Final Product Research Articles

Facile fabrication of curved furniture by bamboo restructuring plasticizing for green furniture manufacturing

Eco-friendly bamboo curved components (BCCs) hold significant potential for use in furniture. However, the indiscriminate use of functionally graded bamboo and the cumbersome molding process severely limited the efficient production of the BCCs. Here, multi-layer BCCs were facilely fabricated using graded bamboo strips through integrated bamboo restructuring plasticizing technology. The properties of bamboo strips, curved bamboo strips (CBSs), and BCCs were systematically investigated to establish relationships among raw material attributes, product unit characteristics, and final product performance. The bamboo strips with vascular bundle gradient structure exhibited asymmetric bending behaviors under applied forces. Applying bending force to the side of bamboo strips with a low fiber volume fraction could result in a higher bending pass rate and bending stability. The intrinsically high toughness of bamboo strips was the performance basis to enable CBSs and BCCs to acquire a high yield. The 4-mm-thick bamboo strips with a high proportion of parenchyma tissues exhibited higher ductility and stress relaxation rates, thereby improving their bending stability. Multi-layer gluing reconstruction enabled large-thickness BCCs to possess higher bending stability than CBSs, with a bending recovery rate of 6–9 % under less harsh molding conditions. The bending and bonding strengths of the 12-mm-thick BCCs, which were fabricated from 2-mm-thick bamboo strips, were 96.31 MPa and 3.77 MPa, respectively. These values were much higher than the standard requirements for general-use plywood. The results provide the scientific basis for manufacturing bamboo curved furniture and pushing for green manufacturing in the furniture field.

Pre-pilot forward osmosis – Membrane distillation hybrid system for sustainable produced water treatment and reducing volume of hazardous waste in oil and gas industry

This study introduces pre-pilot scale hybrid forward osmosis - membrane distillation (FO-MD) module, designed for the simultaneous treatment of different challenging produced water (PW) streams from Oil &Gas Industry. In this module, hot draw solution simultaneously serves as MD feed solution. The performance of this module was assessed with synthetic and real PW streams for extended operating times. The MD permeate production was doubled and comprised 0.4 L/h for 7:1 MD/FO area ratio (0.105 m2 and 0.015 m2, respectively) compared to permeate production that was observed with equal MD and FO membrane area (0.015 m2 each). The conductivity of the final product water was 364.9 ± 2.7 μS/cm, comparable to the typical potable water conductivity, implying its potential for reuse applications and minimizing volume of hazardous waste. Analysis of MD permeate quality showed that concentration of major ions was reduced by >99 % and chemical oxygen demand was removed by 90.1 %. Continuous operation with real produced streams led to partial pore wetting on the MD active layer. The microscopy showed organic fouling caused by oil and grease deposition and NaCl/CaSO4 scaling was found on both sides of FO membrane. These results suggest that PW pretreatment should be implemented to alleviate membrane fouling and pore wetting. We also observed reverse solute flux of 7.07 g/m2 h in experiments utilizing real DE and WO streams. The results of this study helped to identify challenges arising from the system scale-up and provide grounds for integrating hybrid FO-MD technology to recover water from oil and gas facilities.

Effect of Substrate Temperature on Bead Track Geometry of 316L in Directed Energy Deposition: Investigation and Regression Modeling

The optimization of process parameters in powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is essential for achieving consistent, high-quality bead geometries, which directly influence the performance and structural integrity of fabricated components. As a subset of additive manufacturing (AM), the DED process, also referred to as laser metal deposition (LMD), enables precise, layer-by-layer material deposition, making it highly suitable for complex geometries and part repair applications. Critical parameters, such as the laser power, feed rate, powder mass flow, and substrate temperature govern the deposition process, impacting the bead height, width, contact angle, and dilution. Inconsistent control over these variables can lead to defects, such as poor bonding, dimensional inaccuracies, and material weaknesses, ultimately compromising the final product. This paper investigates the effects of various process parameters, specifically the substrate temperature, on bead track geometry in DED processes for stainless steel (1.4404). A specialized experimental setup, integrated within a DED machine, facilitates the controlled thermal conditioning of sample sheets. Using Design of Experiments (DoE) methods, individual bead marks are generated and analyzed to assess geometric characteristics. Regression models, including both linear and quadratic approaches, are constructed to predict machine parameters for achieving the desired bead geometry at different substrate temperatures. Validation experiments confirm the accuracy and reliability of the models, particularly in predicting the bead height, bead width, and contact angle across a broad range of substrate temperatures. However, the models demonstrated limitations in accurately predicting dilution, indicating the need for further refinement. Despite some deviations in measured values, successful fabrication is achieved, demonstrating robust bonding between the bead and substrate. The developed models offer insights into optimizing DED process parameters to achieve desired bead characteristics, advancing the precision and reliability of additive manufacturing technology. Future work will focus on refining the regression models to improve predictions, particularly for dilution, and further investigate non-linear interactions between process variables.

The Effect of Mixing Time and Rotation Speed on the Consistency of Dough Viscosity in a Horizontal Mixer

Cassava must go through several manufacturing processes before it becomes chips on the market, including the process of stirring the dough. The stirring process is an important stage in various food industries. In the stirring process, the viscosity change in the dough is influenced by various factors, including the stirring process time and speed in stirring. Research on dough viscosity is important because it is directly related to the quality of the final product. The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations to users, both in the context of using horizontal mixers and the process of making similar products. The type of research used is quantitative research based on experimental methods that aim to test a hypothesis by collecting data that can be measured using statistics, mathematics, and computing. The independent variables in this study are rotation speed (20, 40, and 80 rpm) and stirring time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes). From these independent variables calculations and data analysis, the optimal setting was obtained using a rotation speed of 80 rpm and a stirring time of 15 minutes with a dough viscosity of 1411.12 PaS. The rotation speed of 80 rpm has more even data or more consistent data compared to the rotation speed values of 20 rpm and 40 rpm.

Development and biochemical characterization of freeze-dried guava powder fortified with Lactobacillus plantarum.

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The processing of value-added products from guava has not been carried out on a scale similar to some other fruits, which offers an opportunity to fully exploit the potential of this fruit, such as guava-based nutraceutical food products. The objectives of the present study were to develop freeze-dried guava powders (FDGPs) from two guava varieties (white and pink) and characterize their physico-chemical and nutritional properties. FDGP was also incorporated with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, to develop a healthy nutraceutical probiotic supplement. Functional groups assessed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy exhibited the existence of strong C-Br stretch, O-H stretch, and C=C stretch vibrations; however, scanning electron micrograms (SEMs) showed the flaky structure indicating the presence of starch, dietary fibers, and esterified groups of pectin. Significant mineral concentrations (mg/100g) of potassi-um (323-362), magnesium (26.2-28.8), zinc (0.43-0.51), and iron (0.52-0.63) were observed in FDGPs. The FDGP samples from both guava varieties had high levels of crude fiber (43.94-46.29%), vitamin C (2.27-2.49mg/g), and phenolic compounds (57.50-61.86mgGAE/g) as well as significant antioxidant properties. Fortification of FDGP with L. plantarum strains produced significant results in terms of probiotic viability that was nearly maintained at 108CFU/g up to 60 days in the final product. The viability of probiotics proved that FDGP is a good carrier of prebiotics and can be utilized as a potent probiotic supplement.

Organosolv-derived lipids from hemicellulose and cellulose, and pre-extracted tannins as additives upon hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of spruce bark lignins to bio-oil

The rise in global temperature and accumulation of petroleum-based wastes in the environment forces the scientific focus towards renewable alternatives. In the present work, an under-exploited resource – spruce bark – is investigated as a raw material for production of bio-oil as a liquid energy carrier. To enhance the energy-content of the produced bio-crude, ultimately being produced through hydrothermal liquefaction, the polysaccharides were extracted through organosolv fractionation and converted to lipids by oleaginous microorganisms. The effect originating from tannins was also investigated by performing a pre-extraction before the organosolv fractionation. It was found that performing the organosolv fractionation and upgrading the isolated organosolv lignin to bio-oil greatly reduced the oxygen content of the oil fraction thereby improving its energy content, and introducing upgraded polysaccharides in the form of lipids, as well as pre-extracted tannins, caused clear changes in the product distribution of the final bio-oil and kept a final product with low oxygen content. The other factor largely influencing the product distribution originated from the various heating rates tested by altering operational mode of the HTL process between batch and semi-continuous. Ultimately, performing the organosolv fractionation and individual upgrading of the polysaccharides had a beneficial effect on reducing the final solids content and enhancing the liquid oil yield.

Exosomal Micro RNA Isolation in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for Diagnostic Biomarker Discovery.

Molecular approaches are becoming more prevalent for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases in human medicine and can be extended to diagnosis of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and other prion diseases. These diseases have been associated with exosome-bound molecular biomarkers of disease progression, such as proteins and micro RNA molecules (miRNA). We tested and optimized a method for exosomal miRNA isolation from minimally invasive, small-volume serum samples obtained from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We confirmed the isolation of exosomes and optimized a commercially available benchtop kit to obtain sufficient and pure RNA for miRNA sequencing. The selected method for RNA extraction combines two 500-μL serum aliquots into one elution column and re-eluting the final product of the column. We identified 137 miRNA present in healthy white-tailed deer that can be used as a baseline to identify putative miRNA biomarkers of disease progression and mechanisms of infection in future comparative disease studies. This approach to biomarker discovery may help to inform biological processes in wildlife populations and provide alternatives to invasive or postmortem samples.

Potential Reuse of Ladle Furnace Slag as Cementitious Material: A Literature Review of Generation, Characterization, and Processing Methods

Ladle furnace slag (LFS), a by-product of steel refining, shows a promising reuse pathway as an alternative additive or substitute for Portland cement due to its high alkalinity and similar chemical composition to clinkers. However, LFS is often stored in large, open surface areas, leading to many environmental issues. To tackle waste management challenges, LFS can be recycled as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in many cementitious composites. However, LFS contains some mineral phases that hinder its reactivity (dicalcium silicate (γ-C2S)) and pose long-term durability issues in the cured cemented final product (free lime (f-CaO) and free magnesia (f-MgO)). Therefore, LFS needs to be adequately treated to enhance its reactivity and ensure long-term durability in the structures of the cementitious materials. This literature review assesses possible LFS treatments to enhance its suitability for valorization. Traditional reviews are often multidisciplinary and explore all types of iron and steel slags, sometimes including the recycling of LFS in the steel industry. As the reuse of industrial by-products requires a knowledge of their characteristics, this paper focuses first on LFS characterization, then on the obstacles to its use, and finally compiles an exhaustive inventory of previously investigated treatments. The main parameters for treatment evaluation are the mineralogical composition of treated LFS and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the final geo-composite in the short and long term. This review indicates that the treatment of LFS using rapid air/water quenching at the end-of-refining process is most appropriate, allowing a nearly amorphous slag to be obtained, which is therefore suitable for use as a SCM. Moreover, the open-air watering treatment leads to an optimal content of treated LFS. Recycling LFS in this manner can reduce OPC consumption, solve the problem of limited availability of blast furnace slag (GGBFS) by partially replacing this material, conserve natural resources, and reduce the carbon footprint of cementitious material operations.

Assessing Protein Content and Dimer Formation in the Bevacizumab Reference Product and Biosimilar Versions Marketed in Spain

Background: The manufacture of biologics is a complex, controlled, and reproducible process that results in a product that meets specifications. This should be based on data from batches used to demonstrate manufacturing consistency. Ten batches of originator product (Avastin®) were analyzed over a 10-year period. Methods: The β-expectation tolerance intervals and the process capability analysis were proposed to establish the specification limits for determining the acceptance criteria of the final product from the manufacturing process. Protein concentration and dimer content were utilized as CQAs. The analytical similarity between three biosimilars authorized in Spain since 2021 (Vegzelma®, Alymsys®, and Oyavas®) and the originator product were evaluated for both CQAs using two methods: the quality range (QR) method, based on one sample per batch, and the QRML one, which takes into account the inter- and intra-batch variability of the originator product. Results: The results indicate that the two main sources of variation are under control; even the level of variability observed is close to the capability of the analytical method. The manufacturing process, therefore, continues under statistical control. Similarity is demonstrated for the bevacizumab concentration regardless of the approach used, whereas similarity is demonstrated for the dimer content for only one of the biosimilar products. Conclusions: The proposed methodologies allow for the analysis of the consistency of the manufacturing process and the variability from batch to batch.

Removal, detection, and limits of endotoxin in the industry of recombinant proteins

With the advancement of synthetic biology, recombinant proteins are poised to play a significant role in medical applications. The scaled manufacturing is a pillar for the extensive application and development of recombinant proteins across various fields. In the large-scale production process of recombinant proteins, the removal and detection of endotoxins are essential to reduce their levels to safe thresholds in the final products. Currently, establishing stringent endotoxin limits for different recombinant protein products is a crucial aspect of safety assessment. This review begins by shedding light on the pathogenicity of endotoxins and discusses the methods for the removal and determination of endotoxins during the production processes of recombinant proteins. Subsequently, this review summarizes the endotoxin limits in industries such as biologics, medical devices, and human recombinant DNA products, particularly those in recombinant protein injection products. It is highlighted that regardless of whether the hosts for recombinant protein expression are bacteria or not, endotoxin testing is required for the final products of injectable recombinant proteins, and compliance with relevant industry standards is necessary. This review aims to provide a reference for the research on endotoxins in the large-scale production process of recombinant proteins.

A burden-sharing model shaping the embodied carbon emission and considering regions' efforts to reduce emissions in China's power sector

To achieve “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, reasonable burden-sharing for emission reductions among key players is critical. And reasonable burden-sharing requires scientific clarification of their actual emissions and responsibilities, and full accounting of efforts to reduce emissions. Therefore, this paper focuses on China's power industry and proposes a burden-sharing model that reflects regions' embodied carbon emissions and mitigation efforts. Moreover, considering the economic spillover effects of the power industry in different regions to re-define China's sub-regional emission reduction targets. Results show a significant difference in the flow of electricity embodied carbon among China's regions. The carbon embodied in the power industry increased by 948 million tonnes between 2012 and 2017, mainly due to changes in the structure of final demand and production. Furthermore, implementing the Emissions Trading System (ETS) has effectively curbed carbon emissions in seven pilot provinces and cities, namely Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangdong, Hubei, Chongqing, and Fujian, especially Beijing. Spillover effects significantly impact the economic growth of provinces, and some provinces that have enjoyed the benefits of spillover effects should take more responsibility for emission reductions. In summary, each region has different allowances and it is suggested that differentiated policies should be implemented to promote regionally-ordered low-carbon development and achieve the dual-carbon goal.

Main Heat Transfer Mechanisms in Hot Stamping Processes: a Review

Objectives: The article reviews heat transfer mechanisms in the hot stamping process, highlighting models to calculate the interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC), crucial for optimizing the cooling and quality of formed products. Theoretical Framework: In hot stamping of high-strength steels, the IHTC is affected by variables such as contact pressure, roughness and temperature. Cooling efficiency directly impacts the temperature distribution and martensitic microstructure of the material, essential for structural strength. Method: The review compares IHTC calculation methods, such as inverse heat conduction analysis and Newton's law of cooling, detailing the convection, radiation and conduction mechanisms at each stage of the process: transfer, positioning and forming. Results and Discussion: The inverse heat conduction analysis proved to be the most accurate for determining the IHTC, compared to the finite element method (FEM). The study suggests that efficient cooling channels and high conductivity materials in the matrix reduce cooling time and improve the quality of the final product. Research Implications: Findings provide a basis for improving thermal management in hot stamping, reducing cycle time and increasing productivity. Originality/Value: This work contributes a comprehensive reference on IHTC, assisting researchers and engineers in optimizing heat transfer and production efficiency in the manufacture of automotive components.

A Global Review of Cheese Colour: Microbial Discolouration and Innovation Opportunities

Cheese is a biologically active food product, characterised by its colour, texture, and taste. Due to its rich matrix of fats and proteins, as well as the fact that the cheese’s surface acts as its own packaging, the cheese becomes more susceptible to contamination by microorganisms during the ripening process, particularly bacteria and fungi. The ripening of cheese involves several biochemical reactions, with the proteolytic activity of the cheese microbiota being particularly significant. Proteolysis results in the presence of free amino acids, which are precursors to various metabolic mechanisms that can cause discolouration (blue, pink, and brown) on the cheese rind. Surface defects in cheese have been documented in the literature for many years. Sporadic inconsistencies in cheese appearance can lead to product degradation and economic losses for producers. Over the past few decades, various defects have been reported in different types of cheese worldwide. This issue also presents opportunities for innovation and development in edible and bioactive coatings to prevent the appearance of colour defects. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of cheese colour globally, identifying defects caused by microorganisms. It also explores strategies and innovation opportunities in the cheese industry to enhance the value of the final product.

Epoxy-Benzoxazine Powder Binders for Producing Reinforced Composites with a Matrix Gradient

Carbon composites with graded binder distribution along the product cross-section were developed using epoxy-benzoxazine powder binders. Their rheological, thermophysical, and physicomechanical properties were analyzed. It was demonstrated that graded compositions offer certain advantages in providing control over the parameters of the production process, both during the plate consolidation and the final product formation by pressing. The production of dry prepregs by electrostatic spraying of powder binders on carbon fiber followed by melting, the consolidation of prepregs into plates by vacuum bagging, and subsequent pressing of the plates to obtain the product were optimized. The feasibility of producing a graded carbon composite with enhanced physicomechanical and thermophysical properties was revealed for powder compositions based on benzoxazine, thermoplastic polymer, and epoxy-novolac and epoxy resins. Binder compositions with a gradient of components were proposed. A positive effect of the matrix gradient on lowering the temperature gradient during thermal pressing was confirmed.

An Integrated Lean and Six Sigma Framework for Improving Productivity Performance: A Case Study in a Spanish Chemicals Manufacturer

In the pursuit of operational excellence and enhanced competitiveness, a wide range of industries have turned to methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma; however, in the chemical sector, their application is very limited. This paper presents a Lean Six Sigma framework to identify and reduce sources of variability occurring in the final product composition of a Spanish SME fertilizer manufacturer. The company faced important challenges related to product variability, adversely affecting overall productivity. A real-life case of the Lean Six Sigma implementation was conducted over two years, and its applicability and ability to improve productivity performance were thoroughly assessed. The proposed framework successfully integrated Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, i.e., process mapping (value stream mapping), root cause analysis (Ishikawa cause–effect diagram), project management (SIPOC and DMAIC), and statistical process control, and demonstrated practical benefits for the case company by identifying the key variables affecting product variability and determining their optimal levels. A substantial 50% reduction in the variability of several products and a 42% reduction in material preparation time were achieved. These reductions resulted in a 40% reduction in costs associated with product losses and a 54% reduction in costs from raw material losses.

Valorisation of Deinking Paper Sludge for Fertiliser Purposes: New Perspective in Sustainable Agriculture

The growth of the global population, coupled with concomitant economic development, has resulted in the generation of a substantial quantity of waste. The transition of the European Union’s economy towards a closed-loop model is prompting a comprehensive search for waste management concepts across a range of industrial sectors. The objective of this study is to valorise deinking paper sludge, which has a high potential for soil formation due to its high organic matter content. To produce organic–mineral fertiliser, the deinking sludge was subjected to acid hydrolysis, then neutralised with KOH solution and enriched with poultry litter ash. The final products were characterised in terms of their nutrient and heavy metal content. The bioavailability of phosphorus, along with the forms in which it occurs in fertilisers, was determined through the implementation of a five-step fractionation procedure. Furthermore, an eight-week incubation period was conducted to assess the fertilisers’ performance in soil. Soil samples were tested on a weekly basis for pH, water-soluble and bioavailable phosphorus content using the spectroscopic method after previous extraction in water and Bray’s solution, and catalase activity using the titrimetric method. The resulting fertilisers were found to meet the requirements for organo-mineral fertilisers and were categorised as PK-type fertilisers with a total nutrient content of 24.6–39.3%. Fractionation studies demonstrated that the fertilisers contained 20–30% of the total potentially bioavailable phosphorus. Furthermore, the long-term release of phosphorus from the fertilisers was confirmed through incubation studies. Additionally, the fertilisers were observed to contribute to an increase in catalase activity in the soil.

Projektpedagógia a divattáncok oktatásában : Soundpainting with Body

This study analyses the application of project-based learning in a group of second-year commercial dance students (n = 16) at the Hungarian Dance University’s the dancer and coach training programme. The study sheds light on how the project aligned with curricular and extra-curricular objectives and requirements, as well as how it contributed to the students' individual and group development. The final product was a performance entitled Soundpainting, which featured musical and visual improvisations and drew upon notations from Treatise, a collection by the English experimental composer Cornelius Cardew.

Predicting the Electrical Behavior of Colored Photovoltaic Modules Integrating Absorptive or Diffusive Layers or PMMA Films Doped with Organic Chromophores

The advancement of photovoltaic (PV) technology is critical for sustainable energy production, with silicon‐based solar cells being the most prevalent due to their efficiency and cost‐effectiveness. In recent years, the use of materials to change the color of conventional silicon‐based PV cells, materials that can be laminated or not during the construction of the PV module, has become widespread. Colored PV cells offer aesthetic versatility, making them suitable for integrated architectural applications. However, these materials affect the performance of the final product. This study focuses on developing a predictive model for the performance of colored silicon PV cells. A comprehensive approach combining experimental data and computational simulations is employed to understand the impact of various colors on the electrical performance of colored PV modules, based on the optical properties of the colored layers. The model demonstrates high accuracy across a range of coloring technologies, including selective absorbers, diffusive layers, and fluorescent materials. The developed model accurately predicts the performance metrics of colored PV cells, providing valuable insights for optimizing design and material selection.

Balanced truncation model reduction for laser heating wafer model in frequency restricted domain

Modeling and simulating laser heating phenomena are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring high-quality final products. A major challenge in semiconductor manufacturing is achieving accurate, real-time temperature control during wafer heating. To reduce the computational burden of complex mathematical models, low-dimensional reduced models can be employed. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model for laser heating in silicon wafers. For model reduction, we use the balanced truncation method, considering both frequency-unrestricted and restricted cases. Additionally, the rational Krylov subspace method is applied to solve high-dimensional sparse matrix equations. To gain key physical insights, we use the COMSOL Multiphysics package. Finally, some numerical experiments are conducted using MATLAB to validate the proposed approach.

Robust optimization of regional biomass supply chain system design and operation with data-driven uncertainties

To address climate change and ensure energy security, biomass energy has become a popular renewable energy alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This study focuses on the strategic planning and tactical management problem of a regional biomass supply chain system with multiple feedstock and final products. A novel SVC-based data-driven robust optimization model is developed to provide the tradeoff solutions under uncertainties. Compared with the traditional robust optimization model, it can better depict the uncertain sets, reduce data redundancy, and provide less conservative strategies for decision makers according to their risk preferences. The proposed model is validated through a case study, Meizhou city in China. The results suggested the optimal investment scale and site for biorefineries and biomass power plants at the strategic planning level, as well as the feedstock supply network, inventory management, and production arrangement at the tactic management level. The optimal robust solutions can be derived by varying the envelope level of the uncertain sets. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the influences of the variations of key parameters. It is found that the produced bioethanol and electricity lack cost advantages in the current situation, even with a 30 % reduction in main cost parameters. Insufficient biomass yield may require extra capital investment to satisfy bioenergy demand but with a higher supply cost. Thus, a high and long-term subsidy is necessary to facilitate the sustainable development of biomass and the low-carbon transition of the energy sector.