Natural Sciences Engineering and Technology Journal

Evaluation of the Moisturizing Efficacy and Stability of an Essence Sheet Mask Formulated with Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Extract

2024-10-30T02:56:16+00:00

The pursuit of effective and natural skincare solutions has led to the exploration of plant-based ingredients. Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel, rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, presents a promising avenue for developing moisturizing skincare products. This study aimed to evaluate the moisturizing efficacy and stability of an essence sheet mask formulated with red dragon fruit peel extract. Red dragon fruit peel extract was obtained using ethanol extraction. Essence sheet masks were formulated with varying concentrations of the extract (0%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). The physical properties (organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, and homogeneity), stability (cycling test), skin irritation potential (patch test), and moisturizing efficacy (corneometer measurements) of the sheet masks were assessed. The hedonic attributes of the masks were also evaluated through a consumer perception study. The formulated essence sheet masks exhibited desirable physical properties and were stable under accelerated storage conditions. No skin irritation was observed in the patch test. The sheet masks containing red dragon fruit peel extract demonstrated a significant increase in skin hydration compared to the control group. The consumer perception study indicated high acceptance of the masks, particularly those with higher extract concentrations. The findings suggest that red dragon fruit peel extract can be effectively incorporated into essence sheet masks to enhance skin hydration. The developed sheet masks were well-tolerated and exhibited good stability, making them promising candidates for natural moisturizing skincare products.

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Spray Gel Containing Cordyline fruticosa L. Leaf Extract for Topical Delivery

2024-10-30T02:56:07+00:00

Spray gel is a gel system applied through a spray pump, producing small or large liquid droplets. Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Cheval, commonly known as Andong Merah, is a plant with various medicinal properties, including wound healing activity attributed to its flavonoid content. This research aimed to formulate and evaluate the physicochemical properties of a spray gel containing Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract for topical delivery, focusing on the effects of different concentrations of Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent and sorbitol as a humectant. Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. Three spray gel formulations were prepared, varying the concentrations of Carbopol 940 (0.4 g, 0.6 g, and 0.8 g) and sorbitol (5 ml, 7.5 ml, and 10 ml). The prepared spray gels were then subjected to physicochemical evaluation, including organoleptic tests (color, odor, and consistency), homogeneity tests, pH measurements, viscosity measurements, spray pattern analysis, and adhesion tests. All spray gel formulations exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties. The formulations were homogeneous, with a pH within the acceptable range for topical applications. The viscosity and adhesion properties varied with the concentrations of Carbopol 940 and sorbitol. The spray pattern analysis revealed a circular spread pattern, with the pressure required for spraying influenced by the viscosity of the formulation. The spray gel formulations containing Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract demonstrated good physicochemical qualities, indicating their potential suitability for topical delivery. Further studies are recommended to optimize the formulation for enhanced stability and therapeutic efficacy.

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Simulation of Hydrodynamic Vortex Turbine Performance: Influence of Notch Angle Variation on Flow Patterns and Efficiency

2024-10-30T02:56:12+00:00

Hydrodynamic vortex turbines (HVTs) offer a promising solution for harnessing renewable energy from low-head water sources. The inlet notch angle, a critical geometric parameter, significantly influences the flow patterns within the turbine basin and, consequently, its overall performance. This study investigates the impact of notch angle variation on HVT efficiency and flow characteristics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. A 3D model of an HVT was developed and simulated using ANSYS Fluent. The notch angle was varied between 7° and 15° in 2° increments. The k-ω SST turbulence model was employed to capture the complex flow behavior. Velocity and pressure contours were analyzed to understand the flow patterns, while turbine performance metrics, including torque, power output, and efficiency, were computed. The results revealed a strong correlation between notch angle and turbine performance. Increasing the notch angle led to higher flow velocities in the turbine basin, resulting in enhanced vortex formation and increased energy extraction. Consequently, both power output and efficiency improved with larger notch angles. The optimal notch angle, balancing efficiency and practical considerations, was identified. This study demonstrates the critical role of notch angle in HVT design. CFD simulations provide valuable insights into the flow dynamics and performance optimization of these turbines. The findings contribute to the advancement of HVT technology for sustainable micro-hydro power generation.

Quantifying the Impact of Industry 4.0 Technologies on Leather Processing Efficiency: A Meta-Analysis

2024-10-30T02:56:20+00:00

Industry 4.0, marked by the integration of digital technologies and automation, presents a transformative opportunity for the leather industry to enhance efficiency and productivity. This meta-analysis aims to quantitatively synthesize the existing evidence on the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on leather processing efficiency. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2024. Studies reporting quantitative data on the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on leather processing efficiency were included. Effect sizes were extracted and pooled using random-effects models. The meta-analysis included 25 studies, encompassing a total of 1,250 leather processing facilities. The overall pooled effect size indicated a significant positive impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on leather processing efficiency (Hedges' g = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.82, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the impact varied across different technologies and stages of leather processing. Industry 4.0 technologies have a substantial positive impact on leather processing efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of embracing these technologies for leather manufacturers to remain competitive and meet the growing demand for sustainable and efficient production practices. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these technologies and their potential for further optimization.

Effectiveness of Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring in Reducing Postpartum Hemorrhage Rates: A Meta-Analysis

2024-11-05T01:17:18+00:00

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited access to healthcare. Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies offer potential solutions for early detection and management of PPH. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in reducing PPH rates. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2013 and 2024 investigating the impact of telemedicine and remote monitoring interventions on PPH rates. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a control group were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of PPH (blood loss ≥500 ml after vaginal delivery or ≥1000 ml after cesarean delivery). Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test. Six studies involving 4200 women met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in PPH rates in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.47-0.67; p<0.00001). The funnel plot was symmetrical, and Egger's test was not statistically significant (p=0.45), suggesting no evidence of publication bias. Telemedicine and remote monitoring interventions are associated with a significant reduction in PPH rates. These findings support the integration of these technologies into postpartum care to improve maternal outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.