8639 research outputs found
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Sustainable two-step polyelectrolyte complex for flame retardant nylon-cotton fabric
No full textBlended nylon-cotton (NYCO) fabric is frequently used due to its unique combination of comfort and strength, but it suffers from high flammability. Flame-retardant NYCO is created by applying a simple two-step process of an eco-friendly, water-based polyelectrolyte complex consisting of egg white proteins (EWP), pectin (P), and guanidine phosphate (GP). The addition of GP to the EWP/P system facilitates charge screening of the P macromolecule, allowing a sufficient coating to form and impart flame-retardant properties to the fabric. The NYCO fabric coated with a positively charged 4% EWP solution at pH 3 and a negatively charged 1% P + 20% GP solution at pH 3 exhibits self-extinguishing behavior during vertical flame testing and retains mechanical properties similar to those of the uncoated fabric. This coating modifies the thermal degradation behavior of NYCO by promoting the formation of an intumescent charred layer that protects the fabric from further decomposition. As a result, the coated fabric shows 10.8% residue at 700 °C in air and 29.2% in nitrogen, which is significantly higher than the uncoated fabric, which retains only 2.5% residue in air and 10.4% in nitrogen. Additionally, the coated fabric releases 32.6% less heat and exhibits a 37.9% reduction in fire growth capacity. This simple and completely bio-based coating provides an effective and benign way to protect this important class of textiles from fire
A universal mathematical model for forward osmosis systems coupled with experimental validation
No full textA novel transport model for Forward Osmosis (FO) systems is introduced in this paper that integrates thermodynamic property models, thus enabling comprehensive computations of multicomponent interactions within the solution. This is because, traditional approaches that rely solely on the solution-diffusion theories have consistently shown limitations in accurately predicting feed mixture behaviors, especially in membrane separation systems that involve the presence of dissolved ions. This transport model offers a practical solution that is straightforward to apply and can seamlessly integrate with pre-existing thermodynamic property models. Through experimentation on a laboratory FO testing system, the efficacy of the model was tested with experimental data. The results demonstrate a high level of agreement between the model's predictions and the observed outcomes. As such, the presented model can be used as a reliable tool for modeling FO processes
Hydroxyapatite Dental Inserts for Tooth Restoration: Stress and Displacement Analysis
No full textHydroxyapatite (HAP) inserts minimize restoration contraction by constituting a major part of the restoration; however, their effect on the relaxation of tooth tissues has not been previously tested. Finite element analysis was employed to estimate stress and displacement when HAP inserts with a thickness of 1.7 mm or 4.7 mm and a diameter of 4.7 mm were used to substitute for dentin. The volumetric contraction of the composite during polymerization, simulated through steady-state heat transfer analysis, yielded a contraction rate of 3.7%. Descriptive statistics revealed that the incorporation of HAP inserts reduced the displacement of dentin, enamel, and restoration caused by contraction by 44.4% to 66.7%, while maximal stress was reduced by 8.1% to 52%. Subsequent loading on the occlusal tooth surface showed that displacement values decreased by 12.1% to 33.3%, while maximum von Mises stress in enamel decreased by 32.8% to 40.6% with the use of HAP inserts. Although the maximum stress values in dentin were not significantly decreased (3% to 8.8%), the stress located at the bottom of the cavity was notably reduced, particularly in deep cavities at root canal entrances. The use of HAP inserts in restorative dentistry provides benefits for the preservation of prepared teeth, especially in preventing irreparable vertical root fractures of endodontically treated teeth
Sustainable Solutions for Pollutants Removal with a Hybrid Multifunctional Adsorbent Based on Recycled Expanded Glass
No full textThe removal of the As(V) and Iprodione fungicide onto EGS@APTES-GT, obtained by amino-modified expanded glass spheres (EGS) modified with goethite, was
studied in this work. Material characterization was performed using SEM/EDS, XRD,
and FTIR techniques. The adsorption capacities of 51.01 and 94.28 mg g−1
, for As(V) and
Iprodione removal at 25 ◦C, respectively, were achieved. A kinetic study indicated lower
intraparticle diffusional transport resistance. Physisorption is the dominant mechanism for
Iprodione removal, while surface complexation is for As(V). The disposal of effluent water
after five adsorption–desorption cycles was attained through Iprodione photocatalytic
degradation and arsenate precipitation. Exhausted EGS@APTES-GT, processed by goethite
acidic dissolution and grinding, was used as a reinforcing filler in composites production
based on commercial unsaturated polyester resin (UPe). An improvement in the mechanical properties was observed, with a gradual increase in the tensile strength, reaching a
maximum of 25.9% for UPe with 10 wt.% of ground exhausted adsorbent compared to pure
UPe. The overarching concept is defined by the aspiration to develop technologies that
address all output flows of advanced processes. Thus, the combination of wastewater treatment technologies and the production of potentially marketable composites successfully
achieved both a low environmental impact and the implementation of a circular economy
Microbubble Plasma-Assisted Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biogas Generation
No full textThe utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass for energy production has gained significant attention in recent years as a strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve renewable energy and net-zero targets. However, the recalcitrance of lignin in biomass hinders the effectiveness of biomethane production from anaerobic digestion, necessitating pretreatment. This study investigates the impact of a novel microbubble plasma-assisted pretreatment on structural changes in lignocellulosic biomass (maize, wheat, and rice husk) with subsequent biomethane generation. Pretreatment conditions, including durations of 1 h and 3 h under neutral, acidic (pH 3), and alkaline (pH 9) environments, were systematically investigated. Comprehensive material characterisation of untreated and pretreated material using ATR-FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XRD indicated physicochemical changes in the biomass structure, where ATR-FTIR detected lignin disruption, SEM revealed surface morphology changes, and XRD revealed minor crystallinity changes. The potential of pretreated material to generate biogas was tested using the standard BMP test. Maize pretreated in tap water for 1 h resulted in the highest biomethane yield improvement of 18% among the tested conditions. Conversely, for longer pretreatment durations of 3 h, the formation of inhibitory compounds resulted in reduced yields. Wheat and rice husk pretreated in tap water for 1 h also increased yields, but only slightly, by 5% and 7%, respectively. This study emphasises the need to optimise pretreatment duration and conditions to balance lignin breakdown and inhibitor formation and illustrates the potential of microbubble plasma-assisted pretreatment for improving Anaerobic Digestion (AD) efficiency
Output-Normalized Score (OnS) for Ranking Researchers Based on Number of Publications, Citations, Coauthors, and Author Position
No full textThis article discusses current methods for ranking researchers and proposes a new metric, the output-normalized score (OnS), which considers the number of publications, citations, coauthors, and the author’s position within each publication. The proposed OnS offers a balanced approach to evaluating a researcher’s scientific contributions while addressing the limitations of widely used metrics such as the h-index and its modifications. It favors publications with fewer coauthors while giving significant weight to both the author’s position in the publication and the total number of citations
The application of laccase-rich extract of spent mushroom substrates for removing lignin from jute fabric waste: a dual management approach
No full textSpent mushroom substrate (SMS) represents a growing waste from the mushroom cultivation sector due to increased popularity worldwide. SMS is rich in lignocellulolytic enzymes, allowing it to be recycled. Further, these enzymes can be applied to the sustainable use of natural fibers like jute, which need lengthy and expensive chemical processing methods. The study explored the dual sustainable management of two waste materials, SMS and jute fabric. SMS was examined as a source of lignin-degrading enzyme laccase to delignify jute and allow it to be processed sustainably. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to simultaneously optimize the extraction of laccase from various mushroom species SMS. Temperature, time of extraction, and pH were the independent variables evaluated in RSM. The most active enzyme was laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus SMS (P-SMS). RMS-based optimization of extraction enabled 1.47-fold increase in laccase activity. P-SMS laccase was partially purified, and its activity’s optimal conditions (pH and temperature) were assessed. Jute fabric was treated with the extracted laccase under mild conditions (40˚C and pH 4.5), enabling the removal of 61.1% of the lignin, providing a softer and lighter appearance with an improvement in the wetting time confirmed by ATR-FTIR and polarized light microscopy. This work demonstrated the applicability of SMS-derived laccase extraction, using mild conditions to delignify jute fabric waste in an environmentally friendly way, thus creating a sustainable chain of waste processing steps
Intestinal Microbiota Modulation by Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
No full textNumerous factors are involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which are responsible for its development and progression as an independent entity, but also thanks to their simultaneous action. This is explained by the hypothesis of multiple parallel hits. These factors are insulin resistance, lipid metabolism alteration, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cytokine liberation, gut microbiota dysbiosis or gut–liver axis activation. This is a systematic review which has an aim to show the connection between intestinal microbiota and the role of its disbalance in the development of NAFLD. The gut microbiota is made from a wide spectrum of microorganisms that has a systemic impact on human health, with a well-documented role in digestion, energy metabolism, the stimulation of the immune system, synthesis of essential nutrients, etc. It has been shown that dysbiosis is associated with all three stages of chronic liver disease. Thus, the modulation of the gut microbiota has attracted research interest as a novel therapeutic approach for the management of NAFLD patients. The modification of microbiota can be achieved by substantial diet modification and the application of probiotics or prebiotics, while the most radical effects are observed by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Given the results of FMT in the context of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and NAFLD in animal models and scarce pilot studies on humans, FMT seems to be a promising treatment option that could reverse intestinal dysbiosis and thereby influence the course of NAFLD
Current State and Advances in Antimicrobial Strategies for Burn Wound Dressings: From Metal-Based Antimicrobials and Natural Bioactive Agents to Future Perspectives
No full textBurn wounds represent a complex clinical challenge, primarily due to their high susceptibility to infections and the frequent formation of the biofilm, which significantly hinder the healing process. Therefore, effective infection prevention and management are critical components of burn wound care. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging antimicrobial strategies in burn management, with a particular focus on alternative approaches to conventional antiseptics and antibiotics. This manuscript highlights the role of metals and metal-based agents, including silver, zinc oxide, and copper compounds, alongside plant-derived bioactive substances such as aloe vera, marigold, and turmeric. Additionally, the potential of antimicrobial peptides and probiotics as innovative therapeutic options is explored, emphasizing their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-healing properties. Finally, this review presents an analysis of recent patents in the field of burn wound care, offering insights into current trends and future directions in the development of advanced wound dressings. By addressing both established and novel strategies, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and innovators seeking to improve outcomes in burn wound management
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Extract Modulates the Gut Microbiota Composition and Activity in the TIM-2 In Vitro Model of the Colon
No full textPhenolic compounds, abundantly found in medicinal herbs, may promote health by modulating the gut microbiota. Yarrow is a traditional remedy for digestive and non-gastrointestinal diseases with unexplored interaction with gut microbes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yarrow extract and a phenolic mixture comprising apigenin, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids on the gut microbiota using the TIM-2 in vitro system. The TIM-2 units were inoculated with fecal samples from healthy individuals and supplemented with test substrates for 72 h. Microbiota composition was assessed by V3-V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while organic acid production was evaluated by GC-MS. The yarrow extract stimulated probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus, and other abundant and symbiotic gut inhabitants, including Eggerthellaceae, Christensenellaceae, Butyricicoccaceae, and the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group. The phenolic mixture exerted milder effects on gut microbiota by enhancing the growth of Eggerthellaceae and Collinsella. Looking at the microbial activity, the production of SCFAs, specifically acetic and propionic acids, was increased in the yarrow group. The obtained results highlight the importance of yarrow phenolics in maintaining microbiota balance. The yarrow extract and specific phenolics may modulate the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of SCFA producers and stimulating SCFA synthesis