Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 230 in total

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  1. Fulltext Mechanical activation of ultrafine cordierite: effect of grinding time
    Affendi, A.F., Hasmaliza, M., Srimala, S.
    Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2009;2009(1):247-254.
    MyJurnal
    In these studies, cordierite was mechanically synthesized after a sol-gel process. The effect of milling time of cordierite was investigated. Aluminium nitrate nonahydrate, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) were used as starting materials. Gels obtained were mechanically activated in planetary ball mill by at 300rpm grinding speed and grinding time (15min, 30min, 45min and 60min). Powders produced were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). XRD analysis proved that α-cordierite was formed at lower temperature (1200°C) as compliment to without grinding, whereby it is formed at1300°C. FESEM analysis shows the size of the cordierite were in submicron scale. EDX analysis proved that magnesium, aluminium, silicon and oxygen are elements existed in cordierite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  2. Fulltext Physico-chemical and flowability characteristics of a new variety of Malaysian sweet potato, VitAto Flour
    Mohd Hanim, A.B., Chin, N.L., Yusof, Y.A.
    International Food Research Journal, 2014;21(5):2099-2107.
    MyJurnal
    Proximate, functional and pasting properties of a new variety of sweet potato, VitAto, flour, known for its high vitamin A contents, were compared with two other commercial sweet potatoes, Bukit Naga and Okinawan, flour available in Malaysia. The recoveries of each sweet potato from milling were not significantly different at about 20% but in proximate analysis, the VitAto presented the highest protein (5.7%) and dietary fiber (14.8%) contents with more energy 399.6 kcal/100 g produced. The VitAto flour has average particle size of 132.04 μm. The pasting temperature of the VitAto flour was 65oC, with highest setback and trough viscosity values of 530.90 and 197.20 mPa.s, respectively. The flour is classified as easy flowing and stable powders. This study provides information which helps in the handling, packing and storage of sweet potato flours. It also shows that the VitAto flour has an array of functional, pasting and proximate properties that can facilitate its uses in many areas with better nutritional properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  3. Fulltext The effect of polypropylene maleic anhydride (ppmah) on properties of polypropylene (pp)/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (nbrr)/ rice husk powder (rhp) composites
    Santiagoo, Ragunathan, Hanafi Ismail, Kamarudin Hussin
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2010;18(2):-.
    MyJurnal
    The effect of polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMAH) on tensile properties and morphology of polypropylene (PP)/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ rice husk powder (RHP) composites has been studied. The composites were prepared through melt mixing at 180ºC for 9 minutes using 50 rpm rotor speed. The specimens were analyzed using different techniques, namely tensile test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results obtained showed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the modified composites were increased, while the elongation at break showed the opposite trend as compared with the unmodified composites. The morphology results support the tensile properties and these indicated a better interaction between the filler and matrix with the presence of PPMAH as a compatibilizer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  4. Fulltext Sub-Acute Toxicity Study of Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus tigris Chon S. Tan Cultivar E Sclerotium in Sprague Dawley Rats
    Kong BH, Tan NH, Fung SY, Pailoor J
    Front Pharmacol, 2016;7:246.
    PMID: 27555822 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00246
    Lignosus also known as "Tiger Milk Mushroom," is classified in the family Polyporaceae and mainly consumed for its medicinal properties in Southeast Asia and China. The sclerotium is known as the part with medicinal value and often used by the natives to treat a variety of ailments. Lignosus tigris Chon S. Tan, one of the species of the Malaysia Tiger Milk mushroom, has recently been successfully cultivated in laboratory. Earlier studies have demonstrated the L. tigris cultivar E sclerotia exhibited beneficial biomedicinal properties. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of L. tigris E sclerotia in a 28-day sub-acute oral administration in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. L. tigris E sclerotial powder was administered orally at three different doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg to the SD rats once daily, consecutively for 28-days. Body weight of the rats was recorded and general behavior, adverse effects, and mortality were observed daily throughout the experimental period. At the end of the experiment, blood hematology and biochemistry, relative organ weights, and histopathological analysis were performed. Results showed that there were no mortality nor signs of toxicity throughout the 28-day sub-acute toxicity study. Oral administration of the L. tigris E sclerotial powder at daily dose up to 1000 mg/kg had no significant effects in body weight, relative organ weight, blood hematological and biochemistry, gross pathology, and histopathology of the organs. L. tigris E sclerotial powder did not cause any treatment-related adverse effect in the rats at different treatment dosages up to 1000 mg/kg. As the lethal dose for the rats is above 1000 mg/kg, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) dose is more than 1000 mg/kg.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  5. Fulltext A comparative study of yttrium doped ceria ceramics synthesized using mechanochemical and solid state methods
    Taufiq-Yap, Y. H., Ong, P. S., Zainal, Z.
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2014;22(1):35-42.
    MyJurnal
    In this work, 10 mol% yttrium-doped ceria powders, Ce0.9Y0.1O1.95, were synthesised using a new mechanical technique, mechanochemical reaction, in which both impact action and shearing forces were applied for efficient fine grinding, subsequently leading to higher homogeneity of the resultant powders. Ce0.9Y0.1O1.95 prepared using this new technique was systematically compared with a sample of the same prepared using conventional solid-state methodology. X-ray diffraction analysis showed all prepared samples were single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. Generally, Y2O3-doped CeO2 electrolytes prepared by mechanochemical reactions were stable at a lower temperature (1100 °C) compared with a sample of the same synthesised using the conventional solid-state method. Characterisations using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed no thermal changes and phase transitions, indicating all materials were thermally stable. The electrical properties of the samples investigated by AC impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 200–800 ˚C are presented and discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of the materials. Fine-grained powders with uniform grain-size distribution were obtained from the mechanochemical reaction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  6. Fulltext Incorporation of Pleurotus Sajor-caju powder in cinnamon biscuit: Study on nutritional, physical, colour and sensorial properties
    Wan Amir Nizam, W.A., Ng, S.H., Wan Rosli, W.I.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(6):2442-2450.
    MyJurnal
    Discovery of novel dietary fibre (DF)-rich food ingredient is of great interest to meet the rising consumer demand for healthy food. Intake of DF-enriched food has been positively associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases. Pleurotus sajor-caju (PSC), one of the prominent edible mushrooms widely cultivated in Malaysia, is useful for its culinary and medicinal purpose. This study aimed to determine the nutritional, physical, colour and sensorial properties of cinnamon biscuit formulated with PSC powder as partial replacement (0, 4, 8 and 12%) for wheat flour. Results indicated that elevated incorporation levels of PSC powder significantly (P
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  7. Fulltext Dynamics of Polymorphic Transformations in Palm Oil, Palm Stearin and Palm Kernel Oil Characterized by Coupled Powder XRD-DSC
    Zaliha O, Elina H, Sivaruby K, Norizzah AR, Marangoni AG
    J Oleo Sci, 2018 Jun 01;67(6):737-744.
    PMID: 29760328 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17168
    The in situ polymorphic forms and thermal transitions of refined, bleached and deodorized palm oil (RBDPO), palm stearin (RBDPS) and palm kernel oil (RBDPKO) were investigated using coupled X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results indicated that the DSC onset crystallisation temperature of RBDPO was at 22.6°C, with a single reflection at 4.2Å started to appear from 23.4 to 17.1°C, and were followed by two prominent exothermic peaks at 20.1°C and 8.5°C respectively. Further cooling to -40°C leads to the further formation of a β'polymorph. Upon heating, a of β'→βtransformation was observed between 32.1 to 40.8°C, before the sample was completely melted at 43.0°C. The crystallization onset temperature of RBDPS was 44.1°C, with the appearance of the α polymorph at the same temperature as the appearance of the first sharp DSC exothermic peak. This quickly changed from α→β´ in the range 25 to 21.7°C, along with the formation of a small β peak at -40°C. Upon heating, a small XRD peak for the β polymorph was observed between 32.2 to 36.0°C, becoming a mixture of (β´+ β) between 44.0 to 52.5°C. Only the β polymorph survived further heating to 59.8°C. For RBDPKO, the crystallization onset temperature was 11.6°C, with the formation of a single sharp exothermic peak at 6.5°C corresponding to the β' polymorphic form until the temperature reached -40°C. No transformation of the polymorphic form was observed during the melting process of RBDPKO, before being completely melted at 33.2°C. This work has demonstrated the detailed dynamics of polymorphic transformations of PKO and PS, two commercially important hardstocks used widely by industry and will contribute to a greater understanding of their crystallization and melting dynamics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  8. Fulltext Production of spray-dried Sarawak pineapple (Ananas comosus) powder from enzyme liquefied puree
    Pui, L. P., Ng. J. M. L., Wong, C. W.
    International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(4):1631-1636.
    MyJurnal
    Spray drying is used widely for converting liquid food products into powder form as the dried powder is known to have a longer shelf life at ambient temperature, convenience to use and low transportation expenditure. In this study, the Sarawak pineapple puree was spray-dried and the characterization of the resulting powder was performed. The process of enzyme liquefaction was optimized with Pectinex® Ultra SP-L and Celluclast® 1.5 L (single and combined treatment) at different concentrations (0–2.5 %) and incubation time (0-2.5 hours). The combined treatment with both enzymes (1.5% v/w Pectinex® Ultra SP-L + 0.5% v/w Celluclast® 1.5 L, 1.5 hour) was found to be the best parameter, which produced purees with the lowest viscosity of 67.98 ± 4.27 cp. Optimization of spray drying process was carried out using different inlet temperatures (150-180°C) and maltodextrin concentrations (15-30 % w/w). Results indicated that the spraydried powder produced at 160°C with 15% w/w of maltodextrin has the highest yield (31.63 %). The spray-dried powder was further characterized for the moisture content (6.00 ± 0.63%), water activity (0.36 ± 0.01 Aw), hygroscopicity (17.35 ± 0.64%), bulk density (0.46 ± 0.04 g/ cm3 ) and solubility (87.33 ± 2.08 seconds). The fruit powder of this study can be incorporated into different fruit added –value products, such as fruit juice, yogurt, jelly and other beverages.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  9. Fulltext Quantification of anti-fertility compound-diosgenin concentration in the fenugreek seeds aqueous extract (FSA)
    Ahmed Kaid, N. A., Norbaiyah, M. B., Imad, M. A., Norazian, M. H.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2016;15(1):75-80.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study aims to build a standardization method for preparation of effective powder from
    FSA and to quantify diosgenin in FSA. Methodology: One kg of FS were used in this study. Setting: BMS, KOM
    and KOP, IIUM Kuantan campus. FS were washed with distilled water to exclude any foreign matter, and
    were then air dried. FS-powder were put in distilled water in a ratio of 1 g of powder in 20 ml of distilled
    water and were shaken at room temperature for 24 hours. Ten mg of hydrolyzed extract sample was diluted
    in 10 ml volumetric flask with methanol for 15 minutes. Chromatographic estimation was performed using
    an equilibrated reverse phase Eclipse XDB-C18 column (particle size 5 µg, 4.6 mm x 150 mm). Results: One
    gram of FSA extract was hydrolyzed to produce sapogenins and 46.6% was recovered. A calibration curve
    that was constructed based on five dilutions of diosgenin standard at concentrations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and
    50 ppm produced a linear graft (r = 0.999). The concentration of diosgenin in FSA extract as calculated using
    the regression analysis was found to be 29.66 µg/ml, 13.81 % w/w on dried weight basis. Conclusion:
    Preparation and standardization of effective powder from FSA are the corner stone of many scientific
    researches in IIUM and Malaysia. Diosgenin is available in the FSA in adequate concentration. The adequate
    amount of diosgenin in the FSA will guide us to do further study in the way of preparation of a natural
    product that can be used in the field of reversible anti-fertility therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  10. Preparation of titanium dioxide hollow fiber membrane using phase inversion and sintering technique for gas separation and water purification
    Mukhlis A Rahman, Mohd Kamal Ghazali, Juhana Jaafar, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Wan Muhammad Solehin Wan Abd Aziz, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:1195-1201.
    This article describes the preparation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) hollow fiber membrane using phase inversion and sintering technique. In this study, nano-sized TiO2 powders with different particle sizes were used to prepare ceramic hollow fiber membranes. In a series of preparation steps, a dispersant was dissolved in organic solvent before the addition of ceramic powders. These steps were followed by the addition of polymer binder. The membrane precursor was obtained by extruding the ceramic suspension into a coagulation bath, which enabled the precipitation of the precursor of ceramic hollow fiber membrane. The dried precursor was later sintered at temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1300oC to obtain TiO2 hollow fiber membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of TiO2 hollow fiber membrane. The SEM images show the membrane can be shaped into asymmetric structure and symmetric structure based on the ceramic suspension compositions. The highest mechanical strength obtained was 223 MPa when the membrane prepared using 20 wt. % ceramic loading of single nano-sized powder and sintered at 1300oC. TiO2 hollow fiber membrane prepared using similar ceramic loading showed high permeation rate of inert gas. High pure water fluxes were obtained when permeability tests was carried out using TiO2 hollow fiber membrane, prepared using mixture of nano-sized particles, even though its cross-section have a sponge-like structure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  11. Comparison of Disintegrant-addition Methods on the Compounding of Orodispersible Tablets
    Mahesparan VA, Bin Abd Razak FS, Ming LC, Uddin AH, Sarker MZI, Bin LK
    Int J Pharm Compd, 2020 3 21;24(2):148-155.
    PMID: 32196477
    Orodispersible tablets disintegrate rapidly (within 3 minutes) in the oral cavity and release the medicament before swallowing. The mode of disintegrant addition might affect the properties of orodispersible tablets. The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate orodispersible tablets by studying different modes of disintegration addition with varying concentrations of disintegrants. The wet granulation method was used to produce the orodispersible tablets. Two methods of disintegration addition were compared (i.e., intragranular, extragranular). Three disintegrants (i.e., cornstarch, sodium starch glycolate, crospovidone) were used at three levels (5%, 10%, and 15%) in the study. The formulations were tested for the powder flowability (angle of repose) and characterized physically (hardness, weight, thickness, friability, disintegration time). The mangosteen pericarp extract was used as a model active pharmaceutical ingredient to be incorporated into the optimum formulation. It was observed that the extragranular method produced granules with better flowability compared to that of the intragranular method. Crospovidone was found as the most efficient disintegrant among the three. The optimum formulation selected was one with the highest concentration of crospovidone (15%), which showed the fastest disintegration time. The mode of disintegrant addition into the orodispersible tablets formulation was found to show a marked difference in the disintegration, as well as other physical characteristics of the orodispersible tablets where the extragranular mode of addition showed better property, which caused the orodispersible tablets to disintegrate the fastest.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  12. Fulltext Optimization of Washing Processes in Solvothermal Synthesis of Nickel-Based MOF-74
    Kamal K, Bustam MA, Ismail M, Grekov D, Mohd Shariff A, Pré P
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Jun 17;13(12).
    PMID: 32560394 DOI: 10.3390/ma13122741
    Solvothermal synthesis is the most preferable preparation technique of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that consists of reactants mixing, ultrasonication, solvothermal reaction, product washing, and solvent evacuation. Owing to fast reaction kinetics in solvothermal reaction, this technique allows for production of uniform MOF particles with high crystallinity, high phase purity, and small particle sizes. However, it exhibits some difficulties of washing processes that may involve the blockage of pores due to incomplete removal of reactive medium from MOF products. The present study proposes an improvement of washing processes by introducing centrifugal separations with optimized parameters at two different stages: after reaction and after product washing. Nickel‑based MOF‑74 was synthesized as the experimental material for this purpose. The quality of the produced sample was evaluated by gas adsorption performance using CO2 at 1 bar and 25 °C. The final sample of the optimized synthesis routes was able to adsorb 5.80 mmol/g of CO2 uptake, which was competitive with literature data and significantly higher than the sample of the basic synthesis. Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X‑ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis revealed that the sample displayed much higher crystallinity structure and was clean from impurities after centrifugations. The outcome indicated the success of separation between MOF products and reactive medium during washing processes, leading to the effective pore activation of MOFs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  13. Effects of inlet temperature and carrier concentration on spray-dried 'cempedak' (Artocarpus integer) fruit powder and its reconstitution properties
    Pui LP, Karim R, Yusof YA, Wong CW, Ghazali HM
    Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment, 2021 4 23;20(2):135-148.
    PMID: 33884852 DOI: 10.17306/J.AFS.0801
    BACKGROUND: 'Cempedak' (Artocarpus integer) is an aromatic fruit which is similar to jackfruit. Although it is rich in vitamin A and is consumed fresh, the fruit has a short shelf life. Hence, it can be converted through a spray-drying process, to form powder, which is more stable. Powder flow properties are important when considering storage, while its reconstitution characteristics are critical for the consumer to make juice from the product.

    METHODS: The parameters of spray-dried 'cempedak' fruit powder under study include inlet air temperature (140-180°C) and maltodextrin (DE 10) concentrations (5-15% w/w). Response surface methodology involving 14 runs was used to assess the effects of inlet temperature and maltodextrin on the powder flow properties and reconstitution properties of the spray-dried 'cempedak' powder.

    RESULTS: Out of the tested responses, only bulk density, change in cake height ratio, and water solubility index had a high coefficient of determination value. Inlet air temperature was found to be the main parameter to affect the bulk density, caking and water solubility index, when compared to maltodextrin concentration. By setting minimization of caking and maximization of water solubility index as the main determinants, the optimal parameters of 160°C inlet temperature and 15% (w/w) maltodextrin DE10 were generated, with a desirability of 0.697.

    CONCLUSIONS: The powder produced under optimal conditions (160°C and 15% w/w maltodextrin) had a low bulk density (480.01 kg/m3), low caking properties (0.17 change in cake height ratio), and a high solubility index (88.69). This indicates that the powder is stable to be stored (without caking) and will have good reconstitution when added to water.

    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  14. Possible mechanism for drug retardation from glyceryl monostearate matrix system
    Peh KK, Wong CF, Yuen KH
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2000 Apr;26(4):447-50.
    PMID: 10769787
    Lipophilicity was evaluated as a possible mechanism for drug retardation from a glyceryl monostearate matrix system. Lipophilicity of the glyceryl monostearate matrix system was studied using contact angle measurement of water droplets on the surface of compressed disks, extrudate ascension of water, and movement of water through a powder mixture packed in a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) column. Increase in glyceryl monostearate content resulted in an increase in water droplet contact angle, decrease in the rate of water ascending the extrudate, and increase in the pressure values as a function of flow rate of water moving through the powder mixture. These could be due to the increase in lipophilicity of the matrix, rendering the matrix less wettable. As a result, the rate of water penetration into the matrix decreased, and the drug release could be sustained.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  15. Safety Evaluation of Sclerotium from a Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus cameronensis (Cultivar): Preclinical Toxicology Studies
    Lee SS, Tan NH, Pailoor J, Fung SY
    Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:594.
    PMID: 28919858 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00594
    Twenty-eight days subacute toxicity studies performed in rats using sclerotial powder of Lignosus cameronensis cultivar was conducted to assess its safety for consumption prior to other scientific investigations on its medicinal benefits, nutraceutical or pharmaceutical application of the mushroom. The study was conducted at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg sclerotial powder of L. cameronensis cultivar (n = 5 for each respective dose, on both male and female groups) while control groups received only distilled water. At the end of the study (29th day), the animals were sacrificed followed by blood and organs collection for analysis. Subacute toxicity studies done shows that sclerotial powder of L. cameronensis cultivar at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg did not induce treatment related changes on behavioral patterns, gross physical appearance, growth pattern, body weight gain, values of hematological and clinical biochemical panels as well as histopathological findings on kidney, spleen, heart, lung and liver of the experimental rats. The no-observed-adverse-effect level dose for sclerotial powder of L. cameronensis cultivar in 28-days sub-acute toxicity study is determined to be 1000 mg/kg.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  16. Utilization of chemically treated municipal solid waste (spent coffee bean powder) as reinforcement in cellulose matrix for packaging applications
    Thiagamani SMK, Nagarajan R, Jawaid M, Anumakonda V, Siengchin S
    Waste Manag, 2017 Nov;69:445-454.
    PMID: 28774586 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.07.035
    As the annual production of the solid waste generable in the form of spent coffee bean powder (SCBP) is over 6 million tons, its utilization in the generation of green energy, waste water treatment and as a filler in biocomposites is desirable. The objective of this article is to analyze the possibilities to valorize coffee bean powder as a filler in cellulose matrix. Cellulose matrix was dissolved in the relatively safer aqueous solution mixture (8% LiOH and 15% Urea) precooled to -12.5°C. To the cellulose solution (SCBP) was added in 5-25wt% and the composite films were prepared by regeneration method using ethyl alcohol as a coagulant. Some SCBP was treated with aq. 5% NaOH and the composite films were also prepared using alkali treated SCBP as a filler. The films of composites were uniform with brown in color. The cellulose/SCBP films without and with alkali treated SCBP were characterized by FTIR, XRD, optical and polarized optical microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile tests. The maximum tensile strength of the composite films with alkali treated SCBP varied between (106-149MPa) and increased with SCBP content when compared to the composites with untreated SCBP. The thermal stability of the composite was higher at elevated temperatures when alkali treated SCBP was used. Based on the improved tensile properties and photo resistivity, the cellulose/SCBP composite films with alkali treated SCBP may be considered for packaging and wrapping of flowers and vegetables.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  17. Thermo-mechanical properties and sustainability analysis of newly developed eco-friendly structural foamed concrete by reusing palm oil fuel ash and eggshell powder as supplementary cementitious materials
    Jhatial AA, Goh WI, Mastoi AK, Rahman AF, Kamaruddin S
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Mar 20.
    PMID: 33745050 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13435-2
    The production of cement contributes to 10% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution and 74 to 81% towards the total CO2 pollution by concrete. In addition to that, its low strength-to-weight ratio, high density and thermal conductivity are among the few limitations of heavy weight concrete. Therefore, this study was carried out to provide a solution to these limitations by developing innovative eco-friendly lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) of 1800 kg/m3 density incorporating 20-25% palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and 5-15% eggshell powder (ESP) by weight of total binder as supplementary cementitious material (SCM). The influence of combined utilization of POFA and ESP on the fresh state properties of eco-friendly LFC was determined using the J-ring test. To determine the mechanical properties, a total of 48 cubes and 24 cylinders were prepared for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity each. A total of 24 panels were prepared to determine the thermal properties in terms of surface temperature and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, to assess the environmental impact and eco-friendliness of the developed LFC, the embodied carbon and eco-strength efficiency was calculated. It was determined that the utilization of POFA and ESP reduced the workability slightly but enhanced the mechanical properties of LFC (17.05 to 22.60 MPa compressive strength and 1.43 to 2.61 MPa tensile strength), thus satisfies the ACI213R requirements for structural lightweight concrete and that it can be used for structural applications. Additionally, the thermal conductivity reduced ranging from 0.55 to 0.63 W/mK compared to 0.82 W/mK achieved by control sample. Furthermore, the developed LFC showed a 16.96 to 33.55% reduction in embodied carbon and exhibited higher eco-strength efficiency between 47.82 and 76.97%. Overall, the combined utilization of POFA and ESP as SCMs not only enhanced the thermo-mechanical performance, makes the sustainable LFC as structural lightweight concrete, but also has reduced the environmental impacts caused by the disposal of POFA and ESP in landfills as well as reducing the total CO2 emissions during the production of eco-friendly LFC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  18. Surface Modification of lactose carrier particles using a fluid bed coater to improve fine particle fraction for dry powder inhalers
    Gong QQ, Tay JYS, Veronica N, Xu J, Heng PWS, Zhang YP, et al.
    Pharm Dev Technol, 2023 Feb;28(2):164-175.
    PMID: 36683577 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2023.2171434
    Surface roughness of carrier particles can impact dry powder inhaler (DPI) performance. There are opposing views on the effect of roughness on DPI performance. Hence, a systematic approach is needed to modify carrier surfaces and evaluate the impact on drug delivery. Carrier particle surfaces were modified by fluid bed coating with saturated lactose containing micronized lactose of different sizes (2, 5 and 8 μm) and coated to different levels (20, 40, 60 and 80%). Their drug delivery performance was assessed by the fine particle fraction (FPF). Roughness parameters, mean arithmetic roughness (Ra) and arithmetic mean height (Sa), of the carrier particles, were also evaluated using optical profilometry and scanning laser microscopy. Generally, particles of higher Ra had higher FPF. Higher Sa resulted in higher FPF only for particles with 60 and 80% coat levels. Reduced contact surface area between the drug particle and rougher carrier particle resulted in easier drug detachment during aerosolization. The 5 µm micronized lactose produced optimal carrier particles with respect to FPF and surface roughness. The study highlighted that with the ideal particles for surface roughening and coating level, surface roughening could be efficiently achieved by fluid bed coating for superior DPI performance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  19. Long-Term Impact of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation on Micronutrient Status, Hemoglobin Level, and Growth in Children 24 to 59 Months of Age: A Non-Randomized Community-Based Trial from Pakistan
    Khan A, Ul-Haq Z, Fatima S, Ahmed J, Alobaid HM, Fazid S, et al.
    Nutrients, 2023 Mar 30;15(7).
    PMID: 37049531 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071690
    Cost-effective interventions are needed to address undernutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, which are common in children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries. A community-based, non-randomized clinical trial was undertaken in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 2018 to June 2019, to evaluate the effect of locally produced micronutrient powder (local name: Vita-Mixe) on plasma micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and anthropometric outcomes. Children aged 24-48 months old were recruited and allocated to the intervention and control arm of the study. The enrolled children in the intervention arm received one micronutrient powder (MNP) sachet for consumption on alternate days for 12 months. To assess the impact of the intervention on plasma levels of zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, and hemoglobin level, blood samples were taken at baseline and after one year following the intervention. The analysis was conducted using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), atomic absorption spectrometry, and an automated hematology analyzer. For the impact on growth parameters, the anthropometric assessment was performed using WHO standard guidelines. A 24 h dietary recall interview was used to assess the nutrient intake adequacy. Results showed that in the intervention arm, children had on average a 7.52 ng/mL (95% CI 5.11-9.92, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma level of vitamin A, 4.80 ng/mL (95% CI 1.63-7.95, p-value < 0.002) increase in vitamin D levels and 33.85 µg/dL (95% CI 24.40-43.30, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma zinc level, as well as a 2.0g/dL (95% CI 1.64-2.40, p-value < 0.001) increase in hemoglobin level. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) (from -1.0 ± 0.88 to -0.40 ± 1.01, p < 0.001) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) (from -1.40 ± 0.50 to -1.05 ± 0.49, p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No statistically significant change was observed in the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) in the intervention group (p = 0.93). In conclusion, micronutrient powder supplementation is a cost-effective intervention to improve the micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and growth parameters in under-five children, which can be scaled up in the existing health system to address the alarming rates of undernutrition in Pakistan and other developing countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
  20. Low-cost novel nano-constructed granite composites for removal of hazardous Terasil dye from wastewater
    Khalil M, Hanif MA, Rashid U, Ahmad J, Alsalme A, Tsubota T
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jul;30(34):81333-81351.
    PMID: 35710971 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21367-8
    The hazardous dyes on mixing with water resources are affecting many life forms. Granite stone is popular worldwide for decorating floors, making other forms of decorative materials and items. Granite stone powder waste can be obtained free of cost from marble factories as factories spend on the disposal of this waste. In the present study, novel granite stone powder waste composite has been prepared and utilized for the effective removal of Terasil dye. Two types of granite including gray granite and white granite were used in pure, calcinized, and chemically modified forms. Freundlich adsorption isotherm model best explained the adsorption mechanism of dye removal using granite composites as compared to other adsorption isothermal models. Characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used for the determination of morphological features and functional groups of granite composites. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) along with the post hoc Tukey test. An extraordinarily high Terasil dye uptake capacity (more than 400 mg/g) was exhibited by granite composites prepared using sodium metasilicate. The synthesized novel nano-constructed composites provided a viable strategy as compared to the pure granite stone for dye removal from wastewater water.
    Matched MeSH terms: Powders
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