The conventional approach to researching the phosphate sorption process using a modified bottle gourd sorbent (the quaternary ammonium Lagenaria vulgaris shell), regardless of a large number of conducted experiments, indicated certain shortcomings in the prediction of the optimal process conditions. To fill the gaps in previous research, a design study involving conventional (comparative kinetic, thermodynamic and equilibrium) and "One-Variable-At-a-Time" (OVAT) experimental approaches integrated with "Design of Experiments" (DoE) methodology was carried out. The integrated experimental design is implemented in the phosphate sorption process optimization to evaluate significant factors (optimal sorption conditions), and their influence on the response (sorption efficiency), and to predict the maximum sorbent capacity in accordance with the sorption mechanism. The critical factors of the sorption process were determined through the OVAT method. The evaluation of factors' interactive effects was realized using a central composite design (CCD) method within response surface methodology (RSM). A statistical software (JMP Pro16) was applied for planning the experiments , data processing and statistical analysis of the obtained results, which randomly generated a CCD matrix with 4 factors (initial concentration-C o , pH value, temperature-T, time-t) on three levels (-1, 0, +1). The derived second-order polynomial model of phosphate sorption proved to be highly significant (p<0.0001). A statistically significant factor interaction is between the pH value and the initial concentration of phosphate ions. The experimental maximum sorption capacity (17.48 mg/g), very close to the predicted value (17.58 mg/g), indicated the capability and applicability of the regression model. The model finds a potential application in the optimization of the phosphate-contaminated wastewater treatment processes using the environmentally friendly cationic bottle gourd shell.

The influence of environmental conditions on the thermo-physiological comfort of men's socks was investigated using an objective assessment of comfort under dynamic conditions. Men's socks made in a 3:1 rib construction from three types of basic yarns (77%) were used: bamboo, cotton, and a cotton/polyester blend. The remaining composition of the socks is identical: filament polyamide yarn (22%) and wrapped rubber thread (1%) for the welt. The influence of climate factors artificially created in the climate chamber was analyzed by measuring three physiological parameters: skin temperature, relative humidity of the skin, and microclimate in the space between the sock and the shoe on both feet. The research results show that the raw material composition of the base yarn used in the manufacture of men's socks has a significant impact on thermo-physiological comfort when wearing socks. Under artificially created conditions in the climate chamber, an ambient temperature of 20 °C and relative humidity of 50% (autumn and spring conditions), socks with basic yarn made of a cotton/polyester blend are preferred, then with a base yarn made of cotton, and finally socks with a base yarn made of bamboo. The data from the study provide valuable information for the clothing industry in designing and defining the choice of base yarn to produce socks, depending on the conditions of use.

Chlorophyllins are naturally derived colors that provide green hues to food products in oil- and water-based systems. Due to their good antimicrobial activity, in order not to contaminate the surface of food products and to increase product expiration dates and safety, the use of commercial chlorophyllin is common in the form of antimicrobial films that could cover fresh or processed food. UV irradiation effects on commercial sodium copper chlorophyllin are examined to estimate the potential application risk of this chlorophyll derivative for use in foods and cosmetics. Photodegradation of an aqueous 1 × 10-4 M commercial sodium copper chlorophyllin solution was monitored after ultraviolet irradiation. The samples were irradiated for a period of 0 - 60 min. in a cylindrical photochemical reactor called "Rayonnet" with symmetrically placed lamps that emit an energy flux of 12 W/m2 at 300 nm. Ultrahigh liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used to monitor the loss of major components of sodium copper chlorophyllin after irradiation, as well as, to detect possible new products. It is estimated that the photodegradation of all detected compounds follows first-order kinetics. UHPLC analysis showed the loss of the major chlorophyllin component, copper chlorin e6 , at a rate faster than the overall detected components, in the range of 7.02 × 10-2 min-1.The observed photosensitivity of sodium copper chlorophyllin was lower than to the natural chlorophylls, and raising the possibility of its use in food and cosmetics. The main detected photoproducts are oxidized compounds of chlorophyllin. For all these reasons, the rapid loss of copper chlorin e6 , may reduce some of the main commercial sodium copper chlorophyllin dietary benefits, like antimutagenic and antioxidant activity.

The Vrška Čuka anthracite shows contents of 16% inorganic compound and 84% organic matter, out of which 82% is kerogen and <2% is bitumen. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the presence of the graphitic structures. The electron spin resonance (ESR) shows a high concentration of polyaromatic paramagnetic structures (PPS; 4.5×10 19 spins g-1). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveal that the Vrška Čuka kerogen contains predominantly aromatic/polyaromatic structures. Analysis of the aromatic area shows both the absence of aromatic substituents and the presence of aromatic polycondensation (average 3-4 rings; ≥17 carbon atoms). The spectrum also shows considerably reduced absorptions corresponding to the presence of aliphatic groups. Most of the aliphatic carbon is present as CH 3 (probably in short alkyl chains-methyl/methylene attached to polyaromatic structures) as indicated by the CH 3 /CH 2 value 0.7 of the appropriate absorptions. It was suggested that polyaromatic structures were formed by poly-condensation of aromatics during kerogen maturation. Low atomic values of H/C and O/C (0.45 and 0.07) indicate a high degree of genesis (metagenesis). The result of these analyzes are in agreement with each other and show that the maturation of this kerogen led to the formation of polyaromatic structures from aromatic.

This research aimed to investigate for the first-time photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue over SrGd2 O4 powders co-doped with constant Er3+ (0.5 at%) and different Yb3+ (1, 2.5 and 5 at%) concentrations. The samples were successfully prepared via sol-gel assisted combustion method. X-ray Powder Diffraction pattern proved that all samples crystallize as a pure orthorhombic SrGd2 O4 phase. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used for morphology characterization and it revealed the existence of porous agglomerated round-shaped particles. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy showed the presence of dopant ions and even distribution of all constituting elements. For energy band calculation, UV-VIS Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy was performed and a value of 4.3 eV was obtained, as well as the four additional values from the bands at lower energies. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was monitored using UV-VIS Absorption Spectroscopy. The obtained results were promising since after 4 h of exposure to the simulating Sun irradiation, more than 50% of the starting dye concentration was mineralized.

Isopropylidene acetals and ketals are frequent protecting groups in the chemistry of carbohydrates, particularly in organic synthesis. The yield of these derivatives must be high. Besides already published syntheses, we report a new way of synthesizing these derivatives in high yields and efficient deprotection. Acetyl and benzoyl groups are frequent protecting groups, and their use in carbohydrate chemistry , particularly on the derivative of D-glucurono-6,3-lactone was shown. Reactions of 1,2,5-triO-acetyl-D-glucurono-6,3-lactone with BF3 and (CH3CH2)3SiH, LiBH4, respectively and I2, were also reported.

Strawberry pomace is the beverage industry waste and should be utilized as circular economy feedstock, animal feed, or a fertilizer following environmental regulations. This work aimed to characterize and implement strawberry pomace oil in the biodiesel industry. Oil was extracted from the strawberry seed by a maceration method for physicochemical characterization. Two seed/solvent ratios were used to achieve the maximum oil yield. The yield of strawberry seed oil by n-hexane extraction at the seed/solvent ratio of 1:3 was 0.11 g/g. Extracted strawberry oil was used for biodiesel production by a two-step process that included the acid (H 2 SO 4)-catalyzed pre-esterification of strawberry oil, followed by the base (KOH)-catalyzed transesterification of the pre-esterified strawberry oil. Further, the methanolysis ensured a biodiesel content of 97.2% in 30 min. However, the low yield of this technology's final product and physicochemical characterization showed that strawberry oil should be used in a mixture with other oils (hybrid oil) for biodiesel production, or in the cosmetics and food industry.

The textile industry is one of the largest water-consuming industries in the world. The wastewater generated by the textile industry is a major source of pollution, containing mostly dyes, but also detergents, and heavy metals. Since dyes can have a negative impact on the environment, human and aquatic life, it is really important to find proper solutions for removal of these pollutants from wastewater. In addition, special attention is given to the discovery of new and fast "in situ" methods for identification and quantification of pollutants from wastewater. In this paper, SBA-15, mesoporous silica material, was used as sorbent for removal of Basic Yellow 28 from aqueous solutions. In addition, colored SBA-15 after sorption process was subjected to image analysis, to evaluate if it was possible to quantify sorbed dye on sorbent based on intensity of SBA-15 coloration. The obtained results revealed that SBA-15 could remove 99% of dye within 5 min. The highest efficiency of dye removal was at pH8, using 200 mg of sorbent. According to the Langmuir isotherm model, the theoretical maximum sorption capacity was 909 mg/g. Image-Pro software confirmed that it would be possible to quantify sorbed dye onto SBA-15 with accuracy of 0.98. Overall, SBA-15 demonstrated to be efficient sorbent in removal of Basic Yellow 28 from water, but also to be potential carrier as a sensor for detection of colored pollutants in water.

Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is commonly applied in pesticide residue analysis in fruit samples. Sample extracts with a high quantity of co-extractives represent a standing problem in such analysis. Co-extractives mainly affect the GC inlet and the chromatographic column performance. Waxes, identified as the main co-extractives from the apple matrix, represent a significant problem in GC/MS analysis due to low volatility and non-polarity. The purpose of this investigation was to develop and evaluate a simplified method for the analysis of boscalid in apples, with the removal of wax compounds as the main outcome. The waxes herein represented a problem not only for the performance of the instrument but directly for the determination of the boscalid since they co-eluted with the pesticide. The applied method included a combination of solvent exchange and low-temperature precipitation and resulted in complete wax removal.

Edible packaging with active and intelligent properties has gained recent attention, although the concept of edible packaging itself is not new. These packages are created using various substances such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, either individually or in combination. To find the optimal combination for specific applications, the physical and chemical properties of these packages are measured. Active or intelligent properties are achieved by incorporating substances, often extracts, with antioxidant, antibacterial, or other beneficial properties into the packaging. The aim of the research was to develop an edible packaging based on κ-carrageenan, with spent coffee grounds as potential additives to impart active properties of edible/biodegradable packaging. To assess the suitability of the packaging for future applications, the thesis evaluated its textural properties, including thickness, water content, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, the antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging capacity of the packaging were measured using various methods. Elasticity of the packaging was increased (p < 0.05) with the addition of spent coffee grounds, the same as polyphenolic compounds (p < 0.05). While recent attempts have been made to utilize spent coffee grounds for various purposes, their incorporation into edible/biodegradable packaging remains certainly not enough explored. The research emphasized the possibility of the incorporation of spent coffee grounds into edible/biodegradable matrices and the findings will serve as a good foundation for further studies.