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The underlying principle of this current research was to characterize the cellulosic fibers that were retted from the roots of Acalypha indica L. plant to find their aptness for making green composites. Physical characterization tests were conducted and reported proving the reinforcing capability of these fibers which has a density of 1.356 g/cm3. Chemical composition tests conducted on these fibers showed the weight % of cellulose as 67.86. Amorphous constituents such as hemicellulose and lignin were present as 0.24 and 18.75 weight %, respectively. Wax, ash, and moisture were respectively present as 0.86, 2.13, and 10.16 weight % of fibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies purported the presence of both amorphous and crystalline contents of cellulose confirming the peaks of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The fibers possessed a crystallinity index of 46.62% and their crystallite size was computed as 3.68 nm from XRD, with a good temperature bearing capacity of 225°C as ascertained from the thermo-gravimetric analysis. Conglomeration of fibrils and the roughness characteristics were evident from the scanning electron microscopic images and atomic force microscopic observations, respectively. Thus, it can be seen that this newly identified fiber are apposite reinforcements and can be explored further by infusing them in polymer matrices for making sustainable products.

The objective of this work is to find the influence of fiber content, stacking pattern, and their sequence on the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. Hybrid composites in four varieties with five laminae containing different stacking sequences of jute/madar/glass fibers were fabricated using hand-layup technique with glass fiber woven mats as their skin layers that just enclose bio-fibers oriented horizontally. The stacking sequences were GJMJG, GMJMG, GJGJG and GMGMG where G, J, and M represents glass fiber mats, jute, and madar fibers, respectively. The fibers in the core layer were oriented perpendicular to the enclosing adjacent plies and they may be jute/madar fibers depending on the stacking sequence. Load Vs deflection curves show that stress and strain were linear and all the samples fail abruptly except the sample that contains high proportion of madar fibers. Jute fiber layers imparted more strength and energy-absorbing capacity, whilst madar fiber layers imparted more strain and toughness to the composites. Studies showed that intercalation of glass fiber mats as the core and skin layers exhibited a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the composites than other samples. The morphology of the fractured samples exhibited compatibility between matrix and reinforcements.

The purpose of this investigation is to characterize the fibers extorted from the bark of Vacheilla nilotica ssp indica tree. Physical studies conducted on the fibers showed that the density of the fibers was 1.375 gm/cm3 with their chemical composition containing 60.3% cellulose, 5.76% hemicellulose and 25.24% lignin. Wax, moisture and ash content present in the fibers were 0.63%, 6.95% and 1.12% respectively. FTIR spectrum proved the presence of functional groups pertaining to biopolymers. X-ray diffraction studies on the fibers showed crystalline index, degree of crystallinity and crystallite size as 57.66%, 70.26% and 2.27 nm respectively. Apparent activation energy of the fibers was 59.17 kJ/mol as derived from Broido’s plot and the fibers subsist 225°C without degradation. Tensile strength, percent elongation and Young’s modulus of the fibers were found as 242 ± 19MPa, 2.06 ± 0.07% and 11.76 ± 0.58GPa respectively. SEM images ascertained the rough fiber surface and the roughness parameters such as average roughness, root mean square roughness, skewness and kurtosis of the fibers were observed as 56.9668 nm, 78.5079 nm, 0.45906 and 3.57799 respectively from the atomic force microscope images. The study culminates that the physical, chemical, thermal and surface characteristics are comparable with other cellulose fibers.

The main objective of this work was to explore the prospects of producing pulp and paper from leftover lignocellulosic fibers. In this study discarded Cocos nucifera fibers were collected from an abandoned site and were washed thoroughly. FTIR analysis, chemical composition and fiber morphology studies were conducted. FTIR showed the presence of holocellulose and lignin in the fibers. Chemical analysis showed the holocellulose content as 37.8 wt%. Fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen diameter and cell wall thickness were observed using microscope and derived fiber indices that determine the possibility of producing paper were evaluated. The derived indices such as Runkel index, slenderness ratio, co-efficient of rigidity, flexibility co-efficient, Luce’s shape factor and Solids factor of the fibers were evaluated as 67.9%, 44.11, 58.83%, 0.199, 0.49 and 278.53x103 respectively. All these indices are in good agreement with fibers recommended and used for pulp and paper production. High lignin content present in the fibers is a limitation and it can be removed through appropriate delignification techniques. Thus the study showed that discarded fibers can be used for producing pulp, paper and allied products.

This research work explored and compared the experimental performance of a solar still having novel octagonal-pyramid shape with a single slope solar still. It is found that the novel still provides twice distillation compared with conventional still. The experiments also evaluated the desalination productivity of octagonal-pyramid solar still by varying the depth of saline water inside the basin and angle of inclination of glass cover. It is observed that the optimum condition for high distillation is obtained when depth of water inside the basin is 5 cm with angle of inclination of glass cover which is 30°. Four types of water, i.e., underground borewell water, sea water, leather industry effluent, and plastic industry effluent were also used to see the effect on distillation. Results showed that underground borewell water provides high distillation due to low density. Furthermore, the performance of the octagonal-pyramid solar still is enhanced by adding different latent heat and sensible heat materials in the octagonal-pyramid solar still. Hence, the addition of brick to the octagonal-pyramid still yields the highest productivity compared to incorporation of paraffin wax. Hence, it can be concluded that the octagonal design of the solar still has shown an increased productivity when compared to a single slope solar still (conventional still) under all the conditions.

The present investigation is mainly aimed to characterize the cellulosic fibers extracted from the stem of Shwetark plant to test its possibility to be used as polymeric reinforcement. Chemical analysis conducted on the Shwetark fibers shows the presence of cellulose (69.65 wt. %), lignin (16.82 wt. %), wax (0.53 wt. %), ash (3.4 wt. %) and wetness content (8.8 wt. %). The density of the fibers is found as 1.364 g/cm3. Crystallinity index and the crystallite size of the fibers are calculated as 72.06% and 3nm, respectively, from X-ray diffraction analysis while the presence of functional groups is ascertained from Fourier transform infrared analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the fibers are thermally stable till 225°C, and the fiber morphology seen through scanning electron microscopic shows that the fibers are composed of densely and uniformly packed cellulose microfibrils. Atomic force microscopic studies exemplify that Shwetark fibers can be used for tribological applications. The mean tensile strength and percentage elongation of the Shwetark fibers are found as 309.68 MPa and 1.092%, respectively. Thus, the studies show the possibility of Shwetark fibers as prospective candidates to replace harmful synthetic man-made fibers.

This study aims to characterize and find the suitability of Calotropis procera fibers to reinforce polymer matrices from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Composite samples are prepared using varying weight % of Calotropis procera fibers with epoxy resin as matrix and the effect of fiber loading on the tensile, flexural, impact and water absorption properties are conducted and reported. It is found that fiber loading improves the mechanical strength of the composites and it is attributed to the strong bonding that exists between the fiber reinforcement and the matrix polymer. Fiber loading in excess of 40 weight % leads to decrease in the mechanical strength, while no significant difference in water absorption is noticed when the fiber loading exceeds 30 weight %. The study suggests that Calotropis procera fibers are promising candidates to reinforce polymers and can be used for the fabrication of composites.

The thermal properties of polymer fibers namely polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) and polypropylene fiber (PP) have been taken for study to carry out this present work. Simulated pore solution (SPS) is prepared by using the combination of chemicals NaOH, KOH, and Ca(OH)2 with distilled water to study the effect of C-S-H gel formation on fibers. The fibers are dipped in the solution for 35 days. The thermal properties of raw and SPS-dipped fibers are fetched out by performing various tests such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On analysis, the thermal properties of SPS-dipped fiber have better properties when compared with raw fiber. In FTIR analysis the first broad peak of both raw and SPS-dipped fibers are observed between 3000 cm−1 to 2800 cm−1 indicating that fibers have strong bond. In TGA analysis noted that the residual mass of raw fiber (77.19%) is higher than SPS-dipped fiber (52.33%) due to the formation of C-S-H gel formation. DSC analysis showed both endothermic and exothermic reaction under N2 atmosphere.

This paper aims to identify the optimum level of factors or parameters that affect the energy absorption of conoidal structures by grey relational examination. To optimize crashworthiness parameters of conical structures, the L9 orthogonal array has been adopted to design the experiments. The tailor-made thin-walled conical structures were fabricated by three most important factors, such as base diameter, height, and thickness, as design variables, and they were subjected to axial compression in a quasi-static method. The important responses of crashworthiness indicators such as the mean crushing force and specific energy absorption (SEA) were calculated with the help of a load-displacement curve. Experimental results showed that the crushing behaviours of conical structures were fairly significant. Grey relational analysis (GRA) and analysis of variance are used toobtain the optimal levels of parameters. From the results, the optimum levels of parameters are found to be a base diameter of 180 mm, a height of 120 mm, and a thickness of 1.5 mm.

Alternative methods for dissimilar metal joining particularly aluminium and copper have gain interest in manufacturing sectors. Friction stir spot welding was carried out on the AA6061 and C11000 wires of 2 mm diameter. This research paper reported the results on microstructures and mechanical properties of the spot-welded joints, and also special attention is provided for electrical resistivity of the welds. The microstructures reveal the information of grain structure and bonding. The width of diffusion layer significantly reduced with low dwell times. For a plunge depth of 1 mm, the maximum tensile strength (294 MPa) is achieved during the higher rotational speed (1400 rpm). For the same plunge depth, lower tensile strength values are exhibited by the joint produced using the lower rotational speed (800 rpm). Hardness of the weld region recorded 70 HV which is less than Cu (115 HV) and greater than Al (40 HV). FSSW joints (0.30 to 0.34 μΩ) offered higher range of electrical resistivity than that of base metal (0.02 μΩ). The results highlighted in this paper might be helpful for both academic researchers and industrialists.

With an orthogonal experimental design, Spark plasma sintering method was used to create tungsten carbide with Al 2025 composites. Pressure, temperature, and hold time all had an influence on the mechanical characteristics of the composites. Pressure had the greatest effect on density and bending strength, followed by temperature and holding duration. After five minutes of sintering at 556°C under 40 MPa, a 50% tungsten carbide/Al 2025 composite material was produced, resulting in a density of 997.7 percent and a spectacular bending strength of 766.65 MPa. This study revealed the ability of high-volume fraction mixes to support huge loads.

The nanoparticles are incorporated into the composite to mark their unique properties. This work investigates the hybrid epoxy nanocomposite and the impact of nanographite reinforcement. The composite was prepared by using a mechanical stirring technique. The amount of nanographite was added in different volumes, i.e., 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.%. Results of mechanical and dynamic loading properties were analyzed in accordance to the quantity of nano-G. The fiber and matrix interfacial bonding enrichments were evident in high-resolution SEM images-tensile fracture surface. Finally, the optimum content of nanoparticle which impacts the sample greatly was found to be 1.5 wt.%.

The usage of natural fibers has increased recently. They are used to replace synthetic fiber products in aircraft and automobile industries. In this study, natural fibers of bidirectional banyan mat and ramie fabrics are used for reinforcement, and the matrix is an epoxy resin to fabricate composite laminates by traditional hand layup technique at atmospheric temperature mode. Five different sequences of reinforcements are as follows to quantify the effect of thermal stability and mechanical behavior of silane-treated and untreated hybrid composites. The results revealed that silane-treated fabric composite laminates were given enhanced mechanical properties of 7% tensile, 11% flexural, and 9% impact strength compared with untreated fabric composite, and at the same time when the increasing of ramie fabric was given the positive influence of 41% improved tensile strength of 40.7 MPa, 49% improved in flexural strength of 38.9 MPa and negative influence in 57% lower impact strength in sample E and positive value in sample A 21.12 J impact energy absorbed in the hybrid composite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed the thermal stability of the hybrid composite. In sample A, the thermal stability is more than in other samples, and 410°C is required to reduce the mass loss of 25%. The working mass condition of the hybrid composite is up to 3.25 g after it moves to degrade.

Prosopis julifera is a non-edible feedstock found in the arid and semi-arid regions was used for the production of biodiesel. Solvent extraction technique was used for oil extraction from Prosopis julifera .The present work mainly concentrates on the three step process of biodiesel production from Prosopis julifera oil .The acid value of Prosopis julifera oil was reduced below 1% using acid catalyst 1% v/v H2SO4 followed by esterification process using alkaline catalyst (KOH).Transesterification reaction is found to be affected by the reaction variables namely methanol to oil molar ratio, amount of catalyst used, reaction time and reaction temperature. Gas chromatography was used to analyse the Fatty acid methyl esters. The methyl ester obtained from the previous step was refined to produce biodiesel. The fuel properties of Prosopis julifera methyl ester (PJME) such as viscosity, cetane number, flash point, acid value, etc were determined and compared according to the ASTM standards. The optimum reaction conditions of Methanol/oil molar ratio of 9:1v/v, reaction temperature of 550C, reaction time of 2 hrs and 0.75% w/v of KOH usage were determined. Response surface Methodology (RSM) technique was used to optimize the maximum yield of Prosopis julifera methyl ester.

Autism rates have been reported to be increasing rapidly in industrialized societies. The pathology most often combines neurological symptoms associated with language and social impairments with gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to measure differences in oral metatranscriptome and mitochondrial health between ASD children and neurotypical USA and Colombia (“Blue Zone”) children. In addition, this study aimed to determine whether using prebiotics and probiotics would change the oral microbiome and mitochondrial health of ASD children. Buccal swabs and saliva samples were obtained from 30 autistic individuals (USA) at three intervals: prior to intervention, post-prebiotic, and post-probiotic. In addition, a subject component who were neurotypical, which included individuals from the USA (30) and Colombia (30), had buccal swabbing and salivary sampling performed for metatranscriptomic and mitochondrial comparison. Significant differences were observed in the temporal data, demonstrating shifts that interventions with probiotics and polyols may have precipitated. Particular bacterial strains were significantly more prevalent in the autism group, including a strain that reduced neurotransmitter levels via enzymatic degradation. This supports the hypothesis that the microbiome may influence the occurrence and degree of autism. Verbal skills increased in six of the 30 ASD subjects following xylitol and three more after probiotic supplementation, according to both parental reports and the subjects’ healthcare providers.

Pulse proteins are playing significant roles in the alternative protein space due to the demand for foods produced in an environmentally sustainable manner and, most importantly, due to the demand for foods of nutritious value. There has been extensive research to mimic animal-derived meat texture, flavour, mouthfeel, etc. However, there is still the perception that many of the plant-based proteins that have been texturized to mimic meat are still highly processed and contain chemicals or preservatives, reducing their appeal as being healthy and precluding any sustainable benefits. To counter this notion, the biotransformation of pulse proteins using enzymes or fermentation offers unique opportunities. Thus, this review will address the significance of pulse proteins in the alternative protein space and some of the processing aids leading to the isolation and modification of such protein concentrates in a sustainable manner. Fermentation-based valorization of pulse proteins will also be discussed as a “clean label” strategy (further adding to sustainable nutritious plant protein production), although some of the processes like the extensive use of water in submerged fermentation need to be addressed.

Background Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke (AFDAS) is considered to be a distinct entity influenced by cardiogenic and neurogenic factors. We hypothesized that patients with AFDAS have larger stroke lesions than patients without atrial fibrillation (AF) and with known AF (KAF). Methods and Results Consecutive patients with magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed acute ischemic stroke admitted to a university hospital between October 2020 and January 2023 were prospectively registered. We categorized patients as AFDAS, no AF or KAF upon hospital discharge. We manually segmented diffusion‐weighted imaging lesions to determine lesion volume. We analyzed 1420 patients (median age, 78; 47.2% women, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 3; median hospital stay, 5 days). Of these, 81 had AFDAS (5.7%), 329 had KAF (23.2%) and 1010 had no AF (71.1%). Lesion volume was larger in patients with AFDAS (median, 5.4 mL [interquartile range, 1.0–21.6]) compared with patients with no AF and KAF (median, 0.7 [interquartile range,0.2–4.4] and 2.0 [interquartile range,0.3–11.1] mL, respectively; both P6.5 mL) were more likely to be diagnosed with AFDAS compared with the lowest quartile (

Summary: Lower airway club cells (CCs) serve the dual roles of a secretory cell and a stem cell. Here, we probe how the CC fate is regulated. We find that, in response to acute perturbation of Notch signaling, CCs adopt distinct fates. Although the vast majority transdifferentiate into multiciliated cells, a “variant” subpopulation (v-CCs), juxtaposed to neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs; 5%–10%) and located at bronchioalveolar duct junctions (>80%), does not. Instead, v-CCs transition into lineage-ambiguous states but can revert to a CC fate upon restoration of Notch signaling and repopulate the airways with CCs and multiciliated cells. The v-CC response to Notch inhibition is dependent on localized activation of β-catenin in v-CCs. We propose that the CC fate is stabilized by canonical Notch signaling, that airways are susceptible to perturbations to this pathway, and that NEBs/terminal bronchioles comprise niches that modulate CC plasticity via β-catenin activation to facilitate airway repair post Notch inhibition.

BackgroundThe rise of telehealth and telemedicine during the pandemic allowed patients and providers to develop a sense of comfort with telehealth, which may have increased the demand for virtual-first care solutions with spillover effects into venture capital funding. ObjectiveWe aimed to understand the size and type of digital health investments occurring in the prepandemic and pandemic periods. MethodsWe examined health care companies founded from March 14, 2019, to March 14, 2020 (prepandemic) versus those founded from March 15, 2020, to March 14, 2022, after pandemic onset. Data were obtained from Crunchbase, a publicly available database that catalogs information about venture capital investments for companies. We also compared companies founded prepandemic to those founded after the first year of the pandemic (pandemic steady-state). We performed a Wilcoxon rank sum test to compare median funding amounts. We compared the 2 groups of companies according to the type of funding round raised, geography, health care subcategory, total amount of funding per year since founding, and number of founders. ResultsThere were 2714 and 2218 companies founded prepandemic and during the pandemic, respectively. The companies were similarly distributed across geographies in the prepandemic and pandemic periods (P=.46) with no significant differences in the number of founders (P=.32). There was a significant difference in total funding per year since founding between prepandemic and pandemic companies (US $10.8 million vs US $20.9 million; P