Beeswax Research Articles

Structuring of Cold Pressed Oils: Evaluation of the Physicochemical Characteristics and Microstructure of White Beeswax Oleogels.

The aim of the study was to characterize the gelling effect of beeswax (BW) using different types of cold pressed oil. The organogels were produced by hot mixing sunflower oil, olive oil, walnut oil, grape seed oil and hemp seed oil with 3%, 7% and 11% beeswax. Characterization of the oleogels was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the chemical and physical properties of the oleogels were determined, the oil binding capacity was estimated and the SEM morphology was studied. The color differences were highlighted by the CIE Lab color scale for evaluating the psychometric index of brightness (L*), components a and b. Beeswax showed excellent gelling capacity at 3% (w/w) of 99.73% for grape seed oil and a minimum capacity of 64.34%for hemp seed oil. The value of the peroxide index is strongly correlated with the oleogelator concentration. Scanning electron microscopy described the morphology of the oleogels in the form of overlapping structures of platelets similar in structure, but dependent on the percentage of oleogelator added. The use in the food industry of oleogels from cold-pressed vegetable oils with white beeswax is conditioned by the ability to imitate the properties of conventional fats.

Effect of Storage Time on Wax–Wax–Hydrolyzate Canola Oil Oleogels

AbstractIn this study, two natural waxes, beeswax (BW) and sunflower wax (SFW), are combined with their hydrolyzed variants to deliberately alter the waxes’ composition. The properties of the produced oleogels with different wax inclusion levels (4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% w/w) are investigated after defined intervals (2 days, 7 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months). To do so, the gels are monitored via penetrometry, microscopy, and calorimetry. Although the gels do not show any significant difference during storage in the micrographs, the calorimetric and firmness data reveal meaningful results. The heat of dissolution increases in every system investigated, indicating post‐crystallization processes. Due to different solubilities of wax components, the critical gelling concentration is determined and the solid wax content is retrieved to further address the structure efficiency (S.E.). It is demonstrated that although the quantity of solids over time increases, the scaffolding effectiveness decreases in most cases. Only SFW, most likely due to sintering, shows an increase in S.E. over the storage time. Identified synergistic effects in BW and hydrolyzate mixtures decrease with increasing storage time. This work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of wax‐based oleogels upon storage.Practical Applications: Although much is known about the gel properties of wax‐based oleogels at short‐term, the behavior over the storage period remains largely unresolved. However, this behavior is immensely important for a real application in fast and slow moving consumer goods. After all, products should always have the same consumer‐relevant properties when stored at variable time frames. This applies to both food and pharmaceutical products. Knowledge of the behavior of wax‐based oleogels in terms of a time‐dependent change can help to choose a targeted product design and ensure product quality and consumer satisfaction.

Repurposing of phyto-ligand molecules from the honey bee products for Alzheimer's disease as novel inhibitors of BACE-1: small molecule bioinformatics strategies as amyloid-based therapy.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases, manifesting dementia, spatial disorientation, language, cognitive, and functional impairment, mainly affects the elderly population with a growing concern about the financial burden on society. Repurposing can improve the traditional progress of drug design applications and could speed up the identification of innovative remedies for AD. The pursuit of potent anti-BACE-1 drugs for AD treatment has become a pot boiler topic in the recent past and to instigate the design of novel improved inhibitors from the bee products. Drug-likeness characteristics (ADMET: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), docking (AutoDock Vina), simulation (GROMACS), and free energy interaction (MM-PBSA, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area) analyses were performed to identify the lead candidates from the bee products (500 bioactives from the honey, royal jelly, propolis, bee bread, bee wax, and bee venom) for Alzheimer's disease as novel inhibitors of BACE-1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (1) receptor using appropriate bioinformatics tools. Forty-four bioactive lead compounds were screened from the bee products through high throughput virtual screening on the basis of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics characteristics, showing favorable intestinal and oral absorption, bioavailability, blood brain barrier penetration, less skin permeability, and no inhibition of cytochrome P450 inhibitors. The docking score of the forty-four ligand molecules was found to be between -4 and -10.3 kcal/mol, respectively, exhibiting strong binding affinity to BACE1 receptor. The highest binding affinity was observed in the rutin (-10.3 kcal/mol), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (-9.5 kcal/mol), nemorosone (-9.5 kcal/mol), and luteolin (-8.9 kcal/mol). Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated high total binding energy -73.20 to -105.85 kJ/mol), and low root mean square deviation (0.194-0.202 nm), root mean square fluctuation (0.0985-0.1136 nm), radius of gyration (2.12 nm), number of H-bonds (0.778-5.436), and eigenvector values (2.39-3.54 nm2) in the molecular dynamic simulation, signifying restricted motion of Cα atoms, proper folding and flexibility, and highly stable with compact of the BACE1 receptor with the ligands. Docking and simulation studies concluded that rutin, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, nemorosone, and luteolin are plausibly used as novel inhibitors of BACE1 to combat AD, but further in-depth experimental investigations are warranted to prove these in silico findings.

Formulation and Standardization of Herbal Cream for Acne Vulgaris

At some point in their lives, everyone develops acne, pimples, sunburn scars, and pigmentation. In order to treat their skin issues and provide them a good, healthy complexion, customers have started shopping for goods like anti-acne cream. However, the majority of anti-acne creams on the market are loaded with ingredients to which some people may have an adverse reaction. Using two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and two gram-negative bacteria, the extract and cream's antibacterial activities were tested using the disc diffusion method (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica). The bactericidal effects of the extract were investigated at dosages of 5, 10, and 25 mg/ml. The extract's antibacterial properties were incredibly ineffectual against all investigated species. As soon as the extract was added to the cream's recipe at Concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 successfully maintained this activity. After two months, the cream's formulation remained the same. After clinical and toxicology testing are complete, this cream formulation can be successfully utilised to treat skin infections, including acne vulgaris. The primary pathogenic factors include androgen-stimulated stimulation of sebaceous gland secretion, hyperkeratinization, abnormal infundibular epithelium keratinization that blocks sebaceous follicles, and Propionibacterium acnes colonisation of the pilosebaceous unit, which causes inflammation around the sebaceous follicles. The common formulations that are already on the market typically have a variety of unfavourable consequences, including poor patient compliance, skin irritation, dryness, peeling, and itching, as well as decreased therapeutic efficiency. A skin condition called acne vulgaris will almost certainly affect everyone at some point in their lives. Herbal therapies are thought to be safer than allopathic ones because they are less likely to have adverse effects such contact allergies, localised irritation, scaling, photosensitivity, itching, pruritus, skin peeling, etc. This study showed that a variety of herbal extracts had anti-acne properties. The cream's recipe included a sizeable amount of poly herbal extract. An in vitro method of measuring antibacterial activity was used to test the anti-acne effects of the suggested formulation (broth dilution method and sub culturing method). Using the skin feel test, the spreadability, greasiness, tackiness, film-forming, softening, soothing, and pleasantness of cream were evaluated. The outcomes demonstrated that the formula chosen also possessed potent anti-acne properties. As a result, we might encourage more in-vivo research and testing on items that are already on the market. Acne is a pilosebaceous-related skin condition that is continuously inflammatory. This condition is widespread and affects 85% of youngsters worldwide. Acne's disfiguring dermatosis might significantly lessen emotional discomfort by weakening self-confidence. Available as topical and systemic therapy for treating acne are comedolytic medicines, antibiotics, and many anti-inflammatory medications. Because of the undesirable side effects, frequently high cost, and antibiotic resistance in acne-causing bacteria, the need for medicinal plants has been gradually rising. This review provides the most recent information on medicinal plants and the phytoconstituents used to treat acne. The most popular anti-acne drugs, like as retinoids, systemic and topical antibiotics, and hormones, have a number of dangerous side effects. According to the literature, Calendula officinalis, Rosa canina, Zataria multiflora, Trigonal foeman graecum, and Glycine max all have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities that could be used to treat the disease's inflamed sores. Before making changes, a standard washing cream recipe containing bees wax, spermaceti, borax, liquid paraffin, and water was considered.

Effect of Bearing Direction and Mounting Techniques on Cross-Laminated Timber Elements in the Field

Vibration reduction index (Kij) measurements in the field have some challenges compared to laboratory measurements. Firstly, the measurement requires access to a construction site during the short time span when the cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements are apparent. Secondly, building contractors are often on a tight time schedule. Therefore, it is important to find a solution that minimizes the measurement time on site. Moreover, Kij measurements in the field include several types of junctions with different bearing directions which may be of importance. This paper aims to evaluate two different mounting techniques with accelerometers on CLT elements and to discuss how the bearing direction could affect the vibration level difference of junctions. Measurement data indicates few deviations between mounting techniques with bee wax or double-sided adhesive tape when accelerometers are attached on CLT elements. Furthermore, field measurements indicate that the vibration level will decrease with an increased number of lamellas over the same CLT element. Double-sided adhesive tape is an adequate substitute for bee wax in the field for mounting accelerometers on CLT elements, with some limitations for high frequencies. Measurement data concludes that the bearing direction of CLT elements can influence the vibration reduction index of a junction.

Comparative study of natural wax-based W/O emulsion gels: Microstructure and macroscopic properties

In this paper, six kinds of natural wax, including sunflower wax (SFX), rice bran wax (RBX), carnauba Brazilian wax (CBX), beeswax (BWX), candelilla wax (CDX), and sugarcane wax (SGX) were used to prepare water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion gels. Microstructures and rheological properties of all emulsion gels were investigated by microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheometer, respectively. By comparing polarized light images of wax-based emulsion gels and corresponding wax-based oleogels, it could be found that dispersed water droplets greatly affected the crystal distribution and hindered crystal growth. Polarized light microscopy and CLSM images proved that natural wax could perform a dual-stabilization mechanism by interfacial crystallization and crystal networks. SEM images illustrated all waxes except SGX were platelets and formed networks by stacking on top of each other, while flocs-like SGX was easier to adsorb on the interface and formed a “crystalline shell”. The surface area and pore formed by different wax varied wildly, which accounted for their differences in the gelation ability, oil binding capacity, and strength of the crystal network. The rheological study showed that all wax had solid-like properties and wax-based oleogels with denser crystal networks correspond to emulsion gels with higher modules. The dense crystal network and interfacial crystallization could improve the stability of W/O emulsion gels proved by recovery rates and critical strain. All the above proved that natural wax-based emulsion gels can be used as stable, low-fat, and thermal-sensitive fat mimics.

Increasing the firmness of wax‐based oleogels using ternary mixtures of sunflower wax with beeswax:candelilla wax combinations

AbstractOleogels were prepared with 5% wax in soybean oil using mixtures of beeswax (BW) and candelilla wax (CLW) with ratios of 10:90, 30:70, 50:50, and 60:40 BW:CLW, and the same series where 10% of the total wax was substituted with sunflower wax (SFW). The hypothesis that SFW would increase the firmness of the oleogels without affecting the melting properties was tested. Firmness of one‐wax oleogels decreased from SFW > CLW > BW. Oleogels with 50:50 BW:CLW and 60:40 BLW:CLW had equal firmness to pure 5% SFW oleogels. SFW significantly increased oleogel firmness and reduced the softening that occurred between 4°C and 22°C. Increased firmness was also found with rice bran wax and behenyl‐behenate (C44) addition, but not with wax esters with chain lengths ranging from 30 to 40 carbons (C30 to C40). By differential scanning calorimetry, SFW significantly decreased the melting point of oleogels with 10:90 and 30:70 BW:CLW mixtures but significantly increased the melting point of those with 50:50 and 60:40 BW:CLW mixtures. However, the solid fat content melting curves were not significantly influenced by SFW addition. These results indicate that mixed wax oleogels had greater hardness and elasticity, and that the long chain wax esters contributed by SFW helped to improve the strength of oleogels without negatively affecting their melting properties.

A aplicação de película natural melhora a conservação de flores de corte de cravos

ABSTRACT Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is one of the most important and popular cut flowers for the ornamental industry. However, it has a short decorative life, being water loss one of the main challenges. Water loss leads the petals to wither with a consequent loss of its commercial value. One of the techniques used in postharvest technology is the use of coatings and films, which interfere in gas exchange and water loss, maintaining the quality of cut flowers. The current study investigated the effects of a natural coating based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at 5% and beeswax (BW) in cut carnation flower cv. Delphi stored at 20°C and 70% RH. The application of HPMC + 40% BW treatment in flowers resulted in 30% higher fresh weight, 17% higher relative water content (RWC) and 80% higher flower opening compared to untreated flowers. The shelf life of untreated and HPMC + 40% BW carnations was 7 and 12 days, respectively, allowing a shelf-life extension of up to five days.

A VIKOR based selection of phase change material for thermal energy storage in solar dryer system

Phase Change Material (PCM) has vast applications in Thermal Energy Storage (TES). An efficient thermal energy storage system design depends on properly selecting PCM. This study found a detailed and organized process for evaluating PCMs for the design of latent heat based thermal energy storage that includes pre-screening, ranking, and objectively evaluating performance utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods. Among some PCMs suitable for low-temperature thermal energy storage applications, organic PCMs are a desirable option over inorganic PCMs. The following properties, such as melting point temperature, latent heat, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, density, and cost, are considered in PCM selection. This work aims to select an eco-friendly, economical, and thermal-efficient PCM for low temperature (40 °C – 70 °C) solar dryer application from the thirteen identified PCM’s. VIKOR technique is used to select the suitable PCM from the identified PCMs like Natural Soya Wax, Bee Wax (C15 H31 COO C30 H61), Paraffin Wax, Palm Wax, Stearic Acid (CH3(CH2)16 CO2), Lauric Acid (C12 H24 O2), Palmitic Acid (C16 H32 O2), Medicine Paraffin Wax, RT55, RT60, P116, Shellac Wax (C30 H50 O11), and CR + 55A. This technique ranks the identified PCM using the appropriate properties. Paraffin wax ranks at the top, satisfying all the required properties. The results showed that this technique is a feasible tool for choosing the appropriate PCM.

History of bees wax in dentistry

Wax is the oldest dental material still in use today. Chemically, wax is an ester containing a long-chain alcohol and a long-chain fatty acid. Today, dental waxes are a mixture of animal, vegetable, and mineral origin, as well as dyes, oils, fats, gums, and resins; the later components change the wax’s physical properties such as melting range, fluidity, ductility, thermal expansion or contraction, and distortion with time. Each component is added to attain the physical properties desirable for a particular application. Natural waxes like carnauba wax are produced from plants; bees make beeswax, while paraffin is derived from minerals.

Microbial load of heritage dermatological moulages of the historic university department in Wroclaw, Poland.

Many historic dermatology departments keep and preserve valuable collections of dermatological moulages. The aim of the present research was to find out whether the specimens collected in the Museum of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology of Wroclaw Medical University are colonized by microorganisms, and whether these organisms can pose a risk of damage to this heritage or a health risk to visitors. In the study 32 historic moulages and their environment (museum) were subjected to microbiological evaluation. Swabs from moulages turned to be positive in 28% of cases. Micrococcus luteus was mainly isolated. The flora isolated from the air and the external surfaces of the museum display cases was much richer. Environmental bacteria and fungi were determined, as well as organisms probably associated with the hospital flora: Pseudosomonas spp., Paebacillus sp., Acinetobacter sp. The close proximity of clinical wards probably influences the composition of the museum environment. The surprisingly low contamination of the moulages may be due to the antiseptic properties of the bee wax from which they were made. Conservation work on the moulages as well as people visiting the museum do not pose significant health risks. However, the small number of studies devoted to this topic limits the conclusions. Further research on medical collections is needed to provide 'evidence-based care' for this heritage.

Combined Effect of 1-MCP with Honeybee Wax on Plum Quality during Cold Storage

Post-harvest treatment plays a significant role in extending the shelf life of fresh produce. This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of post-harvest 1-MCP and bee wax treatment on plum quality under cold storage condition (3±1oC, RH; 80-85%). Fruit were divided into 9 groups and subjected to different treatments i-e T0 (untreated) T1 (1-MCP 0.5µl/L), T2 (1-MCP 1µl/L), T3 (5% bee wax), T4 (10% bee wax), T5 (1-MCP 0.5µl/L+5% bee wax), T6 (1-MCP 0.5µl/L+10% bee wax), T7 (1-MCP 1µl/L+5% bee wax), and T8 (1-MCP 1µl/L+10% bee wax). Various physicochemical and sensory quality attributes were evaluated at 12 days intervals for 60 days. The results for the sample T8 revealed lowest decrease in ascorbic acid (10.15%), titratable acidity (15.05%), overall acceptability (34.52%) and lowest percent increase weight loss (2.71%), total soluble solid (18.40%), total sugar (19.49%), pH (11.63%).While T0 showed highest percent decrease in ascorbic acid (41.67%), titratable acidity (55.91%), overall acceptability (74.80%) and highest increase in percent weight loss (14.34%), total soluble solid (30.82%), total sugar (30.50%), pH (22.45%). Therefore, it could be concluded that T8 demonstrated good results for physicochemical and sensory characteristics during cold storage treatment. Furthermore, combination of 1-MCP and bee wax could be used to preserve the internal and external quality.

Physicochemical Properties and Cookie-Making Performance as Fat Replacer of Wax-Based Rice Bran Oil Oleogels.

Reducing the intake of trans and saturated fatty acids is a trend in healthy eating. In this study, the oleogels were prepared from rice bran oil (RBO), candle wax (CDW), beeswax (BW), rice bran wax (RBW), and carnauba wax (CRW), respectively, and the results based on their physicochemical properties and crystal structures at critical concentrations, 6 wt.%, 8 wt.%, and 10 wt.%, were determined to further investigate the oleogels as a shortening substitute in cookie recipes. Oleogel has a smooth, spreadable β' crystal shape which creates excellent sensory properties and improves the texture, but also has some economic benefits. A comparison between the oleogels formed at critical concentrations and those with improved mass fractions was performed in several analyses such as PLM and texture, and the oleogels with higher mass fractions had a greater hardness and stickiness and denser crystal structures. This study was used to optimize the cookie recipe by partially replacing shortening with oleogel and preparing the cookies according to the 0:1, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 1:0 oleogel shortening mixture, respectively. Based on the results of the textural analysis, a colorimetric and sensory evaluation of the optimized formulation of oleogels in cookies, it was evident that BW and RBW oleogels have more potential to replace shortening in cookies than CDW and CRW oleogels. In particular, oleogels with a concentration of 6 wt.% RBW (RBW-6) and at a 7:3 (oleogel:shortening) shortening replacement exhibited a hardness and crispness of 15.75 N and 97.73 g, respectively, with an L* value of 66.66 and a sensory score of 22.32 ± 0.09. The value for the color perception difference (dE) between the cookies and the control group was -3.73, which allowed us to obtain a good product with a quality and characteristics similar to shortening. This supports the feasibility of new solid fats to replace traditional plastic fats in baked goods.

Development and Evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Transdermal Delivery of Ketoprofen

Purpose: Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which when administered via an oral route displays significant gastro-intestinal side effects and has low skin permeation profile. The objective of the present work is to utilise nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as carrier system for transdermal delivery of ketoprofen. 
 Methods: NLCs were prepared via hot homogenisation technique using bees wax, carnauba wax, glycerl monostearate (solid lipids), linseed oil (liquid lipid) and poloxamer188 (surfactant) and optimized using custom design via JMP. The responses evaluated were drug entrapment efficiency, particle size and drug release profile. The experimental design was evaluated for model fit with the assistance of ANOVA. The optimum formulations were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, SEM, DSC, FTIR and also drug content, entrapment efficiency, in- vitro drug release, ex-vivo drug release profile was studied.
 Results: The drug entrapment in the range of 34±0.03-95.06±0.01%. The drug release from the formulations over a 24 h study was found to be 80%±0.09 to 95%±0.06. The maximum desirability was found to be 0.91. The optimum formulation showed mean particle size of 425.8nm and a zeta potential of -45mV. SEM results revealed slightly agglomerated particles with uneven surfaces. The ex-vivo skin permeation of NLC optimized patch formulation exhibited a higher flux and permeability coefficient in comparison to the pure drug patch formulation and marketed gel (2.5%w/w) FTIR spectra assured the chemical and physical compatibility. 
 Conclusion: Transdermal delivery of ketoprofen via NLCs would be a promising approach for improving the skin permeation.

Exposure to polylactic acid induces oxidative stress and reduces the ceramide levels in larvae of greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella)

Plastic biodegradation by insects has made significant progress, opening up new avenues for the treatment of plastic waste. Wax moth larvae, for example, have attracted the attention of the scientific community because they are known to chew, ingest, and biodegrade natural polymer bee waxes. Despite this, we know very little about how these insects perform on manufactured plastics or how manufactured plastics affect insect metabolism. As a result, we studied the metabolism of greater wax moths (Galleria mellonella) fed on molasses-supplemented polylactic acid plastic (PLA) blocks. An analysis of the central carbon metabolism (CCM) metabolites was performed using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS), while an analysis of untargeted metabolites and lipids was conducted using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS). In total, 169 targeted CCM metabolites, 222 untargeted polar metabolites, and 196 untargeted nonpolar lipids were identified within the insect samples. In contrast, compared to control larvae, PLA-fed larvae displayed significantly different levels of 97 CCM metabolites, 75 polar metabolites, and 57 lipids. Purine and pyrimidine metabolisms were affected by PLA feeding, as well as amino acid metabolism, carbohydrates, cofactors, vitamins, and related metabolisms. Additionally, PLA exposure disrupted insect energy metabolism and oxidative stress, among other metabolic disturbances. The larvae fed PLA have lower levels of several lipids, suggesting a reduction in lipid reserves, and ceramide levels are likely to have changed due to apoptosis and inflammation. The study indicates that G. mellonella larvae could ingest PLA but this process causes some metabolic stress for the host. Future studies of the molecular pathways of this biodegradation process might help to provide strategies for stress reduction that would speed up insect digestion of plastic.

Crystallization and Structural Properties of Oleogel-Based Margarine.

Interest in oleogel as a promising alternative to traditional hydrogenated vegetable oil has increasingly grown in recent years due to its low content of saturated fatty acids and zero trans fatty acids. This study aimed to develop wax-based margarine to replace traditional commercial margarine. The wax-based margarine was prepared and compared with commercial margarine in texture, rheology, and microscopic morphology. The possibility of preparing margarine at room temperature (non-quenched) was also explored. The results showed that the hardness of oleogel-based margarine increased as the BW concentration increased. Denser droplets and crystal network structure were observed with the increase in BW content. XRD patterns of oleogel-based margarine with different content BW were quite similar and structurally to the β' form. However, the melting temperature of oleogel-based margarine was over 40 °C at each concentration, which represented a poor mouth-melting characteristic. In addition, the unique, improved physical properties of oleogel-based margarine were obtained with binary mixtures of China lacquer wax (ZLW) and Beeswax (BW), due to the interaction of the ZLW and BW crystal network. The rapid cooling process improved the spreadability of oleogel-based margarine. The margarine prepared by 5% BW50:ZLW50 had similar properties to commercial margarine in texture and melting characteristics (37 °C), which had the potential to replace commercial margarine.

Phase Change Energy Storage Material with Photocuring, Photothermal Conversion, and Self-Cleaning Performance via a Two-Layer Structure.

Compared with the thermal curing process, the photocuring process has advantages such as high efficiency and less energy consumption. However, the preparation of photocurable phase change materials (PCMs) with photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties is challenging due to the conflict between the transparency required by the photocurable resin system and the opacity deduced by the large number of fillers required by photothermal conversion and the negative effect of filler steric hindrance on the reaction rate and crystallinity. In this work, a "thiol-ene" click chemical reaction induced using UV was used to prepare photocurable PCMs, followed by spraying a carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (CCNT) suspension (with ethyl acetate) onto the surface to achieve an effective two-layer composite of the PCM and CCNTs, by which the rough surface of the PCM and the interaction offered by the hydrogen bonds on the interface of the PCM and the CCNTs provide sufficient adhesion for the two phases. The "thiol-ene" cross-linked polymer network provided shape stability as a support material. 1-Octadectanethiol (ODT) and beeswax (BW) were encapsulated in the cross-linked polymer network as phase change components, providing phase change latent heat. The CCNT layer provided excellent photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties. The experimental results show that the latent heat of the PCM can reach 124.2 J/g, the water contact angle is 144°, the photothermal conversion efficiency reaches 75%, and it has significant self-cleaning performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a photocurable PCM with photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties.

Eco-friendly polyvinyl alcohol/beeswax blend prepared using gamma irradiation for adsorption of cesium ions from an aqueous solution

ABSTRACT The release of cesium ions in the environment is considered to be a dangerous pollutant. The present work deals with the gamma irradiation synthesis of novel adsorbent sustainable hydrogel from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/beeswax (BW) and its investigation for the uptake of cesium (I) from aqueous solutions. The characterization of synthesized PVA/BW hydrogel was provided by FTIR, SEM, XRD and gel content in addition to the water absorbency. The obtained results indicated that the prepared composite provides advantages over conventional preparation techniques. The batch technique experiments were occurred to investigate the adsorption kinetics, capacity, and optimum conditions for the uptake of cesium (I) by PVA/BW. The obtained data show that the maximum adsorption capacity of PVA/BW for cesium ion was estimated and it was provided at a contact time of 1.0 hr, pH =  3, and adsorbed dose of 0.10 g. The calculated thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption of cesium ions by PVA/BW was an endothermic and spontaneous process.

Harnessing Potentials and Optimization of Apicultural Education as Pathway for Alleviating Poverty in Southern Nigeria

The role of apicultural education as a catalyst for reducing rural poverty among bee farmers was investigated in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The survey research design was used in achieving this. To adequately and appropriately execute the project, some objectives were formulated. From these objectives, research questions were generated and hypotheses formulated accordingly to guide data gathering and analysis. The instrument for data gathering was a four point close ended questionnaire from which 150 bee farmers and 50 extension agents were selected to respond to items in the questionnaire using the census approach.  Data collected from their responses were subjected to two forms of descriptive analysis. The first was percentage descriptive analysis which was used to x-ray the biodata.  Second, mean and standard deviation were used to treat the research questions.  The third method used is the independent t-test on the three man hypothesis of the study. The result of the analysis warranted the rejection of the three null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance with 198 degrees of freedom using 1.96 as the critical f value. The results showed that 98 percent of bee farmers who had received apicultural education through extension services produced had more honey yield due to increase awareness on modern bee keeping techniques, adequate processing information and marketing strategies which invariably increased their income. Based on the findings made in this research, it was concluded by  that giving the farmers and rural dwellers apicultural education such as training them on how to construct apicultural equipment, producing of honey, producing and processing of bee wax into other products such as polish, candles etc. will enhance their performance in bee farming and thus alleviate their poverty.

Core/Double-Sheath Composite Fibers from Poly(ethylene oxide), Poly(L-lactide) and Beeswax by Single-Spinneret Electrospinning.

The conventional approach for preparation of core-sheath fibers is coaxial electrospinning. Single-spinneret electrospinning of emulsions is a much less common method to obtain core-sheath fibers. Core-sheath structure may be generated by electrospinning of homogeneous blend solutions; however, reports on such cases are still scarce. Herein, the preparation of nanofibrous composites from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and beeswax (BW) by single-spinneret electrospinning of their homogeneous blend solutions in chloroform is reported. The produced fibers had core/double-sheath structure with a PEO core, PLA inner sheath and BW outer sheath. This original fiber structure was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, selective extraction of BW or PEO, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PLA/BW double sheath led to hydrophobicity of the PEO/PLA/BW mats. The tensile tests revealed that PEO/PLA/BW mats had substantially improved mechanical behavior as compared to PEO, PLA and PEO/BW mats. PEO/PLA/BW mats can be used as drug carriers as evidenced by the one-pot incorporation of the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (NQ) into the fibrous materials. Microbiological tests showed that PEO/PLA/BW/NQ had antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the new materials are promising for wound healing applications.