Ethanolic Extract of Hedysarum Alpinum L Is Rich in Flavonoids and Shows Free Radical Scavenging and Psychological Modulation Activities

Hedysarum alpinum L (HA) is reported to be able to support the immune and nervous systems.  However, there is only a few reports about the pharmacological activity of this plant. In current study, we investigated the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of an extract of HA using in vitro and iv vivo models. An extract of the specimens preserved in 70% ethanol was filtered and vacuum dried. Established conventional methods were used for quantitative determination of total phenolic and flavonoids content. Phytochemical characterization showed gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin are rich in the ethanolic extract of HA. In addition, the extract showed free radical scavenging activity on hydroxyl and lipid radicals with IC50 6.72 and 7.73 mg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo studies were performed on rats with orally applying the HA extract and then assessed their psychological behaviors in elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field tasks. The HA extract exhibited psychological modulation activity. Our study suggests the ethanolic extract of HA could be potential to be used in the products of mood soother

Microorganism Carrier-Surface Method as an Efficient Model for Microscopic Characterization of Biofilm Structure and Dispersion in Dairy Associated Spore-Forming Bacteria

Dispersion, defined as the release of planktonic cells is the final stage of biofilm development and of major significance in clinical and industrial settings. Currently, biofilm dispersion is considered as a promising avenue for biofilm control and an important topic research. However, a problem facing such research projects is how to induce planktonic life in a biofilm.  Numerous systems are used for the investigation of biofilm dispersion, including dynamic continuous or static batch systems. This mini-review describes the usefulness of the microorganism carrier-surface method as a simple biofilm growth model which successfully allowed microscopic characterization of biofilm structure and dispersion in dairy-associated spore-forming bacteria and should be an efficient model for studying dispersion process

The Effect of Nonlocal on Poro-thermoelastic Solid with Dependent Properties on Refrence Temperature via the Three-phase-lag Model

In this work, a novel nonlocal model on a poro-thermoelastic solid with temperature-dependent properties is presented. To solve this problem, the thermo-elasticity theory with three-phase-lag model (3PHL) is proposed. The modulus of the elasticity is given as a linear function of the reference temperature. The analytical expressions of the displacement components, the stresses, and the temperature are obtained by normal mode analysis. The main physical fields are displayed graphically and theoretically discussed under the influence of the nonlocal parameter and temperature-dependent properties

Lost-Phase and Short-Circuit Impacts on Electrical Network Managed by a Dual IPCs 30P15

This work evaluates the impact of short-circuit and the phase-lost in a particular transmission network located in south division in Cameroon (Central Africa). This network is precisely located between two towns called Songloulou and Logbaba (douala Town). The chosen network is modelled in Matlab Simulink software. Further, the network currents and voltages undergo non periodical distortions when short-circuit and phase lost come into play. Those distortions are deleted when dual controllers’ system is introduced and the network is stabilized. It appears that dual IPCs (interphase power controllers) present good results. However, the dual system which is a combination of two IPCs improves the network stability. The investigation of dual IPCs’ system uses the phase shift method

Use of Compression Molding for the Production of Ternary Films Based on Poly (Lactic Acid), Montmorillonite, and Oregano Essential Oil

Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) is considered one of the most promising polymers. However, neat PLA films have limitations. An effective strategy to overcome these problems is incorporating clay or essential oils. Cloisite 30B (C30B) is an organoclay widely used to improve the properties of polymers. Notably, the development of films incorporating Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) has attracted significant attention. Compression molding manufactured neat PLA, PLA/C30B, and PLA/C30B/OEO films in this manuscript. The visual evaluation indicated that the films had a good surface finish, and the films thickness varied between 0.15–0.19 mm. The moisture content increased with the incorporation of C30B and OEO. Optical microscopy showed a good distribution of clay particles. The transparency of the films increased with OEO, while with C30B, it presented greater opacity. Incorporating C30B/OEO in the PLA matrix is a promising film proposal that can be directed to the packaging sector. However, other analyses must be done better to understand the films performance for such an application

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Films Based on PLA / PBAT and Corn Starch and Babassu Mesocarp Starch by Flat Extrusion for Packaging

The influence of different amounts (1, 3 and 5%) of commercial corn starch and of babassu mesocarp starch on a (polylactic acid)/poly (butylene co-terephthalate adipate) (PLA/PBAT) based blend obtained by flat extrusion was ascertained.  The thermal and mechanical properties were determined and the results obtained are independent of the type of starch employed but are dependent on its concentration, the nucleating effect of the different starches and on the mobility of the polymer chains that make up the blend. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated the presence of two defined stages of mass loss for all films under investigation. Tensile testing shows that films containing starch had similar behavior to that of PLA in the PLA/PBAT blend, presenting high values of tensile strength, elastic modulus and tensile strength and low values of strain at break.  The results suggest that babassu mesocarp starch is viable alternatives to the production of packaging films

Elastic Wave Property of Concrete Decomposed by Steam Pressure Cracking Agent

A steam pressure cracking (SPC) agent is a method that can dismantle concrete safely and quickly. In previous studies, the authors showed that the direction of the crack could be controlled by the tensile stress at the induction holes and not by the compressive stress at the SPC hole. We demonstrate that the compression elastic wave changes to a tensile wave when the wave is reflected at the free surface of the induction hole. We also examined the properties of the concrete by developing an elastic wave measuring system that is difficult to break down even in high-temperature, wet, and radiation environment. The elastic wave velocity change in the four concrete types was less than 4%. It was found that the standard deviation value, σ, changed four times. Therefore, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the internal structure of concrete using the standard deviation value σ, which indicates the dispersion of the elastic wave velocity

Quality Retention and Inhibition of Thermophiles in Milk Using a Novel 3-Stage Recyclable Batch Pasteurizer

Milk quality decline and proliferation of microorganism can be prevented by heat-treatment. This however can denature the nutrients under excessive processing condition. There is therefore a need to selectively apply and evaluate this technology for milk pasteurization. In this research, the performance of a novel 3-stage recyclable batch milk pasteurizer operating at varying temperature (63– 71 °C), stirring speed (15 – 25 rpm) and holding time (15 sec – 30 min) was determined. The equipment has a hot water storage, pasteurization, and cooling tanks, which maintain the temperature of the pasteurized milk sample to 3–5oC. The nutritional quality and the thermophile loads, including Streptococcus, Clostridium, Micrococcus, and Lactobacillus in the sample were determined as performance indices. The results show no significant trace of the thermophiles (p < 0.05) and a high value of the nutritional composition at 63°C, 25 rpm stirring speed and 15 min holding time. The quality of the product decreased progressively with an increase (p < 0.05) in the temperature and speed for all holding time. Thus, the equipment can be used for milk pasteurization with a reduced nutrient denaturation and thermophiles proliferation

Characterization of Composites Manufactured Through Reshaping of EoL Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Recycled Carbon Fibers

This article investigates if and at what extent a recycling process based on grinding, melting and re-shaping of recycled carbon fibers reinforced thermoplastic polymers (rCFRPs) can affect their physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The aim is to establish if they can be taken into consideration in the manufacturing of new composite materials in different sectors: automotive, marine, sporting goods, etc. Composites materials were submitted to the measurement of the fibers length they are composed of, and then analyzed by means of tensile and impact tests and a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). All the characterizations were performed to both initial and recycled composites and, in some cases, they were replied also after the intermediate accelerated aging. Characterization performed confirmed that, as expected, the recycling process affects the properties of the composites, but in different manners and to a different extent when different polymers are involved. Tensile and impact tests pointed out that the polypropylene based composites showed a less stiff and a more brittle behaviour after the recycling process and the DMA confirmed this evidence, highlighting in addition a more viscous behavior of the polymer after the recycling. Conversely, the polyamide 6 based composites increased their stiffness and ductility after the recycling. For all the composites the tensile strength dropped, confirming the weakening of the materials

Design and Development of Domestic Solar Dryer with Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Aspect of Dried Raisins

Solar dryer technology is simple and can be implemented by households and small communities due to its simplicity. The suitable design of the absorber/collector is very vital for any solar drying system as the collector efficiency plays a key role in determining the overall system drying efficiency. To study the practical applicability of a developed solar dryer, grapes were dried in the drying chamber of a designed and developed solar dryer and for comparison, in open sunlight. Faster drying was noted for the grapes dried in the unit. The study on nutritional aspects indicated that solar drying process retained the major nutritional components like total sugars, total proteins and total lipids in raisins. The comparison between the solar dried raisins and open sun dried ones showed a higher ash content of 2.71% with solar dried ones and 1.95% in case of open sun dried raisins. The quantity of MUFA content was also affected by the varying drying practices implemented with 10.95% and 7.12% MUFA in solar dried and open sun dried raisins respectively. The drying technique also affects the bacterial load on raisins as observed in our current study with negligible bacterial growth on on solar dried raisins compared to open dried ones