Determination of Surface Moisture Content of Wood Utilizing a Colorimetric Technique

Optical properties of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) hydrate, whose color changes with surrounding humidity, were used to develop a colorimetric technique for determining surface moisture content of wood nondestructively. The colorimetric CoCl2 treated wood technique for determining surface moisture content through color degree change in CIE L*a*b* color space has been experimentally verified

LTL pricing: Looking back to the future

Numerous LTL carriers struggled during the recent recession as customers demanded lower prices. This study is designed to qualitatively evaluate the data gathered from three industry segments regarding LTL pricing. Researchers used semi-structured interviews to conduct an in-depth investigation with over two dozen industry experts who represented shippers, carriers, and 3PLs. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory coding technique. Five major themes emerged from the interview transcripts. These themes are used to describe possible future adjustments to industry pricing structure

Utilization of Soft-rot Cavity Orientation for the Determination of Microfibril Angle. Part I

These studies utilize the decay cavities formed by the soft-rot fungus, Phialocephala dimorphospora, to determine the orientation of the cellulose fibrils in the cell wall. In this study, the microfibril angle was determined utilizing three methods: X-ray diffraction (T method), iodine staining, and orientation of the soft-rot cavities. The results demonstrate good agreement between the three techniques and verify that the decay cavities are formed in a direction parallel to the cellulose microfibrils and therefore can be used to determine the orientation of the cellulose microfibrils. One advantage of the soft-rot method over the X-ray method is the ability to measure angles of any size, including those of juvenile wood

Development of Longitudinal Split Failure in White-Rotted Aspen (Populus Tremuloides Michx.)

Longitudinal splits and associated smooth fracture planes were often noted along the growth ring boundaries of aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx., which were impact-loaded on the tangential plane, after decay by Trametes versicolor (L.: Fr.) Pilat, and Bjerkandera adusta (Willd.: Fr.) Karst. To characterize this failure pattern, scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy were employed. Results showed that this failure is a result of longitudinal fracture lines that cut through the parenchyma cell-wall layers (transwall failure) and opened the lumens. These parenchyma cells were preferentially invaded by fungal hyphae early (weight loss = 10%) in the degradation process. Prominent on the fracture planes was evidence of parenchyma cross walls perpendicular to the fiber axis, fungal hyphae, and associated hyphal sheaths. Localized fracturing along the parenchyma cells suggests that fungal invasion and degradation patterns influence the development and morphology of longitudinal fracture in wood

A financial analysis of the interstate commerce commission (ICC) termination act of 1995 on the motor carrier industry

Since the late 1970\u27s the United States has progressively deregulated the motor carrier industry. Throughout the 1980\u27s, deregulation was viewed as a positive trend by most industry practitioners. Past research has determined that, despite the fact that bankruptcies have increased since deregulation, the motor carrier industry has benefitted by less government intervention. The current study attempts to ascertain if motor carrier deregulation is still perceived positively in the mid-1990\u27s. This research uses an event study methodology to examine the immediate financial impact of the ICC Termination Act of 1995 on 44 motor carrier industry participants. The results indicate deregulation is still perceived positively by shareholders as illustrated by the average publicly traded motor carrier benefittingby between $1.25 million and$6.1 million duringthe period surrounding termination of the Interstate Commerce Commission. In all likelihood, shareholders of companies in this industry benefitted due to the perception that industry deregulation leads to the ability to expand and pursue business opportunities previously restricted while operatingunder a more regulated regime

Variation of Microfibril Angle Within Individual Tracheids

Utilizing the orientation of soft-rot cavities, microfibril angles were measured in individual tracheids (pulped fibers) and thin sections of southern pine in order to determine the extent of variation. Within individual tracheids of southern pine, microfibril angles were consistent along the length of a tracheid and when measured between bordered pits. Microfibril angles were highly variable on the radial walls containing bordered pits. Microfibril angles approached 90° around bordered pits, but the angles on the walls opposite the bordered pits were consistent with the average angle along the length of the tracheid. Variation (standard deviation) was less in latewood tracheids than in earlywood tracheids. Within individual tracheids, there was no correlation between microfibril angle and tracheid width. Across an annual ring of southern pine, microfibril angle gradually decreased through the earlywood and became much smaller in the latewood

Moisture Distribution and Flow During Drying of Wood and Fiber

New understanding, theories, and techniques for moisture flow and distribution were developed in this research on wood and wood fiber. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of flake drying has been provided. Observations of flake drying and drying rate curves revealed that rate of moisture loss consisted of two falling rate periods and no constant rate drying period was observed. Convective heat transfer controls the first period, and bound water diffusion controls the second period. Influence of lower drying temperatures on bending properties of wood flakes was investigated. Drying temperature was found to have a significant influence on bending stiffness and strength. A worksheet for calculation of the energy required to dry a single strandboard flake was developed but has not been tested in an industrial setting yet. A more complete understanding of anisotropic transverse shrinkage of wood is proposed based on test results and statistical analysis. A simplified mod el of a wood cell's cross-section was drawn for calculating differential transverse shrinkage. The model utilizes cell wall thickness and microfibrillar packing density and orientation. In spite of some phenomena of cell wall structure not yet understood completely, the results might explain anisotropic transverse shrinkage to a major extent. Boundary layer theory was found useful for evaluating external moisture resistance during drying. Simulated moisture gradients were quire comparable to the actual gradients in dried wood. A mathematical procedure for determining diffusion and surface emission coefficients was also developed. Thermal conductivity models of wood derived from its anatomical structure were created and tested against experimental values. Model estimations provide insights into changes in heat transfer parameters during drying. Two new techniques for measuring moisture gradients created in wood during drying were developed. A new technique that utilizes optical properties of cobalt chloride was developed for nondestructive determination of surface moisture content. Fundamental new understanding of drying characteristics in wood and fiber has been provided that can be used by researchers to improve drying of wood and fiber. The three techniques for measuring moisture content and gradients provided in this study are efficient, practical, and economical - easy to apply by industry and researchers. An energy consumption worksheet is provided as a first step toward reducing energy consumed during drying of lumber and strandboard flakes. However, it will need additional verification and testing

Student Knowledge of Signs, Risk Factors, and Resources for Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, and Other Mental Health Problems on Campus

A mixed methods study sought to assess student knowledge of signs, risk factors, and campus services available for mental health disorders. A survey was completed by 831 students and three focus groups were conducted. Respondents felt more knowledgeable about depression than about anxiety and sleep disorders. Graduate students and seniors had a keener awareness of risk factors for anxiety and sophomores were in the greatest danger of failing to recognize these risks. Males often failed to recognize signs and risk factors for mental health problems. Support groups, courses, and workshops on managing relationships, transition to college, and specific mental health disorders are advocated

Bio-Fabrication of Human Amniotic Membrane Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and the Wet/Dry HAM Dressing Membrane for Wound Healing

Publication history: Accepted - 25 June 2021; Published online - 28 July 2021.The preparation of unique wet and dry wound dressing products derived from unprocessed human amniotic membrane (UP-HAM) is described. The UP-HAM was decellularized, and the constituent proteins were cross-linked and stabilized before being trimmed and packed in sterile Nucril-coated laminated aluminium foil pouches with isopropyl alcohol to manufacture processed wet human amniotic membrane (PWHAM). The dry type of PD-HAM was prepared by decellularizing the membrane, UV irradiating it, lyophilizing/freeze-drying it, sterilizing it, and storing it at room temperature. The UP-HAM consists of a translucent yellowish mass of flexible membranes with an average thickness of 42 µm. PW-HAM wound dressings that had been processed, decellularized, and dehydrated had a thinner average thickness of 30 µm and lacked nuclear-cellular structures. Following successful decellularization, discrete bundle of fibrous components in the stromal spongy layers, microvilli and reticular ridges were still evident on the surface of the processed HAM, possibly representing the location of the cells that had been removed by the decellularization process. Both wet and dry HAM wound dressings are durable, portable, have a shelf life of 3–5 years, and are available all year. A slice of HAM dressing costs 1.0 US/cm2 . Automation and large-scale HAM membrane preparation, as well as storage and transportation of the dressings, can all help to establish advanced technologies, improve the efficiency of membrane production, and reduce costs. Successful treatment of wounds to the cornea of the eye was achieved with the application of the HAM wound dressings. The HAM protein analysis revealed 360 µg proteins per gram of tissue, divided into three main fractions with MWs of 100 kDa, 70 kDa, and 14 kDa, as well as seven minor proteins, with the 14 kDa protein displaying antibacterial properties against human pathogenic bacteria. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology | www.frontiersin.org 1 July 2021 | Volume 9 | Article 695710 fbioe-09-695710 July 22, 2021 Time: 16:39 # 2 Ramasamy et al. HAMP-ZnO Nanoparticles HAM Wound Dressing Wet and dry wound dressings were produced. HAM proteins were purified and analysed. The zinc oxide nanoparticles (HAMP-ZnO NP) made from HAM proteins were characterised and tested for their antibacterial activity. Wounds to the cornea of the eye healed easily when treated with HAM wound dressings. Fresh human Amniotic membrane, Serological screening, selection of disease-free HAM, reome stromal layer, preparation of HAM. UNPROCESSED HAM Cuboidal epithelial cells, basement membrane, compact layer, stromal and spongy layers containing scatted fibroblast cells are visible in hsitological analysis. The flow chart depicts the methods for processing, and preparation of wet (PWHAM) and dry (PD-HAM) wound healing dressings. HAM proteins, Nanoparticle synthesis (HAMP-ZnO NP) and analysis. Antibacterial analysis show Inhibition of growth and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria . Processed HAM lacked a nuclear-cellular epithelium, but it did have a distinct fibrous elements in basement membrane, stromal and spongy layers. Processed PW-HAM (Light &SEM) showed smooth epithelial surface topography with microvilli,. HAM dressing, wet/dry, packed, labelled, sterilised and processed. They are durable, portable, have long shelf life . A slice of HAM dressing costs US 1.0 / cm² . The wound dressings are ready to be applied. The dermal wounds and conjunctival surface can be successfully repaired using processed HAM wound dressings GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT | Flow chart depicting the methods, preparing, and characterizing, by histological, and scanning electron microscopy, of wet (PW-HAM) and dry (PD-HAM)of wound healing dressing, and preparation of nanoparticles (HAMP ZnO NP); and application of HAM wound dressing. A wide range of antibacterial activity was observed after treatment with 75 µg/ml zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from human amniotic membrane proteins (HAMP-ZnO NP), including dose-dependent biofilm inhibition and inhibition of Gram-positive (S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and L. fusiformis) and Gram-negative bacteria (S. sonnei, P. aeruginosa, P. vulgaris, and C. freundii).PR has acknowledged Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital for providing the article processing charges of the journal, and moral and technical support. The support of Cologenesis Health Care Pvt. Ltd. for a study on “Human amniotic membrane for ocular and dermal applications” is sincerely appreciated