Box-Behnken Experimental Design Research Articles

Optimizing the Salt-Processing Parameters of Achyranthes bidentata and Their Correlation with Anti-Osteoarthritis Effect

Achyranthes bidentata is always salt-processed before being prescribed for treating osteoarthritis. Yet the salt-processing parameters have not been optimized, and the specific bioactive constituents responsible for the osteoarthritis effect of salt-processed A. bidentata have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a Box–Behnken experimental design was chosen for the optimization of the salt-processing parameters of A. bidentata, including stir-frying time, concentration of brine, and soak time. Meanwhile, HPLC–Q-TOF-MS was utilized to analyze the chemical profiles of various batches of raw and salt-processed A. bidentata. The anti-inflammatory potential of nine batches of both raw and salt-processed A. bidentata was assessed via a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory assay. A gray correlation analysis was conducted to correlate the peak areas of the compounds in raw and salt-processed A. bidentata with their COX-2 inhibitory effects. Finally, the optimal salt-processing conditions are as follows: soak time: 29 min; concentration of brine: 1.8%; stir-frying time: 4.4 min. Twenty-nine compounds were identified. Eight compounds were found to have a strong positive correlation with anti-inflammatory activity, as confirmed by the COX-2 inhibitory assay. Notably, this is the first report of the COX-2 inhibitory effects of sanleng acid, stachysterone D, dihydroactinidiolide, N-cis-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine, 9,12,13-trihydroxy-10-octadecenoic acid, azelaic acid, and dehydroecdysone.

Designing an optimised formulation for in situ emulsion polymerization: printing ink production by response surface methodology

Purpose Toner is a crucial dry colorant composite used in printing based on the electrophotographic process. The quality of printed images is greatly influenced by the toner production method and material formulation. Chemically in situ polymerization methods are currently preferred. This paper aims to optimize the characteristics of a composite produced through emulsion polymerization using common raw materials for electrophotographic toner production. Design/methodology/approach Emulsion polymerization provides the possibility to optimize the physical and color properties of the final products. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize variables affecting particle size (PS), PS distribution (PSD), glass transition temperature (Tg°C), color properties (ΔE) and monomer conversion. Box–Behnken experimental design with three levels of styrene and butyl acrylate monomer ratios, carbon black pigment and sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant was used for RSM optimization. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis and surface morphology of composite particles were examined. Findings The results indicated that colorants with small PS, narrow PSDs, spherical shape morphology, acceptable thermal and color properties and a high percentage of conversion could be easily prepared by optimization of material parameters in this method. The anticipated outcome of the present inquiry holds promise as a guiding beacon toward the realization of electrographic toner of superior quality and exceptional efficacy, a vital factor for streamlined mass production. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, material parameters were evaluated to determine their impact on the characteristics of emulsion polymerized toner composites.

Optimization of solvothermal liquefaction of water hyacinth over PTFE-acid mediated kaolin catalyst for enhanced biocrude production

The invasive nature of water hyacinth and the need for renewable energy sources have necessitated this research. Catalyst development through enhanced pore structure and process parameters optimization are requirements for effective mass transport during the biomass valorization and improved biocrude formation during solvothermal liquefaction process. In this present study, the effects of temperature (250–340 °C), residence time (10–20 min) and catalyst loading (10–13 wt%) on biocrude, biochar, gas yield, and biomass conversion were optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The developed catalyst through the application of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for pore structure enhancement was characterized using SEM, BET and XRD techniques. The process optimization found maximum biocrude yield (32.0 wt%), minimum biochar yield (19.4 wt%) and maximum conversion efficiency (80.6%) at 340 °C, 20 min residence time, and 13 wt% catalyst loading. The GC-MS result of the biocrude produced at the optimum conditions (13 wt% catalyst loading) consists of ketones (32.2%), acids (22.3%) and had 65.2% carbon, 7.3% hydrogen, HHV of 29.4 MJ/kg and H/C ratio of 1.34 while an increment in catalyst loading of 20 wt% enhanced the overall biocrude properties with HHV of 35.50 MJ/kg. This result depicts the suitability of the PTFE modified acid treated kaolin for high quality biocrude production through valorization of water hyacinth into a candidate for renewable energy material.

Effect of the High Hydrostatic Pressure Process on the Microbial and Physicochemical Quality of Shalgam.

The processing of shalgam requires the use of an appropriate processing technique due to yeast overgrowth. With advancements in processing technology, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) as nonthermal and nonchemical preservation has gained attention for its potential. Response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken experimental design was used to make sense of the effects of HHP parameters, namely, pressure (100-500 MPa), temperature (20-40 °C), and time (5-15 min), on microbial and physicochemical factors (pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, bioactive compounds, color values). The reduction in the counts of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast-mold increased proportionally with the increase of all pressure levels, application temperatures, and pressurization times (p < 0.05). Stability was maintained in pH, total solubility, and some color parameters such as L*, a*, ΔE, yellow color tone, and red color tone. All findings of the bioactive components (phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and monomeric anthocyanin content) in the RSM design showed a significant change only in proportion to the square of time (p < 0.05). The optimum pressurization parameter combination of shalgam was determined as a pressure of 367 MPa, temperature of 31.9 °C, and process time of 10.5 min. Under these conditions, values of yeast and mold (Y&M) reduction, total flavonoid content (TFC), total monomeric anthocyanin contents (TMACs), titratable acidity (TA), and reducing sugar content (RSC) were obtained as 4.30 log cfu/mL, 192.89 mg QE/100 mL, 11.88 mg/100 mL, 2.41 glacticacid/L, and 6.78 mg/100 mL, respectively. In particular, the findings in the basic color parameters proved that there was no significant change in the saturated red color of the shalgam. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, malvidin-3-O-glucoside, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside derivatives are dominant phenolic and anthocyanin compounds, which are frequently found in turnip plants. No important losses in bioactive components were observed, despite changes in pressure and temperature parameters. The HHP method can be suggested to have great potential in the processing of shalgam (fermented turnip beverage) in terms of its ability to maintain the flavors, colors, and nutrients, in addition to ensuring microbiological safety when compared to other preservation methods.

An Optimization Study of Advanced Fenton Oxidation Methods (UV/Fenton–MW/Fenton) for Treatment of Real Epoxy Paint Wastewater

The use of various advanced oxidation methods in the treatment of wastewater has become the subject of many studies published in recent years. In particular, it is exceedingly significant to compare these treatment methods for industrial wastewater to reduce environmental effects and optimize plant operations and economics. The present study is the first to deal with the treatability of real epoxy paint wastewater (EPW) using MW- and UV-assisted Fenton processes within an optimization framework. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was conducted for maximizing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal efficiencies of ultraviolet (UV)/Fenton and microwave (MW)/Fenton processes in the treatment of the real epoxy paint wastewater (EPW, initial COD = 4600 ± 90 mg/L, initial color = 114 ± 4 Pt-Co), based on 15 different experimental runs. Three independent variables (reaction time ranging from 20 to 60 min (UV) and from 5 to 15 min (MW), power ranging from 20 to 40 W (UV) and from 300 to 600 W (MW), and H2O2/Fe2+ ratio ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 (for both UV and MW)) were consecutively coded as A, B, and C at three levels (−1, 0, and 1), and four second-order polynomial regression equations were then derived to estimate the responses (COD and color removals) of two distinct systems. The significance of the independent model components and their interrelations were appraised by means of a variance analysis with 99% confidence limits (α = 0.01). The standardized differences of the independent variables and the consistency between the actual and predicted values were also investigated by preparing normal probability residual plots and experiment-model plots for all processes. The optimal operating conditions were attained by solving the quadratic regression models and analyzing the surface and contour plots. UV/Fenton and MW/Fenton processes, which constitute combined Fenton processes, were performed using advanced oxidation methods, while Fenton processes were utilized as the standard method for wastewater treatment. When UV/Fenton and MW/Fenton processes were applied separately, the COD removal efficiencies were determined to be 96.4% and 95.3%, respectively. For the color parameter, the removal efficiencies after the application of both processes were found to exceed 97.5%. While these efficiencies were achieved in 1 h with a 38 W UV unit, they were achieved in 15 min with a MW power of 570 W. According to the RSM-based regression analysis results, the R2 values for both processes were greater than 0.97 and p values were less than 0.003.

Screening, characterization and optimization for synergistic interaction of potential dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane degrading fungi isolated from agro-industrial effluent and farm soil

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a recalcitrant synthetic chemical that threatens the environment. Despite being banned in most industrialized nations, DDT is still used as a pesticide to fight malaria and agricultural pests. The main objective of this study is to screen, characterize, and evaluate potential DDT-degrading fungi and their synergetic interaction effects for mycoremediation purpose. The soil and effluent samples were collected from Ziway, Koka, and Addis Ababa. Fungal isolation and screening were performed using a serial dilution on potato dextrose agar growth media. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption, Ionization, and Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry technology was used for fungal identification and the selected isolates AS1 and T1 were identified as Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma koningii. Fungal biomass production and sporulation capacity were examined and optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The potential DDT-tolerant fungi were studied based on growth factor optimization. The optimization results revealed that the co-inoculated isolates AS1T1 had a maximum biomass (1.01 ± 0.16g) and spore count (5.74 ± 0.37 log spore/mL) and were selected as possible DDT-degrading fungi. Gas Chromatograph-Electron Capture Detector technology was used for the DDT degradation study. Its analysis confirmed that fungal-co-cultured Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma koningii in DDT-amended liquid medium were able to degrade DDT into its metabolites (DDE and DDD). The results also revealed that 99.5–99.99% of DDT and its metabolites degraded from initial concentrations of 1750, 3500, 5250, and 7000 ppm. The co-inoculated fungi Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma koningii are promising candidates for the removal of DDT and its metabolites from polluted environments.

Optimizing CO2 laser beam welding parameters for magnesium hybrid metal matrix composites (ZE41A)

ABSTRACT The current work is the investigation of optimizing input welding parameters of CO2 laser welding of two stir squeeze casted magnesium (ZE41A) matrix silicon nitride and alumina-reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs). Two similar hybrid MMC plates were joined by the CO2 laser beam welding process and were investigated for input welding parameters influencing the metallurgical and mechanical properties. The identified parameters were subjected to optimization by Box-Behnken experimental design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the experimental trials were validated by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). With increases of 16% and 23%, the microhardness and tensile strength peaked at 207 MPa and 78 HV, respectively. The ideal input welding settings were 3500W of laser power, 4 mm/minute welding speed, and a focus length of 1.5 mm.

Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles using Green Coffee Beans: An Optimization Study.

In this study, ultrasonication extraction of some bioactive compounds from green coffee beans was optimized with the response surface method using Box-Behnken experimental design. The best condition was selected as 90.90 W ultrasonic power, 33.63 min sonication time and 30 % solid concentration. The responses obtained under optimum conditions had TPC, DPPH and CUPRAC values identified as 6603.33±2025.94 ppm GAE, 9638.31±372.17 ppm TE and 98.83 mmol, respectively. Microwave-assisted selenium nanoparticle production was carried out using the extract obtained under optimized conditions. The produced selenium nanoparticles showed absorbance between 350-400 nm. The surface morphology and size of the nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spherical nanoparticles of about 100 nm were produced. Functional groups affecting the reduction were determined by FTIR analysis. In addition, the produced selenium nanoparticles had amorphous (non-uniform) structure and could maintain their stability at high temperatures.

Efficient catalytic oxidative desulfurization of liquid fuels over tungsten oxide supported on metakaolin surface

AbstractA new high yield and inexpensive composite was fabricated by supporting tungsten oxide on metakaolin via the incipient wetness impregnation method to use in oxidative desulfurization reaction and produce ultra‐clean fuel. The prepared catalyst was characterized by various techniques like XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, which indicated the catalyst was properly constructed. Initially, desulfurization was examined by loading different amounts of tungsten on the metakaolin surface. Based on the results, 15 % W/metakaolin showed high catalytic activity for the model and real fuels. Moreover, the influence of the main operating variables was studied through the Box–Behnken experimental design. The maximum sulfur removal reached to 99.3 % at a reaction temperature of 60 °C, oxidant to sulfur molar ratio12, catalyst dosage 0.04 g and oxidation time 40 min. Desulfurization from gasoline and gas oil with initial sulfur contents of 300 ppm and 7550 ppm was done under optimum conditions, which represented an efficiency of 60 % and 74 %, respectively. Performing the recycling tests proved the great durability of the catalyst after five runs. This research sheds light that the employed catalyst has excellent activity for industrial applications in the desulfurization process.

Biogas Production through Anaerobic Codigestion of Distillery Wastewater Sludge and Disposable Spent Yeast

The ongoing industrial transformation in developing countries, including Ethiopia, has resulted in a significant increase in harmful pollutants in the environment. Various industrial activities release toxic wastewater sludge and spent yeast into the surrounding ecosystem, posing risks to public health and the environment. However, these waste materials have the potential for energy extraction and recycling. This study aimed to investigate and harness the biogas potential through anaerobic codigestion of distillery wastewater sludge and waste yeast. The researchers employed a response surface approach utilizing Box–Behnken experimental designs (BBD) to assess the three key experimental parameters influencing biogas yield: pH levels (6, 7, and 8), volume ratio (85, 92, and 99%), and temperature (33, 36.5, and 40°C). Before and after the digestion process, the researchers measured the total solids (TS), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and pH of all substrates. Additionally, measurements of temperature, total nitrate, and total phosphate were taken before digestion. The methane yield was modeled using a second-order polynomial through the BBD method in Design Expert software, with a p value threshold of ≤5%. The results showed that the maximum methane yield of 61.18% was achieved at a pH of 7, a temperature of 36.5°C, and a volume ratio of 92%. Conversely, the lowest methane yield of 40.13% was obtained at a pH of 6, a temperature of 33°C, and a volume ratio of 92%. The linear and quadratic values of the model (A, B, C, A2, B2, and C2) were determined to be significant terms, with p values ≤5%. Overall, the biogas yields obtained from the anaerobic codigestion of distillery wastewater and waste yeast were promising. This process has the potential to effectively remove BOD5, COD, and TS from distillery spent wash and sludge. The findings suggest that anaerobic codigestion could be a viable approach for both energy production and waste management in the setting of distillery waste.

Response surface methodology optimization of extraction and enrichment conditions of total triterpenoid saponins from Celosiae Semen and evaluation of its lipid-lowering activity.

The saponin-enriched extract from Celosiae Semen is a promising resource owing to its lipid-lowering activity. However, triterpenoid saponins are difficult to extract owing to their high molecular weight and strong water solubility. The aim of this paper was to explore an eco-friendly and effective technology of extraction and enrichment of total triterpenoid saponins to obtain high lipid-lowering fractions. Initially, Box-Behnken design experiments were employed to optimize the heat reflux extraction process on the basic of mono-factor experiments. Afterwards, the crude extract was further purified using D-101 resin, and the purification parameters were investigated based on adsorption/desorption experiments and biological activity assay. Under optimal conditions, the purity of the finally obtained total triterpenoid saponins was increased by 7.28-fold. The lipid-lowering activities of the six main triterpenoid saponins were evaluated in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid. The results of Oil Red O staining showed that the compounds all exhibited potential lipid-lowering activity. The structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that the oligosaccharide chain at C-28 played an essential role in their lipid-lowering activity and the substituent group at C-23 site also showed important effects. The optimal extraction and purification methods may facilitate the utilization of Celosiae Semen for the industrial production as a functional food and drug.

Bioactivity, DNA damage protecting, and aroma potential of oleuropein enriched olive leaf extract by optimization of ultrasound‐assisted process

AbstractIn this study, Box–Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) method to obtain oleuropein‐rich extract from olive leaf. The effect of three parameters, ethanol concentration (30%–70%), amplitude (30%–50%), and ultrasonication time (5–15 min) on oleuropein content were evaluated through experimental design. The total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, DNA damage scavenging activity, aroma profile, and antimicrobial activity of olive leaf were also investigated. The optimum extraction condition was determined as 30% amplitude, 70% ethanol, and 5 min extraction time. The amount of oleuropein was found to be 42.621 mg/g dry leaves at the optimum condition. The total phenolic content of the optimized extract was found as 45.13 mg GAE/g dry leaves while the antioxidant capacity of the optimized extract was 216 µmol Trolox/g in DPPH and 213.19 µmol Trolox/g in ABTS method. Twenty‐three volatile compounds were identified in extracts, mainly aldehydes and alcohols. The extracts showed high antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial strains. DNA damage protecting activity of extracts on plasmid DNA was clearly demonstrated. UAE has an important effect on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of olive leaves. Moreover, oleuropein‐rich extract can have potential as a therapeutic agent depending on its antimicrobial and DNA‐protecting activity.

Optimizing Cr(VI) Reduction in Plastic Chromium Plating Wastewater: Particle Size, Irradiation, Titanium Dose

The preservation of the aquatic environment and water systems has been a fundamental objective that has led great scientists and researchers to seek new alternatives or techniques that allow the decontamination of water sources. The plastic chromium plating industries have been identified as important sources of contamination since their residues are characterized by having considerable amounts of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI), which alters the stability of water resources and can affect effluents on the surface and the subsoil. Given this problem, the need to improve the usual methods and techniques for wastewater treatment with more effective solutions, such as photocatalysis, which presents significant advantages over the inefficiency of traditional methods, is recognized. However, given the limited availability of research in the country that addresses the removal of hexavalent chromium from the wastewater of these industries, this work focuses on optimizing the process by varying conditions of variables such as particle size, catalyst dose, and irradiation time. The optimization of the photocatalysis process was evaluated using the Box-Behnken experimental design. The results show that contaminant removal occurred when the particle size was 0.177 mm. This particle size showed the highest photocatalytic activity, with 100% removal at 45 minutes. These findings represent a significant step towards solving the problem of contamination in this business sector by this pollutant and contribute to preserving our water resources. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-01-02 Full Text: PDF

Enzymatic hydrolysis allows an integral valorization of Nannochloropsis oceanica resulting in the production of bioactive peptide extracts and an eicosapentaenoic acid enriched fraction.

Nannochloropsis oceanica is a microalga with relevant protein content, making it a potential source of bioactive peptides. Furthermore, it is also rich in fatty acids, with a special focus on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid mainly obtained from marine animal sources, with high importance for human health. N. oceanica has a rigid cell wall constraining protein extraction, thus hydrolyzing it may help increase its components' extractability. Therefore, a Box-Behnken experimental design was carried out to optimize the hydrolysis. The hydrolysate A showed 67%±0.7% of protein, antioxidant activity of 1166±63.7 μmol TEg-1 of protein and an ACE inhibition with an IC50 of 379 μg proteinmL-1 . The hydrolysate B showed 60%±1.8% of protein, antioxidant activity of 775±13.0 μmol TEg-1 of protein and an ACE inhibition with an IC50 of 239 μg proteinmL-1 . The by-product showed higher yields of total fatty acids when compared to "raw" microalgae, being 5.22% and 1%, respectively. The sustainable developed methodology led to the production of one fraction rich in bioactive peptides and another with interesting EPA content, both with value-added properties with potential to be commercialized as ingredients for different industrial applications, such as functional food, supplements, or cosmetic formulations.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Progesterone in Bilosome Formulation: Fabrication, Statistical Optimization, and Pharmacokinetic Study.

Progesterone, a female sex steroid hormone, is highly lipophilic, leading to poor oral bioavailability. This study aimed to develop a progesterone bilosome system to enhance its oral bioavailability and retain it longer in the body. Progesterone vesicles were formulated with bile salts by thin film hydration method to prevent enzymatic and bile acid degradation. The Box-Behnken experimental design was used to statistically optimize progesterone bilosomes by checking the effect of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and sodium deoxycholate on vesicle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The optimum batch showed 239.5nm vesicle size, -28.2mV zeta potential and 84.08% entrapment efficiency, respectively, which were significantly affected by phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol concentration. The successful incorporation of progesterone in the system was evident from ATR-FTIR analysis that revealed no sharp progesterone peaks in bilosomes. TEM analysis confirmed the spherical structure and uniform bilosome vesicles. Furthermore, the in vitro drug release of progesterone bilosomes revealed a sustained pattern exhibiting 90% drug release in 48h. The pharmacokinetic study in female ovariectomized Wistar rats confirmed the 4.287- and 9.75-fold enhanced oral bioavailability of the progesterone bilosomes than marketed capsules and progesterone API, respectively. Therefore, progesterone bilosome formulation can be further explored for improved oral administration in chronic treatments.

Switchable hydrophilicity solvents incorporating hydrophilic deep eutectic solvents: A sustainable alternative for oil-based drilling cuttings washing

Oil-based drilling cuttings (OBDC) contaminated by total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) causes detrimental environmental consequences. Solvents washing is capable of separating TPH from OBDC efficiently, but their high volatility and toxicity limit the large-scale application. Here a sustainable OBDC washing strategy is developed by using a heterogeneous mixture (SHSs&HDESs) which is consisted of switchable hydrophilicity solvents (SHSs) and hydrophilic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs). N, N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) and CHEG (choline chloride/ethylene glycol) is respectively selected as the optimum SHSs and HDESs, considering the miscibility with TPH and recovery capacity. The advantage of the sustainable washing strategy originates from the synergistic effect for enhancing forward the TPH removal efficiency, where DMCHA plays the role on TPH extraction and dilution, and CHEG promotes the detachment of TPH from sands surfaces. Based on the Box-Behnken experimental design of response surface method, the TPH removal efficiency reaches a maximum value of 96.02 % at the derived optimal washing conditions, including 32 °C, 19.81 mL DMCHA, and 9.62 mL CHEG. TPH can be separated from DMCHA by CO2-induced hydrophobicity transformation, DMCHA is recovered upon N2/65 °C afterwards, and CHEG is recovered by liquid separation. The recovered SHSs&HDESs heterogeneous mixture shows good reusability in subsequent OBDC washing processes. Our findings offer a sustainable approach for efficiently OBDC washing, which is expected to overcome the inherent defects of solvents washing methods.

Using artificial intelligence to predict the tribology behavior of MoS2-Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid

Artificial intelligence algorithms including two artificial neural network and two machine learning algorithms were employed to predict the four-ball tribology behavior of MoS2-Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid. MoS2-Al2O3 composite nanoparticles were synthesized using solvothermal method and then dispersed in water-based fluids. 27 groups of tribology tests were conducted according to Box-Behnken experimental design were set as the training groups. The input variables (velocity of friction pairs, test force, test temperature, nanoparticle concentration) and output parameters (friction coefficient, wear scar diameter, wear surface roughness) were selected as the main variables. It was found that the random forest (RF) had better predict accuracy and stability for the four-ball tribology behavior of MoS2-Al2O3 nanofluid than multilayer perceptron (MLP), back propagation (BP) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithms. Besides, Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to reveal the relationship between input and output as well as different output variables. Through in-depth characterization of worn surface, a tribofilm in the thickness of 15 ∼ 20 nm composed of amorphous phases, ultra-fine nanoparticles and iron compounds was found. Finally, the lubrication mechanism of MoS2-Al2O3 nanofluid were discussed based on analyzing the tribology behavior data and tribofilm structure. Through the above findings, we hope to promote the application and development of artificial intelligence techniques in lubricants design and performance evaluation in the future.

Development and physicochemical characterization of Azadirachta indica seed oil loaded niosomes nanoparticles: A potential natural pesticide

Nanotechnology has helped for decades to transform the agricultural system to make it more effective and to ensure the worlds food supply is sustainable and secure. However, potential toxicological affects, interactions with the biotic or abiotic environment, high cost, unknown life cycles of nanomaterials, and their possible increased bioaccumulation effects are some of the barriers which needs to be addressed. This study evaluates development and potential agricultural application of niosomes nanoparticles loaded with Azadirachta indica seed oil. Niosomes are organic nanomaterials composed of non-ionic surfactants, which are inexpensive, have good encapsulation efficiency, more stability, relatively nontoxic, and biodegradable. Azadirachta indica seed oil loaded niosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method utilizing different molar ratios of surfactant (Tween 80) and stabilizer (Soy lecithin). The characteristics of niosomes were determined by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Optical Microscope, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Further, the prepared niosomes were statistically optimized using the Box-Behnken experimental design. The optimized condition displayed optimum particle size (<100 nm) and acceptable percentage entrapment efficiencies (> 80%). Anti-microbial efficacy of loaded niosomes were evaluated against plant pathogens Xanthomonas and Pantoea. The prepared niosomes displayed considerable antimicrobial properties and can be potentially used in agriculture for the targeted delivery of natural pesticides (Azadirachta indica seed oil) to combat agricultural diseases.

Analysis of Cutting Forces and Geometric Surface Structures in the Milling of NiTi Alloy.

This paper presents a study of the total cutting force used and selected parameters of the geometric structure of the surface (e.g., Sa, Sz) during the end milling process of NiTi alloy. The input parameters included are cutting speed (vc), feed per tooth (fz), and radial depth of cut (ae). A Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to conduct the research. The obtained experimental results were utilized within the framework of a response surface methodology (RSM) to develop mathematical and statistical models capable of predicting cutting force components and selected 3D surface parameters. These models provide valuable insights into the relationships between the cutting parameters and the output variables, facilitating the optimization of the NiTi alloy milling process. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of NiTi alloy during the milling process and offer information for process optimization. By employing a Box-Behnken experimental design, it was possible to investigate the effects of different parameter combinations on the components of total cutting force and selected 3D surface parameters according to ISO 25178, thus aiding in the identification of optimal milling conditions to achieve desired outcomes in the machining of NiTi alloy.

Fabrication and optimization of PES/PVP hollow fiber membranes using Box–Behnken model and CART algorithm

AbstractThis study focuses on the optimization of polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes fabricated with the phase inversion method. A Box–Behnken experimental design was employed with three different PES concentration ratios (11, 14, 17 wt.%), three polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) molecular weight ratios (K30/K90 ratios of 6:0, 3:3, 0:6 wt.%), three different bore fluid (BF) composition ratios (water/alcohol ratios of 20:80, 60:40, 100:0), and three different air gap values (24, 37, and 50 cm). The results were analyzed in terms of pure water permeability (PWP) and porosity as optimization parameters using response surface methodology and the classification and regression tree (CART) model. ANOVA results revealed significant effects of PES concentration, PVP molecular weight, and BF composition on the outcomes. After optimization, the maximum PWP and the maximum porosity were obtained as 360.15 L/m2 h bar, 60.57%, respectively. The CART model achieved sufficient accuracy in classifying samples.