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The effects of plasticizers on the mechanical properties and chemical composition of a gelatin biopolymer

Ip et al. | Jul 28, 2024

The effects of plasticizers on the mechanical properties and chemical composition of a gelatin biopolymer

Here, in an effort to identify alternatives to oil-based plastic, the authors sought to investigate the effects of plasticizers on the mechanical properties and chemical composition of gelatin bioplastic matrices. Through measurements of their tensile strength and elongation at break, along with FTIR spectroscopy, they identified 3% w/v polyethylene glycol film as having the best performance in their study..

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Effect of sub-layer water saturation on two-layer sand fluidization

Doan et al. | Oct 27, 2026

Effect of sub-layer water saturation on two-layer sand fluidization
Image credit: Doan, Damm, and Doan

This study investigates the effect of water saturation in a two-layer fluidization behavior of an overlying dry sand bed. Building on prior work showing that moisture inhibits fluidization in granular media, the authors address an underexplored configuration involving layered dry and wet sand. The experiments demonstrate that even minimal water saturation in the sub-layer prevents uniform fluidization of the dry upper layer, leading to the conclusion that two-layer fluidized beds with moisture are not viable under the conditions tested.

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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards and Financial Performance in Vietnam’s Media Sector

Nguyen et al. | Jul 29, 2026

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards and Financial Performance in Vietnam’s Media Sector
Image credit: Nguyen, Tran, Pham, and Nguyen

In this study, the authors examine the relationship between ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors on financial performance of Vietnamese media companies, as measured by ROA and ROE. They find that ESG is positively correlated with financial performance, as is sales growth. They also find that financial leverage is negatively correlated with ROA. Overall, this is a quality study, although the methods section requires more detail.

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Converting SiO2 wafers to hydrophobic using chlorotrimethylsilane

Lee et al. | Aug 20, 2024

Converting SiO<sub>2</sub> wafers to hydrophobic using chlorotrimethylsilane

Semiconductors are the center of the fourth industrial revolution as they are key components for all electronics. Exposed wafers made of silicon (Si), which can easily oxidize, convert to silicon dioxide (SiO2). The surface of SiO2 wafers consists of many Si-OH bonds, allowing them to easily bond with water, resulting in a “wet” or hydrophilic condition. We sought to determine a way to modify the surface of SiO2 wafers to become hydrophobic to ensure safe wet cleaning.

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Utilizing a Wastewater-Based Medium for Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Biological Production of Fatty Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids to Replace Petrochemicals

Ramesh et al. | Oct 02, 2019

Utilizing a Wastewater-Based Medium for Engineered <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> for the Biological Production of Fatty Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids to Replace Petrochemicals

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is used to produce bioethanol, an alternative to fossil fuels. In this study, authors take advantage of this well studied yeast by genetically engineering them to increase fatty acid biosynthesis and culturing in a cost-effective wastewater based medium; potentially providing a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals.

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