Effect of asymmetric feed flow rate and temperature on reverse electrodialysis: A response surface methodology approach

This study investigates the influence of feed and process parameters on the morphology and properties of maltodextrin powders produced by co-current spray drying in a semi-industrial dryer. The effects of feed concentration (30–50 wt.%), feed temperature (30–90 °C), drying air temperature (170–200 °C), and feed flow rate (8–12 kg/h) were systematically evaluated. Powder characteristics including particle size distribution (PSD), moisture content, density, flowability, and morphology were analyzed, supported by Pearson correlation mapping. Results showed that drying air temperature had the strongest overall impact, narrowing PSD, decreasing mean particle size (from ∼140 to ∼30 µm), and improving flowability (Carr index from >25% to <15%). Feed preheating reduced viscosity and surface tension, enhancing atomization and lowering moisture content. Higher maltodextrin concentration increased particle size and moisture but improved flowability, while higher feed flow rate produced finer powders of reduced flowability. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed these trends, revealing transitions from irregular collapsed particles to spherical hollow morphologies. Overall, the study provides quantitative guidelines for optimizing spray drying of maltodextrin, with implications for improving powder quality while balancing process efficiency.

This research introduced a cost-efficient and eco-friendly sustainable geopolymer-zeolite composite membrane produced using a non-hydrothermal technique optimized for treating textile wastewater. A new geopolymer-zeolite composite membrane for microfiltration (macroporosity) was generated by activating metakaolin with sodium hydroxide and silica fume. The design of the experiment methodology (full factorial and response surface methodology) was used to identify the most effective parameters and optimize membrane separation performance. The optimum membrane showed the maximum normalized permeability and turbidity reduction of 0.57 and 97.98%, respectively, at 1.2 bar pressure, 59.6 °C feed temperature, and 1.73 L/min. Fouling analysis utilizing resistance-in-series indicated that membrane resistance (57.04%) and cake layer resistance (26.5%) were the primary contributors to overall filtration resistance. Among the four analyzed fouling models (Hermia models), the cake filtration model is the most appropriate for calculating the permeate flux of real wastewater filtration. Removal of the cake layer and backwashing with distilled water effectively regenerated the membrane, restoring over 97.4% of the initial flux and around 99.5% of turbidity reduction across four successive cycles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental mapping validated the structural integrity and cleanability of the membrane, while performance remained consistent across repeated filtration-regeneration cycles. In comparison to traditional ceramic membranes, the engineered geopolymer-zeolite composite exhibited comparable separation efficiency, easy fabrication free of sintering, and significant potential for industrial wastewater recovery applications.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-19349-0.

BackgroundNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and serious gastrointestinal condition among preterm infants. Factors such as infection, inflammation, and improper feeding are believed to contribute to its onset, but its precise pathophysiology remains unclear. Cold exposure, including feeding at low temperatures, has been associated with increased risks of NEC, yet the direct relationship between feeding temperature and NEC development remains underexplored. This study aims to assess the impact of thermostatic versus standard feeding on the incidence of stage 2 or higher NEC in very preterm infants.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial involves preterm infants (< 32 weeks gestational age) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either thermostatic feeding, with milk maintained at a set temperature throughout feeding, or standard feeding, where milk is allowed to reach room temperature. Both breast milk and formula are used based on clinical guidelines. Primary outcomes include the incidence of ≥ stage 2 NEC, while secondary outcomes involve the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) > 2nd stages, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) > 2nd grades, time to achieve total gastrointestinal nutrition, weekly weight growth, frequency of feeding intolerance, extrauterine growth restriction, and late-onset sepsis.Expected resultsThe study expects to identify a significant reduction in NEC incidence among infants receiving thermostatic feeding compared to those in the standard feeding group. Additionally, improvements in feeding tolerance, weekly weight growth, and time to achieve full gastrointestinal nutrition are anticipated. ConclusionThis study aims to clarify the relationship between feeding temperature and NEC risk, potentially influencing future neonatal care guidelines. By identifying optimal feeding practices, this trial aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with NEC in very preterm infants.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-06159-6.

ABSTRACTTemperature surveys were conducted on three conventional low‐rate stone media trickling filter plants, typical of those used in the United Kingdom, and one set of shallow (1.8 m) structured plastic media filters was surveyed. Filter feed, effluent and ambient air temperatures were continuously monitored for 6–13 months and covered winter conditions in all cases. A strong link was observed between measured heat loss from the effluent and the convective airflow driver, defined as the temperature differential between the wastewater feed and ambient air. The relationships were quantified for stone and plastic media to produce models that describe the observed heat loss in terms of this temperature differential, hydraulic load in the case of the plastic media model and media depth. Plastic media was found to have a higher cooling capacity and lacks the thermal inertia associated with traditional stone media units. Results and potential mechanisms are discussed.

Freezing is commonly used to preserve human milk; however, microwave thawing is not recommended due to nutritional loss and creation of hotspots in the milk. Data on compositional changes after microwave thawing and uneven temperature distribution are scarce. To investigate the association between microwave heating and the composition and temperature distribution of human milk. In this laboratory-based cross-sectional experimental study, 35 milk samples were divided into six groups based on preheating operations and milk bag material (35 samples each). After thawing at 600 watts for 30 seconds, temperature was immediately measured using thermography. Uneven temperature distribution was evaluated by the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures. Subsequently, it was mixed by inverting, and the temperature was measured again. The secretory Immunoglobulin A and lactoferrin concentrations were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Macronutrients were analyzed using mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy. Results were compared with thawing in running water to explore the feasibility of microwave thawing. The median temperature in the sonicated group (33.6 °C) was significantly decreased compared to that in the untreated group (54.9 °C). The median temperature in the polyethylene bag group (42.0 °C) was also significantly decreased compared to that in the polypropylene bag group (53.2 °C). The temperature after inversion mixing was close to the recommended temperature for feeding. The median concentration significantly decreased for secretory Immunoglobulin A (0.9-16.6%) and lactoferrin (21.3-29.1%) after microwaving. Component losses caused by microwave thawing were not clinically problematic compared to the standard value and could be minimized. Microwave heating may be an option for thawing human milk.

ABSTRACT Due to the increasing in the greenhouse gas emissions, the world is shifting towards the green fuels. In this regard, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) are considered to be the attractive options. In this study, the simulation of the NGLs fractionation process was performed using Aspen HYSYS. The single and multi-objective optimizations were done based on the Genetic Algorithm method. The energy consumption, recovery of propane and butane, and economic analysis were selected as the objective functions for optimisation studies. Also, the feed temperature, feed molar flow rate, and the trays number of the column are design variables. Based on the consideration of the multi-objective optimisation (Maximum Profit-Minimum power), with increasing the profit, the power increases. Also, a cluster data for the temperature of feed gas can be seen at about 68.2 °C. With increasing the feed molar flow rate, the profit and power increases. Two other cases of the multi-objective optimizations were done: Minimum Power-Maximum Recovery and the Maximum Profit-Maximum Recovery. The optimum conditions of the process were found in these optimizations studies. Also, the results showed that the simultaneous optimisation of three objective functions should be accounted for a comprehensive optimisation of the process.

Membrane distillationcrystallization (MDCr) is gaining recognitionas a sustainable and cost-effective method for treating hypersalinebrine. The current study explores magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) crystallization by using MDCr from synthetic nanofiltration (NF)brine. The study evaluates three feed temperature conditions (41.8°C, 54.9 °C, and 64.5 °C), along with the correspondingpermeate temperatures (19.9 °C, 23.2 °C, and 26.2 °C)and flow rates (1.3 and 0.7 L/min). The tested conditions revealedthat temperature impacts the MDCr performance and MgSO4 crystallization more effectively than the flow rate. The presenceof other ions (Na+, K+, and Cl‑) decreases the solubility of MgSO4 (compared with thetheoretical solubility at the tested temperature) and increases thetendency of co-crystallization with NaCl, which poses a significantchallenge in the final separation stage. The examined process conditions(feed temperature 64.5 ± 0.5 and flow rate 1.3 L/min) successfullydelay the crystallization of MgSO4, toward a higher waterrecovery factor (65.98 %), owing to the higher solubility of MgSO4 at higher temperatures, which minimizes the extent of co-crystallization.The recovered crystals (a mixture of NaCl and MgSO4) arethen separated by selectively dissolving NaCl in a saturated solutionof MgSO4. No compromise with the permeate purity (<5μm/cm) was observed under all tested conditions.

Hollow-fiber water gap membrane distillation (HF-WGMD) modules are gaining attention for desalination applications due to their compact design and high surface-area-to-volume ratio. This study presents a comprehensive CFD model to analyze and compare the performance of two HF-WGMD module configurations: one with a conventional stagnant water gap (WG) and the other incorporating water gap flow circulation. The model was validated against experimental data, showing excellent agreement, and was then used to simulate flow patterns in the feed, water gap, and coolant domains. Results indicate that, at a feed temperature of 80 °C with a stagnant WG, employing a turbulent flow scheme in the feed side increases water flux by 20.7% compared to laminar flow, while increasing coolant flow rate has a minor impact. In contrast, introducing circulation within the water gap significantly enhances performance, boosting water flux by 30.1%. This effect becomes more pronounced with rising feed temperature: increasing from 50 °C to 80 °C leads to a flux increase from 6.74 to 27.89 kg/(m2h) under circulating WG conditions. However, in multistage systems, the energy efficiency trade-off becomes evident. Water gap circulation is more energy-efficient than the stagnant configuration only for systems with fewer than 20 stages. At higher stage counts, the stagnant WG setup proves more efficient. For example, at 80 °C and 50 stages, the stagnant configuration consumes just 793 kWh/m3, representing a 47.3% reduction in energy consumption compared to the circulating WG setup. These findings highlight the performance benefits and energy trade-offs of water gap circulation in HF-WGMD systems, providing valuable guidance for optimization and scalability of high-efficiency desalination module designs.

To meet the high standards required for the liquefaction process by the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas System (FLNG), including low power consumption, compact footprint, high safety, resistance to waves, and portability, this paper proposes a novel FLNG liquefaction process which combines the supersonic swirling separation technology with pressurized liquefaction technology. The process is simulated and optimized using Aspen HYSYS V10 software and genetic algorithms. The results indicate that the specific power consumption of this liquefaction process is only 0.208 kWh/m3, with the cooler, expander, and compressor being the main equipment responsible for exergy losses, accounting for 28.85%, 26.48%, and 21.70%, respectively. This liquefaction process is relatively adaptable to changes in feed gas pressure, temperature, and methane content. The specific power consumption slightly increases with the increasing feed gas pressure and temperature, while it exhibits some fluctuations with the increasing methane content. The process requires a low CO2 removal rate, possesses moisture pretreatment capability, has fewer pieces of equipment, and saves a significant amount of valuable space. It combines low specific power consumption, minimal impact from swaying, and high safety, providing considerable application potential in future offshore natural gas development.

Crayfish Optimization Algorithm (COA) suffers from degradation of diversity, insufficient exploratory capability, a propensity to become caught in local optima, and an imprecise search engine for optimization. To address these issues, the current research introduces a hybrid strategy enhanced crayfish optimization algorithm (MSCOA). Initially, a chaotic inverse exploration initialization method is utilized to establish the population’s position with high diversity, significantly enhancing the global exploration capability. Second, an adaptive t-distributed feeding strategy was employed to define the connection between feeding behavior and temperature, increasing population variety and enhanced the algorithm’s local search effectiveness. Finally, an adaptive ternary optimization mechanism is introduced in the exploration phase: a curve growth acceleration factor is used to collaboratively guide global and individual optimal information, while a hybrid adaptive cosine exponential weigh dynamically adjusts the search intensity. Additionally, an inverse worst individual variant reinforcement approach is employed to enhance the population evolution efficiency. In the hybrid test sets of CEC2005 and CEC2019, MSCOA shows improved convergence accuracy compared to the traditional COA algorithm, and the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05) confirms its superiority over five other comparison algorithms. MSCOA outperforms other algorithms in terms of robustness, convergence speed, and solution accuracy, although there is still room for further improvement. When combined with Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and applied to the Wisconsin breast cancer dataset, the MSCOA-ELM model achieved 100% accuracy and F1 score, a 28.9% improvement over the baseline ELM, demonstrating the algorithm’s efficiency and generalization ability in solving practical optimization problems.

ABSTRACTInclusion bodies (IBs) frequently form during the expression of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli and are therefore important in pharmaceutical production. While it is accepted that cultivation conditions affect cultivation performance, the link to refolding performance remains unexplored. This study proposes that this interplay relies, at least partially, on the inherited biophysical properties of the IBs. Using a design of experiments approach, this study systematically explored how cultivation conditions—postinduction temperature, pH, and feed rate—affect the production of IBs containing anti‐desipramine single‐chain variable fragment antibodies as a model therapeutic protein. Various biophysical properties of the IBs—including hydrophobicity, secondary structure, and particle size—were characterized, and their relationship to cultivation parameters and refolding performance was analyzed. Key findings revealed that higher feed rates and temperatures increased the product titer and IB size. Larger IBs facilitated refolding, while a higher content of amyloid structures, occurring locally without a strong link to the cultivation parameters, hampered protein solubilization and refolding efficiency. Higher protein content in the IBs adversely affected the refolding yield due to a hidden coupling between cultivation and refolding. This study establishes IB biophysical properties as critical factors for linking upstream and refolding process performance, offering actionable insights to enhance bioprocess robustness and efficiency.

Immunological role of chlorogenic acid in broiler intestinal health under chronic heat stress.

Direct air capture (DAC), as a complementary strategy to carbon capture and storage (CCS), offers a scalable and sustainable pathway to remove CO2 directly from the ambient air. This study presents a detailed evaluation of the amine-functionalised metal-organic framework (MOF) sorbent, mmen-Mg2(dobpdc), for DAC using a temperature–vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) process. While this sorbent has demonstrated promising performance in point-source CO2 capture, this is the first dynamic simulation-based study to rigorously assess its effectiveness for low-concentration atmospheric CO2 removal. A transient one-dimensional TVSA model was developed in Aspen Adsorption and validated against experimental breakthrough data to ensure accuracy in capturing both the sharp and gradual adsorption kinetics. To enhance process efficiency and sustainability, this work provides a comprehensive parametric analysis of key operational factors, including air flow rate, temperature, adsorption/desorption durations, vacuum pressure, and heat exchanger temperature, on process performance, including CO2 purity, recovery, productivity, and specific energy consumption. Under optimal conditions for this sorbent (vacuum pressure lower than 0.15 bar and feed temperature below 15 °C), the TVSA process achieved ~98% CO2 purity, recovery over 70%, and specific energy consumption of about 3.5 MJ/KgCO2. These findings demonstrate that mmen-Mg2(dobpdc) can achieve performance comparable to benchmark DAC sorbents in terms of CO2 purity and recovery, underscoring its potential for scalable DAC applications. This work advances the development of energy-efficient carbon removal technologies and highlights the value of step-shape isotherm adsorbents in supporting global carbon-neutrality goals.

This study focuses on the simulation of a reactive distillation column used for the production of methyl acetate via the reaction between methanol and acetic acid. Using Chemcad software, a model for the methyl acetate production process was designed, incorporating a reactive distillation column. Based on the design, simulations were conducted, analyzing both steady-state and dynamic conditions. The study identified optimal operating conditions by considering parameters affecting product yield, such as feed rate, recycle flow rate, and feed temperature. Relationships between variables were evaluated, and significant insights were derived regarding the reactive distillation process. Additionally, the process was designed to consider environmental factors while supporting the profitability goals of businesses. Methyl acetate, a key organic raw material, is widely used across industries, including pharmaceuticals, paints, varnishes, plastics, essences, adhesives, artificial leather, coatings, cosmetics, solvents, resins, and certain oils.

This study systematically explored the performance of a vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) system equipped with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fiber membranes for treating simulated, acidic, low-level radioactive liquid waste. By focusing on key operational parameters, including feed temperature, vacuum pressure, and flow velocity, an orthogonal experiment was designed to obtain the optimal parameters. Considering the potential application scenarios, the following two factors were also studied: the initial nuclide concentrations (0.5, 5, and 50 mg·L−1) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) concentrations (0, 20, and 100 mg·L−1) in the feed solution. The results indicated that the optimal operational parameters for VMD were as follows: a feed temperature of 70 °C, a vacuum pressure of 90 kPa, and a flow rate of 500 L·h−1. Under these parameters, the VMD system demonstrated a maximum permeate flux of 0.9 L·m−2·h−1, achieving a nuclide rejection rate exceeding 99.9%, as well as a nitric acid rejection rate of 99.4%. A significant negative correlation was observed between permeate flux and nuclide concentrations at levels above 50 mg·L−1. The presence of TBP in the feed solution produced membrane fouling, leading to flux decline and a reduced separation efficiency, with severity increasing with TBP concentration. The VMD process simultaneously achieved nuclide rejection and nitric acid concentration in acidic radioactive wastewater, demonstrating strong potential for nuclear wastewater treatment.

Product quality has an important role in maintaining customer trust and the sustainability of the company. PT XYZ, which produces various types of animal feed, faces the problem of defects in pellet products, such as different feed size shapes, hot feed temperatures, and uneven feed colors. These defects not only affect production efficiency but can also reduce customer satisfaction. This research needs to be carried out so that PT XYZ can identify the cause of the defect and provide improvement proposals using the Six Sigma method through the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) stage with Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA). The results showed that the main causes of defects were unstable engine condition, suboptimal cooling system, and dirty or worn engines, with the highest RPN values of 504, 210, and 448, respectively. The proposed improvements include standardization of engine settings, routine maintenance, and machine cleaning before use. The implementation of this recommendation is expected to improve product quality, reduce defects, increase operational efficiency, and strengthen the company's competitiveness. In addition, this research also provides continuous guidance for PT XYZ in managing a more standardized and quality production process to achieve a competitive advantage in the market. Keywords: DMAIC, FMEA, Product Quality, Six Sigma

The growth, nutrient composition, immune-related gene expression, and Hsp70 protein levels in the juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra: Threshold temperature for normal feeding

Synergistic optimization of membrane distillation-reverse electrodialysis for sustainable desalination and salinity gradient power generation

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of feed (0.1-0.15-0.2 mm/rev) and printing temperature (190-210-230°C) on the formation of burrs and circularity in the drilling of samples produced using polylactic acid (PLA) material with the fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique, which is an additive manufacturing (AM) method. In the results obtained, it was observed that the burr height increased with the increase of the feed in the drilling of the samples, and the burr height decreased with the increase of the printing temperature. The maximum burr height at the hole entrance was 0.32 mm (0.2 mm/rev, 190°C), while the maximum burr height at the hole exit was 0.37 mm (0.2 mm/rev, 190°C). The maximum circularity deviation at the hole entrance was 0.15 mm (0.2 mm/rev, 230°C) and the maximum circularity deviation at the hole exit was 0.1 mm (0.2 mm/rev, 190°C). In addition, prediction modelling for burr height and deviation from circularity was performed with an average success rate of R2 94%.