Optimum Temperature Research Articles

Identifikasi Mikroplastik Jenis Polystyrene (PS) Menggunakan Metode Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO)

Polystyrene (PS) microplastics from styrofoam waste are persistent contaminants that are difficult to degrade naturally in aquatic environments and require effective extraction methods for analysis and mitigation. This study aims to determine the optimal conditions of Fe(II) concentration and heating temperature in the Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) method for extracting PS microplastics, as well as to identify their functional groups and elemental composition. The method involved treating polluted water samples using WPO solution consisting of Fe(II) as a catalyst and 30% H₂O₂ as an oxidizing agent, with Fe(II) concentrations of 0.075 M, 0.1 M, and 0.125 M, and heating temperatures of 60°C, 75°C, and 90°C. Microplastic identification was conducted using FTIR and XRF instruments. The results showed that the optimal Fe(II) concentration was 0.125 M, yielding 1.27 grams of microplastics, while the optimal temperature was 60°C, yielding 2.58 grams of microplastics. FTIR characterization confirmed the presence of characteristic PS functional groups, including C-H bending of the benzene ring at 753.22 cm⁻¹ and aliphatic C-H stretching at 2919.27 cm⁻¹, which were also detected in samples from enclosed environments. XRF analysis under optimal conditions indicated that the elemental composition of the extracted microplastics was not entirely pure due to residual contaminants. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the WPO method for extracting PS microplastics under optimized operational conditions.

Enhancing activity and stability of a GH8 chitosanase through conserved N-terminal and peripheral residue mutations for bioactive chitooligosaccharide production.

Enhancing activity and stability of a GH8 chitosanase through conserved N-terminal and peripheral residue mutations for bioactive chitooligosaccharide production.

Mechanistic insights into oxychar' s role in mitigating ammonia volatilization from fertilised alkaline soils.

Mitigating ammonia (NH3) volatilization from fertilised alkaline soils is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and safeguarding public health. In this study, "oxychar" was prepared from an agricultural waste via a low-temperature partial-oxidation (LTPO) process under oxygen-sufficient environment. The optimum modification temperature was 220°C for a duration of 3h, yielding a maximum NH3 uptake of 76.4mg/g by oxychar. The enhanced adsorption capacity and stability are attributed to the increased surface oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs) that act as adsorption sites, as well as the presence of ultra-micropores that facilitate effective trapping. When applying optimised oxychar to 21-day incubation studies, it is found that cumulative NH3 volatilization is reduced by 76.3%-91.6% with oxychar application rates of 1%-3%, compared to urea treatments. Soil property and microbial community analyses further indicate that oxychar promotes the hydrolysis of urea and the reduction of nitrate to ammonium by dissimilation (DNRA) processes while inhibiting nitrification by modulating microbial communities, resulting in higher ammonium and lower nitrate levels in soil compared to urea treatment. However, the enriched ammonium cannot volatilize freely due to the chemisorption of ammonium and NH3 by oxychar via ionic and covalent bonds, respectively. Introducing oxychar to soil could be a promising approach to mitigate NH3 volatilization from fertilised soil to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.

Biodegradation of crude oil by newly enriched biosurfactant-producing bacterial consortium.

Biodegradation of crude oil by newly enriched biosurfactant-producing bacterial consortium.

Determining the optimal hydrothermal synthesis temperature and manganese percentage in the NiCoMn ternary-metal oxide deposited on nickel foam for pseudocapacitor applications

Determining the optimal hydrothermal synthesis temperature and manganese percentage in the NiCoMn ternary-metal oxide deposited on nickel foam for pseudocapacitor applications

Optimal transition temperature maps of thermotropic glazing in a reference office room of China considering the building performance

Optimal transition temperature maps of thermotropic glazing in a reference office room of China considering the building performance

Recycling and regenerating of spent ternary cathode in lithium-ion battery via the corn straw-induced thermal reduction.

Recycling and regenerating of spent ternary cathode in lithium-ion battery via the corn straw-induced thermal reduction.

Development and Evaluation of a Rapid Visualisation Detection Method for Ameson portunus Based on RPA-LFD.

The Ameson portunus is a prevalent pathogen affecting Portunus trituberculatus, which can infect P. trituberculatus and cause albinism, seriously damaging its economic value. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an efficient detection platform to rapidly and sensitively identify A. portunus. In this study, we have developed a method known as recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow dipstick (RPA-LFD) for the swift detection of A. portunus. Three sets of specific primer pairs and a probe were designed according to the spore wall protein (SWP) sequence of A. portunus, in which one of the primer pair (ApSWP-F1/R1) showed the best amplification effects. The optimal reaction temperature was ultimately determined to be 39°C and the optimal reaction time was set at 10 min after careful optimisation of both variables. The sensitivity of the RPA-LFD method was better than that of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with a limit of 1.71 × 10-4 ng/μL. This RPA-LFD detection method has good specificity for the detection of A. portunus, and tests for other parasites such as Zschokkella ophiocephali, Myxobolus drjagini, Myxidium lieberkuhni and Pelteobagrus fulvidraeo are negative. The above results show that the RPA-LFD detection method of A. portunus established in this study has strong specificity, high sensitivity, simple operation and visual results, which can be widely used for rapid detection on site.

Influence of vapothermal and hydrothermal pre-treatment on anaerobic degradability of lignocellulosic biomass.

Influence of vapothermal and hydrothermal pre-treatment on anaerobic degradability of lignocellulosic biomass.

Crystal structure and biochemical characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase isolated from Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705.

Crystal structure and biochemical characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase isolated from Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705.

Assessment of thermal characteristics in diverse lithium-ion battery enclosures and their influence on battery performance

Battery technology is an emerging research domain within the automotive sector, with a focus on various battery chemistries such as Li-ion, LiFePO4, NMC, and NaCl, as well as specialized cells like LiSOCl2. These chemistries are crucial in advancing electric vehicle (EV) battery technology. Batteries are available in different packaging formats, including prismatic, cylindrical, and pouch designs, each tailored to diverse operational environments. This study investigates the impact of these various battery packages on overall battery performance. Additionally, it assesses the influence of temperature on battery efficiency, aiming to identify the optimal temperature range for maximum performance. A significant part of the research focuses on the development of efficient battery thermal management (BTM) systems, which are designed to control and maintain battery temperature within the desired range, thereby enhancing efficiency. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights for improving the reliability and efficiency of EV batteries. These findings are crucial for ensuring optimal battery performance and safety across different field conditions. Automotive manufacturers and battery suppliers can leverage these insights to refine their product designs, ensuring the dependability and safety of EV batteries. By enhancing battery performance through improved packaging and effective thermal management, this research contributes significantly to the advancement of EV technology, making electric vehicles more reliable and efficient for consumers.

Enhancing cryo-enzymatic efficiency in cold-adapted lipase from Psychrobacter sp. C18 via site-directed mutagenesis.

Enhancing cryo-enzymatic efficiency in cold-adapted lipase from Psychrobacter sp. C18 via site-directed mutagenesis.

Heatwave conditions increase the toxicity of phthalates in marine organisms.

Heatwave conditions increase the toxicity of phthalates in marine organisms.

Optimization of Ultrasound-assisted Extraction of Total Carotenoids from Orange Coral "Astroides calycularis" by Response Surface Methodology

Introduction: Non-optimized extraction conditions can lead to loss, degradation, and modification of biomolecules. In this study, we investigated the influence of various factors on the extraction yield and antioxidant activity of total carotenoids from orange coral Astroides calycularis. Materials and Methods: Total carotenoid yields were compared using eleven different solvent systems, with acetone demonstrating the highest extraction efficiency. Subsequently, we explored the impact of extraction time, temperature, acetone concentration, liquid-matter ratio, the addition of a synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxytoluene), and ultrasonic power on total carotenoids' yield and antioxidant capacities, employing experimental designs based on Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken methodologies. Results and Discussion: Under the different extraction conditions, total carotenoid yields exhibited a remarkable range from 2.43 mg/g to 28.12 mg/g. Additionally, the antioxidant activity saw significant enhancements from 30.68% to 57.76% for the ABTS assay and from 14.34% to 44.34% for the DPPH assay, respectively. Ultrasound extraction yielded higher carotenoid levels (25.90 mg/g vs. 10.65 mg/g in microwaves) and better antioxidant activity (IC50 values: 0.19 ± 0.002 mg/mL for ABTS, 0.35 ± 0.009 mg/mL for DPPH) compared to microwave extraction. The interplay between extraction time and temperature emerged as pivotal, with increased time initially boosting yields and optimal temperatures expediting extractions within shorter durations. Higher solvent concentrations and appropriate solvent-to-sample ratios also played a significant role in enhancing carotenoid migration. Conclusion: By optimizing extraction conditions, researchers can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of natural product isolation processes, thus facilitating further exploration and utilization of these valuable bioactive compounds.

Regeneration Potential of Eggshell Adsorbent on Spent Vegetable Oil: A Mean to Achieving Global Sustainability

The regeneration potential of activated eggshell adsorbent (AESA) on spent vegetable oils (SVOs) is a promising approach to realizing global sustainability. Eggshell, which are typically discarded, was converted into an effective adsorbent in removing impurities from spent vegetable oil. This involved the cleaning and drying of eggshell followed by pulverization and chemical treatment for better modification, and improved adsorption capacity. Batch adsorption method was adopted at dosage range of 4 to 20 g at 4 g interval, and optimum time and temperature of 80 min and 50 oC respectively. Oil and adsorbents were mixed using magnetic stirrer and heated for 80 minutes at 50 oC. The adsorbent was separated from the oil by filtration of hot suspension on Buchner’s funnel with filter paper in a vacuum at (10-15 mm Hg) for 2 hours. The cool filtrates were stored in sealed bottles for further analysis. The results revealed that at the optimum dosage of 16 g, the percentage recovery of free fatty acids (FFA) and peroxide (PO) was 91.63 and 87.11 % respectively. The adsorbent was able to turn the dark brown colour of SVOs to golden brown, and the objectionable odour becomes less objectionable. Overall, the adsorbent was able to regenerate the SVOs close to the original status, thereby providing an innovative solution that contributes to global sustainability, by reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting circular economy.

Internet of Things-Based Real-Time Thermal Monitoring: Utilizing the Affordable MLX90640 Thermal Camera and the Industrial MAX6675 Thermocouple Module with a Linear Regression Characterization Method

Thermal monitoring is essential for preventive maintenance to ensure that electrical and mechanical devices operate safely within their optimal temperature range. This research developed a temperature monitoring system comprising an MLX90640 thermal camera and four type-K thermocouples, all integrated with the MAX6675 module and connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) system. The characterization of the temperature sensors uses an industrial thermogun to determine their ideal distance and accuracy with the linear regression method. The optimal distance for the thermal camera from the heat source is 15 cm, but the proper distance for the type-K thermocouple sensor at the MAX6675 module is direct contact with the heat source surface. The evaluation of the monitoring system involved assessing the temperature of two distinct items within a temperature spectrum, ranging from 36°C to 48°C and from 36°C to 96°C. The data from the array sensor system indicate a high degree of accuracy in relative sensor measurements, exhibiting few mistakes. The sensor's relative measurement error was relatively small: 1.29% for thermal camera MLX90640, 1.83% for thermocouple 1, 0.9% for thermocouple 2, 1.04% for thermocouple 3, and 1.9% for thermocouple 4. The advance of this IoT-integrated monitoring system is developed using the MING Stack environment (MQTT, InfluxDB, Node-RED, and Grafana), a popular collection of open-source technologies used for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. The results indicate that the system can efficiently monitor temperature; the dashboard provides real-time insights and historical data analysis, allowing users to make informed decisions regarding temperature management.

Biological Characteristics and Fungicide Screening of Bipolaris oryzae Causing Leaf Spot on Banana in China

Foliar diseases caused by various fungi severely affect the yield and quality of banana crops. This study was conducted to clarify the biological characteristics of Bipolaris oryzae (teleomorph: Cochliobolus miyabeanus), a pathogen reported in 2023 as a new etiological agent of leaf spot in the banana variety ‘Pisang Mas’ (Musa acuminata, AA group) in Hainan Province, China, and to screen effective fungicides for its control. The results indicated that banana leaf extract agar (BLEA) and cornmeal agar (CMA) were the best media for the growth and sporulation of the pathogen, respectively. The pathogen grew best on a Czapek’s agar (CZA) medium with sucrose as a carbon source and yeast extract as a nitrogen source, while the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for sporulation were lactose and beef extract, respectively. The pathogen could grow within a temperature range from 5 °C to 35 °C, and the optimal temperatures for growth and sporulation were 30 °C and 25 °C, respectively. Exposure to 50 °C for 10 min was lethal. Additionally, the pathogen could grow and sporulate within pH ranges of 4 to 10 and 4 to 9, respectively, and the optimal pH values for growth and sporulation were 5 and 8, respectively. The optimal photoperiods for growth and sporulation were 16 h light/8 h dark and 24 h light, respectively. Among the 12 tested fungicides, 500 g/L of iprodione SC showed the highest toxicity against B. oryzae, with an EC50 value of 0.08 μg/mL, followed by 30% difenoconazole-azoxystrobin SC and 125 g/L of epoxiconazole SC, with EC50 values of 0.13 μg·mL−1 and 0.20 μg/mL, respectively. A fungicide containing 40% chlorothalonil SC had the poorest fungicidal activity, with an EC50 value of 155.98 μg/mL. An artificial inoculation pot experiment showed that 125 g/L of epoxiconazole SC at 250 μg/mL, 500 g/L of iprodione SC at 1667 μg/mL, and 30% difenoconazole-azoxystrobin SC at 250 μg/mL provided a protective control efficacy of 100% against B. oryzae, while 125 g/L of epoxiconazole SC at 250 μg/mL and 500 g/L of iprodione SC at 1667 μg/mL provided a curative control efficacy of greater than 60%. This study clarified the optimal conditions for the mycelial growth and sporulation of B. oryzae isolated from banana and screened out fungicides with effective inhibitory activities. These results can provide guidance for field applications and the management of leaf spot caused by B. oryzae in banana.

Analysis of the Lead Refining Method Using Aluminum

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the processes occurring during the refining of lead with aluminum, by analyzing and studying ternary Pb-(M)-Al systems, where M is one of the following metals: Sb, As, Se, Cu or Ni, which are the main contaminants of secondary lead from recycling waste lead-acid batteries. The Pb-Sb-Ca system, crucial for removing antimony while retaining tin, was also analyzed. The research included analysis of 2- and 3-component phase systems simulated, process kinetics under laboratory conditions for pure ternary systems, and chemical and phase composition analysis. Phase analysis showed the presence of permanent aluminum compounds such as AlSb, AlAs, Al2Se3, Al3Ni and phases with copper in the dross. In addition to the direct association of aluminum with a given contaminant, aluminum oxides such as Al0.5Sb0.5O2 and AlAsO4 as well as calcium oxide with antimony Ca4Sb2O7 were also found in the dross. On the basis of the tests carried out, 680 °C was considered the optimal temperature for starting the refining process, with the amount of aluminum that was approx. The research provides new scientific data toward more efficient secondary lead refining technologies relevant to recycling waste lead-acid batteries and producing lead-tin alloys for the battery industry. Graphical Abstract

Impact of climate-driven changes in temperature on stomatal anatomy and physiology.

Climate-driven changes in temperature are likely to have major implications for plant performance including impacts on stomatal conductance (gs), gaseous exchange, photosynthesis, leaf temperature and plant water use. Stomatal conductance is not only vital for carbon assimilation but also plays a key role in maintaining optimum leaf temperatures for cellular processes. Higher gs facilitates both CO2 uptake and enhanced evaporative leaf cooling, however, most likely at the cost of greater water loss and lower water-use efficiency. Lower gs helps to maintain overall plant water status but at the expense of C uptake with reduced evaporative cooling which, at elevated temperatures, could be lethal. It is therefore important for gs to balance these competing demands; however, with rapid changes in temperature due to climate change, stomatal engineering may be required to ensure that this balance is achieved and different strategies for different crops in different environments may be needed. Here, we review current knowledge of stomatal anatomical and behavioural responses to temperature-driven changes, focusing on both rising temperatures and extreme heat events and potential genetic targets for manipulation of relevant stomatal characteristics.This article is part of the theme issue 'Crops under stress: can we mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and launch the 'Resilience Revolution'?'.

Recombinant expression and characterization of a neutral xyloglucanase MtXG from Mycothermus thermophilus.

Xyloglucanase cleaves the β-1,4-glycosidic bond in xyloglucan and has been used in the food, feed, and paper industries. This study presents the cloning, heterologous expression, and characterization of a neutral xyloglucanase, designated as MtXG, derived from the thermophilic fungus Mycothermus thermophilus. The recombinant MtXG enzyme expressed in Pichia pastoris exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.0 and 75 ℃, demonstrating remarkable stability over a broad range of pH (4.0 to 7.5) and temperature (up to 60℃ for 2h). Furthermore, MtXG demonstrated high specificity towards xyloglucan and showed varying degrees of tolerance to various metal ions, with notable resistance to Zn²⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mn²⁺, and Na⁺. The removal of the linker and carbohydrate-binding module from MtXG significantly affected its enzymatic properties, including a reduction in optimal pH and temperature but improved pH and temperature stabilities. Notably, the addition of MtXG to a commercial cellulase preparation resulted in a significant enhancement of reducing sugar yield from tobacco leaves, indicating its potential to facilitate the enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass for industrial applications. This study highlights the unique properties of MtXG and its potential as a valuable tool for lignocellulose bioconversion processes.