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Phytochemical Characterization of Cleome droserifolia Biomass and its Application as in vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, and Anti-Yeast Agents
No full textThis study investigated the anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-yeast, and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract of Cleome droserifolia shoot (CDE). Thirteen phenolic compounds were shown in the CDE ethanolic extract using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with rutin and syringic acid being the predominant components. Rutin and syringic acid were found at elevated levels of 15,900 and 5320 µg//g of extract, respectively, in association with CDE. Additionally, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and vanillin were quantified at 1150, 987, 2830, and 1425 µg/g of extract, respectively. The ethanolic extract of CDE exhibited detrimental impacts on the species of pathogenic yeast. The CDE demonstrated scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl to visualize an antioxidant action with IC50 8.95±1.023 µg/mL. CDE inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 to document its anti-inflammatory potential with IC50 12.91±0.5a µg/mL and 21.63±0.8 µg/mL, respectively. CDE inhibited amylase activity as a marker of diabetic management with IC50 of 14.93±1.87µg/mL. The pathogenic yeasts including C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata were suppressed by CDE with inhibition zones 25±0.2, 20±0.1, and 25±0.1 mm, respectively. The findings suggest the utilization of CDE for the management of numerous health issues
Ecological Reinforcement of Cementitious Mortars with Jute Fibres: Effects on Mechanical Performance
No full textIn recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of plant fibers in the construction sector. These fibers can represent an alternative to traditional fibers used in building materials, such as polypropylene fibers. Sustainable development requires materials that are environmentally friendly, i.e., natural and recyclable. Therefore, the aim of this article was to examine the mechanical performance (compressive and flexural strength) and properties of cementitious mortars reinforced with small-scale jute fibers. The jute fibers used in this work were pre-treated with demineralized water and cut into small sizes with a maximum length of 5 mm to eliminate the use of superplasticizers to make the mix homogeneous. The results obtained showed that mortars reinforced with 0.5% plant fibers had higher tensile and compressive strength than ordinary mortars. Furthermore, whatever the percentage, the fibers retained the interior temperature during cool periods, which could help reduce the power consumption of home air-conditioning systems. Therefore, the introduction of fibers saves cement, admixture, and water for each percentage. These results point to a promising future for the use of plant fibers in cementitious materials
Suppression of NF κB p65 and STAT3 by Melicope pteleifolia Extract Mitigates Ovalbumin Driven Allergic Rhinitis in Mice
No full textAllergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, characterized by epithelial barrier disruption, immune cell infiltration, and cytokine imbalance. This study evaluated the bioactivity of Melicope pteleifolia ethanolic extract (MP) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of AR. Mice sensitized and challenged with OVA were treated orally with MP (50, 100, or 150 mg/kg, b.w.) or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, b.w.). MP significantly and dose-dependently alleviated nasal symptoms, with the highest dose achieving effects comparable to dexamethasone. Nasal lavage fluid analysis revealed reductions in eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and epithelial cells, while histological examination showed restoration of nasal-associated lymphoid tissue and septal mucosa. On the molecular level, MP suppressed NF-κB-p65 and IκBα phosphorylation, inhibited STAT3 signaling, downregulated Th17/Th2-associated markers (RORc, IL-17A, IL-5, IL-13, IL-6), and enhanced anti-inflammatory and Th1 cytokines (IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12). Collectively, these results demonstrate the broad anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating potential of MP, highlighting its value as a promising non-steroidal candidate for AR therapy. While the present work primarily establishes pharmacological bioactivity, these insights may also provide a scientific foundation for exploring Melicope pteleifolia in future biomaterial-based biomedical applications
Effects of Wastepaper Pulp and Its Level on The Properties of Particleboard
No full textThe effects of waste pulp fiber on the mechanical, physical, and technological properties of particleboard were investigated. For this purpose, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6% were added to the middle layer of the chip blank. As an adhesive, 7% urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin was used in the middle layer and 12% in the top layer, in proportion to the dry chip weight. Chip blanks were pressed in a hydraulic press at 195 ± 5 °C, 30 kg/cm² pressure, and for 300 s, whereby test samples with dimensions of 550 x 550 x 19 mm3 and a density of 630 kg/m³ were produced. The 3% waste pulp fiber utilization provided optimum values, such as 7.3% and 27.2% improvements in bending strength and elastic modulus, respectively. However, 6.6% and 9.7% increases in thickness swelling (24 h) and water absorption (24 h) were observed. Moreover, there was a 24.6% increase in formaldehyde emissions. According to the results, it can be said that waste paper pulp fiber could be an alternative to wood raw material in particleboard production at low levels of addition
Carboxymethyl Chitosan Aerogels Reinforced with TEMPO-oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers for Efficient Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions in Aqueous Media
No full textA reinforced composite aerogel composed of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was synthesized via chemical crosslinking with epichlorohydrin (EH) for the efficient removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The CMCS, a chitosan derivative, was successfully prepared through a simple chemical reaction with a degree of substitution of 1.96. The incorporation of CNFs imparted enhanced mechanical stability to the aerogel matrix and increased the surface area, whereas carboxymethyl cellulose contributed functional carboxyl groups that facilitated efficient metal ion adsorption. In addition, crosslinking with EH significantly improved the structural integrity and water stability of the aerogels, rendering them suitable for application in aqueous environments. The composite aerogels exhibited a porous structure and good adsorption of lead ions (Pb2+) in water with a removal percentage of 98%. Upon the addition of 1 wt% CNF loading, the compression strength of the composite aerogels was enhanced 42% compared with the samples without CNF loading. The adsorption kinetics showed a high correlation with the pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.99). The good structural stability and water absorption of the prepared CMCS aerogels make them an ideal candidate for eco-friendly heavy metal-ion treatment
Enhanced Mechanical and Acoustic Performance of Layered Metal-Mesh Eucalyptus Multi-ply Structures
No full textThe mechanical and acoustic performances of five-layer eucalyptus plywood reinforced with copper and stainless steel meshes were studied, focusing on the effects of mesh type, layer count, and mesh size. Experimental results demonstrated that incorporating metal mesh significantly enhanced both mechanical properties and acoustic vibration characteristics. The mechanical performance peaked at two-layer reinforcement configurations, with static elastic modulus values reaching 8,570 MPa (copper) and 9,100 MPa (steel), while mesh size exhibited negligible influence. Acoustic metrics, including acoustic conversion efficiency (ACE) and specific dynamic elastic modulus (Esp), also achieved optimal values in two-layer composites, with copper outperforming steel (e.g., ACE: 248 vs. 213). Notably, copper composites exhibited superior vibrational energy retention, with a minimum loss tangent of 0.0259, compared to 0.0246 for steel. The findings highlight that layer count, rather than mesh size or type, dominated performance optimization. Two-layer configurations balanced interfacial stress distribution and bonding efficiency, yielding the highest mechanical and acoustic outputs. These metal-reinforced composites offer sustainable alternatives to traditional tonewoods reducing reliance on endangered species while enabling cost-effective utilization of low-grade timber. Their enhanced acoustic-mechanical synergy positions them as promising materials for musical instruments, home audio systems. This work provides actionable insights for eco-friendly material design in industrial and musical applications
The Influence of Azotobacter on the Growth and Mercury Content of Water Spinach Grown in Mine Tailings
No full textGrowing food crops in gold mine tailings is limited by low nitrogen and mercury contamination. Little is known about the responses of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica L.) to nitrogen-fixing bacteria biofertilizer. This study aimed to analyze changes in growth media properties, growth, biomass of water spinach, and mercury in both tailings-based growth media and intact plants following the application of the nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter. A liquid inoculum of Azotobacter was analyzed before the experiment. A greenhouse experiment was arranged in a randomized block design to evaluate three inoculant concentrations. Acidity and electrical conductivity of the inoculant were 7.95 and 1.74 mS/cm, respectively, while the Azotobacter count was 9.18 on a log scale. Introducing 5% and 10% inoculants increased microbial counts, total nitrogen, and acidity of the growth media, as well as shoot growth and biomass, but did not affect root length. Azotobacter did not affect mercury levels in the soil but increased mercury accumulation in intact plants. Mercury levels in soil and plants remained higher than the maximum threshold value. While soil pH and nitrogen levels showed a positive correlation with plant growth, mercury concentration in the soil exhibited a significant negative correlation. Because of high mercury accumulation, the water spinach was not safe for cultivation.
Research on Age-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Design Based on the Kano-QFD-FBS Model
No full textIn home-based elder care, kitchen cabinets serve a critical function in the daily lives of older adults. However, most cabinets currently available in the Chinese furniture market are designed for young and middle-aged users, neglecting the specific requirements of the elderly population. To improve user satisfaction with age-friendly kitchen cabinet products, this study proposed a conceptual design method based on the Kano-QFD-FBS integration model. First, customer requirements were identified through behavioral observation and in-depth interviews, then systematically categorized and prioritized using the Kano model. Subsequently, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was employed to translate customer requirements into actionable design requirements. Finally, the seven key design elements derived from this process were incorporated into the Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) model to determine the product’s structural components. This integrated approach enables a precise mapping from customer requirements to design elements, facilitating the development of age-friendly kitchen cabinet concepts. The study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the Kano-QFD-FBS model in age-friendly design research, providing valuable guidance and innovative perspectives for age-friendly kitchen design in China
Thailand Ranat Xylophone: Analysis of the Musical Scale System
No full textThe ranat ek belongs to the percussion family. It consists of wooden bars suspended by cords above a boat-shaped trough resonator and is played with two mallets. Serving as the principal instrument in the Thai Piphat ensemble, the ranat ek holds both musical and cultural significance in traditional Thai performance. This study examined its acoustic and tuning characteristics using modern signal analysis tools to contribute to audio preservation and future instrument design. The sound signals were recorded in real time using a PicoScope 3000. The notes identified for bars 1 to 17 ranged from C5 to E7. Grouped by octaves, octave 5 includes C5-A♯5, octave 6 includes C6-B6, and octave 7 includes C7-E7. The analysis revealed a non-tempered, heptatonic tuning system distinct from the Western equal temperament scale, reflecting the ranat ek’s unique cultural tuning identity. The note distribution across octaves confirmed a scale structure emphasizing natural harmonic overtones rather than fixed semitone intervals. These findings establish a scientific foundation for digital sound preservation and provide baseline data for AI-assisted sound modeling and immersive AR/VR applications in cultural heritage reconstruction. The study suggests that the collected data could inform sustainable instrument design using plant-based materials, supporting both cultural continuity and ecological innovation
Biomass to Biocrude: A Brief Review of Catalytic Liquefaction
No full textBiomass energy is the largest source of renewable energy, accounting for approximately 55% of global renewable energy consumption. Therefore, it holds great importance for the efficient utilization of biomass. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has been demonstrated to convert biomass into liquid biofuels, with physicochemical properties comparable to conventional crude oil. Because moisture content is a key factor in choosing the best conversion method, HTL is especially well-suited for fresh biomass, which usually contains a substantial amount of moisture. This comprehensive review examines the research progress in biomass hydrothermal liquefaction, focusing on biomass types, liquefaction parameters, reactor configurations, and catalyst types, with particular emphasis on a comparative analysis of catalytic mechanisms. This study provides a structured framework for selecting optimal conversion processes by linking biomass types, parameters, reactors, and catalysts. Future research should prioritize the development of cost-efficient bifunctional catalysts and optimization of continuous reaction systems with respect to heat and mass transfer efficiency, and integration design of catalysts, while also aiming to minimize byproduct handling costs