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A suitable solid electrolyte can turn the long‐standing dream of a safe commercial all‐solid‐statebattery into reality in the same way as appropriate liquid electrolytes kickstarted the first commercial lithium‐ion battery. Presently, halide‐based electrolytes despite their reactivity with lithium metal are extensively studied as they offer better processability, malleability, oxidative stability, and safety over sulfide‐based electrolytes. Particularly, LiMCl6 (M = Ta/Nb) chloride‐based amorphous electrolytes are generating widespread interest with their high conductivities, comparable to liquid electrolytes. In this context, with synchrotron X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction techniques, well‐crystallized triclinic layered LiMCl6 (M = Ta/Nb) chlorides with an hcp AB‐type stacking of chloride ions is reported. The hexagonally ordered NbCl6 octahedra share edges with LiCl6 octahedra forming a honeycomb pattern, whereas Li+ is intermixed with M5+ for M = Ta. Furthermore, it is found that crystalline LiTaCl6 has an ionic conductivity of ≈10−5 mS cm−1, six orders of magnitude lower than that reported for superionic amorphous LiTaCl6. Nevertheless, crystalline LiTaCl6 is utilized as an intercalation compound in an all‐solid‐state‐battery, uncovering a solid‐solution/two‐phase/conversion pathway for lithium‐insertion during the three distinct redox plateaus below 3 V versus Li+/Li°. Broadly, the findings give insights into the structure, ionic conduction, and intercalation in a new family of layered halides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Wildland Fire Science is the property of Journal of Wildland Fire Science Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department 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.)

Studies showed that integrating coating or valve into Peripherally Inserted Central (PICC) can prevent related complications. However, data regarding efficiency were controversial. Therefore, a systematic review was needed to analyse the effect of PICC materials and designs on reduction of PICC‐related complications. We searched PubMed, Cochrane library, EMbase, grey literature and referent literature from inception to 5 August 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case–control study were included. Two authors extracted data independently, using a predesigned Excel form, and assessed the quality of included RCTs according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews (V5.1.0), case–control study was assessed by the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Data were analysed using Review Manager (v5.3.0). A total of 10 RCTs and one case–control study were included. Meta‐analysis results showed that PICC designs reduce the incidence of obstruction, and at the critical value of PICC‐associated bloodstream infection, but may have no effects on other complications. Based on the literature reviewed, we can only say PICC new materials did not reflect significant reduction on complications, what's more, the result needs more multicentre, large RCTs to support. We suggested clinicians combine descriptive research and cost‐effect analysis to select appropriate PICC materials and designs for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration techniques were explored for the patterns, materials, and surface pigments of the pigments decoration art of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, a world cultural heritage site in southern China. Field investigation was supplemented by scanning electron microscopy, microscopic Raman spectroscopy characterization, colorimetric tests, and tensile tests. Materials and concepts for the restoration of the Kaiping Diaolou pigments were analyzed. Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the surface pigments display of pigments decorative patterns. The main colors of restoration included green, red, white, and blue. The green color was a mixture of colored copper arsenate minerals. The red color was made of hematite (Fe2O3). White was calcite, and blue was lapis lazuli or synthetic ultramarine. SEM revealed both pigments show similar flake flocculent section morphologies. UV accelerated aging experiments showed that the Ultraviolet absorber and antioxidants effectively inhibited the degradation of the interface matrix. The interface was less prone to cracking. The tension test showed that the bond stress reached a maximum value of 0.193 MPa at a curing temperature of 20 °C under 95% ambient humidity. The results provide strong evidence for pigment restoration in Kaiping Diaolou. This study also provides a scientific reference for the pigment conservation of other architectural decorations from the same historical period.

We will discuss the limitation of cardboard as a material for reconstruction models, and whether an alternative material could be helpful to overcome these limitations. We have experimented with 3D-printed plastic and ways to reduce the longitudinal high edge stiffness, to get around what we think is the main weakness using cardboard. The goal has been to open the possibilities of interpretation. The end result of the tests has been used to build a 1:5 reconstruction model, for our interpretation of the 10m boat from the Gokstad find (G1) from late 800's. We found that the use of 3D-printed plastic, with a designed internal weakness, gives us more longitudinal flexibility in the model. This flexibility opens up for interpretations that are less feasible when using cardboard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering is the property of Chongqing University of Technology 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.)

Hexagonal perovskite-related oxides such as Ba3WVO8.5 have attracted much attention due to their unique crystal structures and significant oxide ion conduction. However, the oxide ion conductivity of Ba3WVO8.5 is not very high. Herein, we report new hexagonal perovskite-related oxides Ba3W1+xV1−xO8.5+x/2 (x = −0.1, −0.05, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.75). The bulk conductivity of Ba3W1.6V0.4O8.8 was found to be 21 times higher than that of the mother material Ba3WVO8.5 at 500 °C. Maximum entropy method (MEM) neutron scattering length density (NSLD) analyses of neutron diffraction data at 800 °C experimentally visualized the oxide ion diffusion pathways through the octahedral O2 and tetrahedral O3 sites in intrinsically oxygen-deficient layers. By increasing the excess W content x in Ba3W1+xV1−xO8.5+x/2, the excess oxygen content x/2 increases, which leads to more oxygen atoms at the O2 and O3 oxygen sites, a higher minimum NSLD on the O2–O3 path, and a higher level of conductivity. Another reason for the increased conductivity of Ba3W1.6V0.4O8.8 is the lower activation energy for oxide ion conduction, which can be ascribed to the longer (W/V)–O2 and (W/V)–O3 distances due to the substitution of V atoms with large-sized W species. The present findings open new avenues in the science and technology of oxide ion conductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rolling Stock (1002-7602) is the property of Rolling Stock Editorial Office 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.)

This review summarized the source, structural properties and applications of eggshell membrane (ESM) in various industries. The application limitation and future prospect of ESM were analyzed and prospected.

In the background of new nano-gold composite materials development and gold industry transformation, the study explores and practices the industrial production of Au/C nano-gold composite materials. The paper mainly introduced the process of the industrial production of Au/C nano-gold composite materials, in terms of its principle, ap- proaches to the industrial production system, equipment selection design for the industrial production, and its core tech- nology and the production practice explored. The practice shows that the nano-gold particles produced by the Au/C production process are all in the state of even dispersion and don't fall off after multiple washing because of the intense interaction between nano-gold and activated carbon surface that guarantees the load capacity of particles. Besides, the diameter of nano-gold particles concentrates on 5 nm and the size distribution is homogeneous, which ensures its quality for subsequent use. The study makes demonstrations for the industrialized development of other new materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of Lexikos is the property of Bureau of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal 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.)

Over 50% of the original oil in place (OOIP) is immobile or trapped in the reservoir. Therefore, today, more efficient methods have been introduced in the tertiary oil recovery sector as a scheme of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Due to the decline of conventional hydrocarbon reserves, polymers are increasingly used in EOR methods, such as surfactant-polymer (SP) and alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding. SP flooding has a complex formulation and design, leading to undesirable phase separation if improperly mixed. Polymeric surfactants are a promising alternative to SP flooding. They consist of hydrophobic groups attached to hydrophilic polymers, which help to improve the mobility ratio and reduce interfacial tension (IFT). This paper examines the rheological and synthesis properties of a new polymeric surfactant produced through bond co-polymerization reaction using different hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) ratios and a zwitterion hydrophobic group. The synthesized hydrophobically modified zwitterionic polyacrylamide (HMZPAM) was characterized by FTIR and HMNR analysis. HMZPAM performed better than other substances in IFT, viscosity, wettability, oil recovery, and resistance to different one and two-valence cations. The results indicate that HPAM reduced the IFT to 13.65, while HMZPAM reduced it to 0.441 mN/m. Wettability change evaluated on a rock carbonate/crude oil/HMZPAM system that changed the water-wet state of the primary oil-wet rock carbonate to strongly water-wet state as wettability change measurements showed a decrease in contact angle from 62.76 to 21.23 degree. Comparative studies on the effectiveness of HPAM and HMZPAM were also conducted according to the measurement of viscosity and shear rate in the presence of salt, which indicates the higher shear rate and viscosity of HMZPAM. Core flooding tests revealed that HMZPAM resulted in better additional recovery due to microscopic displacement, resulting in a total oil recovery of 84%, compared to 48% of residual oil saturation for HPAM. Also, salts decreased oil recovery in HPAM injection but increased oil recovery in HMZPAM injection., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Copyright of Steel Pipe is the property of Steel Pipe Magazine 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.)

This study presents a kinetic determination of copper removal from a real jewelry industry wastewater, with removal reaching 82.49% at 37°C, using fast galvanic pulse electrochemical technique in a process lasting 115 min. In the temperature range from 20 to 40°C, the mathematical model of the pseudo-first-order irreversible rate equation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99, described the process behaviour. In this same temperature range, the Arrhenius' equation described the system, in which the temperature increase favoured the reaction kinetics. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), with energy-dispersive X-ray detector (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results, and the mathematical model fitting at the temperatures of 10 and 50°C indicated the formation of copper oxide I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research relates to cement-based matrix materials with self-repairing properties, based on reactive grains (Portland clinker) having the dimensions 90...160 μm and using a protective coating layer with a thickness of 4-7 μm. The material involves the use in mortars or concretes of a smart additive of a clinker reactive material covered with an impermeable polymeric coating that breaks when a crack appears in the material and allows the reaction between water and cement stone components and, consequently, the formation of a crack plugging product consisting in calcium silicate hydrates gels (CSH), superior to that of calcium carbonate precipitation. The intelligent addition is obtained by mixing the reactive material with the solution of a polymer, or with its melt (C8H8)n. The efficiency of coverage exceeds 80% in most of cases, some of them approaching even 90%. No significant effect of the ratio reactive material/polymer seems to be observed. The degree of healing of the crack is defined in the paper. The method of highlighting the self-repairing effect is based on the amount of electricity passed through the sample. The new material has practically unchanged mechanical properties, a higher hydration capacity and a longer service life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building is a process of technology that enables human wellbeing by engaging a multitude of stakeholders. However, it is often seen in the literature that all stakeholders involved in the building process are disintegrated, which seems to be a management and systemic orientation problem when trying to address the built environment as a sustainable system design. That means the design and design aesthetics of any building cannot be simply influenced by technological revolution and efficiency improvements to attain the three pillars of sustainable development. A systemic transformation of the whole process is a pre-requisite, which is complex and oft underestimated mainly due to the lack of subjective characteristics involved available for transformation research, that addresses policy choice in the development of a paradigm shift. Addressing built environment as a system for transformation research practice, this study extensively reviewed the UNEP built environment report to identify global variables that define the roughly correct system as an artifact to be studied. The UNEP report covers the system level transformation requirement until 2003, which seems to be more or less the same in almost all the research studies as of now. Using the Vester Sensitivity Model, the roughly correct built environment as a system is analyzed to identify the future leverage potential and variables’ interdependency. The in-depth systems analysis indicates global variables Enabling condition and New material are potential system leveraging variables for built environment system transition to sustainable design, which require further scrutiny. The leveraging variables are influenced by other global variables which can only be negotiated for sustainable development goal actualization for future success.

Fenestration transcatheter closure is widely considered to eliminate persistent right‐to‐left shunt after Fontan surgeries. Three consecutive children with stage III‐palliated univentricular hearts recently underwent successful endovascular fenestration closure using 43 mm/Large Optimus‐CVS™ that were implanted using the new Altosa‐XL™ PTA balloon catheters (AndraTec GmbH). The procedure was fast with no complication and patients were discharged the following day with complete shunt closure. One‐month follow‐up confirmed excellent outcomes. This report aims to highlight and discuss the competitive advantages of these promising new materials in this particular intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aprotodon is an extinct genus of the family Rhinocerotidae with a peculiar morphology that is mainly embodied in the wide mandibular symphysis and a pair of prominent second low incisors. The genus once lived on the vast grasslands of Asia, from Pakistan, and Kazakhstan to China, during the Late Eocene to the Early Miocene. The scarcity and incompleteness of the record, however, make the morphological characteristics of Aprotodon rather perplexing. Here, we report on a better mandible fossil with an intact second right incisor from the Xianshuihe Formation from the Early Miocene age (approximately 21–20 Ma) in the Lanzhou Basin, Gansu Province, China. Several important features, notably the elongated strongly curved tusk‐like incisors and mandibular symphysis, which widens sharply in the anterior part of the mandible, support attribution to A. lanzhouensis. Compared with previous specimens, the material described here is distinct in the lack of p1, horizontal ramus, and the ventral morphology of the mandible symphysis. Based on the new fossil specimen, we provide new material for the understanding of this extinct peculiar rhinoceros. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We report the modelling and optimization of a solar cell based on new material using SCAPS software. • A high absorption coefficient was found. • The influence of thickness, temperature, resistances and defects on the different electrical parameters. • A high conversion efficiency was obtained under optimum parameters. • A respectable compatibility has been shown compared with the results of wxAMPS software. Based on several semiconductor research, we have studied one of the new semiconductors, due to its exciting physical proprieties that in turn solve some problems in the photovoltaic's industry. We have divided this work into two parts. The first part, is to study the optical proprieties of ZnSnN 2 , as calculation of the absorption coefficient, bandgap, reflection coefficient, and transmission coefficient. As for the second part, a study of some parameters that affect the efficiency of p-CuCrO 2 (CCO)/ n-ZnSnN 2 (ZTN) solar cell using SCAPS-1D software, and our results are compared with the results of another software (wxAMPS), where results showed great compatibility with the presence of weak uncertainty. We have studied the influence of many parameters such as the thickness of the absorber layer (n-ZnSnN 2), the thickness of the buffer layer (p-CuCrO 2) , the temperature, the series resistance (R s), the shunt resistance (R sh) and the defect density on the performance of ZnSnN 2 solar cells which included in the real device. The photovoltaic parameters have been calculated using AM1.5G solar irradiance at the intensity of one sun, a temperature of 300 K, and considering the flat band condition at the interface. We have been achieving a high-efficiency of η ≈ 22% without defects. Given the characteristics of this new semiconductor ZnSnN 2 , which composed of earth-abundant, non-toxic and inexpensive element, as well as a high absorption coefficient, it can be considered as an alternative for PV and optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of clinical, biomedical, social, administrative, and pharmaceutical sciences in a pharmacotherapeutics course is beneficial to student education. Unfortunately, the perceived increase in time, commitment, and workload required to produce integrated material often serves as a barrier to high level academic integration. This commentary discusses how interdisciplinary faculty communication started at the beginning of content development, using an initial brief planning session and ongoing unscheduled flexible methods, can efficiently produce integrated material without substantially increasing faculty workload compared to independently produced integrated course material. Content development can be streamlined during a short initial meeting to consider the relevant disciplines (e.g., pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical sciences) for a topic and to collaboratively develop corresponding content outlines. To produce fully integrated material, collaborators should develop content using a cloud-based file sharing system and communicate using asynchronous, electronic means to ask questions and provide suggestions to collaborators. Interdisciplinary communication is the foundation of integrated pharmacotherapeutic sessions, but supplemental meetings in addition to already required faculty meetings are both challenging to schedule and time consuming. With proper planning and the deliberate use of both continuous file sharing and asynchronous electronic communication, educators can produce parallel content emphasizing key concepts across disciplines without substantially increasing faculty workload. • Pharmacotherapeutic integration is beneficial to student education. • Communication is key in designing integrated pharmacotherapeutic sessions. • Passive and asynchronous communication minimizes faculty workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office 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.)

Fresh ginseng is prone to spoilage due to its high moisture content. For long-term storage, most fresh ginsengs are dried to white ginseng (WG) or steamed for hours at high temperature/pressure and dried to form Korean Red ginseng (KRG). They are further processed for ginseng products when subjected to hot water extraction/concentration under pressure. These WG or KRG preparation processes affect ginsenoside compositions and also other ginseng components, probably during treatments like steaming and drying, to form diverse bioactive phospholipids. It is known that ginseng contains high amounts of gintonin lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs). LPAs are simple lipid-derived growth factors in animals and humans and act as exogenous ligands of six GTP-binding-protein coupled LPA receptor subtypes. LPAs play diverse roles ranging from brain development to hair growth in animals and humans. LPA-mediated signaling pathways involve various GTP-binding proteins to regulate downstream pathways like [Ca 2+ ] i transient induction. Recent studies have shown that gintonin exhibits anti-Alzheimer's disease and anti-arthritis effects in vitro and in vivo mediated by gintonin LPAs, the active ingredients of gintonin, a ginseng-derived neurotrophin. However, little is known about how gintonin LPAs are formed in high amounts in ginseng compared to other herbs. This review introduces atypical or non-enzymatic pathways under the conversion of ginseng phospholipids into gintonin LPAs during steaming and extraction/concentration processes, which exert beneficial effects against degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and arthritis in animals and humans via LPA receptors., (© 2023 The Korean Society of Ginseng. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.)

In this study, we evaluated the Ag–Co alloy as a catalyst in the Li–O2 battery electrode aiming to improve the electrochemical performance of the energy system. Ag–Co alloys were obtained by cyclic voltammetry from an electrolytic bath. The influence of O2 pressure (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 atm) and current density (25, 50, and 75 μA cm−2) on the charge and discharge on the cell were studied. It was observed that a medium value of O2 pressure and current density was favorable to obtain a high capacity. Energy-dispersive X-ray presented that the cyclic voltammetry technique did not favor cobalt deposition. Scanning electron microscopy showed homogeneity of the deposits with the presence of cracks and small crystals. X-ray diffraction evidenced Li2O as well as the Raman spectra for nickel foam electrode. Oxygen evolution reaction was improved with Ag–Co catalyst according to linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry analysis. Steel mesh electrode showed higher discharge capacity (336 mAh gc−1) when compared with nickel foam (115 mAh gc−1) which suggests that materials with lower cost can be used as electrodes in Li–O2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How important is the imagination in the design and creation of new and innovative materials, and how can it be developed through formative processes? What happens when the real world becomes distinct from our imagination of it and what are the implications of such a rupture? These questions are considered with reference to a case study in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology, which is examined with a focus on social relations, and formative processes in particular, emphasizing how these relations contribute to the creation–design of new materials. The author also examines the notion of imagination, focusing on its importance in the design of nanomaterials, which she conceptualizes as analogous to puzzle-solving. Two further examples enable us to reflect on different approaches through which the imagination might be understood and how the above questions can contribute to a rethinking of the hylomorphic and textility of making models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Architectural Journal / Jian Zhu Xue Bao is the property of Architectural Journal Editorial Office 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.)

Advance materials are the critical support to major technical equipment such as nuclear island equipment, aircraft engine and gas turbine etc. Currently, major countries in the world paid high attention and made strategies and plans to the development of advanced materials industries. This paper studies the policies, strategies and plans of developing advanced materials industries in main countries of the world, and puts forward some suggestions for developing advanced materials industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agro‐industrial wastes, sugarcane bagasse (SB) and asparagus peel (AP), were used to enhance the properties of biodegradable foam trays based on sweet potato starch‐based foam trays (starch/SB and starch/AP trays, respectively). Starch/SB and starch/AP trays containing different concentrations of SB and AP (0%‐40%, w/w) were prepared, and their microstructure and physical, thermal, and mechanical properties were characterized. The addition of fibers wastes allowed obtaining a yellowish foam tray with lower luminosity and higher porosity, mechanical resistance, deformability, and better ability to absorb water as compared with the sweet potato starch foam trays without fibers. The addition of SB yielded foam trays less porous, with lower water absorption capacity and greater tensile strength than the addition of AP. Higher concentrations of AP fibers (greater than 30%) generate more extendible foam trays. The addition of fibrous wastes improved the thermal stability of the sweet potato starch foam trays. The composite foam trays produced in this work could be used as substitutes for expanded polystyrene in dry food packaging. In this research, agro‐industrial wastes (sugarcane bagasse and asparagus peel) were used to enhance the properties of biodegradable foam trays of sweet potato. The addition of fibrous wastes allowed obtaining a foam tray with higher mechanical resistance and improved the thermal stability. The composite foam trays produced in this work could be used as substitutes for expanded polystyrene in dry food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large part of the European building Heritage is dated back over centuries. Consequently, its structural and thermal performances are often inadequate. Commonly, different interventions are proposed for solving these issues separately. However, reasonable drawbacks arise when the structural retrofitting requires a direct contact with the target-member while the insulation layer is potentially interposed in between. In this scenario, the present research proposes a novel and unique system able to guarantee both the energetic and the structural retrofitting. Inorganic Matrix Composites (IMCs) are a promising solution in this sense. Among them, the Fabric Reinforced Cementitous Matrix (FRCM) is one of the most used; or rather a composite made of a fabric (open grid or mesh) within an inorganic matrix (lime or cement based). Even if the inorganic matrix has a relevant thickness (if compared with the one of the fabric), its thermal resistance is insufficient. The novelty of this work consists in assessing a new geo-polymeric FRCM-system by combining fly-ash binder (reused material) and expanded glass aggregate (recycled material). Direct tensile tests, for measuring the tensile strength, ultimate strain and elastic modulus, were performed in addition to thermal conductivity tests. The results were compared with those of traditional FRCM (commercially available). The potentiality of the proposal for structural and energy retrofitting is discussed and examples of its possible application are also reported.

Chemical modifications of cellulose fibres (kraft pulp) in NaOH/H2O and NaCl/H2O systems were investigated. Handsheets were prepared that contained 25% of the modified fibres. Changes in the modified samples were examined by measuring their mechanical and optical properties and comparing them to those made with unmodified fibres. The observed differences were explained and supported by structural analyses, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the NaOH/H2O pretreatment led to a significant deterioration of optical and strength properties of the handsheets. These modifications affected both the inner part of the crystalline cellulose (change from cellulose I to cellulose II) and the morphology of the fibers. Conversely, these properties slightly improved after propargylation, due to the propargyl functional groups. For the NaCl/H2O system, a significant enhancement of the mechanical properties of the handsheets was noted, such as an increase of up to 108% of the tear index. The propargylation further increased the tear index (by 157%). These enhancements were not accompanied by significant changes at both the micrometric and nanometric scales, except for the increase of the crystallinity index after propargylation.

Methylammonium lead trihalides and their derivatives are photovoltaic materials. CH3NH3PbI3 is the most efficient light harvester among all the known halide perovskites (PSCs). It is regarded as unsuitable for long‐term stable solar cells, thus it is necessary to develop other types of PSC materials to achieve stable PSCs (Wang et al., Nat. Energy 2016, 2, 16195). Because of this, various research efforts are on‐going to discover novel lead‐based or lead‐free single/double PSCs, which can be stable, synthesizable, transportable, abundant and efficient in solar energy conversion. Keeping these factors in mind, we report here the electronic structures, energetic stabilities and some materials properties (viz. band structures, density of states spectra and photo‐carrier masses) of the PSC chloroammonium lead triiodide (ClNH3PbI3). This emerges through compositional engineering that often focuses on B‐ and Y‐site substitutions within the domain of the BMY3 PSC stoichiometry. ClNH3PbI3 is found to be stable as orthorhombic and pseudocubic polymorphs, which are analogous with the low and high temperature polymorphs of CH3NH3PbI3. The bandgap of ClNH3PbI3 (values between 1.28 and 1.60 eV) is found to be comparable with that of CH3NH3PbI3, (1.58 eV), both obtained with periodic DFT at the PBE level of theory. Spin orbit coupling is shown to have a pronounced effect on both the magnitude and character of the bandgap. The computed results show that ClNH3PbI3 may act as a competitor for CH3NH3PbI3 for photovoltaics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office 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.)

The aim of this work was evaluate the effect of the addition of sugarcane bagasse and asparagus peel fiber on the physical and mechanical properties of baked foams based on oca starch. Low concentrations of fiber reduce the density of the foams and the addition of fiber does not improve the flexural strength of the foams, but generates harder and deformable trays. High concentrations of sugarcane bagasse fiber generate more compact trays with a lower water absorption capacity than the control. Foams with asparagus peel fiber showed higher rates of thermal degradation than the control but not so extensive as to affect their applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of study of this work is based on the proposal of a new material to replace the rakes of the bagasse conveyors of the Sugar Industry; as a solution to the current practice of replacing conventional wooden rakes by the variant of laminated tubes and channel beam. The use of these last ones increases the weight in the conveyors and causes a greater consumption of energy; in addition, an overload could bring with it bigger breakages and the increase of the costs in the interruptions. The value of the resistance to the static flexion of conventional materials (like Pinus Caribaea and Lysiloma Bahamensis), with values of maximum resistance to the static flexion (FH): FH= 113,19MPa y FH = 46,33MPa respectively, was obtained experimentally. For the substitution of the rakes, a polymeric matrix composite material of Bamboo fiber with knot, with bark and without treatment (BCCCNST) and a matrix of polyester resin is proposed. The breaking limit for BCCCNST is 116 MPa and for the polyester resin it can range from 80 to 150 MPa, so that both have properties within the ranges required for this application. When comparing the power required for different scenarios, it was detected that in all cases the installed power is above the necessary, so it would be advisable to replace the motor with one of smaller capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the goals of this research project were three: study how secondary education students value self-made materials, assess their effects while used to teach sport, and analyze how the students’ perspective on these materials change over age and gender. Students from a high school in the north part of Spain agreed to participate. They belonged to 1st, 2nd, and 4th year of secondary education. They were asked to build their own self-made cardboard ringo with recycled materials to use it during an ultimate learning unit. A hybrid instructional method (tactical games + sport education) was used along 8-10 sessions. After the intervention, subjects filled out a 15-item questionnaire (1-5 likert point scale). Overall results showed that subjects did not consider that building the ringo was hard. Finding the material was not difficult, either. They also thought that using the ringo was more fun than using the traditional Frisbee. Younger students valued the experience higher than older subjects. The usage of self-made materials was more attractive, motivating and useful for 1st year subjects. They also though that this type of material had helped them improve their throwing and catching skills. They even wanted to use it in extracurricular settings