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Comprehensive global assessment of precipitation trend and pattern variability considering their distribution dynamics
Implementing partial least squares and machine learning regressive models for prediction of drug release in targeted drug delivery application
Design concept and phase transformation study of advanced bainitic-austenitic medium-Mn steel
Spatiotemporal control of ultrafast pulses in multimode optical fibers
A longitudinal study investigating the association between social maturity, social preference and children’s perceptions of their playfulness
Emergent complexity in the decision-making process of chess players
Ethics trumps resources in women’s and men’s evaluations of potential mates and competitors
Coagulation activity of chitin binding protein from garden candytuft seeds in water treatment
LncRNAs regulates cell death in osteosarcoma
Breastfeeding and early Bifidobacterium-driven microbial colonization shape the infant gut resistome
Unlocking the potential of phytochemicals in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 MPro protein - an in silico and cell-based approach
Experimental investigation on partial cement replacement with binary blended bagasse ash and calcined dolomite for enhanced C-25 grade concrete performance
Abstract Cement is a globally produced building material and a crucial component of every construction project. Alternative materials, mostly agro-industrial wastes, are emerging as potential cement replacements due to high carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement manufacturing and rising cost of cement. Numerous naturally occurring materials like rice husk ash, corn cob ash, fly ash, slag, silica fume, bagasse ash (BA), and natural pozzolans are used as partial substituents for cement in concrete and mortars due to their strength, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. BA is frequently used as a partial cement replacement in concrete, but most studies limit its utilization to 15%, highlighting the limitations of pozzolanic materials. This study investigates the effects of binary blended BA and calcined dolomite powder (CDP) as partial cement replacement, i.e., 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%, on the compressive strength of C-25 grade concrete. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of BA, CDP, and the binary mixture were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Furthermore, the effects of the binary mixture on workability, setting time, compressive strength, strength activity index (SAI), water absorption, and dry density on the concrete were evaluated in detail. The compressive strength was examined by casting 66 standard cubes of 15 cm $$\:\times\:$$ 15 cm $$\:\times\:$$ 15 cm size and curing them for 7 and 28 days. The compressive strength test indicates that by reducing pozzolana particle size below cement grade and blending BA with CDP, up to 30% of cement can be replaced by enhancing the compressive strength to 36.7 MPa at the end of 28 days.
Allolobophora caliginosa as bioindicator for chitosan–saponin–bentonite nanocomposite contaminated soil
Abstract The usage of nanocomposites in water treatment has risen, resulting in their leaking into the soil, which is a major environmental concern. Earthworm (Allolobophora caliginosa) is used as a bioindicator that can accumulate most pollutants, even if they are present in low concentrations. The present study aimed to use earthworms as biological indicator for chitosan–saponin–bentonite nanocomposite (CSB NCs) in the soil. Earthworms were exposed to CSB NCs (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 mg/500 g soil) for 7 consecutive days. CSB NCs induced significant damage and instability of the lysosomal membranes in coelomocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The exposure to CSB NCs resulted in a notable change in earthworm biochemical levels. Light microscopy revealed histological damage in the body wall and intestine of earthworm exposed to CSB NC. In addition, scanning electron microscopy showed morphological alterations in the anterior, dorsal, and ventral parts of the earthworm as well as in the anal region because of exposure to CSB NC. The present study demonstrated that earthworms exposed to CSB NCs had a depletion in antioxidants and presented histological alterations especially in high doses of nanocomposite. Also, treated earthworms showed substantial alterations in the surface topography. Exposure to CSB NC caused physiological and histological alteration in earthworms. This study emphasizes the urgent need to evaluate the environmental safety of nanocomposites used in water treatment.