In the present work, the melting behavior of a fatty acid-based phase change material (PCM) with the addition of functionalized graphene nanoplatelets in a spherical capsule was experimentally ...studied. The fatty acid-based PCM (OM 08) has been selected for the air-conditioning application with a phase change temperature of 8 °C. The PCM-based nanocomposite samples were prepared by covalent functionalization method. The volume percentage of the functionalized graphene nanoplatelets varied from 0.1 to 0.5% with an increment of 0.1%. The thermal conductivity and rheological properties of the PCM nanocomposites were measured experimentally by transient hot wire method and rheometer, respectively. The maximum enhancement in thermal conductivity for 0.5 vol% of graphene nanoplatelets was found to be ~ 102%. The rheological test found that the addition of graphene nanoplatelets in the PCM resulted in the transition of Newtonian behavior to non-Newtonian behavior at lower shear rates. The viscosity of the PCM nanocomposites increases with volume fraction. Initially the pure PCM and PCM nanocomposites were solidified individually in a spherical capsule at different bath temperatures of 2 °C and − 10 °C. Then the solidified samples were kept in a constant temperature bath at 31 °C, and the melting characteristics were studied. The melting time of the PCM nanocomposite was reduced significantly with the addition of 0.5 vol% of graphene nanoplatelets by ~ 26% and ~21% for the PCM initial temperature of − 10 °C and 2 °C, respectively.
Summary
The experimental investigation with the incorporation of toroidal rings in an absorber tube of a lab‐scale solar parabolic trough collector is carried out in the present study. Five different ...cases of the absorber tube including the reference smooth absorber tube and the absorber incorporated with 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm thick toroidal rings are investigated. The influence of performance parameters like thermal efficiency, heat loss, thermal enhancement index and so on with different absorber tube configurations are evaluated, compared and illustrated to determine the best case. The outcomes indicate that the absorber tube with 6 and 8 mm thick toroidal rings are the best cases, with the 8 mm case exhibiting a higher exergy efficiency in the range of 38.57%‐24.64%. The thermal efficiency for the best absorber cases is found to be 69.43% and 70.34% with the pressure drop being 1.67 and 0.93 kPa, respectively. Also, the cost of heat gain produced with the efficient absorber case is seen to be ₹ 3.43/kWh (US$ 0.045/kWh and € 0.040/kWh), which is nearly 15.51% lower than the reference case. Hence, the incorporation of toroidal rings could be effectively utilized in a large‐scale solar thermal system for improved thermal performance.
•Thermally efficient case exhibits 10.68% enhancement in efficiency. •6 and 8 mm cases exhibit an average pressure drop of 0.93 and 1.67 kPa. •Cost of heat gain for 8 mm case is 15.51% lower than the reference case.
In this work, a stepped solar still and an effluent settling tank are fabricated and tested for desalinating the textile effluent. The effluent is purified in an effluent settling tank. In this tank, ...large and fine solid particles are settled and clarified. The settled effluents are used as raw water in the stepped solar still. For better performance, the stepped solar still consists of 50 trays with two different depths. First 25 trays with 10
mm height and the next 25 trays with 5
mm height are used. Fin, sponge, pebble and combination of the above are used for enhancing the productivity of the stepped solar still. A maximum increase in productivity of 98% occurs in stepped solar still when fin, sponge and pebbles are used in this basin. Theoretical analysis agrees well with experimental results.
In India, the utilization of natural fibers for developing new composites with desirable properties has been increasing from the last decade. Bio-waste such as fish scale and coconut shell (CS) ...powder was utilized to develop natural fiber-based composites in the present work. Three composite specimens, i.e., 30 wt% fish scale (FS), 30 wt% CS powder (CS), and 5 wt% fish scale (FS)+ 5 wt% CS powder specimen, were developed. The tensile, flexural, and impact strength testing was carried out on each specimen. A comparative study was drawn between the test results of the specimen. The experimental results showed that the CS powder-based composites yield improved mechanical properties compared to the fish scale-based composites. Furthermore, a quadratic and cubic mathematical model was developed on the experimental results of tensile and flexural testing for each specimen. The regression results show that the cubic regression model yields better prediction results than the quadratic regression model for all the composite specimens. The experimental results showed that the largely available fish scale and CS powder could be used to produce biowaste-based value-added material that provides a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.
In spite of bone’s healing capacity, critical-size bone defect regeneration and peri-implant osseointegration are challenging. Tissue engineering provides better outcomes, but requires expensive ...adjuncts like stem cells, growth factors and bone morphogenic proteins. Vitamin D (Vit.D) regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and helps maintain bone health. Vit.D supplements in deficient patients, accentuates bone healing and regeneration. Therefore the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the role of adjunctive Vit.D on bone defect regeneration.
Comprehensive database search of indexed literature, published between January 1990 and June 2022, was carried out. English language articles fulfilling inclusion criteria (clinical/in vivo studies evaluating bone regeneration including osseointegration and in vitro studies assessing osteogenic differentiation, with adjunct Vit.D) were identified and screened.
Database search identified 384 titles. After sequential title, abstract and full-text screening, 23 studies (in vitro – 9/in vivo – 14) were selected for review. Vit.D as an adjunct with stem cells and osteoblasts resulted in enhanced osteogenic differentiation and upregulation of genes coding for bone matrix proteins and alkaline phosphatase. When used in vivo, Vit.D resulted in early and increased new bone formation and mineralization within osseous defects, and better bone implant contact and osseointegration, around implants. Adjunct Vit.D in animals with induced systemic illnesses resulted in bone defect regeneration and osseointegration comparable to healthy animals. While systemic and local administration of Vit.D resulted in enhanced bone defect healing, outcomes were superior with systemic route.
Based on this review, adjunct Vit.D enhances bone defect regeneration and osseointegration. In vitro application of Vit.D to stem cells and osteoblasts enhances osteogenic differentiation. Vit.D is a potentially non-invasive and inexpensive adjunct for clinical bone regeneration and osseointegration. Long term clinical trials are recommended to establish protocols relating to type, dosage, frequency, duration and route of administration.
BACKGROUND: The distortion of truth or “spin” has become a major concern in various fields as it can affect the accuracy of research dissemination. Recognizing the extent of this issue in ...physiotherapy research is essential for promoting good-quality research and raising awareness. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of spin in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published by Indian physiotherapists. METHODS: A Medline search was conducted to identify RCTs published by Indian physiotherapists from January 2000 to November 2018. We included studies with nonsignificant primary outcomes and reviewed them for spin in both abstracts and full texts using the Boutron checklist. Three reviewers were involved in the process. RESULTS: Of the 44 RCTs with nonsignificant outcomes, 40 (90%) showed spin in their abstracts and 39 (88%) in their main text conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a significant prevalence of spin in nonsignificant RCTs published by physiotherapy researchers. Improving research knowledge, enhancing scientific writing skills, and providing mentorship may help reduce spin in result reporting.
Objective:
To observe the hemodynamic effects of a single bolus dose of dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries.
Methods:
A total of 60 adult patients were randomized ...into two groups of 30 each. Group D patients were given 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in 50 mL of saline as a single-dose infusion over 10 min before induction. Group S patients were given a 50-mL 0.9% NS slow infusion over 10 min. Groups D and S patients were premedicated 10 min prior to surgery. Baseline vital and hemodynamic parameters were monitored during the perioperative period.
Conclusion:
Premedicating with a single bolus of 1 µg/kg IV dexmedetomidine has been proven safe and effective in maintaining perioperative hemodynamic stability, although few developed bradycardia and hypotension, which were managed without any adverse outcome. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine effectively reduced the incidence of shivering.
Abstract
Background:
Liquid-based cytology (LBC) can be used for the evaluation of micronucleus (MN) in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells of populations occupationally exposed to potentially ...carcinogenic agents.
Aim:
This study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of MN of exfoliated buccal epithelial cells using LBC preparation in petrol station workers.
Materials and Methods:
Fifty petrol station workers (cases) and fifty hospital administrative staffs (controls) were recruited and evaluated for MN by May-Grunwald Giemsa, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Papanicolaou stains using LBC preparation. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Regardless of staining method used, the mean frequency of MN for cases was significantly higher than that of controls (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The present study concluded that petrol station workers are under risk of significant cytogenetic damage. The MN in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells found to be a useful biomarker of occupational exposure to genotoxic chemicals. LBC can be used for sample preparation to evaluate the frequency of MN in those who are occupationally exposed to potentially carcinogenic agents in view of overall improvement on sample preservation and visualization of cell morphology.
The application of abiotic stress treatment was carried out during the germination of seeds to improve bio-available iron in grains, and its validation in biscuits was studied. The corn and sorghum ...grains were germinated for six days under abiotic stress of FeSO
4
concentration from 0–15 mM. The germinated and dried seeds were milled and used as fortificant in wheat flour by incorporating at 10-30%. The induced abiotic stress of increasing concentration of FeSO
4
significantly inhibited the elongation of root and shoot. The lightness value of germinated flour decreased, and redness increased. An increase in total iron (0.03–0.92 mg), ferrous iron (0.0–3.41 mg), ferric iron (0.001–0.0032 mg), and ferritin iron (0.02–0.61 mg) were observed. Fortifying these flours to wheat flours in biscuit-making significantly increased biscuit weight, thickness and redness value. The commercial iron salts (FeSO
4
or NaFeEDTA) were also added to the biscuits separately, and they showed no effect on their diameter, thickness and hardness. Sensory studies indicated that the flour treated with a 12 mM concentration of corn flour was more palatable, followed by a 12 mM concentration of sorghum flour up to a 20% level of incorporation. These biscuits showed total iron content of 0.122, and 0.109 mg/g and maximum bio-availability of 51.72% and 31.91% were observed. In conclusion, abiotic stress-induced corn or sorghum flour fortification to wheat flour is a more promising approach to increase the total iron and bio-availability of iron.
Abstract
Fibromatosis or desmoid fibromatosis is a rare benign neoplasm and develops commonly in the abdominal wall, abdominal cavity, or extra-abdominal sites. The mainstay of treatment is surgery. ...Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are preferred in cases of inoperable/relapse or a multifocal disease. Hereby, we report a case of fibromatosis arising in the left popliteal fossa, proven by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Local excision of the mass was performed. The patient was asymptomatic for 6 months, after which she complained of difficulty in walking. Clinical evaluation elicited recurrence in the surgical bed. In spite of the surgical excision with tumor-free margins, recurrence was seen within a span of 6 months.
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F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) was done to rule out multifocal disease and to define the extent of relapse. Although magnetic resonance imaging provides an excellent soft-tissue resolution to delineate the disease,
18
F-FDG PET/CT is an important and supplementary tool which aids in the management of fibromatosis.
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