Cementation is one of the processes employed for recovering Copper from leach liquors especially in small scale mines. The kinetics of cementation is important because of its effect on the capital and operating costs. In this research, the effect of agitation intensity, Cu-concentration, pH, iron surface and reaction time on the cementation kinetics of copper from Cheezeh ore leach liquors has been investigated. The experimental DESIGN method was carried out by using the 2k FACTORIAL approach. Experimental results showed that agitation intensity, Cu-concentration, pH and interaction between Cu-concentration and Ph have the most significant effect on cementation kinetics. Optimum conditions were agitation intensity = 300 rpm, pH=L Cu-concentration= 7 g/l and iron surface= 31.2 cm2. The kinetic constant under these conditions was estimated as 7.66*10-3min-I.

Solid lipid nanoparticles of atovaquone (ATQ-SLN) were prepared by high shear homogenization method using tripalmitin, trilaurin, and Compritol 888 ATO as the lipid matrices and Phospholipon 90H, Tween 80, and poloxamer 188 as the surfactants. Optimization of the formulations was conducted using 6 sets of 24 FULL-FACTORIAL DESIGN based on four independent variables that were the number of homogenizing cycles, concentration of the lipid, concentration of the co-surfactant, and concentration of the main surfactant. The dependent variables were particle size and polydispersity index (PdI). The homogenizing cycles showed a negative influence on the dependent variables which reduced both the particle size and the PdI value. Moreover, a combination of certain percentages of the main surfactant and co-surfactant also showed a negative influence that reduced both the particle size and PdI value. Selected formulations from each DESIGN were further characterized for the entrapment efficiency and yield. The optimised formulation of ATQ-SLN consisted of trilaurin, Phospholipon 90H and Tween 80 with a particle size of 89.4 ± 0.2 nm and entrapment efficiency of 83.0 ± 1.7%. The in-vitro release evaluation of the formulation showed a complete and immediate release of ATQ from the SLN that could be a solution to improve the poor aqueous solubility and hence poor bioavailability of the drug.

Bone tissue scaffolds that closely mimic the mechanical and biological properties of natural bone is critical for enhancing the outcomes in treatment of bone tissue damages. This study introduces an optimisation approach to DESIGNing bone tissue engineering scaffolds using Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures, evaluated through a FULL FACTORIAL DESIGN methodology. Finite Element Analysis was applied to simulate the TPMS scaffolds under mechanical loading. The influence of key factors of strut thickness, unit cell configuration, and TPMS type, on the scaffold’s mechanical performance, specifically targeting Young's modulus was evaluated. By employing FULL FACTORIAL DESIGN, this study generates empirical models of Young’s modulus as a function of those key factors. Primitive and Gyroid TPMS structures emerged as optimal, achieving Young's modulus values of 4912.3 MPa and 4666.7 MPa, respectively, with configurations of 0.01 mm strut thickness in a 3-unit cell construct. These results demonstrate that optimised TPMS scaffolds can meet the mechanical demands of bone tissue while providing adequate porosity for cell proliferation and nutrient transport, essential for effective bone regeneration.

A chromium electroplating bath with the ability to produce homogenous mist was used to evaluate parameters influencing hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) mist sampling methods. The results of 48 Cr+6 mist samples collected using the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health method 7600 showed that Cr+6 concentration was higher: (1) For sampling by closed-face filter cassettes than for sampling by open-face filter cassettes (P<0.001); (2) for samples collected at 35 cm above the electroplating solution surface than for samples collected at 50 cm (P<0.001); (3) for sampling duration of 30 minutes than for sampling duration of 180 minutes (P<0.001); and, (4) for samples extracted immediately after sampling than for samples with delayed extraction (24 hours after sampling) (P<0.001). It is concluded that the accuracy of Cr+6 mist sampling in electroplating shops will be enhanced when: (1) closed-face filter cassette is used to prevent liquid splash contamination; (2) the recommended sampling height is 35 cm above the solution surface; (3) the sampling duration is short-approximately 30 minutes; and, (4) the extraction of the Cr+6 sample is performed as soon as the sampling is completed.

Pramipexole is the mostly prescribed drug in patients with Parkinson disease. The incidence of Parkinson disease is related to aging and mostly developed in elderly people with difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia. In the current study we aimed to develop an orally fast disintegrating tablet (ODT) of pramipexole as a preferable alternative in geriatric patients. Hence, the fast disintegration is a critical for ODTs, the effects of four different superdisintegrants including, crospovidone, croscarmellose, sodium starch glycolate, and agar were evaluated on physical characteristics of the tablets. All of the formulations were prepared through direct compression method using aspartame and mannitol as taste masking agents. The flow properties of all of the mixtures were in the acceptable limits. Croscarmellose and Avicel® were chosen as the best superdisintegrants which resulted in the lowest disintegration time and the least friability. In subsequent studies, a 32 FULL FACTORIAL DESIGN was adopted to assess the impact of different amounts of croscarmellose and Avicel® . The overall results suggest that the tablet containing 2. 5 mg croscarmellose and 70 mg Avicel® as superdisintegrants is the best formulation. Mean hardness, disintegration time, friability, and the drug release percent during 5 min for the optimized formulation were confirmed 42. 05 ± 4. 6 Kg/cm2, 24. 98 ± 6. 8 Sec, 0. 13 %, and 95. 52 ± 2. 23%, respectively.

In this paper, cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using the precipitation method. CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were used as a catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of azo dye in an aqueous solution. Acid Yellow 23 (AY23) was used as a model dye. The CoFe2O4 catalyst was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). A batch photoreactor with a capacity of 1L, equipped with a lamp UV-C (15 W) was used. A statistical experimental DESIGN based on Yates’ Algorithm was exerted to measure the effect of these four factors such as pH, catalyst amount, H2O2 concentration, and temperature at two levels. The (24) FULL FACTORIAL experimental DESIGN was utilized in this process. The significant effects of each factor and interaction on the process were determined using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method. A pseudo-first-order reaction with a constant rate (k= 0. 048 min− 1) was obtained for the photocatalytic degradation reaction.