Composite materials used in the prosthetic and orthotic fields have helped improve the fabrication of sockets. Laminated sockets proved to be stronger than conventional thermoplastic sockets. The internal surface of a laminated socket plays an important role in patient comfort and is influenced by the material used to fabricate the socket. This study analyzes the internal surface profile of five different materials, that is, Dacron felt, fiberglass, Perlon stockinette, polyester stockinette, and elastic stockinette. All sockets were fabricated using an acrylic resin mix with hardener powder at a ratio of 100:3. The internal surface of the sockets was tested using the Mitutoyo SurfTest SJ-210 series for 20 trials. The overall Ra values were 2.318, 2.380, 2.682, 2.722, and 3.750 µm for fiberglass, polyester, Perlon, elastic stockinette, and Dacron felt. Dacron felt yielded the lowest Ra value, thus, producing the smoothest internal surface but requiring high skill and the correct technique during the fabrication of a laminated socket. Fiberglass is considered the best material for the internal surface despite not producing the lowest value individually but overall is the lowest and most consistent, indicating that it is easy to use to laminate prosthetic sockets.
Effects of controlled-temperature fermentation on several physico-chemical properties, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts and aroma of durian pulp were examined by storing fresh durian pulp was mixed with 2 % (w/w) salt and stored at 15 °C, 27 °C and 40 °C for 10 days. Storage at 15 °C did not affect the properties of the pulp much. However, at 27 °C and 40 °C, pH and total soluble solids decreased up to 60 % and 52 %, respectively, with greater losses at 27 °C. Titratable acidity, which increased at 27 °C, was due to lactic and acetic acids formation. Loss of sucrose and increases in glucose were greater at 27 °C. LAB population increased up to Day 3 of storage, and then decreased slightly. Principal component analysis based on aroma examination using a zNose(TM) showed better retention of aroma profile at 27 °C. Overall, durian fermented at 27 °C was more acceptable than the one prepared at 40 °C, and it is ready to be consumed between Day 4 and 6.
Chili shrimp paste (CSP) is an exotic traditional Southeast Asian condiment prepared using mainly fresh chilies and fermented shrimp paste (belacan) which attributed to strong pungent fishy odor. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of electron beam irradiation (EBI) exposure on CSP for microorganisms decontamination, and its physicochemical qualities changes. Changes in capsaicinoid contents and volatile compounds were analyzed using HPLC and GC-MS. Mesophilic bacteria, yeast, mold and pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae decreased as irradiation dose increasing from 0 to 10kGy. EBI at 10kGy effectively decontaminated the samples with no significant effects on phenolic and capsaicinoids contents compared to the fresh samples. From 24 compounds, irradiated CSP retained 23 volatile compounds, while thermally treated CSP has only 19 compounds. EBI at 10kGy is effective for decontamination in CSP with lesser destructive effect on volatile compounds and texture compared to thermal treatment.
Dielectrics are essential for storing and controlling electrical energy in the electrical and electronic industries. However, their production from non-renewable sources raises environmental concerns. This review investigates sustainable polymer-based dielectric composites made from agricultural waste, focusing on the various parameters that affect dielectric characteristics. These composites offer improved dielectric properties and contribute to waste reduction and environmental sustainability. Agricultural waste, including crop residues and by-products, offers a promising, sustainable source of dielectric composite materials. This review also highlights the feasibility of using agricultural waste-based polymer dielectric composites for dielectric material in various electronics applications. Dielectric composite's permittivity is influenced by carbon, oxygen, filler, temperature, cellulose, and morphological changes. Biodegradable materials like agricultural waste, which have good fibre and carbon content, can produce good dielectric constants, making them suitable for antennas and microwave absorbers. In conclusion, the review underscores the importance of sustainable practices in dielectric composite material development and the valuable role of agricultural waste in advancing environmentally friendly solutions.