Development of New Collagen/Clay Composite Biomaterials

The fabrication of collagen-based biomaterials for skin regeneration offers various challenges for tissue engineers. The purpose of this study was to obtain a novel series of composite biomaterials based on collagen and several types of clays. In order to investigate the influence of clay type on drug release behavior, the obtained collagen-based composite materials were further loaded with gentamicin. Physiochemical and biological analyses were performed to analyze the obtained nanocomposite materials after nanoclay embedding. Infrared spectra confirmed the inclusion of clay in the collagen polymeric matrix without any denaturation of triple helical conformation. All the composite samples revealed a slight change in the 2-theta values pointing toward a homogenous distribution of clay layers inside the collagen matrix with the obtaining of mainly intercalated collagen-clay structures, according X-ray diffraction analyses. The porosity of collagen/clay composite biomaterials varied depending on clay nanoparticles sort. Thermo-mechanical analyses indicated enhanced thermal and mechanical features for collagen composites as compared with neat type II collagen matrix. Biodegradation findings were supported by swelling studies, which indicated a more crosslinked structure due additional H bonding brought on by nanoclays. The biology tests demonstrated the influence of clay type on cellular viability but also on the antimicrobial behavior of composite scaffolds. All nanocomposite samples presented a delayed gentamicin release when compared with the collagen-gentamicin sample. The obtained results highlighted the importance of clay type selection as this affects the performances of the collagen-based composites as promising biomaterials for future applications in the biomedical field.

Study on Type Selection of Relays in Outdoor Terminal Box of Converter Station

The outdoor terminal box of converter station’s complex working characteristics and working environment easily leads to the failure of relays in it. The paper analyzes the key factors in relay selection from the perspectives of the characteristics of the operating environment. By comparing the characteristics of different component materials and structure designs, the paper proposes suggestions of type selection of relays in outdoor terminal boxes of converter stations.

Blockchain Technology for Projects: A Multicriteria Decision Matrix

This research aims to develop a multicriteria decision matrix (MCDM) for project management practitioners, which will support blockchain type selection, evaluate blockchain platforms, and plan blockchain systems. The MCDM is substantiated through a case study, which includes a questionnaire and an illustrative example pertinent to the construction industry. It was discovered in this study that consortium blockchain is superior in dealing with the characteristics of projects, and Hyperledger Fabric is chosen as the best applicable platform. In planning a blockchain-based project management system, project management practitioners should consider user requirements such as network participants, principal transactions, communication channels, and smart contracts.

3D Printing of Alginate-Natural Clay Hydrogel-Based Nanocomposites

Biocompatibility, biodegradability, shear tinning behavior, quick gelation and an easy crosslinking process makes alginate one of the most studied polysaccharides in the field of regenerative medicine. The main purpose of this study was to obtain tissue-like materials suitable for use in bone regeneration. In this respect, alginate and several types of clay were investigated as components of 3D-printing, nanocomposite inks. Using the extrusion-based nozzle, the nanocomposites inks were printed to obtain 3D multilayered scaffolds. To observe the behavior induced by each type of clay on alginate-based inks, rheology studies were performed on composite inks. The structure of the nanocomposites samples was examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while the morphology of the 3D-printed scaffolds was evaluated using Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) and Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT). The swelling and dissolvability of each composite scaffold in phosfate buffer solution were followed as function of time. Biological studies indicated that the cells grew in the presence of the alginate sample containing unmodified clay, and were able to proliferate and generate calcium deposits in MG-63 cells in the absence of specific signaling molecules. This study provides novel information on potential manufacturing methods for obtaining nanocomposite hydrogels suitable for 3D printing processes, as well as valuable information on the clay type selection for enabling accurate 3D-printed constructs. Moreover, this study constitutes the first comprehensive report related to the screening of several natural clays for the additive manufacturing of 3D constructs designed for bone reconstruction therapy.

Comparative analysis of straight grate machines and combined facilities grate-tubetype kiln-cooler for selection technologies of pellets production

At present, mainly straight grate machines (SGM) and combined facilities grate-tube-type kiln-cooler (GKC) are used for heat-strengthening induration of iron ore pellets. Their total share in the produced iron ore pellets in the world accounts for 93%, of which SGM takes 60% and GKC – 33%, which speaks about high efficiency of both methods of induration. At the same time, when making decision on construction a pelletizing plant, a question of selection of most effective technology of iron ore pellets production by SGM and GKC often arises. Results of comparative analysis of efficiency of technologies of iron ore pellets production by SGM and GKC presented. Features of various ore types pellets induration considered as well as possibilities of ensuring the required quality of finished pellets at application for induration SGM and GKC. Data on maximum productivity of the considered induration facilities, amount of dust, fines formation, emissions of harmful substances into environment and electric energy consumption presented. Importance of a possibility of accounting of fuel type selection, of heat expenses for heat treatment, of expenses for maintenance, capital and operation costs were noted. It was shown that choice of a particular variant of technology should be done at the stage of elaboration feasibility study accounting existing experience of facilities running, availability of fuel types, cost of energy resources, climate zone and assembling solutions.

Goat Type Selection and Molecular Markers; a Solution for Milk Production in Recently Desertified Zones

Goat farming has been severely affected by Desertification, limiting their water and food resources and inducing physiological heat stress that reduces the doe milk yield. Does well adapted to heat stress would be a possible solution, but creole or indigenous goats from desert or arid areas produce between 0.5 to 1.5 L of milk per day, which is lower than the 3 L of milk per day produced by dairy goats like the Saanen breed. Nevertheless, in this chapter, we will discuss the disadvantages of introducing common dairy goats in dry places. Instead, we propose the introduction of desert goats from the Middle East or India, because they produce high-quality milk with low feed intake, making a profitable goat farming activity, and an opportunity to include crossbreeding strategies to improve the herd milk yield. Creole goats, on other hand, has been an underestimated livestock animal with a rich and unveil genetic patrimony that migth improve the herd milk yield. The effect of improved diets and extensive husbandry conditions remains unexplored in desert creole goats, and the use of advanced knowledge in goat genomics, genetic expression, and a wide variety of molecular markers can improve the studies on creole goats for crossbreeding strategies identifying the best traits involved in high-quality milk production and adaptation to dry environments. In this way, the synergy between goat type selection and molecular markers should boost goat farming in recently new desert or arid zones, counteracting the detrimental effects produced by the desertification.