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This study investigates the enhanced extraction of sodium alginate (SA) from Dictyota menstrualis using microwave-assisted techniques and its subsequent application in fabricating green thermal insulators. Utilizing optimized microwave parameters, we achieved a notable increase in SA yield, peaking at 18.5%, significantly higher than the 14.2% obtained through conventional methods. This process not only underscores the efficiency of microwave-assisted extraction by improving yield by approximately 30% but also highlights its environmental sustainability due to reduced solvent use and shorter processing times. The study demonstrates that increasing sodium alginate concentration from 1 to 5% enhances the mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties of bioaerogel scaffolds, evidenced by an increase in density from 0.171 to 0.234 g/cm3 and a decrease in porosity from 93.6 to 89.6%. Additionally, the thermal conductivity and diffusivity measurements of 0.065 W/(m·K) and 0.294 mm2/s, respectively, affirm the excellent thermal insulation stability of these scaffolds. The study demonstrates the potential of microwave-assisted extraction as a scalable and eco-friendly approach for biopolymer recovery, and the feasibility of using the extracted SA in creating effective, green thermal insulators, marking a significant step towards sustainable material development.

In this study, we employed supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) treatment under varying conditions: low-pressure treatment at 30 MPa and high temperature at 80°C (LPHT group) and high-pressure treatment at 60 MPa and low temperature at 50°C (HPLT group) for nanocellulose isolation. The scCO2 treatment resulted in smaller particle sizes and enhanced crystallinity. Notably, HPLT exhibited superior efficiency compared to LPHT treatment. Utilizing temperatures and pressures above the critical point effectively penetrated natural fibers, reducing nanocellulose particle sizes. Moreover, high-pressure and low-temperature nanocellulose demonstrated the highest crystallinity and negative zeta potential values (78.2% and –32.4±4.01 mV), surpassing those of the low-pressure and high-temperature group (77.9% and 26.0±2.34 mV) and control (77.3% and 25.9±3.13 mV). The concentration of nanocellulose significantly impacted the porosity, pore size, and water absorption of the bioaerogel scaffolds, indicating the potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches in material fabrication for diverse applications.

A split circular element is proposed as a unit cell for reflectarray antennas. The unit cell is derived from a circle divided into four equal sectors. The radius of two oppositely located sectors is then scaled by a certain factor to form the proposed shape. The CST Microwave Studio Suite software simulator was used to investigate the performance of the proposed unit cell, which was evaluated using Floquet port excitation. The designed element's reflection phase range was compared to that of a conventional circular patch. Four scenarios of varied substrate characteristics are investigated for the antenna to establish the best performance parameters. The simulations showed that a basic substrate with a thickness of 0.16 mm and a dielectric constant of 3.2, backed by a 3 mm foam with a dielectric constant of 1.05 and a scaling factor of 0.72 offers a wide phase range of 601.3°. The obtained phase slope is 76.37°/mm or 134°/GHz.

This study investigated the development of thermoplastic composites by incorporating crude lignin extracted from coir fiber waste, into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), a biodegradable polymer. The extracted crude lignin was blended with PHBV as a matrix, and spent coffee grounds (SCG) were used as biofillers. SCG were chemically modified through sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment and maleic anhydride (MA) grafting to enhance their compatibility with the PHBV/lignin blend. Raw and modified SCG were characterized for their functional, morphological, and thermal properties before being incorporated. Thermoplastic biocomposites were prepared via melt compounding and compression molding and evaluated for water barrier, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties. Results showed that MA-grafted SCG significantly enhanced PHBV-lignin properties, increasing tensile strength by 23.7% and thermal stability by 11.9% compared to the control matrix. Optimal performance was observed at 5% MA-grafted SCG filler loading. However, higher SCG concentrations (7%) led to filler agglomeration, negatively affecting the material properties. This research demonstrated the potential of utilizing agricultural and food waste to create high-performance thermoplastic composites for future applications in biodegradable packaging, contributing to the advancement of a circular economy and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Poultry Science / Archiv für Geflügelkunde is the property of Verlag Eugen Ulmer 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.)

In this paper, we propose the concept of (∈, ∈ v(...))-bipolar fuzzy ideals in BCK/BCI-algebras. We show that an (∈, ∈ ...)-bipolar fuzzy ideal is an (∈, ∈ v(...))-bipolar fuzzy ideal. For a BCK/BCI-algebra, it has been shown that an (∈, ∈ v(...)-bipolar fuzzy ideal is an (∈, ∈ ...)-bipolar fuzzy ideal of ..., but not conversely, and then an example is given. We introduce the concept of (∈, ∈ v(...))-bipolar fuzzy fantastic ideals in BCK/BCI-algebras. It has been shown that an (∈, ∈ v(...))-bipolar fuzzy fantastic ideal is an (∈, ∈)-bipolar fuzzy ideal in BCK/BCI-algebras. Furthermore, the connection between (∈, ∈ v(...))-bipolar fuzzy fantastic ideals and fantastic ideals are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quadri-polar fuzzy (qP-F) set is an extension of a traditional fuzzy set that uses four degrees of membership to represent different aspects of belonging to provide a more detailed framework for handling uncertainty and vagueness. In this paper, we propose the notion of quadri-polar-(ω, θ)-fuzzy fantastic ideals (qP-(ω, θ)-FFI(s)) in BCI-algebras based on qP-F set. Also, the notion of quadri-polar-(...)-fuzzy fantastic ideals (qP-(...)-FFI(s)) is introduced, and the characterizations for an ...-qP-F set and ...-qP-F set to be quadri-polar fuzzy ideals (qP-FI) in BCI-algebras are established. Furthermore, we present the qP-F TOPSIS technique for multi-criteria Group decision-making (MCGDM), which is a natural extension of the TOPSIS method and used to rank and choose the best alternatives under qP-F positive and negative ideal solutions. Finally, practical examples interpreting the applicability of our proposed qP-F-TOPSIS are solved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for green thermal insulation materials, such as biopolymer aerogels, has become increasingly critical in the face of escalating environmental concerns and the urgent push toward sustainable practices. The unique characteristics of biopolymer aerogels, coupled with their environmental benefits, position them as potential disruptors in the insulation industry. As research continues, addressing challenges and refining fabrication techniques will likely lead to wider adoption of these materials, contributing to a greener and more energy‐efficient built environment. This review presents the latest developments concerning the properties and versatile applications of biopolymer‐based thermal insulators as a new type of green materials. It comprehensively examines the fundamental principles of thermal insulation, factors that influence its efficacy, and the compatibility and mechanisms underlying bioaerogels within this context. The review also addresses the latest works about the utilization of different biopolymer aerogels in different thermal insulation applications and critically assesses the obstacles currently faced by biopolymer‐based aerogels and elucidates potential avenues for future advancement. Highlights: Biopolymer aerogels offer a sustainable alternative in insulation.Challenges in production limit current aerogel adoption rates.Latest advancements highlight aerogels' versatile insulation applications.Future research aims to enhance biopolymer aerogel technology and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Understanding baryonic physics at the galaxy-group level is a prerequisite for cosmological studies of the large-scale structure. One poorly understood aspect of galaxy groups is related to the properties of their hot intragroup medium. The well-studied X-ray groups have strong cool cores by which they were selected, so expanding the selection of groups is currently an important avenue in uncovering the diversity within the galaxy group population. Aims. We present a new all-sky catalogue of X-ray-detected groups (AXES-2MRS) based on the identification of large X-ray sources found in the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) with the Two Micron Redshift Survey (2MRS) Bayesian Group Catalogue. We studied the basic properties of these galaxy groups to gain insights into the effect of different group selections on the properties. Methods. In addition to X-ray luminosity from shallow survey data of RASS, we obtained detailed X-ray properties of the groups by matching the AXES-2MRS catalogue to archival X-ray observations by XMM-Newton and complemented this by adding the published XMM-Newton results on galaxy clusters in our catalogue. We analysed temperature and density to the lowest overdensity accessible by the data, obtaining hydrostatic mass estimates at a uniform overdensity of 10 000 times the critical, M10 000, and comparing them to the velocity dispersions of the groups. We explored the relationship between X-ray and optical properties of AXES-2MRS groups through the σv−LX, σv−kT, kT−LX, σv−M, and c200−LX scaling relations. Results. We find a large spread in the central mass (M10 000), measured by XMM-Newton, to virial mass (M200), inferred by the velocity dispersion, ratios for galaxy groups. This can either indicate that large non-thermal pressure of galaxy groups affects our X-ray mass measurements or the effect of a diversity of halo concentrations on the X-ray properties of galaxy groups. Previous catalogues based on detecting the peak of the X-ray emission preferentially sample the high-concentration groups. In contrast, our new catalogue uncovered many low-concentration groups, completely revising our understanding of X-ray groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci are Gram-positive bacteria that cause serious nosocomial infections, including urinary tract, bloodstream infections and endocarditis. During the period of September 2018 to February 2019, forty four isolates of E. faecalis were isolated from 826 clinical specimens including; 35(5.07%) isolates of E. faecalis from urine, 7(7.60%) isolates from high vaginal swab and 2(8.69%) isolates from blood patients in different hospitals. All isolates that described above were identified depending on cultural criteria, morphological criteria, biochemical tests and further confirmed by Vitek 2 compact systems. The results of eleven antimicrobial against obtained isolates revealed that 100% of E. faecalis were resistant to cefotaxime, vancomycin, amoxicillin and erythromycin. While, it were 100% sensitive to doxycycline, imipenem, and nitrofurantion. Whereas, most isolates were differ in their susceptibility to amikacin, gentamycin, tetracycline and azithromycin. On the other hand, the results of biofilm found that 13.63% of isolates were produce strong biofilm, 54.54% were produce moderate biofilm and 31.81% were produce weak biofilm. The results of molecular analysis by using PCR showed that isolated E. faecalis were carried 97.72%, 90.90%, 63.63% of ebpR, asa1, esp genes respectively.

In an experimental study to evaluate the immunopathological effect of transfer factor on the reticuloendothelial organs of white mice and their protection against their challenge infection with Salmonella typhi. The results of this study were showed the followings: 1. Transfer factor recipient group: it was showed an early granulomatous lesions in the liver. Reactive hyperplasia in the T cell regions of the spleen and mediastinal lymph node. The early granulomas were persisted during 7th day and slightly regressed on 14th day postinoculation. 2. Infected group with S. typhi: It was showed a multifocal microabscesses consisted of aggregates of neutrophils in the focal area of necrosis, which was evident during 7th day and gradually transform into granulomas on 14th day postinoculation. 3. Transfer factor recipient and challenge infection group: It was showed well developed granulomatous reactions, which indicate an emergence of cellular immunity (delayed type hypersensitivity reaction). These granulomas were more evident on 7th day and slightly regressed on 14th day postinoculation; providing a transfer factor role in tissue reaction and termination of infection.

This study investigates the development and characterization of chitosan, gelatin, and chitosan/gelatin (Chi/Gel) bioaerogel composites through a facile and eco‐friendly approach. The goal is to optimize their structural and functional properties for potential environmental and biomedical applications. Direct freezing and lyophilization approach were used to prepare the aerogels, the focus was on investigating the effects of blending ratios on the density, porosity, surface area, and water absorption capabilities of the aerogels. The results show that Chi/Gel 60/40 composition achieved an optimal balance of structural robustness and functional performance, characterized by a moderate density of 74.2 mg/cm3, the highest porosity among the samples at 93.5%, an impressive surface area of 184.8 m2/g, and a water absorption capacity of 28.8 g/g. These results suggest that the synergistic effect of chitosan and gelatin at specific ratios significantly enhances the overall properties of the material. Our findings suggest that Chi/Gel bioaerogels, especially the 60/40 composite, hold great promise for diverse applications. Highlights: All Gelatin/Chitosan bioaerogels exhibited high porosity and low density.The Chi/Gel 60/40 mix achieved the highest porosity and surface area.Highest water adsorption was observed in the Chi/Gel 60/40 composite.Synergistic effects enhanced properties of the Gelatin/Chitosan scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the utilization of Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG), a residual product of the coffee industry, as a microfiller reinforcement in Poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) biopolymer composites at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). Melt compounding via a twin‐screw extruder and subsequent compression molding were employed in the fabrication process. The SCG microfiller, with particle diameters ranging from 1.11 to 1.28 μm, exhibited a significant negative charge (zeta potential: −20 mV). Hydrophobicity increased up to 5% filler concentration, as indicated by higher water contact angles, but diminished at highest concentration likelihood of agglomeration of the spent coffee grounds within the biopolymer matrix. The addition of SCG enhanced overall mechanical properties, particularly at a 5% filler concentration. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) confirmed the successful incorporation of SCG microfiller, improving structural characteristics. Schematic drawings illustrated the interphase bonding of microfiller and matrix. However, properties diminished at the highest filler content (7%) due to coffee grounds' agglomeration. Despite this, SCG incorporation enhanced functional properties, making the biopolymer composite a promising material for sustainable packaging and various applications. Highlights: Enhancement of properties of spent coffee grounds in PHBV biocomposites.Characterization of Biocomposites for multifunctional properties.Fracture and 2D analysis of the tensile fractured surface of biocomposites.A promising material for sustainable and biodegradable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy is a time-sensitive treatment, with rapid initiation and reduced delays being associated with better patient outcomes. Several systematic reviews reported on various interventions to address delays. Hence, we performed an umbrella review of systematic reviews to summarise the current evidence. Methods: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and JBI were searched for published systematic reviews. Systematic Reviews that detailed outcomes related to time-to-thrombectomy or functional independence were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool by two independent reviewers. Results: A total of 17 systematic reviews were included in the review. These were all assessed as high-quality reviews. A total of 13 reviews reported on functional outcomes, and 12 reviews reported on time-to-thrombectomy outcomes. Various interventions were identified as beneficial. The most frequently reported beneficial interventions that improved functional and time-related outcomes included: direct-to-angio-suite and using a mothership model (compared to drip-and-ship). Only a few studies investigated other strategies including other pre-hospital and teamwork strategies. Conclusion: Overall, there were various strategies that can be used to reduce delays in the delivery of mechanical thrombectomy with different effectiveness. The mothership model appears to be superior to the drip-and-ship model in reducing delays and improving functional outcomes. Additionally, the direct-to-angiosuite approach appears to be beneficial, but further research is required for broader implementation of this approach and to determine which groups of patients would benefit the most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Patchouli extracts and oils extracted from Pogostemon cablin are essential raw material for the perfume and cosmetics industries, in addition to being used as a natural additive for food flavoring. Steam distillation is a standard method used for plant extraction. However, this method causes thermal degradation of some essential components of the oil. In this study, patchouli was extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) under different conditions of pressure (10–30 MPa) and temperature (40–80 °C). The chemical components of the crude extracted oil and the functional group were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide was shown to provide a higher yield (12.41%) at a pressure of 20 MPa and a temperature of 80 °C. Patchouli alcohol, Azulene, δ-Guaiene, and Seychellene are the main bioactive compounds that GC-MS results have identified. FTIR spectra showed alcohol, aldehyde, and aromatic ring bond stretching peaks. Extraction of patchouli with supercritical carbon dioxide provided a higher yield and a better quality of the crude patchouli oil.

Wael Fathy,1 Mona Hussein,2 Hossam Khalil3 1Department of Anaesthesia, Beni-suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt; 2Department of Neurology, Beni-suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Beni-suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt Purpose: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction has gained much attention over the last years. Multiple clinical trials have attempted to differentiate the effect of local vs general anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function. The aim of this work was to study the effect of local anesthesia with lidocaine vs bupivacaine on cognitive function Patients and methods: This was a prospective randomized trial carried out on 61 patients undergoing elective cataract surgery by phacoemulsification under local anesthesia. Twenty-eight patients received lidocaine 2% and 33 patients received bupivacaine 0.5%. Cognitive assessment for all patients was done preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively using paired associate learning test (PALT) and category verbal fluency (VF) test (animal category). Results: Regarding cognitive assessment of patients in lidocaine group, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean value of preoperative PALT and postoperative PALT (P-value =0.004), and between the mean value of preoperative VF and postoperative VF (P-value =0.002). As for bupivacaine group, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean value of preoperative PALT and postoperative PALT (P-value =0.021), and between the mean value of preoperative VF and postoperative VF (P-value =0.037). On comparing lidocaine and bupivacaine groups in pre and postoperative PALT & VF scores, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups Conclusion: Both lidocaine and bupivacaine caused postoperative cognitive impairment. Lidocaine was found to have a worse effect on cognitive function than bupivacaine, but the difference was not statistically significant. Keywords: lidocaine, bupivacaine, cataract, PALT, VF

Five maize pure lines (HS, ZP301, IK58, OH40 and DK17) were used in half diallel cross to develop 10 single crosses. Pure lines and their crosses were planted at Al-Qubba, Telkeef (Nineveh Governorate) in ist July 2013 using randomized complete block design with three replicates. General combining ability effects for lines, specific combining ability effects for hybrids, heterobeltiosis as deviation from better parent, genetic variance components and narrow sense heritability were estimated, and adoption of the graphic analysis method for traits, number of days to 50% tasselling and silking, plant height, number of grains per row, 300 grain weight and grain yield per plant. The results showed that mean square of genotypes, parents, crosses, general and specific combining abilities was highly significant for all trairs. The pure line DK17 characterized by desired highly significant general combining ability effects for all traits except 300 grain weight (not significant), and the two crosses (ZP301 x DK17) and (OH40 x DK17) by significant desirable specific combining ability effects and heterobeltiosis for most traits including grain yield per plant. Additive genetic variance components were not significant from zero for most traits, while dominance components were significant for all traits. The values of dominant components were more than that of additive for all traits. Graphic analysis suggested the absence of epistatic gene action (non-allelic interaction) for all traits. Narrow sense heritability was low for grain yield per plant (8.3445%) and moderate for other traits.

Abstract Background Clinical laboratory workers face biohazard such as needlestick injury and occupational infection on a daily basis. In this study, we examined self-reported frequency of occupational infection and needlestick injury among the clinical laboratory workers in Al- Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 234 clinical laboratory workers were recruited from private and government health sectors to answer a self-administered questionnaire that was prepared to achieve the aims of the study. Results The results showed that approximately 33% of the sample had an experienced occupational infection while 24% had experienced a needlestick injury. Approximately, 49% reported that they always recap needle after use, whereas 15% reported doing that most of the times. Occupational infection, needlestick injury and recapping needles after use were associated with lack of training on biosafety (P

Smriti Kapoor,1 Rory Catton,2 Hisham Khalil1,2 1Peninsula Medical School, 2Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK Background: Student-led podcasts were developed by 5th year Peninsula Medical School students as part of an educational grant. The students completed 35 video podcasts using PREZI software, and based on clinical indicative presentations of the Peninsula Medical School curriculum. Methods: Third, 4th and 5th year medical students were invited to complete the evaluation of the indicative presentation video podcasts they watched. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through anonymized questionnaires. A thematic analysis of qualitative data was carried outResults: Seven hundred and fifty students were invited to evaluate the podcasts of which 142 responded to the email. One hundred and forty-two students were assigned podcasts, of whom 122 completed the podcast questionnaire (85.9%), with 20 students dropping out for unknown reasons. The majority of the students found the podcasts to be clear, of an appropriate length, targeted at the right academic level and providing a good method of learning. However, there were mixed views in relation to the preference of podcasts over conventional learning methods. The thematic analysis identified positive comments and areas of improvement for the podcasts.Conclusion: Podcasts conducted in an interview style with an engaging voice and images are thought to help maintain student engagement from their perspective. Further evaluation/research is required to help establish the correct depth and breadth of information to be included in podcasts. Keywords: video podcasts, student views, learning resources, medical education