Pins and Rubber Band Traction System Combined with Internal Fixation for Intra-articular Fractures of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joints.

Background: Intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) can result in poor outcomes if inadequately treated. Dynamic external fixation and internal fixation with plates and/or screws are two treatment options. The role of combining these two methods is unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the outcomes of patients with intra-articular fractures of the PIPJ treated with a combination of dynamic external fixation with a plate and/or screws. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 18 consecutive cases of intra-articular fractures of the PIPJ treated with pins and rubber band traction system (PRTS) combined with dorsal internal fixation with plates and/or screws. The patients' average age was 51 years (range: 20-81 years). The fracture patterns were volar-type (n = 2), dorsal-type (n = 4) and pilon-type (n = 12). Data with regard to time to surgery, interphalangeal joint range of motion, grip strength, VAS for pain, Quick DASH score, complications, duration of follow-up and return to work were collected. Results: The levels of articular involvement were stable (n = 1), tenuous (n = 5) and unstable (n = 12). The average time to surgery was 9 days, and the average follow-up period was 15 months. The fracture was fixed with a dorsal plate and screws in 10 patients and with only screws in eight patients. All patients had PRTS. All patients returned to their original occupation and the fractures united in good alignment. The average grip strength was 86% of that of the unaffected side. The average active PIPJ motion was 85° (range: 50°-106°), and the average active distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) motion was 48° (range: 10°-90°). Conclusions: Our results show that a combination of PRTS and open reduction and fixation with plate and/or screws achieved a good range of motion and articular reduction. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Investigation of Materials for Enhanced Vibrational Insulation in Ground Structures Using Concrete Mixtures: A Case Study of Rubber Aggregate Addition.

The reduction of vibrations in concrete has been a topic of discussion among scientists. This article presents research on designing concrete mixes for constructing ground barriers with enhanced vibration isolation using waste materials. This study discusses the design of concrete mixes for the construction of concrete partitions with increased vibration isolation, using the polish standards. The experiments were conducted at the Laboratory of Building Materials Engineering at the Cracow University of Technology as part of the project entitled "Innovative construction of vibration-insulating barriers to protect the environment from transport vibrations and similar sources". The concrete composition utilized blast furnace cement CEM III/A 42.5 N, with mineral and chemical additives. Recycled rubber aggregate from used tires was employed to enhance vibration isolation. Measurement results demonstrated the effectiveness of the concrete in dampening vibrations, confirming its suitability for practical use.

Preparation of Hydrophobic Modified Silica with Si69 and Its Reinforcing Mechanical Properties in Natural Rubber.

The inherent large number of hydroxyl groups of silica poses strong hydrophilicity, resulting in poor dispersibility in the natural rubber matrix. Here, the silica's surface was hydrophobically modified with [3-(triethoxysiliconyl) propyl] tetrasulfide (Si69) to improve the dispersibility and reinforce the mechanical properties of silica/natural rubber composites. The structure and morphology of modified silica were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the contact angle. Further, the mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties and morphology of silica/natural rubber composites were studied with a universal electronic tension machine, dynamic thermal mechanical properties analyzer (DMA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results show that the Si69 was successfully grafted onto the surface of silica, thereby significantly improving the water contact angle (a 158.6% increase) and enhancing the mechanical properties of modified silica/natural rubber composites.

Black Crust Complex: Influence of Temperature and Period of Wetness on the Development of Fungi in Hevea brasiliensis.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of Davidiella sp. and its asexual form, Cladosporium sp., under different environmental conditions in the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Rubber tree leaves were inoculated with a spore suspension and kept in a humid chamber under different temperatures and wetness periods. The behavior of the fungi was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an ultraviolet light microscope (UV). In the images obtained in SEM, four hours after inoculation of the fungus, it was possible to verify the germination and penetration of conidia at temperatures of 10 to 20 °C. The formation of conidiophores was verified from six hours after inoculation, indicating that it is in the reproductive period. In the sexual phase, in SEM, from four hours after inoculation, it was possible to verify the formation of small protuberances at temperatures between 10 and 20 °C. These black dots evolve into circular, protruding black spots, like the symptoms of black crust, with apparent spore formation on them. The data obtained from the UV analyses corroborate those from SEM, showing that the fungus has good development in its two phases between temperatures of 20 and 25 °C and that the period of wetness on the leaf can contribute to the initial development of the pathogen.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the SRPP/REF Gene Family in Taraxacum kok-saghyz Provides Insights into Its Expression Patterns in Response to Ethylene and Methyl Jasmonate Treatments.

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is a model plant and a potential rubber-producing crop for the study of natural rubber (NR) biosynthesis. The precise analysis of the NR biosynthesis mechanism is an important theoretical basis for improving rubber yield. The small rubber particle protein (SRPP) and rubber elongation factor (REF) are located in the membrane of rubber particles and play crucial roles in rubber biosynthesis. However, the specific functions of the SRPP/REF gene family in the rubber biosynthesis mechanism have not been fully resolved. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification of the 10 TkSRPP and 2 TkREF genes' family members of Russian dandelion and a comprehensive investigation on the evolution of the ethylene/methyl jasmonate-induced expression of the SRPP/REF gene family in TKS. Based on phylogenetic analysis, 12 TkSRPP/REFs proteins were divided into five subclades. Our study revealed one functional domain and 10 motifs in these proteins. The SRPP/REF protein sequences all contain typical REF structural domains and belong to the same superfamily. Members of this family are most closely related to the orthologous species T. mongolicum and share the same distribution pattern of SRPP/REF genes in T. mongolicum and L. sativa, both of which belong to the family Asteraceae. Collinearity analysis showed that segmental duplication events played a key role in the expansion of the TkSRPP/REFs gene family. The expression levels of most TkSRPP/REF members were significantly increased in different tissues of T. kok-saghyz after induction with ethylene and methyl jasmonate. These results will provide a theoretical basis for the selection of candidate genes for the molecular breeding of T. kok-saghyz and the precise resolution of the mechanism of natural rubber production.

Intrinsic challenges and strategic approaches for enhancing the potential of natural rubber and its derivatives: A review.

Natural rubber (NR) and its derivatives play indispensable roles in various industries due to their unique properties and versatile applications. However, the widespread utilization of NR faces intrinsic challenges such as limited mechanical strength, poor resistance to heat and organic solvent, poor electrical conductivity, and low compatibility with other materials, prompting researchers to explore enhancing its performance. Modified NRs (MNRs) like cyclization, deproteinization, chlorination, epoxidation, or grafting NR demonstrated a few enhanced merits compared to NR. However, various strategies, such as blending, vulcanization, crosslinking, grafting, plasticization, reinforcement, and nanostructuring, overcame most drawbacks. This review comprehensively examines these challenges and delves into the modification strategies employed to enhance the properties and expand the applications of NR and its derivatives. Furthermore, the review explores future visions for the NR industry, emphasizing integrating advanced modification techniques, adopting sustainable practices, and promoting circular economy principles. By elucidating the inherent challenges, outlining effective modification strategies, and envisioning future trajectories, this review provides valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to navigate and contribute to the sustainable development of the NR sector.

Similar experimental study on diffusion and distribution of diesel exhaust in confined space of a coal mine.

In the confined space of the underground coal mine, which is dominated by transportation lanes, explosion-proof diesel-powered trackless rubber-wheeled vehicles are becoming the main transportation equipment, and the exhaust gas produced by them is hazardous to the health of workers and pollutes the underground environment. In this experiment, a similar test platform is built to study the effects of wind speed, vehicle speed, and different wind directions on the diffusion characteristics of exhaust gas. In this paper, CO and SO2 are mainly studied. The results show that the diffusion of CO and SO2 gas is similar and the maximum SO2 concentration only accounts for 11.4% of the CO concentration. Exhaust gas is better diluted by increasing the wind speed and vehicle speed, respectively. Downwind is affected by the reverse wind flow and diffuses to the driver's position, which is easy to cause occupational diseases. When the wind is a headwind, the exhaust gases spread upwards and make a circumvention movement, gathering at the top. When the wind speed and vehicle speed are both 0.6 m/s, the CO concentration corresponds to the change trend of the Lorentz function when the wind is downwind and the CO concentration corresponds to the change trend of the BiDoseResp function when the wind is headwind. The study of exhaust gas diffusion characteristics is of great significance for the subsequent purification of the air in the restricted mine space and the protection of the workers' occupational health.

A Comparative Investigation of Aerosol Generation and Exposure Risk During Access Cavity Preparation With or Without Rubber Dam Application.

BACKGROUND: Aerosols generated during dental procedures have taken the forefront of discussion in dentistry. Due to the nature of their work, dental professionals face a significant risk of exposure to various biological hazards, such as saliva, blood, aerosols, and droplets. Aerosols, which are tiny particles with a diameter of less than 50µm, have a unique property that allows them to stay suspended in the air for extended periods. This is primarily due to their small size and lightweight nature which makes them highly susceptible to air currents and prevents them from quickly settling down. As a result, these aerosols can linger in the atmosphere, creating a potential risk for respiratory infections. AIM: The aim is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of rubber dams in preventing aerosols generated cross-contamination. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This in-vivo experimental study comprised 60 individuals who were suggested for root canal treatment in the mandibular first permanent molar tooth. The passive air sampling technique using "settle plates" was applied to investigate microbial fallout during access opening with and without rubber dam application. Sheep blood agar plates were used to do the colony forming unit (CFU) count. All patients were randomly divided into two groups comprising 30 patients each based on usage of rubber dam application or not, i.e., Group I: Without rubber dam application and Group II: With rubber dam application. RESULTS: Using a rubber dam while performing an endodontic procedure significantly impacts decreased aerosol generation at 0.5-m and 2-m distances than its counterpart with a p-value < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Using a rubber dam during endodontic procedures reduces the likelihood of aerosol generation, thereby decreasing the risk of cross-contamination and lowering the susceptibility of dental professionals to respiratory illnesses.

Genomic insights into Dactylosporangium sp. AC04546, a rubber degrader with three latex clearing proteins.

With more than 100 rubber-degrading strains being reported, only 9 Lcp proteins isolated from Nocardia, Gordonia, Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, Actinoplanes, and Solimonas have been purified and biochemically characterized. A new strain, Dactylosporangium sp. AC04546 (strain JCM34239), isolated from soil samples collected in Sarawak Forest, was able to grow and utilize natural or synthetic rubber as the sole carbon source. Complete genome of Strain AC04546 was obtained from the hybrid assembly of PacBio Sequel II and Illumina MiSeq. Strain AC04546 has a large circular genome of 13.08 Mb with a G+C content of 72.1%. The genome contains 11,865 protein-coding sequences with 3 latex clearing protein (lcp) genes located on its chromosome. The genetic organization of the lcp gene cluster is similar to two other reported rubber-degrading strains-Actinoplanes sp. OR16 and Streptomyces sp. CFMR 7. All 3 Lcp from strain AC04546 were expressed in Escherichia coli and exhibited degrading activity against natural rubber. The distinctiveness of strain AC04546, along with other characterized rubber-degrading strains, is reported here.

Small-Intensity Rainfall Triggers Greater Contamination of Rubber-Derived Chemicals in Road Stormwater Runoff from Various Functional Areas in Megalopolis Cities.

Rubber-derived chemicals (RDCs) originating from tire and road wear particles are transported into road stormwater runoff, potentially threatening organisms in receiving watersheds. However, there is a lack of knowledge on time variation of novel RDCs in runoff, limiting initial rainwater treatment and subsequent rainwater resource utilization. In this study, we investigated the levels and time-concentration profiles of 35 target RDCs in road stormwater runoff from eight functional areas in the Greater Bay Area, South China. The results showed that the total concentrations of RDCs were the highest on the expressway compared with other seven functional areas. N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), 6PPD-quinone, benzothiazole, and 1,3-diphenylguanidine were the top four highlighted RDCs (ND-228840 ng/L). Seasonal and spatial differences revealed higher RDC concentrations in the dry season as well as in less-developed regions. A lag effect of reaching RDC peak concentrations in road stormwater runoff was revealed, with a lag time of 10-90 min on expressways. Small-intensity rainfall triggers greater contamination of rubber-derived chemicals in road stormwater runoff. Environmental risk assessment indicated that 35% of the RDCs posed a high risk, especially PPD-quinones (risk quotient up to 2663). Our findings contribute to a better understanding of managing road stormwater runoff for RDC pollution.

EuHDZ25 positively affects rubber biosynthesis by targeting EuFPS1 in Eucommia leaves.

Eucommia ulmoides is a temperate gum source plant that produces trans-polyisoprene (TPI), also known as Eucommia rubber. The structural configuration and function of TPI offer a new material with important potential for industrial development. In this study, we detected the TPI content in the leaves of diploid and triploid E. ulmoides plants. The average TPI content in the leaves of triploid E. ulmoides was significantly higher than that of diploid. Transcriptome data and weighted gene co-expression network analyses identified a significant positive correlation between the EuFPS1 gene and TPI content. Overexpression of EuFPS1 increased the density of rubber particles and TPI content, indicating its crucial role in TPI biosynthesis. In addition, the expression of EuHDZ25 in E. ulmoides was significantly positively correlated with EuFPS1 expression. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that EuHDZ25 mainly promotes TPI biosynthesis through positive regulation of EuFPS1 expression. The significantly up-regulated expression of EuHDZ25 and its consequent upregulation of EuFPS1 during the biosynthesis of TPI may partially explain the increased TPI content of triploids. This study provides an important theoretical foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanism of secondary metabolites content variation in polyploids and can help to promote the development and utilization of rubber resources.

Rubber Dam Isolation Survey among Dental Students in Al-Qassim University and How to Promote its Usage.

Rubber dam isolation is crucial in dentistry, but its use varies among dental students. There is a need to assess their awareness, attitudes, and practices and find ways to promote its usage. To evaluate dental students' knowledge and practices regarding rubber dam isolation and identify barriers to its use. The study employed a cross-sectional design to assess dental students' knowledge and practices regarding rubber dam isolation. Data were collected from dental students at Al-Qassim University during the period from January to March 2023. A convenience sampling method was used, involving students from the third, fourth, and fifth academic years, with a total of 62 questionnaires distributed. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of 11 closed-ended questions was used to collect data, and the analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, with results presented through descriptive statistics. Only 21% always used rubber dam for amalgam restorations, while 53.2% used it for composite restorations. Over 70% believed their education on rubber dam was adequate. The main barriers were difficulty (40.3%) and time constraints (53.2%). About 68% felt rubber dam should be mandatory for composite treatments. Dental students need more education and training to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice concerning rubber dam isolation. Implementing it can enhance the quality of dental care.

Attitude of Dental Students Toward Rubber Dam Application: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The rubber dam (RD) system is globally recognized as an indispensable component of dental treatments, ensuring the highest standards of care. The use of RD isolation profoundly impacts the clinical aspects of dental procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of dental students toward the use of RD, with an emphasis on evaluating the factors influencing its use among students at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to a population sample of 203 undergraduate dental students in their clinical years at Umm Al-Qura University. Questions covered various aspects, including the frequency of RD use, perceptions of its effectiveness, and prospective intentions for its future use, as well as factors influencing these attitudes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). In addition, the chi-square test and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test were used for the comparison of the data at a significance level of p<0.05. Results The questionnaire was completed by 191 participants, with a response rate of 95.5%. Of the students, 189 (99%) used RD during operative procedures for adhesive restorations. Furthermore, 157 (82.2%) students agreed that proper isolation cannot be achieved without RD application. All the advantages of RD application were recognized by 165 (85.9%) of the students. Notably, there was a significant association between the factors limiting the RD application and the students' academic year (p<0.05), with senior students reporting fewer limitations. Responses indicated that 163 (85.3%) of the students received satisfactory training for RD and 165 (86.4%) students had a high intention to continue using RD following graduation. Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the results presented a positive attitude toward RD use. However, there is a continued necessity to enhance education and advocate consistent RD application for improved patient care and clinical outcomes.

The use of DryShield versus rubber dam isolation systems among pediatric patients with different airway patency: A randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of DryShield isolation (DSI) and rubber dam isolation (RDI) system usage on vital signs, behavior, pain and discomfort, and chairside time required among children with different airway patencies based on the Modified Mallampati Classification (MMC). Material and methods: Healthy, cooperative children who required fissure sealant in at least two contralateral, fully erupted, permanent first molars were included. Airway patency was determined by two trained and calibrated dentists using the MMC. The participants were categorized based on their MMC scores into patent airways (classes I and II) and non-patent airways (classes III and IV). The dental procedure was videotaped during treatment, and vital signs, including arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure, were recorded every 3 min. The participants' subjective pain and discomfort were evaluated using a previously validated Arabic interview questionnaire and a validated Arabic version of the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. The participants' behavior and behavioral pain were evaluated utilizing the Frankl Behavior Scale and the face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability scales, respectively. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the vital signs between DSI and RDI. DSI use yielded a significant reduction in chairside time (P < 0.001) and was more bothersome (P < 0.001) than RDI use among all participants, regardless of airway patency. DSI was associated with significantly better behavior during the dental procedure (P = 0.002) and less behavioral pain (P < 0.001) among all participants, regardless of airway patency. Conclusion: Irrespective of airway patency, DSI outperformed RDI in terms of behavior, pain, and procedure duration; however, DSI was characterized by noise, pressure on soft tissues, and an increased tendency to induce gag reflexes.

Fretting Wear Behaviors of Silicone Rubber under Dry Friction and Different Lubrication Conditions.

The fretting wear behaviors of silicone rubber under dry friction and different lubrication conditions are studied experimentally. Water, engine oil, dimethyl silicone oil (DSO), and dimethyl silicone oil doped with graphene oxide (DSO/GO) are selected as lubricants. Under the liquid lubrication conditions, the silicone rubber samples are always immersed in the same volume of lubricant. The contact model of a 440C steel ball and silicone rubber sample is the sphere-on-flat contact. The reciprocating fretting wear experiments are carried out using the reciprocating friction wear tester. A scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional white-light interference profilometer are used to detect the surface wear morphology and obtain the wear volume, respectively. The influences of normal force, lubrication condition, and displacement amplitude on fretting wear behavior are discussed. The fretting wear performances of silicone rubber under different fretting states and lubrication conditions are compared. The results show that for a small normal force, silicone rubber has the best wear resistance under DSO/GO lubrication. While for a large normal force, silicone rubber has the best wear resistance under engine oil lubrication.

Recycling Functional Fillers from Waste Tires for Tailored Polystyrene Composites: Mechanical, Fire Retarding, Electromagnetic Field Shielding, and Acoustic Insulation Properties-A Short Review.

Polymer waste is currently a big and challenging issue throughout the world. Waste tires represent an important source of polymer waste. Therefore, it is highly desirable to recycle functional fillers from waste tires to develop composite materials for advanced applications. The primary theme of this review involves an overview of developing polystyrene (PS) composites using materials from recycled tires as fillers; waste tire recycling in terms of ground tire rubbers, carbon black, and textile fibers; surface treatments of the fillers to optimize various composite properties; and the mechanical, fire retarding, acoustic, and electromagnetic field (EMI) shielding performances of PS composite materials. The development of composite materials from polystyrene and recycled waste tires provides a novel avenue to achieve reductions in carbon emission goals and closed-loop plastic recycling, which is of significance in the development of circular economics and an environmentally friendly society.

Sulfur and Peroxide Vulcanization of the Blends Based on Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer Rubber and Their Combinations.

Rubber blends based on styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber and a combination of both rubbers were cured with different sulfur and peroxide curing systems. In sulfur curing systems, two type of accelerators, namely tetramethylthiuram disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, and combinations of both accelerators were used. In peroxide curing systems, dicumyl peroxide, and a combination of dicumyl peroxide with zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate, respectively, were applied. The work was aimed at investigating the effect of curing systems composition as well as the type of rubber or rubber combinations on the curing process, cross-link density and physical-mechanical properties of vulcanizates. The dynamic mechanical properties of the selected vulcanizates were examined too. The results revealed a correlation between the cross-link density and physical-mechanical properties. Similarly, there was a certain correlation between the cross-linking degree and glass transition temperature. The tensile strength of vulcanizates based on rubber combinations was higher when compared to that based on pure rubbers, which points out the fact that in rubber combinations, not only are the features of both elastomers combined, but improvement in the tensile characteristics can also be achieved. When compared to vulcanizates cured with dicumyl peroxide, materials cured with a sulfur system exhibited higher tensile strength. With the application of co-agents in peroxide vulcanization, the tensile strength overcame the tensile behavior of sulfur-cured vulcanizates.

Protective effect of rubber seed oil on human endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to characterize the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Rubber Seed Oil (RSO) against atherosclerosis (AS) through the study of the protective effects and mechanisms on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). METHODS: HUVECs were treated with RSO, ox-LDL, RSO + ox-LDL, respectively, followed by cell activity testing, levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, ROS, NO, the mRNA expression of eNOS and protein expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1, eNOS, TLR4, NF-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65. RESULTS: Compared with the ox-LDL group, cell viability, NO level and the expression of eNOS mRNA significantly increased. and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, ROS were significantly decreased, which was accompanied by decreases in TLR4 mRNA, TLR4, MCP-1, VCAM-1 protein expression, as well as the ratio of NF-κB p-p65/p65 in the group treated with 250 µg/ml ox-LDL + 50 µg/ml RSO, 250 µg/ml ox-LDL + 100 µg/ml RSO, 250 µg/ml ox-LDL + 150 µg/ml RSO. CONCLUSIONS: RSO can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, oxidative factors involved in injured vascular endothelial cells, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties HUVECs exposed to ox-LDL. In addition, it may alleviate endothelial cell damage by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Quantification of tire wear particles in road dust based on synthetic/natural rubber ratio using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry across diverse tire types.

Increase in road traffic leads to increased concentrations of tire-wear particles (TWPs), a prominent source of microplastics from vehicles, in road dust. These particles can re-enter the atmosphere or move into aquatic ecosystems via runoff, impacting the environment. Consequently, accurately assessing and managing TWP levels in road dust is crucial. However, the ISO method (ISO/TS 20593 and 21396) uses a constant ratio of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) to natural rubber (NR) for all tires, disregarding the variability in tire composition across different types and brands. Our study found substantial SBR content (15.7 %) in heavyweight truck tires, traditionally believed to be predominantly NR. We evaluated the SBR/NR content in 15 tire types and proposed a method to more accurately evaluate TWP concentrations in road dust from five different locations. Our findings suggest that the conventional ISO method may underestimate the concentrations of TWP due to its reliance on a static ratio of SBR/NR. This study underscores the necessity for a more flexible approach that can adapt to the variability in SBR and NR content across different tire types. By delineating the limitations inherent in current assessment methods, our research contributes to a more adaptable understanding of TWP concentrations in road dust. This advancement prompts the development of a revised methodology that more accurately reflects the diverse compositions of tire rubber in environmental samples.

Effective degradation of tetracycline in aqueous solution by an electro-Fenton process using chemically modified carbon/α-FeOOH as catalyst.

This study applied an electro-Fenton process using chemically modified activated carbon derived from rubber seed shells loaded with α-FeOOH (RSCF) as catalyst to remove tetracycline residues from aquatic environment. Catalyst characteristics were evaluated using SEM, EDS, XRD, and XPS, showing successful insertion of iron onto the activated carbon. The effects of the parameters were investigated, and the highest treatment efficiency was achieved at pH of 3, Fe: H2O2 ratio (w/w) of 500:1, catalyst dose of 1 g/L, initial TCH concentration of 100 mg/L, and electric current of 150 mA, with more than 90% of TCH being eliminated within 30 min. Furthermore, even after five cycles of use, the treatment efficiency remains above 90%. The rate constant is calculated to be 0.218 min-1, with high regression coefficients (R 2 = 0.93). The activation energy (Ea) was found to be 32.2 kJ/mol, indicating that the degradation of TCH was a simple reaction with a low activation energy. These findings showed that the RSCF is a highly efficient and cost-effective catalyst for TCH degradation. Moreover, the use of e-Fenton process has the advantage of high efficiency, low cost thanks to the recyclability of the catalyst, and environmental friendliness thanks to less use of H2O2.