Search Results (314)

This research demonstrates the potential of plant waste cellulose as a remarkable biomaterial for multilayer tablet formulation. Rice husks (RC) and orange peels (OC) were used as cellulose sources and characterized for a comparison with commercial cellulose. The FTIR characterization shows minimal differences in their chemical components, making them equivalent for compression into tablets containing ibuprofen. TGA measurements indicate that the RC is slightly better for multilayer formulations due to its favorable degradation profile. This is corroborated by an XRD analysis that reveals its higher crystalline fraction (~55%). The use of a heat press at combined high pressures and temperatures allows the layer-by-layer tablet formulation of ibuprofen, taken as a model drug. Additionally, this study compares the release profile of three types of tablets compressed with cellulose: mixed (MIX), two-layer (BL), and three-layer (TL). The MIX tablet shows a profile like that of conventional ibuprofen tablets. Although both BL and TL tablets significantly reduce their release percentage in the first hours, the TL ones have proven to be better in the long run. In fact, formulations made of extracted cellulose sandwiching ibuprofen display a zero-order release profile and prolonged release since the drug release amounts to ~70% after 120 h. This makes the TL formulations ideal for maintaining the therapeutic effect of the drug and improving patients’ wellbeing and compliance while reducing adverse effects. Full article

A three-year optimization study was conducted at a mechanical biological treatment plant with the aim of enhancing organic fractions recovery from mechanically separated fine fractions (MSFF) of residual waste using a screw press. The study aimed to optimize key operating parameters for the employed screw press, such as pressure, liquid-to-MSFF, feeding quantity per hour, and press basket mesh size, to enhance volatile solids and biogas recovery in the generated press water for anaerobic digestion. Experiments were performed at the full-scale facility to evaluate the efficiency of screw press extraction with other pretreatment methods, like press extrusion, wet pulping, and hydrothermal treatment. The results indicated that hydrolysis of the organic fractions in MSFF was the most important factor for improving organic extraction from the MSFF to press water for fermentation. Optimal hydrolysis efficiency was achieved with a digestate and process water-to-MSFF of approximately 1000 L/ton, with a feeding rate between 8.8 and 14 tons per hour. Increasing pressure from 2.5 to 4.0 bar had minimal impact on press water properties or biogas production, regardless of the press basket size. The highest volatile solids (29%) and biogas (50%) recovery occurred at 4.0 bar pressure with a 1000 L/ton liquid-to-MSFF. Further improvements could be achieved with longer mixing times before pressing. These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of the pressing system for preparing an appropriate substrate for the fermentation process, underscoring the potential for optimizing the system. However, further research is required to assess the cost–benefit balance. Full article

An ultra-high-strength press-hardening steel (PHS) and a high-strength dual-phase steel (DP) were butt-joined by the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process, aiming to assess the effects of a high heat input welding process on the structure-property relationship and residual stress. The post-weld microstructure, the microhardness profile, the tensile behavior, and the experimentally obtained residual stresses (by x-ray diffraction) of the steels in dissimilar (PHS-DP) and similar (PHS-PHS, DP-DP) pair combinations have been analyzed. Results indicated that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the dissimilar pair PHS-DP achieves a similar strength to the DP-DP joint, whereas the elongation was similar to that of the PHS-PHS weldment. The failure location of the tensile specimens was expected and systematically observed at the tempered and softer sub-critical heat-affected zone (SC-HAZ) in all welded conditions. Compressive residual stresses were consistently observed along the weldments in all specimens; the more accentuated negative RS were measured in the PHS joint attributed to the higher volume fraction of martensite; furthermore, the negative RS measured in the fusion zone (FZ) could be well correlated to weld restraint due to the sheet anchoring during the welding procedure, despite the presence of predominant ferrite and pearlite microstructures. Full article

Mechanical–biological treatment plants face challenges in effectively separating organic fractions from residual municipal solid waste for biological treatment. This study investigates the optimization measures carried out at the Erbenschwang MBT facility, which transitioned from solely aerobic treatment to integrated anaerobic digestion using a screw press. This study focused on evaluating the efficiency of each mechanical pretreatment step by investigating the composition of the residual waste, organic fraction recovery rate, and screw press performance in recovering organic material and biogas to press water. The results showed that 92% of the organic material from the residual waste was recovered into fine fractions after shredding and trommel screening. The pressing experiments produced high-quality press water with less than 3% inert material (0.063–4 mm size). Mass balance analysis revealed that 47% of the input fresh mass was separated into press water, corresponding to 24% of the volatile solids recovered. Biogas yield tests showed that the press water had a biogas potential of 416 m³/ton VS, recovering 38% of the total biogas potential. In simple terms, the screw press produced 32 m³ of biogas per ton of mechanically separated fine fractions and 20 m³ per ton of input residual waste. This low-pressure, single-step screw press efficiently and cost-effectively prepares anaerobic digestion feedstock, making it a promising optimization for both existing and new facilities. The operational configuration of the screw press remains an underexplored area in current research. Therefore, further studies are needed to systematically evaluate key parameters such as screw press pressure (bar), liquid-to-waste (L/ton), and feed rate (ton/h). Full article

This work focuses on the use of municipal waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI) for the development and production of products suitable for use as construction products. The generation of these ashes is increasing every year due to the incineration of municipal waste. There are currently three incineration plants operating in major cities in Lithuania. The non-hazardous bottom ash remaining from the incineration process is stored in dedicated sorting and aging sites until it is used as an inert form of aggregate for the installation of road foundations. However, it has been observed that these ashes have a tendency to bind and cement when exposed to atmospheric precipitation at the storage site. Based on this characteristic, it was decided in this study to use alkaline activation of the ash to accelerate the bonding process and to create a dense, non-porous composite concrete structure. This activation method is known to create another problem during ash bonding, where the presence of metallic aluminum particles in the ash leads to the release of hydrogen gas and makes the structure of the cured samples porous. For the purposes of the study, it was decided to create a completely different mixture structure and not to use additional water in the mixtures tested. A very low water/solids ratio (W/S) of <0.08 was used for the alkaline activation of the mixtures. All the water required for ash activation was obtained from sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solution. Metakaolin waste (MKW) was used to adjust the SiO₂/Na₂O/Al₂O₃ ratio of the mixtures. Vibro-pressing was used to form and increase the density of the samples. And for the formation of the concrete structure, 0/4 fraction sand was used as aggregate. The final alkali-activated sample obtained had properties similar to those of the very widely used vibro-pressed cementitious paving tiles and did not exhibit hydrogen evolution during alkali activation due to the very low W/S ratio. The best results were achieved by samples with a highest compressive strength of 40.0 MPa and a tensile strength of 5.60 MPa, as well as a density of 1950 kg/m³. It is believed that this alkaline activation and vibro-pressing method can expand the use of MSWI ash in the development of building products. Full article

Medical research is at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges, including preventing and treating cardiovascular, autoimmune, and oncological diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and the growing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases, using advanced medical approaches and cutting-edge technologies, structure-based drug design, and personalized medicine, is critical for developing effective therapies, specifically anticancer treatments. Background/Objectives: One of the key drivers of cancer at the cellular level is the abnormal activity of protein enzymes, specifically serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues, through a process known as phosphorylation. While tyrosine kinase-mediated phosphorylation constitutes a minor fraction of total cellular phosphorylation, its dysregulation is critically linked to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Methods: Small-molecule inhibitors, such as imatinib or erlotinib, are designed to halt this process, restoring cellular equilibrium and offering targeted therapeutic approaches. However, challenges persist, including frequent drug resistance and severe side effects associated with these therapies. Nanomedicine offers a transformative potential to overcome these limitations. Results: By leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials, it is possible to achieve precise drug delivery, enhance accumulation at target sites, and improve therapeutic efficacy. Examples include nanoparticle-based delivery systems for TKIs and the combination of nanomaterials with photothermal or photodynamic therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness. Combining nanomedicine with traditional treatments holds promise and perspective for synergistic and more effective cancer management. Conclusions: This review delves into recent advances in understanding tyrosine kinase activity, the mechanisms of their inhibition, and the innovative integration of nanomedicine to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. Full article

The density of SLMed (Selective Laser Melting) Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy was improved through hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment, and the influence of HIP and solution aging on the microstructure of Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy in the as-deposited state was examined. The results indicate that following (1100 °C + 300 MPa)/3 h-HIP, the specimen densities have risen to 99.71%, porosity has markedly decreased, and internal flaws have been eradicated. Microstructural analysis reveals a significant presence of GBα₂ (GB, Grain Boundary) along grain boundaries, with GBLO + α₂ (GBL, Grain Boundary Lath; O, Orthorhombic) laths extending parallel from the grain boundaries into the intragranular region. Additionally, a limited number of cross or snowflake O + α₂ lath clusters and acicular O phases are precipitated within the B2 (B, Body-centered cubic) phase in the HIPed state, characterized by isotropic and linear grain boundaries. The GBLα₂ and GBLO exhibit two growth modes: sympathetic nucleation and interfacially unstable nucleation. During the solid solution treatment following HIP, as the solid solution temperature rises, the acicular O phase, GBLO, lath O phase, lath α_2, and GBα₂ sequentially dissolve, increasing the volume fraction of the B2 phase. After HIP, the aging microstructure is primarily characterized by the proliferation of the acicular O phase precipitated from the B2 phase and retaining the lath O phase in a solid solution. The precipitation of GBLO in the original solid solution is suppressed, and the GBLα₂ in the original solid solution partially decomposes into rimO, resulting in coarse grain size and significant internal decomposition of α₂. Following solution treatment and aging at 920 °C, the proliferation of the acicular O phase enhances ductility, resulting in ideal overall characteristics with a yield strength (YS) of 760.81 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 869.32 MPa, and elongation (EL) of 2.683%. This study demonstrates that the HIP treatment and the modification of solution aging parameters can substantially increase the density and refine the microstructure of Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy, hence enhancing its mechanical properties. Full article

As a by-product of phosphate fertilizer production, phosphogypsum (PG) poses pressing environmental challenges that demand urgent resolution. To address the research gap in dynamic impact behavior of PG-modified concrete (PGC), this study developed truss-reinforced PGC slabs (PG volumetric fractions: 0% and 2%) and evaluated their impact resistance through drop-weight tests from a 3.75 m height. A systematic parametric investigation was conducted to quantify the effects of slab thickness (100–120 mm), steel plate reinforcement at the tension zone, PG content, and impact cycles. Experimental results revealed that increasing slab thickness to 120 mm reduced mid-span displacement by 13%, while incorporating steel plate reinforcement provided an additional 5.3% reduction. Notably, PG addition effectively suppressed crack propagation, transitioning failure modes from radial fracture patterns to localized mid-span damage. Finite element modeling ABAQUS (2022) validated experimental observations, demonstrating strong agreement. While optimized PG dosage (2%) exhibited limited influence on impact resistance, it enhanced PG utilization efficiency by 18%. Combined with increased slab thickness (displacement reduction: 13%), this study establishes a design framework balancing environmental sustainability and structural reliability for impact-resistant PGC applications. Within the framework of truss-reinforced concrete slabs with constant PG dosage, this study established a numerical model for geometric parameter modulation of impactors. Through systematic adjustment of the drop hammer’s contact width (a) and vertical geometric height (h), a dimensionless control parameter—aspect ratio c = h/a (0.2 ≤ c ≤ 1.8)—was proposed. Nonlinear dynamic analysis revealed that the peak impact load demonstrates an inverse proportional functional decay relationship with increasing c, yielding an empirical predictive model. These parametrized regularities provide theoretical foundations for contact interface optimization in impact-resistant structural design. Full article

Superdeep diamonds and their syngenetic inclusions are crucial for understanding Earth’s deep carbon cycle and slab–mantle redox dynamics. The origins of these diamonds, especially their links to iron (Fe) carbides and ferropericlase with varying Mg# [=Mg/(Mg+Fe)_at], however, remain elusive. In this study, we performed high pressure–temperature (P-T) experiments (10–16 GPa and 1200–1700 K) across cold-to-warm subduction zones using a multi-anvil press. The results reveal a stepwise Fe-mediated carbonate reduction process for the formation of superdeep diamonds: MgCO₃ → Fe-carbides (Fe₃C/Fe₇C₃) → graphite/diamond. This mechanism explains two phenomena regarding superdeep diamonds: (1) anomalous ¹³C depletion results from kinetic isotope fractionation during ¹²C enrichment into the intermediate Fe-carbides; (2) nitrogen scarcity is due to Fe-carbides acting as nitrogen sinks. Ferropericlase [(Mg,Fe)O] formed during the reactions in our experiments shows Mg# variations (0.2–0.9), similar to those found in natural samples. High Mg# (>0.7) variants from lower temperature experiments indicate diamond crystallization from carbonatitic melts in the shallow lower mantle, while the broad Mg# range (0.2–0.9) from experiments at higher temperatures suggests multi-depth formation processes as found in Brazilian diamonds. These findings suggest that slab–mantle interactions produce superdeep diamonds with distinctive Fe-carbides and ferropericlase assemblages as inclusions, coupled with their ¹³C- and nitrogen-depleted signatures, which underscore thermochemical carbon cycling as a key factor in deep carbon storage and mantle mineralogy. Full article

Finite-time synchronization depends on the initial conditions of the system in question. However, the initial conditions of an actual system are often difficult to estimate or even unknown. Therefore, a more valuable and pressing problem is fixed-time synchronization (FTS). This paper addresses the issue of FTS for a specific class of fractional-order memristive fuzzy neural networks (FOMFNNs) that include both leakage and transmission delays. We have designed two distinct discontinuous control methodologies that account for these delays: a state feedback control scheme and a fractional-order adaptive control strategy. Leveraging differential inclusion theory and fractional-order differential inequalities, we derive several novel algebraic conditions that are independent of delay. These conditions ensure the FTS of drive–response FOMFNNs in the presence of leakage and transmission delays. Additionally, we provide an estimate for the upper bound of the settling time required to achieve FTS. Finally, to validate the feasibility and applicability of our theoretical findings, we present two numerical examples which are accompanied by simulations. Full article

Water contamination with plastic materials represents one of the most pressing environmental problems that the modern world is facing. In this context, the present paper aims to investigate the influence of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) released by plastic materials on the aquatic bacterial fraction and evaluate the efficiency of fluorescence spectroscopy in identifying plastic FDOM in freshwater. To this purpose, river and tap water samples were contaminated in a controlled manner in the laboratory, and the water quality parameters and bacterial occurrence for these samples were determined using standard physico-chemical characterization methods: fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and flow cytometry. The results revealed that plastic debris influenced the dissolved-particulate organic matter continuum, also affecting bacterial cell proliferation in both the river and tap samples. The study highlights that the impact of plastic FDOM on bacterial proliferation should not be taken lightly, while fluorescence spectroscopy proved to be an effective method for identifying the presence of plastic FDOM in water samples of various origins. Full article

Sacha inchi (SI) oil press-cake (SIPC), a by-product of the sacha inchi oil extraction process, represents a novel protein source with potential bioactive applications in food. In this study, a sacha inchi protein concentrate (SPC) derived from SIPC was subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) using the INFOGEST 2.0 protocol. The resulting digests were fractionated by ultrafiltration (<3, 3–10, and >10 kDa), and the bioactive properties of the peptide fractions were evaluated. In vitro α-amylase inhibition was assessed, along with immunomodulatory markers (NO, IL-6, and TNF-α), in an ex vivo RAW 264.7 cell model. Both gastric and intestinal digests exhibited significant α-amylase inhibition (20–45%), with the <3 kDa intestinal fraction showing the highest inhibition (45% at 20 mg/mL). Both gastric and intestinal <3 kDa fractions reduced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages subjected to a lipopolysaccharide challenge. HPLC-MS/MS analysis facilitated de novo sequencing of the peptide fractions, identifying 416 peptides resistant to SGID through the find-pep-seq script, which were further assessed in silico for toxicity, allergenicity, and bioavailability, revealing no significant risks and potential drug-likeness development. Molecular docking simulations of three peptides (RHWLPR, RATVSLPR, and QLSNLEQSLSDAEQR) with α-amylase and four peptides (PSPSLVWR, RHWLPR, YNLPMLR, and SDTLFFAR) with the TLR4/MD-2 complex suggesting potential roles in α-amylase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. The findings suggest that SI protein concentrates could be used in functional foods to prevent starch breakdown through α-amylase-inhibiting peptides released during digestion, reduce blood glucose, and mitigate inflammation and oxidative tissue damage. Full article

In the tire manufacturing process, rubber compounds are vulcanized in volcanic presses. The vulcanization technology is carried out at temperatures above 150 °C, i.e., at a temperature potential that causes heat losses if the containers are not sufficiently insulated. The paper describes the mathematical model developed to detect the heat fluxes from the container walls to the surroundings. The calculation is carried out strictly in the SI system. With the help of the developed model, the back-relations of heat losses through the vertical and horizontal walls of the container enclosure were obtained as a function of the thickness of the insulation without and with a radiation shield on the inside of the enclosure. Numerical modeling using the finite volume method was used to verify the results obtained. In the numerical simulation, a 2D and a 3D model were created, and the same input conditions as in the mathematical model were simulated. Using the obtained results, an energy-energy balance of the tire vulcanization technology was performed by comparing the heat loss fraction as a function of the external temperature of the container cover and as a function of the insulation thickness. Full article

The paper presents studies on the use of waste from wind turbine blades (WTBs) in the production of thermoplastic composites and regranulate-based products of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers. Composites containing two types of WTB fractions (finely milled fraction—GRm and dust fraction—GRd) were produced using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. During extrusion, different screw configurations of the plasticizing system as well as different material formulations were investigated. The studied composites contained from 10 to 70 wt% of shredded WTB, as well as up to 15 wt% of additional components, mainly those improving impact strength and processing properties. It was found that the individual WTB fractions generally deteriorate the mechanical properties of ABS. However, a composite containing 30 wt% GRm and modified with an additional 7 wt% ACM-G2 (impact modifier type) can be hot-pressed into good quality panels. It can also be successfully used to produce profiles in the extrusion process, mainly due to its significantly reduced viscosity. The studies presented in this article showed one of the possible ways of using WTB waste. It is advantageous because it uses WTB waste in a thermoplastic ABS matrix, which is also a secondary raw material. As a consequence of this, a completely new composite material based wholly on secondary raw materials can be obtained, which can be subjected to multiple processing. Full article

Grains of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) can be refined via rotary-die equal-channel angular pressing (RD-ECAP) to meet higher application requirements. However, the grain refinement mechanism of CP-Ti during RD-ECAP has not been fully studied. Herein, CP-Ti was processed up to four passes by RD-ECAP to obtain an ultrafine-grained structure. The microstructure evolution, refinement mechanism, and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior was investigated by TEM and EBSD analysis. The results revealed that after two passes, banded structures with numerous LAGBs inside were detected, while after four passes, most grains were equiaxed with HAGBs and the average grain size was about 0.5 μm. The fraction of HAGBs reached 78.6% for the four-pass sample, which was higher than that of two-pass sample. The fraction of deformed grains declined and the proportion of recrystallized grains increased as the pass number increased from two to four. The misorientation gradient analysis showed that subgrains with LAGBs evolved into new grains with HAGBs gradually to generate ultrafine grains. The refinement mechanism of CP-Ti during RD-ECAP can be concluded as continuous DRX (CDRX). In addition, the relationship between DRX type and the processing conditions as well as stacking fault energies (SFEs) of metals was innovatively explored, providing a new approach for predicting microstructure. Full article