Nano-Silica Bubbled Structure Based Durable and Flexible Superhydrophobic Electrospun Nanofibrous Membrane for Extensive Functional Applications

Nanoscale surface roughness has conventionally been induced by using complicated approaches; however, the homogeneity of superhydrophobic surface and hazardous pollutants continue to have existing challenges that require a solution. As a prospective solution, a novel bubbled-structured silica nanoparticle (SiO₂) decorated electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membrane (SiO₂@PU-NFs) was prepared through a synchronized electrospinning and electrospraying process. The SiO₂@PU-NFs nanofibrous membrane exhibited a nanoscale hierarchical surface roughness, attributed to excellent superhydrophobicity. The SiO₂@PU-NFs membrane had an optimized fiber diameter of 394 ± 105 nm and was fabricated with a 25 kV applied voltage, 18% PU concentration, 20 cm spinning distance, and 6% SiO₂ nanoparticles. The resulting membrane exhibited a water contact angle of 155.23°. Moreover, the developed membrane attributed excellent mechanical properties (14.22 MPa tensile modulus, 134.5% elongation, and 57.12 kPa hydrostatic pressure). The composite nanofibrous membrane also offered good breathability characteristics (with an air permeability of 70.63 mm/s and a water vapor permeability of 4167 g/m²/day). In addition, the proposed composite nanofibrous membrane showed a significant water/oil separation efficiency of 99.98, 99.97, and 99.98% against the water/xylene, water/n-hexane, and water/toluene mixers. When exposed to severe mechanical stresses and chemicals, the composite nanofibrous membrane sustained its superhydrophobic quality (WCA greater than 155.23°) up to 50 abrasion, bending, and stretching cycles. Consequently, this composite structure could be a good alternative for various functional applications.

Nexus of digital platforms, innovation capability, and strategic alignment to enhance innovation performance in the Asia Pacific region: a dynamic capability perspective

The direct influence of digital platforms on organizational efficiency, financial performance, and strategy attracts the close attention of researchers. The complex mechanisms and pathways of digital platforms on transformation capacity, however, are still unclear at the global and Asia Pacific levels. Drawing on dynamic capability theory, we empirically explore how digital platforms augment organizational innovation performance. We advance the current literature on digital platforms by finding that digital platform capability boosts an organization’s dynamism and innovation performance. Furthermore, we extend the literature by revealing that, indirectly, innovation capability and strategic alignment have a substantial influence over digital platform capability and innovation performance. Finally, the study formulates a conceptual model from a dynamic capability perspective, rather than from a resource-based view, and test it using the responses collected from 153 Pakistani manufacturing firms.

Sustainable fashion: Design of the experiment assisted machine learning for the environmental-friendly resin finishing of cotton fabric

Given the carcinogenic properties of formaldehyde-based chemicals, an alternative method for resin-finishing cotton textiles is urgently needed. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to introduce a sustainable resin-finishing process for cotton fabric via an industrial procedure. For this purpose, Bluesign® approved a formaldehyde-free Knittex RCT® resin was used, and the process parameters were designed and optimized according to the Taguchi L₂₇ method. XRD analysis confirmed the crosslinking formation between resin and neighboring molecules of cotton fabric, as no change in the cellulose crystallization phase. Several machine learning models were built in a sequence to predict the crease recovery angle (CRA), tearing strength (TE) and whiteness index (WI). Assessment of modelling was evaluated through the use of various metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R²). Results were compared to those from other regression models, such as principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and fuzzy modelling. Based on the results of our research, the LSSVR model predicted the CRA, TE, and WI with substantially more accuracy than other models, as shown by the fact that its RMSE and MAE values were significantly lower. In addition, it offered the greatest possible R² values, reaching up to 0.9627.

Impact of textile dyes on health and ecosystem: a review of structure, causes, and potential solutions

The rapid growth of population and industrialization have intensified the problem of water pollution globally. To meet the challenge of industrialization, the use of synthetic dyes in the textile industry, dyeing and printing industry, tannery and paint industry, paper and pulp industry, cosmetic and food industry, dye manufacturing industry, and pharmaceutical industry has increased exponentially. Among these industries, the textile industry is prominent for the water pollution due to the hefty consumption of water and discharge of coloring materials in the effluent. The discharge of this effluent into the aquatic reservoir affects its biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH. The release of the effluents without any remedial treatment will generate a gigantic peril to the aquatic ecosystem and human health. The ecological-friendly treatment of the dye-containing wastewater to minimize the detrimental effect on human health and the environment is the need of the hour. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the catastrophic effects of textile dyes on human health and the environment. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the dyes and chemicals used in the textile industry, focusing on the typical treatment processes for their removal from industrial wastewaters, including chemical, biological, physical, and hybrid techniques.

How do firms create business value and dynamic capabilities by leveraging big data analytics management capability?

Despite researchers having averred that big data analytics (BDA) transforms firms' ways of doing business, knowledge about operationalizing these technologies in organizations to achieve strategic objectives is lacking. Moreover, organizations' great appetite for big data and limited empirical proof of whether BDA impacts organizations' transformational capacity poses a need for further empirical investigation. Therefore, this study explores the association between big data analytics management capabilities (BDAMC) and innovation performance via dynamic capabilities (DC), by applying the PLS-SEM technique to analyzing the feedback of 149 firms. Consequently, we ground our arguments on dynamic capability and social capital theory rather than a resource-based view that does not provide suitable explanations for the deployment of resources to adapt to change. Accordingly, we advance this research stream by finding that BDAMC significantly enhances innovation performance through DC. We also extend the literature by disclosing how BDAMC strengthens DC via strategic alignment and social capital.

Graphene oxide loaded fibrous matrixes of polyether block amide (PEBA) elastomer as an adsorbent for removal of cationic dye from wastewater

Novel highly porous nanoparticle materials are increasingly being applied in adsorption processes, but they need to be supported by robust matrixes to maintain their functionality. We present a study of hosting graphene oxide (GO) particles on polyether block amide (PEBA) melt electrospun fibers and applying such composite matrix to the adsorption of the cationic dye (crystal violet) from water. Various amounts of GO (from 0.5 to 2.0%) were mixed into pure PEBA and electrospun by melt electrospinning obtaining micro fibrous matrixes. These were characterized for morphology (SEM), chemical composition (FTIR), crystallinity (XRD), and wetting behavior (WCA). The increasing amount of GO adversely affected fiber diameter (reduced from 13.18 to 4.38 μm), while the hydrophilic properties (Water contact angle decrease from 109 to 76°) and overall dye adsorption was increased. Efficient adsorption has been demonstrated, reaching approximately 100 % removal efficiency using a 2% GO composite matrix at a dose of 40 mg/l and pH of 10. Further increase of GO concentration in polymer is not feasible due to instability in the electrospinning process.

A New Industrial Technology for Mass Production of Graphene/PEBA Membranes for CO2/CH4 Selectivity with High Dispersion, Thermal and Mechanical Performance

Polyether block amide (PEBA) nanocomposite membranes, including Graphene (GA)/PEBA membranes are considered to be a promising emerging technology for removing CO2 from natural gas and biogas. However, poor dispersion of GA in the produced membranes at industrial scale still forms the main barrier to commercialize. Within this frame, this research aims to develop a new industrial approach to produce GA/PEBA granules that could be used as a feedstock material for mass production of GA/PEBA membranes. The developed approach consists of three sequential phases. The first stage was concentrated on production of GA/PEBA granules using extrusion process (at 170-210 °C, depending on GA concentration) in the presence of Paraffin Liquid (PL) as an adhesive layer (between GA and PEBA) and assisted melting of PEBA. The second phase was devoted to production of GA/PEBA membranes using a solution casting method. The last phase was focused on evaluation of CO2/CH4 selectivity of the fabricated membranes at low and high temperatures (25 and 55 °C) at a constant feeding pressure (2 bar) using a test rig built especially for that purpose. The granules and membranes were prepared with different concentrations of GA in the range 0.05 to 0.5 wt.% and constant amount of PL (2 wt.%). Also, the morphology, physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical behaviors of the synthesized membranes were analyzed with the help of SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA-DTG, and universal testing machine. The results showed that incorporation of GA with PEBA using the developed approach resulted in significant improvements in dispersion, thermal, and mechanical properties (higher elasticity increased by ~10%). Also, ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity was improved by 29% at 25 °C and 32% at 55 °C.

193 Effect of clinical metritis on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle

Unhygienic practices at the time of parturition or AI lead to uterine infections. The uterine infections ultimately result in genetic drain by culling the elite animals. The invivo developmental competence of embryos is compromised in clinically metritic animals. The genetic potential of problematic females could be harvested by invitro embryo production (IVEP). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinical metritis on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle. This experiment was carried out from December 2017 to April 2018. Ovaries were collected from a local abattoir (Bos indicus; 5- to 8-year-old dairy cattle, body condition score 2.75±0.25, mixed parity). These ovaries (n=982) were divided into two groups: (1) clinically metritic (n=184), and (2) healthy (n=798), based upon the presence or absence of pus in the uterine lumen. Oocytes were aspirated from follicles using an 18G needle attached to a 10-mL syringe. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were categorized into A, B, C, and D grades based on the number of layers of cumulus cells and integrity of ooplasm. The oocytes of grades A and B were subsequently transferred in groups (10/group) in four-well plates containing 100-μL droplets. The droplets with oocytes were covered with prewarmed mineral oil and incubated for 24h at 38.5°C, 5% CO2, and 95% relative humidity. The oocytes were evaluated for IVM on the basis of cumulus expansion. Frozen semen was thawed and prepared using the sperm swim-up procedure for each group. Spermatozoa and oocytes were incubated together for a period of 18h. The presumptive zygotes were invitro cultured for 4 days in a CO2 incubator under similar culture conditions. The cleavage rate, 4-cell, and 8-cell stages were recorded on Days 2, 3, and 4 after the day of insemination, respectively. Data on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, IVM, cleavage rate, and 4-cell and 8-cell stages were analysed by Chi-squared test using SPSS software (version 20; IBM Corp.) for Windows. Results demonstrated that recovery rate was lower (63.8% vs. 71.7%; P<0.05) in clinically metritic compared with healthy cattle. Similarly, oocytes of grade A and B quality were lower (41.0% vs. 51.1%; P<0.05), whereas those of C and D quality were higher (59.0% vs. 48.9%; P<0.05) in clinically metritic compared with the healthy group. Moreover, 4-cell (38.2% vs. 54.8%) and 8-cell stage embryos (11.3% vs. 29.1%), were lower (P<0.05) in the clinically metritic compared with the healthy group, respectively. However, maturation rate and cleavage rate did not differ (P>0.05) between groups. In conclusion, metritis in slaughterhouse ovaries negatively affects oocyte recovery rate, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle.

143 Effect of corpus luteum on recovery rate, quality, and in vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Bos indicus dairy cows

Assisted reproductive technologies have modernized the dairy industry for the rapid multiplication of superior genetic traits. However, the exploitation of genetics through in vitro embryo production in farm animals has been struggling during the last 3 decades. The presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) on ovaries from which cumulus-oocyte complexes were recovered has been shown to affect the quality of oocytes and in vitro embryo production outcome in Bos taurus cows. Similar information is lacking in Bos indicus cows. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of presence or absence of a CL on recovery rate, quality, and in vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Bos indicus dairy cows. This study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018. The ovaries were harvested from a local abattoir (Bos indicus; 5- to 8-year-old cows having mixed parity with clinically normal reproductive tracts). These ovaries (n=750) were divided into 2 groups [(1) CYCLIC (n=318) and (2) ACYCLIC (n=432)] based on the presence or absence of mature CL having follicles on either left or right ovaries of slaughtered cows. Blood samples from the jugular vein were collected at slaughter. Serum concentrations of progesterone of CYCLIC and ACYCLIC cows were measured using radioimmunoassay. Mean number of recovered oocytes per ovary and serum concentration of progesterone were compared using PROC TTEST model. However, quality, maturation, cleavage, 8-cell, 16-cell, and morula rates were analysed by PROC FREQ model of Chi-squared. All the data was analysed using SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Results revealed that the mean serum concentrations of progesterone (4.21±0.4v. 0.5±0.2ng mL−1; P<0.05) were higher in CYCLIC as compared with ACYCLIC cows, respectively. The mean number of oocytes recovered per ovary (6.5±4.5v. 4.0±4.4; P<0.05) was higher in CYCLIC than in ACYCLIC cows. The oocytes with grade I+II quality (55.3v. 47.6%; P<0.05) were higher, whereas oocytes with grade III+IV quality (44.5v. 52.4%; P<0.05) were lower, in CYCLIC as compared with ACYCLIC cows, respectively. Furthermore, cleavage rate (70.9v. 52.8%; P<0.05) was higher in CYCLIC than in ACYCLIC cows, respectively. Similarly, the 8-cell (38.5v. 20.8%; P<0.05) and 16-cell (20.0v. 10.9%; P<0.05) stage embryos were greater in CYCLIC as compared with ACYCLIC cows, respectively. In conclusion, the presence of CL has a beneficial effect on recovery rate, quality, and in vitro embryo production outcomes in Bos indicus dairy cows. It is implied that for ovum pickup, cyclic cows should be preferred.

142 Effect of follicular size on oocyte recovery rate, quality, and in vitro developmental competency following maturation, fertilization, and culturing in Bos indicus cows

Applied reproductive technologies include AI, multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, IVF, cloning, ovum pickup, and zygote intra-fallopian tube transfer in farm animals. Modern commercialized dairy farming is ever more relying on in vitro embryo production for maximal utilisation of superior genetics of female animals. Follicular size influenced the quality of the oocytes and their in vitro developmental competence in Bos taurus cows. However, this information is lacking in Bos indicus cows. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of follicular size on recovery rate, quality, and in vitro developmental competence of the oocytes in Bos indicus cows. The ovaries (n=508) of 5- to 8-years-old Bos indicus cows, body condition score 2.75±0.25, having mixed parity and clinically normal reproductive tracts, were collected. These follicles on the ovaries were divided into 2 groups based on their size: (1) <6mm diameter and (2) ≥6mm diameter. The data on recovery; quality; maturation; cleavage rates; 4-cell, 8-cell, and 16-cell stages; and morula rate were analysed by Chi-squared test using SPSS version 20 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA, 2016) system for windows. Results revealed that oocytes with grade I+II quality (68.4v. 42.1%; P<0.05) were higher, whereas grade III+IV quality (31.6v. 57.5%; P<0.05) were lower, in ≥6mm as compared with <6mm groups, respectively. Moreover, the 4-cell (34.5v. 18.7%), 8-cell (15.4v. 7.7%), 16-cell (8.7v. 2.2%) stages and morula rate (4.5v. 0.3%) were higher (P<0.05) in ≥6mm as compared with <6mm groups, respectively. However, the maturation and cleavage rates did not differ (P>0.05) between both groups. It is concluded that oocytes having follicle size ≥6mm have better quality in terms of morphological grades and in vitro developmental competence in Bos indicus cows. It is implied that for maximum production of embryos through ovum pickup, the most appropriate follicular size for aspiration is ≥6 mm.

Helping Asian women to understand the menopause

Language barriers and cultural differences isolate Asian women from the facts concerning menopause and HRT. Zubeda Sarwar discusses the results of a study set up to address these issues.