Search

The water quality of the various domestic water sources used in Owerri Imo State was monitored. These water sources include the municipal tap water (A1, A2), borehole (B1, B2), Otammiri (C1, C2), Nworie (D1, D2) and rainwater (E1, E2). A total of ten (10) water samples from different sources were analyzed for appearance, odour, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC), total coliform counts (TCC), and total Salmonella Shigella counts (TSSC). The data obtained were compared to WHO and NISDWQ standards for drinking and domestic water. The water samples revealed a slightly acidic pH ranging between 6.43 and 6.96. Electrical conductivity ranged from 42.05 ±1.42 μS/cm - 360.92 ±6.77 μS/cm. The temperature of the water samples between 20.6 ℃ and 28.8 ℃. The water samples revealed an overall low bacterial count. Sample B1 recorded the lowest THBC of 1.0×10² ±0.01 cfu/mL, while sample D2 recorded the highest THBC of 2.1×106 ±0.06 cfu/mL. The highest TCC of 3.7×104 ±0.06 cfu/mL was observed in sample C2, while sample B1 recorded no visible growth for TCC. For TSSC, samples A1, A2, B1, B2, and E1 recorded no visible growth, while sample C1 revealed the highest TSSC of 2.1×10² ±0.011 cfu/mL. This study has revealed that only sample B1 aligned with the stipulated WHO and NISDWQ standards for drinking and domestic water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African breadfruit (ukwa) is a special delicacy consumed widely in southeastern Nigeria. This work analyzed the microbial diversity associated with the traditional fermentation of ukwa. Matured ukwa fruit that fell from the ukwa tree were collected and allowed to ferment under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Fermenting samples were collected at 48-hour intervals and analyzed following standard microbiological standards. Changes in pH and moisture content were also monitored during each sampling interval. Results revealed that the Lactic acid bacteria count was highest on day 6 of the fermentation. A total of seven bacteria genera comprising Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pantoe, and Providencia with Bacillus spp and lactic acid bacteria predominating the fermentation. The study also revealed a gradual decline in the pH and moisture until the last day of fermentation. This study has shown that the fermentation of ukwa is orchestrated by different groups of bacteria. The dominant organisms (Bacillus and Lactobacillus pp) can be developed as potential starter cultures to improve fermentation yield and enhance safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed an instrument-free visual pH determination method using a wedge-shaped microspace with pH-dependent swelling hydrogel particles. This method of pH measurement is achieved by utilizing the property of the hydrogel to swell with increasing pH and the wedge-shaped microspace in a 3D structure. Hydrogel particle formation using a microdroplet-forming chip and an ultraviolet LED enabled the fabrication of spherical pH-responsive hydrogel particles. Microchips with a wedge-shaped microspace of 500–3500 µm could be fabricated using the structures created by a photo-engineered 3D printer as templates. The evaluation of the method using a pH standard demonstrated that the settling distance of the particles decreased with increasing pH, and that the sensitivity and pH resolution were estimated to be 2.94 mm/pH and 0.2 pH, respectively. These results indicated that the method has the potential to visually measure pH. Furthermore, the developed method was applied to the determination of creatinine using creatinine deiminase. The method is readily applicable to biosensing technologies based on pH transduction, making it useful for on-site analysis in a wide range of fields, including medicine, environment, and food. Moreover, it can be adapted to microfluidic analysis for visual quantification using device-free micrototal analysis systems or lab-on-a-chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional value and shelf life of the consolidated burger (grass carp-red meat) during freezing storage at -18 °C was determined in this study. In recent years, with the change in lifestyle and the development of urban life, consuming semi-prepared foods has increased and meat products based on minced meat such as burgers have a major share among these foods in the modern lives. In this study, a combined red meat (beef meat)-grass carp burger with different ratios of 0: 100, 25: 75, and 50:50 was prepared and stored at -18 °C for 4 months. The value of protein, fat, moisture, ash pH, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid value, volatile nitrogen bases, fatty acid profiles and sensory evaluation were determined on the first day and end of the storage period. Measuring parameters showed the amount of protein, fat, moisture, and ash decreased and the average pH, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and volatile basic nitrogen values increased over storage. With increasing the amount of fish meat used in the burger formulation, protein, moisture, ash, and pH values and sensory properties decreased and fat, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and volatile nitrogen values increased. The results of this study suggest that consuming Mix50% burger provides some parts of body's needs for unsaturated fatty acids and protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic composts such as "bokashi", obtained from the fermentation of bran mixtures and inoculated with microorganisms, improve soil characteristics. In Brazil, the most widely used formulation for the production of this compost is obtained from a mixture of wheat and castor bean bran, but both have a high monetary cost. Replacing these components with regionally available sources represents the possibility of reducing costs and making more sustainable use of this waste. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical characteristics and determine the availability of nitrogen for the plants. The study was divided into two stages, consisting of an incubation test in the laboratory and a bioassay in the greenhouse using forage sorghum as an indicator species. In the laboratory trial, the treatments consisted of two raw material sources with a low C/N ratio (castor bean bran—CAB and cottonseed bran—COB), corresponding to 40% of the mixture; three sources with a high C/N ratio (wheat bran—WHB or rice bran—RIB), gradually replaced by passion fruit peel bran—PFPB), corresponding to 60% of the mixture. The materials were mixed, moistened, inoculated with microorganisms (Embiotic®) and kept in sealed containers with a capacity of 620 cm3 for 21 days. In the greenhouse, in addition to the aforementioned treatments, seven controls were included: no addition of organic and synthetic N sources; ammonium nitrate; CAB; COB; WHB; RIB and PFPB. In the second stage, dry mass production and N content in sorghum plant tissues were determined, and the rates of N availability were estimated. It was found that the pH of the standard compost was 4.75, and in the other formulations it ranged from 4.62 to 5.3, the highest values being observed when WHB was fully replaced by RIB There was a significant difference in the EC values, but all were well below the value considered adequate. Replacing CAB with COB and WHB with RIB and PFPB resulted in a reduction in N content and an increase in the C:N ratio. Replacing WHB with PFPB led to an increase in K content and a reduction in P and Mg content. In the bioassay, the highest biomass production was in the treatments with the fermented composts, and the highest biological recovery of N was obtained in the ammonium nitrate treatment, followed by the CAB, COB and WHB treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the mean residual gastric volume and gastric pH with standard and liberal fasting in children undergoing general anesthesia for elective procedures. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (NCT 05922072) was conducted at Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Hospital Lahore from June 2021 to December 2021 and 120 patients undergoing elective daycare surgical procedures under general anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were divided into Group-A (Standard fasting) and Group-B (Liberal fasting). Group-A with 6-, 4- and 2-hours Nil per oral (NPO) for solids/ formula milk, breast milk and clear fluid, while Group-B with six, four and one hour NPO for solids/formula milk, breast milk and clear fluid respectively. Residual gastric volume and pH were measured after anesthetizing the patient. Effect modifiers like age, gender, duration of anesthesia and procedure were controlled through stratification. Post-stratification, t-test was applied and p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: In Group-A, mean age was 6.1±4.5 years and 6.4±4.6 years in Group-B. Mean residual gastric volume with standard fasting was 0.67±0.48 ml and liberal fasting 0.80±0.44 ml (p value 0.13). Mean gastric fluid pH with standard fasting was 1.72±0.78 as compared to liberal fasting 1.63±0.70 (p value 0.53). Conclusion: Free fluid fasting allows for significantly shorter fasting times, though statistically insignificant higher residual gastric volume was recorded in liberal fasting group with a lower pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As heavy metals are commonly found in water bodies today, the need for an efficient method to remove these pollutants simultaneously has become increasingly important. This research involved coating sand with Fe/Ni nanoparticles created through an environmentally friendly method using eucalyptus leaf extract. Green synthesis of Fe/Ni coated sand was characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) analysis. The resulting Fe/Ni nanocomposite coated sand was then used to copper (Cu(II)) removal from water in batch experiments. The study examined five factors namely pH of solution, Cu(II) concentration, contact time, Fe/Ni coated sand dosage, and agitation speed that affected on the Cu(II) removal efficiency. Optimal values of this factors were found to be 200 rpm, pH 6, 130 minutes, 50 mg/L for Cu(II), and 0.5 g/50 mL Fe/Ni coated sand. The findings revealed that over 80% of Cu(II) was removed until the fifth cycle. This work could open up new possibilities for treating water contaminated with copper ions using eco-friendly composites made from waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the changes in the quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) meatballs cooked with the sous-vide technique. Vacuum-packaged fishball were cooked using the sous-vide method under two different temperature (60 °C and 80ºC) and two different times (15 and 20 minute) and stored at 4±1ºC for 25 days. The results showed that sous vide cooking technique at 80 °C for 20 min. effectively limited bacterial growth. It was determined that sous vide cooking technology significantly reduced the levels of total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at the end of storage. As the cooking temperature increased, the pH values of the meatball samples also increased. According to the sensory evaluation results, the meatballs cooked with the sous vide technique received higher scores than the control group, and the most preferred cooking temperature and time was determined to be 60ºC for 20 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultra-high sensitivity pH sensor based on vertical organic electrochemical transistors (vOECT) with extended gate was proposed. The vOECT, which exhibited high transconductance (gm), was for the first time used in the preparation of a pH sensor. The extended gate was modified by electrochemical deposition of polyaniline (PANI) using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. Open circuit potential (OCP) measurements were used to optimize the scan rate, showing a super-Nernstian sensitivity at all scan rates. The pH sensor based on vOECT with extended gate was investigated at different pH levels, and it exhibited an ultra-high sensitivity of 3363.6 µA/pH in the pH range 5–9, which was about 36 times greater than the maximum current sensitivity (91 µA/pH) of other transistor-based pH sensors, to the best of our knowledge. This pH sensor performed excellently in terms of reversibility, long-term stability, and selectivity. To confirm the reliability of the pH sensor, we conducted measurements on real samples using this pH sensor and compared the results with those obtained from a standard pH meter. The ultra-high sensitivity pH sensor based on vOECT with extended gate offers a sensitive and promising alternative in environmental monitoring, food safety, chemistry, clinical diagnostics, and bio-sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine how chitosan impacts pectin hydrogel's ability to attach peritoneal leukocytes, activate complement, induce hemolysis, and adsorb blood proteins. The hydrogels PEC-Chi0, PEC-Chi25, PEC-Chi50, and PEC-Chi75 were prepared by placing a mixture solution of 4% pectin and 4% chitosan in a ratio of 4:0, 3:1, 2:2, and 1:3 in a solution of 1.0 M CaCl2. Chitosan was found to modify the mechanical properties of pectin–calcium hydrogels, such as hardness and cohesiveness-to-adhesiveness ratio. Chitosan in the pectin–calcium hydrogel caused pH-sensitive swelling in Hanks' solution. The PEC-Chi75 hydrogel was shown to adsorb serum proteins at pH 7.4 to a greater extent than other hydrogels. PEC-Chi75's strong adsorption capacity was related to lower peritoneal leukocyte adherence to its surface when compared to other hydrogels, showing improved biocompatibility. Using the optical tweezers approach, it was shown that the force of interaction between pectin–chitosan hydrogels and plasma proteins increased from 10 to 24 pN with increasing chitosan content from 0 to 75%. Thus, the properties of pectin–calcium hydrogel, which determine interactions with body tissues after implantation, are improved by the addition of chitosan, making pectin–chitosan hydrogel a promising candidate for smart biomaterial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the risk of the adsorption of granular activated carbon in the gastrointestinal tract, we successfully produced a hollow-type spherical bacterial cellulose (HSBC) gel containing activated carbon with a particle size of 6 μm. In this study, the aim of which was to develop an effective formulation, we evaluated the stability of activated-carbon-encapsulating HSBC gels under various pH conditions. Activated-carbon-encapsulating HSBC gels (ACEGs) retained the activated carbon without leaking when subjected to agitation in acidic or basic environments. The saturated adsorption amount, calculated using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, was affected by the target adsorbate and pH conditions. These results indicate that ACEGs can adsorb uremic toxins and their precursors similarly to conventional uremic toxin adsorbents while preventing direct contact between the encapsulated activated carbon and the gastrointestinal tract. Compared to powdered activated carbon, the ACEG is less likely to be adsorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the proposed ACEG is a promising new formulation that will contribute to the treatment of renal failure and improve patients' compliance with medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical ventilation provides essential support for critically ill patients in several diagnoses; however, extubation failure can affect patient outcomes. From Saudi Arabia, no study has assessed the factors associated with extubation failure in adults. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Adult patients who had been mechanically ventilated via the endotracheal tube for a minimum of 24 hours and then extubated according to the weaning protocol were included. Failed extubation was defined as reintubation within 48 hours of extubation. Results: A total of 505 patients were included, of which 72 patients had failed extubation (14.3%, 95% CI: 11.4%-17.7%). Compared with the failed extubation group, the successfully extubated group had significantly shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference: -2.6 days, 95% CI: -4.3 to -1; P = 0.001), a slower respiratory rate at the time of extubation (mean difference: -2.3 breath/min, 95% CI: -3.8 to -1; P = 0.0005), higher pH (mean difference: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.001-0.04; P = 0.03), and more patients with strong cough (percent difference: 17.7%, 95% CI: 4.8%-30.5%; P = 0.02). Independent risk factors of failed extubation were age (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.002-1.03; P = 0.03), respiratory rate (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.1; P = 0.008), duration of mechanical ventilation (aOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.1; P < 0.001), and pH (aOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.0006-0.5; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Older age, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, faster respiratory rate, and lower pH were found to be independent risk factors that significantly increased the odds of extubation failure among adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxiconazole (EPO) is classified as a persistent organic pollutant due to its ability to persist in the environment for prolonged periods. Its degradation is pivotal in mitigating its environmental impact. This investigation focuses on assessing the degradation of EPO using various methodologies, namely Fenton, photo-Fenton, solar photo-Fenton, and solar photolysis, conducted in both Milli-Q water and groundwater. These experiments encompassed evaluations at both the standard pH typically used in photo-Fenton reactions and the natural pH levels inherent to the respective aqueous environments. Additionally, EPO degradation products were analyzed after a 60-min reaction. Notably, in systems utilizing groundwater, the inclusion of additional iron was unnecessary, as the naturally occurring iron content in the groundwater facilitated the intended processes. Specifically, in Milli-Q water, solar photo-Fenton demonstrated an EPO degradation efficiency of 97%. Furthermore, the substitution of Milli-Q water with groundwater in Fenton-like processes did not significantly affect the efficacy of EPO degradation. These findings underscore the potential of solar photo-Fenton as an economically viable and environmentally sustainable strategy for EPO degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicornia europae is a marine plant that grows in coastal areas and tides. In Sumbawa, this plant lives in the former area of ponds and is usually called lamota. S. europae contains beneficial ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and sugars. Marine plant innovations in S. europae, rich in iodine in processed yogurt, have not been well explored. This study aimed to develop the processing of lamota into a functional yogurt drink. A complete randomized design (CRD) was used in this experiment, using a single factor of 6 levels of lamota concentration. Iodine content, ash content, pH, and scoring tests were carried out to determine the lamota yogurt's best quality. The results showed that the iodine content of the product was 29.01 mcg/g dry weight, and ash content was 10.59%. The pH showed that adding lamota minimally affected the pH of the yoghurt. The organoleptic test found that a 25% addition of lamota extract was the preferred concentration compared to 5, 10, 15, and 20% based on color, taste, texture, and aroma. The panelist describes the 25% lamota addition as greenish, salty, watery texture and green aroma. Based on the iodine content and the best consumer acceptance, the yogurt with a 25% addition of lamota could be categorized as rich in iodine drink and a promising product to improve the functional characteristics of yogurt and develop a value-added local marine commodity with a unique flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the National Metrology Institute of Japan provides six national primary pH buffers under the Japan Calibration Service System. Each batch of these buffers is certified by the primary pH method using a Harned cell. On the basis of these primary buffers, the designated laboratories supply the secondary and working pH standards using a high-precision pH meter. This paper provides an estimate of the batch-to-batch reproducibility of the primary pH standard production based on the history of the certification of primary carbonate buffers in NMIJ. This buffer, which was chosen as the subject of the study because of the relative difficulty of its measurements (and thus a greater dispersion of results), is nominally the 0.025 mol kg−1 equimolal solution of disodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate. As its pH value is significantly affected by the purity of the reagents used, the evaluation of their source materials is made by both pH measurements and acidimetric gravimetric back titrations. Considering the experimentally determined pH reproducibility of ca. 0.010, potential risks to the pH accuracy are discussed when using recipe-based carbonate pH standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering & Architectural Faculty of Eskisehir Osmangazi University / Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores the synthesis and modification of poly(N-vinylformamide-co-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (poly(NVF-co-HEA)) hydrogels for cosmetic applications. Poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels were produced followed by an acid hydrolysis reaction to produce poly(NVF-co-VAm-co-HEA) hydrogels, introducing poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) into the structure. This modification considerably alters the hydrogels' properties, yielding materials with over 96% water content, predominantly in the form of non-freezing or free water, which is beneficial in the uptake and release of hydrophilic species. The primary amine groups from inclusion of VAm also improved the mechanical properties, as evidenced by an 8-fold increase in Young's modulus. The hydrogels also possessed pH-responsive behavior, which was particularly noticeable under acidic and basic conditions, where a large decrease in water content was observed (40% to 75% reduction). Characterizing the hydrogels' release capabilities involved using organic dyes of different functional groups and sizes to examine the pH impact on release. The results indicated that hydrolyzed hydrogels interacted more effectively with charged species, highlighting their suitability for pH-responsive delivery. The release of cosmetic active ingredients was also demonstrated through the controlled release of Liquid Azelaic™, specifically potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD). Our findings reveal that the hydrolyzed hydrogels exhibit superior burst release, especially under alkaline conditions, suggesting their suitability for cosmetic applications where controlled, pH-responsive delivery of active ingredients is desired. Overall, this investigation highlights the potential of hydrolyzed poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels in cosmetic applications. Their ability to combine high water content with mechanical integrity, along with their pH-responsive release ability, allows for use in cosmetic formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizosphere pH determines nutrient bioavailability, but this pH is difficult to measure. Standard pH tests require adding water to growth media. This dilutes hydrogen ion activity and increases pH. We used a novel, in situ, pointed-tip electrode to estimate rhizosphere pH without dilution. Measurements from this electrode matched a research-grade pH meter in hydroponic nutrient solutions. We then compared measurements from this electrode to saturated paste and pour-through methods in peat moss, coconut coir, and pine bark. The pointedtip electrode was unable to accurately measure pH in the highly-porous pine bark media. Adding deionized water to the other media at container capacity using the saturated paste method resulted in a pH that was 0.59 ± 0.30 units higher than the initial in situ measurement at the top of the container. This increase aligns with established solution chemistry principles. Measurements of pH using the pour-through method were 0.38 ± 0.24 pH units higher than in situ measurements at the bottom of the container. We conclude that in situ pH measurements are not subject to dilution and are thus more representative of the rhizosphere pH than the saturated paste and pour-through techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to compare the impacts of incorporating four different dietary fibers, namely orange fiber (OF), wheat fiber (WF), bamboo fiber (BF), and carrot fiber (CF), on the physico-chemical properties of mortadella sausage. Methods: The physical and chemical properties of the formulated mortadella sausages were assessed by measuring water activity (aw), pH, color, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) parameters. Results: The presence of fibers had negative effects on the aw measurements of the products, while pH values were less influenced. The analysis of color revealed that the treated sausages exhibited higher levels of lightness and yellowness, and lower levels of redness compared to the control group. Among the various fibers, OF made more changes than other fibers on product attributes at the end of the storage period with the following scores (P = 0.05): pH (6.22), a* (4.84), b* (13.68), L* (67.76), whiteness Index (6.4.64), ΔE (6.24), and TBARs value (4.6 mg MDA/kg sample). Conclusion: The lipid stability examinations revealed that while all of the fibers could hinder the progress of oxidation, OF was more efficient (P < 0.05). Based on the results, it can be concluded that OF has the suitable potential to be formulated in mortadella sausage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of aromatic acid derivatives (AADs) into zwitterionic surfactants is an efficient method to prepare wormlike micelles with pH-controllable viscosity; however, the coincident molecular origin of AAD/zwitterionic surfactant binary mixtures remains unclear. Herein, the self-assembly of hydroxyl derivatives of benzoic acid (BA) and cetyldimethyl betaine (BS-16) mixtures in water was systematically assessed, and various factors, such as the molecular structure, molar ratio of AAD and BS-16, and solution pH, were investigated. The structure-property relationship of AAD/BS-16 binary mixtures was established, which provided the molecular origin for the effect of AAD on micellar microstructures and the pH-induced morphological transitions. The ortho-substituted hydroxyl moiety in the BA molecule facilitated the formation of larger wormlike micelles, whereas the effect of the metasubstituted moiety was less significant. The para-substituted hydroxyl moiety in BA did not favor micellar growth. This moiety exhibited similar characteristics to the increasing hydroxyl moiety number in the AAD molecules or solution pH where the negative effects of steric hindrance and electrostatic interactions of molecules in micelles are dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmeceuticals are one of the fast-growing areas of the natural personal care industry. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with medicinal or drug-like benefits that can affect the biological functioning of the skin depending on the ingredients in the composition. The development of one formulation acting on the dermis and stimulating the collagen production is very important for the hydration of the skin. The association of collagen with other ingredients can have a positive effect on increasing the natural production of collagen in the skin. An example of such an ingredient is niacinamide, which, having a recognized nutritional value, has been quite recently studied. Considering these aspects, this study focused on developing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, based on natural ingredients (vegetable oils, floral waters, and essential oils) and hydrolyzed collagen and niacinamide as active ingredients, and on evaluating the stability, pH, optical, superficial, rheological and textural properties, as well as microbiological tests of the emulsions, in order to investigate their potential as a cosmeceutical product. All the obtained emulsions proved to be stable at variable temperatures and had a pH value compatible with natural pH of the skin, allowing their safe application. Over goniometric analysis, a partial wetting and a hydrophilic character of the emulsions were emphasized. Following the rheological analyses, all dermatocosmetic emulsions exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior and a thixotropic character, these properties being very important for their production process and their application on the skin surface to generate an optimal therapeutic effect. The textural characteristics recorded for all emulsions indicated adequate spreadability at the application site. All tested samples respected the Pharmacopoeia limits of microbiological contamination. All prepared emulsions have good stability, are safe for the skin and have appropriate physicochemical and microbiological characteristics; therefore, they can be used as a cosmeceutical product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile phase pH is a critically important parameter in reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) separations involving analytes that display acidic or basic properties in the pH range used for the mobile phase. The main problem in measuring mobile phase pH lies in the fact that RPLC mobile phases are typically aqueous–organic mixtures. In addition to experimental difficulties, the pH values refer to different aqueous–organic compositions that cannot be correctly compared. Given this situation, the unified pH (wabs pH, also termed as) based on the absolute chemical potential of the solvated proton has been proposed as a rigorous way of characterising mobile phase acidity that is fully inter-comparable between mobile phases of any composition. Here we report the wabs pH values of 78 reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry mobile phases that were carefully measured by potential differences in a symmetric cell with two glass electrode half-cells and almost ideal ionic liquid triethylamylammonium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide [N2225][NTf2] salt bridge with multiple overlapping measurements. The system of altogether 300 Δ wabs pH values was anchored to the pH value of standard pH 7.00 aqueous buffer solution. The consistency standard deviation of the whole set of measurements was 0.09 pH units. In addition to the differential potentiometric reference method, simpler measurement methods that use double junction reference or double junction combined electrodes were tested and were found suitable for routine laboratories if high accuracy is not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence pH sensing has proven to be efficient but with the drawback that molecules photobleach, requiring frequent calibrations. Double-emission peak molecules allow ratiometric measurements and theoretically avoid calibration. However, they are often expensive and fragile and usually have very low quantum yields. Single emission peaks such as fluorescein and derivatives are inexpensive and have very high quantum yields. Because they are single emission peaks, the pH is assumed to be derived from the ratio of emitted intensities at measured pH and at high pH values, i.e., they require frequent calibration. However, the shape of their single emitted peak evolves slightly with pH. In this paper, we first demonstrate a simple method to calculate the emission spectrum shape of each prototropic form of fluorescein (and derivatives) as well as the values of the pKas. A complete model of the evolution of the emission spectrum shape with pH is then constructed. Second, we evaluate the potential of these molecules for pH sensing by fitting the experimental spectra with the complete emission model. The method is applied to fluorescein, FITC and FAM. Depending on the molecule, pH can be measured from pH 1.9 to pH 7.3 with standard deviations between 0.06 and 0.08 pH units. Estimating pH and pKas from shape instead of intensity allows calibration-free measurements even with single-emission peak molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyze Microclimate Control in strawberry production using the hydroponic system in Indoor Vertical Farming. This research will discuss the Microclimate parameters that affect strawberry growth to be controlled in maintaining strawberry productivity. The parameters controlled include temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, light, and EC/pH of nutrients. The data collection technique of this research is taken using Priva Climate Computer technology whose settings are adjusted to the target parameters set and analyzed using the Priva Cloud Office Direct Client application which is part of the Priva Climate Computer technology. The results of the Microclimate control carried out, obtained temperature 17,8-20,9ºC, humidity 67,4-91,3%, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels 597-600 ppm, light with light intensity PPFD 29,9 μmol m-2s-1 and nutrient solution concentration with Electrical Conductivity (EC) 0,9-1,18 mS/cm and pH 5,8-6,1 in Indoor Vertical Farming. After going through a series of studies, the results of measuring environmental parameters are by the targets that have been set. It can be concluded that the results of the study are recommendations for environmental parameters for the growth of large and uniform strawberries. The results of this study can be used as a reference for readers to increase knowledge, practice commercials directly, and become a reference for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of acidic soil in rural areas poses difficulties for agricultural production. One factor regulating soil pH is the overuse of inorganic fertilizer. The increased use of fertilizers in soybean production not only raises sustainability concerns but also contributes to soil acidity. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizer could offer a solution for addressing both issues related to soil acidity and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the manipulation of soil pH using organic fertilizer for soybean production under acidic stress. The planting medium, consisting of a mixture of topsoil, rice husk charcoal, and organic fertilizer (in a ratio of 2:1:1), was supplemented with 0.5 g of NPK fertilizer as a basal treatment in each planting medium. To regulate the soil acidity to pH 4, we added FeSO4 and allowed the mixture to incubate for 30 days. The results demonstrate that the application of three types of organic fertilizers chicken manure (P1), oil palm empty bunch fertilizer (P2), and vermicompost (P3) positively impacts the growth of three soybean varieties. The findings indicate that the application of P2 organic fertilizer can increase vegetative growth almost 50% in soybeans on acidic soil, including plant height, leaf count, and root length. Meanwhile, applying P3 organic fertilizer can boost reproductive growth responses in soybeans on acidic soil, such as pod number (from around 0-4 unit to 42-51 unit), grain number (from around 0-5 unit to 88-90 unit), and grain weight (from around 0-0.37 g to 12-25 g). Organic fertilizer has the potential to regulate soil pH, promoting higher yields of soybeans under acidic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the water molecules found at the interface of lipid bilayers exhibit distinct structural and reorientation dynamics compared to water molecules found in bulk, the fluctuations in their hydrogen bond (HB) network are expected to be different from those generated by the bulk water molecules. The research presented here aims to gain an insight into temperature-dependent fluctuations of a HB network of water molecules found in an interfacial layer of multilamellar liposomes (MLVs) composed of anionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DMPS) lipids. Besides suspending DMPS lipids in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) of different pH values (6.0, 7.4, and 8.0), the changes in HB network fluctuations were altered by the incorporation of a non-polar flavonoid molecule myricetin (MCE) within the hydrocarbon chain region. By performing a multivariate analysis on the water combination band observed in temperature-dependent FTIR spectra, the results of which were further mathematically analyzed, the temperature-dependent fluctuations of interfacial water molecules were captured; the latter were the greatest for DMPS in PBS with a pH value of 7.4 and in general were greater for DMPS multibilayers in the absence of MCE. The presence of MCE made DMPS lipids more separated, allowing deeper penetration of water molecules towards the non-polar region and their restricted motion that resulted in decreased fluctuations. The experimentally observed results were supported by MD simulations of DMPS (+MCE) lipid bilayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coarse-grained model of linear polyfunctional weak charged biopolymers was implemented, formed of different proportions of acid-base groups resembling the composition of humic substances. These substances are mainly present in dissolved organic matter in natural water. The influence of electrostatic interactions computing methods, factors concerning the structure of the chain, different functional groups, and the ionic strength on polyelectrolytes were studied. Langevin dynamics with constant pH simulations were performed using the ESPResSO package and the Python-based Molecule Builder for ESPResSo (pyMBE) library. The coverage was fitted to a polyfunctional Frumkin isotherm, with a mean-field interaction between charged beads. The composition of the chain affects the charge while ionic strength affects both the charge and the radius of gyration. Additionally, the parameters intrinsic to the polyelectrolyte model were well reproduced by fitting the polyfunctional Frumkin isotherm. In contrast, the non-intrinsic parameters depended on the ionic strength. The method developed and applied to a polyfunctional polypeptide model, that resembles a humic acid, will be very useful for characterizing biopolymers with several acid-base functional groups, where their structure, the composition of the different functional groups, and the determination of the main intrinsic proton binding constants and their proportion are not exactly known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asiaticoside in Centella asiatica L. and ß-sitosterol in Moringa oleifera exhibit antioxidant properties, making them potential active ingredients in anti-aging formulations. Emulgel, a combination of emulsion and hydrogel systems, offers specialized structures that enhance the stability of delivery systems or bioactive ingredients. Proper excipients, including emulsifiers, bases, and gelling agents like Carbopol 940 and stearic acid, are crucial for maintaining emulgel stability. This study aimed to optimize Carbopol and stearic acid concentrations in an emulgel formula containing Gotu kola and Moringa leaf extracts for optimal physical quality and antioxidant activity. Three emulgel formulas (F1: 0.5% Carbopol; 4% stearic acid, F2: 1% Carbopol; 3.5% stearic acid, F3: 1.5% Carbopol; 3% stearic acid) were tested for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, centrifugation, spreadability, adhesion, hedonic response, and antioxidant activity (measured using the DPPH technique). All formulas showed changes in shape and minor oil appearance during centrifugation, indicating texture instability due to low emulsion system stability. Despite this, all formulations were homogeneous with stable pH, spreadability, and adhesion. Panelists favored F1 followed by F3, with none preferring F2 in hedonic tests. Emulgel F1 demonstrated optimal physical quality and panelist preference, while emulgel F3, with the lowest stearic acid concentration (3%), exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Emulgel F3 holds promise for further development as an anti-aging cosmetic product, combining superior physical quality with high antioxidant efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of new activated carboxylic acids is crucial to switch reversibly chemical systems over time in a safer manner. By applying cheap 1,3‐acetonedicarboxylic acid, the pH of aqueous solutions can be decreased before autonomously evolving over time back again to a higher value upon diacid decarboxylation. This decarboxylation can be catalysed by different species such as simple amines or simple metals such as iron and copper salts. This process generates 2 molecules of CO2 and acetone as single waste, considerably decreasing the toxicity associated with such activated acids. The potential of this weak diacid was confirmed by reversibly disrupting a strong gel upon diacid addition and opens the way to the application in complex chemically fuelled systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the problem of insufficient consumption of fish products, the possibility of creating high-quality sausage products based on new types of raw materials is considered. The development of high-quality fish sausages from new raw materials will expand the range of sausage products and provide the population with seafood products. The purpose of the study is to establish the feasibility of using African sharptooth catfish in the technology of fish sausage products. The study used a complex of generally accepted organoleptic, chemical, physico-chemical methods of research: moisture content - by drying the sample to a constant weight; fat content - by the Soxhlet method; protein content - by the Kjeldahl method; ash - by burning the sample. The penetration stress was determined using a penetrometer; water activity index - using a hygrometer; the hydrogen index - using a pH meter. As a result of research, the feasibility of using the African sharptooth catfish as a raw material for making fish sausages is theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822). The effectiveness of combining catfish meat with other hydrobionts and animal raw materials is shown. New recipes for raw smoked sausages based on African catfish with the addition of mackerel, scallop, and lard have been developed. Organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators of quality and nutritional value of finished products were studied. The results of organoleptic evaluation showed the similarity of catfish sausages to conventional meat sausages. Fish flavour and aroma were poorly expressed in sample 2, which included only African catfish meat from fish raw materials, which determined its consumer preferences. Sample 3 obtained by combining African catfish meat with mackerel and scallop received high organoleptic scores. The results of a study of the chemical composition show a high nutritional value of sausage products based on the improved recipe. The moisture content in all samples did not exceed 50%, which is the standard for raw smoked sausages. The highest protein content (26.19%) was observed in sample 2, the amount of protein in other sausage samples exceeded the minimum recommended value of 19%. The fat content in all samples was in the range of 18.93-21.41%, which does not exceed the recommended standard of 25%. Based on the results of physical and chemical studies, the indicators were found to be in line with the established standards. Studies of changes in quality and safety indicators during storage determined the permissible shelf life of raw smoked fish sausages at temperatures from 0 to +5°C for no more than 15 days [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epimedium plant (Epimedium brevicornum Maxim) has activity as an aphrodisiac derived from a flavonoid compound, namely icariin. Icariin has low solubility and bioavailability. The utilization of icariin using the SNEDDS (Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System) method is expected to increase the solubility and bioavailability of icariin. This study aims to determine the optimum formula, characteristics, physical properties, and aphrodisiac activity of SNEDDS icariin. The optimum formula used is tween 80 (75%): PEG 400 (12.5%) and cucut fish oil (12.5%). The characteristics of SNEDDS icariin obtained were droplet size with an average of 15.63±0.058 nm, PI 0.144±0.062, zeta potential -22.67±2.06 mV, emulsification time 12.30 seconds, and transmittance 97.2%. The physical test of SNEDDS icariin produced in the form of a clear preparation in yellow color, pH 6.52, the viscosity of 120 cps, as well as the SNEDDS icariin dissolution in aqueous media in the 60th minute was 75.40% colluded. SNEDDS icariin dose 50 mg/KgBW has a better aphrodisiac effect than pure icariin 100 mg/kgBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ soil pH measurements with ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are receiving increasing attention in soil mapping for precision agriculture as they can avoid time-consuming sampling and off-site laboratory work. However, unlike the standard laboratory protocol, in situ pH measurements are carried out at lower and varying soil moisture contents (SMCs), which can have a pronounced effect on the sensor readings. In addition, as the contact with the soil during in situ measurements should be relatively short, effects of soil texture could be expected because texture controls the migration of protons to the electrode interface. This may be exacerbated by the fact that the electrodes used for in situ measurements are made of less sensitive but more robust materials as compared to the standard glass electrode. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of soil moisture and soil texture on pH measurements using robust antimony and epoxy-body ISEs pressed directly into the soil for 30 s. The SMC was gradually increased from dry conditions to field capacity. A wide range of soil texture classes were included, with sand, silt, and clay contents ranging from 16 % to 91 %, 5 % to 44 %, and 4 % to 65 %, respectively. An exponential model was fitted to the data to quantify the relationship between SMC and pH. The results show that an increase in SMC causes a maximum increase in pH of approximately 1.5 pH units, regardless of the type of pH ISE used. Furthermore, for sandy soil textures, a rather linear relationship between pH and SMC was observed, whereas, with decreasing mean particle diameter (MPD), the model had a pronounced exponential shape, i.e., a greater pH increase at low SMC and a plateau effect at high SMC. With increasing SMC, the pH values asymptotically approached the standard pH measured with a glass electrode in 0.01 M CaCl 2 (soil : solution ratio of 1:2.5). Thus, at high SMC, subsequent calibration of the sensor pH values to the standard pH value is negligible, which may be relevant for using the sensor pH data for lime requirement estimates. The pH measurement error decreases exponentially with increasing soil moisture and increases with decreasing MPD. Using a knee point detection, reliable pH values were obtained for SMC > 11 %, irrespective of the pH ISE used. An analysis of the regression coefficients of the fitted exponential model showed that the maximum pH increase also depends on soil texture; i.e., the influence of soil moisture variation on the pH value increases with decreasing MPD. Moreover, the concavity of the exponential curve increases with decreasing MPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering & Architectural Faculty of Eskisehir Osmangazi University / Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The adsorption of iron (III) from sulfuric acid solutions on a strongly acidic cation-exchange resin Dowex G-26 (H) has been studied. The factors influencing the adsorption of iron (III) have been investigated: solution pH, contact duration, adsorbent dose, initial concentration of iron (III) in solution. The obtained results show that Dowex G-26 (H) resin has a high exchange capacity for iron (III) ions from sulfuric acid solutions. Complete adsorption of iron (III) was achieved at pH>2 (99%). Based on the experimental results, Langmuir and Freindlich adsorption isotherms have been constructed. Both isotherms fully describe the adsorption of iron(III) by the Dowex G-26 adsorbent. However, a comparison of the Langmuir correlation coefficient (R²=0.9098) with respect to Freundlich (R²=0.9915) shows that the Freundlich isotherm provides a better fit than the Langmuir isotherm. Quantitative and quantitative sorption properties of Dowex G-26 (H) relative to iron (III) have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) for iron (III) was 166 mg/g at 25℃. It has been shown that Dowex G-26(H) can be recommended as an adsorbent for sorption of Fe(III) from acidic solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copper-based biocide is mostly used as primary additive of Antifouling (AF) paint in Indonesia especially on vessels. The evaluation for the efficacy of AF paint was conducted where anti corrosion (AC) paint was also as a reference. The panels with both paints were exposed to various sea depths of up to 3 meters until 12 months of exposures. The measurement of parameters of seawater consisting of water conductivity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity were carried out. There was no or less attached marine biofouling on AF-painted panels but not on AC-painted panels up to 12-months of field exposure in various sea depths. There was no difference between the properties of AF paints before and after exposure to various sea depths. The inhibitive performance of AF paint depends on the existence of AF layer containing Cu2O biocide where the thickness of that layer decreases in increase of time exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recently discovered specific markers open up new possibilities for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in burn disease in order to optimize the treatment of such patients. Early diagnosis with the involvement of biomarkers prevents the sudden death of burn patients and allows predicting the course of the pathological condition. There are several characteristics that an “ideal” AKI biomarker should conform to: being non-invasive, locally specific, highly sensitive, being a stable molecule at different temperatures and pH values, having the ability to rapidly increase in response to kidney injury (quantify it), remaining at high levels during the episode and decreasing during the recovery period. There is a difference between the biomarkers that can be freely filtered in the glomerulus, so any increase in their plasma concentration (due to damage to other renal tissues) can lead to a high concentration of indicators in the urine (loss of specificity), and high-molecular-weight markers that are not freely filtered and therefore are more specific when measured in urine. Renal function in burn patients is usually determined by blood and urine tests, as biopsy can cause iatrogenic damage and is not commonly used in this cohort. After the onset of AKI, the level of biomarkers remains elevated for a certain period. None of the described indicators is monospecific for AKI; this makes estimating the time of AKI quite difficult. It has been proven that the combination of three biomarkers at two different time points in adults and the combination of two indicators at two time intervals in children allows to increase the reliability of determining AKI up to 0.78. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultisols are characterized as acid soils with high exchangeable Al as the primary constraint for plant growth. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the proportion of lime and organic matter in decreasing exchangeable Al on Ultisol Bogor and continued to observe the impact on the growth and nodulation of peanuts. The pot experiment used a completely randomized design with a single treatment of the addition of ameliorant consisting of 12 levels of the treatment of lime (calcite and dolomite), organic matter (dry cow dung and rice straw compost), and their combinations with three replications. The first step was applying the ameliorant and incubating for eight weeks, then continuing the cultivation of peanuts. Results showed that during incubation, the decrease in exchangeable Al levels varied between treatments, along with an increase in soil pH and available P. The treatments of calcite 100% (Tl) and dolomite 100% (T2) showed the highest increase in soil pH and available P and the highest decrease in exchangeable Al. The result of plant growth showed that the highest plant dry weight, N-uptake, and P-uptake were obtained by the treatment of dolomite 25% + rice straw compost 25% + dry cow dung 25% + NPK 25% (T10), whereas the highest number and total weight of nodules were obtained by the rice straw compost 50% + dry cow dung 50% (T7) and dolomite 25% + rice straw compost 75% (T8). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of lime is the general method of improving acid sulfate soils. However, if a lot of lime is applied, it can reduce the bioavailability of nutrients in the soil, especially phosphorus. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of liming at different rates on the availability, adsorption, and desorption of phosphorus in two post-active acid sulfate soils (Ay and Se). The experiment was performed in the laboratory. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and three replicates, i.e., the application of lime at a rate of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the lime requirement (LR). The lime requirements of the soils in the Ay and Se were 5,690 and 12,250 kg CaCO3/ha, respectively. The finding revealed that increasing the amount of lime could increase soil pH, available phosphorus, and the phosphorus activation coefficient. Application of lime at a dosage of 1.0-2.0 LR resulted in the highest phosphorus adsorption maximum (Qm) (380 mg/kg), while 0.5 LR resulted in the lowest Qm (353 mg/kg) in Se soil only. As lime dosage increased, phosphorus desorption maximum (Dm) and phosphorus desorption ratio (Dr) increased, with 2.0 LR yielding the highest values (124 mg/kg and 23.6 percent for Ay soil, and 77.3 mg/kg and 20.3 percent for Se soil, respectively). The results suggested that applying lime according to the lime requirement test, especially 2.0 LR, is the best option to promote the release of phosphorus in post-active acid sulfate soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland degradation might affect peatland functions. Sustainable agriculture practice, i.e., nutrient management, is one of the efforts that could be made to delay the degradation. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the best nutrient management practice for shallot production in degraded peatlands. A split-plot experimental design was performed in a greenhouse environment, with cultivars (Sembrani and Trisula) as the main plot and eleven combinations of NPK fertilizer as the subplot. All treatments received 4.4 t ha-1 dolomite to increase the soil pH. Results showed that Sembrani produced a higher bulb yield than Trisula. Trisula was sensitive to acidic soils and failed to yield a high bulb. The NPK recommended dose for Sembrani was 150 kg N ha-1, 100 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 100 kg K2O ha-1, producing 57.50 g plant-1 equal to 14.4 t ha-1 or 53% higher than the control (without NPK). Meanwhile, growing Trisula was not recommended for peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that plants need a range of soil nutrients to grow. In farming, these nutrients are generally added to the soil in the form of fertilizers. However, depending on the soil conditions (such as temperature, water content, pH, and soil type), nutrients may not be in the right form for plant uptake. Determining the availability of nutrients in the soil for plant growth is therefore critical for the yield and productivity of modern farming. A considerable amount of research and knowledge has been developed that shows the importance of the soil pH on the availability (or not) of nutrients. Furthermore, pH plays a crucial role in controlling the availability of potential toxic elements, such as aluminum and manganese. This review article discusses recent research aimed at real‐time and continuous soil pH measurement in‐situ. More specifically, it focuses on the development of polymer materials that will ultimately enable pH measurements for the specific application of in‐ground pH sensing. Given the breadth of the polymeric sensor research field, this review has a narrowed focus on optical and electrochemical transduction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oyster shells are one of the most abundant seafood wastes in Vietnam which have not been deposed efficiently, causing many negative effects on the ecosystem and the quality of human life. In this study, the recycling of waste oyster shells was investigated to provide a calcium carbonate-rich material for improving and stabilizing the pH value of acidified water. Characterization of the recycled shells using various techniques proved that the thermal treatments at temperatures from 120 to 220 °C led to no significant changes in the chemical composition and calcite-based layer structure of oyster shells. Testing the performance of the recycled oyster shells in the adjustment of the aqueous pH value was conducted in a solution containing NH4Cl (0.5 g/L) as a simulation of the acidified aquaculture phase. As expected, using 1 g of the 220 °C -calcinated oyster shell for 2 L of the simulated solution, the solution pH rapidly increased from 6.3 to 7.7 in the first 2 h, reached the extreme value (~ 7.8) after 24 h and slowly decreased to the stabilized pH range of ~ 7.2 after 5-6 d. It was proved out that the oyster shell amount significantly affected the solution pH value. Importantly, the elemental analysis showed that the content of toxic transition metals including Cd, Pb, As, and Cr in the oyster shell was below the detection limit of each other, implying great potential for the application in the real aquaculture environment in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research serves as an initial exploration into a novel zinc carrier derived from gelatin obtained from the skin of featherback fish (Chitala ornata), which is a natural source. The skin was found to contain approximately 63.23 ± 0.51 % moisture, 71.18 ± 1.82 % crude protein, 9.13 ± 3.40 % crude lipid, and 19.69 ± 1.61 % ash (on a dry weight basis). To extract the gelatin, warm water was used, followed by hydrolysis using Alcalase. The gelatin-to-water ratio was 1:4 (w/v), with a pH of 8, temperature of 50 °C, enzyme-to-substrate (E:S) ratio of 40 U/g protein, and a hydrolysis time of 4 h. The resulting hydrolysate exhibited a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 18.46 ± 1.35 % and a zinc-binding capacity (ZnBC) of 39.66 ± 1.56 % (which was 2.00 times lower than that of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA)). The hydrolysate's activity remained above 60 % even after exposure to a wide pH range 1-11 and treatment for 180 min at 100 °C. Notably, the hydrolysate contained a significant amount of hydroxyproline (Hyp), measuring 1550 mg/L. Ultrafiltration was utilized to fractionate the hydrolysate, resulting in five peptide fractions (>30 kDa, 10-30 kDa, 3-10 kDa, 1-3 kDa, and <1 kDa), which were subsequently evaluated for their ZnBC. The <1 kDa fraction demonstrated the highest ZnBC of 53.36 ± 3.95 %, which was 1.51 folds lower than that of Na2EDTA. These findings suggest that the gelatin hydrolysate and/or its peptide fractions derived from featherback fish skin could be utilized as a supplement in producing functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the pH sensor electrode based on iridium oxides (IrOx) was developed and applied to potentiometric titration, instead of the traditional glass membrane electrodes, with its dominant features such as easy-implementation, low-cost and small-size. The electrode consisting of the IrOx layered on the surface of titanium substrate was fabricated by an anodizing method. Such electrode (IrOx/Ti) was highly sensitive to a pH change in a solution, but not in the presence of oxidizing or reducing agents. With the aim to minimize these chemical interferences, the IrOx/Ti electrode was covered by a nafion thin-film via a dip-coating method, namely Nf-IrOx/Ti. Besides the high mechanical stability, the Nf-IrOx/Ti sensing electrode indicated a linear correlation between the potential and the solution pH in the range of pH 2-12, with the response time of 120 s for an equilibrium. Although the response time of such pH electrode was quite longer than those of IrOx/Ti (60 s) and the commercial glass membrane electrode (30 s), the Nf-IrOx/Ti electrode permitted determining the equivalence points in acid-base potentiometric titrations with a high accuracy (less than 1 % relative errors in comparison with the corresponding values obtained by the commercial glass membrane electrode). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an in-depth discussion of the development of electronic skin (e-skin) devices for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) for skin health management. E-skin devices, grounded in flexible conductive polymers, demonstrate immense potential as a versatile platform for TDD due to the adaptable properties factors. The integration of sensors and electronic components into e-skin devices seamlessly allows for real-time monitoring of skin health parameters, such as temperature, hydration, and pH levels. Additionally, e-skin devices can also realize the prospect of targeted and controlled drug delivery through the utilization of iontophoresis. This paper explores the current state-of-the-art in e-skin technology, emphasizing its applications in TDD and skin disease management. Furthermore, the paper outlines the prospective directions and prevailing challenges in this rapidly evolving domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Education & Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acid rain and water pollution are alarming threats, necessitating the study of their influences in different environmental aspects. This study investigates the effects of pore water's pH on the behavior of high plasticity silt. Samples with varied pore fluid pH were tested for Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength on the 9th, 18th, and 27th curing days. Particle size distribution and zeta potential were assessed on the 27th day on strength tested samples. The test showed that the soil properties change with the pH of the pore fluid and the days the sample were cured for. The particle size distribution revealed that higher silt and clay fractions were present in acidic and alkaline conditions respectively. Liquid limit varied irregularly with different pH conditions. On all test days, the plastic limit increased under acidic and alkaline conditions compared to neutral conditions. The Unconfined compressive strength and zeta potential were observed to be low in the acidic and alkaline conditions compared to the neutral condition. The result infers that the dissolution of cementitious elements in acidic and alkaline conditions reduces the long-term strength of the soil. These findings encourage geotechnical engineers to evaluate the pH characteristics of the pore fluids during geotechnical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine whether the physicochemical attributes of different water sources, including the karstic spring of Radavc and three boreholes, meet the established brewing water quality standards and guidelines. This investigation also seeks to understand how the mineral composition of the water may impact the flavor profile and brewing efficiency of the beer produced by the brewery. In essence, the problem revolves around ensuring the availability of high-quality water for beer production and optimizing brewing processes based on water characteristics. These results indicate that the water from the Drini Bardhë source exhibits superior quality compared to the well water. Specifically, the Drini Bardhë water displays favourable pH levels and mineral content suitable for drinking water. However, the well water samples exhibit higher iron concentrations, potentially impacting the taste of the final products. Despite this, all samples show low levels of total coliforms, meeting the World Health Organization's safety standards for consumption and production processes. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of understanding the physicochemical attributes of water sources for breweries like Birra Peja. By tailoring water treatment and modification approaches based on these attributes, breweries can enhance brewing efficiency, consistency, and the final product's sensory characteristics. This research contributes to the broader knowledge of water quality's role in the brewing industry and provides valuable insights for optimizing beer production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]