Box-Behnken Response Surface Method Research Articles

Calibrating contact parameters of typical rotary tillage components cutting soil based on different simulation methods

This report analyzes the problem of complex soil movement patterns under the action of coupled forces, such as tension and shear, in agricultural processes and aims to improve the accuracy of contact parameters used in discrete element simulation studies of rototiller-soil interactions. This study focuses on the soil of Shihezi cotton field in the 8th division of Xinjiang and investigates the rotating tiller roller as a soil-touching component of tillage machinery. A combination of simulations and physical testing is used. We perform angle of repose tests and use edge detection, fitting, and other image processing methods to automatically, quickly, and accurately detect the soil accumulation and angle calibration of the contact parameters with soil particles. Additionally, soil slip tests are conducted to calibrate the contact parameters between the soil and the rotary blades. Optimization is achieved based on orthogonal simulations and the Box-Behnken response surface method using physically measured values as the target. A regression model of the stacking angle and rolling friction angle is established to determine the optimal combination of simulation contact parameters: between soil and soil, the recovery coefficient is 0.402, static friction coefficient is 0.621, and rolling friction coefficient is 0.078; between soil contact parts and soil, the recovery coefficient is 0.508, static friction coefficient is 0.401, and rolling friction coefficient is 0.2. Furthermore, the calibration parameters are selected as contact parameters for the discrete element simulation. By combining the above two simulation methods to analyze and compare the simulation process of cutting soil from rototiller roller parts to rototiller single blade parts, we obtained the changes in energy, cutting resistance, and soil particle movement at different depths of the soil cutting process. Finally, the average cutting resistance was used as an index for validation in the field tests. The measured value is 0.96 kN and the error of the discrete element simulation is 13%. This demonstrates the validity of the calibrated contact parameters and the accuracy of the simulation, which can provide a theoretical reference and technical support for the study of the interaction mechanisms between of tillage equipment parts and soil, as well as the design and optimization of these interactions in the future.

Enhancement of herbicolin A production by integrated fermentation optimization and strain engineering in Pantoea agglomerans ZJU23

BackgroundThe lipopeptide herbicolin A (HA) secreted by the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans ZJU23 is a promising antifungal drug to combat fungal pathogens by targeting lipid rafts, both in agricultural and clinical settings. Improvement of HA production would be of great significance in promoting its commercialization. This study aims to enhance the HA production in ZJU23 by combining fermentation optimization and strain engineering.ResultsBased on the results in the single-factor experiments, corn steep liquor, temperature and initial pH were identified as the significant affecting factors by the Plackett–Burman design. The fermentation medium and conditions were further optimized using the Box-Behnken response surface method, and the HA production of the wild type strain ZJU23 was improved from ~ 87 mg/mL in King’s B medium to ~ 211 mg/mL in HA induction (HAI) medium. A transposon library was constructed in ZJU23 to screen for mutants with higher HA production, and two transcriptional repressors for HA biosynthesis, LrhA and PurR, were identified. Disruption of the LrhA gene led to increased mRNA expression of HA biosynthetic genes, and subsequently improved about twofold HA production. Finally, the HA production reached ~ 471 mg/mL in the ΔLrhA mutant under optimized fermentation conditions, which is about 5.4 times higher than before (~ 87 mg/mL). The bacterial suspension of the ΔLrhA mutant fermented in HAI medium significantly enhanced its biocontrol efficacy against gray mold disease and Fusarium crown rot of wheat, showing equivalent control efficacies as the chemical fungicides used in this study. Furthermore, HA was effective against fungicide resistant Botrytis cinerea. Increased HA production substantially improved the control efficacy against gray mold disease caused by a pyrimethanil resistant strain.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the transcriptional repressor LrhA negatively regulates HA biosynthesis and the defined HAI medium is suitable for HA production. These findings provide an extended basis for large-scale production of HA and promote biofungicide development based on ZJU23 and HA in the future.Graphical

Mechanical Properties and Hydration Mechanism of Coal Flotation Tailing Cemented Filling Materials

Large-scale application of filled coal mining technology has long been limited by conditions such as the cost of filling. Compared to traditional filling materials, coal flotation tailing filling materials (CFTFM) offers advantages such as low cost and excellent performance. The Box–Behnken response surface method was used to investigate the influence of flotation tailing properties on the mechanical properties and hydration mechanisms of the filling material. Ash content, blending, and calcination temperature of the flotation tailings were used as the investigating factors, and uniaxial compressive strength (7d and 28d), slump, and the slurry water secretion rate of the filling material as the evaluation indicators. The results showed that the influence of the flotation tailings on the uniaxial compressive strength (28d) of CFTFM followed the order ash > calcination temperature > doping, with the interaction of ash and calcination temperature having a greater influence on the uniaxial compressive strength. The optimized pre-treatment conditions for the flotation tailings were 59% ash, 30% doping, a calcination temperature of 765 °C, and optimum uniaxial compressive strength of 7.02 MPa. The effect of flotation tailings on the exotherm of CFTFM hydration was determined using a TAM Air isothermal microcalorimeter, mainly in the induction and acceleration phases. Combined with SEM electron microscopy and IR FT-IR analysis of the hydration products, a descriptive model of the CFTFM hydration mechanism was established. CFTFM hydration can be described in three phases: diffusion, hydration, and hardening. The CFTFM prepared in this study is applicable to the integrated mining and charging synergistic mining technology, which can effectively reduce gangue lifting energy consumption and washing process waste, reduce the cost of filling, and can effectively achieve harmless, resourceful, and large-scale disposal of coal-based solid waste.

Preparation of Huoluo Xiaoling gel plaster and its transdermal penetration in vitro

Huoluo Xiaoling Dan is a classical prescription commonly used for blood circulation and pain relief in clinic with obvious effects. To make it directly treat lesion and improve the effect, this research optimized the preparation process of Huoluo Xiaoling gel paste and further evaluated its in vitro transdermal absorption performance, so as to provide a scientific basis for its development and utilization. Using primary viscosity, holding viscosity, and sensory score as evaluation indexes, the matrix amount of gel paste was determined by the single factor test and Box-Behnken response surface method. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) method was established to determine the content of eight active ingredients, including Danshensu, ferulic acid, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid A, ligustilide, tanshinone Ⅱ_A, 11-keto-β-boswellic(KBA), and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid(AKBA). A mo-dified Franz diffusion cell method was used to evaluate and compare the absorption properties of the gel paste without volatile oil and with volatile oil microemulsion. The results showed that the optimal prescription for Huoluo Xiaoling gel paste matrix was NP700(1.35 g), glycerol(7.00 g), micropowder silica gel(1.25 g), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(0.20 g), tartaric acid(0.06 g), and glyceryl aluminum(0.04 g). The mass fractions of eight active ingredients in the paste were successively 0.48, 0.014, 0.95, 0.39, 0.57, 0.055, 0.35, and 0.97 mg·g~(-1). The results of the in vitro transdermal absorption test showed that the addition of the volatile oil or the volatile oil microemulsion promoted the transdermal absorption of the active ingredients, and the law of drug penetration conformed to the zero equation or the Higuchi equation. The gel paste prepared by the optimal prescription has good appearance and adhesion, with no residue, and has the characteristics of skeletal slow-release preparation, which is easy to reduce the number of administration, la-ying a foundation for the development of new external dosage forms of Huoluo Xiaoling Dan.

Microstructural and optimization studies on novel one-part geopolymer pastes by Box-Behnken response surface design method

This paper reports the work on developing an optimized mix proportion of novel one-part geopolymer (OPG) binder produced by dry blending the solid aluminosilicate precursor and solid alkali source and then adding free water to the blended mix similar to the preparation of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). A three-level Box-Behnken Response Surface Method (RSM) design was used to study the properties of OPG mixes at fresh and hardened state and to test and develop the regression models. The Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) substitution, water to geopolymer solids (w/s) ratio, and the activator dosage were considered as the independent variables. The response target values were the flow value, initial and final setting time, and compressive strength. The multiple regression analysis with the quadratic polynomial model was used to fit the data, which offered an accurate and reliable match to the actual data. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study changes in microstructure, mineral phase, and molecular bonding of OPG mixes, respectively. Based on the material characterization observation, the change in GGBS addition, w/s ratio, and activator dosage were discovered to have a considerable impact on both the fresh and hardened properties. The optimum mix proportion obtained was 51.39% GGBS substitution, 0.32 w/s, and 12.35% activator content, with 191 mm flow, 68.56 MPa of compressive strength, 59 and 191 mins of initial and final setting time, respectively. The target values obtained using the one-part geopolymer mix with 50% GGBS substitution, 0.3 w/s, and 12% activator content were in close agreement with the target values predicted by the optimized mix, confirming the efficiency of RSM in obtaining the optimum one-part geopolymer mix proportion.

Adsorptive Removal of Boron by DIAION™ CRB05: Characterization, Kinetics, Isotherm, and Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

A significant issue for the ecosystem is the presence of boron in water resources, particularly in produced water. Batch and dynamic experiments were used in this research to extract boron in the form of boric acid from aqueous solutions using boron selective resins, DIAION CRB05. DIAION™ CRB05 is an adsorbent that is effective in extracting boron from aqueous solutions due to its high binding capacity and selectivity for boron ions, and it is also regenerable, making it cost-effective and sustainable. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FTIR analysis for DIAION CRB05 characterization. To increase the adsorption capacity and find the ideal values for predictor variables such as pH, adsorbent dose, time, and boric acid concentration, the Box–Behnken response surface method (RSM) was applied. The dosage was reported to be 2000 mg/L at pH 2 and boron initial concentration of 1115 mg/L with 255 min for the highest removal anticipated from RSM. According to the outcomes of this research, the DIAION CRB05 material enhanced boron removal capability and has superior performance to several currently available adsorbents, which makes it suitable for use as an adsorbent for removing boric acid from aqueous solutions. The outcomes of isotherm and kinetic experiments were fitted using linear methods. The Temkin isotherm and the pseudo-first-order model were found to have good fits after comparison with R2 of 0.998, and 0.997, respectively. The results of the study demonstrate the effectiveness of DIAION™ CRB05 in removing boron from aqueous solutions and provide insight into the optimal conditions for the adsorption process. Thus, the DIAION CRB05 resin was chosen as the ideal choice for recovering boron from an aqueous solution because of its higher sorption capacity and percentage of boron absorbed.

CO2 capture process intensification of water-lean methyl diethanolamine-piperazine solvent: Experiments and response surface modeling

Today, the use of water-lean solvents in the absorption process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been contemplated by many researchers. To investigate the performance of the water-lean solvent, methyl diethanolamine-piperazine-methanol, in the absorption process of carbon dioxide in the microreactor, the effect of various factors such as: concentration of methyl diethanolamine-piperazine 30–50 wt%, temperature 20–40 °C, the solvent inlet flow 3–9 ml/min and the concentration of carbon dioxide 5–15 vol% were evaluated. The carbon dioxide removal percentage, volumetric mass transfer coefficient and molar flux have been considered as responses. The Box-Behnken Response Surface method was used to design the experiments and model the results. A quadratic model has been proposed to predict the responses. The order of the effect of the variables on the CO2 removal efficiency was as follows: solvent flow rate (49.55%) > solvent concentration (24.59%) > absorption temperature (18.05%). The highest CO2 removal efficiency of 94.62% was achieved at optimal temperature of 30 °C and CO2 concentration of 10 vol%, as well as the maximum concentration of amine and solvent flow. The results show that application of methanol as a low-cost and affordable physical solvent reasonably improves the carbon capture performance.

Determination and interpretation of parameters of double-bud sugarcane model based on discrete element

Physical parameters of cane seeds are an important basis for the design calculation and simulation analysis of the seed meter. The accuracy of discrete element simulation depends on the discrete element parameters. In this study, based on the principle of energy conservation, discrete element parameters of cane-cane and cane-steel are experimentally studied by means of the inclined plane method and high-speed camera technology. The ranges of the static friction coefficient, rolling friction coefficient and restitution coefficient are obtained. In order to determine the discrete element simulation parameters, the Plackett-Burman test is used to evaluate six factors. Three significant factors of the cane-cane static friction coefficient, cane-cane rolling friction coefficient, and cane-steel restitution coefficient are selected. Then, the steepest climb test is used to approximate the optimal response region. Finally, the Box-Behnken response surface method is used to determine the values of three significant factors. It can be seen from the verification experiments that the optimized cane-cane static friction coefficient, cane-cane rolling friction coefficient, and cane-steel restitution coefficient are 0.19, 0.035, and 0.351, respectively. The repose angle under this parameters is 34.051° and the relative error is 2.7%. Therefore, the data accuracy is high. The experimental results can provide a theoretical basis for the design calculation and simulation analysis of the seed meter.

Tea tree oil nanoliposomes: optimization, characterization, and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli in vitro and in vivo

The purpose of this study was to formulate tee tree oil nanoliposomes (TTONL) and evaluate its characterization and antibacterial activity. TTONL was prepared by thin film hydration and sonication technique, and the preparation conditions were optimized by Box-behnken response surface method. The characterization (morphology, size, zeta potential, and stability) and antibacterial activity of TTONL against Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. The optimal preparation conditions for TTONL: lecithin to cholesterol mass ratio of 3.7:1, TTO concentration of 0.5%, and pH of the hydration medium of 7.4, which resulted in a TTONL encapsulation rate of 80.31 ± 0.56%. TTONL was nearly spherical in shape and uniform in size, and the average particle size was 227.8 ± 25.3 nm with negative charge. The specific disappearance of the TTO peak in the infrared spectrum suggested the successful preparation of TTONL, which showed high stability at 4°C within 35 d. The result of MIC test found that the nanoliposomes improved antibacterial activity of TTO against various E. coli strains. TTONL exposure in vitro caused different degrees of structural damage to the E. coli. TTONL by oral administration alleviated the clinical symptoms and intestinal lesion of chickens induced with E. coli challenge. Furthermore, TTONL treatment remarkably lowered the mRNA expression of NLRP3 and NF-κB (p65) in the duodenum and cecum of E. coli-infected chickens. In conclusion, the prepared TTONL had good stability and slow-release property with dose-dependent inhibition and killing effects on different strains of E. coli, and exerted a preventive role against chicken colibacillosis through inhibition.

Hydrogen Peroxide Activated by Biochar-Supported Sulfidated Nano Zerovalent Iron for Removal of Sulfamethazine: Response Surface Method Approach.

Biochar (BC)-supported sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI/BC) was prepared using the liquid-phase reduction method for the application of the removal of sulfamethazine (SMZ) from water. The reaction conditions were optimized by the Box–Behnken response surface method (RSM). A model was constructed based on the influence factors of the removal rate, i.e., the carbon-to-iron ratio (C/Fe), iron-sulfur ratio (Fe/S), pH, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and the influence of each factor on the removal efficiency was investigated. The optimal removal process parameters were determined based on theoretical and experimental results. The results showed that the removal efficiency was significantly affected by the C/Fe ratio and pH (p < 0.0001) but relatively weakly affected by the Fe/S ratio (p = 0.0973) and H2O2 concentration (p = 0.022). The optimal removal process parameters were as follows: 0.1 mol/L H2O2, a pH of 3.18, a C/Fe ratio of 0.411, and a Fe/S ratio of 59.75. The removal rate of SMZ by S-nZVI/BC was 100% under these conditions. Therefore, it is feasible to use the Box–Behnken RSM to optimize the removal of emerging pollutants in water bodies by S-nZVI/BC.

Adsorption of malachite green and methyl violet 2B by halloysite nanotube: Batch adsorption experiments and Box-Behnken experimental design

Dyes constitute a significant part of the pollutants in industrial wastewater. In this study, halloysite nanotube (HNT) was used for adsorption of malachite green and methyl violet 2B dyes from the solution. Using batch adsorption experiments and response surface method, parameters affecting adsorption have been optimized. As a consequence of the batch experiments, after 60 min, the adsorption equilibrium state was achieved at 3 g L−1 HNT dosage, 125 mg L−1 dye concentration and natural solution pH. Temperature did not significantly affect the adsorption. The adsorption equilibrium data can be said to have fitted the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin isotherms well for the both dyes. The Langmuir maximum monolayer malachite green and methyl violet 2B adsorption capacities (As) of HNT are 74.95 mg g−1 and 67.87 mg g−1, respectively. Adsorption processes are more consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, both intra-particle diffusion and film diffusion are effective as rate-determining steps in adsorption. Thermodynamic calculations showed that the adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous. The regeneration of HNT after adsorption was confirmed in five cycles. By using the Box-Behnken response surface method, the parameters affecting the adsorption process were modeled, the effects of these parameters on the adsorption efficiency were expressed mathematically and the optimum operating parameters were determined.

Optimization of Maduramicin Ammonium-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Using Box-Behnken Design for Enhanced Anticoccidial Effect against Eimeria tenella in Broiler Chickens.

Maduramicin ammonium (MAD) is one of the most frequently used anticoccidial agents in broiler chickens. However, the high toxicity and low solubility of MAD limit its clinical application. In this study, MAD-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (MAD–NLCs) were prepared to overcome the defects of MAD by using highly soluble nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The formulation was optimized via a three-level, three-factor Box–Behnken response surface method. Then, the optimal MAD–NLCs were evaluated according to their hydrodynamic diameter (HD), zeta potential (ZP), crystal structure, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), in vitro release, and anticoccidial effect. The optimal MAD–NLCs had an HD of 153.6 ± 3.044 nm and a ZP of −41.4 ± 1.10 mV. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that the MAD was encapsulated in the NLCs in an amorphous state. The EE and DL were 90.49 ± 1.05% and 2.34 ± 0.04%, respectively, which indicated that the MAD was efficiently encapsulated in the NLCs. In the in vitro study, the MAD–NLCs demonstrated a slow and sustained drug release behavior. Notably, MAD–NLCs had an excellent anticoccidial effect against Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens. In summary, MAD–NLCs have huge potential to form a new preparation administered via drinking water with a powerful anticoccidial effect.

Optimized O3/Fe(II) Using Response Surface Methodology for Organic Phosphorus Removal in Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium Sulfate Wastewater

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS) wastewater is a kind of industrial wastewater which is difficult to biodegrade. In this work, O3/Fe(II) was used to remove organic phosphorus from THPS wastewater. The operating conditions in this process were optimized using the Box-Behnken response surface method based on single-factor experimentation. A response model of the organic phosphorus removal rate considering the initial pH, reaction time, ozone concentration, and Fe(II) dosage was established. The results showed that the ozone concentration and initial pH had a significant effect on the removal rate of organic phosphorus, and the model fit well (R2 = 0.98). The maximum removal rate of organic phosphorus predicted by this model was 86.04%, while the deviation between the predicted and experimental values was 0.91%. We concluded that the quadratic model was an effective tool for optimizing the removal of organic phosphorus in the THPS wastewater by O3/Fe(II).

Optimization of Flash Extraction of Akebia trifoliata Seed Oil by the Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology and Comparison of Oil Yields from Different Origins

The aim was to optimize the extraction process of Akebia trifoliata seed oil. Using Akebia trifoliata seed as raw material, the oil extraction rate was used as index. The effect of flash extraction on the yield of Akebia trifoliata seed oil was investigated. Taking the liquid-material ratio, extraction voltage, and extraction time as the investigation factors and the oil extraction rate of Akebia trifoliata seed as the response value and on the basis of the single-factor test, the extraction process of Akebia trifoliata seed oil was optimized by the Box-Behnken response surface method. The oil yields of Akebia trifoliata seeds from different origins in China were compared. The experimental results showed that the optimum technological conditions for flash extraction of Akebia trifoliata seed oil were as follows: liquid-material ratio, 12 : 1; extraction voltage, 150 V; extraction time, 90 s; and oil yield of Akebia trifoliata seed, 19.83%. For comparison, it is found that the oil yield of Akebia trifoliata seed produced in Qujing of Yunnan is relatively the highest, followed by Tongren of Guizhou and Zhangjiajie of Hunan; the oil yield of Akebia trifoliata seed produced in Shimian of Sichuan is the lowest. The flash extraction process of Akebia trifoliata seed oil is reasonable, and the oil yield of Akebia trifoliata seed produced in Qujing of Yunnan, China, is relatively the highest. It provides a theoretical and experimental reference for the research and development of Akebia trifoliata seed oil.

Optimization of Nanofiltration Hollow Fiber Membrane Fabrication Process Based on Response Surface Method

Layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technology has become a new research hotspot in the fabrication of nanofiltration membranes in recent years. However, there is a lack of a systematic approach for the assessment of influencing factors during the membrane fabrication process. In this study, the process optimization of LBL deposition was performed by a two-step statistical method. The multiple linear regression was performed on the results of single-factor experiments to determine the major influencing factors on membrane performance, including the concentration of Poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), glutaraldehyde, and the NaCl concentration in PAH solution. The Box–Behnken response surface method was then used to analyze the interactions between the selected factors, while their correlation with the membrane performance was obtained by polynomial fitting. The R2 value of the regression models (0.97 and 0.94) was in good agreement with the adjusted R2 value (0.93 and 0.86), indicating that the quadratic response models were adequate enough to predict the membrane performance. The optimal process parameters were finally determined through dual-response surface analysis to achieve both high membrane permeability of 14.3 LMH·MPa−1 and MgSO4 rejection rate of 90.22%.

Formulation optimization of emodin nanostructured lipid carriers by Box-Behnken response surface method and in vitro quality evaluation

Emodin nanostructured lipid carriers(ED-NLC) were prepared and their quality was evaluated in vitro. Based on the results of single-factor experiments, the ED-NLC formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method with the dosages of emodin, isopropyl myristate and poloxamer 188 as factors and the nanoparticle size, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading as evaluation indexes. Then the evaluation was performed on the morphology, size and in vitro release of the nanoparticles prepared by emulsification-ultrasonic dispersion method in line with the optimal formulation, i.e., 3.27 mg emodin, 148.68 mg isopropyl myristate and 173.48 mg poloxamer 188. Under a transmission electron microscope(TEM), ED-NLC were spherical and their particle size distribution was uniform. The particle size of ED-NLC was(97.02±1.55) nm, the polymer dispersion index 0.21±0.01, the zeta potential(-38.96±0.65) mV, the encapsulation efficiency 90.41%±0.56% and the drug loading 1.55%±0.01%. The results of differential scanning calorimeter(DSC) indicated that emodin may be encapsulated into the nanostructured lipid carriers in molecular or amorphous form. In vitro drug release had obvious characteristics of slow release, which accorded with the first-order drug release equation. The fitting model of Box-Behnken response surface methodology was proved accurate and reliable. The optimal formulation-based ED-NLC featured concentrated particle size distribution and high encapsulation efficiency, which laid a foundation for the follow-up study of ED-NLC in vivo.

Analysis of the Influence of Parameters of a Spraying System Designed for UAV Application on the Spraying Quality Based on Box–Behnken Response Surface Method

With the development of precision agriculture (PA), low-altitude and low-volume spraying based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is playing an increasingly important role in the control of crop diseases, pests, and weeds. However, the aerial spraying quality and droplet drift are affected by many factors, some of which are controllable (e.g., flight and spraying parameters) and some of which are not (e.g., environmental parameters). In order to study the influence of spraying parameters on the UAV-based spraying performance, we propose a UAV-compatible spraying system and a customized experimental platform in this work. Through single-factor test and Box–Behnken response surface methods, four influencing factors, namely spraying height, flow rate, distance between nozzles, and pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle, were studied under indoor conditions. Variance analysis and multiple quadratic regression fitting were performed on the test data by using Design-Expert 8.0.5B software, and quadratic polynomial regression models of effective spraying width, droplet coverage density, coefficient of variation, and droplet coverage rate were established. Based on the Z-score standardization, a mathematical model of the comprehensive score with four factors was established to evaluate the spraying quality and predict optimal spraying parameters. Test results indicate that the effect intensity of four influencing factors from strong to weak is PWM duty cycle, flow rate, distance between nozzles, and spraying height, and their optimal values are 98.65%, 1.74 L/min, 1.0 m, and 1.60 m, respectively. Additionally, verification experimental results demonstrate that the deviation between the predicted comprehensive score and the actual value was less than 6%. This paper can provide a reference for the design and optimization of UAV spraying systems.

Optimization of Extraction Process and Bioactivities of Polyphenols from Cinnamomum Longepaniculatum by Response Surface Method

Based on the results of single factor experiment, Box-Behnken response surface method was used to optimize the extraction process of polyphenols from C. longepaniculatum leaves. The influences of ethanol concentration, liquid to material ratio and extraction temperature on the extraction rate of polyphenols were investigated. The antioxidant and whitening activities of polyphenols from C. longepaniculatum leaves were evaluated by measuring the DPPH· free radical scavenging rate and tyrosinase inhibition rate. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration was 51%, liquid to material ratio was 30: 1 mL/g, extraction temperature was 71 ℃, the extraction rate of polyphenols from C. longepaniculatum was (1.70 ± 0.01) %. The DPPH free radical of 0.50 mg/mL polyphenols from C. longepaniculatum were 82.70%, and the tyrosinase inhibition rate of 10.00 mg/mL polyphenols from C. longepaniculatum were 91.78%. This shows that C. longepaniculatum leaves have good antioxidant and whitening effects.

Optimasi Sintesis Ligan Diheksilditiofosfat (DHDTP) Menggunakan Response Surface Method (RSM)

Dihexyldithiophosphate (DHDTP) ligand is one of the homologues of dialkyldithiophosphate which is potentially better as an extractant in solvent extraction. The longer the chain in the dialkyldithophosphate compound, ability to dissolve into the organic phase is increasing compared to the shorter chain. The purpose of this study is to synthesize DHDTP ligands and find out the optimum reaction conditions to produce DHDTP ligands with optimal purity using the BoxBehnken (BBD) response surface method (RSM). DHDTP ligands are synthesized from P2S5 by reflux after addition of n-hexanol under a nitrogen gas environment. Ammonium carbonate is added to the reflux to pH 7, then evaporated to remove the solvent. The synthesized DHDTP ligand was then purified by column chromatography with a mobile phase methanol : aquadest (2.5% gradient). DHDTP ligands were examined for purity using a reverse phase HPLC with a mobile phase methanol: aquadest 3: 2. The purity of the best DHDTP synthesis results obtained was 87.34%. The DHDTP ligand formed was characterized to confirm the structure of its ligand compound by using a UV spectrophotometer in which the synthesis product showed maximum absorption at a wavelength of 212 nm and mass spectroscopy ES- with m / z 297.1687.

The Process Optimization of Vinegar Roasting of Bupleurum chinense by Entropy Weight Method Combined with Box-Behnken Response Surface Method and Its Protective Effect on Mice Liver Injury

Objective: The concoction process of vinegar roasted Chai Hu was optimized to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Chai Hu before and after vinegar roasting on acute liver injury in mice. Methods: Combined with Box-Behnken response surface design method, the entropy weight method was applied. The indices of Saikosaponin A, Saikosaponin D and leachate were comprehensively scored to evaluate the vinegar dosage, smothering and wetting time and frying temperature so as to optimize the vinegar roasting process of Chai Hu. A model of acetaminophen(APAP)-induced acute liver injury in mice was established to analyze the effects on liver function, inflammation and oxidative stress before and after the vinegar roasting of Chai Hu. Results: The process parameters were 23% vinegar, 2.8 h smothering and wetting time and 145 ℃ frying temperature. The index contents were 0.65% Saikosaponin A, 0.74% Saikosaponin D and 20.67% leachate. In the Chai Hu vinegar group, the serum levels of mice were significantly reduced in alanine transaminase(ALT), glutathione transaminase(AST), tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β(P<0.05). In the liver tissues, the levels of glutathione(GSH), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) increased respectively, and MDA significantly reduced(P<0.05). The Chai Hu group indicated insignificant improvement in GSH-Px and GSH. Conclusion: Entropy weight method combined with Box-Behnken response surface method optimized the process of the concoction of Northern Chai Hu with vinegar roasting was stable. With better effect than that of the Chai Hu group, vinegar Chai Hu can improve acute liver injury through inhibiting inflammation and lessening oxidative stress.