Bulk Production Research Articles

Optimizing Floating Crane Operations for Efficient Bulk Product Transshipments on Inland Waterways

Optimizing Floating Crane Operations for Efficient Bulk Product Transshipments on Inland Waterways

Carbon quantum dots in breast cancer modulate cellular migration via cytoskeletal and nuclear structure

Carbon nanomaterials have been widely applied for cutting edge therapeutic applications as they offer tunable physio-chemical properties with economic scale-up options. Nuclear delivery of cancer drugs has been of prime focus since it controls important cellular signaling functions leading to greater anti-cancer drug efficacies. Better cellular drug uptake per unit drug injection drastically reduces severe side-effects of cancer therapies. Similarly, carbon dots (CDs) uptaken by the nucleus can also be used to set-up cutting edge nano delivery systems. In an earlier paper, we showed the cellular uptake and plasma membrane impact of combustion generated yellow luminescing CDs produced by our group from fuel rich combustion reactors in a one-step tunable production. In this paper, we aim to specifically study the nucleus by establishing the uptake kinetics of these combustion-generated yellow luminescing CDs. At sub-lethal doses, after crossing the plasma membrane, they impact the actin and microtubule mesh, affecting cell adhesion and migration; enter nucleus by diffusion processes; modify the overall appearance of the nucleus in terms of morphology; and alter chromatin condensation. We thus establish how this one-step produced, cost and bulk production friendly carbon dots from fuel rich combustion flames can be innovatively repurposed as potential nano delivery agents in cancer cells.

Isolation of Cellulose Nanofibers From Sunflower Seed Husks via Formic Acid Hydrolysis

ABSTRACTNanocellulose has garnered great interest among researchers because of its biodegradability, renewability, biocompatibility, high strength and versatile functionality. The present study focuses on the development of an eco‐friendly, benign method to extract cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from waste sunflower husks (SFHs) using formic acid hydrolysis. Both CNFs and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were obtained in high yields from SFHs. The enhanced colloidal stability of CNFs was evident from the ζ potential values, which ranged from −11.8 to −19.6 mV. Varying yields of CNFs were obtained by differing reaction times, though all were found to be thermally stable. SEM and TEM were used for the morphological analysis. The removal of non‐cellulose constituents was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The enhancement of crystallinity upon treatment was examined using XRD analysis. The thermal stability of the cellulose extracted was checked via TGA. The present method of extraction of CNFs and MCC from waste SFHs using formic acid could open a new way of bulk production of nanocellulose fibers for the manufacture of green, value‐added products in high‐end fields, including electronics, agriculture and biomedicine, among others.

Facile synthesis route for bulk production of complex fullerene-like MoS2 nanostructures with enhanced tribological properties.

Molybdenum-based nanoparticles are often used as oil additives to enhance a material's tribological performance. Here, we present a highly efficient synthetic route for the bulk production of two types of MoS2 nanostructures: multi-wall nanotubes and fullerene-like nanostructures. The presented two-step synthesis involves the transformation of ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate and aniline into precursor nanowires, which are later transformed into MoS2 through heating in a H2S, H2 , and argon atmosphere to approximately 800°C. Depending on the heating rate, we successfully grew MoS2 layered compounds in various shapes and sizes. The resulting structures and compositions were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. To assess the application potential of these MoS2 compounds, they were dispersed in polyalphaolefin (PAO 6) oil. Improved tribological properties were observed compared to typically used transition metal dichalcogenides.

Effect of zinc oxide on synthesis of magnesium potassium phosphate cement

Magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs) have been developed for the rapid repair of civil engineering structures and the solidification of hazardous waste. However, the rapid curing and high heat of hydration of MKPCs pose challenges in bulk production. To address this problem, the use of zinc oxide as a novel retarder for MKPC synthesis was investigated. Compared with conventional retarders like boric acid, zinc oxide was found to delay the initial hydration of MKPCs significantly, although its effect diminishes over time. The addition of zinc oxide accelerated the dehydration of MgHPO4.7H2O to MgHPO4.3H2O. It is likely that Zn2+ ions inhibit the dissolution of magnesium oxide by surface adsorption or dehydration of Mg(H2O)62+. Using zinc oxide as a retarder provides sufficient mixing time, making it advantageous for practical applications where a controlled setting time is crucial.

From lignin-derived monomers to 1,4-cyclohexanediol via a two steps Dakin oxidation and hydrodeoxygenation reaction

Lignin is the largest renewable source of aromatic building blocks in nature and has great potential as a starting material for the production of bulk or functionalized aromatic compounds, providing a suitable alternative to widely used petroleum-derived chemicals. In this work, we present a novel 1,4-cyclohexanediol (CHDO) preparation from lignocellulose. In contrast to conventional methods, this pathway has taken the lignin-degrading monomers as a starting point, and flexibly employs a series of oxidative and catalytic reactions to achieve the preparation of CHDO. The proposed pathway consists of a two-step chemical process to efficiently obtain high yields of CHDO from lignocellulose. The first step is the oxidation of lignin-derived monophenols to p-hydroxyl phenolic compounds using the Dakin oxidation reaction (yield>80 %), and finally the de-functionalization and hydrogenation of the resulting monomers using the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction.

Sustainable supply chain design using a multi-objective linear optimization approach for solid bulk products

This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model for designing a sustainable logistics system that determines the ideal logistic flow of an ultrafine mineral residue product, tailings, from Brucutu/MG to multiple destinations over a capable multimodal system. These tailings are extracted from iron ore and can be used as a partial substitute for raw materials in construction materials. This substitution can help avoid dangerous dams of iron ore tailings and save natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions in the civil construction chain. However, the distribution incurs logistical costs and resulting socio-environmental impacts. Therefore, logistics plays a fundamental role in making this substitution economically viable. The proposed model aims to maximize total profit while minimizing negative socio-environmental impacts and maximizing the positives. The resulting ideal multimodal logistic system is obtained based on sustainable pillars, demonstrating that a small decrease in profits can yield significant reductions in negative impacts and increases in positive externalities.

Empowering Green Energy Storage Systems with MXene for a Sustainable Future.

Green energy storage systems play a vital role in enabling a sustainable future by facilitating the efficient integration and utilization of renewable energy sources. The main problems related to two-dimensional (2D) materials are their difficult synthesis process, high cost, and bulk production, which hamper their performance. In recent years, MXenes have emerged as highly promising materials for enhancing the performance of energy storage devices due to their unique properties, including their high surface area, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and exceptional chemical stability. This paper presents a comprehensive scientific approach that explores the potential of MXenes for empowering green energy storage systems. Which indicates the novelty of the article. The paper reviews the latest advances in MXene synthesis techniques. Furthermore, investigates the application of MXenes in various energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and emerging energy storage devices. The utilization of MXenes as electrodes in flexible and transparent energy storage devices is also discussed. Moreover, the paper highlights the potential of MXenes in addressing key challenges in energy storage, including enhancing energy storage capacity, improving cycling stability, and promoting fast charging and discharging rates. Additionally, industrial application and cost estimation of MXenes are explored. As the output of the work, we analyzed that HF and modified acid (LiF and HCl) are the established methods for synthesis. Due to high electrical conductivity, MXene materials are showing extraordinary results in energy storage and related applications. Making a composite hydrothermal method is one of the established methods. This scientific paper underscores the significant contributions of MXenes in advancing green energy storage systems, paving the way for a sustainable future driven by renewable energy sources. To facilitate the research, this article includes technical challenges and future recommendations for further research gaps in the topic.

LC-MS Based Quantification of Degradents in Pharmaceutical and Bulk Products of Atazanavir Sulfate and Ritonavir

LC-MS Based Quantification of Degradents in Pharmaceutical and Bulk Products of Atazanavir Sulfate and Ritonavir

Divergent response of Chernozem organic matter towards short-term water stress in Poa pratensis L. rhizosphere and bulk soil in pot experiments: A spectroscopic study

Understanding and controlling rhizospheric processes under abiotic stress is one of the key challenges in addressing food security amid the climate crisis. In this work, the impact of short-term drought and overwatering on soil organic matter (SOM) of Haplic Chernozem in the rhizosphere of Poa pratensis L. and in bulk soil was investigated. The vegetation experiment was conducted in a climatic chamber at soil moisture levels of 35, 80, and 200 % of the field capacity. UV-Vis and spectrofluorometry were used to describe the water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) characteristics and fluorofores signature, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to describe functional group composition of SOM. Composition and properties of SOM and WEOM of Chernozem significantly change after exposure to short-term water stress. Drought does not affect the composition of rhizosphere SOM except increasing the proportion of polysaccharides, but leads to the decrease in aromaticity and increase in molecular weight of humic-like components of rhizosphere WEOM. These findings reflect Poa adaptation to water deficiency and microbial activity suppression which results in accumulation of SOM intermediate decomposition products. On the contrary, bulk WEOM wasn't affected by drought but SOM became enriched with aromatic and oxidised components. Overwatering leads to equalisation of bulk and rhizospheric SOM composition due to a decrease in the proportion of aromatic and carboxylic components of bulk SOM and the accumulation of microbial products in both bulk and rhizospheric SOM. In general, rhizospheric WEOM undergoes relatively significant changes relative to the optimum water regime under moisture deficit, and bulk WEOM — under overwatering. The findings illustrate the involvement of the both WEOM and SOM in maintaining resilience of the soil-plant system as well as the difference in watering conditions impact on SOM in rhizosphere and bulk soil. SOM spectral data can be used for assessing the state of soil systems, such as changes in microbial activity and adaptation of the soil-plant system to abiotic stress. Our findings also illustrate the differences in the organic matter transformation of the Poa pratensis rhizosphere and the bulk Chernozem depending on environmental factors.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE CONTENT OF THE TOTAL PROTEIN SARS-COV-2 OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS

One of the main requirements for the new vaccines being created is their safety in use, including the total protein content, which are one of the main indicators of the quality and safety of vaccines. This article presents the results of work on the comparative analysis of methods for determining the total protein in the active pharmaceutical substance (AFS) and also the bulk product of the vaccine "QazCovid-in ® .Determination of the total protein concentration was carried out by comparing the methods of Lowry, Bradford, commercial sets of Clini Test-BL and BSA Gold Protein. As a result of the determination of the total protein in the composition of the AFS by the classical Lowry method and the commercial CliniTest-BL kit, the highest values were obtained on average 616.67 and 589 μl/ml, and in the bulk product 51.11 and 47.38 μl/ml, respectively. The most minimal indicator of the total protein content of 38.39±0.000059 is shown by the method using the commercial BSA Gold Protein kit. The average values of total protein content showed the results obtained by the Bradford method and the determination of total protein by a commercial set of Clini Test-BL. The data obtained allow us to recommend the use of a set of Clini Test-BL for use in quality control, since this set is characterized by the ease and speed of the determination method, which is not inferior to the classical Lowry method. When determining the total protein content in the bulk product used to prepare the QazVac vaccine against COVID-19, the classical Lowry method showed the best result with a high degree of sensitivity.

Unveiling the water sorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and air dehumidification performance of sustainably synthesized metal–organic frameworks

This study focuses on the feasibility of sustainably synthesized MIL-100(Fe) as an alternative to conventional desiccants, such as silica gel and zeolites, which have low adsorption capacity and poor thermal characteristics for air dehumidification. MIL-100(Fe), a metal–organic framework, shows promise due to its excellent adsorption and customizable thermal properties. However, its synthesis typically involves toxic materials and high temperature/pressure conditions, which restrict its bulk production for large-scale applications. This study aims to explore sustainable synthesis methods for MIL-100(Fe) using non-toxic materials and milder reaction conditions and investigate its material characteristics and dehumidification performance. Experimental analyses are carried out to measure adsorption isotherms, kinetics, sorption heat, activation energy, and cyclic stability, and numerical simulations are conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics platform to estimate dehumidification performance. The test results demonstrate that MIL-100(Fe) has a higher water adsorption capacity compared to silica gel, with a unique stepwise adsorption into its two types of mesoporous cages. Increased temperatures cause the adsorption and desorption isotherms to shift towards higher relative humidity levels. The heat of water adsorption and desorption ranges between 2630–2906 kJ/kg and 2763–2848 kJ/kg, respectively. MIL-100(Fe) demonstrates high stability and no significant loss in water uptake capacity. The simulated performance indicate that MIL–100(Fe) has superior reaction rates and is 82 % more effective than the silica gel rotary wheel dehumidifiers.

Numerical and experimental investigation of silo vibration of sulfur storage

PurposeDue to the abundant use of granular materials in chemical industries, it is inevitable to store raw materials and products in bulk in silos. For this reason, much research has been carried out in the field of construction, operation and maintenance of silos. One of the important issues that must be investigated in silos is the behavior of their structure when the materials inside them are unloaded. Structural vibrations and the creation of normal noise usually discharge the granular of material from the silo. Both of phenomena are undesirable due to the problems they can cause to the structure and its surroundings. According to the said issues, this paper aims to investigate the vibration problem of the sulfur storage silo of the first refinery during discharge with the help of measuring experimental vibration data and simulating the silo model.Design/methodology/approachIn the experimental investigation, the main cause of the vibration of the 400-ton silo in the refinery is used. The mass asymmetry phenomenon when the silo is filled is also considered. The experimental results are authenticated by software analysis too.FindingsThe results showed that the natural frequency of the ninth mode is almost equal to the natural frequency of sulfur discharge from the silos and has the largest shape change in the structure and vibration range. It is also concluded that the larger sulfur silo (400 tons) should be prioritized over the smaller sulfur silo (200 tons) in the emptying program, and the 400 tons silo should never be emptied even through the 200 tons silo is empty.Originality/valueAn attempt is made to investigate the issue of vibration in sulfur storage silos in the first refinery of South Pars in the form of experimental investigation and modal analysis.

Rapid and inexpensive synthesis of liter-scale SiC aerogels

Ceramic aerogels are promising materials for thermal insulation and protection under harsh environments. Yet current synthesis methods fail to provide an energy-, time-, and cost-effective route for high-throughput production and large-scale applications, especially for non-oxide ceramic aerogels. Here we reported a way to synthesize SiC aerogels within seconds and over liter scale, with a demonstrated throughput of ~16 L min−1 in a typical lab experiment. The key lies in renovated combustion synthesis and a fast expansion from powder reactants to aerogel products over 1000% in volume. The synthesis process is self-sustainable and requires minimal energy input. The product is very cheap, with an estimated price of ~$0.7 L−1 (~$7 kg−1). The obtained SiC aerogels have excellent thermo-mechanical properties, including low thermal conductivity, high elasticity, and damage tolerance. Our invention not only offers a practical pathway for large-scale applications of ceramic aerogels, but also calls for rethinking of combustion synthesis in one-step conversion from raw chemicals to bulk products ready for practical applications.

Fe-O4 Motif Activated Graphitic Carbon via Oxo-Bridge for Highly Selective H2O2 Electrosynthesis.

Carbon-based materials have been utilized as effective catalysts for hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e ORR), however the insufficient selectivity and productivity still hindered the further industrial applications. In this work, we report the Fe-O4 motif activated graphitic carbon material which enabled highly selective H2O2 electrosynthesis operating at high current density with excellent anti-poisoning property. In the bulk production test, the concentration of H2O2 cumulated to 8.6 % in 24 h and the corresponding production rate of 33.5 mol gcat -1 h-1 outperformed all previously reported materials. Theoretical model backed by in situ characterization verified α-C surrounding the Fe-O4 motif as the actual reaction site in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics aspects. The strategy of activating carbon reaction site by metal center via oxo-bridge provides inspiring insights for the rational design of carbon materials for heterogeneous catalysis.

The manufacturing and characterization of pentamidine-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles produced by microfluidic method

In recent years, special attention has been paid to the study of manufacturing processes that can precisely control the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and reduce batch-to-batch variability. Microfluidics has recently emerged as an advanced production method that can manage NP properties by monitoring the diffusion/emulsification mechanism. Pentamidine free base (PTM-B), a diamidine compound positively charged at physiological pH, has already been used as a model drug for incorporation into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) via an ion-pairing strategy using a conventional bulk production method. The same formulation was chosen to study the scaling-up process and preparation using the microfluidic technique. The formulation of PLGA NP loaded with PTM-B by the microfluidic technique was optimized by adding 1 % Lutrol F68 as a surfactant agent to stabilize the nanosuspension during the solvent diffusion in the microchannel of the chip, and then, washed away in the final suspension. A thorough investigation of process parameters (i.e., total flow rate, flow rate ratio) was conducted to obtain a monodisperse suspension characterized by a mean diameter of less than 150 nm. In addition, in vitro studies on mammalian cancer cell lines demonstrated the potential antitumor activity of PTM-B-loaded NPs prepared by the microfluidic technique.

Fe−O4 Motif Activated Graphitic Carbon via Oxo‐Bridge for Highly Selective H2O2 Electrosynthesis

AbstractCarbon‐based materials have been utilized as effective catalysts for hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis via two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e ORR), however the insufficient selectivity and productivity still hindered the further industrial applications. In this work, we report the Fe−O4 motif activated graphitic carbon material which enabled highly selective H2O2 electrosynthesis operating at high current density with excellent anti‐poisoning property. In the bulk production test, the concentration of H2O2 cumulated to 8.6 % in 24 h and the corresponding production rate of 33.5 mol gcat−1 h−1 outperformed all previously reported materials. Theoretical model backed by in situ characterization verified α‐C surrounding the Fe−O4 motif as the actual reaction site in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics aspects. The strategy of activating carbon reaction site by metal center via oxo‐bridge provides inspiring insights for the rational design of carbon materials for heterogeneous catalysis.

Production of highly soluble and immuno-reactive recombinant flagellin protein of Clostridium chauvoei

ObjectiveFlagellin protein, an integral component of flagella, provides motility to several bacterial species and also acts as a candidate antigen in diagnostics and subunit vaccines. The bulk production of flagellin with retention of all conformational epitopes using recombinant protein technology is of paramount importance in the development of pathogen-specific immuno-assays and vaccines. We describe the production of highly soluble and immuno-reactive rFliA(C) protein of Clostridium chauvoei, a causative agent of blackleg or black quarter (BQ) affecting cattle and small ruminants worldwide. The bacterium is known to possess peritrichous flagella that provide motility and also act as a virulence factor with high protective antigenicity. MethodsUpon sequence and structural analysis, a partial fliA(C) gene from Clostridium chauvoei was cloned and the recombinant mature protein with N- and C- terminal truncation was over-expressed as a His-tagged fusion protein (∼25 kDa) in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, rFliA(C) protein was purified by single-step affinity chromatography and characterized for its immuno-reactivity in laboratory animals, Western blot, and indirect-ELISA format. ResultsrFliA(C) was highly soluble and was purified in high quantity and quality. rFliA(C) elicited antigen-specific conformational polyclonal antibodies in rabbit and guinea pig models, as well as anti-Clostridium chauvoei-specific antibodies being specifically detected in BQ-vaccinated and convalescent sera of bovines in Western blot and in indirect-ELISA format. Further, no cross reactivity was noted with antibodies against major bovine diseases (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease, IBR, LSDV, hemorrhagic septicaemia, brucellosis, and leptospirosis). ConclusionThe study indicated the production of conformational recombinant flagellin—rFliA(C)—antigen and its potential utility in development of diagnostics for detection of Clostridium chauvoei-specific antibodies in BQ-recovered and/or vaccinated animals.

The Army, the Great War, and the Belated Industrialisation of Shoemaking in the Czech Lands

The army was perhaps the first bulk buyer of mass-produced footwear. In Europe, several regions focused on the bulk production of military (and civilian) footwear owe their origins to the army. This was also the case in the Czech Lands. The belated industrialisation of footwear production in the Czech Lands dates back to the Balkan Wars and World War I. The army and the war economy businesses under military control played a key role in this process. This study is devoted to the multifaceted role of the army in the completion of the industrialization of Czech shoemaking.

Natural dyes in textile printing: parameters, methods, and performance.

In recent years, consumer preferences have begun to turn back to natural dyes, whereas synthetic dyes have been pushed into the background over the previous 60years. This is a result of increased knowledge of the potential hazards associated with the creation of synthetic dyes, which use raw materials derived from petrochemicals and involve intense chemical interactions. Such dyes need a lot of energy to produce, and their negative effects on the environment increase pollution. It has been discovered that several of these dyes, particularly the azo-based ones are carcinogenic. On the contrary, natural dyes are getting more attention from scientists and researchers as a result of their several advantages like being eco-friendly, biodegradable and renewable, sustainable, available in nature, having no disposal problems, minimizing the consumption of fossil fuel, anti-bacterial, insect repellent, and anti-allergic, anti-ultraviolet, intensify dyeing and finishing process efficiency, less expensive, and no adverse effects on human health and environment. However, there are also some drawbacks, like poor fastness properties, natural dye printing for bulk production, difficulties in reproducibility of shades, and so forth. Despite all these limitations, the demand for natural dyes is increasing significantly in textile industries because they offer far more safety than synthetic dyes. This study provides an overall concept of the natural dyes in textile printing. It illustrates parameters of printing performance, methods, and techniques of extraction of natural dyes, printing methods, and printing of natural and synthetic fibers. Finally, this study describes the challenges and future prospects of natural dyes in textile printing.