Effect of onion skin powder on color, lipid, and protein oxidative stability of premade beef patty during cold storage.

The impact of premade beef patty (BBP) with red onion skin powder (OSP) at 0, 1, 2, and 3% levels on color, lipid, and protein oxidative stability, and infection degree of microorganisms during cold storage was investigated. The objective was to determine the effect of color by L*, a*, b*, and the content of MetMb. The inhibitory effect of OSP on the oxidation of lipid and protein was studied based on TBARS and the carbonyl content of protein in samples at different storage times. TVB-N content was used to characterize the degree of infection of microorganisms and their effect on meat quality. The results showed that the addition of OSP reduced the pH, L *, a*, and b * values of BBP, and improved the hardness, springiness, gumminess, and cohesiveness of BBP, but had no significant effect on the chewiness of BBP (p > 0.05). After 12 days of storage, the carbonyl group and TBARS content in the BBP supplemented with 3%OSP was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of OSP significantly inhibited the TVB-N increase during beef patty storage. These results indicated that OSP has a good research prospect as a natural antioxidant or preservative.

The role of wild red deer on soil physical properties in a Mediterranean ecosystem: insights from a Portuguese mountain.

In this study we aimed to assess the role of wild red deer, along with other ungulates such as roe deer and wild boar, in the soil's physical properties, namely soil penetration resistance and depth (used as a proxy for soil compaction), hydraulic conductivity (a proxy for water infiltration), and the proportion of soil stable aggregates. Results showed that, at the density level found in our study area, red deer have a neutral effect at the soil level, not causing significant soil compaction or significantly influencing measured soil functions.

Recent developments in enzymatic preparation, physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and application of resistant starch type III from staple food grains.

Resistant starch (RS) was classified into five types and referred to the starch that cannot be digested and absorbed by the small intestine of healthy human beings. Among them, RS3 has received a lot of attention from researchers because of its good functional properties and greater application prospects. Meanwhile, the enzymatic method is widely used in the preparation of RS3 because of its high efficiency and environmental protection. α-Amylase and pullulanase as the main enzymes can effectively improve the yield of RS3. The physical properties of RS3 have an excellent potential for application in improving food crispness, texture and producing low glycemic index (GI) foods. It is more valuable because it has biological activities such as inducing apoptosis in tumor cells, lowering intestinal pH, and regulating blood glucose, etc. This paper summarized the current research progress of RS3 from different staple food grains, including current applications of enzymes commonly used in the preparation of RS3, physical properties and biological activities of RS3, and the application of RS3 in different areas to provide a theoretical basis for future research on RS3 as well as further development and applications based on the market requirement.

Effect of Cowpea and Pumpkin Powders on the Physicofunctional Properties, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Consumer Acceptability of Soup.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) play a pivotal role as affordable, nutritious food sources for humans. Low-income households can significantly benefit from supplementing their diet with nutritious and cost-effective locally available ingredients. The aim of this research was to develop a cost-effective soup formulation using ingredients that are readily available from a household garden and suitable for use in the kitchens of families with limited financial resources. The effect of cowpea and pumpkin powders on physicofunctional properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and consumer acceptability of the soup were determined. Three composite soup mixes were prepared using various parts of cowpea and pumpkin at a ratio of 1:1. A control soup sample was developed, and the experimental soups were prepared by supplementing the control soup with 5%, 10%, or 15% of each composite soup mix, respectively. The physical properties, functional properties, TPC, AA, and consumer acceptability of soup were determined. The control soup had an appealing golden brown colour. Formulations 1 and 3 showed the highest relative viscosity (80.67-88.91 cP). All the experimental soup formulations had higher rehydration ratios (8-14.7 g/g) and water absorption capacities of 185.7-263.3 g/g compared to the control at 7.7 g/g and 65.7 g/g, respectively. The TPC of Formulation 2 (F2) (0.32-0.54 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g powder) and Formulation 3 (F3) (0.54-0.63 mg GAE/100 g powder) was higher than Formulation 1 (F1) (0.25-0.32 mg GAE/100 g powder) and the control (0.44 mg GAE/100 g powder). Overall, the cowpea seed powder plus pumpkin fruit powder added at 10% in F2 appeared nearly optimal as a soup mix. It produced an attractive golden brown soup with increased swelling power (SP) and viscosity to assist in swallowing. Soup F1 and F2 scored high in appearance (7.27 and 7.0), aroma (7.1 and 6.7), taste (6.6 and 6.3), and overall acceptability (6.5 and 6.4). Despite having TPC and AA lower compared to F3, F2 containing 15% cowpea seed powder and pumpkin fruit has the potential to be further developed and commercialised due to the relatively high overall consumer acceptability and high acceptability in all sensory attributes.

Physical properties and thermodynamic characteristics of hydrogen.

This paper discusses the use of hydrogen in various industries and energy sectors. It focuses on studying the properties and characteristics of hydrogen, which serves as a key factor in determining its potential in various applications. Such aspects of hydrogen application as environmental friendliness as well as utilization efficiency and safety are considered. The widespread use of hydrogen as a universal environmentally friendly energy carrier, raw material and fuel will successfully solve many significant ecological, energy and technological problems. The most important physical and chemical properties and thermodynamic characteristics of hydrogen described in the paper make it possible to choose among existing technologies or focus on developing new ones that will ensure high efficiency of its utilization not only at present but also in future. The information presented in the paper can be used for reference.

Effects of Na+ adaptation on Bacillus cereus endospores inactivation and transcriptome changes.

As Bacillus cereus endospores exist in various vegetables grown in soil, the possibility of contamination in food products with high salt concentrations cannot be ignored. Recent studies revealed that harsh conditions affect the resistance of bacteria; thus, we investigated the developmental aspect of heat resistance of B. cereus after sporulation with high NaCl concentration. RNA sequencing was conducted for transcriptomic changes when B. cereus endospores formed at high salinity, and membrane fluidity and hydrophobicity were measured to verify the transcriptomic analysis. Our data showed that increasing NaCl concentration in sporulation media led to a decrease in heat resistance. Also, endospore hydrophobicity, membrane fluidity, and endospore density decreased with sporulation at higher NaCl concentrations. When the transcript changes of B. cereus sporulated at NaCl concentrations of 0.5 and 7% were analyzed by transcriptome analysis, it was confirmed that the NaCl 7% endospores had significantly lower expression levels (FDR<0.05) of genes related to sporulation stages 3 and 4, which led to a decrease in expression of spore-related genes such as coat proteins and small acid-soluble proteins. Our findings indicated that high NaCl concentrations inhibited sporulation stages 3 and 4, thereby preventing proper cell maturation in the forespores and adequate formation of the coat protein and cortex. This inhibition led to decreased endospore density and hydrophobicity, ultimately resulting in reduced heat resistance.resistanceWe expect that this study will be utilized as a baseline for further studies and enhance sterilization strategies.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Long-Term Dentin Bond Strength, Water Sorption, Solubility, and Degree of Conversion of Self-Adhesive Resin Composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin, water sorption (WSP) and solubility (WSL), and degree of conversion (DC) of self-adhesive resin composites (SACs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mid-coronal dentin of human molars was exposed, and teeth were randomly assigned to five groups according to the SACs (n = 10): 1. FIT SA F03 (FIT); 2. Experimental (EXP); 3. Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD); 4. Vertise Flow (VER); 5. Constic (CON). The µTBS was evaluated after 24 hours (24 h) and 6 months (6 m) storage. A scanning electron microscope examined failure modes and resin-dentin interfaces. The WSP and WSL (n = 5) were evaluated following ISO 4049:2019 specifications, and DC (n = 3) was measured using Raman spectroscopy. The statistical analyses were performed accepting a significance level of p = 0.05. RESULTS: FIT, EXP, and FLD produced significantly higher µTBS median values than VER and CON after 24 h and 6 m (p 0.05). After 6m, the µTBS median of FIT and EXP significantly decreased (p 0.05), while FLD, VER, and CON showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). FLD and CON exhibited lower WSP than FIT, EXP, and VER (p 0.05). FLD presented the lowest (p 0.05), and VER revealed the highest WSL (p 0.05). FIT and EXP showed the highest (p 0.05), and VER demonstrated the lowest DC (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Following the present study's design, SACs' bonding performance and physical properties remained restricted. Therefore, the application should be considered cautiously, and further clinical trials are necessary to evaluate their long-term performance.

A novel simplified method for assessing crystal length and crystalline content in dental ceramics.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel and simple method of evaluating the crystal length and crystalline content of lithium disilicate dental ceramics using images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed with ImageJ (NIH) processing software. Three evaluators with varying experience levels assessed the average crystal length and percentage of crystalline content in four commercial lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic materials: IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent), Rosetta SM (Hass), T-Lithium (Talmax), and IRIS CAD (Tianjin). The specimens, prepared from partially crystallized CAD/CAM blocks (3.0 mm3), were fully crystallized and treated with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 20 s prior to SEM analysis. After acquiring the SEM images, ImageJ software was used to evaluate the average crystal length and crystalline content on the surface of the different ceramics. An inter-operator agreement was observed (ICC/p = 0.724), indicating that assessments by the various operators were similar across all ceramic materials tested (p < 0.001). When crystal length and crystalline content were compared, IRIS CAD exhibited significant differences compared to the other materials (p < 0.001), showing a less dense crystalline matrix based on the average length of crystals and the percentage of crystals per unit area. The use of this software facilitated the evaluation of crystalline content and average crystal lengths in dental ceramics using SEM images, and demonstrated very low variability among different operators. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The described method, using ImageJ open-source software, provides precise and reliable measurements of crystal length and crystalline content in lithium disilicate ceramics, with high inter-operator agreement. The proposed method identified higher crystalline content in IPS e.max CAD compared to Rosetta SM CAD and T-lithium CAD ceramics, while IRIS CAD exhibited significantly lower crystalline content and larger average crystal length. The novel, simplified method for assessing crystal length and crystalline content presented in this study may also be useful for evaluating other dental ceramics.

Exploring physical and mechanical properties of hydrothermally processed recycled non-sintered dental zirconia wastes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present investigation explored the potential for recycling residual blocks obtained from the machining processes under hydrothermal conditions. Furthermore, the study examined the recycled samples' various physical and mechanical properties to assess their viability for further use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, Aman Girbach blocks were collected, half of which underwent a hydrothermal process, while the other half did not. The blocks were then subjected to ball milling. Uniaxial and isostatic pressed blocks were prepared, and 10 samples were obtained from each type of recycled block. These samples were compared to a commercial material, and four groups were formed based on the powder type and pressing method used. The quality control analysis of the recycled samples included assessing particle size distribution, identifying crystalline phases, analyzing color differences, examining microstructure, and evaluating mechanical properties. Statistical tests such as normal distribution calculations (k-s test), one-way ANOVA, Brown-Forsythe, Tukey HSD, and Games-Howell tests were used to compare the four groups and perform pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: The flexural strength and density of the control commercial group were significantly higher than the other experimental groups (P = 0.000). Linear shrinkage of recycled isostatic pressed experimental bodies was significantly lower than that of others (P = 0.000). Qualitative evaluation of microstructure and crystalline phase by FESEM and XRD showed no significant difference in grain size and crystalline phase between different groups. CONCLUSION: The hydrothermal process is a promising way to recycle zirconia ceramic with lower energy consumption. Recycled waste demonstrates potential as a cost-effective and viable option for ceramic prostheses in situations with low to medium stress levels.

Insights into the effect of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals on mechanical and barrier properties of gelatin films for flexible packaging applications.

In this study, gelatin/carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal (cCNC) bionanocomposite films were developed as an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable flexible plastic packaging. Cellulose nanocrystals were modified by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation (cCNC) to strategically interact with amino groups present in the gelatin macromolecular backbone. Gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposite films (0.5-6.0 wt% cCNC) obtained by solution casting were transparent to visible light while displayed high UV-blocking properties. The chemical compatibility between gelatin and cCNC was deepened by electrostatic COO-/NH3+ interactions, as detected by FTIR spectroscopy and morphologically indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Accordingly, Young's modulus and tensile strength of films were largely increased by 80 and 64 %, respectively, specifically near the cCNC percolation threshold (4 wt%), whereas the water vapor permeability (WVP) was reduced by 52 % at the optimum 6.0 wt% cCNC content in relation to the non-reinforced gelatin matrix (0.10 vs. 0.18 g H2O mm m-2 h-1 kPa-1). The oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of the gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites were < 0.01 cm3 m-2 day-1, making them technically competitive to most promising biopolymers like polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). This study reveals how TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals can broaden the performance of biodegradable gelatin films for use in packaging. The gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites also represents an effective approach for designing newly sustainability-inspired flexible materials from the surface modification of nanocelluloses targeting specific interactions with protein structures.

Impact of neem oil biodiesel blends on physical and chemical properties of particulate matter emitted from diesel engines.

The global searchlight for sustainable alternative fuels to reduce emissions produced from the combustion of fossil fuels illuminates biofuels owing to their matching properties with fossil fuels. This is the impetus for this study which systematically examines the impact of neem biodiesel (NB) blends with pure diesel on the physical and chemical properties of particulate matter (PM) from diesel engines. Pure diesel (B0) and four fuel blends, namely, B5, B10, B15 and B20 are examined. The impact of NB blends on the physical and chemical properties of PM is studied using a single-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine. The PM captured directly from the diesel engine at two standard engine speeds is analysed by physical microscopy techniques and chemical analyses. Comparing the results of gaseous emissions for B0 with those of B20, it is found that B20 decreases CO by 9.6% and 19.3% at low and high engine speeds, respectively, but increases NOX. Regarding PM emission, in comparison to B0, B20 decreases particle sizes from 59.4 ±8.5 nm to 42.8 ±4.2 nm and 63.3 ±8.1 nm to 43.7 ±5.2 nm; opacities from 15.9% to 9.3% and 21.1% to 11.4%; carbon contents from 66.53% to 44.53% and 72.53% to 61.99%; and total carbon concentrations (total organic carbon and total inorganic carbon) from 3.6120 mg/L to 1.8435 mg/L and 2.5970 mg/L to 1.6002 mg/L at low and high engine speeds, respectively. Furthermore, B20 increases the unused oxygen content from 14.07% to 21.47% and 16.82% to 18.42%; oxygen reactivity from 1.80 ±0.08 to 2.75 ±0.18 and 1.10 ±0.20 to 1.35 ±0.06; and volatile organic substances by 68.4% and 57.1% at low and high engine speeds, respectively. This study demonstrates that NB could be a potential alternative fuel for diesel engines regarding PM emissions, where B20 blend has the highest impact on PM properties, but it needs additional NOx mitigation strategies.

Properties of biodegradable polymer coatings with hydroxyapatite on a titanium alloy substrate.

Purpose: Titanium alloys are among the most widely used materials in medicine, especially in orthopedics. However, their use requires the application of an appropriate surface modification method to improve their properties. Such methods include anodic oxidation and the application of polymer coatings, which limit the release of alloying element ions. In addition, biodegradable polymer coatings can serve as a carrier for drugs and other substances. The paper presents the results of research on the physical properties of biodegradable polymer coatings containing nanoparticle hydroxyapatite on a titanium alloy substrate. Methods: A PLGA coating was used in the tests. The coatings on the substrate of the anodized Ti6Al7Nb alloy were applied by ultrasonic spray coating. The tests were carried out for coatings with various hydroxyapatite content (5, 10, 15, 20%) and thickness resulting from the number of layers applied (5, 10, 15 layers). The scope of the research included microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy, topography tests with optical profilometry, structural studies using X-ray diffraction, as well as wettability and adhesion tests. Results: The results shows that with the use of ultrasonic spray coating system is possible to obtain the continuous coatings containing hydroxyapaptite. Conclusions: The properties of the coating can be controlled by changing the percentage of hydroxyapatite and the number of layers of which the coating is composed.

Effect of Partial Replacement of Wheat Flour by Flour from Extruded Sunflower Seed Kernels on Muffins Quality.

The use of new types of raw materials to improve the quality and nutritional value of products is an important trend in flour confectionery. Flour from extruded sunflower seed kernels (FESSK), the by-product of oil production, was used as a new ingredient in muffin formulation. Analysis of physicochemical and nutritional properties of muffins prepared with FESSK, which was added in the amounts of 5, 10, and 15% to the total weight of mixture of wheat and rye flours, as well as their sensory evaluation, were performed. According to the sensory evaluation, the muffins with FESSK had a pleasant, nutty and sunflower aroma, and the best results were shown by muffins with 10% of FESSK. Addition of FESSK, 10%, led to an increase of the content of protein by 24.7%, fat by 16.9%, fiber by 23.3%, ash by 16.9%, and a decrease of content of total carbohydrates by 5.2% and sugars by 16.2%. Enriched muffins had improved texture characteristics, particularly, smooth, crack-free surface, soft, and elastic crumb with well-developed porosity and small, evenly distributed, thin-walled pores. The FESSK could be recommended as an ingredient for improving the nutritional and technological properties of flour confectionery products.

Effect of alkali treatment on mechanical and water absorption properties of biodegradable wheat-straw/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: A sustainable alternative for conventional materials.

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are preferred over conventional materials because of their superior strength and modulus. Previously limited due to high manufacturing costs, synthetic fibers have been replaced by some natural fibers, such as waste wheat straw fibers. Here, epoxy-based polymer composites' mechanical and physical properties have been investigated, focusing on fiber weight ratios for both treated and untreated fiber. The research found that treated fibers display more effective mechanical qualities than untreated fibers, with a higher tensile strength of 54.4 MPa. The untreated Wheat Straw-Glass fiber reinforced composite has a less tensile strength of 26.3 MPa (10 wt% fiber). Pure resin-based composite has the most minor tensile strength at 1.52 MPa. The highest flexural strength obtained for hybrid composite is 88.76 MPa for treated fiber with epoxy resin and 49.6 MPa for untreated 30 wt % fiber. At the same time, the sole epoxy resin composite has the lowest value of 10.60 MPa. Untreated fiber (30 wt%) has the highest impact energy of 8J. Untreated wheat straw fiber absorbs more water due to its hydrophilic nature. In contrast, treated fiber exhibits better bonding and minimal water content, and the sole epoxy resin composite exhibits hydrophobic properties, resulting in less water absorption. The treated fiber displays better bonding than the untreated fiber throughout the SEM analysis. Wheat Straw fiber is mainly used for biodegradable plastic formation, housing construction, building materials, etc.

Inactivation of murine norovirus and hepatitis A virus on various frozen fruits using pulsed light.

The frozen fruit sector has experienced significant growth due to improved product quality as well as the advantage of long-term preservation. However, freezing alone does not eliminate foodborne viruses, a major public health concern and considerable economic burden. One promising disinfecting treatment is pulsed light, shown previously to inactivate hepatitis A virus (HAV) and murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1) on the surface of fresh berries. Viral loads were reduced by 1-2 log, with minor visual quality deterioration observed. In this study, an FDA-compliant pulsed light treatment (11.52 J/cm2) was applied to frozen fruits and berries. Infectious MNV-1 and HAV titers were reduced by 1-2 log on most frozen fruits. A noteworthy finding was that reductions of both viruses on cranberries exceeded 3.5 log cycles. Although pulsed light caused a measurable rise in temperature on the product surface, no visible physical changes (e.g., color) were observed, and the fruit pieces were still frozen after treatment. Although the reduction of infectious titer by pulsed light alone was not large (1-2 log), considering the low amount of virus typically found on fruit, it may be beneficial in the frozen fruit sector. It would be easy to combine with other treatments, and synergic interactions might increase virus inactivation.

An innovative walnut cracker: Self-grading and multi-station extrusion mechanism with high efficiency.

The walnut cracking process is the most critical and delicate step for achieving high-quality kernels. The traditional method for cracking (manually) is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and tedious. The existing cracking approaches are low production efficiency and serious walnut kernel breakage. Increasing cracking efficiency with minimum kernel breakage has been a challenging issue in the preliminary processing of walnuts. Therefore, this study develops an innovative walnut cracker with self-grading and multi-station extrusion, combined with theoretical investigation and experiment verification. First, a statistical analysis of walnut physical properties was conducted, including dimensions, shell thickness as well as shape characteristics. The mechanical properties of walnut cracking were examined by a series of experiments. Based on mechanical theory, a grading mechanism was designed for preliminary processing before walnut cracking. Then a shaftless screw conveying mechanism and an extrusion cracking mechanism were developed. To evaluate the cracker's performance, a comprehensive examination was carried out. The experiments yielded impressive results, with a grading rate of 87.3%, a shell-breaking rate of 91.50%, and a kernel-exposed rate of 84.72%. These outcomes signify a substantial improvement in production efficiency while minimizing kernel breakage. The developed walnut cracker plays a crucial role in walnut processing and kernel extraction, thereby elevating economic value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A self-grading multi-station extrusion walnut cracker is developed, which includes a grading mechanism with a shaftless screw conveyor and a grid-type trommel screen for conveying and classifying walnuts. This cracker can adapt to different walnut varieties by changing the gap-adjusting guide to control the breaking gap. Compared to similar extrusion-type walnut crackers, the developed cracker not only incorporates preliminary classification but also exhibits superior performance. HIGHLIGHTS: A novel multi-station extrusion mechanism for walnuts cracking is developed. The cracker can accommodate various walnut sizes for self-grading and screening. The design with semi-arc plates converts extrusion force into alternating stress. The shell-breaking rate and kernel-exposed rate achieves 91.50% and 84.72%.

Effect of gastrointestinal resistant encapsulate matrix on spray dried microencapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG powder and its characterization.

This study investigated spray drying a method for microencapsulating Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG using a gastrointestinal resistant composite matrix. An encapsulate composite matrix comprising green banana flour (GBF) blended with maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA). The morphology of resulted microcapsules revealed a near-spherical shape with slight dents and no surface cracks. Encapsulation efficiency and product yield varied significantly among the spray-dried microencapsulated probiotic powder samples (SMPPs). The formulation with the highest GBF concentration (FIV) exhibited maximum post-drying L. rhamnosus GG viability (12.57 ± 0.03 CFU/g) and best survivability during simulated gastrointestinal digestion (9.37 ± 0.05 CFU/g). Additionally, glass transition temperature (Tg) analysis indicated good thermal stability of SMPPs (69.3 - 92.9 ℃), while Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the structural integrity of functional groups within microcapsules. The SMPPs characterization also revealed significant variation in moisture content, water activity, viscosity, and particle size. Moreover, SMPPs exhibited differences in total phenolic and flavonoid, along with antioxidant activity and color values throughout the study. These results suggested that increasing GBF concentration within the encapsulating matrix, while reducing the amount of other composite materials, may offer enhanced protection to L. rhamnosus GG during simulated gastrointestinal conditions, likely due to the gastrointestinal resistance properties of GBF.

Comparison of the physical properties of glass ionomer modified with silver phosphate/hydroxyapatite or titanium dioxide nanoparticles: in vitro study.

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are the common materials employed in pediatric dentistry because of their specific applications in class I restorations and atraumatic restoration treatments (ART) of deciduous teeth in populations at high risk of caries. Studies show a limited clinical durability of these materials. Attempts have thus been made to incorporate nanoparticles (NPs) into the glass ionomer for improving resistance and make it like the tooth structure. An in vitro experimental study was conducted using the required samples dimensions and prepared based on the test being carried out on the three groups with or without the modification of light-cured glass ionomer. Samples were grouped as follows: control group (G1_C), 2% silver phosphate/hydroxyapatite NPs group (G2_SPH), and 2% titanium dioxide NPs group (G3_TiO2). The physical tests regarding flexural strength (n = 10 per group), solubility (n = 10 per group), and radiopacity (n = 3 per group) were performed. The data were analyzed by Shapiro Wilks test, and one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), and multiple comparisons by post hoc Tukey's test. The p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. No statistically significant difference was observed between the control group (G1_C) and (G2_SPH) (p = 0.704) in the flexural strength test, however differences were found between G2_SPH and G3_TiO2 groups, ANOVA (p = 0.006); post hoc Tukey's test (p = 0.014). Pertaining to the solubility, G2_SPH obtained the lowest among the three groups, ANOVA (p = 0.010); post hoc Tukey's test (p = 0.009). The three study groups obtained an adequate radiopacity of >1 mm Al, respectively. The resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) was further modified with 2% silver phosphate/hydroxyapatite NPs to improve the physical properties such as enhancing the solubility and sorption without compromising the flexural strength and radiopacity behavior of modified RMGIC. The incorporation of 2% titanium dioxide NPs did not improve the properties studied.

Optimization and Modelling of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Grass Fiber Reinforced with Slag-Based Composites Using Response Surface Methodology.

The construction industry's high energy consumption and carbon emissions negatively impact the ecological environment; large-scale construction projects consume much energy and emit a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. Statistics show that 30% of energy loss and 40% of solid waste in the construction industry are generated during construction. Therefore, reducing emissions during construction has significant research potential and value. Many scholars have recently studied eco-friendly building materials to facilitate the use of high-carbon emission materials like cement. Adding fibers to composite materials has become a research hotspot among these studies. Although adding fibers to composite materials has many advantages, it mainly reduces the compressive strength of the composite material. This research used the response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the raw material ratios and thus improve the performance of plant fiber composite materials. Single-factor experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of grass size, grass content, and quicklime content on the composite materials' compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption. The influencing factors and levels for the response surface experiment were determined based on the results of the single-factor analysis. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), a second-order polynomial regression model was established to analyze the interaction effects of the three factors on the composite materials' compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption rate. The optimal ratio was determined: the optimized options for grass size, grass content, and quicklime content are 2.0 mm, 8.2 g, and 38 g, respectively. The actual values of compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption rate of the composite materials made according to the predicted ratio are 11.425 MPa, 2.145 MPa, and 21.89%, respectively, with a relative error of 8% between the actual and predicted values. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were also used to reveal the factors contributing to the relatively high strength of the optimized samples.

Examining the Correlation between the Inorganic Nano-Fertilizer Physical Properties and Their Impact on Crop Performance and Nutrient Uptake Efficiency.

The physical properties of nano-fertilizers (NFs) are important in determining their performance, efficacy, and environmental interactions. Nano-fertilizers, due to their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio, enhance plant metabolic reactions, resulting in higher crop yields. The properties of nano-fertilizers depend on the synthesis methods used. The nanoparticle's nutrient use efficiency (NUE) varies among plant species. This review aims to analyze the relationship between the physical properties of NF and their influence on crop performance and nutrient uptake efficiency. The review focuses on the physical properties of NFs, specifically their size, shape, crystallinity, and agglomeration. This review found that smaller particle-sized nanoparticles exhibit higher nutrient use efficiency than larger particles. Nano-fertilizer-coated additives gradually release nutrients, reducing the need for frequent application and addressing limitations associated with chemical fertilizer utilization. The shapes of nano-fertilizers have varying effects on the overall performance of plants. The crystalline structure of nanoparticles promotes a slow release of nutrients. Amorphous nano-fertilizers improve the NUE and, ultimately, crop yield. Agglomeration results in nanoparticles losing their nanoscale size, accumulating on the outer surface, and becoming unavailable to plants. Understanding the physical properties of nano-fertilizers is crucial for optimizing their performance in agricultural applications.