Low-temperature Treatment Research Articles

Influence of Thermal Annealing on Mechanical and Optical Property of SiO2 Film Produced by ALD.

The application range of fused silica optical components can be expanded and the cost of fused silica components can be reduced by depositing the same material film on fused silica substrate. However, due to the different manufacturing process, the performance of ALD SiO2 film is lower than that of fused silica substrate, which also limits the use of this process. In this paper, ALD SiO2 film with different thicknesses were deposited, and then the structure and properties were tested. Finally, the ALD SiO2 film was treated via the annealing process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the ALD SiO2 film had good compactness and substrate adhesion. The Raman spectra showed that the ALD SiO2 film and substrate had the same structure, with only slight differences. The XRD pattern showed that ALD-fused silica did not crystallize before or after annealing. The infrared spectra showed that there was an obvious Si-OH defect in the ALD SiO2 film. The laser damage showed that the ALD SiO2 film had a much lower damage threshold than the fused silica substrate. The nanoindentation showed that the mechanical properties of the ALD SiO2 film were much lower than those of the fused silica substrate. After a low-temperature annealing treatment, the ALD SiO2 film Si-OH defect was reduced, the ALD SiO2 film four-member ring content was increased, the elastic modulus of the ALD SiO2 film was increased from 45.025 GPa to 68.025 GPa, the hardness was increased from 5.240 GPa to 9.528 GPa, and the ALD SiO2 film damage threshold was decreased from 5.5 J/cm2 to 1.3 J/cm2.

Accelerating phosphating process via hydrophobic MXene@SA nanocomposites for the significant improvement in anti-corrosion performance of plain carbon steel

In this study, MXene was functionalized with stearic acid (SA) to prepare a bifunctional nano-accelerator (AMX) with phosphating acceleration and hydrophobic modification for low-temperature phosphating treatment. The AMX hybrid was incorporated into the phosphating bath to simultaneously achieve the acceleration of the phosphating process and hydrophobic treatment of the phosphate coating. The resulting phosphate coating prepared from the phosphating bath containing 0.04 g/L AMX (4-AMX/ZP) exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophobicity, with the large water contact angle (130.83°). Furthermore, the 4-AMX/ZP had the lowest porosity among all samples, which was 96.35 % lower than that of the Pure/ZP. Moreover, the results of electrochemical tests demonstrated that the |Z0.01 Hz| value of 4-AMX/ZP exhibited an increase of more than one order of magnitude when compared to the Pure/ZP, underscoring the excellent corrosion resistance of 4-AMX/ZP. In sum, the incorporation of AMX nano-accelerator into the phosphating bath accelerated the formation of the phosphate coating, simultaneously leading to the phosphate coating being hydrophobic and enhancing its corrosion resistance.

The effects of low ambient temperature on steroidogenesis and mitochondrial functions in the testes of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus)

Seasonal reproduction is a widely used breeding strategy in wildlife, especially vertebrates inhabiting temperate regions. Generally, ambient temperature is considered a significant factor influencing the reproductive status of animals. In the present study, wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus), typical seasonal breeders, were used as an animal model to investigate the mechanism behind the impact of low ambient temperature on testicular function. To simulate the winter environment of wild ground squirrels, we lowered the temperature gradient in the rearing environment to 4 °C. At sampling, the body surface temperature of the squirrels reared under normal ambient temperature (22 °C, NAT group) and the low ambient temperature (4 °C, LAT group) were 31.5 °C and 22.8 °C, respectively. Subsequently, we conducted immunohistochemical assays, qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to examine the variations in testicular functions, as well as the dynamics and functions of mitochondria, in the squirrels of NAT and LAT groups. As a result, the levels of positive immunostaining for PCNA, P21, and P27 were significantly lower in the testes of LAT group, while the levels of immunostaining for Cleaved Caspase-3 and TUNEL were significantly higher. In addition, the low-temperature treatment reduced the expression level of steroidogenesis-related genes, including LHR, FSHR, GATA-4, P450scc, and P450arom, and decreased the testosterone concentration. Moreover, markers of mitochondrial fission and fusion, DRP1 and MFN2, respectively, were increased in the testes of LAT group. Additionally, the mRNA level of SOD1 was notably higher in the testes of LAT group. In conclusion, the low ambient temperature inhibited spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and functions in the testes of wild ground squirrels.

Effects of production temperature on the molecular composition and seed-germination-promoting properties of sludge-based hydrochar-derived dissolved organic matter

Sludge hydrothermal carbonization demonstrates potential for converting sludge into multifunctional carbon materials for soil remediation. However, the influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) with unclear molecular characteristics in sludge-based hydrothermal carbon on plant growth has not been sufficiently investigated. Herein, the effects of hydrothermal temperature on the molecular transformation pathways and plant-growth-promoting properties of DOM were investigated via FT-ICR MS–based molecular network analyses and seed germination experiments. Results indicated that the highest DOM yield was achieved at 220 °C. During low-temperature (180 °C) hydrothermal treatment, the hydrolysis of biopolymers, as well as the partial condensation and cyclization of small-molecule intermediates, occurred in the sludge. This process produced unsaturated CHNO compounds containing one or two N atoms, which promoted seed germination. Further, the toxicity of DOM to plants increased with rising hydrothermal temperature. This was accompanied by S doping and aromatization reactions, which mitigated the effects of plant growth hormones. This study provides theoretical support for the optimization of sludge hydrothermal treatment and production of plant growth hormones, enhancing the ecological value of sludge-based hydrochar.

The MdCBF1/2-MdTST1/2 module regulates sugar accumulation in response to low temperature in apple.

Soluble sugar content is a key component in controlling fruit flavor, and its accumulation in fruit is largely determined by sugar metabolism and transportation. When the diurnal temperature range is greater, the fleshy fruits accumulated more soluble sugars and become more sweeter. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this response remains largely unknown. In this study, we verified that low-temperature treatment promoted soluble sugar accumulation in apple fruit and found that this was due to the upregulation of the Tonoplast Sugar Transporter genes MdTST1/2. A combined strategy using assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (ATAC) sequencing and gene expression and cis-acting elements analyses, we identified two C-repeat Binding Factors, MdCBF1 and MdCBF2, that were induced by low temperature and that might be upstream transcription factors of MdTST1/2. Further studies established that MdCBF1/2 could bind to the promoters of MdTST1/2 and activate their expression. Overexpression of MdCBF1 or MdCBF2 in apple calli and fruit significantly upregulated MdTST1/2 expression and increased the concentrations of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Suppression of MdTST1 and/or MdTST2 in an MdCBF1/2-overexpression background abolished the positive effect of MdCBF1/2 on sugar accumulation. In addition, simultaneous silencing of MdCBF1/2 downregulated MdTST1/2 expression and apple fruits failed to accumulate more sugars under low-temperature conditions, indicating that MdCBF1/2-mediated sugar accumulation was dependent on MdTST1/2 expression. Hence, we concluded that the MdCBF1/2-MdTST1/2 module is crucial for sugar accumulation in apples in response to low temperatures. Our findings provide mechanistic components coordinating the relationship between low temperature and sugar accumulation as well as new avenues to improve fruit quality.

Identification and Functional Analysis of PR Genes in Leaves from Variegated Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

Tea is a healthy beverage made from the leaves of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. The tea plant is a perennial evergreen plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. PR proteins (pathogenesis-related proteins, PRs) are defense-related proteins induced under pathogenesis-related conditions. Currently, there are a few studies on PRs in plants. Tea leaf color mutants have been of wide interest to scientists as special materials. A tea plant displaying variegated spontaneous albinism found in a local tea plantation in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China, was used as the material sample in this study. An analysis of preexisting transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed the significant upregulation of three classes of PRs. In order to investigate the correlation between PRs and variegated tea plants, a series of studies were conducted on PR genes. The results revealed the identification of 17 CsPR1, 3 CsPR4 and 31 CsPR5 genes in tea plants using bioinformatics methods, and their structures and promoter sequences. The expression of three PR1, two PR4 and one PR5 genes was determined to be induced in stress treatment experiments involving mechanical damage, insect bites, low temperature treatment, and fungal infections. Additionally, the ribonuclease activity of CsPR4 was successfully verified. This is the first study to report the ribonuclease activity of CsPR4 in tea plants. The results can serve as a reference for future studies on PRs in tea plants, offering new insights into information on albinism in tea plants.

Slurry and liquid impingement erosion behavior of low-temperature plasma carburized AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel

The impact of plasma carburizing treatment on the erosion wear resistance of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel (MSS) was studied. Experiments were carried out varying a broad spectrum of erosion parameters, including impact velocity, impact angle, and exposure duration. Both slurry and liquid impingement erosion were employed in the experiments, with testing conducted using both distilled water and saline solutions to assess the combined effects of corrosion and erosion wear. Compared to untreated samples, a significant improvement in the erosion wear resistance of AISI 420 MSS due to low-temperature plasma carburizing treatment was observed for all tested conditions. The observed performance enhancement can be attributed to the formation of the carburized layer, constituted of the α'C and Fe3C phases. Results also highlighted that the severity of the tribosystem was significantly influenced by the test solution characteristics. A marginal increase in severity was observed upon introducing the saline solution, while a more substantial severity increase occurred with the addition of solid particles in the test fluid. The specimens' mass loss was increased by increasing impact velocity, following a simple potential relationship, and with impact angle, following a first-degree linear equation. In the case of the exposure time, the mass loss curves depended on the test environment. For solutions containing quartz particles, an additional final stabilization stage was observed in addition to the acceleration stage observed in the absence of abrasive component. This phenomenon was attributed to surface work hardening induced by the impact of solid particles. Regarding wear mechanisms, samples tested only with distilled water displayed erosion flow marks. Those containing distilled water and NaCl exhibited not only flow marks but also pits. Lastly, solutions containing solid particles additionally presented features of plastic deformation, lip formation, craters, indentations, and extruded material.

In-Situ FTIR and Laser Induced Fluorescence RONS Characterization of Atmospheric Pressure Nanosecond-Pulsed Surface DBD Plasma for Indirect Treatments of E. Coli

We study the bactericidal efficacy of surface dielectric barrier discharge low-temperature plasma treatments, powered by nanosecond high voltage pulses. We achieve ∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim $$\\end{document}4-log reduction in Escherichia coli population, after 10 min treatments, at a distance of 1.5 cm from the plasma surface. To investigate the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) responsible for the bactericidal effect, we employ in-situ fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to measure a selection of relevant species, such as O3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_3$$\\end{document}, NO2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document}, N2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document}O and N2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document}O5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_5$$\\end{document}. The measurements are taken under various relative humidity conditions to replicate the bacteria treatment environment. While RONS originating from nitrogen chemistry are detected, nitric oxide (NO), a pivotal molecule in nitrate production, is absent due to the sensitivity limitations of FTIR detection. To overcome this limitation, we employ laser induced fluorescence utilizing a picosecond-pulsed laser to measure the kinetics of NO produced by the plasma. Our results show that the NO concentration is smaller than 1 ppm and primarily localized near the plasma surface, with concentrations increasing proportionally with relative humidity. Notably, at a distance of 1.5 cm from the plasma surface, at which the E. coli is treated, the concentration of NO falls below 50 ppb. Although NO is pivotal in generating secondary reactive species within the plasma, our results suggest that it does not directly contribute to the bacteria inactivation process. Instead, other molecules, such as O3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_3$$\\end{document}, NO2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document}, and N2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document}O, which are found in higher concentrations, may be responsible for the bactericidal properties observed in indirect plasma treatments.

Low-temperature treatments as an alternative to conventional pest control in dried figs and their effect on overall fruit quality

One of the main problems for the dried fig industry is pest control during storage and subsequent marketability. For this reason, the dried fig industry has traditionally applied pest control treatments with chemical-based insecticides, usually phosphine. However, current consumers want healthier products and a reduction in chemical use to reduce the environmental impact, so the dried fig industry is seeking alternatives to chemical treatments. Low temperatures have been shown to be an effective alternative for controlling dried fig pests. Treatments of 1 day at −18 °C, 2 days at −10 °C, and 7 days at −5 °C reduced pest incidence, with up to 100% efficiency, during the subsequent storage of dried figs. Moreover, these low-temperature treatments provided better quality dried figs, both from a sensory point of view, as was the case of dried figs subjected to 7 days at −5 °C, and from a bioactive compound point of view. Dried figs exposed for 2 days at −10 °C maintained a higher concentration of phenolic compounds. We conclude that low temperatures would be an appropriate alternative to phosphine treatments for pest control in dried figs.

Metabolism and transcriptional regulation in chilling injury development of nectarine fruit during postharvest cold storage

Peach fruit is susceptible to chilling injury during postharvest long-term cold storage, but the understanding of metabolic and transcriptional reaction of nectarine cultivar fruit to cold storage remains incomplete. In this study, nectarine fruit was used for a low temperature treatment, which gradually leading to the deterioration of fruit quality. Comparative metabolome and transcriptome analyses were performed to comprehensively understand the metabolic and transcriptional changes occurring during cold storage in nectarine fruit. The result showed that numerous primary and secondary metabolites exhibited increased levels following the low-temperature treatment. And there were 3400 differentially expressed genes continuously regulated by cold storage, which were mostly enriched in metabolic and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways. The combined pathways enrichment of differential metabolites and genes were primarily centered on secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Correspondingly, a strong correlation was observed between changes in secondary metabolites and the expression of key enzymes including 4-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL), hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT), flavonol synthase (FLS), dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR), and UDP-glycose flavonoid glycosyltransferase (UFGT), which were involved in flavonoids biosynthesis. Additionally, several fruit quality characteristics (carotenoids, cell wall components, antioxidant enzymes) and stress related signaling genes were markedly affected by cold storage. These findings offer new insights into the networks governing metabolic and transcriptional regulation during nectarine fruit cold storage.

Effect of adsorption processes during low-temperature plasma treatment for changing of electrophysical properties of CVD coatings of carbide plates

The results of a study of the influence of adsorption processes during low-temperature plasma treatment on changes in the electrical properties of CVD coatings of replaceable multifaceted carbide inserts are presented.

Light-controllable cell-membrane disturbance for intracellular delivery.

Highly polar and charged molecules, such as oligonucleotides, face significant barriers in crossing the cell membrane to access the cytoplasm. To address this problem, we developed a light-triggered twistable tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative, TPE-C-N, to facilitate the intracellular delivery of charged molecules through an endocytosis-independent pathway. The central double bond of TPE in TPE-C-N is planar in the ground state but becomes twisted in the excited state. Under light irradiation, this planar-to-twisted structural change induces continuous cell membrane disturbances. Such disturbance does not lead to permanent damage to the cell membrane. TPE-C-N significantly enhanced the intracellular delivery of negatively charged molecules under light irradiation when endocytosis was inhibited through low-temperature treatment, confirming the endocytosis-independent nature of this delivery method. We have successfully demonstrated that the TPE-C-N-mediated light-controllable method can efficiently promote the intracellular delivery of charged molecules, such as peptides and oligonucleotides, with molecular weights ranging from 1000 to 5000 Da.

Dormant carbohydrate reserves enhance pecan tree spring freeze tolerance: controlled environment observations.

Pecan (Carya illinoensis), an economically important deciduous tree, bears commercially valuable nutritional nuts. Spring freezes in April can severely injure pecan buds, decreasing bloom, and fruit set. This study determined how low temperatures affect pecan buds/flowers at different growth stages in several pecan scion/rootstock combinations. This study focused on three pecan scion/rootstock combinations: Pawnee/Peruque (PP), Kanza/Giles (KG), and Maramec/Colby (MC), grown at the Cimarron Valley Research Station, Perkins, Oklahoma. Branches at three different growth stages, i.e., outer bud scale shed, one week after bud break, and early bloom stages were collected from PP, MC, and KG. Branches were held in a Conviron E8 freezing unit at 4 temperatures (-2, 0, 2, and 4°C) for 4 and 8 hours; A total of 8 treatments. One sample set was kept as an untreated control. After 2-3 weeks, branch samples from all the temperature treatments were observed and categorized into two groups. Group one with number of branches had healthy buds/formation of healthy leaves/flowers and group two with number of dead branches. The carbohydrate content reserved from dormant was analyzed using an Anthrone reagent. Visual observations and carbohydrate analyses revealed differences in damage and carbohydrate content among the scion/rootstock combinations, low-temperature treatments, and growth stages. The MC combination had minimum visual damage to leaves, buds, and flowers and significantly lower soluble sugars and starch in bark phloem as well as significantly lower soluble sugars in woody tissue xylem. The KG combination had maximum visual damage and significantly higher soluble sugars and starches in the bark, and soluble sugars in the woody tissues. These results indicate the MC combination is more tolerant to spring freeze damage at all three growth stages compared to the other two pecan scion/rootstock combinations. The results also demonstrate the MC combination is using more non-structural carbohydrates, soluble sugars and starches, suggesting this is a possible mechanism in its freeze tolerance.

Improving environmental efficiency of gas purification by low-temperature treatment

This paper discusses low-temperature gas purification to improve environmental efficiency. Modern methods of gas cooling are also considered. A mathematical model is proposed for changing the parameters of an ideal gas when flowing through an opening - a Laval nozzle. A graph of the temperature of the gas at the outlet of the Laval nozzle is plotted at a different pressure ratio at the inlet and outlet of the nozzle. The conclusion was made based on the obtained values.

Effect of low-temperature oxidation and heat treatment under vacuum on the Al-Be interdiffusion process.

The oxidation of the Be/Al and Al/Be bilayer thin film systems deposited by magnetron sputtering have been studied by photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both systems are oxidized according to the Cabrera-Mott model in the air. A Be/BeO/Al/Al2O3 structure is formed, with aluminium represented as localized nanocrystals. The thickness of the beryllium in the Al/Be system and the formed beryllium oxide is not enough to prevent the diffusion of aluminium ions under the influence of the Mott potential, and as a result, the surface layer is a mixture of beryllium and aluminium oxides. The effect of oxidation processes on the intermixing of non-interacting metals in a bilayer nanostructure has been shown for the first time. Annealing of the Be/Al bilayer leads to beryllium diffusion to the surface and the reduction of aluminium oxide, which leads to the destruction of the bilayer structure. In the Al/Be system in the range up to 200 °C, additional beryllium oxide is formed with increasing temperature, and the rest of the metallic beryllium diffuses into the aluminium layer. Based on studies, we conclude that multilayer Al/Be nanostructures have potentially low thermal stability, which requires the use of barrier layer techniques to limit interdiffusion.

THE ANALYSIS OF THE SELECTED BIOACTIVE PARAMETERS OF BLACK GARLIC PREPARED IN THE SHORT FERMENTATION MODE

Background. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is characterized by many health-promoting properties due to the presence of sulfur compounds, including allillin, S-allyllocysteine and the high content of polyphenolic compounds. In order to eliminate specific organoleptic characteristics – unfavorable from some consumers’ point of view, garlic can be subjected to a special, low-temperature heat treatment, referred to as aging. This process results in the hydrolysis of poly- and oligosaccharides (fructans) with the participation of intracellular enzymes (fermentation) and the formation of Maillard reaction products (condensation of sugars with amines). As a result, the color, consistency, taste and smell of the final product change and the so-called black garlic is obtained. The aim of the study was to compare the antioxidant properties and the level of total polyphenols, saccharide profile, the content of selected B vitamins and released amino acids of two varieties of raw and black garlic. The experiments were carried out with the use of a commercial short-term fermentation unit from TIROSS. The process was carried out at 70 °C for 192 hours. The amo unt of released amino acids was determined by the ninhydrin method, the content of polyphenols was found using the Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent,antioxidant properties were specified using DPPH free radical and the content of vitamin B and saccharide profile by HPLC. Results and conclusions. The results obtained indicate not only an increase in antioxidant activity, the sum of polyphenols and riboflavin, but also a decrease in the level of free amino acids and thiamine in the garlic obtained after the aging process. The project is in line with a global trend related to the nutrition model oriented towards a vegan diet and the search for new, health-promoting ingredients or recipes based on raw materials with already pre-confirmed attributes as ingredients of functional food.

Single step eco-efficient mild chemical process for the total valorisation of rice husk: a focus on the inorganics as a cement additive.

The rice husk biomass remaining from the industrial processing of rice constitutes approximately 25 wt% of the edible rice produced, and its disposal is challenging due to its high silica content. Here, we describe the optimization of a single step innovative chemical process for the conversion of rice husk-based biomass into useable products which tackles all fractions of the input biomass. The chemical process consists of a single step hydrothermal low temperature treatment of rice husk biomass leading to three easy-to-recover fractions. With appropriate chemical treatments, each of these fractions can serve specific applications effectively, overcoming the issues present in the original biomass. This paper will present the treatment method and the optimization of chemical conditions for ideal fractionation as well as include the characterization of the recovered materials. Additionally, the paper will explore the use of one of these materials-the inorganic precipitate fraction (P), which is rich in calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phase-as an additive to promote C-S-H nucleation in cementitious materials. The process also yields a liquid fraction (S) rich in sugars and soluble inorganic species, and a fibrous fraction (HR) containing lignin and cellulose residues. All these components were characterized to assess their suitability for potential applications. A detailed study on the application of these materials in the fields of plant biology and polymer science will be presented in (a) subsequent publication(s). The three fractions were characterized by a multi-technique approach involving PXRD, XRF, TGA/DSC, Electron microscopy and NMR. The above chemical process can be extended to any straw and husk-based cereal crops (wheat or barley), broadening and strengthening the bio-based industries and improving the circularity of food-related byproducts.

A N-doped carbon substrate makes the Ru-Co alloy an efficient electrocatalyst for pH-universal seawater splitting.

Designing electrocatalysts for seawater splitting remains challenging. A Ru-Co alloy supported by an N-doped carbon substrate catalyst has been designed using etching and a low-temperature treatment method. Studies show that the superior performance of this catalyst is related to the hollow-structured N-doped carbon frame and surface reconstruction of the Ru-Co alloy.

The Effect of Temperature and Concentration Edible Coating of Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe Vera L.) to The Shelf Life and Sensory of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Momotaro)

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Momotaro) with a creeping growth or indeterminate type generally grown in the highlands have high economic value. Momotaro tomatoes were classified as climacteric fruits that are easily damaged after harvest. So, it is necessary to do low-temperature treatment and edible Aloe vera gel coating to extend shelf life and sensory. This research aims to determine the effect of low-temperature storage and the concentration of aloe vera gel edible coating, which can extend the shelf life and sensory of Momotaro tomatoes. This study used a complete randomized design of the nested pattern, with treatment edible coating aloe vera gel consisting of 3 concentrations, namely control treatment (without coating), concentration coating 50%, concentration coating 100% nested in temperatures 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, and room temperature (27°C). Conclusions from results showed that the temperature treatment of 10°C and the edible coating treatment of aloe vera gel with a concentration of 50% nested at 10°C, have better results in extending the shelf life and sensory of Momotaro tomatoes to more than 30 days because the maturity level of Momotaro tomatoes has not yet reached its chemical peak. The temperature treatment and concentration of aloe vera coating positively contribute to extending the shelf life and sensory of Momotaro tomatoes.

Effects of tannin acid impregnated pretreatment on dimensional stability and chemical composition of heat-treated Chinese fir

Abstract Thermal treatment is an effective method for improving the dimensional stability of wood; however, it typically requires high temperatures. To achieve low-temperature heat treatment, this study employed wood samples impregnated with 10 % tannin acid (TA) and examined their changes in dimensional stability and chemical components after heat treatment at various initial moisture content levels. The results revealed that the TA-10 %-HT group exhibited enhanced dimensional stability. Specifically, both the tangential and radial moisture swelling decreased by 21.7 % and 11.8 %, respectively. FTIR and XRD analysis indicated that the presence of tannin acid catalytically facilitated the degradation of hemicellulose. Moreover, an increase in moisture content resulted in the ionization of TA, amplifying acidity and further affecting cellulose degradation. TGA demonstrated that TA impacted the thermal stability of heat-treated materials by lowering the initial decomposition temperature of wood components and increasing the residual weight of wood. Overall, pretreatment with TA impregnation and moisture content significantly improved the dimensional stability of Chinese fir wood and altered its chemical composition. This approach holds considerable potential for enhancing wood properties through a low-energy consumption method during the heat treatment process, expanding the practical application of wood.