New Product Development Research Articles

Finding the sweet spot: effects of exporting on the relationship between R&D investment and NPD performance

PurposeThe aim of this research is twofold: (1) to investigate when the effect of R&D investment on New Product Development (NPD) performance peaks – the sweet spot and (2) to analyze the influence of firms’ export activities on where that spot is. Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV), we argue that export intensity and export experience lead to differential effects on how R&D investments are converted into new products.Design/methodology/approachWe test our conceptual framework using time lagged data and optimal-level analysis. The dataset consists of an unbalanced panel of 608,891 observations and 333,516 firms.FindingsThe results support the expected inverted U-shaped relationship between R&D investment and NPD performance. They also show moderating effects of export intensity and experience. Export intensity enhances innovation processes by enabling firms to stretch the points at which R&D investments eventually taper off. In contrast, export experience improves firms’ ability to convert R&D investments into NPD performance. Our results demonstrate that, all else equal, firms with relatively higher export experience can spend less on R&D and still achieve higher levels of NPD performance.Originality/valueWe contribute to the literature by investigating how export activities provide a valuable context for understanding the theoretical mechanisms that help explain the inverted U-shaped relationship between R&D investment and innovation. We show the effects of exporting activities on the precise points where the R&D investment–NPD performance relationship peaks, thereby identifying the optimal point within this nonlinear relationship.

Acute, chronic, and behavioral toxicity of fluorine-free foams to earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Dendrobaena veneta

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used as fire suppressants. Due to rising health and environmental concerns, fluorine-free foams (F3) are being developed and tested as safer alternatives. However, the impact of these replacement products on ecologically important earthworms has not been adequately studied. This study addresses this gap by comparing the acute, chronic, and behavioral effects of two F3 formulations, BioEx Ecopol and Angus Fire Jetfoam, with a commonly used PFAS-containing AFFF, Buckeye, on two species of earthworms. Soil treated with BioEx Ecopol and Buckeye at the maximum 3% concentration did not cause significant acute mortality in Eisenia fetida, whereas Angus Fire Jetfoam resulted in 100% mortality at the same concentration. In a 28-day chronic test, weight loss was observed in Dendrobaena veneta worms exposed to soil treated with Angus Fire Jetfoam. Additionally, both Eisenia fetida and Dendrobaena veneta demonstrated almost complete avoidance of soils treated with any of the three foams at 3% concentration, indicating potential ecological effects despite lack of acute toxicity by two of the products. The differences in toxicity are likely due to the distinct chemical compositions and surfactant concentrations in these foams. BioEx Ecopol and Buckeye, despite their differing surfactant mixtures, exhibited lower acute toxicity, whereas Angus Fire Jetfoam's high mortality rate points to a potentially problematic chemical formulation. By understanding the toxicity of current formulations, this study supports the ongoing development and evaluation of new fire suppression products, supporting the creation of safer technologies.

Unleashing Nature’s Pesticide: A Systematic Review of Schinus molle Essential Oil’s Biopesticidal Potential

The past decade has witnessed an increase in scientific publications investigating the potential of essential oils as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the control of plant and animal pests and disease vectors. The essential oil of Schinus molle has been the subject of various studies aimed at describing its insecticidal, acaricidal, and repellent properties. S. molle, although native to South America, is also widely distributed in countries bordering the Mediterranean. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze existing information on S. molle essential oil as a raw material for novel biopesticides and nanobiopesticides. We searched articles from PubMed, Scopus, and MDPI databases, and from 194 reports, we critically selected 33 articles produced between 2005 and 2024, representing all of the studies that aimed to evaluate the properties of the essential oil of this species as an insecticide, acaricide, and pesticide. The chemical composition varies significantly depending on origin, although two chemotypes associated with α-phellandrene and limonene appear to emerge. Data on adulticide activity and repellency are promising, and there are preliminary studies of microencapsulated forms of the essential oil that represent contemporary research trends currently under investigation. Furthermore, S. molle essential oil appears to demonstrate acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects that warrant further investigation. Finally, in this review, we have highlighted the potential of S. molle essential oil as a biopesticide, emphasizing the need to progress from a preliminary study phase to research conducted in application contexts. The conclusions of this review indicate future research trends aimed at the development of commercial products for organic and regenerative agriculture.

How and when collaborative innovation networks influence new product development performance in SMEs: evidence from China

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of collaborative innovation networks on new product development (NPD) performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also investigates the mediating role of business model innovation and moderating role of collaboration experience and external information technology (IT) capability in the above relationship. Design/methodology/approach To test the research hypotheses about the relationships above, survey data were collected from 209 Chinese manufacturing SMEs. Multiple hierarchical regressions analysis was used to examine the hypotheses. Findings Results reveal that collaborative innovation networks have positive impacts on NPD performance in SMEs. Moreover, business model innovation mediates and collaboration experience and external IT capability positively moderate the relationship between collaborative innovation networks and NPD performance in SMEs. Originality/value This study paints a more complete picture of the relationship between collaborative innovation networks and NPD performance in SMEs and advances the understanding of how and when SMEs enhance their NPD performance through collaborative innovation networks.

The role of halal value chain, Sharia financial inclusion, and digital economy in socio-economic transformation: a study of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the halal value chains (HVCs) in the Islamic boarding schools (IBSs) for the food and fashion industry on socio-economic transformation, focusing on changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, quality of life and social inclusion. The study also incorporates HVCs as a mediating variable to assess the indirect influence of Sharia financial inclusion and economic digitalization on socio-economic transformation. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a quantitative approach using primary data collected through surveys. The population consists of IBSs registered in the Independence Program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The research sample was selected using purposive sampling, and the research model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling with WarpPLS 8.0 software. Findings The results of the direct analysis indicate that halal value chain (HVC) has a positive and significant effect on socio-economic transformation. The indirect analysis reveals that HVC plays a strategic role in facilitating the impact of Sharia financial inclusion and digital economy adoption on changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, quality of life and social inclusion. The findings are further validated through multigroup analysis, demonstrating the robustness of the result. Practical implications The results highlight two key points. First, the positive characteristics of the IBS-HVCs, enabled by Sharia financial inclusion, will drive the continuous development of new services, products, networks, collaborations and capital support, leading to the expansion of a financially inclusive and equitable HVC system from the IBSs to the broader community, with significant social and economic impacts nationally and internationally. Second, the adoption of economic digitalization within IBSs will enhance productivity and efficiency for business management, fostering expanded business models and facilitating upward social mobility. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of HVC in socio-economic transformation. Additionally, it uses HVC as a mediating variable to explain the relationship between Sharia financial inclusion, digital economy and socio-economic transformation. A robustness test through multigroup analysis further strengthens the study’s contributions.

Science or Spectacle? A Critical Evaluation of the decade of Aesthetic Medicine Conferences using Punctuated Equilibrium Framework.

The global aesthetic medicine industry is rapidly expanding, with conferences serving as crucial platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration. However, concerns have emerged about the increasing prioritisation of commercial content over scientifically rigorous presentations. This study critically evaluates the balance between commercial and scientific content at aesthetic medicine conferences, utilising artificial intelligence (AI) tools to analyse the impact of industry sponsorship and live procedural demonstrations on educational value. Using the Punctuated Equilibrium Framework (PEF), AI-driven content analysis, social network analysis (SNA), and sentiment analysis were applied to evaluate conference data, including programs, sponsorship details, speaker affiliations, and attendee engagement metrics. The study analysed global and regional aesthetic medicine conferences from 2014 to 2024, identifying patterns and punctuated shifts in the balance between scientific and commercially driven content. AI-based analysis of 487 conferences, comprising over 28,000 sessions and 2 million social media posts, revealed an increasing trend towards commercially focused content, particularly in industry-sponsored events. Approximately 44% of sessions were commercially oriented, with significant spikes during product launches. Academic and clinical speakers were more prevalent in scientific conferences, while industry-affiliated speakers dominated commercial sessions. Social media sentiment, analysed using AI tools, reflected high engagement with procedural demonstrations but also highlighted concerns about educational quality. While industry-driven sessions garnered higher immediate engagement, they reduced long-term cognitive retention and compromised the educational integrity of conferences. The use of AI in this study enabled a deeper understanding of content trends and their effects. Aesthetic medicine conferences must recalibrate the balance between commercial interests and scientific rigour to ensure sustainable professional development and patient safety. IV.

Impact of fit between knowledge potential and organizational routine updating on subsidiaries’ new product development performance

Purpose This study aims to examine new product development (NPD) performance to identify effective knowledge update strategies and assess the impact of environmental uncertainty on these dynamics. It aims to understand how different knowledge potentials and organizational routines interact to enhance product outcomes. The specific subsidiary context enriches understanding by identifying challenges and opportunities that are not typically visible in broader organizational studies. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 310 business managers was conducted to measure their knowledge potential and organizational routine updating. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis to determine the optimal combinations of knowledge and practice updates for NPD performance. Findings Results indicate that both knowledge potential and organizational routine updating significantly enhance subsidiary performance. Specifically, knowledge accumulation paired with routine creation and knowledge difference paired with routine revision optimally boosts product development. Moreover, this study reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental uncertainty and the effectiveness of these combinations, suggesting a complex interplay that affects NPD performance. Originality/value This study enhances understanding of NPD performance by integrating resource concordance theory with empirical analysis of knowledge and organizational strategy adaptations. It underscores the moderating role of environmental uncertainty, offering new theoretical insights into enhancing product development performance. Although the focus on subsidiaries limits broader applicability, it provides valuable insights into the nuanced NPD dynamics in these specific entities, suggesting avenues for future research to expand this study’s findings across different organizational types.

Unexplained Illnesses Associated With a Subscription Meal Service, 2022

In recent years, shifting consumer demands have led to changes in the types of foods produced and how consumers obtain them. A growing demand for non–meat-based proteins has led to the development of new plant-based protein products. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in subscription-based meal services. In 2022, a subscription-based meal service, Daily Harvest, launched a new plant-based protein line of products called Crumbles. Shortly, thereafter, consumer complaints of gastrointestinal symptoms were heard, and Daily Harvest recalled the French Lentil and Leek Crumbles, which contained a unique ingredient, tara flour. We obtained case data from the Marler Clark law firm and conducted an epidemiologic investigation of the relationship between illness and consumption of food products distributed by Daily Harvest. We independently reviewed data on 338 people, including 264 people with supplemental food exposure information, and calculated minimal attack rates. Of 264 people who completed the supplemental survey, all (100%) consumed the Lentil and Leek Crumbles. Minimal attack rates were highest for the Lentil and Leek Crumbles (1.4%) followed by the Walnut and Thyme Crumbles (0.45%). Among 213 subscribers, the minimal attack rate was highest for those who purchased three or more units of Lentil and Leek Crumbles (3.7%) compared to those who purchased two units (2.3%) or one unit (1.5%). The strength of the association and the increased risk of illness among persons who consumed Lentil and Leek Crumbles, but not other products that shared ingredients (other than tara flour) with Lentil and Leek Crumbles, suggests that tara flour was likely the source of illness, although a specific etiology remains unknown. This study highlights the value of using nontraditional data to identify sources of illness. Further research is needed to understand the safety of tara flour for human consumption.

Historical Pathways of National Research and Development Systems in OECD Countries

Research and development (R&D) is crucial for promoting knowledge generation as well as the acquisition of new knowledge, so as to enable the development of new products, processes, or services, and improve the existing ones. In this vein, countries make decisions to increase and sustain their innovation efforts and focus on public R&D expenditures. This paper seeks to analyse the pathways of national R&D systems of OECD countries. For this purpose, we conducted a descriptive and exploratory analysis for the period of 2000-2021. We used innovative effort variables, such as R&D intensity, as well as patents as an output variable. The sample consisted of 37 OECD countries, divided into five quintiles according to productivity performance during the study period. The results highlight cases of R&D systems that made a significant leap in productivity during the study period; however, the results also identify cases where a higher R&D intensity does not translate into substantial improvements in productivity. This confirms that innovation is a complex phenomenon where there is not always a guarantee of a positive linear relationship between innovative effort and scientific/technological performance.

Adaptation of Aglycosylated Monoclonal Antibodies for Improved Production in Komagataella phaffii.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a major class of biopharmaceuticals manufactured by well-established processes using Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Next-generation biomanufacturing using alternative hosts like Komagataella phaffii could improve the accessibility of these medicines, address broad societal goals for sustainability, and offer financial advantages for accelerated development of new products. Antibodies produced by K. phaffii, however, may manifest unique molecular quality attributes, like host-dependent, product-related variants, that could raise potential concerns for clinical use. We demonstrate here conservative modifications to the amino acid sequence of aglycosylated antibodies based on the human IgG1 isotype that minimize product-related variations when secreted by K. phaffii. A combination of 2-3 changes of amino acids reduced variations across six different aglycosylated versions of commercial mAbs. Expression of a modified sequence of NIST mAb in both K. phaffii and CHO cells showed comparable biophysical properties and molecular variations. These results suggest a path toward the production of high-quality mAbs that could be expressed interchangeably by either yeast or mammalian cells. Improving molecular designs of proteins to enable a range of manufacturing strategies for well-characterized biopharmaceuticals could accelerate global accessibility and innovations.

A small antimicrobial peptide derived from a Burkholderia bacterium exhibits a broad-spectrum and high inhibiting activities against crop diseases.

Crop diseases cause significant quality and yield losses to global crop products each year and are heavily controlled by chemicals along with very limited antibiotics composed of small molecules. However, these methods often result in environmental pollution and pest resistance, necessitating the development of new bio-controlling products to mitigate these hazards. To identify effective antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) considered as potential sources of future antibiotics, AMPs were screened from five bacterial strains showing antagonism against a representative phytopathogenic fungus (Rhizoctonia Solani) through the Bacillus subtilis expression system, which has been developed for identifying bacterial AMPs by displaying autolysis morphologies. A total of 5000 colonies were screened, and five displaying autolysis morphologies showed antagonism against R. solani. A novel AMP with the strongest antagonism efficiency was determined and tentatively named HR2-7, which is composed of 24 amino acids with an alpha-helical structure. HR2-7 has strong and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, tested against 10 g-positive and -negative bacteria and four phytopathogenic fungi by contact culture in plates with minimal lethal concentrations of 4.0 μM. When applied as purified peptide or in fermented B. subtilis culture solution, HR2-7 showed strong controlling efficiency on plants against diverse fungal and bacterial pathogens. Based on current understanding, HR2-7 is recognized as the first AMP derived from an agricultural antagonistic bacterium. It exhibits wide-ranging and notable antimicrobial efficacy, offering a supplementary approach for managing plant diseases, in addition to conventional chemical pesticides and antibiotics.

Chromatographic analysis of ponatinib and its impurities: method development, validation, and identification of new degradation product.

Ponatinib, a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is employed in the management of adult chronic myeloid leukemia. Nevertheless, the presence of process impurities and degradation impurities linked to ponatinib may potentially influence its effectiveness and safety. Therefore, the objective of this research was to establish a robust liquid chromatography method and systematically validate it for the detection of substances related to ponatinib. The separation of ponatinib and its impurities was conducted using an Agilent 5HC-C18 chromatographic column (4.6mm × 250mm, 5μm). The mobile phase A comprised a mixture of water and acetonitrile in a 9:1 ratio, with an aqueous solution of pH 2.4 containing 2mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.4% triethylamine. Mobile phase B, consisting of acetonitrile, was eluted in a gradient fashion. The flow rate was set at 1.0mL/min, detection wavelength at 250nm, column temperature at 40°C, and injection volume at 10μL. The method demonstrated high specificity, sensitivity, solution stability, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Additionally, this research unveiled a novel compound, imp-B, generated via the oxidative degradation of ponatinib. The molecular structure of the newly discovered product was elucidated through the utilization of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). In conclusion, the chromatographic method developed in this study has the potential to be utilized for the detection of ponatinib and its impurities, thereby offering significant insights for quality assessment in ponatinib research.

The history of the US Starch Round Table

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesStarch and other carbohydrates are major products of commerce because of their abundant supply and diverse functionalities. They serve as the principal source of dietary energy for humans and animals and perform various functions in many food and nonfood products. Fundamental studies of their composition, structure, and properties led to practical applications and ultimately to their commercial development to serve the food and industrial sectors.FindingsThis paper provides a historical account of the US Starch Round Table, a scientific gathering of international scientists and researchers to discuss “cutting‐edge” research on starch and other carbohydrates. From its early beginning in 1940 to the present time, the Starch Round Table played a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of starch and other carbohydrates.ConclusionsThe concept of the Starch Round Table facilitated discovery, innovation, and progress in the field of carbohydrates with an emphasis on starch. From its genesis in the United States, its popularity has spread to other regions like Japan and Europe, which have been holding a similar event since 1961 and 2010, respectively.Significance and NoveltyNew knowledge was discovered, practical applications were achieved, and successful collaboration among starch and carbohydrate scientists across the globe was made possible through this biennial round table event. Commercial development of starch and other carbohydrate products has benefited immensely from the extraordinary progress made by brilliant and diligent scientists and researchers, past and present.

Critical success factors for knowledge management systems in new product development

ABSTRACT Several studies have sought to identify the factors that are associated with successful KMS (knowledge management system) projects. Such KMS success models, however, disagree on which factors to include. To advance this knowledge, the present study uses a grounded theory approach involving interviews with NPD (new product development) professionals at 24 companies. The data analysis identifies 46 success factors, which are organized into 19 dimensions under eight categories. Using these dimensions and categories, a KMS success model is developed. The study provides two main contributions: (1) a more detailed account of factors influencing KMS success, and (2) the identification of four overall characteristics that set KMS projects apart from other enterprise information system projects. The detailed account of the conditions for KMS success provided by the present study may support the design of future KMS studies by clarifying the variables that need to be considered.

Overview on Current Selectable Marker Systems and Novel Marker Free Approaches in Fruit Tree Genetic Engineering.

Selectable marker genes are useful for recognizing which cells have integrated specific sequences in their genome after genetic transformation processes. They are especially important for fruit trees genetic transformation to individuate putatively genetically modified events, because most of the protocols used to genetic engineer these species are often unsuccessful or with low efficiency. Traditional selectable marker genes, mainly of bacterial origin, confer antibiotics/herbicides-resistance or metabolic advantages to transformed cells. Genes that allow the visual recognition of engineered tissues without using any selective agent, such as morphogenic regulators and reporter genes, are also used as selection tools to in vitro identify genetically modified regenerated lines. As final step, genetic engineered plants should be tested in field conditions, where selectable marker genes are no longer necessary, and strongly unpopular especially for the commercial development of the new products. Thus, different approaches, mainly based on the use of site-specific recombinases and/or editing nucleases, are being now used to recover marker-free fruit crops. This review describes and comments the most used and suitable selection tools of interest, particularly for fruit tree genetic engineering. Lastly, a spotlight highlights the biosafety aspects related to the use of selectable marker genes exploited for fruit species genetic engineering.

ONLINE PRESS RELEASES IN DIGITAL PUBLIC RELATIONS: A REVIEW OF AIRLINES' PRESS RELEASES

Press releases, typically prepared by public relations departments to notify the public and the press about important developments, continue to be frequently utilized tools. Press releases are essential in public relations for announcing newsworthy items, such as product launches, quarterly earnings, mergers, or important updates. As in various fields, digitalisation has changed and transformed some tools and methods in public relations. However, press releases, one of the oldest public relations tools, are still used by organisations' communication departments for the same purposes. Due to digitalisation, press releases are now posted on businesses' websites and social media pages. For this reason, the press releases published by the four airlines on their corporate websites were analysed in this study. The main objective of the research is to identify the message content in press releases and how it aligns with public relations objectives. For this purpose, all press releases issued by four airline companies in 2023 were analysed using content analysis. In this context, it was determined that airline companies issued press releases in a total of nine different categories. These categories are press releases named Public Announcement, New Route, Corporate Social Responsibility, Financial - Earnings, Innovation & Technology, New Partnership, Award Announcement, Product - Service Launch, and Sponsorship. As a result, it was concluded that these press releases also serve airlines' marketing and public relations purposes.

Mechanical Recycling of New and Challenging Polymer Systems: A Brief Overview

AbstractPollution from plastics is a major issue in the current context, prompting the scientific community to focus its efforts on recycling these materials. Mechanical recycling emerges as the most popular due to its practicality and cost‐effectiveness. In fact, with the increase in environmental awareness, the adoption of new circular economy models, stricter regulations mandating disposal and recycling, and lower costs compared to other recycling techniques, this type of recycling is taking a predominant role over other method. However, the presence of a variety of products of different polymeric nature, the introduction of new biodegradable products, and the complexity of multilayer packaging combining different polymers, without concrete solutions for recycling create a heterogeneous range of materials that leaks into the environment. The scientific literature is actively addressing these challenges, and this review aims to explore the latest strategies for enhancing the mechanical recycling of new and challenging polymer systems. Specifically, it explores the recycling of materials originally designated for landfill, incineration or composting, focusing on advancements in management of these previously overlooked and problematic system. This underexplored perspective seeks to offer new insights and innovative solutions that can transform polymer waste management and advance more sustainable recycling practices.

Rubisco at interfaces II: Structural reassembly enhances oil-water interface and emulsion stabilization

Rubisco is the most abundant protein on earth and has gained extensive attentions as a novel food ingredient, such as an emulsifier. Extraction methods can significantly affect its molecular structures and consequently influence its oil-water interface and emulsion stabilization properties. This work aims to elucidate the role of the Rubisco molecular structure in stabilizing the oil-water interface and the multiphase system of emulsions. Ultrafiltration (mild) and acid precipitation-alkaline redispersion (extensive) were used to extract Rubisco from spinach leaves. Protein molecular properties were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectrometry. Subsequently, the oil-water interfacial properties, including the adsorption and rheological behavior in both small and large dilatational and shear deformations, and the emulsion stabilization properties of Rubisco were investigated. We found that acid precipitation-alkaline redispersion produced a Rubisco extract (RA) with extensive structural reassembling, compared to the one produced by ultrafiltration (RU), for which nativity was mostly retained. RA had two-fold higher surface hydrophobicity than RU, and this caused RA to adsorb faster to the oil-water interface and developed a stiffer solid-like interface (Gi’ = 26 ± 3 mN/m) than RU (Gi’ = 15 ± 2 mN/m), which was also more resistant to density changes in large dilatational deformations. Consequently, RA displayed higher emulsifying activity and emulsion stability to coalescence during bulk shear and storage. Additionally, structural reassembly resulted in a higher value of the zeta potential of RA, which made the emulsion more stable against flocculation, compared to RU. Our study demonstrates that structural reassembly might be a useful strategy to improve the behavior of plant proteins in oil-water interface and emulsion stabilization, and may stimulate the development of new plant protein-stabilized emulsion-based products.

ANÁLISE HAZOP DE UMA UNIDADE DE DESTILAÇÃO ATMOSFÉRICA DE PETRÓLEO E SIMILARIDADE EM PROCESSOS DE PRODUÇÃO DE COMBUSTÍVEIS SUSTENTÁVEIS PARA AVIAÇÃO (SAFs)

The production of petroleum products stands out worldwide, among the production processes of non-renewable energies, as the best known worldwide. In this work, an atmospheric distillation column that processed 100,000 barrels/day (662.5 m3/h) of crude oil was simulated using the CHEMCAD® software. From this procedure, the Process Flow Diagram (PFD) and the Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (PI&D) were obtained for the unit, corresponding to its automation. Subsequently, a HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) analysis was conducted in order to identify risks in the unit that, although not dangerous, could compromise its ability to achieve its productivity. The main risks of the process were related to fires, explosions and environmental contamination from leaks and ruptures in pipes, pumps, heat exchangers, the column itself, among other equipment. The HAZOP analysis was able, through the use of the guide words, to identify the possible operational risks arising from deviations in the operating intentions, such as the possibility of fires, explosions, environmental contamination and its consequences. It was possible to identify the risks that are associated with the selection of materials, the mechanical design of the equipment and the specifications of the accessories. Therefore, the study carried out is an important survey to reduce possible failures in the oil industry. And, this study being a deepening of the distillation processes for petroleum products. It is understood that its deepening, as a result of the development of new renewable products, especially sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), due to being similar purification processes, employ the same methodology to identify possible failures in production.

Achieving the Optimal AgO Concentrations to Modulate the Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites: In Vivo Investigations.

Background/Objectives: For the development of new treatments, the acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) in experimental models acts as a filter to screen out potentially effective interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate ZnO nanocrystals and Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites containing different proportions of silver (ZnO:5Ag, ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag) in an experimental model of the acute phase of CD. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice were infected with 1000 forms of the Colombian strain of T. cruzi. The treatment was carried out by gavage with 5 mg/kg/d for 7 consecutive days from the first detection of parasitemia. Weight, parasitemia and survival were assessed during treatment and up to the day of euthanasia. After euthanasia, the cardiac and intestinal parasitism, inflammatory infiltrate, collagen deposition and cytokine dosages were analyzed. Results: It was observed that the nanocomposites ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag were the most effective in reducing parasitemia and increasing the survival of the infected animals. However, pure ZnO induced the maintenance of parasitemia and reduced their survival. The ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag nanocomposites were able to reduce the number of cardiac amastigote nests. In addition, they were responsible for reducing TNF-α and IL-6 in situ. ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag induced a reduction in the intestinal inflammatory infiltrate and neuronal protection in the myenteric plexus, as well as reducing TNF-α in situ. Conclusions: Based on these results, it is suggested that there is an ideal concentration in terms of the proportion of Ag/AgO and ZnO in nanocomposites for use against CD. Thus, ZnO:9Ag or ZnO:11Ag nanomaterials are potential candidates for the development of new biotechnological products for the therapy of CD.