This research evaluates the effectiveness of expired moldamin, a pharmaceutical waste material, as a corrosion inhibitorforAISI1010 steel exposed to aqueous solutions of1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 1 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at 25 +/- 2 degrees C. The study utilized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel analysis) to assess corrosion behavior. Adsorption properties were investigated using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and thermodynamic activation parameters were analyzed to determine the spontaneity of the adsorption process. Results indicate that moldamin acts as a mixed-type inhibitor, providing notable protection through both anodic and cathodic mechanisms, with particularly strong performance in sulfuric acid. The highest inhibition efficiencies observed were 89.23% in HCl and 88.7% in H(2)SO(4 )at a concentration of 10(-3) M. Surface characterization using 3D laser microscopy confirmed a marked decrease in surface roughness. Overall, the findings highlight moldamin's potential for both corrosion control and sustainable management of pharmaceutical waste.
Nowadays, prostate cancer is a common and life-threatening condition in men. Despite medical advances, treatment remains challenging due to limited understanding of cellular interactions. This study highlights the role of epithelial differentiation in maintaining a healthy prostate environment and aims to develop a prostate-on-a-chip model to better study cellular interactions and improve diagnostics and preventive therapy. The simulations indicated a comparable concentration profile when epithelial cells were in both the upper and lower channels, however, the central channel showed a decreasing concentration gradient (from 2.5x10(-3) mol/m(3) to 1.25x10(-3) mol/m(3)) at the outlet. Furthermore, the simulations used diffusion coefficients of 2.368 m(2)/s for collagen and 0.571 m2/s for the epithelial layer. In parallel, PrECs were kept under microfluidic conditions for 48 hours, during which LDH levels rose from 0.06 on day 1 to 0.1 on day 6. Experimental observations showed an enhanced migration toward the central channel when epithelial cells were placed in the upper channel and fibroblasts in the lower channel, while a decrease in migration was noted when epithelial cells filled both channels. In summary, both simulations and experiments demonstrated that channel occupancy is associated with changes in concentration gradients and cell migration.
The use of magnesium-based alloys has gained momentum in the manufacture of components infields such as automotive, aerospace, medical, military, etc., due to their low specific mass, around].7g/cm3, but also to their pressure casting capacity, obtaining parts of superior geometric quality, with physical-mechanical properties and homogeneous microstructure in the volume of the parts. At the same time, recent research aims to expand their application in the biomedical field for reparative surgery. In line with new research, the paper presents the results obtained in the cavitation testing of the magnesium-based alloy AM50, with the aim of its use in cardiac devices that work in hydrodynamic conditions, such as stents. The evaluation of the behavior and resistance performances is made by comparing them with those of the ZnMg and ZnMgFe alloys, whose resistance performances to cyclic cavitation stresses are studied and known. holding times, brings new elements, compared to those already obtained on the same brand of alloy and with the same heat treatment regime. The results presented are of real use to those who design and build equipment with structures from this alloy and who work in a non-stationary, cavitational hydrodynamic regime.
Sodium metal batteries are attracting attention as sustainable alternatives for next-generation energy storage due to their abundance and cost-effectiveness. The anode-free sodium cell configuration simplifies design, cuts costs, and may boost energy density. In this study, we evaluated the electrochemical performance of anode-free sodium metal cells using two distinct electrolyte compositions. The cells showed stable cycling, lasting over 2000 cycles at 1.5 mA/cm(2) with about 99.99% Coulombic efficiency. Our findings highlight the importance of electrolyte choice in enhancing plating and stripping processes and demonstrate the potential of anode-free sodium cells as efficient, economical, and sustainable energy solutions.
Home composting is an efficient and sustainable way to utilize biodegradable waste, with significant implications for soil fertility, reducing the volume of household waste and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The present work aims to identify economic ways to manage home compost, based on the analysis of essential physicochemical parameters of the composting process: temperature, pH, humidity, organic matter content and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N). By correlating these parameters with various composting practices at the household level, the research highlights efficient possibilities for optimizing the composting process from an economic perspective, without compromising the quality of the compost obtained. The study thus proposes a sustainable model for managing compost at small scale, leveraging traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific data.
This study presents a technology for recycling secondary aluminium slag waste into ceramic block formulations. Using an experimental design matrix, eight recipes with variable slag proportions and particle sizes were analysed. Key properties water absorption, density, porosity, and microstructure - were evaluated to identify the optimal variant. The results confirmed a formulation that ensures high waste incorporation without compromising quality. The findings demonstrate that secondary aluminium slag can be valorised efficiently and sustainably, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
In this study, the main focus is on how microplastics (MPs) interact with bisphenol A (BPA) and how this interaction indicates that this is correlated with the polymer and environmental conditions. Each material tested showed a distinct adsorption pattern. Polyethylene (PE) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity at equilibrium. Polystyrene (PS) achieved the highest removal efficiency, while polypropylene (PP) obtained the lowest removal efficiency. BPA binding to MPs may be influenced by hydrophobic interactions, which are accentuated in acidic environments, and contact time, both of that can affect the attainment of equilibrium. Lastly, this study provided precious insights into the environmental impact of microplastics, which can serve as both a vector for organic compounds, and as a source of pollution.
This study aims to investigate the unintentionally released microplastics in rinse-off cosmetic products and the potential risk to human health. In this regard, a total of eight samples of branded rinse-off shampoo were collected based on the consumer habits survey, considering the recipient categories, i.e., children and adults. Microplastics found in these samples exhibited significant heterogeneity, not only in their chemical composition (types of polymers) but also in their quantity, color, size, and shape (whether they are fragments or fibers). This diversity makes it challenging to assess the potential risks to human health, especially considering different recipient categories, such as children and adults.
This work aims to obtain sintered zirconium-erbium alloys with different compositions using powder metallurgy. Zirconium and erbium precursor powders were prepared by separate hydriding at 750 degrees C, in hydrogen atmosphere at a pressure of 10(5) Pa. The resulting hydrides were ground, sieved, weighed, and mixed, then hydraulically pressed into cylindrical compacts at a pressure of 1.16*10(7) Pa. The green compacts were sintered at 1200 degrees C in an inert atmosphere. After sintering, the samples were characterized in terms of density, microstructure by SEM-EDS, and phase composition byXRD. The results show that samples with higher erbium content exhibit higher density. Microstructural analysis indicates a multiphase structure consisting of zirconium-rich solid solution. XRD analysis reveals that Zr-rich compositions tend to form a larger fraction of Zr-Er phases within the Er0.15Zr0.85 alloy composition.
The graft copolymerisation of chitosan with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride (VBC) and maleic anhydride (MA) was performed using cerium (IV) sulfate (Ce (SO4)2) as an initiator to enhance the physicochemical properties of the biopolymer. The efficiency of the grafting process was analysed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Raman spectra revealed significant structural changes, particularly in the vibrational modes associated with amine, carbonyl, and aromatic functionalities, confirming the successful grafting of both VBC and MA onto chitosan. FTIR analysis supported these findings by identifying the characteristic peaks. TGA provided further evidence of polymer modification through the changes in the thermal degradation behaviour of grafted chitosan, with an improved thermal stability in the presence of VBC. The study confirms that the grafting efficiency is primarily influenced by the monomer ratios and the reactivity of VBC, which exhibited a higher polymerisation yield compared to MA. These results contribute to advancing functionalised chitosan materials with potential applications in biomedicine, drug delivery, and environmental remediation.
This study investigates the removal of Cibacron Blue dye from aqueous solution using natural bentonite (NB) and nano-modified bentonite (NPB) as low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbents. Nano-bentonite was prepared using a reagent-free physical modification route involving washing, drying, planetary milling, hydrocyclone classification, magnetic separation, and ultrasonic delamination, without the use of any chemical reagents. Structural and surface characteristics of NB and NPB were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming particle size reduction, increased surface area, and preservation of bentonite structural integrity after nano-modification. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and temperature on dye removal efficiency. The results demonstrated that NPB exhibited significantly higher adsorption capacity compared to NB due to its enhanced surface activity and porosity. Adsorption behavior followed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating monolayer chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. These findings highlight nano-modified bentonite as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of textile dyes from wastewater.
In this paper, an environmentally friendly ultramarine pigment was prepared using coal gangue, waste molecular sieves, corn stalks, Na2CO3, and elemental S. Simulation experiments suggested that when the amount of coal gangue, waste molecular sieves, corn stalks, Na2CO3, and elemental S was 3.00 g, 1.00 g, 2.00 g, 3.00 g, and 4.00 g, respectively, the prepared product was closest in color to the natural ultramarine and more stable when exposed to temperature and humidity changes and ultraviolet light exposure.
This study constructed a heterogeneous structure in 7075 aluminum alloy via friction stir processing (FSP) and aging (150 degrees C, 20 h). Microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized. FSP produced a gradient structure comprising fine-grained (4-5 mu m), transition, and coarse-grained (30-100 mu m) zones. Aging precipitated uniform nano-scale second-phase particles, inhibiting grain growth and increasing geometrically necessary dislocation density by similar to 25%. Nanoindentation showed enhanced deformation resistance across all zones, most markedly in the base material. This synergy between FSP and aging optimizes the performance of aluminum alloy heterogeneous structures.
This study evaluated the antioxidant and antitumor potential of a 70% ethanolic tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) extract from Romania. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, correlating with high phenolic content (23 g/100 g). In vitro tests on HEp-2 cells showed significant apoptosis induction (0.20% early, 0.99% late). LC-MS identified 64 bioactive compounds, including flavones, amino acids, and anthraquinones, suggesting broad therapeutic potential. These findings highlight Tansy's promise as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for oxidative stress-related diseases and malignancies.
The integration of renewable energy requires efficient storage solutions, including hydrogen storage, a key and timely element for the energy transition. This paper presents results on the synthesis of TiFe intermetallic compound using powder metallurgy route. The experimental approach, process parameters, and the analysis techniques to identify the compound and assess limitations were presented. The analyses of the obtained samples confirmed the partial formation of the TiFe phase, demonstrating the process feasibility. Optimizing the technological parameters can yield to efficientformation of the TiFe intermetallic phase in a higherproportion, thus obtaining an advance material for hydrogen storage in new energy technologies.
Identifying novel or repurposed proteasome inhibitors offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy, especially given the toxicity of bortezomib. This study screened fourteen commonly used drugs, including anticancer agents, plant extracts, and antifungals, in MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF10A cell lines. Tamoxifen, docetaxel, and ketoconazole showed notable cytotoxicity, with tamoxifen exhibiting selective proteasome inhibition. EGCG confirmed assay reliability, while ATP measurements suggested metabolic interference may affect proteasome function. Interestingly, tamoxifen and cisplatin increased proteasome activity in specific contexts. These findings support drug repurposing as a route to safer, more targeted proteasome inhibitors in cancer treatment.
This paper presents the results of experimental research aimed at developing an efficient technology for recycling ceramic waste, specifically damaged chamotte crucibles originating from a paint pigment manufacturer. The study focused on the valorization of this waste, in two particle size fractions, as raw materials in recipes for ceramic and refractory materials. The research employed a 23 experimental design matrix, with eight composition variants analysed. The optimal recipe was determined based on the physical properties obtained, demonstrating technical feasibility, economic advantages, and environmental benefits.
Hybrid composites of glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP) and metals show promise for lighter, more reliable ship structures. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of GFRP-metal hybrid plates using a literature review and finite element simulations under static loading. The specific objectives of this study are to (1) compare the mechanical performance of three structural configurations: monolithic aluminum, monolithic glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), and aluminum-GFRP-aluminum sandwich structures; (2) analyze and contrast their stress distribution, total mechanical strain, and displacement behaviors under static loading; and (3) determine which configuration offers optimal load dispersion and structural efficiency. These assessments are conducted using literature review and finite element simulations within ANSYS Mechanical APDL. The findings indicate that the hybrid configuration offers enhanced load dispersion and structural efficiency, underscoring its significant potential for developing lightweight and durable naval structures. This approach paves the way for more resilient marine designs.
In an ammonia atmosphere under convective heating, nitrogen saturation is initiated via an atomic/molecular adsorption mechanism. Ammonia molecules near the metal surface are adsorbed within the electric double layer, which acts as a catalyst. In this adsorbed state, ammonia molecules or NHx radicals form NHx- anionic complexes, releasing energy. This process facilitates electronic emission from the metal surface, triggering the ionic adsorption mechanism. These anionic complexes also form within the furnace atmosphere, followed by their subsequent adsorption. Consequently, applying voltage between the furnace chamber (cathode) and the parts (anode) enhances nitride layer kinetics (anodic effect) while providing cathodic protection to the chamber.
This study investigates the development of a liquid crystal (LC)-based biodetection platform using stretched and scratched polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films for detecting bovine serum albumin (BSA). PVA films were prepared by casting, uniaxially stretched to 12%, 17%, and 22% elongation, and scratched with P600, P800, and P1000 sandpaper grits to induce surface alignment. The nematic liquid crystal N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline (MBBA) was used to probe surface properties and BSA adsorption. Surface morphology, contact angles, and LC alignment were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). The contact angle of water on PVA surfaces were measured to assess wetting properties. LC cells assembled with stretched and scratched PVA films demonstrated uniform MBBA alignment, with BSA detection achieved by observing alignment disruptions in POM images. Calibration curves yielded a limit of detection (LOD) from 5.04 & times; 10-11 g/mL to 1.65 & times; 10(-8) g/mL, tested at BSA concentrations ranging from 10(-11)g/mL to 1 mg/mL, with sensitivity influenced by stretching elongation and sandpaper grit. These findings highlight the potential of surface-modified PVA films for sensitive LC-based biodetection applications.
