Polylactic acid has stood out among bio-based polymers for its usage in the food packaging industry and biomedical fields. Through the melt mixing process, the toughened poly(lactic) acid (PLA) was ...prepared with polyolefin elastomer (POE), incorporated via various ratios of nanoclay and a fixed amount of nanosilver particles (AgNPs). The correlation between the compatibility and morphology, mechanical properties, and surface roughness of samples with nanoclay was studied. The calculated surface tension and melt rheology confirmed the interfacial interaction demonstrated by droplet size, impact strength, and elongation at break. Each blend sample exhibited matrix-dispersed droplets, and the size of POE droplets steadily dropped with increasing nanoclay content, corresponding to the enhanced thermodynamic affinity between PLA and POE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) acknowledged that the inclusion of nanoclay in the PLA/POE blend ameliorated the mechanical performance by preferable localization in the interface of used components. The optimum value of elongation at break was acquired at about 32.44%, where the incorporation of 1 wt.% nanoclay led, respectively, to 171.4% and 24% enhancement rather than the PLA/POE blend with the composition of 80/20 and the virgin PLA. Similarly, the impact strength reached 3.46 ± 0.18 kJ m
as the highest obtained amount, showing the proximity of 23% progress to the unfilled PLA/POE blend. Surface analysis indicated that adding nanoclay caused the augment of surface roughness from 23.78 ± 5.80 µm in the unfilled PLA/POE blend to 57.65 ± 18.2 µm in PLA/POE contained 3 wt.% nanoclay. Rheological measurements implied that organoclay resulted in the strengthening of melt viscosity as well as the rheological parameters such as storage modulus and loss modulus. Han plot further showed that the storage modulus is always higher than the loss modulus in all prepared PLA/POE nanocomposite samples, corresponding to the restriction of polymer chains mobility induced by the formation of strong molecular interaction between nanofillers and polymer chains.
The field of social network analysis has received increasing attention during the past decades and has been used to tackle a variety of research questions, from prevention of sexually transmitted ...diseases to humanitarian relief operations. In particular, social network analyses are becoming an important component in studies of criminal networks and in criminal intelligence analysis. At the same time, intelligence analyses and assessments have become a vital component of modern approaches in policing, with policy implications for crime prevention, especially in the fight against organized crime. In this study, we have a unique opportunity to examine one specific Swedish street gang with three different datasets. These datasets are the most common information sources in studies of criminal networks: intelligence, surveillance and co-offending data. We use the data sources to build networks, and compare them by computing distance, centrality, and clustering measures. This study shows the complexity factor by which different data sources about the same object of study have a fundamental impact on the results. The same individuals have different importance ranking depending on the dataset and measure. Consequently, the data source plays a vital role in grasping the complexity of the phenomenon under study. Researchers, policy makers, and practitioners should therefore pay greater attention to the biases affecting the sources of the analysis, and be cautious when drawing conclusions based on intelligence assessments and limited network data. This study contributes to strengthening social network analysis as a reliable tool for understanding and analyzing criminality and criminal networks.
The potential of the nanoscale structure is utilized by electrospun nanofibers, which are promising materials for wound dressings. Here, we prepared wound dressings constituting polycaprolactone ...(PCL) and chitosan (CS). Curcumin (Cur) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) as antibacterial agents were embedded in PCL/CS electrospun nanofibers and different properties including morphology, physicomechanical, interaction with water, antibacterial efficiency, and
in vitro
studies were investigated. SEM images confirmed the nanofibrous structure of samples with 100 ± 5 to 212 ± 25 nm in average diameter. Elemental analysis of nanofibers showed a good distribution of ZnO along nanofibers which not only caused decreasing in nanofiber diameter but also increased tensile strength of nanofibers up to 2.9 ± 0.5 MPa and with good elongation at break of 39 ± 2.9. ZnO nanoparticles also facilitated the interaction of nanofibers with water, and this led to the highest water vapor transition rate, which was equal to 0.28 ± 0.02 g cm
−2
day
−1
. The sample containing 3 wt% Cur had the highest water uptake value (367 ± 15%) and the lowest water contact angle (78 ± 3.7°), although Cur has a hydrophobic nature. The release profile of Cur showed a two-stage release and the Peppas model predicted a non-fickian diffusion. Simultaneous incorporation of CS, ZnO, and Cur effectively inhibited bacterial growth. In addition,
in vitro
studies represented that high content of Cur decreases cell viability and cell attachment. The outcomes from the fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated appropriate properties for application as a wound dressing.
“We describe the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using seed aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica (PA) and its antibacterial activity. UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ...Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray energy dispersive spectrophotometer (EDAX) were performed to ascertain the formation of Ag-NPs. It was observed that the growths of Ag-NPs are stopped within 35min of reaction time. The inhibition was observed in the Ag-NPs against S. aureus. The results suggest that the synthesized Ag-NPs act as an effective antibacterial agent. It is confirmed that Ag-NPs are capable of rendering high antibacterial efficacy and hence has a great potential in the preparation of drugs used against bacterial diseases. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM(, indicated that, the most strains of S. aureus was damaged and extensively disappeared by addition of Ag-NPs. The results confirmed that the (PA) is a very good eco friendly and nontoxic source for the synthesis of Ag-NPs as compared to the conventional chemical/physical methods.” Display omitted
•Biosynthesis of Ag-NPs has been done with Pistacia atlantica (PA) extract.•It was observed that the growths of Ag-NPs are stopped within 35min.•SEM indicated that, S. aureus was disappeared by addition of Ag-NPs.
In the present work, we describe the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using seed aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica (PA) and its antibacterial activity. UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray energy dispersive spectrophotometer (EDAX) were performed to ascertain the formation of Ag-NPs. It was observed that the growths of Ag-NPs are stopped within 35min of reaction time. The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized by a peak at 446nm in the UV–visible spectrum. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles of 27nm size. The XRD peaks at 38°, 44°, 64° and 77° can be indexed to the (111), (200), (220) and (311) Bragg’s reflections of cubic structure of metallic silver, respectively. The FTIR result clearly showed that the extracts containing OH as a functional group act in capping the nanoparticles synthesis. Antibacterial activities of Ag-NPs were tested against the growth of Gram-positive (S. aureus) using SEM. The inhibition was observed in the Ag-NPs against S. aureus. The results suggest that the synthesized Ag-NPs act as an effective antibacterial agent. It is confirmed that Ag-NPs are capable of rendering high antibacterial efficacy and hence has a great potential in the preparation of used drugs against bacterial diseases. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), indicated that, the most strains of S. aureus was damaged and extensively disappeared by addition of Ag-NPs. The results confirmed that the (PA) is a very good eco friendly and nontoxic source for the synthesis of Ag-NPs as compared to the conventional chemical/physical methods.
In order to investigate the effects of potassium nano-fertilizer on soybean and water use efficiency (WUE) under different irrigation conditions, an experiment was carried out in split plots based on ...completely randomized block design with four replications in Moghan plain, Iran, during 2014-2016. The main factor included four levels of irrigation (IR), that is, normal irrigation, cutting irrigation during vegetative growth, cutting irrigation during flowering stage and cutting irrigation during grain filling and a subfactor included four levels of potassium nano-fertilizer (NK): control, 1, 2 and 3 kg/ha. The results showed that using potassium nano-fertilizer at all stages of cutting irrigation decreased the effects of drought stress. Also, the highest yield (3.17 ton/ha) and yield components, morphological characteristics and WUE (for yield 0.112 kg.mm
−1
) were observed in normal irrigation with application of 3 kg/ha of potassium nano-fertilizer. In addition, oil percent and seed protein were strongly affected by deficit irrigation, especially at grain filling stage. According to the results, using 3 kg/ha of potassium nano-fertilizer, resulted in a 25% decreased in the effects of water deficit on morphological characteristics, yield and yield components, especially in seed filling stage decreased about 25%.
The Zarudny's spur-thighed tortoise or Iranian tortoise (Testudo graeca zarudnyi) has just been reported from Iran so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of season ...and gender on serum biochemical parameters of this valuable species in Iran.
This study was performed on 20 clinically healthy adult Zarudny's spur-thighed tortoises. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and then serum biochemical parameters and body weight were measured in autumn and winter. The following biochemical parameters were measured: total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, total protein, creatinine, urea, glucose, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total bilirubin, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Urea concentration increased significantly at emergence from hibernation. Also, in winter, total protein, phosphorous, creatinine, total bilirubin concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased significantly compared to autumn, but aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher than in autumn. There was no significant difference for the parameters mentioned above by gender, except for phosphorous. Phosphorous concentration in females was significantly higher than that of males in autumn. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in females were significantly higher than males in autumn and winter.
The present study is the first study that monitors the serum biochemical parameters of adult Zarudny's spur-thighed tortoises based on season and gender. Seasonal reference intervals should be used for biochemical parameters in this valuable species. Also, sex-specific reference intervals for phosphate and cholesterol are necessary.
Acute liver injury (ALI) is a critical and fatal disorder associated with excessive oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately leading to the death of hepatocytes. Myricetin is a bioflavonoid in ...some berries, including blueberries and strawberries, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.
In the current research, the hepatoprotective potential of myricetin was studied in the LPS/D-GalN model of ALI in C57BL/6 mice.
For inducing liver injury, D-GalN (400 mg/kg) and LPS (50 µg/kg) were injected via intraperitoneal route and myricetin was orally administered (25 or 100 mg/kg/day) for two days before inducing injury. Functional indices of liver dysfunction along with hepatic apoptotic, autophagic, oxidative stress and inflammatory factors were measured.
Myricetin (100 mg/kg) reduced the fatality rate of animals and pathological liver changes and suitably lowered serum levels of total bilirubin, 8-OH-dG, ALT, AST and ALP in addition to decreasing apoptotic, oxidative and inflammatory factors, NOX, NLRP3, caspase 3, MPO and enhancing some antioxidants. Besides, myricetin improved the hepatic level and activity of sirtuin 1 and reversed inappropriate alterations of autophagic parameters, including LC3 II, Beclin 1, and P62. The beneficial effects of myricetin were attenuated after co-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3- methyladenine.
This study indicates the hepatoprotective potential of myricetin that can be ascribed to its down-regulation of oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory factors and upregulation of antioxidants besides its partial regulation of sirtuin 1 and autophagic pathway.
Hand grenade attacks have increasingly been reported in Sweden. However, to date no research on the topic exists. The present study aims to describe the illegal use of hand grenades and to test its ...spatio-temporal relationship with gun violence to explore whether the two forms of violence are connected. Data were collected for the years 2011 to 2016 from the Swedish police and from open sources about hand grenade detonations, which were considered alongside shootings as two types of violence commonly attributed to criminal groups. Descriptive data and trends are presented and spatio-temporal analysis of near-repeat patterns was performed using a near-repeat calculator. All in all, there were 77 incidents of detonated hand grenades in Sweden during the six-year observation period, in which nine individuals were injured and one killed. The number of incidents increased, with about half of the them occurring during the last year. A near-repeat analysis was performed on shootings (N = 1048) and hand grenades (N = 55) in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The shootings exhibit a strong component of near-repeat patterns, but adding hand grenades to the analysis did not strengthen the patterns, suggesting that the two types of violence only partially share spatio-temporal patterns. The study confirms an increase in the use of hand grenades in Sweden, although the reason for the increase is unknown. The increase does fit with the overall changing pattern in violence in urban areas in Sweden, which broadly tends to be attributed to criminal groups in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
This study investigates the effect of electromagnetic energy implementation in the use of electric, magnetic, and hybrid nanofluids for enhanced oil recovery. The challenge lies in comprehending the ...intricate interplay of these factors to enhance the recovery factor (RF) of oil. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of parameters influencing oil recovery at its primary, secondary, and tertiary stages using finite-element-based simulations. Transitioning to the secondary stage, we observe a positive correlation between increasing brine flow rates and heightened RF. In the tertiary stage, a comparative assessment of nanofluids, including magnetite (Fe3O4), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO), reveals that enhancing nanofluid concentrations up to 0.001 % positively impacts RF, with Fe3O4 leading the pack at 22.20 %, followed by ZnO at 21.00 %, and CuO at 11.02 %. The introduction of electromagnetic field consistently augments RF for all nanofluids by a minimum of 4.8 %. Furthermore, this study explores the effect of hybrid nanofluids on RF, which tend to exhibit lower RF values. However, the introduction of electromagnetic energy significantly enhances RF for all hybrid nanofluids. The study offers valuable insights into the potential of nanomaterials and electromagnetic methods in the oil and gas industry.
Abstract
In this exploratory study, individuals’ processes of engagement in violent extremist groups are analysed by drawing from criminological life-course theory and narrative-based understandings ...of crime. Based on interviews with individuals who have participated in violent extremism, it is suggested that the process of engagement consists of three steps: (1) a weakening of informal social controls, followed by (2) an interaction with individuals in proximity to the group and (3) a stage of meaning-making in relation to the group and one’s identity, resulting in an individual’s willingness and capacity to engaging in the group’s activities, including violence. In future theorizing about processes of engagement in violent extremism, the meanings of age, and the life-course stages of late adolescence and emerging adulthood in particular, should be given analytic attention.
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