Applications In Industry Research Articles

Kinematic Calibration of a 5-DoF Parallel Machining Robot with a Novel Adaptive and Weighted Identification Method Based on Generalized Cross Validation

Accurate kinematic calibration is the very foundation for robots’ application in industry demanding high precision such as machining. Considering the complex error characteristic and severe ill-posed identification issues of a 5-DoF parallel machining robot, this paper proposes an adaptive and weighted identification method to achieve high-precision kinematic calibration while maintaining reliable stability. First, a kinematic error propagation mechanism model considering the non-ideal constraints and the screw self-rotation is formulated by incorporating the intricate structure of multiple chains and a unique driven screw arrangement of the robot. To address the challenge of accurately identifying such a sophisticated error model, a novel adaptive and weighted identification method based on generalized cross validation (GCV) is proposed. Specifically, this approach innovatively introduces Gauss-Markov estimation into the GCV algorithm and utilizes prior physical information to construct both a weighted identification model and a weighted cross-validation function, thus eliminating the inaccuracy caused by significant differences in dimensional magnitudes of pose errors and achieving accurate identification with flexible numerical stability. Finally, the kinematic calibration experiment is conducted. The comparative experimental results demonstrate that the presented approach is effective and has enhanced accuracy performance over typical least squares methods, with maximum position and orientation errors reduced from 2.279 mm to 0.028 mm and from 0.206° to 0.017°, respectively.

The structural resemblance between InSin− and Sin+1 (n = 3–11): Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations

Metal-doped silicon clusters have been extensively studied due to their promising applications in the semiconductor industry and microelectronics. In this study, indium-doped silicon clusters (InSin−/0, n = 3–11) were investigated using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations. It is found that InSin− anions exhibit geometrical and electronic structures resembling their Sin+1 counterparts, with the substitution of one silicon atom by an indium atom leading to exohedral doping and multiple coordination characteristics. The exohedral configuration is attributed to a weak In–Si bond and the limited atomic valence of indium, while the multiple coordination arises from the joint contributions of three orthogonal 5p orbitals of indium atom. Electronic structure similarities between InSin− anions and Sin+1 clusters are confirmed by their identical valence molecular orbitals. The valence p-type orbitals of InSin− primarily contribute to chemical bonding, whereas the valence s-type orbitals predominantly hold electron lone pairs, as demonstrated by the electron localization function and localized molecular orbital analysis. These results provide insights into the structural and electronic properties of indium-doped silicon clusters.

Helium-3 Applications and Recovery Techniques

Helium-3 is a rare and highly important isotope of helium, with a wide range of applications in various industries, such as energy production, cryogenic systems, and medical research. Helium-3 holds significant potential in the energy sector, in addition to its other uses (e.g., neutron detection, dilution refrigerators, ultralow temperature physics, and aneutronic fusion). As a non-radioactive isotope, it is an ideal fuel for fusion reactors when fused with deuterium, offering the advantage of not producing neutrons, unlike deuterium–tritium fusion, which is more commonly explored today. While still in the experimental stage, the ability to contain such energy in a reactor’s containment chamber could make it a viable energy source. Helium-3 is produced as a byproduct of tritium decay in CANDU reactors’ cover gas. The main goal of this article is to enrich the Helium-3 content in a mixture of 3He and 4He, similar to the composition of cover gas, up to 10–15% 3He. The originality and innovative aspect of this article lie in the development and characterization of a helium-3 pre-enrichment technology based on chromatographic columns and gas permeation processes. This, combined with a cryogenic distillation process, will form a comprehensive technology for helium-3 recovery from the cover gas of a CANDU-type nuclear reactor. In this context, we present two methods for helium isotope separation: one based on gas chromatography and the other on cryogenic distillation. The method will be developed and optimized for medium-throughput isotope separation facilities, such as those required for the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. In the first part, we present a method for investigating and evaluating the separation and recovery of helium isotopes using gas chromatography. In the second part of the article, we describe the steps undertaken at the ICSI site regarding the development of a technology for helium-3 recovery from fusion reactor cover gas and tritium storage containers.

Green synthesized heteromorphic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄NPs) as potential food additive, food supplement & food colorant sensor and their physiological impact on Drosophila melanogaster

This investigation aims to green synthesize Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for applications in the food industry as potential additives and nutritional supplements. The reaction condition for the synthesis of Fe₃O₄NPs was optimized using combinations of temperature and Cinnamon Oil concentration. Color change of the reaction mixture from light brown to dark brown indicated a successful reduction of FeCl3 into Fe₃O₄NPs by Cinnamon Oil. Further characterization using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis calculated the average size of the Fe₃O₄NPs to be 99.2 nm ± 87.0 nm. XRD analysis, confirmed that the particles are Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (Fe₃O₄NPs) with similarity to JCPDS ID: 65–3107. TEM analysis of the particles revealed that they are heteromorphic in nature, with average size ranging between 25 ~ 55 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited aggregation, suggesting possible magnetism or ferromagnetism. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against common bacterial pathogens. Highest antagonism was observed against Bacillus subtilis with MIC value of 3.9 µg/ml. MTT cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that Fe₃O₄NPs have strong anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 48.86 µg/ml. In-vivo toxicity studies on Drosophila melanogaster flies, demonstrated that Fe₃O₄NPs significantly increases the locomotor ability, neurological function, and muscle function of the flies. Toxicity studies confirms that the nanoparticles are non-toxic, potentially edible and nutritive in nature. Reaction with chemicals such as Methyl Red and Methylene Blue indicates that the Fe₃O₄NPs can e applied as nanosensor for visual detection of chemical colorants. This study concludes that the Fe₃O₄NPs synthesized using Cinnamon Oil could be employed as food additive, supplement and food colorant sensor.

Optimized production of ligninolytic enzymes by immobilized Phanerochaete chrysosporium in a lab-scale bioreactor

Effluents are a challenge for the textile industries, as they cannot be released into the environment without proper treatment. Biodegradation has been increasingly explored as an alternative for the treatment of this type of effluent, allowing the co-production of molecules of commercial interest. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the production of enzymes lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase from textile effluent by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. A response surface experimental design was developed to optimize the production of biomass, in which the independent variables were pH, carbon/nitrogen and phosphorus ratio, and the dependent variable was the production of biomass. The present work showed an activity of manganese peroxidase of 15.32 U L−1 and lignin peroxidase of 70 U L−1, demonstrating that the studied process is promising for the production of ligninolytic enzymes. This work demonstrates that the fungus P. chrysosporium can tolerate the adverse conditions of real textile effluent and use it as a source of nutrients for the production of biomass. Two enzymes were produced with applications in the textile industry associated with the production of biomass. The use of wastewater from textile production for the production of peroxidases results in an unprecedented circular process.

Optimization of combined subcritical water and CO2 extraction for enhanced phenolics and antioxidant activity from coffee byproducts

This study investigates the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from spent coffee ground (SCG) and coffee cherry pulp (CCP) using subcritical water extraction combined with high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO₂). The objective was to optimize extraction conditions to maximize total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Using Design Expert V.13 and Central Composite Design (CCD), key parameters including extraction time (30–60 min), temperature (180–220 °C), and solid-to-water ratio (0.024–0.027 g/mL) were systematically analyzed. The optimal conditions for SCG were determined to be 198 °C, 0.027 g/mL solid-to-water ratio, and 60 min, yielding a TPC of 217.26 mg GAE/g DW and a DPPH value of 23.28 µMol TE/g DW. For CCP, the best extraction conditions were 189 °C, 0.024 g/mL solid-to-water ratio, and 54 min, resulting in a TPC of 230.13 mg GAE/g DW and a DPPH value of 32.63 µMol TE/g DW. The results indicate that CCP exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than SCG, emphasizing its potential for valorization. Furthermore, Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) analyses confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as quinic acid, theobromine, and caffeine. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of subcritical water and CO₂ extraction in enhancing the recovery of bioactive compounds from coffee byproducts. This optimized method provides a sustainable and solvent-free approach to extracting high-value phenolic compounds, with potential applications in functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Multifunctional Lead-Free Halide Perovskite Based Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Composites for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Piezo-Optoelectronic Applications.

Lead-free halide perovskite (LFHP) materials have recently received a lot of attention in optoelectronic applications due to their low toxicity and outstanding optical characteristics. Simultaneously, the increased thrust for flexible, wearable, and lightweight optoelectronic devices is driving improvements in sensor and actuator technology. In this context, flexible piezoelectric polymer composites based on LFHPs are gaining popularity due to their exceptional piezoelectric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, and optical traits. Thus, this investigation presents long-term stable lead-free rubidium copper chloride (Rb2CuCl3)-based poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites. The optimized PVDF/Rb2CuCl3 composite yields ∼92.4% of the electroactive phase of the PVDF. Interfacial interactions between PVDF and Rb2CuCl3 have played a pivotal role in the electroactive β-phase transformation, resulting in improved long-term stability. A piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) has been fabricated employing the PVDF/Rb2CuCl3 composite for mechanical energy harvesting and biophysiological motion monitoring, demonstrating potential applications in the healthcare industry. The Piezoelectric Energy Harvester (PEH) with the PRCC_2.5 composite (PVDF composite of 2.5 wt % Rb2CuCl3) outperformed other composites, with a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of ∼51.7 V and a short-circuit current (Isc) of ∼4.6 μA. The pristine PVDF-based device (PEH 0) had inferior performance, with a Voc of ∼12 V and an Isc of ∼0.5 μA. PEH 2.5 device exhibited a charge of ∼126 nC, which is far higher than the PEH 0 for which the corresponding charge was ∼7 nC. Furthermore, during the periodic application of the force of ∼5 N, the stability and durability of the PEH 2.5 device were evaluated. 10,250 compression cycles were used to measure the electrical output of the PEH 2.5 device. Remarkably, following the 10,250 cycles, there was no discernible drop in the output voltage (∼16 V). In addition, a photodetector has been developed to investigate the piezo-phototronic effect, displaying quick photoswitching behavior with rise and decay periods of ∼3.22 and ∼5.48 s, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the flexible PVDF/Rb2CuCl3 composites have significant potential as an optical signal-modulated piezoresponsive wearable sensor.

Biotechnological Production of Carotenoids Using Yarrowia lipolytica.

Carotenoids are a group of tetraterpenoid natural products with a variety of physiological activities, which led to their application in food, cosmetics, agriculture, and other industries with broad market prospects. The fermentation of carotenoids using engineered microbial hosts has emerged as an efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly production method with significant potential for further development. Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica), an unconventional oleaginous yeast, has intrinsic advantages as a host strain for the production of carotenoids. This review outlines the functions of some well-studied carotenoids, including lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin. Furthermore, the biotechnological strategies for carotenoid production in Y. lipolytica are categorized and summarized. Finally, potentially feasible future strategies for further improvement of carotenoid production in Y. lipolytica are also prospected.

Melt spinning of sustainable high-quality polypropylene from post-consumer waste for monofilaments

The growing emphasis on sustainability in the textile industry demands innovative solutions for material sourcing and production processes. This study investigates the melt spinning of high-quality polypropylene monofilaments derived from post-consumer waste, focusing on the recycling of food packaging from the plastic waste collection system in Germany. The research explores potential pathways to produce monofilaments that maintain the mechanical properties required for textile applications. Five commercially available polypropylene materials were examined, including a homopolymer polypropylene (hPP) and four recycled polypropylene variants obtained from post-consumer waste. Prior to processing, the materials underwent comprehensive thermoanalytical, rheological, and visual assessments to characterize their thermal stability, flow behavior, and appearance, respectively. The melt-spinning process was carried out by producing monofilaments and evaluating the basic mechanical properties and processability of each material under various process parameters. The mechanical and physical properties of the monofilaments—including tensile strength and elongation—were thoroughly analyzed. Key findings demonstrate that recycled polypropylene can yield monofilaments with mechanical properties comparable to those of virgin materials, highlighting its potential for advanced applications in the textile industry. The study provides valuable insights into the performance and limitations of post-consumer polypropylene in modern melt-spinning processes, contributing to efforts toward more sustainable material use in textile manufacturing.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Robust Biocatalyst for Preparing Heteroatom‐Containing Carboxylic Acids

AbstractHeterocyclic scaffolds have broad applications in organic synthesis, resulting in the production of essential compounds utilized in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dietary products. In this study, we present the characterization of a discovered succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpSSADH) and elucidate its crystallographic structure. Further investigation into the catalytic performance of KpSSADH reveals its remarkable efficiency in converting various heteroatom‐containing (including N, S, O, and their combinations) cyclic aldehydes into the corresponding acids with conversions reaching up to 99%. To expand the range of available substrates, we designed cascade reactions by integrating thiol oxidase from Methylovorus sp. MP688 or unspecific peroxygenase from Agrocybe aegerita with KpSSADH. Through this approach, the desired acids via alcohol oxidation and C−H bond oxyfunctionalization were obtained, respectively. The discovery of KpSSADH and the envisioned cascade reactions have significantly broadened the biocatalytic toolbox for synthesizing heteroatom‐containing carboxylic acids, thereby holding potential for applications in the modern pharmaceutical industry.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Amomum villosum Lour. Using natural deep eutectic solvent: Process optimization, comparison, identification, and bioactivity.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Amomum villosum Lour. Using natural deep eutectic solvent: Process optimization, comparison, identification, and bioactivity.

Current research status on the structure, physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and mechanism of soybean-derived bioactive peptide lunasin.

Current research status on the structure, physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and mechanism of soybean-derived bioactive peptide lunasin.

Advanced Optimization of Bioprocess Parameters for Exopolysaccharides Synthesis in Extremophiles

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) represent versatile biopolymers finding diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and bioremediation industries. Extremophiles, thriving under extreme environmental conditions, have emerged as a promising source of novel EPSs with better stability and bioactivity. The present work reviews the complex influence of various abiotic factors and bioprocess parameters such as temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources, C/N ratios, and oxygen transfer dynamics on the production of EPSs from extremophilic microorganisms. Results underline the important role of temperature for structural and functional properties of EPSs, from the synthesis of cryoprotective polymers in psychrophiles to the production of thermostable EPSs in thermophiles under cold stress. The pH has an extensive effect on enzymatic activities: optimal neutral to slightly acidic conditions exist for most strains. Carbon sources determine not only the yield of EPSs but also its structural features, while nitrogen sources and C/N ratios regulate the balance between biomass production and polymer biosynthesis. Besides that, oxygen transfer limitations—which may happen in particularly viscous or saline media—are overtaken by optimized bioreactor configuration and stirring strategies. These findings are highly relevant to the development of tailored cultivation conditions enabling the maximization of EPS yields and adaptation of its properties to comply with industrial requirements. This study provides a framework for enhancing EPS production by leveraging the adaptive traits of extremophiles. This approach supports the sustainable use of biopolymers, advances fermentation production processes, and helps uncover the underlying mechanisms involved.

Future perspectives in the study of mutualistic interactions between insects and their microorganisms

Abstract. The impact of climate change and habitat destruction on insect diversity and survival is a critical area of study. These disruptions could severely affect the symbiotic relationships between insects and their microorganisms. Understanding how these interactions respond to such changes is essential for mitigating the decline of insect populations, which are already alarmingly decreasing worldwide. Mutualistic interactions between insects and microorganisms present vast opportunities in ecology, agriculture, and biotechnology. These associations are crucial for insect nutrition, defense, and adaptation and hold great potential for developing antimicrobial compounds with promising applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In agriculture, insect-associated microorganisms could play a key role in biological pest control, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This would not only protect beneficial insects but also enhance agricultural efficiency. The conservation of mutualism must be integrated into biodiversity preservation efforts, as protecting these relationships will be critical in addressing future ecological challenges. The following sections describe the main mutualistic interactions between insects and their associated microorganisms, with a prospective approach to the directions that future research should consider.

Comparative analysis of chemical composition, thermal stability, and bioactive properties of buckthorn seed oil samples

This research investigates and compares two samples of buckthorn seed oil by analyzing their chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and thermal stability, with heating applied exclusively during GC/MS analysis. The GC/MS results indicated that heating caused compound transformations and the emergence of new compounds, shedding light on the influence of heat on chemical profiles and potential bioactivities. Both samples exhibited a specific melting point around 40 °C and remained thermally stable up to 150 °C, as determined through DSC analysis. These characteristics suggest their potential for use in high-temperature applications. Differences in antioxidant and antimicrobial activities highlighted the distinct bioactive profiles of each sample, showcasing their potential applications in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries, where bioactivity and thermal stability are essential. This comparative study underscores the importance of examining multiple samples to identify functional uses based on their unique chemical and thermal properties. Future studies could expand on these findings by investigating the impact of heating on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities to fully understand how thermal exposure affects bioactivity.

Optimizing SME Financial Performance Through Supply Chain Financing: An Integrated Approach to Working Capital and Cash Flow Management

Large businesses among Small and Medium Enterprises regularly encounter problems financing their development and operational stability. Supply Chain Financing (SCF) provides an innovative fund program which enhances SME financial security by improving cash flow operations and working capital management functions. The research analyzes the financial performance effects of Supply Chain Financing (SCF) as it impacts liquidity measurements together with working capital efficiency and profitability performance along with cash flow stability metrics. The study analyzes barriers to adoption which include staff unawareness about SCF combined with financial institution trust issues and regulatory hurdles and concerns about the additional costs of SCF.The research employed quantitative approaches through the combination of primary and secondary data collection methods. Research authors built a theoretical model that explained SCF adoption effects on financial performance through working capital management and financial intermediation theory. Financial stability increased notably and all risk factors decreased notably through the implementation of Supply Chain Finance (SCF). Traditional financing methods generate better results than supply chain finance when processing efficiency and cost-effectiveness factors are considered.Research into specific SCF applications for various industries should combine analysis of fintech solutions and human behavior patterns that impact SCF adoption. Research outcomes present useful knowledge about SCF implementation that benefits SMEs together with financial institutions and government authorities to establish better financial stability.

A Low-Temperature-Active Pectate Lyase from a Marine Bacterium for Orange Juice Clarification

Cold-adapted pectin lyases are particularly useful in the extraction and clarification of freshly squeezed fruit juices at low temperatures, as they effectively reduce juice viscosity and improve light transmittance. With the increasing attention on low-temperature pectinase in industrial applications, the exploration of low-temperature pectinase with novel characteristics has become one of the key focuses of research and development. In this study, a 1026 bp gene, pel1Ba, encoding a 42.7 kDa pectin lyase, was cloned from sediment samples collected from the South China Sea and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified Pel1Ba exhibited an optimal temperature of 40 °C and an optimal pH of 10, with a total enzyme activity of 5100 U/mL. Notably, Pel1Ba is a cold-adapted enzyme that retains 80% of its relative activity across the temperature range of 0–40 °C. When 20 U/mL purified Pel1Ba was added to orange juice, the juice volume increased by 43.00% and its clarity improved by 37.80%. Meanwhile, site-directed mutagenesis analysis revealed that the residual enzyme activities of the mutants A230I, F253I, and L292I were increased by 22.5%, 34.4%, and 25.1%, respectively, compared to the wild type. This study concludes that the cold-active pectate lyase Pel1Ba exhibits potential for applications in the food industry.

Concurrent enhancement in fire retardancy and mechanical properties of flax/vinyl ester bio-composites via magnesium hydroxide incorporation.

The fire-retardant properties of bio-composites are generally enhanced through nano fillers incorporation at the cost of their mechanical properties. In this study, magnesium hydroxide (MH) nano filler was incorporated into flax/vinyl ester (VE) bio-composite to enhance its fire-retardancy and thermal stability simultaneously with mechanical properties. MH is chemically compatible with cellulosic fibers which played a role in improving the interfacial bonding and hence the mechanical properties in this study. The composites fabrication process parameters including curing temperature and vacuum pressure were also optimized in this study. The concentration of MH was varied as 0, 5, and 10% in the flax/VE composite. The tensile and flexural strengths of the 5% MH filled flax/VE composites were observed to increase by 10% and 48% respectively. This enhancement in strength was attributed to the improved interfacial bonding and compatibility of MH with flax fiber, verified through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The horizontal burning rate of the composites was decreased by 25% after MH incorporation, which was validated through a limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. The results of cone calorimetry highlighted a decrease of 11.73% in the peak values of heat release rate (HRR) which is a sign of enhancement in fire retardancy. The thermogravimetric analysis also discovered an improvement in the thermal stability of the composites. These bio-composites with improved mechanical, thermal and fire-retardant properties may find their applications in automobiles, marine and aerospace industries.

Overview on Smart Materials and Their Applications

Smart materials commonly known as intelligent or responsive materials through their unique property to adapt with external parameters like temperature, pressure, light and electric or magnetic field play an industry changing application. This paper explores some of the key smart materials like shape alloys, piezoelectric materials, self-healing materials, magnetostrictive materials, and dielectric elastomers, along with their industrial applications. These materials have played a key role in revolutionizing sectors such as healthcare, aerospace, electronics and construction. Their properties have enhanced the efficiency, durability and cost effectiveness. By the integration of these materials into modern industry, significant advancement can be achieved in innovation. This will help in paving way for future technological breakthroughs.

Comprehensive Characterization of Aroma Profile of “Glutinous Rice” Flavor in Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. Using HS–SPME–GC–O–MS and HS-GC-IMS Technology Coupled with OAV

Pandan leaves have a prominent glutinous-rice aroma; however, few studies have explored their volatile aroma compound composition. Herein, the differences in the volatile aroma components of fresh and dried pandan leaves were investigated for the first time using HS–SPME–GC–O–MS combined with principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and HS-GC-IMS with aroma fingerprinting. A total of 93 volatile compounds were identified, exceeding previous reports, including 43 main flavor components with odor activity values (OAV) > 1. OAV and aroma extract dilution analysis tests reveal 13 main aroma volatiles including 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, hexanal, nonanal, phenylacetaldehyde, β-cyclocitral, butanal, ethyl caprylate, ethyl nonanoate, ethyl caprate, ethyl laurate, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, acetophenone, and α-ionone. Sixteen types of aromas were classified, and the results are presented as flavor wheels. The findings of this study elucidate the changes and retention of aroma volatiles in differently processed leaves, which could benefit food industry applications.