indole, a persistent organic pollutant commonly found in wastewater. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized Fe NPs and the active biomolecules in the pomegranate leaf extracts were comprehensively characterized. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed that the Fe NPs exhibited quasi-spherical shapes, with sizes ranging from 75 to 105 nm. Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed a homogeneous distribution of elements, including C, O, Fe, and S, on the nanoparticle surfaces, with weight percentages of 43.59%, 42.95%, 12.58%, and 0.88%, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified key functional groups like −OH, −COOH, and −C=O, which are essential for the capping and stabilization of the nanoparticles. Biomolecules such as ellagic acid (C14H6O8) and gallic acid (C7H6O5) functioned as reducing agents, improving nanoparticle dispersion and preventing aggregation. The synthesized Fe NPs quickly achieved 45.5% removal of indole within just 20 min and maintained a stable removal efficiency of approximately 51.4% after 90 min. This performance was attributed to the synergetic interaction between the biomolecules and the nanoparticles, with the monolayer adsorption of indole molecules on the Fe NP surfaces likely setting an upper limit on the maximum achievable removal efficiency. It appears from this study that pomegranate leaf extracts can be effectively utilized to synthesize Fe NPs as a novel and eco-friendly approach, demonstrating promising potential for the rapid removal of indole from aqueous solutions.

Development and Characterization of Novel Green Cutting Fluids with Nano-additives

In this current investigation, novel cutting fluids developed through a unique combination of food grade emulsifiers, plant based additives (EA) and nano particles (NP) as cutting fluid additives in corn oil (CO) based vegetable oil. Five dissimilar corn-based green cutting fluids (CBGC1, CBGC2, CBGC3, CBGC4, CBGC5) were prepared by varying the weight percentages (wt.%) of EAs (5, 10, 15, 20, 25) with CO, and their thermo-physical properties were meticulously analyzed. Among these formulations, CBGC2 demonstrated superior lubrication performance, making it the most promising oil for further investigation. Subsequently, the effect of different NP was investigated by adding alumina (Al2O3), graphene (Gr) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) NPs in the CBGC2 solution in the ratio of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 in weight percent (wt.%) and the experimental results reveal substantial enhancements in thermophysical properties. Among various samples, the nanofluid containing 0.8 wt.% concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles in CBGC2 exhibited the highest viscosity. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid enhanced by 24.82% when 1.2 wt.% of Gr nanoparticles added oil compared to CBGC2. Furthermore, in tribological tests, CBGC2 with 0.4% Al2O3 exhibited the lowest frictional force among the prepared cutting fluids. The contact angle reduced to a maximum extent by 11.14% for cutting fluids containing 1.2% alumina nanoparticles. These findings suggest that these innovative green cutting fluid formulations with nano-additives hold great potential for improving machining processes in various industrial applications towards sustainability.

Characterization of Graphite and ZrO2 Reinforced Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite For Enhanced Mechanical Properties in Electronics Applications

Abstract The objective of this work is to examine the wear properties of a hybrid Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) consisting of 92 weight percent (wt. %) Aluminium Alloy 6061 (AA6061), 2 wt. % Graphite (C), and 6 wt. % Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2). It was previously determined that this composition was ideal for improved metallurgical and mechanical properties. Nine specimens of the same composition were fabricated for this continuation work and put through wear tests with different applied load, sliding velocity, and sliding distance settings. To evaluate the performance of the composite, measurements were made of the wear rate and Coefficient of Friction (COF). According to the results, the wear rate typically increased as the applied load and sliding velocity increased. At the lowest load (10 N) and velocity (2 m/s), the lowest wear rate (50.90 µg) and COF (0.197) were noted. Specimens with lower wear rates had smoother surfaces and less wear, as revealed by SEM analysis of the worn surfaces; specimens with higher wear rates showed more significant surface damage, such as deeper cuts and serrations. In specimens with less wear, XRD analysis verified the presence of crystalline aluminium, indicating a strong correlation between wear resistance and the crystalline structure of the composite. Linear regression equations were created to predict wear behavior under different conditions. According to the results, the composite's wear characteristics are greatly influenced by the sliding velocity and applied load. ZrO2 and C together have lubricating and strengthening properties that, under certain circumstances, reduce wear. The composite exhibits potential for usage in electronics applications, especially in components where wear resistance and mechanical durability are critical due to its favorable wear characteristics and mechanical properties.

DORA: 48-week weight and metabolic changes in Black women with HIV, in a phase IIIb switch study from dolutegravir- or efavirenz- to doravirine-based first-line antiretroviral therapy.

Treatment-related weight gain and metabolic complications with antiretroviral integrase-based regimens, especially among Black women, suggest the need for alternative options. We conducted a 48-week, open-label, single-arm, single-centre, phase IIIb switch study to evaluate the tolerability, safety and efficacy of switching from stable efavirenz- or dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy to doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in Black women. The 101 participants enrolled (median age 35 years; interquartile range 31-40) were on efavirenz (n = 46; mean duration on therapy 1.7 years) or dolutegravir-based (n = 55; mean duration 1.5 years) antiretrovirals at screening. Retention at 48 weeks was 92/101 participants, and viral suppression was >90% throughout the study, with a single case of doravirine resistance (106 M, V108I and H221Y mutations). The mean weight percentage change at week 48 was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-6.5; p < 0.001), and the adjusted mean change was 2.7 kg (95% CI 1.50-3.98; p < 0.001); for efavirenz, the percentage change was 5.0% (95% CI 2.9-7.1; p < 0.001), and the adjusted weight gain was 3.5 kg (95% CI 1.93-5.13); for dolutegravir, the percentage change was 4.5% (95% CI 1.8-7.3; p < 0.001), and the adjusted weight gain was 2.1 kg (95% CI 0.26-3.90). Statistically significant decreases in lipid panel percent mean to week 48 included: total cholesterol -8.4% (95% CI -11.3 to -5.5; p < 0.001), triglycerides -10.4% (95% CI -16.4 to -4.4; p < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein -14.8% (95% CI -18.5 to -11.2%; p < 0.001), with minor differences when disaggregating the mean percent change in lipids between previous efavirenz/dolutegravir regimens. Adverse events due to doravirine were few and mild. Our findings suggest that a switch to doravirine from efavirenz or dolutegravir is safe and effective in Black women, with significant improvement in lipid profiles, but does not arrest progressive weight gain.

Tribological behavior of Ni-based composite coatings produced by cold spray

The current experiment examined the friction and wear characteristics of Ni-based composite coatings developed by cold spray route. In the developed coatings, fixed concentration of MoS2 (10 wt. %) and varying concentrations of Ag (5, 10, and 15 wt. %) were incorporated to evaluate the lubricating potential of reinforcing elements. The specimens were slid in various working regimes of loads (6, 11, 16, &amp; 21 N) and at a fixed sliding speed of 0.3 m/s under room temperature (RT). According to the investigation, all participating composite coatings have revealed a lower coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate as the testing load increased from 6 to 16 N, beyond which a reverse trend was recorded till 21 N. However, composite coating with 10 wt. % Ag has shown excellent tribological properties in terms of the lowest COF (0.29) as well as wear rate (4.0 × 10−5 mm3/Nm) at 16 N and 0.3 m/s. The superior tribological characteristics of the aforesaid coating have been explained and well connected to the synergistic effect of solid lubricants (Ag and MoS2) as well as the optimal weight percent of Ag in the creation of tribo layer on the wear track.

Effectiveness of High-Protein Energy-Dense Oral Supplements on Patients with Malnutrition Using Morphofunctional Assessment with AI-Assisted Muscle Ultrasonography: A Real-World One-Arm Study.

Background: User-friendly tools for assessing nutrition status and interventions in malnourished patients are crucial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a personalised nutrition intervention using a novel oral nutritional supplement and AI-supported morphofunctional assessment to monitor clinical outcomes in patients with disease-related malnutrition (DRM). Methods: This prospective observational study involved patients receiving concentrated high-protein, high-calorie ONS (cHPHC-ONS), per usual clinical practice. Comprehensive assessments were performed at baseline (B0) and three months (M3) post-intervention. Results: 65 patients participated in the study. Significant decreases were observed in the percentage weight loss from B0 (-6.75 ± 7.5%) to M3 (0.5 ± 3.48%) (p < 0.01), in the prevalence of malnutrition (B0: 93.4%; M3: 78.9%; p < 0.01), severe malnutrition (B0: 60.7%; M3: 40.3%; p < 0.01), and sarcopenia (B0: 19.4%; M3: 15.5%; p < 0.04). Muscle area increased (p = 0.03), and there were changes in the echogenicity of the rectus femoris muscle (p = 0.03) from B0 to M3. In patients aged ≥60, an increase in muscle thickness (p = 0.04), pennation angle (p = 0.02), and handgrip strength (p = 0.04) was observed. There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of malnutrition (B0: 93.4%; M3: 78.9%; p < 0.01) and severe malnutrition (B0: 60.7%; M3: 40.3%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: In patients with DRM, a personalised intervention with cHPHC-ONS significantly reduces the prevalence of malnutrition, severe malnutrition, and sarcopenia and improves muscle mass and function.

Phase equilibria in the system BaO–TiO2

AbstractThe system BaO–TiO2 is technically important because it contains multiple dielectric and ferroelectric phases, including the important BaTiO3, which is one of the most widely studied dielectric perovskites owing to its dual piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. The present work revises the subsolidus phase equilibria data by synthesizing previous phase equilibria data and new experimental results using high‐temperature (600°–1300°C) and long‐term (≤336 h) equilibration, coupled with analytical work based principally on room‐temperature X‐ray diffraction. The resultant phase diagram is given in both mole and weight percents, extending from the liquidus surface (not investigated) to absolute zero temperature (for inclusion of the previously excluded crystallographic and ferroelectric phase transformations). The major features include (1) correction of four eutectoid and three peritectoid reactions and corresponding temperatures, (2) indication of inferred partial solid solubilities, (3) clarification of the BaTiO3 solid solubility homogeneity regions, and (4) specification of some invariant point compositions on the liquidus surface.

Family functioning and the implications for adult weight management.

Strong support for family-based interventions in child and adolescent weight management exists. However, family-based interventions have not been as well documented in adult populations. Given that many adults operate within family systems that could influence their weight management behaviors, research is needed to establish possible family-level variables as intervention targets for adult weight loss programs. This study tested the relationship between family functioning (defined as support and bonding), chaos (defined as disorder in the home), and weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity participating in a behavioral weight-loss program. Participants (N = 118; baseline mean body mass index 33.8 ± 3.7; 69.5% female; 97.5% White; 67.8% with a combined annual income of $75k or above; 90.7% completed some college or above) were from a randomized controlled trial examining weight loss ripple effects (Gorin et al., 2018) in individuals assigned to either 6 months of WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or a self-guided approach. Higher family support and bonding at baseline were associated with greater percent weight loss at 6 months. Family support and bonding at baseline were associated with lower chaos in the home at 6 months. However, this was moderated by condition such that this association was significant in the WW but not the self-guided group. Results provide theoretical support that targeting family dynamics may improve weight loss outcomes in behavioral weight loss programs for adults. Future research should test whether family support, bonding, chaos, or other related variables such as family cohesion and adaptability-focused interventions improve weight loss outcomes for adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Tensile, flexural and fatigue properties of different thermoplastic nanocomposites: experimental investigation and ANN prediction of the fatigue life

ABSTRACT Polymer-based nanocomposites have received immense attention in industrial applications as their mechanical properties are superior to traditional polymer composites. In this study, three different thermoplastic polymers, namely (a) polypropylene (PP), (b) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and (c) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were used for the purpose of engineering different nanoclay-based nanocomposites. The blending of the polymer was performed by varying the nanoclay weight percentage (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) using a twin-screw extruder. The different nanocomposites were fabricated through injection moulding process. The composites were fabricated by considering the 90 bars of injection pressure, 60 mm/s of injection speed, and 25 sec of cooling time. The effect of nanoclay inclusion on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated and compared with the neat polymer. The effect of nanoclay inclusion was studied through morphological analysis of the fractured tested specimens. The tensile strength and modulus of ABS-nanoclay (5%) exhibited an enhancement of 30.95% and 35%, respectively as compared to the pure ABS. Meanwhile, the fatigue life revealed an improvement of 66.01%. The tensile strength and modulus of the ABS/nanoclay (5%) were achieved as 38.6 MPa and 1.44 GPa.

Vegetative reproduction and yield of bear garlic (&lt;i&gt;Allium ursinum&lt;/i&gt; L.) in field cultivation

Bear garlic (&lt;i&gt;Allium ursinum&lt;/i&gt; L.) and its value for human health have been known for centuries. Its leaves, flowers, and bulbs contain many health-promoting compounds, and can be essential raw materials for the production of food and dietary supplements of natural origin. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the possibility of growing bear garlic in field conditions that differed significantly from those required by this plant, using unconventional treatments: catch crops (phacelia), shade plant (turnip rape), and biopreparations (Bio-Algeen S90 and Kelpak SL). The plowing of phacelia biomass had a beneficial effect on the number of &lt;i&gt;A. ursinum&lt;/i&gt; progeny bulbs, the unit weight of bulbs and their yield per unit area, and the leaf yield not only in the first year of cultivation but also in the follow-up. Winter turnip rape applied as a shade crop caused a slight increase in the unit weight of bulbs and their yield in the first and second years of cultivation and in the number of progeny bulbs in the second and third years of cultivation. The cultivation of &lt;i&gt;A. ursinum&lt;/i&gt; with turnip rape increased the percentage of garlic root weight and leaf yield. There was a positive effect of the applied biopreparations on the studied traits of &lt;i&gt;A. ursinum&lt;/i&gt; bulb yield and leaf yield and on the formation of progeny bulbs in relation to the control object. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment showed that the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop had the most favorable effect on &lt;i&gt;A. ursinum&lt;/i&gt; progeny bulb formation, bulb unit weight, root system development, and leaf yield. In all years of the study, the worst effect was obtained in the control object, i.e., in the cultivation without the catch crop, rapeseed, and application of biopreparations.

PSX-25 Performance, carcass, wholesale, and retail cuts yield of genetically improved entire or castrated crossbred lambs fed total rations under heat stress conditions

Abstract Lamb production in tropical areas is generally conducted with native animals in extensive grazing conditions on naturalized pastures under heat stress. Strategies to enhance productivity using genetically improved intact or castrated crossbred lambs fed with total ratios (TR) need to be evaluated. The performance of intact Dorset-Criollo (n = 10, EDSC, 20.48 kg), intact Dorper-Criollo (n = 8, EDPC, 20.58 kg) and castrated Dorper-Criollo (n = 4, CDPC, 18.40 kg) lambs fed a TR during the growing-finishing phase was evaluated. The TR contained 70% concentrate and 30% grass hay and was fed at 4% of lamb body weight (DMB) until slaughter (SBW, 38 to 40kg). During the trial lambs dry matter intake was recorded daily while weekly weights were taken to determine days on feed (DOF) to reach SBW, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC). At slaughter, yields of hot (HCY) and cold (CCY) carcass, wholesale cuts (WSC) including neck (N), shoulder (SL), ribs 5-12 (RIBS), loin (LN) and leg (LG), and retail cuts (RTC) including shoulder chops (SCH), French chops (FCH), ribs (RS), back leg (BL) and shanks (SH) of lambs were determined. The WSC and RTC yield were determined as percentage of cold carcass weight. Performance data were analyzed as a randomized experimental (CRD) design over time. Carcass and cut yields data were analyzed as a CRD. LS-means were using for mean separation. Days on feed to reach SBW was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSC (107 d) and EDPC (102 d) than CDPC (123 d). The ADG was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSC (215.0 g) and EDPC (189.0 g) than CDPC (167.6 g), but FC was similar (EDSC = 5.2, EDPC = 5.8, CDPC = 6.0). HCY and CCY were similar for EDSC (44.2% and 41.7%), EDPC (45.5% and 43.2%) and CDPC (46.1% and 43.2%). For WSC, N yield was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSC (4.3%) than EDPC (3.8%) and CDPC (3.5%), but RIBS was less (18.9% vs 20.9% and 20.9%, respectively). Yields of SL, LN, and LG were similar for EDSC (31.9%, 12.5% and 33.5%), EDPC (30.7%, 12.2% and 33.9%) and CDPC (31.1%, 13.0% and 33.9%). For RTC, the yield of SCH was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in CDPC (26.6%) than EDPC (24.4%), but similar to EDSC (25.9%). FCH was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in EDSP (11.8%) than EDPC (14.4%) and CDPC (15.2%). No differences in RS (EDSC 6.5%, EDPC 6.3%, CDPC 5.5%), BL (EDSC 28.9%, EDPC 29.2%, CDPC 29.0%), and SH (EDSC 7.0%, EDPC 7.3%, CDPC 7.4%) were detected. In summary, castration decreases performance of genetically improved lambs as evidenced by longer DOF to reach SBW and lower ADG than intact animals, but did not influence carcass yield. Differences in WSC and RTC yield were observed among genetic groups and animal type.

Clinical Impact of Weight Loss During Hospitalization on Prognosis After Pancreatic Surgery.

Purpose This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between early-stage weight loss (WL) during hospitalization after pancreatic surgery and prognosis and investigate risk factors affecting WL. Methods We included 68 patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent radical surgery. The %WL value was calculated based on the percentage of body weight at discharge compared with the body weight at admission. High WL was defined as %WL >10%. We initially evaluated the association between %WL and postoperative survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. Subsequently, we analyzed the factors affecting %WL using a logistic regression model. Results In terms of overall survival (OS), the high %WL group exhibited a significantly worse prognosis than the low %WL group (p=0.043). Univariate analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 2.244 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.006-5.006; p=0.048) for high %WL in relation to overall survival. Multivariate analysis identified an operative time >450 min (odds ratio, 17.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-312.42; p=0.049) and postoperative complications (odds ratio, 12.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.01-72.79; p<0.01) as independent risk factors for high %WL. Conclusion Preventing high %WL by streamlining surgical procedures, minimizing postoperative complications, and implementing medical nutritional therapy (MNT) is imperative to improve the prognosis of patients with PDAC.