Box-Behnken Response Surface Design Research Articles

Investigation of oligomeric proanthocyanidins extracted from Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes using deep eutectic solvents and identified via data-dependent-acquisition mass-spectroscopy

In this study, 34 deep eutectic solvents were successfully prepared for the extraction of proanthocyanidin from Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes. The extraction process was optimized using single factor exploration and Box-Behnken design-response surface analysis. The extraction rate was significantly improved when the molar ratio of choline chloride to 1,3-propanediol was 1:3.5 and the water content was 30% (V/V) in deep eutectic solvents. AB-8 macroporous resin and ethyl acetate were used for separation and refining, and the oligomer-rich proanthocyanidin components were eventually obtained. The ultraviolet (UV) and infrared spectrometer (IR) spectra showed that the proanthocyanidins were mainly composed of catechin and epicatechin. To further clarify the chemical composition of proanthocyanidin, an ion scan list containing 156 proanthocyanidins precursors was obtained by constructing a proanthocyanidins structural library and mass defect filtering algorithm, combined with the Full mass spectrometry (MS)/dd-MS2 scan mode that turns on the “if idle pick others” function. By using Ultra high performance liquid chromatography & High-resolution mass spectrometer (UHPLC/Orbitrap MS), the analysis used both targeted and non-targeted methods to detect proanthocyanidins. Finally, 50 oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds were identified, including 7 monomers, 22 dimers, 20 trimers, and 1 tetramer, most of which were procyanidins of proanthocyanidins (84%), and a small amount of prodelphinidin (14%) and other types of proanthocyanidins (2%), which enabled the systematic characterization of proanthocyanidin components from Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes. Meanwhile, the comparison with the grape seeds oligomeric proanthocyanidins standard (United States Pharmacopoeia) revealed that the proanthocyanidins in Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes were more abundant, suggesting that the proanthocyanidins in Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes has promising applications.

Optimization of extracting technology of iridoid glycosides and phenylethanoid glycosides from Pedicularis decora Franch. by G1-entropy-coupled response surface methodology and rapid identification by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS

Quality control and clarifying ingredients are the foundation of pharmacodynamic material basis research. Pedicularis decora Franch. (P. decora) is clinically used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and exerts significant antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, there is little systematic research on the extraction and composition and the current research on P. decora focused on the quality control and extraction with aucubin as only quality marker. It reported that Iridoid glycosides (IGs) and phenylpropanoid glycosides (PeGs), which are characteristic components of the Pedicularis species, have been reported to have various anti-Alzheimer’s activity. This study focused on the extraction and rapid qualitative analysis of IGs and PeGs in P. decora. First, HPLC-UV method was established to detect five IGs and PeGs analytes simultaneously and assess the effect of the extraction technology. Then, the G1-entropy method with the Box-Behnken response surface design methodology was used to optimized extraction technology. The optimum conditions were determined to be reflux with 55% methanol aqueous solutions, at 75 °C for 50 min. Finally, by establishing UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, 15 IGs and 15 PeGs in P. decora were rapidly identified and characterized for the first time. The results will provide a reverence of a higher quality standard and the pharmacodynamic material basis research.

Enhancing H2O2 production with a self-breathing gas diffusion electrode fabricated via ultrasonic impregnation and vacuum filtration

In this study, an electro-Fenton gas diffusion electrode featuring air self-respiration was fabricated by incorporating carbon nanotubes, carbon nitride, and polytetrafluoroethylene onto graphite felt. The fabrication process involved a synergistic approach of ultrasonic impregnation and vacuum filtration, establishing a gas–liquid-solid tri-phase interface both on the surface and within the electrode. This preparation method facilitates autonomous air intake, diffusing it to the tri-phase reaction interface, thereby eliminating the necessity for aeration and reducing operational costs. The optimal electrode preparation conditions were determined through Box-Behnken Design response surface experiments, leading to the enhancement of H2O2 production conditions. Under the optimized conditions, H2O2 accumulation reached 45.83 mg L−1 cm−2h−1, surpassing the performance achieved with conventional ultrasonic impregnation and vacuum filtration methods. Furthermore, the performance of self-breathing and the impact factors are explored. Finally, the electrode’s efficacy was demonstrated through the degradation of phenol and bisphenol A with concentrations of 100 mg L−1 exhibiting degradation rates of 92 % and 95 %, respectively, within 60 min.

Optimizing the quality of bran-fortified stewing noodles using extruded wheat bran and improvers

Aimed to improve the tensile properties, color, and sensory quality of bran-fortified stewing noodles using bran extrusion and improvers. A single-factor experiment and Box–Behnken design response surface experiment were designed, and the multi-index comprehensive weighted scoring method was applied. The single-factor experiment indicated high-quality bran-fortified stewing noodles when wheat gluten, glucose oxidase, and guar gum contents were 10%, 40 mg/kg, and 0.3%, respectively. The response surface experiment showed that the comprehensive weighted score in the response surface optimal group was maximum (86.33 points) when wheat gluten, glucose oxidase, and guar gum contents were 5%, 40 mg/kg, and 0.2%, respectively. The verified model experiment showed that the average comprehensive weighted score was 89.31±0.49 points, indicating that the model was feasible to improve the quality of bran-fortified stewing noodles. The optimal formula involved wheat gluten, glucose oxidase, and guar gum contents of 6.67%, 28 mg/kg, and 0.22%, respectively. Bran extrusion and improvers can improve the quality of bran-fortified stewing noodles. The findings may serve as a reference for the quality improvement and industrial production of fiber-rich stewing noodles.

Simultaneous Extraction and Decaffeination Process Optimization of Green Coffee Bean-Based Beverages Using Response Surface Methodology

Simultaneous Extraction and Decaffeination Process Optimization of Green Coffee Bean-Based Beverages Using Response Surface Methodology

The Optimization of the Steam-Heat-Treated Process of Rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) Based on the Response Surface Analysis and Its Chemical Changes

The objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of steam heat treatment parameters (e.g., temperature, time, and pressure) on the impact toughness of rattan (Calamus simplicifolius). The Box–Behnken design response surface analysis was employed to optimize the steam heat treatment parameters. Impact toughness was selected as the evaluation index, with single-factor tests conducted as a baseline for comparison. Changes in chemical composition, cellulose crystallinity, and pyrolysis properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, Thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) spectra, and wet-chemistry methods for both untreated control samples and the heat-treated samples. The results show that a 1 h steam heat treatment at 160 °C under 0.1 MPa pressure has the optimal process parameters for the rattan. The achieved impact toughness value closely matches the predicted value at 71.29 kJ/m2. After the steam heat treatment, hemicellulose and cellulose contents decrease, whereas relative lignin content increases significantly, leading to improved toughness characteristics in Calamus simplicifolius samples. The TG results indicate that maximum weight loss occurs at temperatures of 352 °C, 354 °C, and 361 °C, respectively, for three different samples. This suggests that the thermal stability is enhanced as a result of the heat treatment. These findings will help optimize the heat treatments of the rattan material.

"UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-chemometrics-network pharmacology" integrated strategy to discover quality markers of raw and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli and process optimization of stir-fried Fructus Tribuli.

Fructus Tribuli, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L., has various beneficial effects, including liver-calming and depression-relieving effects. Raw Fructus Tribuli (RFT) and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Ch. P 2020). However, owing to the lack of specific regulations on SFT-processing parameters in Ch. P 2020, it is difficult to ensure the quality of commercially available SFT. The present study aimed to screen the quality markers (Q-markers) of RFT and SFT and optimize the processing technology of SFT based on the identified Q-markers. First, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analysis along with network pharmacology was used to comprehensively identify the Q-markers of RFT and SFT. Then, based on single-factor experiments, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing technology of SFT and perform process validation. A total of 63 components were identified in RFT and SFT extracts. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were initially considered the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The optimum processing technology conditions were 208°C, 14 min, and 60 r·min-1 . Three batches of process validation were performed, and the mean composite score was 56.87, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 1.13%. The content of steroidal saponin components in RFT was significantly different before and after stir-frying. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were validated as the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The identification of Q-markers for RFT and SFT offered a clear index for optimizing the SFT-processing technology and provided a basis for the quality control of RFT and SFT decoction pieces.

Ultrasonic–microwave synergistic liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidified floating organic droplets for extraction of histamine in beer and fish and exploration of the extraction process

It is important to detect the presence of histamine (His) for indicating food quality. To improve the precision and accuracy of histamine detection, this study developed a novel ultrasonic–microwave synergistic liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidified floating organic droplets (UMS-SFO-LLME) to determine His in beer and fish combined with visible spectrophotometry. Through single-factor experiments and response surface Box–Behnken design, the key extraction conditions affecting UMS-SFO-LLME were systematically optimized. The results for the extraction kinetics and thermodynamics indicated that UMS-SFO-LLME is a spontaneous endothermic diffusion extraction process. The linear range of this method in combination with visible spectrophotometry for the determination of His in beer and fish is 0.3–15 mg L−1 and 1–300 mg kg−1, limit of detection is 0.1 mg L−1 and 0.3 mg kg−1, the intra-day precision is 0.86%–1.22% and 0.98%–2.11%, and the inter-day precision is 0.81%–1.75% and 1.45%–2.32%, respectively. UMS-SFO-LLME is an efficient, green and economical sample pretreatment method for determination of His in beer and fish samples.

Optimization of mix proportions for hybrid fiber engineered cementitious composites based on Box-Behnken design response surface model

In this paper, basalt fiber (BF) and polyethylene fiber (PE) were mixed into cement matrix to prepare a new hybrid fiber Engineered Cementitious Composite. The Box-Behnken experimental design method within the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed, the effects of water-binder ratio, sand-binder ratio and fiber content on compressive strength, flexural strength and equivalent bending toughness of hybrid fiber ECC were studied. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify and optimize the model equation, and the ratio of water-binder ratio 0.2, sand-binder ratio 0.35, BF content 1.25%, PE content 1% was obtained. The results show that the synergistic effect of PE and BF has a favorable effect on the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber ECC. PE can achieve high energy absorption and maintain high strain capacity of matrix. BF increases the strength of the specimen. When the BF content increases from 0.9% to 1.2%, the compressive strength increases by 9.6%. The fiber content is highly sensitive to flexural strength and equivalent bending toughness, and the significance level of each factor is more than 95%. The significance level of each factor is BF content > sand-binder ratio > water-binder ratio. The experiment verified that the established prediction model has high accuracy, and the relative error between the optimized RSM value and the experimental value is less than 5%. To provide a certain reference for the design of ECC mix proportions for preparing multi strength and multi toughness series.

Discrete Element Method–Multibody Dynamics Coupling Simulation and Experiment of Rotary Tillage and Ridging Process for Chili Pepper Cultivation

Rotary tillage, ridging, and mulching are commonly used cultivation methods for crops such as chili peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries in the arid regions of Northwest China. An integrated machine for rotary tillage, ridging, and mulching was designed by considering the growth characteristics of pepper root systems and the agronomic requirements of ridge beds. The structural parameters and their value ranges for key components such as the rotary tillage device and the ridging device were determined. By introducing the Bonding contact parameter, the soil cohesion between soil particles during the process of rotary tillage and ridging can be simulated. A coupled simulation model using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Multibody Dynamics (MBD) is established. The experimental factors selected were rotary tillage depth, ridging roller speed, and machine forward speed. The evaluation indexes were the traction resistance of the stemming roller and the soil compactness of the ridges. A response surface Box–Behnken Design test was carried out to obtain the best working parameters of the rotary tillage and ridging process for chili pepper cultivation as follows: the rotary tillage depth was 176 mm, the ridging roller speed was 283.71 r/min, and the machine forward speed was 0.55 m/s. Field experiments with optimal parameters showed that the ridge top width was 549.2 mm, the ridge bottom width was 750.5 mm, the ridge height was 222.9 mm, the ridge spacing was 1173.1 mm, the surface smoothness of the ridge was 12.3 mm, the width of soil covering the film edge was 76.3 mm, the stability coefficients of the ridge size parameters were all above 91.73%, and the soil compactness after operation was 60.82 KPa. All indicators meet the requirements for the rotary tillage and ridging cultivation of chili peppers in arid regions, providing reference for the design of rotary tillage and ridging mulching implements and the development of sustainable agriculture.

Rapid determination of biogenic amines in ossotide injections by microfluidic chip-mass spectrometry platform: Optimization of microfluidic chip derivatization using response surface methodology

The microfluidic-chip mass spectrometry (MS) platform was developed for the rapid and automatic determination of 10 biogenic amines (BAs) in ossotide injections. The microfluidic chip was primarily consisted of a square unit for derivatization and a solid phase extraction (SPE) unit. The derivatization unit could achieve automatic mixing and reaction between sample and derivatization reagents, after which the targets were purified and enriched in SPE unit, further improving the sensitivity. To select the optimal derivatization conditions, four major parameters affecting derivatization in the microfluidic chip were optimized using Box-Behnken response surface design. On-chip derivatization unit enabled the shortest derivatization time by thorough solution mixing. There is no additional pretreatment required for the entire process. The developed method achieved satisfactory limits of detection (0.045–0.855 ng/mL) and limits of quantitation (0.156–3.11 ng/mL). The recoveries of the method ranged from 75.0 % to 106 % when coupled in-line with MS. This pretreatment chip-MS platform was successfully applied to BAs detection in the commercially available ossotide injections, demonstrating the prospects of this technique as a potential method for the rapid determination. The results of BAs in ossotide injections provide a basis for the formulation of the limit standard in pharmaceutical preparations.

Optimizing Ultrasonic Extraction and Purification of Nuciferine With Response Surface Method

Background Lotus leaves are obtained from plants belonging to the genus Nelumbo in the Nymphaeaceae family. They serve both as agricultural produce and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Nuciferine, an amorphine alkaloid found in lotus leaves, holds significance due to its anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic properties. Objective The factors influencing nuciferine extraction from lotus leaves using the dipping-acid-assisted ultrasonic extraction method (DAUEM) have received limited attention. This study aims to optimize DAUEM conditions (ethanol concentration, solvent-to-material ratio, and ultrasonic extraction time) through a Box-Behnken response surface design. Methods Nuciferine purification from lotus leaves is achieved using D101 macroporous adsorptive resin. A single-factor test, with ethanol concentration ( V/V), solvent-to-material ratio ( V/M), and ultrasonic extraction time as variables, serves as a basis for optimizing the nuciferine extraction process via the response surface methodology. Results The highest nuciferine yield (0.1035 ± 0.005)% was obtained using 74% ethanol ( V/V), a 26:1 solvent-to-material ratio, and an 82min extraction time. Nuciferine purity reached 67.14% using 70% ethanol as the eluent and high-performance liquid chromatography for determination. DAUEM effectively extracts nuciferine from lotus leaves, with optimization achieved using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. D101 macroporous adsorption resin efficiently separates and purifies nuciferine in lotus leaves. Conclusion This experiment demonstrates good precision and accuracy, making it suitable for the extraction, separation, and purification of nuciferine in lotus leaves. The method lays the foundation for the development and utilization of nuciferine.

Thermal and structural analysis of laser beam machining process on a Dual Phase 780 (DP780) workpiece

This study highlights the development of an intelligent thermo-structural model for precise prediction of responses such as the width of heat-affected zone (HAZ), equivalent stress and total deformation for laser beam machining (LBM) process while machining a novel Dual Phase 780 (DP780) workpiece. The numerical model is analyzed through response surface Box–Behnken design to study the consequences of input parameters such as voltage ([Formula: see text]), current ([Formula: see text]) and cutting speed ([Formula: see text]) on the above-mentioned response parameters. The results achieved through the numerical model are validated by comparing them with experimental results. Furthermore, a careful parametric study along with line and surface plot analysis is conducted to evaluate both linear and quadratic relationships between the input and the response parameters, respectively. The results indicate that the HAZ can be reduced significantly through efficient laser processing with optimum input parameters. The process parameters are optimized by developing an objective function for each of the response parameters through regression analysis. An extremum model is used to obtain the ideal values of HAZ, equivalent stress and total deformation. These results are also validated by conducting a confirmative test using the numerical simulation model which is validated through experiments.

Optimization of extraction process of Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba by comparing BBD-RSM and SA-BPNN and antioxidant activity

The Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) and Back-propagation neural network prediction model optimized by Simulated annealing (SA-BPNN) were used to optimize the extraction process of Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba by the green natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES), and the antioxidant activity of them was discussed. The best NADES for extracting Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba need to be screened out. The comprehensive evaluation value of the extraction yield was used as the index. The BBD-RSM and SA-BPNN were established for prediction and optimization. The antioxidant activity of Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba in vitro and in vivo was studied by detecting 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the expression levels of SOD, MDA and GSH-Px in rat plasma. The results showed that the best NADES formula screened was Betaine-Urea (Bet-Ur). Compared with the BBD-RSM, the SA-BPNN had a higher degree of fitting, the comprehensive evaluation value was higher, and the error between tested and predicted value was smaller, which was more suitable as a prediction model for the extraction yield of Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba. Through the determination of antioxidant kits and oxidative factors, the results showed that Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba had antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. The study on the extraction process optimization and antioxidant activity of Astragali radix-Paeoniae radix alba were expected to provide a theoretical basis for its effective utilization.

Optimization of preparation conditions of medium and highly substituted carboxymethyl inulin through response surface methodology

This article introduces the synthesis optimization of carboxymethyl inulin using response surface methodology. The important factors affecting the degree of substitution (DS) were determined by Plackett-Burman design, including sodium hydroxide concentration, monochloroacetic concentration, and etherification temperature. Further optimization was conducted using the Box-Behnken response surface design. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the response surface model was 0.9827, and the adjusted R2 value was 0.9516, which proved the significance of the model. The optimized results of the predicted response showed that the molar ratios of sodium hydroxide to monochloroacetic acid and fructose to furan were 3.67 and 2.21, respectively. The maximum DS of 1.67 was obtained at 30 °C alkalization for 30 min and 50.30 °C etherification for 4 h, and the reaction efficiency (RE) reached 76.01 %. Under the optimized conditions, the Experimental DS was 1.68, suggesting that the experimental and predicted values of DS were in good agreement. The characterization results confirmed the synthesis of CMI. In this work, we have provided an effective method for the preparation of moderately to highly substituted CMI in 95 % ethanol.

Extraction Process Optimization of Curcumin from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Using Ethanol as a Cosolvent.

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., known as temulawak, Javanese ginger, or Javanese turmeric, is a plant species belonging to the ginger family. This plant originated in Indonesia, more specifically on Java Island, and is usually used as medicine. It contains a high amount of a phenolic compound, namely, curcumin. A supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technique was employed to extract curcumin from C. xanthorrhiza. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of temperature, pressure, and CO2 flow rate on the extraction yield and curcumin recovery from C. xanthorrhiza, which was extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol as a cosolvent. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) experimental design and response surface methodology were used to optimize the extraction yield and curcumin recovery. The extraction conditions at a temperature of 40 °C, a pressure of 25 MPa, and a CO2 flow rate of 5.34 mL/min produced the optimum extraction yield of 10.4% and curcumin recovery of 3.2%. From Fourier transform infrared analysis, although the physical-chemical structure in the residue of the starting material was almost similar, the quantity of all functional groups in the residue decreased from the starting material. From scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was confirmed that the cell was broken due to the high-pressure effect, so that the extraction process runs easily.

Optimization design and performance analysis of a bio-inspired fish-tail vertical axis wind rotor

To improve the wind power efficiency of the traditional Savonius rotor. Focusing on the influence of the blade characteristic parameters, a bio-inspired fish-tail wind rotor based on the two-bladed Savonius rotor is proposed. A series of transient simulations are performed to investigate the power coefficient of each rotor; The orthogonal experiments of four factors and three levels are carried out for the blade characteristic parameters, and a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) response surface model is constructed, which defines the relationship between the optimization objective power coefficient and the design parameters to explore the optimal results. The results show that the peak power coefficients for the response surface optimized rotor and the orthogonal experimental optimized rotor are 0.267 and 0.26, respectively. These values are improved by 9.4% and 6.6%when comparing the Savonius rotor. The performance analysis reveals that the blade number and minor arc have a more significant effect on the performance of the fish-tail wind rotor.

Canola oil transesterification for biodiesel production using potassium and strontium supported on calcium oxide catalysts synthesized from oyster shell residues

This work studied the effect of K precursor comparing KNO3 and KHCO3 and the combination with SrO, supported on CaO from oyster shell and limestone (1:1 mass ratio) for transesterification canola oil to produce biodiesel. The loading of Sr and K were 9 wt% and were calcined at 800 °C. The catalytic transesterification evaluations were conducted at 60 °C, methanol/oil of 10, 8 wt% of the catalyst for 1 h, where SrK/CaO catalysts presented biodiesel yields above 80 %. Moreover, the Box-Behnken response surface design was used with reaction time, methanol-to-oil ratio, and temperature as factors using SrKH/CaO catalyst. In comparison to using KNO3, the KHCO3 increase the concentration of CaO. However, basicity and biodiesel yield were the same regardless of the K precursor. Incorporating K into Sr/CaO increased the particle size, the basicity, and the biodiesel yield. Furthermore, the design of experiments successfully showed an optimum methanol-to-oil ratio of 15, 46 °C, and 3 h. Nonetheless, the SrK/CaO catalysts presented a reusability of only two cycles. The incorporation of Sr and K did not avoid the lixiviation of the active sites, but they may retard this process the catalyst may be more active at low reaction times.

Selective laser melting of a novel 13Ni400 maraging steel: Material characterization and process optimization

Selective laser melting (SLM) has attracted recent attention in building parts with improved functionality and properties. Accordingly, the present work attempts to fabricate a novel 13Ni400 maraging steel parts with maximum theoretical density by SLM. A Box Behnken Design response surface methodology (RSM) approach is used to evaluate the influence of critical process parameters (laser power, laser scan speed, layer thickness, and hatch spacing) on the relative density, micro hardness, surface roughness, and tensile strength. Both the powder and the fabricated parts were characterized for the structural and microstructural features using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of energy density and other process variables are explored through careful parametric studies and 3-D surface plots. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out, which reveals that the laser power and layer thickness are the most dominant process parameters impacting the performance of the SLM process. A revolutionary preference ranking organization technique for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) is adopted to convert the multiple responses into an equivalent net outranking flow and rank the alternatives. The PROMETHEE-based outcomes are further improved by using a cuckoo search (CS) algorithm. A confirmatory test is conducted on the optimum build conditions obtained by the hybrid methodology (combination of PROMETHEE and Cuckoo Search) to validate the proposed work. It is seen that the value of net outranking flow is enriched by ∼5 %. This work is proficient in producing defect-free parts, with maximum densification and with improved mechanical properties for a newly developed 13Ni-400 maraging steel.

[Optimization of extraction process for classic prescription Yihuang Decoction based on Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology, standard relation, and analytic hierarchy process combined with entropy weight method].

Based on the concept of quality by design(QbD), the Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology combined with standard relation(SR) and analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM) was applied to optimize the extraction process of the classic prescription Yihuang Decoction. The content of geniposidic acid, phellodendrine hydrochloride, and berberine hydrochloride in Yihuang Decoction, the extract yield, and fingerprint similarity were used as the critical quality attributes(CQAs) of the extraction process. The extraction time, water addition, and extraction times were used as the critical process parameters(CPPs). After determining the levels of each factor and level through single-factor experiments, response surface experiments were designed according to the Box-Behnken principle, and the experimental results were analyzed. The SR between each sample and the reference sample under various evaluation indicators of different extraction parameters was calculated. The weights of the five evaluation indicators were determined using AHP-EWM, followed by comprehensive evaluation. A function model between CPPs and CQAs characterized by comprehensive scores was established to predict the optimal extraction process parameters. In the final comprehensive weight coefficients, the yield rate accounted for 43.1%, and the content of berberine hydrochloride, phellodendrine hydrochloride, and geniposidic acid accounted for 35.1%, 6.3%, and 15.5%, respectively. After comprehensive score analysis with SR, the established second-order polynomial model was statistically significant(P<0.01, and the lack of fit was not significant). The predicted optimal extraction conditions for Yihuang Decoction were determined as follows: 8-fold volume of water, extraction time of 1.5 h, and extraction once. The mean comprehensive score of the validation experiment was 85.77, with an RSD of 0.99%, and it met the quality control stan-dards for the reference sample of Yihuang Decoction. The results indicate that the optimized extraction process for Yihuang Decoction is stable and reliable, and the water extract is close in quality attributes to the reference sample. This can serve as a foundation for the research and development of granules in the future. Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology combined with SR and AHP-EWM can provide references for the modern extraction process research of other classic prescriptions.