Water Bath Research Articles

Bonding super translucent multilayered monolithic zirconia to different foundation materials: an invitro study

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bonded substrate, zirconia surface conditioning and the interaction between them on the shear bond strength of monolithic zirconia.MethodsForty-eight monolithic zirconia discs were CAD-CAM fabricated and divided into two groups according to surface treatment either as milled and universal primer application (Monobond N, Ivoclar-Vivadent) (P) or sandblasting then universal primer application (Monobond N) (SP). Each main group was further divided into three test groups according to the bonded substrate: dentin (DSP, DP), composite (CSP, CP) or resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) (GSP, GP). Adhesive resin cement (Multilinik automix, Ivoclar-Vivadent) was used for bonding. Specimens were stored in water bath for six months before thermal cycling for 10,000 cycles to mimic intra oral condition. All specimens underwent shear bond strength test (SBS) using a universal testing machine. Two and one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni Post Hoc tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsThe means ± SD SBS of all test groups were recorded in (MPa). DSP group showed the highest mean SBS (22.65 ± 2.0) followed by DP group (18.61 ± 2.55). Meanwhile, GSP and GP groups showed the lowest mean SBS (4.77 ± 0.09, 4.57 ± 0.73 respectively).ConclusionSandblasting with priming is recommended as a monolithic zirconia surface treatment method. Dentin is the most reliable substrate followed by composite.

Deciphering Oxidation-Dominated Abnormal Rheology to Design Performance-Stable Liquid-Metal-Based Nanofluids for Transmission Applications.

With global decarbonization urgency for sustainability, enhancing the service stability of liquid metals (LMs) and reducing their oxidation-induced failures are crucial. The oxidation of LMs can adversely affect the fluidity required for hydraulic transmission, thermal management, and other transport scenarios. Given the importance, we have fabricated an LM-based SiC/graphene-Mo nanofluid (LMNF) and compared the rheological behavior to pure LM under an oxidative atmospheric environment. Using an omni-spectrum rotary rheometer and a water bath ultrasonic technique, we quantified a more stable rheological performance in our LMNFs and elucidated how it linked to LMNFs' phase interactions and oxidation. Their temperature-viscosity characteristics are less susceptible to dealloying-accompanied severe oxidation because the nanophase-enabled strong interfacial bonding by SiC, graphene, and Mo gives LMNFs a more viscoelastic solid nature. With these observations, a performance-predicting model, validated through real hydraulic transmission demonstrations, is developed to decipher the relationship among oxidation-influenced rheological performance like viscosity, temperature, and nanophase and guide LMNF design. This model provides a robust framework to fabricate LMNFs for long-term applications with a stable performance.

Assessment of sous vide water baths in the acute rewarming of frostbitten extremities: A multicenter study.

Assessment of sous vide water baths in the acute rewarming of frostbitten extremities: A multicenter study.

Impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG fermentation on shelf life of Volvariella volvacea paste

AbstractPaste formulations of Volvariella volvacea (VV) were developed for its shelf-life enhancement. Egg stage fruiting bodies of mushrooms were used for preparation of salted, spiced, and their fermented pastes. Fermented paste formulations were developed using inoculation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at 0.5% (w/w) and incubation for 2 days at 35 ± 2 °C. The unfermented VV paste was preserved with sodium benzoate of 0.065%, while fermented formulations were kept devoid of any chemical preservative. All formulations were packed in glass jars and retort bags, and thereafter treated in boiling water bath for one hour. The spiced, fermented VV paste scored highest in sensory evaluation and maximum crude protein and moisture contents, while lowest in contents of ash, fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrates. The fermented (salted and spiced) VV pastes showed variation in pH at 4 °C. Shelf life of 56 days was observed for fermented VV paste stored in glass jars under refrigerated conditions. The antioxidant analysis revealed that DPPH radical scavenging activity of fermented paste formulations increased significantly up to 21 days followed by gradual decrease until the 56th day, while total phenolic content of all paste formulations decreased with storage time. Hence, fermented spiced paste showed enhanced nutritive and antioxidative potential and shelf life up to 56 days.

Tracheal Anastomosis Leaks Across Suture Techniques and Tensions: A Biomechanical Ex Vivo Study.

Anastomotic leak after tracheal resection may occur while coughing in the early postoperative period. We investigated the varying effects of suturing technique, stretch, and tension on anastomotic leaks during simulated coughs. End-to-end anastomoses were performed using continuous or interrupted sutures on excised porcine larynges. Tracheas were secured to a pressurized system simulating cough forces, submerged in a water bath, and stretched to 1, 2, and 3 cm above baseline. Peak pressure, incomplete cough generation, and observed leakages were recorded. Parameters were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression, and logistic regression modeling. Peak tension (B = -0.660, p < 0.001) and stretch lengths (B = -0.329, p = 0.006) were associated with variance in peak pressure (R2 = 0.77, F(3,294) = 8.182, p < 0.001). Incomplete coughs increased with higher peak tension (odds ratio [OR] = 15.627, p < 0.001) and stretching to 3 cm above baseline (OR = 4.335, p < 0.007). Similarly, leak occurrences, primarily from the posterior tracheal wall, increased with higher peak tension (OR = 1.787, p < 0.001) and stretching to 3 cm (OR = 2.613, p = 0.017). No significance was identified with suturing technique. Interrupted and continuous suture techniques do not differ in anastomotic strength during simulated coughs. Increased peak tracheal tension is associated with a weaker anastomosis, and tracheal stretch to 3 cm was associated with a weaker anastomosis. Our study supports the commonly held clinical belief that, to create a stronger anastomosis, tension should be minimized, and particular attention should be placed at the posterior tracheal wall during closure. NA, Benchtop study Laryngoscope, 134:4998-5005, 2024.

Seasonal monitoring, ecological risk assessment, and prioritization of pharmaceuticals in a tropical semi-enclosed bay (Santos, São Paulo coast, Brazil)

Research on the occurrence and seasonal monitoring of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in estuarine and coastal waters has intensified recently. However, few studies have been conducted with PhACs flowing into the marine waters of South America (such as Brazil). Against this backdrop, the aims of this study were: (i) evaluate, for the first time, the seasonal occurrence throughout a year and the potential ecological risks of ten selected PhACs in marine bathing waters from Santos Bay, São Paulo, Brazil (a tropical low-wave energy semi-closed bay); and (ii) develop a list of high-priority PhACs for the monitoring based on "occurrence, persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity" criteria (OPBT). Four water sampling campaigns were carried out throughout the four seasons of the year. The results showed that: (i) ten PhACs (namely, caffeine/CAF (87.20 to 567.23 ng/L); carbamazepine/CAR [below the limit of quantification (<LOQ) to 3.42 ng/L]; citalopram/CIT (<LOQ to 2.98 ng/L); acetaminophen/ACE (<LOQ to 4.00 ng/L); diclofenac/DIC (<LOQ to 5.17 ng/L); orphenadrine/ORP (<LOQ to 3.92 ng/L); atenolol/ATE (<LOQ to 2.98 ng/L); losartan/LOS (<LOQ to 3.98 ng/L); enalapril/ENA (<LOQ to 2.23 ng/L); and furosemide/FUR (<LOQ to 3.24 ng/L), were found in Santos Bay; (ii) the "mass gathering" in Santos city during New Year holiday contributed significantly to increase the mass load of nine PhACs in marine waters; (iii) the ecological risk assessment revealed great environmental concern for the aquatic ecosystem, since the results suggest low to moderate risks of CAF, followed by LOS>ACE>DIC and CAR to algae, crustaceans, and fishes; (iv) Finally, regarding the OPBT ranking, the DIC was the highest-priority PhAC in Santos Bay, followed by: ORP>LOS>CIT>CAR>FUR>ATE>CAF>ACE>ENA.

Evaluating the Impact of Rapid Thermoresistance (RTT) on Membrane and Chromatin Features in Post-Thawed Bovine Semen

This work aims to evaluate the effects of rapid thermoresistance on the morphofunctional aspects of membranes using flow cytometry, as well as the quality of sperm chromatin using the Toluidine Blue technique, both before and after the thermoresistance test.Six sets of frozen semen from ten bulls were used. The samples were thawed in a water bath at 36ºC and separated into two aliquots. The first aliquot, control group (C), was kept in a test tube previously heated to 36ºC with subsequent evaluations using microscopy, cytometry, and chromatin analyses. The second aliquot, experimental group (E), underwent the rapid thermoresistance test (RTT) in a water bath preheated at 46ºC for 30 minutes with subsequent evaluations using microscopy, cytometry, and chromatin analyses. For statistical analysis, the paired T test, significance (P&lt;0.05), was used.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and socioeconomic inequalities in water, sanitation, and hygiene access in China from 2000 to 2020: analysis of data from three national censuses

BackgroundAccess to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities presents a significant global public health challenge. This study aims to investigate the temporal and spatial characteristics of WASH access in mainland China, as well as the socioeconomic equity, using data from national censuses.MethodsWe analyzed households’ data from three national censuses spanning 2000 to 2020 to examine the characteristics of safe water, sanitary toilets, and hygiene bathing facilities over time. Spatial clustering of WASH facilities in 2020 was assessed using Moran's I analysis. Socioeconomic disparities in WASH access across provinces were quantified using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII).ResultsBetween 2000 and 2020, access to safe water in China increased significantly from 45.7% to 91.3%, access to sanitary toilets rose from 18.7% to 78.5%, and access to hygiene bathing facilities climbed from 26.0% to 88.4%, reflecting continuous improvements in WASH access. Urban areas consistently outperformed rural areas, and the eastern region showed higher access rates compared to the central and western regions. Spatial analysis revealed statistically significant clustering of sanitary toilets and hygiene bathing facilities at the provincial level in 2020. Equity analysis indicated a notable improvement in the fairness of WASH access over the past two decades, with decreases observed in both SII and RII metrics.ConclusionMainland China has made substantial strides in enhancing WASH access over the last 20 years, accompanied by significant improvements in provincial equity. However, persistent regional disparities underscore the need for targeted financial support to rural, central, and western regions to further enhance WASH accessibility.

Research on Measurement Algorithm of Thermocouple Time Constant Under Multiple Incentive Experimental Conditions

ABSTRACTThe time constant is often an important indicator parameter to evaluate the response speed of thermocouples. However, in practical applications, the output signal suffers from interference and deformation due to the excitation signal not satisfying the desired step size, data transmission delay, and the effect of mechanical vibrations, which do not match the output response of the system of the same order. In addition, the measurement results are not reproducible due to the subjective influence of the manual measurement method. In this paper, we propose a method to compute the time constant. The output signal is modified by filtering and fitting to enable the automatic calculation of the time constant, and the parameters of the algorithm are discussed. We developed a thermocouple time constant measurement device using a water bath and laser excitation conditions, obtaining response signals from thermocouples with different wire diameters and laser powers. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed time constant calculation methods in accurately capturing the changing trend of thermocouples with different wire diameters and laser powers. These methods successfully meet the requirements for processing the dynamic response signals of thermocouples under various excitation conditions.

Hybrid Energy (Thermoelectric Generator-Archimedes Screw Turbine) Study and Experiment as a Green Energy Generator Based on the Internet of Things (IoT)

The heat energy from the hot water source of Mount Sinabung can be used as a source of electrical energy before being channeled as a source of hot water baths. The hot water flow has a fairly high temperature and a flow rate that can be converted into a source of electricity generation using a Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) and Thermoelectric Generator (TEG). This data collection was simulated using a heat source designed in a reservoir and a cold water flow that is channeled into the PLTMH-TEG system space as a source of temperature delta. This paper aims to study the TEG series TEG1-199-1.4-0.5 and the Archimedes screw Turbine (PLTMH) as a Hybrid Generator (Green Energy). Data analysis was carried out to calculate the system power output, battery charging time, and efficiency of the TEG and PLTMH. Data analysis in this study applies the Internet of Things (IoT). Test data shows that the maximum output parameter of the PLTMH during testing, obtained a maximum voltage of 20.42 Vdc. The maximum current is 759.75 mA and the maximum water discharge is 2.31 m3/s. In the TEG system, the power generated by the TEG is 20.64 watts at a temperature difference of 70.5˚C. It is concluded that the higher the amount of discharge flowing into the Archimedes turbine system and the temperature difference absorbed by the TEG, the greater the power that will be generated and vice versa.

Eco-friendly banana peel biochar for adsorption of toxic metals from landfill treatment pond leachate

Adsorption is one of the most efficient ways to eliminate hazardous metals. The study evaluated the effectiveness of banana peel biochar as a cheap adsorbent to remove hazardous metals from landfill leachate. The landfill leachate of 100 mg/L was mixed with banana peel biochar (0.50, 1.50, and 3.00 g each) and placed in a water bath for 15, 30, and 45 min at a constant temperature of 30 °C and 35 °C. The adsorption efficiency of banana peel biochar for nickel in the leachate ranged from 98.76% to 98.96% and chromium ranged from 99.71% to 99.77% at a temperature of 30 °C for 15 mins and 99.07% to 99.27% for Ni and 99.71% to 99.73% for Cr at a temperature of 35 °C for 45 min. Banana peel biochar maximum adsorption capacity of nickel ranged from 1.15 × 10−5 mg/g to 5.27 × 10−6 mg/g, and 1.05 × 10−5 mg/g to 6.76 × 10−6 mg/g for chromium. Adsorbent made from less expensive banana peel can affordably remove nickel and chromium from landfill leachate. To acquire a broad understanding of the adsorbent’s application, more adsorptive research utilizing banana peels as an adsorbent to treat various wastes ought to be conducted.

An optimized Langendorff-free method for isolation and characterization of primary adult cardiomyocytes

Isolation of adult mouse cardiomyocytes is an essential technique for advancing our understanding of cardiac physiology and pathology, and for developing therapeutic strategies to improve cardiac health. Traditionally, cardiomyocytes are isolated from adult mouse hearts using the Langendorff perfusion method in which the heart is excised, cannulated, and retrogradely perfused through the aorta. While this method is highly effective for isolating cardiomyocytes, it requires specialized equipment and technical expertise. To address the challenges of the Langendorff perfusion method, researchers have developed a Langendorff-free technique for isolating cardiomyocytes. This Langendorff-free technique involves anterograde perfusion through the coronary vasculature by clamping the aorta and intraventricular injection. This method simplifies the experimental setup by decreasing the need for specialized equipment and eliminating the need for cannulation of the heart. Here, we introduce an updated Langendorff-free method for isolating adult mice cardiomyocytes that builds on the Langendorff-free protocols developed previously. In this method, the aorta is clamped in situ, and the heart is perfused using a peristaltic pump, water bath, and an injection needle. This simplicity makes cardiomyocyte isolation more accessible for researchers who are new to cardiomyocyte isolation or are working with limited resources. In this report, we provide a step-by-step description of our optimized protocol. In addition, we present example studies of analyzing mitochondrial structural and functional characteristics in untreated isolated cardiomyocytes and cardiomyocytes treated with the acute inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Hydrodynamic Behavior of Sphere Penetrating into Water Bath Covered with Oil Layer

Hydrodynamic Behavior of Sphere Penetrating into Water Bath Covered with Oil Layer

Effect of ultraviolet treatment on soft tissue healing and bacterial attachment to titania-coated zirconia

Zirconia is the most promising implant abutment material due to its excellent aesthetic effect, good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. To obtain ideal soft tissue sealing, the implant abutment surface should facilitate cell adhesion and inhibit bacterial colonization. In this study, pre-sintered zirconia was placed in a suspension of titania (TiO2) and zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2) and heated in a water bath for dense sintering. A titania coating was prepared on the zirconia surface and subjected to UV irradiation. The surface morphology, elemental composition and chemical state of each group of samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, x-ray energy spectrometer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The responses of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and common oral pathogensStreptococcus mutans(S. mutans) andPorphyromonas gingivalis(P. gingivalis) to modified zirconia were systematically assessed. Our findings demonstrated that the surface of titania-coated zirconia after UV irradiation produced a large number of hydroxyl groups, and its hydrophilicity was significantly improved. Meanwhile, the UV irradiation also greatly removed the hydrocarbon contaminants on the surface of the titania-coated zirconia. The UV-treated titania coating significantly promoted the proliferation, spreading, and up-regulation of adhesion-related genes and proteins of HGFs. Furthermore, the titania coating irradiated with UV could reduce the adhesion, colonization and metabolic activity ofS. mutansandP. gingivalis. Therefore, UV irradiation of titania-coated zirconia can promote the biological behavior of HGFs and exert a significant antibacterial effect, which has broad clinical application prospects for improving soft tissue integration around zirconia abutments.

Effect of Shilajit on Freezing Rooster Semen

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are created in excess during the cryopreservation process, which speeds up the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO). This negatively impacts spermatozoa functions and reduces their capacity to fertilize. The spermatozoon plasma membrane consists of significant amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which can be easily oxidized by ROS and produce harmful agents that are toxic to cells. The plasma membrane of rooster spermatozoa contains high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and very small amounts of mitochondria, cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic antioxidants. Cryopreservation of rooster semen has been associated with adverse effects, including increased lipid peroxidation, structural damage in the mitochondria and acrosomal area, changes in the integrity and permeability of the spermatozoon plasma membrane, and severe damage to DNA. In the study, semen taken from 20 Plymouth Rock roosters were pooled to eliminate individual differences. By adding 5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, 15 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL shilajit to Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender diluent, 5 experimental and 1 control groups were formed and frozen in 0.25 mL straws. After thawing in a water bath at 37oC, spermatologic parameters were analyzed with the CASA system. Viability evaluations were made with eosin – nigrosin stain and morphological evaluations were made with Hancock method. Sperm DNA integrity was examined with the COMET assay. As a result, it was concluded that the addition of 10, 15, 20 μg/mL shilajit to rooster semen extender improves semen quality parameters and DNA integrity of semen after cryopreservation.

Microencapsulation of Caucasian blueberries (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) anthocyanins: Colour stability in varying storage conditions

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the extraction of anthocyanins from the fruits of Caucasian blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) and examine the colour stability of anthocyanins encapsulated through spray drying in model systems. The trials were conducted to determine the optimal conditions for anthocyanin extraction using an ultrasonic water bath at temperatures of 25, 50 and 75°C. The ideal anthocyanin extraction occurred at 25°C using 100% acetone in an ultrasonic bath for 15 min at 35 kHz. Anthocyanin concentrations were evaluated using the pH differential method. The extracted anthocyanins were encapsulated through spray drying with maltodextrin as the encapsulating material. The encapsulation efficiency was 80.4 ± 0.20%, and the anthocyanin retention rate was 83.0 ± 0.76%. The coloured capsules were added to model systems with pH values of 4.50, 5.00, 5.50 and 6.00. The colour values (L* 50.16 ± 0.05, a* 4.08 ± 0.04, b* −9.35 ± 0.01, H° 293.57 ± 0.15, C* 10.20 ± 0.03) were measured during varying storage conditions. The results showed, that colour loss began on the fifth day and this was accelerated with higher temperatures and pH values. It was found that encapsulation significantly preserved the stability of the blue colour and the loss of the blue colour followed first‐order reaction kinetics. The study showed that the blue colour of microcapsules was best preserved at pH 5.00 at 25°C. In this case, the measured total colour change (∆E) was 5.86, the activation energy (Ea) was 37.64 kJ/mol, and the half‐life (t1/2) was determined to be 19.08 days.

MODIFICATION OF THE METHOD OF QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF FLAVONOIDS IN THE GRASS OF THE MOUNTAIN BIRD POLÝGONUM AVICULÁRE L.

Аbstract Aim– Modification a methodology of the quantitative content of the sum of flavonoids in the raw material of bird's knotweed (Polýgonum Aviculáre L.) Material and methods. The raw materials of the bird's mountaineer (grass) were collected near the village of Ponomarevka, Dombarovka, Alekseevka, Orenburg region in June-July 2022. The collected material was dried in accordance with the requirements of the GF. The quantitative content was studied using a Vilitek VBS ultrasonic bath at a temperature of 40 ° C and a power of 60 W, a LAB-TB-6/W water bath at a temperature of 90 ° C, a rotary evaporator "IR-1 LT" at a temperature of 70 ° C. The electronic spectra were measured on a UNICO 2800 UV spectrophotometer, in 10 mm thick cuvettes in the wavelength range from 190 to 700 nm. The comparison solution was prepared using 96% ethyl alcohol concentration. Results. The presented method of quantitative determination can be used in "end-to-end" standardization, for raw materials of other types of mountaineer, as well as medicinal herbal preparations based on mountaineers. We selected the extraction conditions using 50% ethyl alcohol in a ratio (raw material-extractant) of 1:50 and boiling in a water bath for 60 minutes, which allowed us to achieve the yield of the amount of flavonoids more than 0.5% declared in GF XIV (FS.2.5.0069.18). Conclusion. New, different from pharmacopoeia conditions for the analysis of the quantitative determination of the amount of flavonoids in the grass of the mountaineer bird are proposed. The main differences, which is a single extraction, in comparison with a three-stage pharmacopoeia; reduction of extraction time in a water bath to 60 minutes, which is 30 minutes less than in the method of GF XIV; the concentration of the extractant and the ratio of "raw materials:extractant". Thus, the method of quantitative determination of the grass of the mountain bird has been modified according to the basic conditions of extraction of raw materials. As a result, based on the data obtained, we can recommend the content of flavonoids in the raw material of bird's knotweed at least 1.5 ± 0.08%.

Evaluation of the Heat Transfer Performance of a Device Utilizing an Asymmetric Pulsating Heat Pipe Structure Based on Global and Local Analysis

PHPs (pulsating heat pipes) are widely used as an efficient heat transfer element in equipment thermal management and waste heat recovery due to their flexibility. The purpose of this study was to design a heat transfer device that utilizes an asymmetric pulsating heat pipe structure by adjusting the lengths of selected pipes within the entire circulation pipeline. In the experiment, a constant temperature water bath was used as the heat source, with heat dissipated in the condensing section via natural convection. An infrared thermal imager was used to record the temperature of the condensing section, and the local wall temperature distribution was measured in different channels of the condensing section. Based on an in-depth analysis of the wavelet frequency, the following research conclusions are drawn: Firstly, as the heat source temperature increases, the start-up time of the pulsating heat pipe is shortened, the operating state changes from start–stop–start to stable and continuous oscillation, and the oscillation mode changes from high amplitude and low frequency to low amplitude and high frequency. These changes are especially pronounced when the heat source temperature is 80 °C, which is when the thermal resistance reaches its lowest value of 0.0074 K/W, and the equivalent thermal conductivity reaches its highest value of 666.29 W/(m·K). Secondly, the flow and oscillation of the working fluid can be effectively promoted by appropriately shortening the length of the condensing section of the pulsating heat pipes or the heat transfer distance between the evaporation and condensing sections. Third, under a low-temperature heat source, the oscillation frequency of each channel of a pulsating heat pipe is found to be low based on wavelet analysis. However, as the heat source temperature increases, the energy content of the temperature signal of the working fluid in each channel changes from a low- to a high-frequency value, gradually converging to the same characteristic frequency. At this point, the working fluid in the pipes no longer flows randomly in multiple directions but rather in a single direction. Finally, we determined that the maximum oscillation frequency of working fluid in a PHP is around 0.7 HZ when using the water bath heating method.

Visual liquefaction process of biomass pyrolysis vapors during indirect heat exchange: Experimental description, prediction, and verification

The present investigation proposed an experimental method combining bio-oil segmental recovery, vapor composition inversion, and function fitting, to describe the vapor evolution curves and heat maps of water, acetic acid, furfural, phenol, MCP, guaiacol and its derivatives in the indirect condensing field regulated by continuous water bath temperatures within 280–364 K. Under 280 K water bath, the recovery proportion of water exceeded 50 % after pyrolysis vapors moved 8 cm from inlet, and soon surpassed 90 % after 12.5 cm. At 337 K, 50 % recovery proportion of water required the vapors to move 20 cm, while guaiacol required only 10 cm for the same proportion. Half of the evolution description data were sampled and utilized to fit the prediction curves of vapor evolution with increasing bath temperature, and another half were used to verify these prediction curves. The overall prediction accuracy of the representative components remained at 70 %, despite the local accuracies less than 50 % within 280–300 K and 355–364 K. These findings provided a visual description and prediction method for the selective condensation of pyrolysis vapors. The cycle from research to application of selective condensation was effectively shortened by the prediction of vapor evolution under water bath based on sampling experiments.

Valorization of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) testa as a biocolourant

IntroductionCoconut testa, a by-product of the coconut processing industry, is currently underutilised. This study aimed to extract a coconut testa-based food colourant using various organic solvents and physical methods, and to utilise this colourant in food product preparation.MethodsDifferent organic solvents, along with various time and temperature combinations, were employed for colourant extraction using both a laboratory-scale water bath and ultrasonication. The colour coordinate values (CIELab) of the testa-derived colourants were measured, and the colourants were screened for various phytochemicals. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the testa colourant was assessed by quantifying total phenolics, and the phytochemical composition, including monomeric anthocyanins, was evaluated.ResultsThe study determined the optimal combinations of organic solvents, temperature and time to obtain extracts with maximum antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). Acidified ethanol-based extracts of testa colourants yielded highest polyphenol content (154.39 ± 2.63 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids content (53.65 ± 0.62 mg QE/g). Similarly, ethanol-based extractants of coconut testa produced high anthocyanin content [823.02 ± 1.81 mg Cy-3-glc equivalents (C3GE)/100 g]. Acidified (0.3 M HCl) solvents at relatively high temperature and time combinations exhibited high antioxidant potential of testa colourant, as measured by CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH assays. Following the foam mat drying process of the colourant, a mature coconut water-based jelly was prepared by incorporating the testa colourant extracted with acidified ethanol.DiscussionThis study highlights the biochemical and antioxidant potential of the food colorant derived from coconut testa and explores its suitability for functional food applications. Therefore, coconut testa extract serves a dual purpose: it enhances the aesthetic appeal of food as a colourant and provides significant health-promoting properties due to its high anthocyanin content. Insights from this study could help in promoting the valorization of one of the beneficial by products of coconut industry.