Secondary Use of Sewage Sludge, Research on Its Morphology and Physical and Chemical Properties

The findings of comprehensive studies on morphology, physico-chemical properties of sewage sludge, as well as practicalities of its application have been introduced. The sewage sludge used for the research came from the purification facilities of Volzhsky after the preliminary treated by the enzymatic-cavitation method. The morphology and structure of the processed sewage sludge have been determined by scanning electron microscope investigation and X-ray phase analysis. The chemical composition of the processed wastewater sludge have been and tested as an organic fertilizer in the cultivation of the false saffron.

Cancer cell cytoskeleton behavior on titanium oxides synthesized through ultrafast pulsed laser irradiation

Conventionally, single phases of TiO2 are used for targeted therapy and a drug carrier systems. In this research a harmonized approach in synthesizing multi-Ti oxide phases in a nanostructure and its ability to control cancer cell cytoskeleton behavior. This modulation of HeLa cancer cell cytoskeleton behaviour including shape of the cell, surface area of the cell, alignment of the cell is diligent by using the combination of TiO, Ti3O, Ti2O phases. Field emission scanning electron microscope investigation (FESEM) revealed that multi-Ti oxide nanostructure revealed a greater reduction of HeLa cell relative to fibroblast cell. This altered cell adhesion was followed by modulation of HeLa cell architecture with significant reduction in actin stress fibers. The intricate combination of multi-Ti oxide nanostructures renders a biomaterial that can precisely alter HeLa cell but not the fibroblast cell behaviour has the potential application of creating a multi-Ti oxide nanostructure for targeted cancer therapy, developing nano patterning devices. This unique interaction of HeLa cancer cell with multi-Ti oxide nanostructure has provided an insight of cell-cell signalling which is the fundamental mechanism in regulating their proliferative characteristics.

Cancer cell cytoskeleton behavior on titanium oxides synthesized through ultrafast pulsed laser irradiation

Conventionally, single phases of TiO2 are used for targeted therapy and a drug carrier systems. In this research a harmonized approach in synthesizing multi-Ti oxide phases in a nanostructure and its ability to control cancer cell cytoskeleton behavior. This modulation of HeLa cancer cell cytoskeleton behaviour including shape of the cell, surface area of the cell, alignment of the cell is diligent by using the combination of TiO, Ti3O, Ti2O phases. Field emission scanning electron microscope investigation (FESEM) revealed that multi-Ti oxide nanostructure revealed a greater reduction of HeLa cell relative to fibroblast cell. This altered cell adhesion was followed by modulation of HeLa cell architecture with significant reduction in actin stress fibers. The intricate combination of multi-Ti oxide nanostructures renders a biomaterial that can precisely alter HeLa cell but not the fibroblast cell behaviour has the potential application of creating a multi-Ti oxide nanostructure for targeted cancer therapy, developing nano patterning devices. This unique interaction of HeLa cancer cell with multi-Ti oxide nanostructure has provided an insight of cell-cell signalling which is the fundamental mechanism in regulating their proliferative characteristics.

Endemic Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides–Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Free Volatile Compounds

Chemical profile and antioxidant activity of the species Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides (Plantaginaceae)—which is endemic to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro —were investigated. Volatile compounds produced by glandular trichomes (composed of one stalk cell and two elliptically formed head cells according to scanning electron microscope investigation) were isolated from the plants collected in two locations. Additionally, as a part of specialized metabolites, total polyphenols, total tannins, total flavonoids and total phenolic acids were determined spectrophotometrically. In the lipophilic volatile fractions-essential oils, the most abundant compounds identified were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, caryophyllene oxide and hexadecanoic acid. In total, the class of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and the group of fatty aldehydes, acids and alcoholic compounds dominated in the essential oils. In the hydrophilic volatile fractions-hydrosols, the most abundant compounds identified were trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, allo-aromadendrene and (E)-caryophyllene. A group of oxygenated monoterpenes and the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated in the hydrosols. Antioxidant activity of essential oils and hydrosols was tested with two methods: 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Essential oils showed higher antioxidant activity than hydrosols and showed similar antioxidant activity to Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil. Obtained results demonstrate that this genus is a potential source of volatiles with antioxidant activity.

Platinum-Group Mineral Occurrences and Platinum-Group Elemental Geochemistry of the Xiadong Alaskan-Type Complex in the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Alaskan-type complexes commonly contain primary platinum-group element (PGE) alloys and lack base-metal sulfides in their dunite and chromite-bearing rocks. They could therefore host PGE deposits with rare sulfide mineralization. A detailed scanning electron microscope investigation on dunites from the Xiadong Alaskan-type complex in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt revealed: various occurrences of platinum-group minerals (PGMs) that are dominated by inclusions in chromite grains containing abundant Ru, Os, S and a small amount of Pd and Te, indicating that they mainly formed prior to or simultaneously with the crystallization of the host minerals; A few Os–Ir–Rurich phases with iridium/platinum-group element (IPGE) alloy, anduoite (Ru,Ir,Ni)(As,S)2−x and irarsite (IrAsS) were observed in chromite fractures, and as laurite (RuS2) in clinopyroxene, which was likely related to late-stage hydrothermal alteration. The rocks in the Xiadong complex display large PGE variations with ∑PGE of 0.38–112 ppb. The dunite has the highest PGE concentrations (8.69–112 ppb), which is consistent with the presence of PGMs. Hornblende clinopyroxenite, hornblendite and hornblende gabbro were all depleted in PGEs, indicating that PGMs were likely already present at an early phase of magma and were mostly collected afterward in dunites during magma differentiation. Compared with the regional mafic–ultramafic intrusions in Eastern Tianshan, the Xiadong complex show overall higher average PGE concentration. This is consistent with the positive PGE anomalies revealed by regional geochemical surveys. The Xiadong complex, therefore, has potential for PGE exploration.

Enabling internal electronic circuitry within additively manufactured metal structures – the effect and importance of inter-laminar topography

Purpose This paper aims to explore the potential of ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) to incorporate the direct printing of electrical materials and arrangements (conductors and insulators) at the interlaminar interface of parts during manufacture to allow the integration of functional and optimal electrical circuitries inside dense metallic objects without detrimental effect on the overall mechanical integrity. This holds promise to release transformative device functionality and applications of smart metallic devices and products. Design/methodology/approach To ensure the proper electrical insulation between the printed conductors and metal matrices, an insulation layer with sufficient thickness is required to accommodate the rough interlaminar surface which is inherent to the UAM process. This in turn increases the total thickness of printed circuitries and thereby adversely affects the integrity of the UAM part. A specific solution is proposed to optimise the rough interlaminar surface through deforming the UAM substrates via sonotrode rolling or UAM processing. Findings The surface roughness (Sa) could be reduced from 4.5 to 4.1 µm by sonotrode rolling and from 4.5 to 0.8 µm by ultrasonic deformation. Peel testing demonstrated that sonotrode-rolled substrates could maintain their mechanical strength, while the performance of UAM-deformed substrates degraded under same welding conditions ( approximately 12 per cent reduction compared with undeformed substrates). This was attributed to the work hardening of deformation process which was identified via dual-beam focussed ion beam–scanning electron microscope investigation. Originality/value The sonotrode rolling was identified as a viable methodology in allowing printed electrical circuitries in UAM. It enabled a decrease in the thickness of printed electrical circuitries by ca. 25 per cent.

Investigation of impurities detected in X-ray inspection of MPG-7 fine-grained graphite blanks and details

The purpose of the research was to study the structure of MPG-7 fine-grained graphite by X-ray inspection and scanning electron microscope investigation methods. We carried out a structural and local chemical analysis of inhomogeneities occurring in graphite blanks. According to the data obtained, we changed technical documentation for the incoming quality control of MPG-7 graphite blanks and details.

The irradiation surface treatment of UHMWPE fiber on the interfacial properties of PVC composite

Properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced composites depend largely on the interfacial bonding strength between fiber and matrix. In the present work, UHMWPE was irradiation treatment. The existence of functional groups introduced to the fiber surface and the changes of surface roughness were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the possible applications of this surface modification of UHMWPE fiber (UF), we examined the mechanical properties as well as the friction and wear performance of thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites and found that the mechanical properties of PVC composites were all significantly improved. Scanning electron microscope investigation of worn surfaces of PVC composites showed that surface-treated UF/neoprene/PVC (UF/NO/PVC) composite had the strongest interfacial adhesion.