Refrigeration Temperature Research Articles

Stability of immunohaematological reagents used for blood typing of recipients in the tube technique.

The storage temperature of immunohaematological reagents generally ranges from 2 to 8°C, and they should be utilised at room temperature. This study aimed to analyse the stability of immunohaematological reagents used in ABO and RhD typing. The evaluation encompassed the potency, specificity, and integrity of anti-A, anti-B, anti-D, RhD control sera, and A1 and B red blood cells (RBC) reagents after long (8 h) and short (4 h) daily periods of exposure to room temperature (20-24°C), 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Additionally, the A1 and B RBC reagents were exposed daily for 11 h and 30 min at room temperature, including 30 more minutes at room temperature with simultaneous homogenisation through equipment. For the control, an aliquot of each reagent was constantly stored at refrigeration temperature, while another was exposed to room temperature for 12 h daily. Tests conducted included reaction intensity, titration, and avidity for antisera, reaction intensity, free haemoglobin determination, and electrical conductivity for the RBC reagents. The antisera maintained the reaction intensity. The titre and avidity of the antisera satisfied the minimum Brazilian requirements after different exposure periods. A higher free haemoglobin concentration was noted in the RBC reagents subjected to room temperature and simultaneous homogenisation, although this did not affect the potency and specificity. The electrical conductivity average of the RBC reagent remained consistent. The findings indicate that the immunohaematological reagents from a specific manufacturer are stable under the tested temperature, ensuring the quality of the results under these conditions.

Modeling the effects of ripening at refrigeration and ambient temperatures on physic-chemical and microbiological parameters of artisanal Minas cheese

This study aimed to assess the effects of ripening at refrigeration and ambient temperatures on physic-chemical and microbiological parameters of artisanal Minas cheeses (made from raw milk) and to model the kinetics of lactic acid bacteria – LAB, Escherichia coli – Ec, and coagulase-positive staphylococci – Sa along the ripening. Cheese pH, acidity, and moisture, fat, and protein contents were quantified, as well as LAB, Ec, and Sa concentrations. Richards and simplified Lotka-Volterra models were used to describe the microbial kinetic data. The fits were assessed by statistical indices, and the Monte-Carlo method was applied to identifiability analysis. Cheese moisture was reduced along the ripening, increasing protein concentration and acidity values. Cheese pH showed a reduction followed by an increase. LAB concentration increased to the stationary phase after a few days; Ec and Sa concentrations increased and then decreased due to interactions with LAB and low moisture content. Mathematical models successfully described the kinetics of LAB, Ec, and Sa in cheese throughout ripening. Most parameters were not correlated to each other and were estimated with narrow confidence intervals.

Energy, exergy, economic, and environmental compromising performance of dual-stage evaporation-ammonia hybrid compression–absorption refrigeration system for the cooling supply of keto-benzene dewaxing process

Absorption refrigeration systems driven by low-temperature waste heat is one way to achieve “carbon neutrality”. Meanwhile, the keto-benzene dewaxing equipment needs cooling capacity of 5 MW which refrigeration temperature of –10 °C and –25 °C. This paper researches the feasibility of DSE-AHCARS (Dual-stage Evaporation-Ammonia Hybrid Compression-Absorption Refrigeration System) replacing the vapor compression refrigeration system for keto-benzene dewaxing process based on 4E (Energy, Exergy, Economic, and Environmental) analysis. At the primary and secondary stage evaporation temperature of 0 and –23 °C, COP reaches the maximum value of 0.85. However, COP-Electricity reaches the minimum value of 8.1. When the secondary stage refrigeration temperature is –23 °C, CO2 emission increases from 1150 t·a–1 to 3600 t·a–1, and Life Cycle Climate Performance increases from 3.29×104 tons to 7.7×104 tons with the primary stage refrigeration temperature is –15 °C to 0 °C. As well as matching three parameters to ensure the 4E compromising performance by the multi-objective optimization. To guarantee the Life Cycle Climate Performance is less than 5.5×104 tons, the payback period is less than 2 yr, and COP is greater than 0.6 at the optimal operation ranges that refrigeration temperature difference between primary stage and secondary stage is within 20 °C. The power of DSE-AHCARS was reduced by 77% compared with the vapor compression refrigeration system. Therefore, the DSE-AHCARS can reduce CO2 emissions by about 6250 t·a–1 and save 1.2×105 tons of CO2 in the Life Cycle Climate Performance term. This result shows that the DSE-AHCARS can completely replace the vapor compression refrigeration system.

Milk Spoilage Model Predicts that Share Tables Would Not Meaningfully Increase Spoilage and Improved Storage Systems Can Reduce Spoilage

School share tables offer opportunities for food recovery and increased access to healthy foods by allowing students to donate or consume unopened items, such as cartons of milk. However, stakeholders have concerns about temperature abuse potentially causing premature milk spoilage. While previous research showed short ambient temperature abuse of milk (under conditions representing share tables) does not meaningfully impact microbial milk quality, differences across school cafeterias (e.g., ambient temperatures, storage systems, bell schedules, refrigeration temperature) may limit the generalizability of this conclusion. To address this, the overnight refrigeration temperature and the milk's initial contamination were predicted to be the main drivers for milk spoilage. Share tables were predicted to only cause inconsequential microbial quality changes (4 spoiled milk per million served, which would be ≤2 milk cartons spoiled per school year) under short and medium bell schedules (≤125 min of total service), even without temperature control during the lunch period. Under long (221 min) and very long (266 min) bell schedules, share tables with ambient temperature storage were predicted to have higher milk spoilage (19 and 42 spoiled milk cartons per million served, respectively), and adding storage systems was predicted to reduce the decline in milk quality (12 and 24 spoiled milk cartons per million served, respectively). These results provide a resource to support science-based decision-making for the inclusion of milk in school cafeteria share tables, ultimately working to reduce food waste and address food insecurity.

Design considerations of a new freezer construction in the tubular ice machine by experimental study

The need to improve the structure of components to create a new system compacter and cheaper, but still ensuring the system's consistent operation is always necessary and urgent. This study found the consistent of a new integrated freezer construction in the tubular ice machine by experimental study. The measuring instruments were been set for this air-cooled experimental model to validate the system stability when integrating the freezer, accumulator and heat exchanger into an integrated freezer. At a typical experiment 50 Hz inverter control, the R404a refrigerant used to evaporate at −15 °C, achieved the duration of total ice production cycle is around 29.5 min whereas the duration of ice production process takes around 24.5 min (rated 2.88 min/°C) and the defrost takes 5 min. The experimental coefficient of performance decreases from 1.77 to 1.51 and gets averagely 1.55 in the ice production process. From three others experimental results, coefficient of performance, the duration of ice production process, and saturation temperature of refrigerant in freezer change corresponding to the supplied power by inverter control for compressor.

Experimental study on vibration reduction of a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator system pre-cooled by a GM cryocooler

In order to carry out vibration reduction work on a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator system pre-cooled by a GM cryocooler, this paper first introduces the method of vibration measurement, particularly presenting the results and verification of displacement measurement obtained through acceleration integration. Subsequently, based on the construction of our dilution refrigerator, the paper reports experimental evidence of the direct impact of vibration on temperature and provides an effective vibration reduction scheme for the system. The study finds that vibrations transmitted through the path of “low-temperature part of GM- copper braid − support structure − various cold plates” have the most significant impact, hence making good internal soft connections is key. The influence of vibrations from the room-temperature part of GM can be mitigated to some extent by suspending the cold head, either by a separate frame or using the dilution refrigerator’s own frame. The use of a structure composed of air springs and honeycomb rubber in the suspension system has proven to be effective. Our final experimental results have demonstrated that with adequate vibration damping, the impact of vibrations from the GM on temperature can be essentially eliminated, allowing the dilution refrigerator to achieve a temperature level close to that when pre-cooled by a PT. The research in this paper has certain reference value for the construction and vibration mitigation of ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems.

Experimental study on performance characteristics of a −70 °C ultra-low temperature medical freezer with mixed hydrocarbon refrigerant

It is well-known that the −70 °C ultra-low temperature freezers have been widely concerned for vaccine and biomedical products storage due to the outbreak of COVID-19. This paper carries out the experimental investigation on performance characteristics of a −70 °C ultra-low temperature medical freezer with single-stage Joule-Thomson refrigeration system by using binary hydrocarbon mixture R601a/R1150 and ternary mixture R601a/R290/R1150. The aim is to explore and verify hydrocarbon refrigerants that can achieve lower energy consumption, thereby providing a scientific basis for the optimization of ultra-low temperature medical freezers. The experimental results show that both R601a/R1150 and R601a/R290/R1150 with a charge of 250 g could achieve the refrigeration temperature below −70 °C in a 568 L large volume vertical freezer. Comparing binary with ternary refrigerants, it is found that the addition of medium-boiling component R290 is beneficial to reduce the daily energy consumption. When the mass fraction of R601a/R1150 is 0.70/0.30, the lowest daily energy consumption for −70 °C is 9.06 kW h·24 h−1. When the mass fraction of the R601a/R290/R1150 is 0.70/0.10/0.20, the daily energy consumption is 8.42 kW h·24 h−1, which is 7.06 % lower than that when using the R601a/R1150. This indicates that careful selection of refrigerant components and composition optimization can lead to substantial energy savings. Furthermore, it is also observed that among these three components, the low-boiling component R1150 has the most significant influence on the system pressures and operating power, followed by R601a and R290.

Listeria monocytogenes in Food Production and Food Safety: A Review

In the current world of global food distribution and marketing, the outbreak of a particular foodborne disease in a region may eventually occur in another part of the world at the same time. Foodborne diseases are estimated to cause over 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year. Listeriosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Listeria spp. has been reported in various parts of the world’s disease outbreak and incidence. The highest number of diseases and outbreaks is caused by Listeria monocytogenes and is highly predominant among elderly persons, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and infants. This bacterium possesses the ability to survive and multiply under refrigeration temperature, a wide range of pH (4.1 - 9.6), and high salt (≤ 10%). The disease can be minimal (non-invasive/febrile gastroenteritis) and the pathogen possesses the ability to cross the epithelium and infect sterile organs (invasive). Outside food contamination, resistance to antibiotics by Listeria monocytogenes poses major public health concerns as this bacterium has developed resistance to various antibiotics in use. In addition to food, Listeria species have been isolated from the soil, water, plants, fruits, and vegetables coupled with the long incubation period (11 - 70 days), which poses a challenge to infection source identification and trace back principle. Controlling Listeria in foods can be achieved by practicing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) strategy in the food industry, improving hygiene measures, and avoiding the consumption of contaminated foods. Also, susceptible individuals should be educated on the risks associated with the consumption of contaminated foods.

Design of the Cooling Water System Upgrade for 42 T Resistive Magnet at the CHMFL

Abstract To meet the operation requirements of the 42 T resistive magnet which will be built by the Chinese High Magnetic Field Laboratory (CHMFL) in the future, the cooling water system needs to be upgraded accordingly. The cooling water system will improve its performance based on the existing cooling system. This article will make a detailed analysis of the system upgrading and transformation plan. In terms of refrigeration, to meet the requirements of larger refrigeration temperature difference, a new centrifugal chiller with large temperature difference will be added in series with the existing unit of refrigeration. With the increase in heat load, the system will connect a new plate heat exchanger in parallel on the basis of the original heat exchange capacity. However, the circulating cooling water flowrate of the 42 T resistive magnet is expected to exceed 1200 m3/h, the purification flowrate of the deionized water also needs to be upgraded, and the purification ratio is expected to reach more than 6%. In addition, the control system will be also combined with the new equipment and pipelines to realize a variety of chilled water storage and supply modes to better meet the operation of the new-built magnet.

ANALYSIS OF SUITABLE METHODOLOGIES FOR COMPRESSOR MASS FLOW RATE CORRECTION TO OTHER SUPERHEAT LEVELS AND REFRIGERANTS

This paper investigates the impact of suction conditions and refrigerant on scroll compressor mass flow rate by using calorimeter tests from AHRI-11 and AHRI-21 reports, published by AHRI's Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation program. Two Copeland scroll compressors (20 and 51 cm3) have been analyzed including different suction conditions (SH = 11K, SH = 22K, Ti = 18ºC) and several refrigerants (R134a, R32, R410A, R404A, etc.). Previous studies have explored response surfaces for energy consumption and mass flow rate variables. This study aims to expand the analysis by identifying the optimal approach to extrapolate mass flow rate from specific suction conditions to others SH or suction temperature levels and refrigerants. The current compressor characterization standard relies on the 1981 Dabiri correlation to correct compressor mass flow rate with suction conditions. Thus, this study aims to assess the adequacy of this correction and explore alternative correction methods for improved results.

Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of healthy juices containing aloe vera gel and probiotics and their antidiabetic effects on albino rats.

The consumption of fruit and vegetable juices is widely recognized as a healthy choice across all age groups. Orange, carrot, and aloe vera are renowned for their functional properties and health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential incorporation of aloe vera gel into blended orange and carrot juices. We also evaluated the resulting mixed probiotic juices (chemical, microbiological, and sensory aspects) during a 14-day storage period at refrigerator temperature. The chemical composition and phytochemical structure of aloe vera gel were examined, followed by an assessment of the biological effects of these healthy juices on diabetic albino rats. The results indicated improvements in total soluble solids, reducing sugars, and total sugars with increasing storage duration. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that incorporating aloe vera into the natural mixed juices enhanced their phytochemical quality. The treatment supplemented with aloe vera gel gave the highest total content of phenolic and flavonoid substances, which were 310 mg of GAE/100 g and 175 mg of quercetin/100 g, respectively. Probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bb12, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299V, and Lactobacillus acidophilus L10) exhibited good viable cell counts in orange and mixed orange and carrot probiotics juices with viable counts of 7.42-8.07 log CFU/mL. Regarding sensory attributes, the study found that increasing the ratio of orange juice improved the taste while increasing the ratio of carrot juice enhanced the color in juice mixtures. Incorporation of aloe vera into mixed natural juices also enhanced the reduction of blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, creatinine, ALT, AST, and urea levels while increasing total protein and HDL levels in diabetic rats. Based on these findings, oranges, carrots, and aloe vera offer the potential to produce new, flavorful, nutritious, and appealing juices. Moreover, this study determined that a functional juice with favorable sensory properties can be created by blending 75% orange juice, 20% carrot juice, and 5% aloe vera gel. Additionally, aloe vera demonstrated greater efficacy as an antidiabetic agent in rats. Further research is suggested to explore the potential advantages of aloe vera gel and probiotic juices in mitigating diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Review on Absorption Refrigeration Technology and Its Potential in Energy-Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Natural Gas and Hydrogen Liquefaction

With the requirement of energy decarbonization, natural gas (NG) and hydrogen (H2) become increasingly important in the world’s energy landscape. The liquefaction of NG and H2 significantly increases energy density, facilitating large-scale storage and long-distance transport. However, conventional liquefaction processes mainly adopt electricity-driven compression refrigeration technology, which generally results in high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Absorption refrigeration technology (ART) presents a promising avenue for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in both NG and H2 liquefaction processes. Its ability to utilize industrial waste heat and renewable thermal energy sources over a large temperature range makes it particularly attractive for sustainable energy practices. This review comprehensively analyzes the progress of ART in terms of working pairs, cycle configurations, and heat and mass transfer in main components. To operate under different driven heat sources and refrigeration temperatures, working pairs exhibit a diversified development trend. The environment-friendly and high-efficiency working pairs, in which ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents are new absorbents, exhibit promising development potential. Through the coupling of heat and mass transfer within the cycle or the addition of sub-components, cycle configurations with higher energy efficiency and a wider range of operational conditions are greatly focused. Additives, ultrasonic oscillations, and mechanical treatment of heat exchanger surfaces efficiently enhance heat and mass transfer in the absorbers and generators of ART. Notably, nanoparticle additives and ultrasonic oscillations demonstrate a synergistic enhancement effect, which could significantly improve the energy efficiency of ART. For the conventional NG and H2 liquefaction processes, the energy-saving and carbon emission reduction potential of ART is analyzed from the perspectives of specific power consumption (SPC) and carbon dioxide emissions (CEs). The results show that ART integrated into the liquefaction processes could reduce the SPC and CE by 10~38% and 10~36% for NG liquefaction processes, and 2~24% and 5~24% for H2 liquefaction processes. ART, which can achieve lower precooling temperatures and higher energy efficiency, shows more attractive perspectives in low carbon emissions of NG and H2 liquefaction.

Stability of new psychoactive substances in crude wastewater.

Those involved in drug testing continue to grapple with the dynamic nature of emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) and their rapid infiltration into society. The challenge extends beyond merely detecting and measuring NPS using analytical tools; it also encompasses the complexities arising from the formation and presence of metabolites and degradation products. This study utilises liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to investigate the stability of new psychoactive substances in wastewater. Seven NPS compounds including 25C-NBOMe, 5F-APINACA 4-hydroxyphenyl, AB-PINACA, APINACA 4-hydroxyphenyl, fentanyl, norfentanyl and MDPV, along with their corresponding internal standard, were examined. Reference material for each NPS compound was introduced into a wastewater sample from a Wessex water treatment plant. The sample was then exposed to four different environments: room temperature, refrigerator temperature, acidification to pH 2, and the introduction of sodium metabisulfite. The findings highlight the critical dependence of storage conditions on target analytes, emphasizing the paramount importance of the time elapsed between collection and analysis for NPS wastewater analysis. Notably, synthetic cannabinoids exhibit limited stability in wastewater whereas cathinone-like substances demonstrate greater stability. Furthermore, metabolites prove to be more stable in wastewater than the parent drug, suggesting that focusing on metabolite detection may be more favourable for future analysis.

Pharmabiotic/phytobiotic formulas approach and their intravaginal effect on different parameters.

Postpartum reproductive infections in cows generate significant economic losses. The use of lactic acid bacteria in animal health is an alternative tool to avoid antibiotic therapy in the prevention/treatment of bovine reproductive infections. In previous studies, 6 lactic bacteria from bovine mammary glands and vagina with beneficial, safe and technological characteristics were selected, and included in probiotic/phytobiotic formulas (combined with Malva and Lapacho extracts). In this work, probiotic and phytobiotic formulations were designed and their long-term viability determined. They were administered intravaginally to 30 females pregnant bovine pre and postpartum. The modification of the native microbiota and permanence/colonization of cultivable bacteria was evaluated, and also the safety of the designed products through the application of nutritional, clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters. The microorganisms maintained their viability up to 9 months at refrigeration temperature. The number of cultivable bacteria showed different pattern: total aerobic mesophylls increased slightly in all experimental groups, while Enterobacteriaceae increased after delivery, except in beneficial acid lactic bacteria + vegetable extract cows. Control and vegetable extract females showed the highest numbers of Enterobacteriaceae at the end of the trial (30 days postpartum). The number of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly in all the groups between 15 days pre and postpartum. The different parameters evaluated demonstrate the safety and harmlessness of the designed formulas, without producing local and systemic adverse effects in the cows.

Investigation of different cold adaptation abilities in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium strains using extracellular metabolomic approach.

This study explored the extracellular metabolomic responses of three different Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) strains-ATCC 13311 (STy1), NCCP 16964 (STy4), and NCCP 16958 (STy8)-cultured at refrigeration temperatures. The objective was to identify the survival mechanisms of S. Typhimurium under cold stress by analyzing variations in their metabolomic profiles. Qualitative and quantitative assessments identified significant metabolite alterations on day 6, marking a critical inflection point. Key metabolites such as trehalose, proline, glycerol, and tryptophan were notably upregulated in response to cold stress. Through multivariate analyses, the strains were distinguished using three metabolites-4-aminobutyrate, ethanol, and uridine-as potential biomarkers, underscoring distinct metabolic responses to refrigeration. Specifically, STy1 exhibited unique adaptive capabilities through enhanced metabolism of betaine and 4-aminobutyrate. These findings highlight the variability in adaptive strategies among S. Typhimurium strains, suggesting that certain strains may possess more robust metabolic pathways for enhancing survival in refrigerated conditions.

Ophthalmic Nanoemulsion Fingolimod Formulation for Topical Application.

Purpose: Fingolimod (FTY720; FT), a structural analog of sphingosine, has potential ocular applications. The goal of this study was to develop an FT-loaded nanoemulsion (NE; FT-NE) formulation for the efficient and prolonged delivery of FT to the posterior segment of the eye through the topical route. Methods: FT-NE formulations were prepared using homogenization followed by the probe sonication method. The lead FT-NE formulations (0.15% and 0.3% w/v loading), comprising soybean oil as oil and Tween® 80 and Poloxamer 188 as surfactants, were further evaluated for in vitro release, surface morphology, filtration sterilization, and stability at refrigerated temperature. Ocular bioavailability following topical application of FT-NE (0.3%) was examined in Sprague-Dawley rats. Results: The formulation, at both dose levels, showed desirable physicochemical characteristics, a nearly spherical shape with homogenous nanometric size distribution, and was stable for 180 days (last time point checked) at refrigerated temperature postfiltration through a polyethersulfone (0.22 µm) membrane. In vitro release studies showed prolonged release over 24 h, compared with the control FT solution (FT-S). In vivo studies revealed that effective concentrations of FT were achieved in the vitreous humor and retina following topical application of FT-NE. Conclusions: The results from these studies demonstrate that the FT-NE formulation can serve as a viable platform for the ocular delivery of FT through the topical route.

Mechanically strong and room-temperature magnetocaloric monolayer VSi2N4 semiconductor

In the realm of emerging two-dimensional MoSi2N4 family, the majority of research endeavors gravitate toward their versatile physical properties, while their magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for the potential refrigeration application remains uncharted. Here, we comprehensively explore the magnetic, electronic, mechanical, and magnetocaloric properties of monolayer VA2Z4 (A = Si, Ge; Z = N, P, As) family by multiscale simulations, revealing that monolayer VSi2N4 semiconductor is mechanically strong and exhibits room-temperature MCE. The nonlinear elastic response of VSi2N4 unveils strong mechanical properties, featuring a substantial in-plane Young's modulus (E2D∼ 350 N/m) and a high strength of 40.8 N/m, comparable to that of graphene. Monolayer VSi2N4 exhibits a room-temperature MCE with an extensive refrigeration temperature range up to 20 K. Furthermore, applying biaxial strain can significantly improve the maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSMmax) and maximum adiabatic temperature change (ΔTadmax) by 80.9% and 197.3%, respectively. Room-temperature MCE with wide working temperature and mechanical robustness make monolayer VSi2N4 an appealing candidate for magnetic refrigeration applications over large temperature range. These findings offer fresh insights for advancing the development of magnetic cooling in small-sized systems.

Resveratrol-loaded lipid-based nanocarriers for topical delivery: Comparative physical properties and antioxidant activity

Resveratrol (R) is an antioxidant that helps several aspects of aging skin. However, it is slightly soluble in water and unstable under light exposure, necessitating the use of suitable formulations for improved clinical efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare R-loaded lipid-based nanocarriers for topical delivery, i.e., nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and nanoemulsions (NEs). R-loaded nanocarrier gels were further prepared to increase R loading. The comparative physical properties and antioxidant activity of nanocarriers were performed in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, rheology, R content, in vitro release, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and stability. The results revealed that R was successfully loaded into NLCs and NE gels (NEGs), having different physical properties and antioxidant activity depending on the composition of lipid-based nanocarriers. R could be incorporated into NEs and the aqueous gelling phase, resulting in higher R loading. Furthermore, the gelling network was responsible for pseudoplastic flow behavior. The cumulative amount of R released from NEGs was significantly higher than that from NLCs due to the co-surfactant-like properties of NEGs, which resulted in smaller particle sizes. However, NLCs exhibited significantly more antioxidant activity and less cytotoxicity compared to NEGs. The stability of both nanosystems showed no significant change when stored at refrigerator temperature for over 3 months. In conclusion, the various compositions of lipid-based nanocarriers produced a range of physical properties and antioxidant activity. Nonetheless, these NLCs and NEGs have the potential to be nanocarriers for R, which has antioxidant properties for topical application.

Design, analysis, and operation optimisation of a shipborne absorption refrigeration–ice thermal storage system based on waste-heat utilization

The integration of waste-driven absorption refrigeration technology into marine applications is recognized as a promising low-carbon solution. Nonetheless, its practical application does not inherently outperform electric compression technology, primarily due to the absorption system’s inherent thermal inertia and limited adjustability. This characteristic renders the system less responsive to the dynamic refrigeration requirements typically encountered on board vessels. In this study, a shipborne ammonia absorption refrigeration–ice storage system is proposed to balance the cooling load between supply and demand. To evaluate the efficiency of the integrated system for ice storage and cooling during ship sailing, key operational variables including refrigeration temperature, cooling water temperature, and generation temperature are analyzed to assess the thermal cycle performance of the system. A typical shipping route is considered for cooling operation optimisation of the absorption refrigeration–ice storage system. This paper explores four typical cooling-supply strategies and determines the operation modes for the ice storage period and the cooling period based on considerations of energy consumption, energy utilization, and economic factors. The final optimisation results indicate that the combined system has significant advantages based on energy consumption and operation cost. In comparison to compression and absorption refrigeration systems, the proposed system exhibits 52.4% and 8.31% reductions in energy consumption, respectively. Additionally, the operation costs are decreased by 12.27% and 27.41%, respectively, and the life cycle costs are lowered by 11.51% and 32.35%, respectively. The findings of this combined system can provide a technical reference for the design and operation of a ship waste-heat refrigeration system.

Effect of Storage on Probiotic Viability, Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Probiotic-enriched Orange Juice

The effect of enrichment of orange juice with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus as single and mixed cultures on the cell viability, physicochemical parameters and sensory properties of the juice during a 20day refrigerated (4oC) and room temperature (30± 2oC) conditions was studied. The viable cell count remained relatively stable at 4oC over the storage period for both strains but was at its peak after 10 days of storage at 30±2oC with L. bulgaricus accounting for the highest count (9.36±0.04 CFU/mL). The acidity of the enriched juice increased as the storage period progressed at 30oC with the highest acidity observed with L. bulgaricus (pH 3.00±0.02, titratable acidity 16.27±0.05mg lactic acid/mL). Sensory evaluation indicated that the juice enriched with L. bulgaricus was more acceptable. The study concluded that orange juice enriched with L. bulgaricus is suitable in the development of non-dairy based functional food and could act as an ideal food matrix for probiotic beverage.