The Relationship between Rheology, Application Method, and Final Coating Structure

Paper is coated to improve the printability and the visual properties. The factors that determine the coating structure are important because the structure determines the physical, optical, and printing properties. This work focuses on determining a relationship between the rheological properties of the coating, the application method, and the final coating structure. Coatings with different polymers and pigments were characterized in terms of steady shear and viscoelastic properties. These coatings were applied onto plastic film and paper with a laboratory rod coater, a spray coater, and a high-speed blade coater. The final coating structure after drying was characterized in terms of void fraction, water absorption rate, gloss, and light scattering coefficient. A relationship between the viscoelasticity of the suspensions and the final coating structure was found for the associative thickeners. However, the concentration and molecular weights of cellulosic thickeners did change the wet state rheology, but the final coating structure was not changed. Pigment shape, type, and size distribution are more important than the elastic modulus when predicting coating properties. For all coatings, a correlation is found between shear viscosity and gloss. Application method has an influence on the final structure: the light scattering coefficient changed slightly, but spray coating gave lower gloss, larger absorption rates, and larger void volume compared to the blade coating and rod coating methods. This result was due to poor leveling and spreading of drops at low coat weights

Toxic Effect of Different Neem Formulations against Pests and Mammals

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), prominently known as conventional medication is a local plant in India. Neem is regarded as a promising tree species which can be utilized in variety ways to benefit agricultural communities throughout the world. Neem based insect sprays were productive for the control of different insect species, yet their low lingering impact and absence of normalized definitions are issues for field application. Additionally, neem is fairly have harmful impact in nature. The use of nanotechnology as a mean for nanopesticides is in the beginning time of improvement. All things considered, the nanosphere definition demonstrated upgraded systemicity of the dynamic fixings and made its infiltration better in the plant, because of their little size. Nanoencapsulated pesticides can give controlled discharge energy, while proficiently upgrading piousness, dependability, and solvency. Nanoencapsulation can improve the vermin control proficiency over expanded spans by forestalling debasement of dynamic fixings under ecological conditions. This survey is hence composed to fundamentally evaluate the toxicological impacts i.e to examine the manifestations, systems and identifications of poisoning vertebrates particularly people. The prepared neem nano-plants contrasted with the bulk one have will be assessed on albino mice through two main approaches, i.e. determination of acute oral LD50 and study the toxic effect of sublethal dose (LD10) on some biochemical parameters. The effect of the prepared nano-formulations compared to the bulk one on various biomarkers, i.e. hematological, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in albino mice after an oral administration of sub-lethal dose during sub-acute treatment were taken in consideration. Hence, this review should thus offer an important guide for building up potential advantages are underlined, while little is known on security or the antagonistic impacts of nanoadvances in the agro-foodsystem

Are Genetically Engineered Crops Safe or Dangerous ?

Genetically modified crops have the potential to solve many of the World’s hunger and malnutrition problems. They also protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides. Yet, there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling. Many people feel that genetic engineering is the hope of the future. The current uses of GE focus on increasing production by addressing such issues as insect and weed control, but additional applications are being explored. It is believed that GE methods will allow for more rapid adaptation to climate change and plants with increased drought and salt tolerance are in development. The number of acres planted in GE crops has increased dramatically since their introduction in 1996. Opponents to GE crops have pointed out that highly publicized efforts to help farmers in developing countries and the world’s poor have not come into production. Every technology comes with potential risks and these risks must be evaluated. Genetic engineering of food and fiber products is inherently unpredictable and dangerous for humans, for animals, the environment and for the future of sustainable and organic agriculture. The hazards of GE crops falls mainly into two categories : human health hazards and environmental hazards .  A brief look at the already proven and likely hazards of GE products provides a convincing  arguments for why we need a global moratorium on all GE foods and crops. This article shows the work for deep debate on benefits and risks of Biotech-crops for human health, ecosystems and biodiversity

Medical students' satisfaction regarding blended learning during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The realization of the profession’s role in both of global and personal concept affected the self-identification among 2020 medical students. COVID-19 pandemic can hinder, accelerate, or change medical students’ professional identity formation. Objective: To assess the level of satisfaction about blended learning among undergraduate medical students at Zagazig University and to determine challenges, which face the medical students during blended learning education in Faculty of Medicine. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed during the period from September 2020 to July 2021 at Zagazig University, Egypt. This research included 277 undergraduate medical students. Results: The current study reported that interaction satisfaction score ranged from 18 to 53 with median 37 and 53.1% of students reported high satisfaction with interaction domain. There was statistically significant correlation between total satisfaction score and both age and technology barrier. There was statistically non-significant correlation between total satisfaction score and communication barrier. Conclusion: The results show that the majority of our sample students were highly satisfied with blended learning and reported low barriers to e-learning. Students still prefer face-to-face courses despite their satisfaction with their grades and performance in blended learning courses

EVALUATING EFFECT OF PEPPER MINT OIL (Mentha pipreta) AND ITS NANO-FORMULATIONS ON SOME ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES AND BIONOMICS OF COTTON LEAF WORM Spodoptera littoralis (BOISD.) [

Different formulations of pepper mint oil, i.e. bulk, nano-emulsion and nano-encapsulation were evaluated against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). Their effects on enzymatic activities and bionomics were also investigated. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that the mean particle size of the prepared nano-emulsion ranged between 20-90nm. The encapsulation efficiency and loaded capacity percentages exhibited that distilled H2O was more suitable than ethanol in preparation of nano-encapsulation particles. Bioassay treatments showed LC50's on 2nd instars larvae were 70.59, 12.23 and 21.72 ppm for pepper mint oil, pepper mint nano-emulsion and loaded nanoemulsion, respectively. While on 4th instars these values were 80.47, 26.14 and 67.69 ppm, respectively. LC90's on 2nd instars were 104.75, 33.97 and 30.14 for pepper mint oil, pepper mint nanoemulsion and loaded nano-emulsion, respectively. While on 4th instars these values were 177.66, 71.37 and 102.29 ppm. Toxicity index and relative potency proved that nano-emulsion was more effective than loaded nano-emulsion, while the bulk preparation was the least effective one. Results of enzymatic activities showed marked effects of the three formulations of mint oil, significant inhibitions  were recorded for amylase, invertase, trehalase, protease and alkaline phosphatase, while significant increase in activities of cuticle phenoloxidase and chitinase. Effects of adding the three formulations to artificial diet of 2nd instar showed significant effects of the insect bionomics. Larvae durations, percentage mortalities, were increased as well as larval malformations. Also, pupal duration, percentage pupal mortality and pupal malformation were increased, while pupal weight was decreased. Adults longevity showed insignificant effects, while female fecundity and egg % fertility showed significant responce

Comparative Toxicity of Neem and Peppermint Oils Nano Formulations against Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) Larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture will result in the development of efficient and potential approaches towards the management of insect pests. The toxicity effects of four essential oils peppermint, thyme, camphor and sage oils were tested against the fourth instar larvae of Agrotis ipsilon to select the most effective essential oil to be converted to the nano form. According to the results obtained, peppermint oil was the most toxic compound, which has been used in the present investigation  compared  with neem oil. The toxicity of  bulk and nano- formulations of neem  and pepper mint oils were tested  against  2nd and 4th instar  larvae of A. ipsilon under laboratory conditions of 25±2 °C& 65 -70 % R.H.relative humidity The results show that the LC50 value (the concentration used which kill 50% of the tested individuals)of loaded neem or pepper mint were lower (0.62 and 36.47 ppm) compared with neem or pepper mint oil nano-emulsion and bulk neem for the second larval instar. The different formulations of neem are more potent than in case of peppermint oil, as LC50 and LC90 values were significantly lower.The same trend was found concerning the 4th larval instar. Age of treated larvae had a detrimental effect on the response to the compounds tested. It was noticed that the younger larvae were much more sensitive to the prepared compounds compared to the older ones. The least LC50 value for loaded neem nano-emulsion was 6.68 ppm compared with the highest value for  bulk neem oil (16.68 ppm ). Also,  LC90  values followed the same trend as in  case ofLC50.  Again, the toxicity of loaded peppermint oil had the most insecticidal activity as expressed by the lowest LC50 value (51.9 ppm) with more insecticidal effect than the bulk(125.43 ppm)  or nano-emulsion (85.43 ppm).  The present results indicated that these novel systems could be used in integrated pest management program for A. ipsilon control

Asymmetry and structural system analysis of the proximal femur meta-epiphysis: osteoarticular anatomical pathology

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The human femur is commonly considered as a subsystem of the locomotor apparatus with four conspicuous levels of organization. This phenomenon is the result of the evolution of the locomotor apparatus, which encompasses both constitutional and individual variability. The work therein reported, therefore, underlies the significance of observing anatomical system analysis of the proximal femur meta-epiphysis in normal conditions, according to the anatomic positioning with respect to the right or left side of the body, and the presence of system asymmetry in the meta-epiphysis structure, thus indicating structural and functional asymmetry.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 160 femur bones of both sexes were compiled and a morphological study of 15 linear and angulated parameters of proximal femur epiphysis was produced, thus defining the linear/angulated size of tubular bones. The parameters were divided into linear and angulated groups, while maintaining the motion of the hip joint and transmission of stress to the unwanted parts of the limb. Furthermore, the straight and vertical diameters of the femoral head and the length of the femoral neck were also studied. The angle between the neck and diaphysis, the neck antiversion and angle of rotation of the femoral neck were subsequently measured. Finally, the condylo-diaphyseal angle with respect to the axis of extremity was determined. To visualize the force of intersystem ties, we have used the method of correlation galaxy construction.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The absolute numeral values of each linear parameter were transformed to relative values. The values of superfluity coefficient for each parameter in the right and left femoral bone groups were estimated and Pearson's correlation coefficient has been calculated (> 0.60). Retrospectively, the observed results have confirmed the presence of functional asymmetry in the proximal femur meta-epiphysis. On the basis of compliance or insignificant difference in the confidence interval of the linear parameters, we have revealed, therefore, a discrepancy in values between the neck and the diaphysis angle and the angle of femoral neck rotation (range displacement of confident interval to a greater degree to the right).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study assessed the observations of a systemic anatomical study encompassing the proximal femur meta-epiphysis behavior in normal condition. This work has significance in medical practice as the theoretical basis is also required in knowing the decreased frequency and degree of severity of osteoarthritic pathologies in the dominant lower extremity.</p

Comparative Toxicity of Neem and Peppermint Oils Nano Formulations against Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) Larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture will result in the development of efficient and potential approaches towards the management of insect pests. The toxicity effects of four essential oils peppermint, thyme, camphor and sage oils were tested against the fourth instar larvae of Agrotis ipsilon to select the most effective essential oil to be converted to the nano form. According to the results obtained, peppermint oil was the most toxic compound, which has been used in the present investigation  compared  with neem oil. The toxicity of  bulk and nano- formulations of neem  and pepper mint oils were tested  against  2nd and 4th instar  larvae of A. ipsilon under laboratory conditions of 25±2 °C& 65 -70 % R.H.relative humidity The results show that the LC50 value (the concentration used which kill 50% of the tested individuals)of loaded neem or pepper mint were lower (0.62 and 36.47 ppm) compared with neem or pepper mint oil nano-emulsion and bulk neem for the second larval instar. The different formulations of neem are more potent than in case of peppermint oil, as LC50 and LC90 values were significantly lower.The same trend was found concerning the 4th larval instar. Age of treated larvae had a detrimental effect on the response to the compounds tested. It was noticed that the younger larvae were much more sensitive to the prepared compounds compared to the older ones. The least LC50 value for loaded neem nano-emulsion was 6.68 ppm compared with the highest value for  bulk neem oil (16.68 ppm ). Also,  LC90  values followed the same trend as in  case ofLC50.  Again, the toxicity of loaded peppermint oil had the most insecticidal activity as expressed by the lowest LC50 value (51.9 ppm) with more insecticidal effect than the bulk(125.43 ppm)  or nano-emulsion (85.43 ppm).  The present results indicated that these novel systems could be used in integrated pest management program for A. ipsilon control

Insect growth regulator effects of azadirachtin and neem oil on survivorship, development and fecundity of Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its predator, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

BACKGROUND: Aphis glycines Matsumura, an invasive insect pest in North American soybeans, is fed upon by a key biological control agent, Harmonia axyridis Pallas. Although biological control is preferentially relied upon to suppress insect pests in organic agriculture, approved insecticides, such as neem, are periodically utilized to reduce damaging pest populations. The authors evaluated direct spray treatments of two neem formulations, azadirachtin and neem seed oil, under controlled conditions for effects on survivorship, development time and fecundity in A. glycines and H. axyridis. RESULTS: Both azadirachtin and neem seed oil significantly increased aphid nymphal mortality (80 and 77% respectively) while significantly increasing development time of those surviving to adulthood. First-instar H. axyridis survival to adulthood was also significantly reduced by both neem formulations, while only azadirachtin reduced third-instar survivorship. Azadirachtin increased H. axyridis development time to adult when applied to both instars, while neem oil only increased time to adult when applied to first instar. Neither neem formulation affected the fecundity of either insect. CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed within the context of future laboratory and field studies aimed at clarifying if neem-derived insecticides can be effectively integrated with biological control for soybean aphid management in organic soybeans

Impact of Insecticides on Parasitoids of the Leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii, in Pepper in South Texas

Liriomyza leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) are cosmopolitan, polyphagous pests of horticultural plants and many are resistant to insecticides. Producers in South Texas rely on insecticides as the primary management tool for leafminers, and several compounds are available. The objective of this study is to address the efficacy of these compounds for controlling Liriomyza while minimizing their effects against natural enemies. Research plots were established at Texas AgriLife research center at Weslaco, Texas in fall 2007 and spring 2008 seasons, and peppers were used as a model crop. Plots were sprayed with novaluron, abamectin, spinetoram, lambda-cyhalothrin and water as treatments according to leafminer infestation; insecticide efficacy was monitored by collecting leaves and infested foliage. Plant phenology was also monitored. Novaluron was the most effective insecticide and lambda-cyhalothrin showed resurgence in leafminer density in fall 2007 and no reduction in spring 2008. Other compounds varied in efficacy. Novaluron showed the least number of parasitoids per leafminer larva and the lowest parasitoid diversity index among treatments followed by spinetoram. Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) was the sole leafminer species on peppers, and 19 parasitoid species were found associated with this leafminer. Application of these insecticides for management of leafminers with conservation of natural enemies is discussed