Impact of different silkworm dietary supplements on its silk performance.

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Impact of different silkworm dietary supplements on its silk performance

This study aims to evaluate the effect of silkworm larva (Bombyx mori) diet supplementation with two amino acids (threonine and valine) on the cocoon production and on the structural and mechanical properties of the silk produced. Negligible morphological differences were observed in the silk fiber threads from silkworm larvae supplemented with the tested amino acids. Higher production (yield) of silk was obtained using threonine in the diet of the silkworm. The treatments with threonine have increased the limit of proportionality, tensile strength, toughness, and maximum deformation of the thread of silk fibers. No significant increment in these properties was observed due to the increase in the threonine content. The treatments with valine led to lower increase in tensile strength and toughness. The real density of the silk has decreased with the use of supplements. The present study contributes to engineering of advanced silk materials, which should be attractive candidates for multipurpose applications.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Massaranduba Sawdust: A Potential Source of Charcoal and Activated Carbon

This paper provides proof of concept that activated carbon (AC) may be readily produced using limited conversion methods and resources from sawdust of massaranduba (Manilkara huberi) wood, thereby obtaining value-added products. Sawdust was sieved and heat-treated in an oxygen-free muffle furnace at 500 °C to produce charcoal. The charcoal was activated in a tubular electric furnace at 850 °C while being purged with CO2 gas. Microstructural, thermal and physical properties of the three components: sawdust, charcoal and AC were compared by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), density and water adsorption/desorption measurements. The resulting AC had a large surface area as measured by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) comparable to other such values found in the literature. The large surface area was due to pore development at the microstructural level as shown by FESEM. XRD illustrated that sawdust had a semi-crystalline structure whereas charcoal and AC evidenced mostly amorphous structures. TGA and DSC showed that AC had high reactivity to moisture compared to sawdust and charcoal

Activated carbons prepared by physical activation from different pretreatments of amazon piassava fibers

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different pretreatments of Amazon piassava (Leopoldinia piassaba) fibers on microstructure, thermal, and physical properties of the ensuing activated carbons (ACs). ACs were prepared from untreated and pretreated piassava fibers by physical activation using CO2 at 800°C. Pretreatments include: mercerization, corona discharge, and removal of extractives. Scanning electron micrographs showed the formation of nanoscale pores after the activation process of the charcoal. ACs from pretreated piassava fibers presented lower crystallinity and higher thermal stability than the untreated sample. ACs from Amazon piassava fibers are potential adsorbent materials for a myriad of applications

Exercise Prescription in Patients with Different Combinations of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors : A Consensus Statement from the EXPERT Working Group

Whereas exercise training is key in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension), clinicians experience difficulties in how to optimally prescribe exercise in patients with different CVD risk factors. Therefore, a consensus statement for state-of-the-art exercise prescription in patients with combinations of CVD risk factors as integrated into a digital training and decision support system (the EXercise Prescription in Everyday practice & Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool) needed to be established. EXPERT working group members systematically reviewed the literature for meta-analyses, systematic reviews and/or clinical studies addressing exercise prescriptions in specific CVD risk factors and formulated exercise recommendations (exercise training intensity, frequency, volume and type, session and programme duration) and exercise safety precautions, for obesity, arterial hypertension, type 1 and 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. The impact of physical fitness, CVD risk altering medications and adverse events during exercise testing was further taken into account to fine-tune this exercise prescription. An algorithm, supported by the interactive EXPERT tool, was developed by Hasselt University based on these data. Specific exercise recommendations were formulated with the aim to decrease adipose tissue mass, improve glycaemic control and blood lipid profile, and lower blood pressure. The impact of medications to improve CVD risk, adverse events during exercise testing and physical fitness was also taken into account. Simulations were made of how the EXPERT tool provides exercise prescriptions according to the variables provided. In this paper, state-of-the-art exercise prescription to patients with combinations of CVD risk factors is formulated, and it is shown how the EXPERT tool may assist clinicians. This contributes to an appropriately tailored exercise regimen for every CVD risk patient