Design Of Response Surface Method Research Articles

Influences of fractional separation on the structure and reactivity of wheat straw cellulose for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

High-efficient production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a “sleeping giant” in sustainable chemistry, from cellulose depends significantly on the effective separation of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass. Herein, we report the fractional separation of wheat straw cellulose (WSC) from wheat straw under solvothermal conditions using a mixed solvent of γ-valerolactone (GVL) and H2O as the separating solvent, wherein the impacts of fractional separation parameters (solvent composition, temperature, and time) on removals of lignin and hemicellulose as well as purity and recovery of cellulose were studied by a Box-Behnken Design of response surface method. The optimization of the solvothermal parameters enabled an optimal fractional separation condition (VGVL: ∼ 60.0 vol%, T: 205 oC, t: ∼1.7 h) that led to a higher purity (89.4%) and recovery (86.7%) of cellulose in WSC. A further correlation of the removals of lignin and hemicellulose as well as purity and recovery of cellulose with the yield of HMF excluded an independent influence of the above factors. Instead, a comprehensive contribution of high fractional separation efficiency (defined as the product of cellulose purity and recovery) and low crystallinity of WSC was found to improve the HMF yield. However, the heat- and freeze-dryings of WSC after the solvothermal separation were found to lower the HMF yield because it re-improved the crystallinity of WSC. A high HMF yield of 58.6 mol% was achieved after reacting wet-WSC in a mixed solvent of 1,4-dioxane and H2O at 180 oC for 20 min, which was 1.5 fold higher than that from microcrystalline cellulose. This work highlights the importance of enhancing the fractional separation efficiency of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass whereas avoiding drying process for future HMF biorefinery.

Folate-chitosan Coated Quercetin Liposomes for Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Although quercetin exhibits promising anti-tumor properties, its clinical application is limited due to inherent defects and a lack of tumor targeting. This study aimed to prepare and characterize active targeting folate-chitosan modified quercetin liposomes (FA-CS-QUE-Lip), and its antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo was also studied. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) response surface method was used to select the optimal formulation of quercetin liposomes (QUE-LP). On this basis, FA-CS-QUE-LP was obtained by connecting folic acid chitosan complex (FA-CS) and QUE-LP. The release characteristics in vitro of QUE-LP and FA-CS-QUE-LP were studied. Its inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells were studied by the MTT method. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in vivo were studied in healthy Wistar mice and S180 tumor-bearing mice, respectively. The average particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of FA-CS-QUELP were 261.6±8.5 nm, 22.3±1.7 mV, and 98.63±1.28 %, respectively. FA-CS-QUE-LP had a sustained release effect and conformed to the Maloid-Banakar release model (R2=0.9967). The results showed that FA-CS-QUE-LP had higher inhibition rates on HepG2 cells than QUE-Sol (P<0.01). There was a significant difference in AUC, t1/2, CL and other pharmacokinetic parameters among QUE-LP, FA-CS-QUE-LP, and QUE-Sol (P<0.05). In in vivo antitumor activity study, the weight inhibition rate and volume inhibition rate of FA-CS-QUE-LP were 30.26% and 37.35%, respectively. FA-CS-QUE-LP exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells, influenced the pharmacokinetics of quercetin in mice, and demonstrated a certain inhibitory effect on S180 tumor-bearing mice, thus offering novel avenues for cancer treatment.

Enhancing Machining performance in Stainless Steel Machining using MXene Coolant: A Detailed Examination

Metal cutting, a complex process in manufacturing, involves various factors that significantly affect the quality of the final product. Notably, the turning process is crucial, with outcomes that heavily depend on multiple machining parameters. These parameters encompass speed, depth of cut, feed rate, the type of coolant used (specifically, high heat transfer MXene coolant), and insert types, among others. The material of the workpiece is also a critical factor in the metal-cutting operation. This study focuses on achieving optimal surface quality and minimizing cutting forces in the turning process. It recognizes the substantial impact of numerous process parameters, directly or indirectly affecting the product's surface roughness and cutting forces. Understanding these optimal parameters can lower machining costs and improve product quality. Our research concentrates on turning a stainless-steel alloy workpiece using a carbide insert tool. We employ the Response Surface Method (RSM) to optimize cutting parameters within a set range of cutting speed (100, 125, 150 m/min), feed rate (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm/rev), and depth of cut (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 mm). Additionally, we use various tool geometries and the RSM design of experiments to enhance and analyze the multi-response parameters of surface roughness and tool life. Optimal machining parameters for MXene-NFC involve a cutting speed of 140 m/min, a feed rate of 0.05 mm/rev, and a depth of cut of 0.5 mm. These settings ensure minimal surface roughness, maximum tool life, and the greatest total length of cut, achieving a composite desirability of 0.695.

Modelling and optimization of multiple replacement of supplementary cementitious materials for cement composite by response surface method

Supplementary cementitious materials are beneficial in improving performance and lessening the cement consumption with highly lessening CO2 emission. Many researchers used blast furnace slag, bentonite, and active limestone separately or two of them together to improve the performance of cementing materials, however, it is not well known how all react together in cement composite materials. So, the present study used modeling and optimizing the replacement of blast furnace slag, raw bentonite, and active limestone each by the doses of 0 to 20% to maximize strength and minimize the fresh bulk density of cementing materials by central composite design-response surface method (CCD-RSM). The results found, the employment of blast furnace slag, bentonite, and active limestone in the cement composite materials generally lessens the early strength compared to the control mixture. However, the replacement of blast furnace slag and active limestone by 20% significantly improves the 28-days compressive strength while employing raw bentonite by 20% reduced compressive strength by 6.45% compared to the control mixture. However, blending raw bentonite with active limestone by half improved the compressive strength. Besides these, the substitution of bentonite and active limestone reduces the fresh bulk density and flexural strength than the control mixture. Generally, the study optimized depending on the criteria of maximizing strength and minimizing fresh density and found the mix design replacement of blast furnace slag 1.01%, raw bentonite 5.30%, and active limestone 20% that improves 28 days compressive strength simultaneously reduces fresh bulk density in addition to replacing more than 54 different optimized design mix results.

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

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

Calibration of Contact Parameters of Biochar Based on Discrete Element Method

Highlights The rice husk and straw biochar particles were statistically analyzed, and two representative particles were obtained. A particle model was established using the discrete element method and the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts method. This study used a response surface design method to calibrate biochar particle parameters. Abstract. The discrete element method (DEM) is widely used in modelling particulate materials and related applications. DEM modelling requires the calibration of a large number of microparameters that are difficult to experimentally measure. This study aims to obtain the contact parameters of different types of biochar accurately and quickly and proposed a parameter calibration method for biochar particles to verify, which uses particle density, moisture content, inter-particle friction coefficient, particle and steel plates. A mathematical model was established for predicting parameter of friction coefficient, Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) surface energy, and contact behavior. The parameters were verified using the engineering design measurement method and a simulation analysis using a commercial software called Rocky. The results showed that: (a) the data obtained using the cylinder lifting method and the stacking and angle of repose tests of the drawing plate method were stable, the angle of repose of the biochar pellet pile was measured to be 36.55°; (b) the steepest climbing test results indicated that with the increased of Biochar-biochar rolling coefficient, Biochar-steel restitution coefficient, and JKR value, the angle of repose gradually increases; (c) a quadratic regression model was established through a Box-Behnken experiment, and it was found that the interaction term had an extremely significant effect on the angle of repose of biochar particles; (d) a preliminary design of a biochar return machine was created based on the calibration, simulation and actual test results. Keywords: Angle of repose, Biochar, Discrete element, Parameter calibration, Simulation parameters.

Preparation of Self-microemulsion Solids of Kaempferia galanga (L.) Volatile Oil and Its Effect on Rats with Gastric Ulcer.

Kaempferia galanga volatile oil (KVO), the main effective component of the medicinal plant Kaempferia galanga L., possesses a variety of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic activities and has therapeutic potential for gastric ulcer (GU). However, poor solubility as well as instability limits the clinical application of KVO. In this study, K. galanga volatile oil self-microemulsion solids (KVO-SSMEDDS) were prepared to improve its bioavailability and stability, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated in a rat model with GU. The ratio of oil phase, emulsifier, and co-emulsifier in the KVO-SMEDDS prescription were optimized by plotting the pseudo-ternary phase diagram with the star point design-response surface method. Based on the optimal prescription, self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was prepared as solid particles (S-SMEDDS). The prepared KVO-SSMEDDS had a rounded and non-adhesive appearance, formed an O/W emulsion after dissolution in water, and had a uniform particle size distribution with good stability and solubility. It was administered to GU model animals, and the results showed that a certain dose of KVO-SSMEDDS solution could increase the content of gastric mucosal protective factors PGE2, TGF-α, and EGF in gastric tissues and serum, and the expression of inflammatory factors IL-8 and TNF-α was downregulated. Meanwhile, the expression of the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway proteins was inhibited. In conclusion, the prepared KVO-SSMEDDS has good dispersion, solubility, and stability and has a therapeutic effect on rats with GU.

A value product after the hydrothermal treatment of sludge: Carbon quantum dots and its application

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are highly promising fluorescent nanomaterials with a wide range of applications. This study presented a novel, clean, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) method for synthesizing fluorescent CQDs from sludge. A response surface design method was employed to optimize synthesis conditions, resulting in CQDs with excellent fluorescence properties. They were excited at 320 nm and emitted blue fluorescence at 450 nm under UV light. A mechanism for the formation of CQDs from sludge during HTC was proposed and revealed that the CQDs had an aromatic polymer structure with abundant oxygen-containing groups. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed N and Fe doping of CQDs, which significantly improved their fluorescence properties. Additionally, a fluorescence quenching analysis showed that the CQDs selectively detected Pb2+ in the aqueous phase, indicating their potential application in Pb2+ detection. The photoinduced electron transfer (PET) arising from amino groups and other reductive functional groups has been shown to align with the quenching mechanism during the detection of Pb2+ by CQDs. This study provided a cost-effective and scalable approach that could be used to produce CQDs for the in situ detection of Pb2+ in wastewater.

Optimization of secondary air operation parameters of waste incineration boiler based on response surface methodology

To reduce the NOx emission concentration of waste incineration boilers and improve the thermal efficiency of incinerators, the combustion process of a 600 t/d incineration boiler was numerically investigated. First, the influences of the secondary air injection angle, velocity and temperature on the NOx concentration at the waste incineration boiler outlet and the thermal efficiency of the incinerator were analyzed through a single factor simulation test. Then, coupling optimization of key operating parameters, including the secondary air injection angle, velocity and temperature, was conducted via the response surface design method to obtain the specific functional relationships between outlet NOx concentration, incinerator thermal efficiency, front wall secondary air injection angle, rear wall secondary air velocity and secondary air temperature, as well as the optimal operating parameters for the boiler. The results showed that when the secondary air injection angle of the front wall ranges from 68°∼80° and the secondary air injection angle of the back wall is 67°, the minimum NOx concentration is 142.23 mg/m3, and the maximum thermal efficiency of the incinerator reaches 85.51 %. When the secondary air velocity at the front wall is 42 m/s and the secondary air velocity at the back wall ranges from 42 ∼ 66 m/s, the NOx concentration at the outlet is the lowest at 140.05 mg/m3, and the thermal efficiency of the incinerator is the highest at 85.63 %. When the secondary air temperature ranges from 297.16 ∼ 309.16 K, the NOx concentration at the outlet is the lowest at 155.45 mg/m3, and the thermal efficiency of the incinerator is the highest at 84.64 %. The secondary air injection angle, velocity and temperature impose significant effects on the NOx concentration at the outlet and thermal efficiency of the incinerator. The optimal parameters, as determined in the multifactor simulation test, include a 77° secondary air injection angle of the front wall, 69 m/s secondary air velocity at the back wall, and 297.15 K secondary air temperature. Under these conditions, the NOx concentration at the outlet is 134.98 mg/m3, and the thermal efficiency of the incinerator reaches 86.11 %. This study has important guiding significance for reducing pollution and improving the efficiency of waste incineration boilers.

Preparation and quality evaluation of total flavonoids microemulsion of "Pueraria lobata-Hovenia dulcis"

The effective components of flavonoids in the &quot;Pueraria lobata-Hovenia dulcis&quot; drug pair have low bioavailability in vivo due to their unstable characteristics. This study used microemulsions with amphoteric carrier properties to solve this problem. The study drew pseudo-ternary phase diagrams through titration compatibility experiments of the oil phase with emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers and screened the prescription composition of blank microemulsions. The study used average particle size and PDI as evaluation indicators, and the central composite design-response surface method(CCD-RSM) was used to optimize the prescription; high-dosage drug-loaded microemulsions were obtained, and their physicochemical properties, appearance, and stability were evaluated. The results showed that when ethyl butyrate was used as the oil phase, polysorbate 80(tween 80) as the surfactant, and anhydrous ethanol as the cosurfactant, the maximum microemulsion area was obtained. When the difference in results was small, K_(m )of 1∶4 was chosen to ensure the safety of the prescription. The prescription composition optimized by the CCD-RSM was ethyl butyrate(16.28%), tween 80(9.59%), and anhydrous ethanol(38.34%). When the dosage reached 3% of the system mass, the total flavonoid microemulsion prepared had a clear and transparent appearance, with average particle size, PDI, and potential of(74.25±1.58)nm, 0.277±0.043, and(-0.08±0.07) mV, respectively. The microemulsion was spherical and evenly distributed under transmission electron microscopy. The centrifugal stability and temperature stability were good, and there was no layering or demulsification phenomenon, which significantly improved the in vitro dissolution of total flavonoids.

Performance assessment of mechanical properties of green normal strength concrete produced with metakaolin-cement coated recycled concrete aggregate for sustainable construction

Reusing demolished concrete waste is a promising alternative to natural aggregate for resource conservation and achieving sustainable environment. However, there is a need to improve their quality and performance in new concrete. Therefore, this study aims to examine the mechanical performance of normal strength concrete containing metakaolin-cement coated recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Three mixture batches were produced at water-cement ratios (w/c) of 0.25 and 0.45. The first batch is control mix, while the second and third batches contained uncoated RCA and metakaolin-cement coated RCA (TRCA) respectively. Materials characterization and workability of fresh concrete mixes were carried out. Compressive and split tensile strengths and water absorption tendency of hardened samples were determined. Morphology of selected concrete samples was analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The experimental results were further analysed with central composite design (CCD) response surface method. Results show improvements in the physical properties of RCA aggregates and declining trends in slump values. However, relative to the control mixes, concrete mixes containing TRCA exhibited significant improvement in strength performance and low water absorption tendency compared to RCA concrete mixes. This was corroborated by the response surface models showing that both w/c ratio and TRCA amount significantly influenced the strength and water intake performance of the concrete. The study demonstrated that TRCA can be deployed as an alternative for natural coarse aggregate up to 50% substitution in making normal concrete for structural purposes.

Study on the Performance and Mechanism of Cold-Recycled Asphalt Based on Permeable Recycling Agent.

In order to investigate the influence of recycling agent composition on the recycling effect of aged asphalt in the cold recycling process, the design and optimization of cold recycling agent composition were performed through the central composite design-response surface method combined with the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test and the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. The molecular weight distribution and component changes in aged asphalt before and after the addition of a cold recycling agent were also analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and hydrogen-flame ionization test. The results showed that the permeable cold recycling agent has a recycling effect on the aged asphalt, but its effectiveness is greatly affected by recycling agent composition. The best recycling effect was achieved when the ratio of aromatic oil and penetrant in the cold recycling agent was 61.2:38.8, respectively. In terms of the recycling agent and aromatic functional groups in the aromatic oil, the aromatics in the recycling agent are derived from the aromatic oils, and the penetrant is only fused and permeated with the aromatic oils. After the admixture of the cold recycling agent, the penetrant in the recycling agent allows the aromatic oil to enter the aged asphalt at room temperature. The light components volatilized by aging are replenished, allowing the aged asphalt to recover some of its properties.

Application of essential oils and optimizing storage conditions for control of postharvest diseases in apple

Postharvest loss in fruits and vegetables accounts for more than one third of the world production. On the other hand, using chemicals has raised food health concerns, and grown the demand for eco-friendly materials. Given the promising results of essential oil use to control and prevent postharvest decay, we conducted this research. In the present study, a two-step statistical method was used to determine and optimize application of essential oils along with parameters of storage conditions. Significant level of essential oils and storage conditions (temperature, ventilation, and relative humidity) were screened by using PBD method and the best concentration were determined by central composite design of response surface method. The results showed that 1000 and 1500 microgram/l (µg/l) of basil essential oils, and 1500 µg/l of peppermint essential oils reduced the lesion diameter in apple fruits infected with Penicillium expansum. All storage conditions had significant effect on postharvest decay. Based on the CCD of RSM method, the best concentration of essential oils and the optimal level of the storage condition were determined. Furthermore, basil and peppermint treatments reduced rate of the ethylene production during 56 days after treatment. The results of this study revealed and confirmed that basil essential oils as a postharvest treatment under optimized storage conditions can be utilized as a low-cost substrate for controlling postharvest decay in apple.

Performance enhancement of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for psychrophilic temperature during the dry season: Kality wastewater treatment plant

The main purpose of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is to reduce organic and inorganic pollutants to meet standards. But WWTPs employing up flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors under psychrophilic temperature are currently removing about 55% chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 70% total dissolved solids (TSS). The research was done to increase the treatment efficiencies of UASB reactor working under psychrophilic conditions through optimization of operational parameters like temperature, organic loading rate (OLR), pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT). Experimentation was carried out in a 0.0486 m3 square-shaped pilot-scale UASB reactor. Experimental design response surface method (RSM) for performance enhancement and optimization of UASB reactor operational parameters through five levels of central composite design (CCD) was used. The optimized operational parameters obtained from CCD-RSM were as follows: temperature of 21.58 °C, OLR of 2.99 kg COD/m3.d, HRT of 4.37hrs and pH of 6.3. Using optimized parameters, tests yielded efficiencies of 92.70%, 99.06%, and 94.50% for COD, TSS, and volatile suspended solid (VSS) respectively. The outlet concentrations of alkalinity, and volatile fatty acids (VFA), were found to be lower than the inlet concentrations. The alkalinity in the system accepts the hydrogen ion released by acids and the system is taken over by methanogensis to maintain the pH. The outlet concentration of sulfate ion was found to be increasing due to inhabitation of sulfur-reducing bacteria by an anaerobic condition of VFA and alkalinity at a pH less than 7.8.This process favors the production of CH4 than H2S gas. In general, there was a high likelihood of improving the performance of UASB reactor operating at psychrophilic temperature by optimizing operational parameters.

Effects of nanoparticles on mechanical and microstructural properties of cement composite pastes at high temperature and high pressure

This study aims to investigate the effects of nanoalumina (nano-Al2O3, NA) and nanotitanium dioxide (nano-TiO2, NT) particles on the mechanical and microstructural properties of oil well cement composite pastes. Eleven groups of cement composite pastes mixed with NA (0.5–2.5 wt.%), NT (0.5–2.5 wt.%) particles and silica flour were designed by central composite response surface design method (CCD method). Meanwhile, a reference group (SF-OWC) consisting of oil well cement and silica flour was designed. These pastes were cured at 300 °C/13.0 MPa in an autoclave to simulate the downhole condition during the steam injection process in steam injection wells. The compressive strength and Young's modulus of cured cement composite pastes were tested, and mathematical models were developed to evaluating the response of NA and NT particle content on compressive strength and Young's modulus. Moreover, the mineralogy and microstructural evolution of the pastes were investigated using multi-technique methods. The results showed that the compressive strength of the mixed nanoparticles modified SF-OWC composite pastes increased by 7.5%–36.4% compared to the reference group. Moreover, this enhancement is more significant when the incorporated NA or NT particles dominate the mixed nanoparticles. The model prediction results show that adding 2.5 wt.% NA and 0.5 wt.% NT particles or adding 0.5 wt.% NA and 2.5 wt.% NT could increase the compressive strength of cement composite pastes by 58.8% and 37.5%, respectively. The mechanism analysis showed that when the incorporated mixed nanoparticles were mainly NT particles, the improvement of mechanical properties was mainly attributed to the filling effect and nuclear effect of NT particles. When the incorporated mixed nanoparticles were mainly NA particles, more C-(A)-S-H gels were retained and tightly filled and bonded with xonotlite, which made the microstructure of the cement composite pastes more dense, stronger bonding, and more conducive to resistance to load or stress variations.

Production of a new type of cemented paste backfill with solid waste from carbide slag, soda residue, and red mud: mechanism, optimization, and its environmental effects.

To solve the disposal problems of carbide slag (CS), soda residue (SR), and red mud (RM) solid wastes, a new type of cemented paste backfill (CPB) was prepared with CS, SR, and RM solid wastes. The mixing proportion for the CPB was optimized by combining the Box‒Behnken design (BBD) response surface method and the satisfaction function method. The strength formation mechanism for the CPB was analyzed with physical and mechanical property tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. The safety of the CPB was evaluated with heavy metal leaching testing. The results showed that the 28-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CPB first increased and then decreased with increasing CS/RM (0.2 ~ 0.6) and SR/RM (0.2 ~ 0.6); the optimum mixing ratios were CS/RM = 0.45 and SR/RM = 0.37, and the solid mass concentration was 64.75%; dense calcium silicate (aluminum) hydrate (C-S-H/C-A-S-H) bound to the solid particles of red mud and filled pores to provide early strength for the CPB, laminar interwoven Friedel's salt (Fs), ettringite and portlandite hydration products provided late strength for the CPB; and the leaching concentrations of five heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cr) in the solidified CPB were greatly reduced and far below the leaching limits specified in China's Quality Standard for Groundwater (GB/T 14848-2017).

Efficient degradation of carbamazepine using a modified nickel-foam cathode (Ni-FM/CNTs) in penetrating electro-Fenton process

A modified nickel-foam (Ni-FM) cathode coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-FM/CNTs) was synthesized for carbamazepine (CBZ) highly energy-efficient degradation in penetrating electro-Fenton. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) test proves that multi-walled CNTs were successfully coated on the surface of nickel foam. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) results revealed the greater electrochemical activity of Ni-FM/CNTs compared to Ni-FM. The H2O2 accumulation performance tests showed that Ni-FM/CNTs cathode had higher H2O2 accumulation performance than Ni-FM cathode, and the H2O2 yield of Ni-FM/CNTs was 5.7 times higher than that of Ni-FM after 1 h of electrolysis. The reaction rate of CBZ degradation in penetrating electro-Fenton process was 2.5 times that of planar electro-Fenton process because the flow-through process enhanced O2 mass transfer and promoted the production of H2O2. The Box-Behnken Design response surface method was used to analyze the factors affecting the degradation efficiency of CBZ in the penetrating electro-Fenton process. The CBZ degradation efficiency could reach 100%, and electric energy consumption was 0.4356 Wh/L at current density of 9 mA/cm2, pH = 3, concentration of Fe2+ was 0.3 mM, and the through-flow velocity of 60 mL/min. The quenching experiment and EPR test results confirmed the degradation of CBZ was mainly the oxidation of·OH, and O2-·is the prerequisite for the production of·OH. Eight possible degradation products of CBZ degradation were identified and the probable degradation route was proposed. The ECOSAR program was used to predict the toxicities of CBZ and its degradation products, and the consequences revealed that the electro-Fenton process has a detoxification effect on CBZ, but may also produce more toxic organic compounds than the parent compound.

Triptolide nanoemulsion gel as a transdermal drug delivery system: preparation, pharmacokinetics, and rheumatoid arthritis evaluation.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate triptolide nanoemulsion gels (TP-NE gels) as a transdermal drug delivery system. TP-NE was prepared and optimized via emulsification and the central composite design response surface method. The optimized TP-NE gel was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. TP-NE gel microstructure, in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetics, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects were studied to evaluate the feasibility of its percutaneous administration. The Optimized TP-NE was observed using a Malvern Autosizer Nano ZS 90 inspection system and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The nanoemulsion had an average size of 162.9 ± 0.281 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.272 ± 0.024, a zeta potential of -30.03 ± 2.01 mV, and mostly spherical and uniform morphology. In addition, the TP-NE gel pharmacokinetics, assessed via a skin-blood two-site synchronous microdialysis, revealed that TP was higher in the skin than in the blood. TP-NE gel is crucial in reducing knee edema, inhibiting inflammation, and treating rheumatoid arthritis by regulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, and -6 levels. The TP-NE gel is a promising local delivery method for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated edema and inflammation and can serve as a prospective platform for percutaneous TP administration.

Investigation of Physico-Mechanical Properties and Multi-Objective Optimization of Industrial Ceramic Tiles Using Response Surface Method: Sintering Temperature and Time

Firing process, which is highly difficult part to control, is the most important step in the ceramic manufacturing process. In this study, manufacturing technology and statistical methods were used together to produce low-cost and high-quality products at the optimum sintering temperature and sintering time. Physio-mechanical properties of ceramic tiles manufactured on the industrial scale were optimized using Central Composite Design of Response Surface Method. The regression coefficients of the obtained models (R 2) were evaluated according to the variance analysis (95% confidence level) results and determined as 97.70% for flexural strength, 98.50% for water absorption, and 97.90% for fired shrinkage. The standard deviation of flexural strength, water absorption, and firing shrinkage values, calculated according to the theoretical results, were 1.397%, 0.00265% and 0.0255%, respectively. The samples with desired physical properties were obtained with the developed models by examining the interactions of variables at the industrial conditions.

Structural optimization of melting process of a latent heat energy storage unit and application of flip mechanism

Thermal energy storage technology is of great significance for the efficient utilization of solar energy. In this paper, the melting process of a horizontal latent heat energy storage unit is studied by numerical method. Taguchi design method and response surface method are exploited to optimize its melting performance. The effects of inner tube eccentricity, fin deflection angle, and fin width upon the melting performance are investigated. The contribution of each parameter to the melting performance is processed by Taguchi method, and the interactions of each parameter are obtained by response surface method. The fluid-structure coupling equation of target response is fitted to obtain the optimal structure, and the influence of different structural parameters on the melting performance is discussed. The results reveal that compared with the initial structure, the melting time of the optimal structure is reduced by 64.16% and the average heat absorption rate is increased by 168.38%, respectively. It is evaluated that the structure optimization greatly increases the heat absorption rate and reduces the melting time, but it has a negative effect on the heat absorption in one melting cycle. Finally, the single flip mechanism is introduced innovatively, and the influence of flip time on the related melting properties is discussed. The single flip is the best to increase the average thermal energy absorption rate by 6.30% and reduce the melting time of the unit by 10.57%.