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Little is known about changes in portal, splenic, and hepatic vein flow patterns in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of portal, splenic, and hepatic vein flow patterns using ultrasonography in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Single-center, prospective observational study. Tertiary children's hospital, operating room. Children undergoing cardiac surgery. The authors obtained ultrasound data from the heart, inferior vena cava, portal, splenic, and hepatic veins before and after surgeries. In the biventricular group, which included children with atrial and ventricular septal defects and pulmonary stenosis (n = 246), the portal pulsatility index decreased from 38.7% to 25.6% (p < 0.001) after surgery. The preoperative portal pulsatility index was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary hypertension (43.3% v 27.4%; p < 0.001). In the single-ventricle group (n = 77), maximum portal vein flow velocities of Fontan patients were significantly lower (13.5 cm/s) compared with that of patients with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (19.7 cm/s; p = 0.035) or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (23.1 cm/s; p < 0.001). The cardiac index was inversely correlated with the portal pulsatility index in the bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt and Fontan circulation. (β = -5.693, r2 = 0.473; p = 0.001) The portal pulsatility index was correlated with splenic venous pulsatility and hepatic venous atrial reverse flow velocity in biventricular and single-ventricle groups. The characteristics of venous Doppler patterns in the portal, splenic, and hepatic veins differed according to congenital heart disease. Further studies are required to determine the association between splanchnic venous Doppler findings and clinical outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geniposide (GP) is an iridoid glycoside that is present in nearly 40 species, including Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. GP has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects in various Alzheimer's disease (AD) models; however, the effects of GP on AD models of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and aging-accelerated mouse predisposition-8 (SAMP8) mice have not yet been evaluated. To determine whether GP improves the pathology of AD and sarcopenia. AD models of C. elegans and SAMP8 mice were employed and subjected to behavioral analyses. Further, RT-PCR, histological analysis, and western blot analyses were performed to assess the expression of genes and proteins related to AD and muscle atrophy. GP treatment in the AD model of C. elegans significantly restored the observed deterioration in lifespan and motility. In SAMP8 mice, GP did not improve cognitive function deterioration by accelerated aging but ameliorated physical function deterioration. Furthermore, in differentiated C2C12 cells, GP ameliorated muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone treatment and inhibited FoxO1 activity by activating AKT. Although GP did not improve the AD pathology in SAMP8 mice, we suggest that GP has the potential to improve muscle deterioration caused by aging. This effect of GP may be attributed to the suppression of FoxO1 activity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For high performance of electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs), a high specific surface area (SSA) and N-doping level, and small particle size of carbonaceous materials, have been believed to be crucial factors. However, there have been few reports on simultaneous study of the structure-properties relations of carbons and the electrochemical performances of EDLCs. Herein, we report the relationship between the structural properties of carbons, such as the SSA, N-doping, and particle size, and the electrochemical properties of EDLCs by using a series of well-defined carbons. Monodisperse and size-tunable resorcinol-formaldehyde carbon (RFC) spheres were synthesized and activated by hot CO 2 treatment to increase the SSA up to 3958 m2/g (RFC_C390 sample). When the specific capacitances of the RFC spheres were plotted in terms of their SSAs, an almost perfect correlation (R2 = 0.99) was observed, which confirmed the linear relationship between the specific capacitance and the SSA. In addition, N-doped melanin C (MC) spheres were synthesized and subsequently activated for N-doping effect. Activated MC (MC_C130), which exhibited similar SSA (2618 m2/g) and size (301 nm) but a different N-doping level (3.1%) compared with those (2793 m2/g, 312 nm, and 1.3%, respectively) of the activated RFC spheres (RFC_C120), displayed higher specific capacitance (288 F/g), capacitance retention (64%), and long term stability over 5000 cycles (93%) compared with those (260 F/g, 58%, and 90%, respectively) of the RFC counterparts. To observe the particle size effect, different sizes (98, 280, and 579 nm) of RFC spheres with similar SSAs (3981, 3958, and 3898 m2/g, respectively) and pore size distributions were prepared, such that the smallest RFC revealed the best EDLC performance in terms of specific capacitance (360 F/g), capacitance retention (70%), and long term stability over 5000 cycles (98%), all of which could be compared with the values reported in the literature. Furthermore, all of the Carbon samples were analyzed by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for confirming the structure-properties relations of carbon spheres with the electrochemical performances of EDLCs. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Monodisperse and size-tunable carbon spheres were synthesized and activated by hot CO 2 treatment. • Structure-properties relations of carbon spheres with electrochemical performance of EDLCs were elucidated. • EIS study also supported the relationship of structure-properties of carbon and EDLC performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly N-doped crab shell-derived carbon nanofibers (CSCNs) with enhanced sorption capacity for CO 2 and CH 4 are presented. Two different carbonization temperatures, 600 °C and 900 °C were utilized to control the N-doping level of the CSCNs; the N-content of CSCN processed at 600 °C is higher than that processed at 900 °C. After judicious activation process to fine-tune ultramicroporosity (<1 nm) by hot CO 2 treatment, the CSCN obtained from 600 °C with the most developed ultramicroporosity showed higher CO 2 uptake capacity compared to that of CSCN carbonized at 900 °C due to higher N-doping level, although the ultramicroporosity of the two samples is similar. In contrast, similar CH 4 sorption capacities were identified for these samples. In addition, very efficient and selective separation of CO 2 /N 2 was achieved from CSCN carbonized at 600 °C with maximum ultramicroporosity; meanwhile, similar selective separations of CH 4 /N 2 were observed for both of the most activated CSCNs. As a result, the relationship between the ultramicroporosity and CO 2 and CH 4 uptake capacities, and N-doping effect are clearly elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Transfontanelle ultrasound is a noninvasive method for assessing cerebral blood flow in neonates and infants. The authors applied this technique as a point-of-care tool, before and after modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure, to evaluate cerebral perfusion. Design Retrospective, observational study. Setting Tertiary care children’s hospital. Participants Ten infants undergoing modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure. Observation Transfontanelle ultrasound examinations with modified resistive index were analyzed before and after the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure. Measurements and Main Results Two infants died and 2 patients required a revision procedure due to shunt thrombosis. Baseline-modified resistive index and regional cerebral oxygenation were comparable between the right and left hemisphere. However, after the procedure, the modified resistive index decreased at both sides of the internal carotid arteries compared with baseline values (p value right side = 0.012, left side = 0.036) and was greater at the ipsilateral internal carotid arteries with the shunt (p = 0.012, mean difference = 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.12). Four infants with the large patent ductus arteriosus presented diastolic reverse flows at both internal carotid arteries at baseline. However, the diastolic reverse flow disappeared after the procedure. An infant who developed diastolic reverse flow after the procedure, died. Conclusions Transfontanelle ultrasound is a feasible tool for assessing the pattern of shunt flow and cerebral perfusion before and after the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure. The transfontanelle ultrasound examinations may have potential role in assessing “over-shunting,” but it needs more studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate reference levels for central venous pressure or pulmonary artery occlusion pressure monitoring in a lateral position. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting A tertiary university hospital. Participants A total of 204 adults who underwent chest computed tomography scan in the 90° lateral position from November 2006 to February 2015. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Distances from the mid-sternum to the uppermost and lowermost blood levels of both atria were measured. Ratios of the distance from the bottom of the thorax to the uppermost and the lowermost blood levels of both atria to the largest diameter of the thorax were calculated. There were significant differences between the distances from the mid-sternum to the uppermost and the lowermost blood levels of the right atrium and those of the left atrium in the right and left lateral positions, respectively. There were significant differences in the uppermost (3.3±0.1 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-3.5) and the lowermost (4.4±0.1 cm; 95% CI 4.2-4.7) blood levels of the right atrium between the right and left lateral positions. Although the uppermost (1.5±0.1 cm; 95% CI 1.3-1.8) and the lowermost (0.4±0.1 cm; 95% CI 0.2-0.6) blood levels of the left atrium between the right and left lateral positions showed differences, their extent was smaller than the right atrium. The uppermost and the lowermost blood levels of the right atrium lay lower than those of the left atrium in the 90° right lateral position. In contrast, in the 90° left lateral position, the uppermost and the lowermost blood levels of the right atrium lay higher than those of the left atrium. Conclusions When monitoring the central venous pressure and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure with patients in the lateral position, changes in the blood level of both atria should be considered when releveling the reference transducer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head and neck positioning has an important effect on laryngeal visualization during laryngoscopy. For small children and infants, a head-flat position is traditionally assumed; however, during laryngoscopy, the optimal head position may result in a superior laryngeal view in certain patients.Methods: We investigated whether the alignment of the external auditory meatus and the sternal notch with a pillow with an individualized height is associated with improved laryngeal visualization during direct laryngoscopy in pediatric patients. We enrolled 49 pediatric patients (3 to 6years old) receiving general anesthesia. The percentage of glottic opening score and ease of handling the laryngoscope (range 0-10) were recorded before and after head positioning with the pillow.Results: Most of the children, except two patients, needed a pillow beneath their head to align the external auditory meatus and the sternal notch. The percentage of glottic opening score was significantly higher after pillow adjustment compared to that in the neutral position (50 [20-80] vs. 90 [37.5-100]; p<0.0001). Handling of the laryngoscope improved with pillow adjustment (7 [6.0-8.0] vs. 9 [8.0-10.0]; p<0.0001). There were no significant complications during intubation.Conclusions: Positioning of the head in order to align it with the external auditory meatus and sternal notch was associated with superior laryngoscopic visualization in pediatric patients. This resulted, in a more straightforward laryngoscopic procedure.Trial Registrations: http://cris.nih.go.kr identifier: KCT 0001156. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the removal efficiency of residual methylene chloride from paclitaxel according to the drying temperature in the case of microwave-assisted drying, and performed a kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of the drying process. At all the temperatures (35, 45, and 55 °C), a large amount of the residual solvent was initially removed during the drying, and the drying efficiency increased when increasing the drying temperature. Five drying models (Newton model, Page model, modified Page model, Henderson and Pabis model, Geometric model) were then used for the kinetic analysis, where the Page model and modified Page model showed the highest coefficient of determination ( r 2 ) and lowest root mean square deviation (RMSD), indicating that these models were the most suitable. Furthermore, in the thermodynamic analysis of the microwave-assisted drying, the activation energy ( E a ) was 46.21 kJ/mol and the standard Gibbs free energy change ( Δ G 0 ) was negative, whereas the standard enthalpy change ( Δ H 0 ) and standard entropy change ( Δ S 0 ) were both positive, indicating that the drying process was spontaneous, endothermic, and irreversible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first step for successful ultrasound (US)-guided subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization using a supraclavicular approach is to obtain a good longitudinal image of SCV for in-plane needle placement. We evaluated the efficacy of caudal traction of ipsilateral arm on the exposure of the SCV.Methods: We enrolled 20 infants, 20 children, and 20 adults undergoing general anesthesia. After tracheal intubation, US probe was applied as the supraclavicular approach, and the longitudinal US image of SCV was obtained in 3 different ipsilateral arm positions: neutral, caudal traction, and abduction. The length of puncturable SCV, the diameter of SCV, and the available angle for needle insertion in 3 different arm positions were analyzed.Results: In all patients, the length of puncturable SCV and the available angle for needle insertion were significantly increased after caudal traction (35.6% ± 27.1% and 25.0% ± 19.3%, respectively) and decreased after the abduction (36.6% ± 22.9% and 29.5% ± 23.8%, respectively) compared to neutral position. The diameter of SCV was not changed after applying the caudal traction in infants and children. However, in adults, the caudal traction slightly increased the diameter of SCV (P = .012).Conclusion: The caudal traction of ipsilateral arm toward to the knee improves the longitudinal US view of SCV for the supraclavicular approach, without reducing its size. Proper caudal traction of the arm might ensure the high success rate with safe needle insertion technique. Abduction should be avoided during US-guided supraclavicular SCV catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous propacetamol has been shown to be effective for postoperative pain control. However, the recommendations regarding propacetamol doses for pain control are vague. The present study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of propacetamol at a dose of 1 g or 2 g. After breast-conserving surgery, patients received 1 g or 2 g intravenous propacetamol. Treatment efficacy for pain control was assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and 4 hours after surgery, and global evaluation was assessed by a 4-point categorical scale at the end of the 4-hour study period. Safety was monitored through adverse event reporting. Patients were allowed rescue analgesia, and the timing of requests was recorded. A total of 111 patients were enrolled in the study. There were no differences in efficacy variables, including visual analog scale, the 4-point categorical scale, and requests for rescue analgesia, between propacetamol doses of 1 g and 2 g. Adverse events were similar in the two groups. Intravenous propacetamol at a dose of 2 g is not superior to the lower dose of 1 g with regard to postoperative analgesia or the incidence of side effects in breast-conserving surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Forming gas annealing (FGA) has been known to be beneficial for improving the contact resistance of crystalline Si (c-Si) solar cells containing overfired front-side Ag contacts. This study examines the microstructural changes responsible for the beneficial effect of FGA through the use of ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The FGA process at 400°C under N2 +10% H2 led to the formation of a layer of fine (<300nm) Ag particles on the glass surface of the interfacial pores, which were connected to the open channels in the porously sintered Ag bulk. Aside from the pore surfaces, FGA had little influence on the contact microstructure, and there was no noticeable formation of Ag or other metallic particles within the interfacial glass layer. The present results demonstrate that the Ag+ ions dissolved into the lead borosilicate glass during the firing process, and subsequently diffused out only to be reduced in the vicinity of the pore surfaces during FGA. This result suggests that the permeation rate of hydrogen into the lead borosilicate glass should be negligible, compared to the out-diffusion rate of the Ag+ ions during FGA. Furthermore, the conductivity measurements indicated that the pore surfaces that were decorated with a dense layer of fine Ag particles after FGA could act as an additional path for current transport across the contact interface, thereby lowering the contact resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A plastic module for in situ immuno-magnetic concentration (IMC) was devised by engraving acrylics and physically combining the system with a rapid test device to detect foodborne pathogen. The IMC module-installed analytical system consisted of three compartments for magnetic separation, sample medium absorption, and analysis of the target microorganism. To experimentally simulate a practical situation, immuno-magnetic beads were prepared by coupling monoclonal antibodies specific to Listeria monocytogenes, which was used as a model analyte, to chemically functionalized beads. Under the optimal conditions, the IMC module condensed the medium by a factor of 100 (e.g., from 10mL to 100μL) within 5min and enriched the microorganism by about 60-fold. This concentrated sample was then analyzed using two different analytical systems based on lateral flow, i.e., ELISA-on-a-chip and immuno-chromatographic assay, which had high detection capabilities, 3.6×102 and 6.6×103 cellsmL−1, respectively. Thus, the IMC module-installed biosensor system was able to sequentially condense a large sample volume and detect the presence of contaminants within, for example, 30min. Therefore, this approach could be suitable for early screening of food products that may be contaminated with microorganisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Despite potential benefits of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution as a cardioplegic solution, it can cause hyponatremia, especially in pediatric patients. Fluctuations in the sodium concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can adversely affect the central nervous system. We evaluated the relationship between the cardioplegic solution, the fluctuation of sodium concentration, and the incidence of postoperative seizure in pediatric cardiac patients. Methods: The medical records of 628 patients were reviewed for the occurrence of a postoperative seizure, type of cardioplegic solution (HTK or del Nido solution), and intraoperative data. A change of sodium concentration exceeding 15 mmol/L (ΔNa>15) during CPB was defined as a significant fluctuation of sodium concentration. Results: Postoperative seizures were detected in 18 patients (2.9%). The ΔNa>15 was detected in 63 of 189 patients (33.3%) who received the HTK solution and in 14 of 439 patients (3.2%) who received the del Nido solution (p < 0.001). The incidence of ΔNa>15 was strongly associated with postoperative seizure (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.4 to 16.4, p = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the ΔNa>15 remained significantly associated with postoperative seizure (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 12.3, p = 0.018). Conclusions: Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution during CPB frequently causes fluctuations of sodium concentration, usually combined with hyponatremia, which is associated with postoperative seizure. Special attention to sodium concentration is required, particularly when HTK solution is used in pediatric cardiac patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Study Objective: To determine whether fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) reduces emergence agitation. Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Setting: Operating room and Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) of a university hospital. Patients: 64 ASA physical status 1 and 2 pediatric patients aged three to 7 years, scheduled for orthopedic surgery involving the anterior or lateral thigh. Interventions: Patients enrolled in the FICB group received FICB immediately after the operation, while control group patients received intravenous (IV) patient/parent-controlled analgesia (PCA) with fentanyl. Measurements: Severity of agitation and pain were evaluated using the Pediatric Agitation and Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale and the Children''s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS). Data were collected at 10-minute intervals in the PACU. The results were analyzed using the t-test. Main Results: PAED scores in the FICB group were significantly lower than those of the control group on arrival at the PACU (7.3 ± 2.9 vs 10.4 ± 3.2, P < 0.001). The FICB group also had significantly lower CHEOPS pain scores than the control group, both on arrival at the PACU and 10 minutes after arrival (6.4 ± 1.5 vs 10.4 ± 1.8, P < 0.001 and 6.7 ± 1.6 vs 8.0 ± 1.4, P = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion: In children having surgery on the thigh, FICB effectively reduced the severity of emergence agitation and postoperative pain during the immediate postoperative period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A phase-field simulation was employed to estimate the kinetics and size distribution of the intermetallic compound grains in terms of separately measured grain radius and height. The grain height was rather uniform and had a distribution curve with a narrow sharp peak, not following the grain radius distribution only slightly deviated from the flux-driven ripening model. It was also demonstrated that the cross-sectional grain height was smaller and had a broader distribution than the actual grain height. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bio-composites comprised of kenaf fiber reinforced polylactide are fabricated by carding followed by treatment with a 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxy silane and hot-pressing. The effects of the silane coupling agent on composite properties was highly beneficial leading to increased moduli and heat deflection temperatures as well as reduced water swelling. Swelling is found to increase with increasing kenaf loading levels but to decrease with increasing coupling agent concentrations. Mechanical properties of the bio-composites at tempertaures above the glass transition are vastly improved in comparison to the base PLA polymer. As little as 10wt.% kenaf fiber in PLA provides a heat distortion temperature in excess of 140°C when combined with the coupling agent. The thermal stability towards degradation is slightly decreased relative to the base PLA and the ash content is increased. Thermal properties such as the glass transition, melting temperature, and percent crystallinity of the matrix PLA are largely unaffected by incorporation into the composites. Evidence of successful reaction of the silane with the kenaf fibers is provided by FTIR and implied by decreased swelling in water. A prototypical automotive headliner is fabricated as a means of demonstrating the viability of the present bio-composites in real manufacturing processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present three-dimensional phase-field simulations of the thickening of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers and their microstructural evolution during soldering and aging in a binary alloy system. The focus was on the grain growth in the IMC layer, since the grain boundary (GB) provides a high-diffusivity path and affects the thickening kinetics of the IMC. The radial grain growth of the IMC was analogous to Ostwald ripening when the phase interface was rounded, while it followed normal grain growth with planar phase interface. The thickening mode of the IMC layer was dependent upon the microstructural evolution within the IMC layer with high diffusivity along the GBs. The simulation results successfully confirm literature models on the effect of GB diffusion on IMC thickening. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the hydrolysis of biodegradable polymers and bio-composites at 50°C and 90% relative humidity (RH). With increasing hydrolysis time, the mechanical properties of the biodegradable polymers and bio-composites significantly decreased due to the easy hydrolytic degradation of the ester linkage of the biodegradable polymers. With increasing hydrolysis time, the tensile strength of the polybutylene succinate (PBS) treated with anti-hydrolysis agent or with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) significantly increased compared to the non-treated PBS. The same results were observed for the PBS-based bio-composites. This result was confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, which exhibited a less eroded surface, small cracks and fewer holes due to the reduced surface hydrolysis and erosion under high humidity condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main objective of this research was to investigate the effect on thermal properties of the addition of two different compatibilizing agents, maleic anhydride (MA)-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and MA-grafted polyethylene (MAPE), to bio-flour-filled, Polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites. The effect of two different types of MAPE polymer, MA-grafted high-density polyethylene (HDPE-MA) and MA-grafted linear LDPE (LLDPE-MA), was also examined. With increasing MAPP and MAPE content, the thermal stability, storage modulus (E′), tan δ max peak temperature (glass transition temperature: T g) and loss modulus () peak temperature (β relaxation) were slightly increased. The thermal stability, E′ and E″ of MAPE-treated composites were not significantly affected by the two different MAPE polymers. The melting temperature (T m) of the composites was not significantly changed but the crystallinity (X c) of MAPP- and MAPE-treated composites was slightly increased with increasing MAPP and MAPE content. This enhancement of thermal stability and properties could be attributed to an improvement in the interfacial adhesion and compatibility between the rice husk flour (RHF) and matrix due to the treatment of compatibilizing agent. Attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis confirmed this result by demonstrating the changed chemical structures of the composites following MAPP and MAPE addition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the biodegradability of PBS and bio-flour, which is a poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) bio-composite filled with rice-husk flour (RHF) reinforcing, in natural and aerobic compost soil. The percentage weight loss and the reduction in mechanical properties of PBS and the bio-composites in the compost soil burial test were significantly greater than those in the natural soil burial test. These results were supported by degraded surface of PBS and bio-composites observed through morphological study and the total colony count of natural soil was lower than that of compost soil. The biodegradability of the bio-composites was enhanced with increasing bio-flour content because the bio-flour is easily attacked by microorganisms. As the biodegradability test progressed over time up to 80 days, the molecular weight of PBS decreased in the soil burial test. We confirmed by attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) analyser that the chemical structures of PBS and the bio-composites were changed after the compost burial test. The glass transition temperature (T g), melting temperature (T m), crystallization temperature (T c), heat of fusion (ΔH f) and heat of crystallization (ΔH c) of the natural and composted soil tested PBS were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From the results, we concluded that use of these bio-composites will reduce the environmental problems associated with waste pollution and the study findings support the predicted application of bio-composites as “green-composites” or “eco-materials”. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]