Composition Of Mixture Research Articles

Interactions between prosulfocarb and trifluralin metabolism in annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum).

Cross-resistance between pre-emergence herbicides is developing in Australian populations of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.). A previous study has reported that selection with prosulfocarb (a pro-herbicide requiring bioactivation to its phytotoxic sulfoxide) can decrease metabolic resistance to trifluralin. Metabolism of prosulfocarb and trifluralin was investigated in L. rigidum populations with different levels of resistance to prosulfocarb, trifluralin and also pyroxasulfone, which is detoxified by glutathione (GSH) conjugation. Coleoptiles and radicles of herbicide-treated seedlings responded differently to the same herbicide. Radicles had a lower capacity for bioactivation of prosulfocarb, and this was correlated with a lower ability to metabolise trifluralin within and among populations. Coleoptile resistance to prosulfocarb sulfoxide was negatively correlated with abundance of a major polar metabolite. There was no evidence of GSH conjugation with the sulfoxide, making any potential links between prosulfocarb and pyroxasulfone resistance less obvious. Activation and metabolism of prosulfocarb in L. rigidum is complex and differentially regulated in different tissues. Selection with prosulfocarb may ameliorate trifluralin metabolism in the radicles, but the relationship between prosulfocarb and pyroxasulfone resistance is not GSH-mediated. When applying pre-emergence herbicides, care should be taken with the composition of mixtures and rotations to avoid selection of cross-resistance between pyroxasulfone and prosulfocarb. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A-349 Evaluation of i-STAT® Point of Care Blood Gas Cartridges and Competitor Blood Gas Devices Against Reference Standard for PCO2 and PO2

Abstract Background The i-STAT System provides laboratory quality results in minutes at the patient’s bedside. Accurate and rapid test results are critical for clinical decision making in the presence of blood gas disorders, including oxygenation and acid-base status, where the partial pressure oxygen (PO2) and partial pressure carbon dioxide (PCO2) are needed. The purpose of this study was to compare the analytical performance of the PO2 and PCO2 tests in the i-STAT G3+ and i-STAT CG8+ cartridges to the theoretical PO2 and PCO2 in prepared reference standards. Two other blood gas instruments, a benchtop device and a laboratory device were also compared to the reference PO2 and PCO2. Methods Venous whole blood samples were contrived using saturation tonometry with U.S. NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology) traceable gas tanks to prepare the reference standards, which were value assigned to theoretical PO2 or PCO2 levels based on the molar composition of the gas mixture used. Eleven levels spanning the reportable range of each PO2 (5 mmHg - 800 mmHg) and PCO2 (5 mmHg - 130 mmHg) were prepared and tested in duplicate on the i-STAT G3+ and i-STAT CG8+ cartridges, benchtop device, and the laboratory device. Passing-Bablok linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the slope and correlation coefficient, comparing each blood gas device against the reference PO2 and PCO2 values. Study designs followed CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) EP09C-ED3:2018, Measurement Procedure Comparison and Bias Estimation using Patient Samples, 3rd Edition. Passing-Bablok regression analysis was also performed for the i-STAT cartridges and benchtop device against the laboratory device. Results The regression analysis was performed against the reference standards. For PO2, slopes for the i-STAT cartridges ranged from 0.93 - 0.97, the slope for the benchtop device was 0.99, and the slope for the laboratory device was 0.97. Correlation coefficients for all devices were 1.00. For PCO2, slopes for the i-STAT cartridges ranged from 0.98 - 1.02, the slope for the benchtop device was 0.85, and the slope for the laboratory device was 1.01. Correlation coefficients were 1.00 for the i-STAT cartridges and laboratory device, and 0.99 for the benchtop device. The regression analysis was also performed against the laboratory device. For PO2, slopes for the i-STAT cartridges ranged from 0.96 - 1.00, and the slope for the benchtop device was 1.02. Correlation coefficients for all devices were 1.00. For PCO2, slopes for the i-STAT cartridges ranged from 0.97 - 1.01, and the slope for the benchtop device was 0.85. Correlation coefficients were 1.00 for the i-STAT cartridges and 0.99 for the benchtop device. Conclusions The study demonstrated that the i-STAT G3+ and i-STAT CG8+ cartridges used with the i-STAT System were shown to provide laboratory quality results within 2 minutes, showing good agreement to both reference standards and laboratory quality devices. For PCO2, the i-STAT System was shown to have better agreement to both theoretical reference standards and the laboratory device than the benchtop device. These studies were funded by Abbott Laboratories.

Tuning the composition of mixed anthraquinone derivatives towards an affordable flow battery negolyte

Having a long lifespan and being capable of scaling capacity and power independently, redox flow batteries (RFB) offer great opportunities for energy storage. However, the challenge lies in finding an ideal electrolyte. The most mature version of RFB utilizes vanadium solutions and suffers from rising and highly volatile prices of this metal. To address this, organic electrolytes are gaining attention, as they can be obtained from abundant feedstocks. Among those, Anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonic acid (2,7-AQDS) solutions are particularly prominent, demonstrating reversible and fast redox kinetics coupled with reasonable solubility. This paper explores the possibility of synthesizing 2,7-AQDS together with other electroactive compounds (2,6-AQDS, 2-AQS) through the reaction of anthraquinone sulfonation. It shows that obtained mixtures act as electrolytes without any purification or separation, while synthesis conditions can adjust mixture composition and hence their redox behavior. Although the performance of anthraquinone-bromine RFB utilizing these mixtures exhibits a trade-off between power and stability, the best of them are comparable or even superior to 2,7-AQDS. For instance, RFB with a mixture free of 2-AQS demonstrates an energy efficiency of 76.4 % and a capacity fade rate of 0.04 %/cycle at a current density of 75 mA cm−2. The specific capacity of such mixtures can reach 70 Ah L−1, which makes them promising and affordable RFB negolyte.

Carbon Micron-size Content Dependency in Epoxy/Carbon Composite Coated onto SPCC Plate for Automotive Bodies Protection

Conventional epoxy coating for surface metal corrosion protection reported many unsolved technical problems. Adding filler in the epoxy could enhance the promising properties of the composite coating. Our work describes in detail the synthesizing and characterizing epoxy/carbon composite coating. Epoxy was mixed with thinner high gloss (HG) and hardener and stirred using a stirrer apparatus. After blending, various carbons were added (1 wt. %, 3 wt. %, and 5 wt. %) and then appropriately stirred. The different mixture composite was coated onto the steel plate cold rolled coiled (SPCC) plate using high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) in two passes. Various characterizations were performed, including crystallographic orientation, Infra-Red (IR)-spectra, surface morphology, thickness, hydrophobicity, hardness, and corrosion using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), portable dry film coating thickness (DFT), digital camera, Vickers microhardness tester, and Potentiostat, respectively. More carbon micron-sized content led to elevate the peak intensity, surface bumpiness, and hydrophobicity. The uppermost external bumpiness and hydrophobicity values are 23.51 µm and 101◦. Hardness depends on carbon content and more carbon leads to an increase in the hardness of the composited coating. The highest average Vickers hardness value is 28.24 HV. The coating thickness influenced the corrosion rate, more coating thickness promoted lesser corrosion rate. The highest coating thickness (60.8 µm) promoted a corrosion rate of around 5.65×10−4 mmpy.

Explosion risks: Variety of deflagration-to-detonation transition scenarios in smooth tubes

In the framework of comprehensive assessment of explosion risks on board of spacecrafts and on the facilities of launch places, the paper is focused on the detailed analysis of particular scenarios of deflagration-to-detonation transition taking place in smooth tubes filled with acetylene-oxygen mixtures of different compositions. By means of precise numerical simulation it is demonstrated that various scenarios of detonation onset can take place depending on the mixture composition and its initial thermodynamic state. It is demonstrated that independent on the particular scenario always the basic mechanism of detonation onset via the formation of strong enough shock wave takes place. In more reactive mixtures the strong shock originates from the self-sustained process of joint pressure build up and reaction intensification exactly at the flame front. In less reactive mixtures the transient flow behavior leads to the shock waves generation and interaction. As a result, a brand new reaction kernel could arise in the area of shock waves interaction. In number of cases, that leads to the coupling between the shock wave and the newborn reaction front and results in the strong shock formation and further detonation onset.

Stabilization of gels and emulsions in the ternary water/eugenol/poloxamer 407-system: Physicochemical characterization and potential application as encapsulation platforms

The ternary system water/eugenol/poloxamer 407 can form a variety of phases that are strongly influenced by the mixture composition and the thermal history of the system. In this study, we investigated the stabilization of emulsion and gel-like systems in which eugenol is encapsulated in a poloxamer 407 matrix. Our results reveal the complex interplay between poloxamer 407 and eugenol compositions in the stabilization single-phase systems at 25ºC. Increasing concentrations of poloxamer were found to incorporate higher amounts of eugenol into emulsion-like dispersions, effectively preventing coalescence and Ostwald ripening. However, high concentrations of poloxamer 407 induced gelation of these dispersions, resulting in eugenol-loaded poloxamer 407 gels. The thermal annealing of the emulsions at 65°C for 1 h followed by equilibration at room temperature allows the extension of the compositional range for the formation of homogeneous single-phase systems providing a strategy to modulate the phase diagram of the ternary system. Additionally, the encapsulation of hydrophobic pesticides in gel-like matrices was investigated, showing uniform distribution and consistent loading capacity (approximately 0.70 % w/w) across different pesticides which may contribute to facilitate the environmental distribution and efficacy of the encapsulated molecules. This research highlights the potential of eugenol/poloxamer 407-based systems as an environmentally friendly platform for the encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic active molecules, offering a versatile solution for various applications.

Effect of binary porogen mixtures on polymer monoliths prepared by gamma-radiation initiated polymerization

Gamma-radiation initiated polymerization is an easy-to-use and simple technique for the preparation of porous polymer monoliths widely used as active materials in separation columns. Herein, binary porogen mixtures of ethyl acetate/acetone/acetonitrile with methanol were used to synthesize diethylene glycol dimethacrylate monoliths with this technique. Systematic studies have been performed to determine the effect of the composition of the solvent mixture on the morphology and the reaction kinetics, including the growth mechanism and the growth rate. The irradiation dose-dependent conversion profiles showed that with binary solvents the polymerization is much faster than with the same compounds used as single solvents. Depending on the type and the composition of the solvent one-, two- and three-dimensional, and fractal growth mechanisms were identified.

Pengaruh variasi besar butir dan variasi komposisi bahan terhadap kinerja briket arang tempurung kelapa dan sekam padi

Abundant biomass waste is often thrown away. Careless disposal of waste will have a negative impact on environmental quality. Research regarding variations in composition and grain size of biomass waste charcoal briquettes on briquette performance is feasible. The aim of the research is to obtain briquettes that have high performance. The research method used was experimental research, coconut shell charcoal and rice husk charcoal, made in sizes 20 mesh, 60 mesh and 100 mesh. Then mixed with 15% starch adhesive with variations in the composition of coconut shell charcoal (TK): rice husk charcoal (SP), namely: I (75%:25%), II (50%:50%) and III (25%:75% ), After printing, the biket is dried in the sun and in the oven until it reaches a moisture content of (14-15)%. After the briquettes are dry, the heating value, flame duration and water boiling time are tested. In the calorific value test, the greater the composition (TK), the greater the calorific value produced. The highest heating value of 5937 kcal/kg was obtained from composition I, mesh 60 and the lowest heating value of 3714 kcal/kg was obtained from composition III mesh 60. The shortest flame duration of 1386.6 seconds occurred in mesh 20 composition III and the longest flame duration was 1933.2 seconds. obtained on mesh 100 composition I. In the Boilling Time test, it was found that the larger the grain size and the greater the composition of the coconut shell charcoal mixture in bioarang briquettes, the faster the water boiling time.

An experimental methodology to validate the use of hydroethanolic mixtures as suspending medium / modifier for the supercritical CO2 extraction of suspensions

We developed a methodology to study the extraction of high-value solutes directly from suspensions of finely disrupted substrates. For that, we modelled the high-pressure phase equilibrium for the ternary (CO2 + ethanol + water) system using experimental literature data. Different compositions of hydroethanolic mixture and CO2 were loaded into an extraction vessel set at 30–35MPa and 40–50 °C during static extraction, and a gaseous mixture with the composition of the CO2-rich gaseous phase in the extraction vessel was continuously fed during dynamic extraction. Losses of the fed hydroethanolic mixture occurred mainly during dynamic extraction (10-30wt%) and were properly distributed to account for actual flows and compositions of experimental streams. Mostly, equilibrium conditions were reached following about 1h of the 2-h dynamic extraction, and good reproducibility was achieved. In conclusion, equilibrium is reached in which two phases coexist in equilibrium within the extraction vessel: a water-rich liquid phase and a CO2-rich gaseous phase.

Aerobic bacteria induced biomineralization: effects of nutrient and calcium content on the nanostructure and chemical composition of simulated cement mixture

During the past two decades, aerobic bacteria induced biomineralization has gained popularity for autonomous sealing of cracks in concrete structures due to its environmentally friendly characteristics of carbon retention. However, the mechanism of the biomineralization induced by aerobic bacteria for concrete crack sealing is still unclear due to the complex chemistry of cement matrix. Also, as the main nutrient for bacterial growth, the effect of yeast extract (YE) on biomineralization should be properly evaluated. For the first time, this study investigates the effects of YE and calcium content on the development of nanostructure and chemical composition of cement matrix during the biomineralization process induced by aerobic bacteria Bacillus cohnii. The effects of calcium content were realized by constructing a simulated cement mixture consisting of calcium hydroxide and synthesised C-S-H with different C/S ratios. The effects of YE content were evaluated by the addition of different amounts of YE into simulated cement mixture with different C/S ratios. Results suggest that 10 g/l of YE can cause a high pH value of 10 and an unsuccessful growth of bacteria in simulated cement mixture with C/S ratios 0.6 and 0.8. Upon increasing the YE from 10 g/l to 20 g/l, the pH reduced from 10 to 9 and the bacteria was successfully grown. Higher amounts of bicarbonate ions can cause an enhanced decalcification of synthesised C-S-H rather than calcium hydroxide. The aerobic bacteria Bacillus cohnii showed superior performance on calcium absorption and calcite precipitation, being a promising way for practical concrete crack sealing.

Analysis of Biomass Co-firing Combustion Test using Corn Cobs at Punagaya CFPP as A Green Energy Alternative

Abstract Indonesia is determined to reduce fossil fuels by 2060 set a national renewable energy mix target of 23% by 2025 and be free of fossil fuels by 2060. One of the PLN’s (a national electrical company in Indonesia) efforts to increase carbon emissions reduction and strengthen local new renewable energy is co-firing biomass on CFPP. Indonesia, which is located in a tropical area, has a large potential for biomass resources. Corn cob, one of the biomass types, has a big potential to replace coal as fuel in CFPP especially in Jeneponto Region, South Sulawesi. By utilizing corn cobs as a fuel with a co-firing mechanism, it can generate green energy. The methodology for assessing the corn cob co-firing combustion test’s performance at Punagaya CFPP is presented in this paper. It is based on a multi-criteria assessment designed to examine the technical, financial, and environmental effects of operating parameters with a mixture composition of 95% coal and 5% corn cobs at 70 MW load for 10 hours. From the test results in terms of operational aspects, the parameters have changed but it still in the normal operating range; FEGT increased by 5.3°C, bed temperature increased by 8.9°C, air chamber pressure decreased by 0.05 kPa, and total airflow decreased by 4.5 T/h. From the financial aspect, it has benefited from a decrease in the value of Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), which is 0.014 kg/kWh compared to 100% coal. From the environmental aspect, the overall results of emission parameters are still by environmental quality standards and have decreased for NOx and SO2 parameters.

Benefits of zeotropic mixture for heat pump water heater with phase change material thermal energy storage

Integrating heat pump water heater (HPWH) into latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) with phase change material (PCM) has been recognized as a promising way to mitigate the energy use for heating water in the building sector. This paper uses zeotropic mixture R1234yf/R1234ze(Z) in HPWH and spherical PCM encapsulations in LHTES. The mathematical model is established and validated. Effects of zeotropic mixture composition, working fluid flow rate and heat transfer fluid (HTF) flow rate are discussed to reveal the instantaneous behaviors and overall performance of the integrated system. The results indicate that as the charging process progresses, the condensing pressure of the system steadily increases, leading to a decline in COP. By employing zeotropic mixtures, the system performance can be effectively improved, with the highest COP of 2.68 when the mass fraction of R1234ze(Z) is 70 %, which represents an 18.1 % and 6.8 % improved COP compared to R1234yf and R1234ze(Z), respectively. A smaller refrigerant flow rate or a larger HTF flow rate contributes to a higher COP. For heat storage capacity in LHTES, a higher mass fraction of R1234ze(Z) and a larger refrigerant flow rate are preferable, while a smaller HTF flow rate is beneficial. Finally, a multi-objective optimization is carried out. Results suggest that the best overall performance is achieved with a COP of 2.70 and a heat storage capacity of 629.24MJ, under conditions of the mass fraction of R1234ze(Z) at 70 %, a refrigerant flow rate of 0.28 kg/s, and an HTF flow rate of 0.46 kg/s.

Important Practical Conditions for Getting the High-Quality Foam Concretes

Introduction. The most important reasons justifying the relevance of the research on the practical methods of reducing the consumption of materials in construction industry have been distinguished. The priorities of the Russian Federation referring to the foam concrete technology have been outlined. The level of reliability of the Internet resources describing properties of the dispersedly reinforced foam concretes has been briefly evaluated. The aim of the study is to establish the relationships between the individual properties of fiber, its quantity to the mass of cement ratio, and the most important operational properties of foam concrete manufactured using a single-stage technology.Materials and methods. The types and properties of raw materials used in the experimental research, the methods for controlling the properties of mixes and hardened foam concretes have been defined.Results. The relationship between the speed of phase transition of the viscoplastic properties of the foam concrete mixes into the elastic ones and the possibility of getting a high-quality structure of the hardened foam concrete have been briefly theoretically justified. The physical reasons influencing the direction and speed of forming the raw material dispersed particle clusters in the structure of the interpore partitions of foam concrete mixes have been revealed, which are the important factors to be considered in practice to get the high-strength foam concretes. Depending on the fiber concentration in the concrete mixture composition, the specifics of the fiber physical nature influence on the speed of phase transition from viscoplastic to elastic state have been established. It has been proved that the synergetic effect of dispersed reinforcement is achieved when fiber concentration is enough to provide the significant acceleration of the phase transition. New experimental data on the influence of the individual properties of fiber on the rheological and physico-mechanical properties of D500 foam concrete has been obtained.Discussion and Conclusion. The scientific explanation of the reasons for emergence of the electret effect on the surface of synthetic fiber has been given. It has been revealed that the discovered effect is induced by the specifics of the foam concrete mixture preparation using a single-stage technology. The most important practical conditions due to be met to get the high-strength foam concrete have been determined.

Exploring the potential of coal derived graphite as next generation lubricant additive for multifunctional applications

In the present study, the friction and wear characteristics of steel/steel contact under reciprocating sliding conditions were investigated using composite mixtures made from Polyalphaolefin 4 (PAO4) as base oil lubricant and North Dakota lignite-derived graphite (LG) as high-value carbon additive. The results show that addition of 1 wt% LG to PAO4 led to a reduction in the friction coefficient and wear volume by ∼15 % and ∼13 %, respectively. In addition, the oxidation induction time (OIT) at 160 °C was increased by ∼29 %, which further indicates good stability of the formulated composite lubricant against oxidative degradation. The primary wear mechanism on AISI 52100 steel flat and counter-body was found to be abrasive wear under high-contact stress reciprocating sliding conditions, where tribo-oxide films of 100–200 nm were observed on the wear tracks of 52100 steel surfaces using focused ion beam scanning transmission electron microscopy (FIB-STEM). Furthermore, cross-sectional analysis of the wear track of AISI 52100 steel revealed that 1 wt% of LG additive reduced the thickness of the sub-surface deformation zone by 44 %, which indicates higher load-bearing capacity and improved wear resistance.

Synthesis and characterization of cerium monazite phosphate glass‐ceramic for immobilization of nuclear waste salt

AbstractA phosphate glass‐ceramic wasteform incorporating cerium monazite was synthesized through a two‐step solid phase sintering methodology, aimed at immobilizing waste salts derived from the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. The initial phase involved the synthesis of cerium monazite powder, employing a stoichiometric mixture of CeF3 and NH4H2PO4 in a molar ratio of mol(Ce:PO4) = 1:1.4, which was subjected to a thermal treatment at 900°C. Subsequently, the glass‐ceramic matrix was fabricated by sintering a composite mixture of the synthesized cerium monazite and iron phosphate glass (IPG) powder at a temperature of 1000°C for a duration of 2 h, resulting in a cerium incorporation exceeding 36.5 wt%. Microstructural analysis and structural characterization of the glass‐ceramic sample elucidated the presence of monazite crystallites (CePO4) with dimensions ranging from .2 to 5.5 µm. The chemical durability of the wasteform was assessed through modified ASTM C1308 tests conducted in deionized water over a period of 28 days, revealing a total elemental leaching rate of 2.58 × 10−7 g m−2 min−1.

Characterization of Robusta Coffee Powder with Addition of Palm Sugar and Vanilla Powder to Improve The Quality of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre)

Bondowoso Robusta Coffee is a type of Robusta coffee that has a distinctive taste and high quality. The distinctive taste and high quality are obtained from the results of harvest management and post-harvest processing in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This research will be carried out by testing the characteristics of Robusta ground coffee with a mixture of palm sugar and vanilla flavoring to improve the quality of Robusta ground coffee. This was done by knowing the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the mixed Robusta ground coffee. The aim of this research is to determine the interaction between roasting level and the composition of palm sugar and vanilla powder on the physiochemical and organoleptic properties of 3 in 1 Robusta Coffee. This research uses an experimental plan arranged factorially with the basic pattern of a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications. This design has two factors, the first factor is the roasting level and the second is the mixture composition. The results of this research show (1) The interaction of Roasting Level and Mixture (palm sugar and vanilla powder) has no significant effect on all observed variables such as water content, Brix content, pH value, and powder bulk density. (2) The effect of the main level of roasting has a very significant effect on the observed variables of rainfall density and an insignificant effect on the variables of air content, Brix content and pH value. (3) The effect of the main mixture has a very significant effect on the observed variables of air content, Brix content and powder bulk density and has no significant effect on the variable pH value.

Development of Novel Honey- and Oat-Based Cocoa Beverages—A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of Drying Temperature and Mixture Composition on Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties

This research aimed to assess the influence of drying temperature (50, 60 and 70 °C), honey/oat flour ratio (60:40, 50:50 and 40:60) and cocoa contents (5, 6.25 and 7.5 g/100 g) on the physical (color, moisture content, bulk density, flowability (Hausner ratio, Carr index), dispersibility, solubility, and particle size), chemical (total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, amount of sugar, color, total polyphenolic content, and antioxidant activity), and sensory properties (powder appearance, color, odor; and beverage appearance, color, odor, sweetness, bitterness, taste, texture) of a newly developed cocoa powder mixture in which honey was used as a sweetener and oat flour as a filler. Also, a further aim of this study was to optimize the composition of the mixture based on chemical, physical and sensory properties. Based on the optimization results, the highest total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were achieved at 70 °C with a honey/oat ratio of 50% and a cocoa content of 7.5 g. Drying temperature has a significant effect on powder odor and beverage odor, as well as on beverage bitterness, while the honey/oat flour ratio has a significant effect on color, with primarily values L* and a*. The cocoa contents mostly affect total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity.

Application of Response Surface Methodology to Design and Optimize Purification of Acetone or Aqueous Acetone Extracts of Hop Cones (Humulus lupulus L.) Using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Xanthohumol Isolation.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are an ideal sorbent for magnetic dispersion extraction due to their superparamagnetic properties and developed and active surface. This work aims to use IONPs, obtained by chemical co-precipitation, to purify 100% acetone and 50% acetone extracts from hop cones (Humulus lupulus L.) obtained by ultrasonic-assisted solvent extraction. The extracts were purified from bitter acids (i.e., humulones, lupulones) to isolate xanthohumol. The sorption conditions were optimized depending on the composition of the extraction mixture, specifically the mass of IONPs and the time needed to achieve effective sorption using response surface methodology (RSM). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the adequacy of the developed model, and a good agreement was found between the experimental data and the proposed model. The polynomial equation describing the model is highly significant (p < 0.05), with a precision of Adeq (above 4). This indicates the usefulness of the polynomial regression model for prediction in experimental design. The final products of the purification for 100% acetone extracts and 50% acetone contain 40.58 ± 2.84 µg mL-1 and 57.64 ± 0.83 µg mL-1 of xanthohumol, respectively. The use of 50% acetone extract provides more favorable conditions due to the smaller amount of nanoparticles required for extract purification and a higher recovery of xanthohumol. The development of a reliable multivariate model allowed for the optimization of the extract purification process, resulting in high-purity xanthohumol from natural sources.

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of AlN–TiC powder composition using sodium azide and C2F4 fluoroplastic

Producing powder compositions using conventional processing technology can lead to the formation of large agglomerates and, therefore, makes it difficult to obtain a uniform microstructure. The production of composites by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis can reduce costs and the number of technological stages, as well as lead to obtaining composites that are more homogeneous. Synthesis by the combustion of mixtures of powder reagents of sodium azide (NaN3), fluoroplastic (C2F4), aluminum and titanium with different ratios of reagents in a nitrogen gas atmosphere at a pressure of 4MPa was used for the production of a highly dispersed powder ceramic AlN–TiC composition. Thermodynamic calculations have confirmed the possibility of synthesis of AlN–TiC compositions of different formulations in combustion mode. The dependences of temperature and combustion rate on the composition of the initial mixtures of reagents were experimentally determined for all stoichiometric reaction equations. The study have shown that the experimentally found dependences of combustion parameters on the ratio of the initial components correspond to the theoretical results of thermodynamic calculations. The formulation of the synthesized composition differs from the theoretical composition by a lower content of target phases and the formation of Al2O3, Na3AlF6 and TiO2 side phases. The powder composition consists of aluminum nitride fibers with a diameter of 100–250nm and ultradisperse particles of predominantly equiaxed and lamellar shapes with a particle size of 200–600nm. As the combustion temperature increases to produce the largest amount of titanium carbide phase, the particle size increases to the micron level.

Characterization of Physico-Functional, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Jackfruit By-Product Flour and Assess its Potential Use in the Development of Pasta

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) is a popular seasonally grown crop in Sri Lanka. The by-products generated from jackfruit season are mostly used as animal feed or landfilled without being used. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the nutritional and functional properties of jackfruit by-product flour (jackfruit core and rags; 3:1 w/w) while exploring its potential use to develop pasta. The physico-functional properties, proximate composition, and antioxidant properties of jackfruit by-product flour compared with commercial wheat flour were analyzed. Composite flour was prepared by substituting wheat flour with different amounts of jackfruit by-product flour (25%, 35%, and 40% w/w). Thirty semi-trained panelists were used to conduct a sensory evaluation to select the best pasta made from a composite flour mixture. Proximate composition, physical properties, and shelf-life of the selected best product were analyzed using standard methods; in comparison to wheat flour, jackfruit by-product flour displayed a higher water absorption capacity (8.77±0.06%) and swelling capacity (46.00±5.66 mL), indicating that it can be used for making bakery products with enhanced properties. The jackfruit by-product flour contained a significantly (p&lt;0.05) high amount of crude fiber (13.00±1.13%) compared to the wheat flour (2.24±0.23%). Further, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of jackfruit by-product flour were 40.9±0.02 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent)/100 g and 65.7±0.02 mg QE (Quercetin equivalent)/100 g, respectively, and it showed 8.46 ± 0.01 mg TE (Trolox equivalent)/100 g DPPH radical scavenging activity. The pasta made from 25% (w/w) jackfruit by-product flour showed the highest mean rank values for all the tested sensory attributes. The shelf-life study showed that the developed product could be stored in low-density polyethylene laminated packages for 6 weeks under ambient temperature. In conclusion, jackfruit by-product flour can be used as a partial replacement for wheat flour when preparing pasta.