A case study and troubleshooting experience of safety power channel of instrumentation and control system of the BAEC TRIGA Research Reactor

Microsystem Technologies - Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission TRIGA Research Reactor (BTRR) is a MK II type nuclear research reactor with a maximum thermal output power of 3 MW. Nuclear...     

Iron concentration,bioavailability, and nutritional quality of polished rice affected by different forms of foliar iron fertilizer

The present study compared the effects of four different forms of foliar iron (Fe) fertilizers on Fe concentration, bioavailability and nutritional quality of polished rice. The results showed that foliar fertilisation at the anthesis stage was an effective way to promote Fe concentration and bioavailability of polished rice, especially in case of DTPA-Fe. Compared to the control, foliar application of DTPA-Fe increased sulphur concentration and the nutrition promoter cysteine content, whereas decreased phosphorus concentration and the antinutrient phytic acid content of polished rice, as a result increased 67.2% ferrtin formation in Caco-2 cell. Moreover, foliar DTPA-Fe application could maintain amylase, protein and minerals quality of polished rice. According to the current study, DTPA-Fe is recommended as an excellent foliar Fe form for Fe biofortification program.     

Folate Content and Composition of Vegetables Commonly Consumed in China

Abstract: Folate deficiency increases the risk of chronic diseases, including neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants, megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers in adults. China is the most NTDs prevalent area in the world. Folate deficiency in China can be reduced by proper supply of fresh leafy green vegetables but little is known about the folate content and vitamers in the vegetables commonly consumed by Chinese population. The purposes of this study were first to analyze most commonly consumed important vegetables that contribute to folate intake in the Chinese population and second to estimate the significance of selected vegetables as a source of dietary folate intake. Folate content and vitamers forms in vegetables were analyzed using a valid liquid chromatography method. Monoenzyme treatment was used for leafy green and some fruit vegetables, and dienzyme treatment for some root vegetables. Total folate content in commonly consumed vegetables ranged from 14.78 to 145.54 μg/100 g in edible portion with an average of 61.99 μg/100 g. The highest folate content (>140 μg/100 g) was found in pak choi and spinach. Total folate contents in leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, and root vegetables were in the range of 17.22 to 145.54 μg/100g, 18.14 to 86.04 μg/100g, and 14.78 to75.81 μg/100g, respectively. The considerable variations in folate content were found in different types of vegetables commonly consumed by Chinese population. Leafy vegetables are a better source of folate than fruit and root vegetables commonly consumed by Chinese population. Practical Application: Data from this research would facilitate to accurately establish the actual folate intake by Chinese population. Our folate composition data on vegetables can be incorporated into the national food databases. Availability of such data is essential for estimating folate intake and defining an optimal level for fortification program in China.     

The fabrication of mechanoluminescent composites manufactured via the displaced foam dispersion technique

ABSTRACT

Mechanoluminescent (ML) phosphors are ideal components for the structural health monitoring (SHM) of in-service fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs); the integration of ML phosphors however, has proven difficult due to ML phosphor properties such as density, morphology and chemical structure. This paper seeks to address such processing difficulties through the utilisation of the novel displaced foam dispersion (DFD) technique. The displaced foam dispersion (DFD) technique is a particular method for manufacturing particulate composites in which particulates are integrated into expendable PS foams. The foams are then placed between fibre fabrics and dissolved upon the infusion of vinyl ester (VE) resin, leaving the particulates in place. Herein, ML-FRCs using two varieties of ML phosphors are manufactured via the DFD technique followed by short beam shear (SBS) testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) are used to observe sample cross sections as well as identify the spatial location of ML phosphors and fibre constituents. Short beam shear tests indicate a reduction in shear strength with the integration of polystyrene (PS) foam however, the integration of ML phosphor foams yielded slightly stronger composites as compared to samples with only PS foams. SEM and EDS analysis yield the spatial location of constituents as well noticeable differences in fibre compaction that correlate with reductions in strength. The results of this study reveal important variables for /considerations for further development of the DFD technique for the fabrication of ML-FRCs.