Nonconventional Ca(OH) ₂ treatment of bamboo for the reinforcement of cement composites

This study compares the structural and morphological changes in Guadua angustifolia Kunth (GAK) fiber prepared in three different ways (chips, barkless and crushed) when non-conventional alkaline treatment is applied. Moreover, it shows the improvement of mechanical properties of cement composites reinforced with these treated fibers. The three different preparations of Guadua were treated with a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide (5%) at 125 °C and 1.25 kPa for 3 h to remove non-cellulosic compounds. Then, their chemical, morphological, and structural properties were examined. The fibers exhibiting the higher delignification rate were selected to prepare cement composite boards, whose mechanical properties were successively compared with those of composites reinforced with untreated G. angustifolia fibers. The water/cement ratios of the cement mixed with the Ca(OH)2-treated and the untreated fibers were, respectively, around 0.3 and 0.25. The flexural strength and toughness of the two composites were evaluated after 7, 28, and 90 days of curing. The calcium hydroxide treatment showed higher efficiency in removing non-cellulosic materials when performed on crushed bamboo; moreover, the mechanical properties of the composites reinforced with the treated fibers were higher than those mixed with the untreated ones. After 90 days of curing, the flexural strength increased by around 40% and the toughness became three times higher (p < 0.05). The mechanical improvement by the Ca(OH)2 treatment of G. angustifolia fibers demonstrates its potential for the fabrication of cement composites

Study in vitro and in vivo of anti-diabetic and anti-obesity active principles of curcubita ficifolia Bouche and Vaccinium angustifolium ait

Anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties of C. ficifolia Bouche and V. angustifolium Aiton have been reported in in vivo and in vitro assays and thus are relatively well studied. However, their mechanisms of action and/or active principles still remain unclear. The inhibitory effect of Fermented Blueberry Extract (FBE) on triglyceride (TG) accumulation in adipocytes was attributed to fractions FBE (F1), phenolics (F2) and chlorogenic acid (F3-2) (70%) at a dose of 5 µg/ml. Further fractionation and purification yielded other pure compound, Catechol (CAT) that inhibited adipogenesis by 75%. In vivo FBE had a tendency to reduce glycaemia in DIO mice but did not have any effect on body weight with a significant difference on concentration 7.6 ml/kg of FBE respect to control DIO and CHOW. In Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test only significant differences were observed between treatments from NBE extract and control DIO from the first 15 and 60 min. Examination of intracellular signalling components (p-Akt, p-AMPK) and transcriptional factors (SREBP-1c and PPAR?) was carried out by Western blot analysis. Treatment with NBE, F1, F3-2, CAT and CA decreased p-AKT, whereas p-AMPK tended to increase with F1, F2 and F3-2. The expression of SREBP1-c was not significantly modulated. In contrast, PPAR? decreased in all experimental groups inhibiting adipogenesis. These results demonstrated that FBE contains compounds with anti-adipogenic activity, which can serve to standardize nutraceutical preparations from fermented blueberry juice and to develop novel compounds with anti-obesity properties Fermentation conferred novel and potent in vitro anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties to blueberry extract. Fermented blueberry extract (FBE) may represent a complementary therapy and a source of novel therapeutic agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, this is one of the first steps in the identification of the principles responsables of its anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. The optimal concentration of C. ficifolia crude extract (20 µg/mL) was tested in C2C12 murine myoblasts for glucose transport assay since skeletal muscle is an important insulin-target tissue in glucose homeostasis. However, it did not induce glucose transport when compared to control. C. ficifolia crude extract was also tested at the optimal concentration (20µg/ml ) on adipogenesis process using 3T3- L1 cells, showing 70% of inhibition in the intracellular content of triglycerides (TG). Preliminary results from C. ficifolia extract and primary fractions showed effect in F16 and F17 with significance in respect to control DMSO. For the activity of glucose 6-phosphatase, H4IIE hepatocytes treated with 40 µg/ml of extract displayed approximately 60% enzyme inhibition. The primary fractionation of C. ficifolia crude extract also represents an advance for the development on the phytochemistry from the plant that might allow us to identify the active components responsible for its potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity for the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.Las propiedades antidiabéticas y antiobesidad de V. angustifolium y C. ficifolia han sido reportadas in vivo e in vitro, por lo que ambas plantas ya cuentan con antecedentes importantes en la investigación de la diabetes y la obesidad. Sin embargo, sus mecanismos de acción y/o principios activos aún no están claros. Los tratamientos con el extracto fermentado FBE (F1), Fenoles (F2) y ácido clorogénico (CA) (F3-2) de V. angustifolium (Fermented Blueberry Extract) mostraron inhibición significativa en la acumulación de triglicéridos de hasta 70- 75% en concentraciones de 5 µg/ml. El fraccionamiento y purificación permitió la obtención de otro compuesto puro, el catecol (CAT), que inhibió la adipogénesis hasta en un 75%. Ambos compuestos mostraron un papel importante en la disminución de trigliceridos. En los tratamientos que se llevaron a cabo in vivo, FBE mostró reducción significativa en la glucemia de ratones “Diet-induced models of obesity” DIO con respecto al control DIO y Chow. Sin embargo, no tuvo ningún efecto sobre el peso corporal. En la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa intraperitoneal sólo se observaron diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos del extracto no fermentado con el control DIO en los primeros 15 y 60 min. Por analisis de Western Blot, también se investigó el papel de p-Akt, p-AMPK, SREBP1c y PPAR gamma en células 3T3-L1 tratadas con NBE, FBE, 7 fracciones y cuatro compuestos puros de V. Angustifolium. Con NBE, F1, F3-2, CAT y CA se observó un decremento para p-AKT, así como una tendencia para incrementar pAMPK, especialmente en los tratamientos de F1, F2 y F3-2. Para la expresión de SREBP1-c no se observó ningun cambio significativo. En contraste, PPAR? mostró un decremento significativo en todos los grupos experimentales que mostraron efecto inhibitorio en la acumulación de trigliceridos. Estos resultados demuestran que el extracto fermentado de blueberry contiene compuestos con actividad antiadipogénica, la cual podria servir para la estandarización de preparaciones nutracéuticas, asi como para el desarrollo de nuevos compuestos con propiedades antiobesidad. Para C. ficifolia se observó un efecto inhibitorio en una concentración de 20µg/ml sobre el contenido de triglicéridos con el extracto completo de hasta un 70% con respecto al control. En el analisis de Western Blot, las celulas 3T3-L1 tratadas con el extracto de C. ficifolia y fracciones primarias presentando una disminución en el proceso de adipogénesis. Se analizaron tambien las vias de señalización de p-AMPK, donde se observó tendencia a incrementar la forma fosforilada de AMPK en las celulas tratadas con el extracto de C. ficifolia con respecto al control DMSO; sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas en la activación de AMPK. C. ficifolia no presentó actividad positiva en el transporte de glucosa en comparación con el control en concentración óptima de 20µg/ml. Para la actividad enzimatica de glucosa-6- fosfatasa se observó inhibición de la enzima en celulas H4IIE de hepatocitos tratados con 40 µg/ml del extracto de C. ficifolia. La fermentación de V. angustifolium presentó propiedades antidiabéticas y antiobesidad novedosas y potentes in vitro. Esto confirma lo observado en investigaciones anteriores, por lo que estos resultados confieren un paso más en la investigación referente a los posibles mecanismos de acción y las vias de señalización por las cuales estos compuestos ejercen su acción. El fraccionamiento primario de C. ficifolia tambien representa un adelanto para el desarrollo de nuevos agentes terapéuticos para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, además de contribuir en la investigación relacionada a la identificación de componentes responsables de sus efectos antidiabético y de antiobesidad

Forelimb Bone Morphology and its Association with Foraging Ecology in Four Families of Neotropical Bats

The form-function paradigm postulates the existence of a correlation between form and function; a remarkable example of this is the transformation of the forelimb of bats into wings. The wings of bats are complex structures made of membranes, muscles, tendons, cartilages, bones, and joints. Forelimb bones are critical elements of wings because they form an essential part of the alar mass, serve to support soft tissue, and resist deformations. Only a few studies have attempted to detect relationships between morphology and ecology of the forelimb bones in bats in an assemblage context. Here, we explored ecomorphological patterns of 180 specimens belonging to 22 genera and 37 species of four families, occurring in northern Argentina. We quantitatively characterized bones and analyzed their relation with wing shape, as described by aerodynamic parameters, and ecological habits in a phylogenetic context. For the analyses, we used eight ecological categories, five wing variables that included three aerodynamic indexes, 29 linear measurements of the bones (humerus, radius, and scapula), and lengths of digits III and V. As expected, specimens distribution in morphospace showed that species tend to be segregated on the basis of size and morphology. Interestingly, Molossidae and Lasiurini occupy nearby areas in the morphospace, which can reveal patterns of functional convergences between them. A significant correlation between wing shape and morphology of forelimb bones was detected, showing a link between the latter and aerodynamic variables. We observed a remarkable morphological variation in the structures of the proximal and distal ends of the humerus, the proximal end of the radius, and in the acromion of the scapula. Our results highlight that these variations reflect the degrees of specialization in different modes of flight and ecological habits. We also observed that phylogeny explained in part the morphological patterns and shows a strong covariation with ecological habits, finding different phylogenetic patterns among the main lineages (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae, and Phyllostomidae).Fil: Sanchez, Mariano Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; ArgentinaFil: Carrizo, Luz Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; Argentin

Optimization of PZT (52/48) through Improved Platinum Metallization, Use of a PbTiO3 Seed Layer, and Fine Tuning of Annealing Conditions for Applications in Multilayer Actuator MEMS Technology

Using a systematic approach, the processing of PZT (52/48) was optimized to achieve both a high degree of {001} texture and high piezoelectric properties. Initial experiments examined the influence of Ti/Pt and TiO2/Pt thins films used as the base-electrode for chemical solution deposition PZT thin film growth. The second objective was to achieve highly {001}-textured PZT using a seed layer of PbTiO3 (PTO). A comparative study was performed between Ti/Pt and TiO2/Pt bottom electrodes. The results indicate that the use of a highly oriented TiO2 led to highly {111}-textured Pt, which in turn improved both the PTO and PZT orientations. A third objective was to determine the effects of lead excess in the starting PTO and PZT solution on the films orientations and piezoelectric properties. During the annealing of PZT (52/48), lead (Pb) is volatilized from the films leading to a non stoichiometric state which ultimately reduces the electrical properties. To remedy this issue, a percentage of Pb-excess is added to the PZT solution prior to deposition to compensate for the Pb that is lost during the thermal treatment. This study thoroughly examines the effects of the Pb-excess in the PTO seed layer with percentages between 0% and 30% and PZT (52/48) with Pb-excesses between 0% and 10%. The final objective, leveraged the texture optimization on single 500nm thick PZT thin films, to deposit high quality PZT films in multiple Pt/PZT/Pt layers for use in multilayer actuators (MLA). Efforts have been focused on developing actuators using a four 250 nm layer stack of PZT using 10% lead excess in solution. By performing x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements between each layer, the texture within the films could be monitored during the growth process. To electrically measure the quality of the PZT multilayer stack, a series of six-sided capacitors were fabricated. In addition to capacitors, cantilever actuators were fabricated so as to measure the piezoelectric induced deformation. These measurements on MLA PZT films demonstrate high piezoelectric coefficients that are suitable for tactile radio and mm-scale robotic devices

Residus més biodegradables

El tractament de residus sòlids orgànics per obtenir compost -esmena orgànica estable i aplicable al sòl- és un procés d'àmplia aplicació, però complex. Aconseguir que un residu sigui compostat amb èxit, dependrà de que aquest tingui certes característiques químiques i biològiques. Per això, quan aquestes no hi són, existeix la possibilitat de compensar-les mitjançant el cocompostatge. Aquest es basa en l'addició de cosubstrats al residu original, per tal que aquest superi les seves deficiències de partida i pugui ser tractat posteriorment. Seguint aquesta línia, s'han dut a terme una sèrie de proves en el laboratori afegint proteïna, greix i cel·lulosa per separat a fangs de depuradora d'aigües residuals urbanes. Els resultats han estat força positius, tant pel que fa al desenvolupament del procés, com per la conservació del nitrogen en el producte final. Els cosubstrats utilitzats es troben en un nombre important de residus orgànics, especialment aquells que provenen de la indústria agroalimentària. El seu tractament mitjançant compostatge obre una excel·lent via de valorització.El tratamiento de residuos sólidos orgánicos para obtener compuesto - enmienda orgánica estable y aplicable al suelo- es un proceso de amplia aplicación, pero complejo. Conseguir que un residuo sea compostado con éxito, dependerá de que éste tenga ciertas características químicas y biológicas. Por eso, cuando éstas no están, existe la posibilidad de compensarlas mediante el cocompostaje. Éste se basa en la adición de cosustratos en el residuo original, a fin de que éste supere sus deficiencias de partida y pueda ser tratado posteriormente. Siguiendo esta línea, se han llevado a cabo una serie de pruebas en el laboratorio añadiendo proteína, grasa y celulosa por separado a barros de depuradora de aguas residuales urbanas. Los resultados han sido bastante positivos, tanto con respecto al desarrollo del proceso, como por la conservación del nitrógeno en el producto final. Los cosustratos utilizados se encuentran en un número importante de residuos orgánicos, especialmente aquéllos que provienen de la industria agroalimentaria. Su tratamiento mediante compostaje abre una excelente vía de valorización.The treatment of organic solid waste to obtain compost - which can be used as soil conditioner or fertilizer - is a complex process. However, certain physico-chemical and biological characteristics are required in a waste to be successfully composted. When these characteristics are not present, there is the possibility of compensating them through cocomposting. This technique consists in adding a cosubstrate to the original waste to make up for its original deficiencies and facilitate its treatment by composting. Cocomposting was tested with a series of laboratory trials in which protein, fats and cellulose were added to sewage sludge separately. The results were quite positive not only due to enhancement of the composting process evolution but also for the increase in nitrogen conservation in the final product. The cosubstrates used can be found in different organic wastes specially those from the food industry. The treatment of these wastes though composting offers an excellent opportunity for their valorization

Biodegradation of animal fats in a co-composting process with wastewater sludge

A composting process was proposed as an effective technology for the biodegradation of fats in a proportion of 40-50%. Anaerobically digested sludge was used as co-substrate for animal fats to balance the C/N ratio of the composting mixture and to provide additional biodegradable organic matter and active biomass. Two different strategies were studied: static pile and dynamic turned pile. Air-filled porosity was initially adjusted to 40% for both experiments. It was observed that non-turned strategy increases the formation of material agglomerates which derived in a non-homogeneous fat distribution, the development of filamentous fungi, and a considerable increase in the amount of leachate generated. Turning the composting material resulted in the best results for composting fat-enriched wastes, preventing the formation of agglomerates. An effective biodegradation up to 92% of the fats was observed under these conditions. Besides, the addition of fats increased significantly the duration of the thermophilic period of the composting process

Factors affecting air pycnometer performance for its use in the composting process

Air filled porosity (AFP) is a crucial factor in composting to guarantee aerobic conditions inside the composting matrix. Among the different methods proposed to measure AFP in composting processes, air pycnometry is defined as the most adequate. There is a lack of a standard methodology for air pycnometry utilization for AFP determination in heterogeneous samples as those from composting materials. Air pycnometers currently used for this purpose are custom made instruments operating under different conditions (sample volume, initial pressure, etc.). All factors affecting air pycnometry accuracy in the composting process are related to the proper maintenance and handling of the air pycnometer and the composting sample. In this study, AFP measurements have been performed in more than 50 samples of a wide range of composting materials using two different custom made pycnometers, one of them coupled to a composting reactor allowing in situ AFP measurement. While temperature variation during AFP measurement has been discarded as an error source, the determination of the sample volume has been found to be a significant factor affecting the air filled porosity calculation. Regarding the initial pressure to use, a compromise between accuracy and practicality has to be established for each pycnometer design as AFP values obtained with diverse initial pressures (from 200 to 500 kPa gauge pressure) were found to present no statistical differences. An initial pressure in the range of 300-500 kPa (gauge pressure) is recommended. In conclusion, there is a need for a standard methodology for AFP determination or prediction at industrial scale. A complete procedure for air filled porosity determination by air pycnometry is also presented in this work