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This study focuses on investigating the effect of hybrid nanofillers on the hydration characteristics and soil biodegradability of the thermoplastic corn starch (TPCS) hybrid nanofiller biocomposite (TPCS-HB) films. The data were benchmarked with that of the pure TPCS and TPCS single nanofiller biocomposite (TPCS-SB) as control films. The water absorption properties of TPCS, TPCS-SB, and TPCS-HB films were analyzed and fitted with the standard Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer equation to study the water activity of the films. Besides, the water permeability test, water vapor permeability, and soil biodegradability of the films were also studied and correlated with the films’ surface morphology. The results indicated that the TPCS-HB films possess excellent hydration resistance and comparable biodegradable rate with the TPCS-SB films. The optimal water resistance properties were achieved when the optimal ratio of nanobentonite/nanocellulose (4:1) was incorporated into the TPCS matrix. The outcomes of this study provide an innovative idea and new insights that, by using natural and hybrid nanofillers, the hydrophobicity of the TPCS films could be enhanced. TPCS-HB films show great potential to be developed into a fully green biodegradable TPCS biocomposite film, especially for single-use plastic applications.

Iron-based coagulants are widely used in wastewater treatment due to their high positively charged ion that effectively destabilise colloidal suspension, and thus contribute to the formation of insoluble flocs. Ferric chloride, ferrous sulphate, and poly-ferric sulphate (PFS) are examples of iron-based coagulants that are highly available, and are beneficial in producing denser flocs, thereby improving settling characteristics. This work aims to review the preparation methods of PFS and critically discuss the influence of these methods on the PFS properties and performance as a chemical coagulant for water and wastewater treatment. In polymeric form, PFS is one of the pre-hydrolysing metallic salts with the chemical formula [Fe2(OH)n(SO4)3−n/2]m (where, n 10) and has a dark brownish red colour as well as is more viscous and less corrosive. PFS has an amorphous structure with small traces of crystallinity, containing both hydroxyl and sulphate functional groups. It has been applied in many industries including water or wastewater treatment which is also discussed in this study. It has the ability to remove pollutants contained in water or wastewater, such as turbidity, colour, chemical and biological oxygen demand, phosphorus, and others. This study also provides a review on the combination of PFS with other chemical coagulants or flocculants in the coagulation/flocculation process, and also flocs formed after a more stable treatment process.

Haze has become a seasonal phenomenon affecting Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, and has occurred almost every year within the last few decades. Air pollutants, specifically particulate matter, have drawn a lot of attention due to their adverse impact on human health. In this study, the spatial and temporal variability of the PM10 concentration at Kelang, Melaka, Pasir Gudang, and Petaling Jaya during historic haze events were analysed. An hourly dataset consisting of PM10, gaseous pollutants and weather parameters were obtained from Department of Environment Malaysia. The mean PM10 concentrations exceeded the stipulated Recommended Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline for the yearly average of 150 μg/m3 except for Pasir Gudang in 1997 and 2005, and Petaling Jaya in 2013. The PM10 concentrations exhibit greater variability in the southwest monsoon and inter-monsoon periods at the studied year. The air masses are found to be originating from the region of Sumatra during the haze episodes. Strong to moderate correlation of PM10 concentrations was found between CO during the years that recorded episodic haze, meanwhile, the relationship of PM10 level with SO2 was found to be significant in 2013 with significant negatively correlated relative humidity. Weak correlation of PM10-NOx was measured in all study areas probably due to less contribution of domestic anthropogenic sources towards haze events in Malaysia.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the perception over the innovative systems of barbell- extensor (concentric and exocentric) and helcometers bar with extensor system, focused on development and recovery of mass and muscular force. Subjects tested were males (N=10), aged between 19 to 32 (average 21.54 years), executing a training program with innovative equipments, of individually intensity. After 24 hours, they filled a questioner of 8 items (open and closed questions). The results proved that new equipment exhibits advantages related to the isolation efficiency of exercises, but the training programs must be constructed taking into consideration that joints are more stressed than in case of classical devices. Still, the pressure on spinal column is lower when using innovative devises.

This scientific paper addresses the importance of water treatment process until it becomes drinkable, studying the treatment process from different points of view that are considered to be relevant. The choice of this subject was motivated by the water consumption importance for the entire population, the scientific paper proposing to study in what way this water treatment process could be improved, using for analysis two methods of experimental statistical modeling, namely the Taguchi's method and the factorial experiment method. The purpose of this scientific paper was to identify the deficiencies of the water treatment process after it entered the treatment plant and analyze is carried out using the two mentioned methods above, were continued by finding optimization solutions for the process. These solutions are intended to avoid the situations in which the treatment plant may be unable to cover the required volume of drinking water and to ensure the quality of the drinking water supplied to consumers according to the legislation to date. The knowledge benefit of this research consists in the realization of the research intentions formulated and the practical applicability of the results.

To ensure customer satisfaction, the products made by aviation, space and defense organizations need to be continuously improved from the point of view of safety, security, reliability and maintainability. The improvement goal is to be at the customers' requirements and legislations level, if not even to overcome it. The occurring problem with the final products is the challenge to ensure their quality in a shorter time. In this research the importance of implementing the APQP concept in the aeronautical industry is highlighted. To achieve this purpose, the methodologies needed to ensure that the product development processes of the aviation, space and defense industry are fully integrated processes ranging from concept and design to planning, manufacturing and production, aiming the product good use, a quality service and finally getting a positive customer feedback. The final goal of this concept implementing is the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), which is actually the main result of APQP confirming that the manufacturing process has demonstrated the potential to achieve products that consistently fulfil absolutely all the expressed and not expressed customer requirements.

The severe damage to civilian buildings, public area, jet aircraft impact and defense target under explosive blast loading can cause a huge property loss. Most of researcher discusses the topics on design the concrete material model to sustain againts the explosive detonation. The implementation of modern reinforcement steels and fibres in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete matrix can reduce the extreme loading effects. However, most researchers have proved that geopolymer concrete (GPC) has better mechanical properties towards high performance concrete, compared to OPC. GPC has the high early compressive strength and high ability to resist the thermal energy from explosive detonation. In addition, OPC production is less environmental friendly than geopolymer cement. Geopolymer used can lead to environmental protection besides being improved in mechanical properties. Thus, this paper highlighted on an experimental, numerical and the analytical studies cause of the explosive detonation impact to concrete structures.

This paper presents the authentication analysis of a bronze bust of Napoleon I, attributed to the Italian artist Renzo Colombo (1856–1885) based on his signature and other casting and molding inscriptions. The bust was made using the lost wax technique and artificially patinated in the Pinédo variant workshop. This study combined historiographical research (using the specialized literature) with data from auction catalogs. These were compared with photographs of the entire bust and close-up images of key areas, including anthropomorphic features, clothing, inscriptions, and structural and ornamental details. The condition of the bust and its historical and chemical characteristics were assessed through direct analysis with magnifying tools and indirect analysis using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the blue economy and sustainable development of the marine environment, there is currently a continuous concern about identifying the most efficient practices and methods to mitigate pollution. Therefore, the current research in this field focuses on identifying remedial methods that can restore polluted environments and preserve those that haven't been affected significantly by the actions of humans. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of regional marine environmental pollution, including armed conflict-related contamination, and thoroughly assesses up-to-date principles and technologies regarding remedial solutions for marine pollution. Also, the best practices for remedial solutions have been identified and included in the available methodologies. Accordingly, it has been concluded that marine pollution is complex and suggests that combined methods should be used to address the multiple types of contaminants that reach marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the archaeometric and chemometric authentication of a Renaissance-style oil painting on linen canvas, with plaster and barium sulphate-based primer preparation and bone glue as binder. By optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy (SOM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), a series of archaeometric characteristics were identified: the grain size of the chemical components of the paint layers, the 3D porosity distribution of the pigments, the degree of penetration between the paint layers and the varnish and between the varnish and the oxidatively anchored dirt, and the typology of the craquelure (craquelure network arrangement and morphology). By correlating the results obtained, it was possible to estimate the period of the painting as 1660 ± 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalyst material titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene oxide (GO) were used to improve the self-cleaning properties of thin films. The sol–gel spin-coating method was successfully used to synthesize GO/TiO2 thin films. Surface modification was applied to optimize the self-cleaning capabilities by adding several concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (0.1 w/v%, 0.2 w/v%, 0.3 w/v%, 0.4 w/v%, and 0.5 w/v%) to the parent solution. The synthesized thin films were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, water contact angle analysis, and photocatalytic analysis. The AFM and SEM images revealed that as the SDS amount increased, the particles became less agglomerated, and the roughness of the surface reduced from 2.54 × 102 nm to 0.83 × 102 nm. The wettability analysis showed that when SDS increased to 0.4 w/v%, the water contact angle dropped to 15.30°, implying that the thin film exhibits hydrophilic qualities. A decrease in the GO/TiO2 band gap was obtained linearly with the increase in SDS addition from 3.17 eV to 2.75 eV. Finally, the improvement of the surface coating and reduction of the band gap enhanced the photocatalytic activity, which degraded 78.97% of methylene blue, which was obtained by 0.4SDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of tested restoration methods and their effects on historical fresco restoration cycles emphasized the specification of previous achievements and losses in the restoration industry. As examples, the wall paintings of the Dunhuang sanctuaries in China and the Trinity Gate Church in Kyiv were analyzed. Based on modern comprehensive research, periodic photo documentation and scientific monitoring of the monument, the main factors influencing the preservation of the mural of the Trinity Gate Church have been identified in the context of studying the problems of the current state of monumental painting. With a perspective on the development of heritage preservation measures and recommendations for further conservation, the study aims to determine the most effective ways to maintain the artwork's original state. The original chemical composition of the mineral pigments of the sanctuaries of Dunhuang and the Trinity Gate Church was determined. The common problems of the state of emergency for the wall paintings of Dunhuang and the Trinity Gate Church are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses the wall paintings of Dunhuang sanctuaries based on mathematical methods of defining features and system-structural analysis. This makes it possible to analyse the frescoes according to a certain common criterion and to identify common and different ones. The method of system-structural analysis made it possible to present the sanctuary as a certain integrity with components covered with decor and decorated with sculpture. The main thematic genres of frescoes by period were analysed and it was proved that, in general, the process of the genesis of plans, structural schemes and wall paintings from the early to middle and late periods had the same characteristics, that is, the features of archaism and simplicity characterized both the number and variety of plans and structural schemes, and the subjects of frescoes. The features of each genre at different periods are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the genesis of planning solutions and ceiling designs of Dunhuang cave shrines. Based on the methods of defining features, graphic-and-analytical and system-and-structural analysis, the spread of types of plans and ceilings from dynasty to dynasty has been traced. Using auxiliary methods of historical, mathematical, and comparative analysis, a general picture of the development of the planning structure and constructive schemes of Dunhuang shrines from the Northern Lian period to the Yuan period has been created. By counting the types of plans and ceilings in each period, a group of the most common types of plans was determined: with a combination of larger and smaller rectangles (where the smaller is the altar part of a square or rectangular shape), a plan in the form of a square with a protruding trapezoidal altar, an altar in outline close to a rectangle or trapezoids with rounded corners, a horizontally elongated plan rectangle, based on squares with protrusions. The most common type of ceiling is fu-dou-ding with modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the genesis of planning solutions and ceiling designs of Dunhuang cave shrines. Based on the methods of defining features, graphic-and-analytical and system-andstructural analysis, the spread of types of plans and ceilings from dynasty to dynasty has been traced. Using auxiliary methods of historical, mathematical, and comparative analysis, a general picture of the development of the planning structure and constructive schemes of Dunhuang shrines from the Northern Lian period to the Yuan period has been created. By counting the types of plans and ceilings in each period, a group of the most common types of plans was determined: with a combination of larger and smaller rectangles (where the smaller is the altar part of a square or rectangular shape), a plan in the form of a square with a protruding trapezoidal altar, an altar in outline close to a rectangle or trapezoids with rounded corners, a horizontally elongated plan rectangle, based on squares with protrusions. The most common type of ceiling is fu-dou-ding with modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]