Raw Materials Research Articles

Theoretical Calculation and Experimental Studies of Boron Phosphide Polycrystalline Synthesized at High Pressure and High Temperature

In this study, a combination of theoretical calculations and experiments were carried out to analyze boron phosphide materials. Amorphous boron powder and amorphous red phosphorus were used as raw materials to directly synthesize the target samples in one step under high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Theoretical calculations were then carried out based on the XRD spectra of boron phosphide at 4 GPa and 1200 °C. The experimental results show that the target samples can be successfully prepared at HPHT. The electrical properties of the samples were characterized, and it was found that their conductivity increased with the increase in temperature, and they have a semiconducting nature, which is consistent with the theoretical calculations. Its Seebeck coefficient is positive at different temperatures, indicating that the synthesized boron phosphide is a P-type semiconductor. The combination of theoretical calculations and experiments shows that high pressure can reduce the lattice constant of boron phosphide, thus reducing its forbidden bandwidth, which improves its electrical properties. EDS shows a homogeneous distribution of the elements in the samples. Successful synthesis of BP crystals will probably stimulate more research into its semiconductor properties. It may also provide some assistance in the application of BP in aero-engine high-temperature monitoring systems as well as thermally controlled coatings for deep-space probes.

Review on Mitigation of 3 MCPDE and GE by Level Selection

3-MCPD ester and GE are vegetable oil contaminants. 3-MCPD esters affect kidneys and male reproductive organs, while GE is a genotoxin. Oil-producers. The mitigation of the culprit 3-MCDP ester and GE can be accomplished by 3 levels: (i) By selection of suitable raw materials, (ii) by modification of conventional refining process such as using less acid condition, deodorization at low temperature and short duration, use water degumming etc, (iii) Through the use of an enzyme and other adsorbent materials on refined oil. The purpose of this review was to present a synopsis of the factors that contribute to the production of 3-MCPD and GE, as well as mitigation measures for reducing their occurrence. So, the oil palm business needs to fix these problems and figure out how to meet the requirements of national and international food laws, acts, rules, and standards. Our nation's and the world's palm oil industries may thank level 3 research for helping them survive.

Banana Peel Bar: An Effective Nutritional Supplement

Every year a lot of kitchen waste is generated, mainly fruit and vegetable peels. The increasing population increases the demand for raw materials and thus impact the generation of this waste. The large amount of waste gets dumped into dumping grounds, causing various airborne and waterborne diseases. The peels of vegetables and fruits can result as nutritional components of food or medicinal components of pharmaceutical products, as they contain various phytochemicals and nutrients. This research looks upon such a beneficial and cost-effective element that is Banana peels. Banana peels have been used since ancient times due to their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and fibre-rich properties. Banana peel is the core component of our nutritive bar along with various beneficial components like dates, rice flakes, germinated wheat, magaj (Watermelon seeds), and charoli seeds (Cuddapah almond) which provide an additional and balanced nutrient value to our nutritive bar. Why a nutritive bar? Nutritive bars are a balanced source of nutrients that fills the satiety and are also cost-effective so that the common man can affordably purchase them. Keywords: Banana peel, Nutritive bar, Nutrition supplement, Fruit waste, Peel bar.

Optimization of the ductile properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) using green citrate-based plasticizers and itaconic anhydride grafted PLA (PLA-g-IA).

Optimization of the ductile properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) using green citrate-based plasticizers and itaconic anhydride grafted PLA (PLA-g-IA).

Improving the safety of pindang, a traditional fish product from Indonesia: case study from Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi District, West Java Province, Indonesia

Pindang is a popular traditional fish product in Indonesia that has been produced for decades. Scombroid fish such as tuna, mackerel, and scad, which have a naturally high level of histidine, are commonly used to make pindang. Hence, improper handling and processing can lead to the accumulation of histamine, potentially causing health issues. Due to uncertainty or limited availability of fresh fish, many pindang producers use frozen fish as an alternative raw material. Reports implicate pindang as a major causative agent of HFP outbreaks in Indonesia. However, detailed investigation on how histamine is formed during pindang processing needs to be updated based on current processing conditions. This study investigated the existing practices of pindang production in Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi District, West Java Province, Indonesia; evaluated potential critical control points (CCPs) of histamine production; and identified strategies to improve the safety of pindang. Fresh Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and frozen Eastern Little tuna (Euthynnus sp.) were used as raw materials for pindang processing. Results showed that pindang made from fresh fish generally had lower histamine levels compared to those made from frozen fish. Improper handling, especially abusive temperatures and time delays during fish thawing, was identified as the main causes of histamine formation during pindang processing. Therefore, to reduce the risk of histamine formation, a temperature-controlled circulated thawing system could be used. This finding can help pindang producers improve the safety of their products and ensure compliance with national and international food safety standards.

Crafting Digital Pathways

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected various facets of society in Indonesia, with the business sector, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), facing considerable challenges. A notable transformation brought about by the pandemic is the rapid integration of social media by MSMEs. The global lockdowns and movement restrictions disrupted supply chains, impacting raw material procurement, production, and distribution processes, resulting in substantial operational delays. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media adoption on the performance of MSMEs within the fashion sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing the technological, organizational, and environmental framework, encompassing antecedent factors for analyzing social media adoption in MSMEs, the research utilizes purposive sampling and quantitative methods involving 266 MSME owners in Jakarta. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling software for data analysis, the results of hypothesis testing reveal a positive influence of organizational impact and social media adoption on MSME performance.

Is Contract Farming Fair For Smallholder Farmers? A Case Study From India

This article develops a theoretical lens and conceptual framework to measure fairness in contract farming from the perspective of smallholder farmers. By employing concepts from “fairness theory,” “network analysis and exchange theory,” and “responsible contract farming,” 24 indicators are identified for measuring fairness. Using mixed methods research, two phases of fieldwork were conducted in the potato-producing districts of Hooghly and Bankura. In the first phase, 12 focus group discussions were conducted with 90 contract farmers and 31 key informant interviews with PepsiCo intermediaries. In the second phase, a household survey was conducted, covering information from 130 contract and 133 non-contract potato farmers. The study revealed a lack of fairness in contract farming arrangements, failing to meet majority-of-fairness measures. PepsiCo influences contract negotiations related to pricing and quality, with intermediaries following their directives and leaving farmers without a say. Further, intermediaries control farmers over pricing, input provision, quality standards, and rejections. This article argues that contract farming enables corporations to control agriculture through intermediaries, ensuring a steady supply of quality raw materials from a class of needy and highly dependent small farmers.

Penguatan Legalitas UMK di Desa Tlontoraja melalui Pendampingan Sertifikasi Halal

Tlontoraja Village, Pasean District, Pamekasan Regency is one of the villages where the majority of the people are entrepreneurs in making products based on marine raw materials, such as petis, crackers, and rengginang. This type of entrepreneurship is classified as a micro and small enterprise (MSE). The free halal certification program for MSE products created by the government is not yet known to business actors in this village. Therefore, existing MSEs do not have halal certificates. The aim of this service activity was to socialize the halal certification program and provide assistance in its management. The method applied in the service is conducting outreach and discussions about halal certification, and then identifying MSEs who are willing to be accompanied in processing halal certificates. The result of the service that has been carried out is the socialization of the free halal certification program for MSEs delivered by the Halal Product Process (PPH) companion from the Agribusiness Study Program. Students have assisted in processing halal certification requirements, uploading documents to the halal website, and the MSEs accompanied have received halal certificates.

The Impact of Proximate Composition of Cow Dung on the Rate of Methane Production in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

Organic loading influences the effectiveness of producing biogas through anaerobic digestion. This study set out to evaluate the proximate composition of cow dung used for methane production in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The cow dung being the raw material for the production of biogas was obtained from Lafia Abattoir, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and transported to the Biochemistry Division of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, for processing and proximate composition analysis. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that the moisture content of the cow dung was 66.55, the crude protein and crude fibre was 9.50 and 6.23 respectively. Nitrogen was 0.58 while carbon and NFE was 19.88 and 59.66. Calcium and Phosphorus had 0.16 and 0.07. In conclusion, the amount of proximate composition that is found in the cow dung substrate revealed a significant impact on the amount of methane that will be produced from the cow manure through anaerobic digestion. Also, in order to attain high and steady yield of gas production a number of factors like moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, Nitrogen, Carbon, Calcium and Phosphorus must be present in the waste materials used. The study recommends that More attention should be given to animal dung (Cow dung) as feedstock for anaerobic digestion plants that aids in biogas production, more studies be carried out at a larger scale in order to understand the effect of factors studied and other variables so as to determine the most effective environments for carrying out anaerobic digestion from cow dung and food waste.

Shear performance of single-layer unidirectional strand board (USB): modified testing methods

ABSTRACT Timber construction has gained significant attention as a sustainable solution to meet the increasing demand driven by population growth. However, climate-induced hazards like forest fires, coupled with the scarcity of high-quality round timber raw materials, pose challenges to the production of traditional engineered wood products. Therefore, strand-based materials like unidirectional strand board (USB) have been developed to address these challenges, by utilizing low-quality wood resources. Shear properties are vital for USB's use in wall and slab elements facing lateral loads. However, the variety of direct and indirect shear methods complicates the determination of reliable results. This study evaluates the shear performance of single-layer USB using modified panel and planar shear tests, with comparisons drawn to oriented strand board (OSB/4). Both modified methods effectively characterized material’s directional variability, with vertical or orthogonal shearing dominating the failure modes. The findings confirmed the orthotropic behavior of USB, with higher shear properties in the processing direction compared to the transversal direction. In addition, USB demonstrated comparable shear performance to OSB/4 in the panel and planar tests in the processing direction. Future research should investigate other mechanical and physical properties, as well as the suitable shear methods for multi-layer USBs to account for mass timber.

Modern Methods of Obtaining Synthetic Oil from Unconventional Hydrocarbon Raw Materials: Technologies, Catalysts, and Development Prospects

This article considers modern approaches to obtaining synthetic oil from unconventional hydrocarbon feedstocks, including plastic waste, tires, biomass, coal, and extra-heavy oil. Particular attention is paid to multi-stage technologies, such as pyrolysis, catalytic depolymerization, gasification followed by Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, and hydrocracking of heavy residues. The important role of catalysts in increasing the selectivity and economic efficiency of processes is noted: nanostructured, bifunctional, and pollution-resistant systems are increasingly used. Economic factors influencing the competitiveness of this industry are considered, including the volatility of prices for traditional oil, government support measures, and the development of waste logistics infrastructure. It is emphasized that the strengthening of the position of synthetic oil is associated with the growth of environmental requirements stimulating the recycling of plastics, tires, and biomass; at the same time, compliance with high environmental standards and transparency of emission control play a critical role in the social aspects of projects. In addition to improving the environmental situation, the development of synthetic oil contributes to the creation of jobs, the resolution of problems of shortage of classical oil fields, and the increase of energy security. It is concluded that further improvement of technologies and integration into industrial clusters can turn this sphere into a significant component of the future energy sector.

Predicting deformation kinetics and fractures propagation in coal-rock masses using acoustic emission testing

The formation of coalesced fractures critically alters the mechanical properties of the surrounding virgin material, significantly changing the stress distribution and deformation behavior of the rock mass. However, understanding the generation mechanism and accurate prediction of rock fracture growth remain challenging in many engineering projects. Despite, wide range of conventional approaches including field investigations, laboratory-scale tests, and numerical modeling, the complex geological conditions hinder their accurate determination. This study introduces a new robust and cost-effective holistic geophysical approach to determine fractures propagation and predict failure in coal-rock masses at laboratory scale applicable across scales. The proposed approach combines rock mechanics and Acoustic Emission (AE) testing systems to make useful correlation between AE source parameters and deformation kinetics. This correlation analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution of AE events to elucidate the evolution of fracture patterns in coal-rock specimens from a complex mining project. Results showed dense and complex fracturing networks within coal specimens due to higher density, compaction, and mechanical strength compared to rock samples. This is indicated by peak acoustic events at 80%–100% load versus minimal events at 0–15% load. Simulated fracture patterns closely matched observed acoustic events, identifying key lineaments (macro-cracks) representing the transition from microcracks to macro-fractures. The convergence of these lineaments indicated intensely deformed zones prone to failure, consistent with previous field investigations. Acoustic parameters describing critical damage revealed an inverse relationship between stress and AE event magnitude. At roughly 70% σmax, a dramatic fall is seen in acoustic parameters indicated the shift from small-scale to large-scale microfractures, ultimately leading to catastrophic failure of the samples. Furthermore, Single Link Cluster (SLC) analysis demonstrated strong correlation among AE events, spatial correlation length (ξ) and information entropy (H). Both increased significantly at the onset of loading and fluctuated in proximity to ultimate failure. Using the micro-crack density criterion and 3D-crack growth theory, changes in above parameters verified the cracks transformation process. These findings showed that, the proposed approach compared with the conventional approaches, can improve disaster control and management plans, predict critical failures, and save lives in global mining projects when applied to field-scale studies.

Exploring the effective components and mechanism of action of Sojae Semen Praeparatum against depressive disorder based on bioconfidence analysis.

Depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by significant and persistent low mood and cognitive impairments such as memory loss. Sojae Semen Praeparatum (SSP), a traditional Chinese medicine capable of dual use in food for medicinal purposes, can significantly reduce the level of inflammatory factors, but it is not clear whether SSP contains a component that produces an ameliorative effect on depressive disorder by acting on the Tryptophan-Kynurenine pathway (TK pathway). This study aimed to explore the material basis and mechanism of action of the TK pathway, combined with raw letter analysis and molecular docking methods. Through database screening, target comparison, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, protein-protein interaction analysis, molecular docking, and intermolecular force validation. Differential genes of 4588 clinical patients with depression were obtained through database screening, and 29 shared targets, such as the SKI protooncogene and PR domain-containing protein 16, were obtained by comparison with 295 targets in the existing disease database. Gene Ontology Annotation (GO annotation) and protein-protein interaction analysis using Metascape and String platforms revealed that they were mainly involved in biological processes, such as cell morphogenesis involved in neuron differentiation. Using molecular docking and intermolecular force validation, it was found that 10 components of tempeh, including caffeic acid, interacted with tryptophan, kynurenine, and ALG6 targets in the tryptophan-kynurenine signaling pathway through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions. It was determined that 10 ingredients, including caffeic acid in SSP, interact with tryptophan, kynurenine, and ALG6 targets through hydrogen bonding and other forces, thus producing relevant therapeutic effects.

Can recovered road sweeping wastes provide a soil or soil amendment alternative? An investigation of temporal variability of physico-chemical parameters.

By 2050, 90% of the Earth's topsoil is considered 'at risk' (according to the UN). Within the UK, more than 6 million hectares are at risk of compaction or erosion and soils remain one of the largest components of landfills (e.g. 28 million tonnes in 2016-55% of tonnage received). Hence, sustainable uses and solutions to maintain and restore soils are required. Street sweeping - a routine maintenance operation - handling diverse materials (e.g. grit, litter, leaves, glass, bitumen etc.), and thus containing potentially harmful elements, requiring landfill disposal (or incineration). However, with appropriate physico-chemical treatment, reclamation of gravel, sand, and fine residues (clay and silt) can be ensured. The latter making up approximately 30% of total solids collected, that could provide a 'circular economy' solution as soil or soil amendment, i.e. providing soil functions and essential ecosystem services (e.g. source of raw material, hosting biodiversity, carbon pool), thus, reducing the need for 'virgin material'. Consistent physical (e.g. moisture content, organic matter) parameters suggest 'good' soil properties, able to support plant growth. Chemical properties revealed 'urban' signature of contaminants, i.e. metal(loid) concentrations, whereas high levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), which in part, were attributed to treatment process chemicals. These were found to biodegrade by >70% during storage (using different remediation techniques). Although the material was outside of ranges to be certified as a top- or subsoil (BS 3882 or BS 8601), the suitability within 'public open space' (and 'commercial') surroundings was evident. This study provides the first long-term (over a 12-months period) physico-chemical characterisation of fine residues of recovered road sweeping material (or waste-derived material), following British Standards Institution (BSI) guidelines. Based on the determined characteristics, it aims to; (i) consider physico-chemical characteristics in an "urban soil" context (including temporal variability), to (ii) contextualise the material within soil British Standard specifications, e.g. for topsoil and subsoil, and (iii) evaluate their suitability for use as a soil/soil amendment in relation to human health screening values, e.g. 'soil guideline values' (SGVs), 'safety for use limits' (S4UL) and 'category 4 screening levels' (C4SL).

Lignocellulosics in an ionic liquid, 1-ethylpyridinium chloride: reaction behavior and ion adsorption properties of corresponding humins

Herein, we studied the reaction behavior of cellulose, Japanese beech (Fagus crenata), and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) in an ionic liquid, 1-ethylpyridinium chloride ([EtPy][Cl]), at 120 °C. Depolymerization occurred initially in all of the samples in a manner that formed low molecular weight compounds, followed by polymerization. The obtained polymers were black in color and ultraviolet-absorbing, and morphologically as well as chemically different from the raw materials, indicating that they were humins. These humins adsorbed cations in the order Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Cs+ > K+ > Na+, Li+. There was selectivity for adsorption of cations; cellulose-derived humins adsorbed Ca2+ particularly easily. The adsorptivity of humins was superior in the order cellulose-derived > beech-derived ≥ cedar-derived. The cation exchange capacity of cellulose-derived humins was higher than that of soil and comparable with that of natural zeolite, suggesting that humins obtained by [EtPy][Cl] treatment can be used as cation adsorbents.

Multi-wavelength emission nitrogen-doped carbon dots as fluorescent nanosensing platform for the detection of ascorbic acid and their application in bioimaging tracking.

Multi-wavelength emission nitrogen-doped carbon dots as fluorescent nanosensing platform for the detection of ascorbic acid and their application in bioimaging tracking.

Determination of the Inhibitory Potential of Chalcones on Myeloperoxidase Enzyme Activity: In vitro and Molecular Docking Studies.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a highly abundant hemoprotein in neutrophils and monocytes. It has a crucial function in immunological surveillance and the body's defensive systems. Nevertheless, there is a strong correlation between elevated MPO activity and the development and advancement of inflammatory processes. Chalcone derivatives serve as fundamental components of pharmaceutical raw materials, which have been extensively utilized for the treatment of several ailments. In this study, it was studied the effect of some chalchones on MPO activity. Chalcones (1-6) strongly inhibited MPO with IC50s in the micromolar range of 0.05-0.828 µM. In particular, 4,4'-difluorochalcone (3) exhibited the best MPO inhibitory impact with IC50 of 0.05 µM. Additionally, molecular docking experiments were conducted to predict the binding affinities and interactions of the chalcone derivatives with the MPO active site. The docking results revealed that all tested compounds exhibited favorable binding energies, with ΔG Vina values ranging from -7.6 to -8.4 kcal/mol. Compound 3 demonstrated the strongest binding affinity (-8.4 kcal/mol), forming key hydrogen bonds with Gln91 and His95, and halogen interactions with the fluorine atoms, which may account for its enhanced inhibitory activity. These combined in vitro and in silico results suggest that chalcone derivatives hold significant potential as therapeutic candidates targeting MPO.

Source Tracing of Raw Material Components in Wood Vinegar Distillation Process Based on Machine Learning and Aspen Simulation

Source Tracing of Raw Material Components in Wood Vinegar Distillation Process Based on Machine Learning and Aspen Simulation

The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Among Traditional Krajood (Lepironia articulata) Handicraft Workers: A Case Study in Southern Thailand

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are associated with awkward postures, causing health problems for workers. MSDs impact physical activity levels and decrease professional work capacity. The objective of this study is to investigate the ergonomic risks in a handicraft community enterprise group using Krajood as the main raw material. The sample group consisted of craftsmen who engage in woven bags, and it was selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected with a general information questionnaire, a risk assessment questionnaire for musculoskeletal disorders, and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) worksheet. The results indicate that musculoskeletal disorders were experienced by all the workers during the past year, with pain or discomfort in all 12 body parts. Moreover, most commonly, the pains were in the shoulders, upper back, lower back, and hands/wrists on both the left and the right side. The lower back exhibited a 100% prevalence of symptoms. The risk assessment by RULA indicated that the jobs had the highest possible total risk score at 7 points (45%), which needs to improve immediately. The top three high-risk work processes were the product line hammering steps, using a sewing machine to form the product, and the weaving and forming stage. Therefore, this study provides critical information for the craftsmen and their employers to improve workers’ health and production efficiency.

Exploring the tissue distribution propensity of active alkaloids in normal and stomach heat syndrome rats following oral administration of Zuojin Pill based on pharmacokinetics and mass spectrometry imaging.

Exploring the tissue distribution propensity of active alkaloids in normal and stomach heat syndrome rats following oral administration of Zuojin Pill based on pharmacokinetics and mass spectrometry imaging.