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Individual applications of coir and hemp as reinforcement in composites have been exhaustively studied; however, their hybridization must also be investigated. In this context, this research investigates the utilization of coir and hemp fibers as reinforcements in a polyester-based hybrid composite system. The primary objective is to find out how these reinforcements affect the hybrid composites' mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) and thermo-gravimetric properties. To accomplish this, composite samples with varying weight proportions of coir and hemp fibers were fabricated, and extensive mechanical testing was performed. The findings from the tensile, flexural, and impact tests revealed an enhancement in the mechanical characteristics of the fabricated composites as the proportion of coir fiber grew and the proportion of hemp fiber reduced. The hybrid composite, containing 15% coir and 5% hemp fibers, had superior mechanical properties to the binary composite system. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was performed to determine the thermal stability of the hybrid composites. Within a temperature range of 30 °C–800 °C, weight loss was observed, confirming the overall thermal resistance of the materials. Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the composite's chemical composition, revealing the presence of functional groups that contribute to the composite's performance. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the surface morphology of hybrid composites was investigated, yielding valuable insights into the fiber-matrix interaction and composite structure. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of the coir/hemp/polyester hybrid composite as a lightweight material in a variety of industries.

In this study, a combination of “Cordia Dichotoma” natural fiber and “granite powder” as filler has been reinforced into epoxy resin making a hybrid composite. In this study, unused industrial waste obtained from the granite polishing industry, known as granite powder (GP) is being utilized for its usefulness as a reinforcement in polymer composite. Hybrid composite was prepared by reinforcing a constant Cordia Dichotoma fiber content of 20 wt. % and varying the granite powder weight (wt. %) percentages (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20) into epoxy matrix. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact) of hybrid composites were investigated. Following the results obtained, granite powder could be evidenced as a good filler material for the betterment of composite’s mechanical properties. Also, the ability of this filler material is proved in decreasing water absorption and chemical resistance. SEM morphology was performed to investigate the bonding and distribution of granite powder within the Cordia Dichotoma reinforced composite material. Besides, presence of chemical functional groups in the composite was traced by Infra-Red Spectroscopy. Also, Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was carried out and the composite was found to be thermally stable up to 455°C.

Function approximation is an important task in many different fields like economics, engineering, computing, classification, and forecasting. From a finite data set, the basic task of a function approximation method is to find a suitable relationship between variables and their corresponding responses. In the recent past, the improved neural networks including intuitive, interpretable correlated-contours fuzzy rules for classification tasks were proposed. However, the acquired data set can contain large volume of data and noise that degrades the classification ability of the model and increases the computational time. Thus, it is important to consider this problem which was not focused on recent existing works. Furthermore, there are also some neuron regularization issues in the second layer. To solve this issue in this proposed system Bat optimization based feature selection is proposed for optimal selection of features from the available dataset. Then classification is done by using enhanced neural network including intuitive and interpretable correlated-contours fuzzy rules (EC-FR). According to fuzzy rules extraction, an appropriate framework is built-in which similarity-based directional component of data partitioning and also a model to form cloud data is presented. Neurons weight and bias values are computed by adapting wavelet functions. Finally, parameters of the fuzzy neural networks are fine-tuned using the hybrid ant colony particle swarm optimization (HASO). Performance is evaluated primarily in accordance with the subsequent metrics like precision, recall, accuracy, and error rate.

Inorganic pollutants are the leading cause of water pollution, which harms human health and the environment. The most highly efficient nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity are semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). The heterogeneous photocatalysis using UV radiation on quantum dots is a fascinating technique for treating polluted sewage with a naturally available plant-based product. In this study, CdS QDs were synthesized using a facile green synthetic protocol in the presence of Coccinia grandis (CG) and Punica granatum (PG) fruit sap as capping and stabilizing agents. XRD, HR-TEM, FT-IR, UV-DRS, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to analyze the synthesized CdS QDs. The photocatalytic degradation activity of CdS quantum dots was performed against anionic and cationic dyes under UV light irradiation. The results revealed that PG-capped CdS QDs have the best photocatalytic activity compared to CG-capped CdS QDs.Further, the pseudo-first-order model is used to analyze the kinetics studies. Moreover, the electrochemical measurements of pure zinc and CdS QDs coated Zn (Zn/CdS QDs) plate were tested in three electrolytes: sodium chloride, potassium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid, which demonstrated the corrosion inhibition ability of prepared CdS QDs. The electrochemical impedance spectra, Tafel plot, and in-situ SPM analysis depict the improving corrosion resistance of the Zn metal plate due to the prepared CdS QDs coatings. Based on the results, the prepared CdS QDs by the green method can be a potential candidate in the water purification and corrosion resistance field.

In this paper, we consider homogeneous and non-homogeneous second order linear fuzzy systems under granular differentiability. The concept of continuous n-dimensional fuzzy functions on the space of n-dimensional fuzzy numbers are introduced. Developed an algorithm for the solution of a non-homogeneous second order linear fuzzy system under granular differentiability. The proposed algorithm is applied to solve some well-known mechanical problems with fuzzy uncertainty.

In this paper, we consider homogeneous and non-homogeneous system of first order linear fuzzy boundary value problems (SFOLBVPs) under granular differentiability. Using the concept of horizontal membership function, we introduced the notion of first order granular differentiability for n-dimensional fuzzy functions. We present granular integral and its properties. Theorems on the existence and uniqueness of solutions for homogeneous and non-homogeneous SFOLFBVPs are proved. We develop an algorithm for solution of non-homogeneous SFOLBVPs under granular differentiability. We provide some examples to illustrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.

The optimization of mining vehicle rear axle weld joints is a complex procedure. The designs for low-cycle fatigue with peak loads were analyzed using computational models and rig testing. On-road evaluation of high-cycle fatigue was performed with the entire vehicle. The iterative analysis is used in design optimization to minimize design cycle time. In sophisticated fatigue calculations with all affecting factors, FEM is utilized. In fatigue failures using road load data, the present deterministic method yields up to 80% correlations. Some critical failure spots were most likely missed owing to operational variations caused by the randomness and multiaxiality of load transfer in link mechanisms with non-linear elements. The fabricated rear axle housing joints are optimized by comparing damage state estimates using stochastic type and multiaxial equivalent loads obtained using Multibody Simulation. The damage state analysis as MBS input stimulus in FE weld models and bolted designs were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandibular condyle fractures are the most commonly reported mandible fractures. The incidence of condylar fractures is 25-30% among all mandibular fractures and there are ongoing controversies about their management. The retromandibular transparotid technique is the most frequently employed technique to manage fracture of mandibular condyle. The benefits of this method have been reported to include a shorter working distance between the incision and the fracture site, less morbidity to the facial nerve as it can be identified and retracted under direct vision, cosmetically pleasing outcomes and ease of reduction/fixation of fractures. Nevertheless, surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures, can pose danger to facial nerve branches. With respect to condylar fracture surgical treatment, the prevalence of Facial Nerve (FN) injury has been reported to be around 12-48%. This case series reports the surgical and postoperative journey of five patients with subcondylar fracture. The retromandibular transparotid technique was applied in all patients for Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF). Using the House-Brackman facial grading system, FN weakness was assessed. Postoperatively, FN weakness was evident after 24 hours of surgery in two patients. With a mean recovery period of two months, all patients maintained FN function at three months. None presented with persistent paralysis of the facial nerve. Parotid fistulation was not observed in any patient. Inconspicuous scar after six months was observed in four patients. The retromandibular transparotid approach is a safe and effective technique that gives less morbidity to the facial nerve, excellent access, good cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.

The molecular mechanism of the heme protein, hemoglobin (Hb) interaction with sulfa molecule, sulfadiazine (SDZ) has been investigated through spectroscopic, neutron scattering and molecular modeling techniques. Absorption and emission spectroscopic studies showed that SDZ molecules were bound to Hb protein, non-cooperatively. The binding affinityof SDZ-Hb complex at standard experimental condition was evaluated to be around (4.2 ± 0.07) ×10 4 , M -1 with 1:1 stoichiometry. Drug induced structural perturbation of the 3 D protein moiety was confirmed through circular dichroism (CD), synchronous fluorescence and small angle neutron scattering methods. From the temperature dependent spectrofluorometric studies, the negative standard molar Gibbs energy change suggested the spontaneity of the reaction. The negative enthalpy and positive entropy change(s) indicated towards the involvement of both electrostatic and hydrophobic forces during the association process. Salt dependent fluorescence study revealed major contributions from non-poly-electrolytic forces. Molecular modeling studies determined the probable binding sites, types of interaction involved and the conformational alteration of the compactness of the Hb structure upon interaction with SDZ molecule. Overall, the study provides detailed insights into the binding mechanism of SDZ antibiotics to Hb protein.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Three different drying methods: hot-air-drying (HAD), dehumidified drying (DD) and freeze drying (FD) were used to dry Indian white button mushrooms ( Agaricus bisporus ).  Dehumidified drying method has been proposed as an alternative technique  to improve the quality of dehydrated mushroom. Mushroom powder obtained by DD method had 33.29% protein, 17.21% uronic acid, and 10.93% ash content. It was  also a good source of ergosterol (422.18±5.80 mg/100 g dw), which is known as the precursor of Vitamin D 2 . Ethanolic extract of mushroom powder showed good antioxidant activity  with lower DPPH IC 50 value (7.16±0.23 mg/mL) and also lower EC 50 value of ABTS (4.36±0.04 mg/mL). Mushroom powder is added to ready to cook green gram based chilla mix (vegetable omelette mix) at 10%, 20% and 30% levels. The effect of incorporation of mushroom powder on quality characteristics of the formulation was studied. The results showed that the ready to cook mix containing 20% of mushroom powder had protein: 23.33 g; total dietary fiber: 10.75 g; ergosterol: 79.08 mg and also important minerals like calcium: 99.57 mg; potassium: 1203.49 mg; magnesium: 137.80 mg and zinc: 2.23 mg in 100 g of formulation. The formulated products were shelf-stable at ambient temperature for three months., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05680-9., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2023, Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

The SnO 2 and SnO 2 /rGO nanostructures were successfully synthesized using the facile hydrothermal synthesis technique. The prepared nanostructures were well studied using different techniques such as XRD, XPS, UV-DRS, FT-IR, EDX, SEM and HR-TEM analysis. The crystalline nature of SnO 2 and SnO 2 /rGO was confirmed by the XRD technique. The formation of highly pure SnO 2 and SnO 2 /rGO nanostructures was confirmed by EDX analysis. The morphological results show the good agglomeration of several spherical nanoparticles. The optical properties were studied through the UV-DRS technique and the bandgap energies of SnO 2 and SnO 2 /rGO are estimated to be 3.12 eV and 2.71 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation percentage in presence of SnO 2 and SnO 2 /rGO against RhB was found to be 96% and 98%, respectively. The degradation of TTC molecules was estimated as 90% and 88% with SnO 2 /rGO and SnO 2 , respectively. The degradation of both RhB and TTC molecules was well suited with the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The results of successive experiments clearly show the enhancement in the photocatalytic properties in the SnO 2 /rGO nanostructures., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Drug repurposing has been gaining increasing interest recently due to the reduction in development cost and reduced development timelines. Here, we report the antibacterial activity of the anticancer drug etoposide investigated in combination with the eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite (EHA). Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well-known bioactive material with enhanced osteoconductivity and possesses superior drug delivery properties. In the present work, we have synthesized etoposide-loaded EHA by the wet precipitation method. The physicochemical characterization of the samples confirmed the composition and amount of drug encapsulation. Screening for antibacterial activity confirmed the antibacterial effect of etoposide against Staphylococcus aureus . Biofilm formation test on pristine and etoposide-loaded samples showed the inhibition of biofilm formation on etoposide loading, which was further studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and colony forming units (CFUs). It has been found that etoposide-loaded HA exhibited a sustained release of the drug upto 168 h. Analysis of the inhibition mechanism of etoposide against S. aureus revealed damage to the cell membrane and has been quantified using flow cytometry by the uptake of propidium iodide. Etoposide-loaded eggshell-derived HA (EHA-ET) exhibited excellent bioactivity and cytocompatibility against mouse fibroblast cells (L929) and supressed the growth of osteosarcoma cells (MG-63). Our studies reveal that the EHA-ET has a great potential for treating osteosarcoma and osteomyelitis.

Protein-ligand interaction studies are useful to determine the molecular mechanism of the binding phenomenon, leading to the establishment of the structure-function relationship. Here, we report the binding of well-known antibiotic sulfonamide drugs (sulfamethazine, SMZ; and sulfadiazine, SDZ) with heme protein myoglobin (Mb) using spectroscopic, calorimetric, ζ potential, and computational methods. Formation of a 1:1 complex between the ligand and Mb through well-defined equilibrium was observed. The binding constants obtained between Mb and SMZ/SDZ drugs were on the order of 10 4 M -1 . SMZ with two additional methyl (-CH 3 ) substitutions has higher affinity than SDZ. Upon drug binding, a notable loss in the helicity (via circular dichroism) and perturbation of the three-dimensional (3D) protein structure (via infrared and synchronous fluorescence experiments) were observed. The binding also indicated the dominance of non-polyelectrolytic forces between the amino acid residues of the protein and the drugs. The ligand-protein binding distance signified high probability of energy transfer between them. Destabilization of the protein structure upon binding was evident from differential scanning calorimetry results and ζ potential analyses. Molecular docking presented the best probable binding sites of the drugs inside protein pockets. Thus, the present study explores the potential binding characteristics of two sulfonamide drugs (with different substitutions) with myoglobin, correlating the structural and energetic aspects., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)