Valorization of Seaweed: Using Brown Algae Waste in Papermaking

In this work, the brown alga Dictyota dichotoma was explored as a new reinforcing material for papermaking. Performing the typical chemical tests for cellulosic substrates on D. dichotoma evidenced large amounts of ethanol:benzene extractable substances (7.2%) and ashes, algae-specific results. Also, even if lipophilic compounds are removed, brown seaweed are not a primary source of fibers because it contains low proportion of cellulose. However, its elevated content of insoluble carbohydrates (51.4%) suggest there is some potential in association with conventional cellulosic pulps, as fibrous elements contribute to sheet forming and other components fill the spaces in the paper web without noteworthy loss of strength. Extraction was carried out with clean processes: hydrogen peroxide and mixtures (hydrogen peroxide-hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide-sodium perborate), sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, always aiming for low reagent concentrations, in the range of 1-12%. The results show that sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite were the treatments that lead to paper sheets with better structural and mechanical properties without further bleaching or refining, thus highlighting the suitability of these algae for papermaking applications.

Muscle Quality Revisited: Biopsy Energetics, MR Spectroscopy, and Muscle Power and Strength

With age, strength may decline faster than muscle mass pointing to a deterioration in muscle quality. Aspects of muscle quality and function are being measured in SOMMA; we hypothesized that in vitro and in vivo bioenergetics capacity of muscle would be related to muscle strength and power. Associations differed between men and women. In men (n=48, ATPMAX, 70, max OXPHOS and max ETS) but not women (n=68, ATPMAX, n=103, max OXPHOS and max ETS), muscle ATP regeneration by 31P MR spectroscopy was correlated with leg power (r = 0.27, p= 0.05). Energy production in tissue was similarly more strongly correlated with power in men than women, though not statistically significant. Correlations between the tissue measures and strength were also stronger in men than women. In ongoing follow-up, we will be able to determine what role that muscle tissue energetics plays in explaining the loss of strength and power with aging.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE: (YONIGATA STRAVA)

Vaginal discharge is one of the major problems encountered in gynaecological practice. It is a very common con- dition that has been experienced by most women of all ages, especially in childbearing or reproductive age. Vaginal discharge is a condition that causes great discomfort to a woman and hampers her normal activity. It is believed that vaginal discharges produce loss of strength & confidence, also there is the presence of fear that it may be due to malignancy. Nowadays it is essential to study differential diagnosis of vaginal discharge. In Ayurvedic texts, various conditions giving rise to white discharge per vaginum had been described but the sub- ject was never dealt with as a separate entity. Therefore, in this study, an effort has been put forth to make a con- ceptual study covering almost all the aspects of Yonigata Strava as per Ayurveda as well as per modern. Keywords: Leucorrhoea, Vaginal Discharges, Yonigata Strava.

Earthquake Induced Liquefaction Analysis and Ground Improvement as a Remedial Measure: A Review

Liquefaction is the phenomenon in which partially or fully saturated, loose sandy soils behave like a liquid due to loss of strength and rigidity owing to sudden increase in the pore water pressure as a result of dynamic loading such as earthquake. Liquefaction induced by dynamic loading as a result of earthquake is the most destructive feature of earthquake that may results in settlements and collapse of structures. The severity of this phenomenon can be predetermined by the geological and hydro-geological setup of the soil in the study area. The aim of this study is to present a review of various aspects of earthquake induced liquefaction analysis, case evidences from field studies and some of the liquefaction hazards from past earthquakes. Remedial measures using ground improvement techniques to prevent liquefaction hazard is also studied in this paper. Further, investigating the performance of remedial methods against liquefaction is also presented in this paper.

Knee Strength and Ankle Range of Motion Impacts on Timed Function Tests in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: In the Era of Glucocorticoids

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder that presents in childhood and is characterized by slowly progressive proximal weakness and lower extremity contractures that limit ambulatory ability [1, 2]. Contractures develop in the ankles, knees, and hips due to muscle imbalances, fibrotic changes, loss of strength, and static positioning [2, 5]. Currently, standards of care guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining good musculoskeletal alignment through stretching, bracing, and glucocorticoid (GC) therapy to preserve strength and function. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data through the CINRG Duchenne Natural history study (DNHS). The objectives of this analysis are to understand the progression of ankle contractures for individuals with DMD and to investigate the relationship between progressive lower limb contractures, knee strength, and Timed Function Tests. A collection of TFTs including supine to stand (STS), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), and timed stair climbing (4SC) have been used to monitor disease progression and are predictive of loss of ambulation in these patients [4]. Multiple factors contribute to loss of ambulation, including progressive loss of strength and contracture development that leads to changing biomechanical demands for ambulation. A better understanding of the changes in strength and range of motion (ROM) that contribute to loss of function is important in a more individualized rehabilitation management plan. In this longitudinal study, we measured strength using quantitative muscle testing (QMT) with the CINRG Quantitative Measurement System (CQMS)), ROM was measuresed with a goniometer and TFTs were measured using a standard stopwatch and methodology. Results: We enrolled 440 participants; mean baseline age was 8.9 (2.1, 28.0) years with 1321 observations used for analysis. GC use was stratified based on duration on drug with 18.7%at < 6 months or naïve; 4.3%<1 year; 58.0%1 < 10 years; and 19.3%between 10-25 years of GC use. Ankle ROM was better for those on GC compared to GC naive but did not significantly influence long-term progression rates. QMT, ROM, age and GCs contribute to speed of TFTs. Knee extension (KE) strength and Dorsiflexion (DF) ROM are significant predictors of speed for all TFTs (p < 0.001). Of the variables used in this analysis, KE strength is the primary predictor of walking speed, estimating that every pound increase in KE results in a 0.042 m/s improvement in 10MWT, and a smaller similar increase of 0.009 m/s with every degree of ankle DF ROM. Conclusion: GC use provides an improvement in strength and ROM but does not affect rate of change. Knee strength has a greater influence on speed of TFTs than DF ROM, although both are statistically significant predictors of speed. Results show that retaining knee strength [1, 2], along with joint flexibility, may be important factors in the ability to perform walking, climbing and supine to stand activities.

Influence of Formate Concentration on the Rheology and Thermal Degradation of Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum solutions have gained increasing interest for their use as environmentally friendly chemicals in the oil industry. Xanthan is compatible with most concentrate brines used for controlling formation damage and fluid loss. Particularly, formate brines reinforce the ordered structure of the biopolymer in solution, gel strength, and the specific gravity of the resulting fluid. In this paper, we studied the effect of thermal aging on the rheological behavior of xanthan solutions as a function of the concentration in potassium formate. Ionic strength below a threshold concentration does not prevent the degradation of the structure of xanthan after being submitted to aging at 165 °C. Aged solutions show an important loss of strength in their mechanical properties, lower pH, and higher content in furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. Highly concentrated formate brines are necessary to maintain the strength of the rheological properties after exposure to high-temperature environments.

Fungal Flora Isolated from Deteriorating Card Board and Corrugated Box Samples in Thane and Bhiwandi, India

Many cellulose based articles have found their way into human requirements and have become articles of necessity, paper being one such article. Card board and corrugated boxes are used as packing materials universally and alike paper, these are vulnerable to invasion by cellulose degrading fungi. The study in regions of Thane and Bhiwandi cities on the outskirts of Mumbai city in Western coastal part of Maharashtra, India focused on the invasion of cardboard and corrugated paper boxes by fungi. Twenty four species of fungi belonging to 11 genera were found on the deteriorating card board and corrugated paper samples during the study, prominent amongst them being the genus Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Curvularia, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Alternaria and five other cellulolytic fungal genera. Growth of fungi resulted in crumbling of the cardboard at places due to loss of strength. Many of the fungal forms isolated were potential health hazards which was cause for concern.

Soil Improvement Using Waste Marble Dust for Sustainable Development

The soils which show very high shear strength in a dry state but rapidly lose their strength on wetting are known as collapsible soils. Such rapid and massive loss of strength produces severe distress leading to extensive cracking and differential settlements, instability of building foundations, and even collapse of structures built on these soils. Waste marble dust is an industrial byproduct and is being produced in large quantities globally poses an environmental hazard. Therefore, it is of the utmost need to look for some sustainable solution for its disposal. The present study focused on the mitigation of the collapse potential of CL-ML soil through a physio-chemical process. The soil is sensitive to wetting, warranting its stabilization. Waste marble dust (WMD) in varying percentages was used as an admixture. The study's optimization process showed that geotechnical parameters of collapsible soil improved substantially by adding waste marble dust. Plasticity was reduced while Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) significantly increased while swelling was reduced to an acceptable limit. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) also exhibits considerable improvement. This study appraises the safe disposal of hazardous waste safely and turns these into suitable material for engineering purposes. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091746 Full Text: PDF

To Röntgenkater's treatment

During treatment with x-rays, a very unpleasant phenomenon is possible, called by Gauss "Rntgenkater" and is expressed in a general loss of strength, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, which disorders in severe cases last 48 hours.