Variations In Moisture Content Research Articles

A unit series–parallel unsaturated soil electrical conductivity model considering interconnections between pores

For the potential application of electrical resistivity measurements in hydrogeological investigations, the knowledge of soil electrical conductivity mechanism with moisture content variation is the key issue. The impact of interconnections between pores and weak connection to physical processes were the two limitations for unsaturated soil electrical conductivity research. In this work, we introduced the concept of equivalent conductive pathway to analyze tortuosity. Based on media series–parallel analysis, a unit series–parallel unsaturated soil electrical conductivity model considering interconnections between pores was established, in which parameters with its own physical meaning. To verify the accuracy of the proposed model, soil resistivity test with moisture content variation was conducted. Soil electrical conductivity was predicted, which was compared with results from test and previous models. The results indicate that our model is expected to produce better results than the previous models. Overcoming the limitations of weak connection to physical processes in the empirical model, the error of soil resistivity was significantly reduced when the impact of interconnections between pores was considered. The average error of the proposed model for clay and sand was 30.6% and 17.4%, respectively, compared to 72.6% and 48.2% for the model that ignored the interconnections between pores. The findings of this study could provide a reference for hydrogeological investigations, such as levee leakage detection.

Impact of Five Soy Proteins on Lean Chicken Breast Systems with Varying Moisture Contents: Cooking Loss, Texture, Microstructure, and T2 NMR

Impact of Five Soy Proteins on Lean Chicken Breast Systems with Varying Moisture Contents: Cooking Loss, Texture, Microstructure, and T2 NMR

Assessing moisture content in XLPE power cables using frequency-dependent tangent delta measurements

Abstract The reliability of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)-insulated power cables, mostly used for electricity distribution and transmission in urban areas, is often compromised due to the lack of effective condition-based monitoring systems. This leads to difficulties in early fault detection and increased risk of unscheduled outages, and failures, particularly in cable end terminations. This research aims to develop a robust and accurate methodology for estimating moisture content in XLPE cable end terminations to enhance condition-based monitoring and ensure reliable power delivery. The study employed frequency domain spectroscopy to examine the dielectric properties of XLPE cable samples with varying moisture content levels. A novel predictive formula was derived to estimate moisture content using dielectric frequency response (DFR) supported by validation through sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) tests. We conduct an experiment to estimate the moisture content and observe satisfactory agreement between the experimental and theoretical values. The proposed method achieved a high accuracy of 96%; the percentage error variation was minimal in moisture estimation, outperforming existing techniques. This study provides a practical and reliable approach for monitoring XLPE cable condition, particularly at end terminations. The proposed methodology ensures accurate moisture content estimation, enabling early fault detection and reducing the risk of unscheduled outages. This advancement has major implications for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of urban power systems.

Effect and mechanism of the moisture content on the kinetic retardation of LNAPL pollutant migration by the capillary zone.

Light nonaqueous-phase liquids (LNAPLs) are the main source of organic pollution in soil and groundwater environments. The capillary zone, with varying moisture contents, is the last barrier against the infiltration of LNAPL pollutants into groundwater and plays an important role in their migration and transformation. However, the effect and mechanism of the moisture content in the capillary zone on LNAPL pollutant migration are still unclear. Herein, to explore the effect of the moisture content on LNAPL pollutant migration, a series of sandbox migration experiments were simulated using diesel oil as a typical LNAPL pollutant and the capillary zones of fine and silty sand as research objects. Several numerical models were constructed based on the recorded migration process of LNAPL pollution fronts in the capillary zones of different media during experiments. The mechanism by which the moisture content in the capillary zone retarded LNAPL pollutant infiltration was revealed using a combination of the construction method of microstructural pores and the theory of multiphase flow. These findings unequivocally indicate that an increase in the moisture content leads to a decrease in the relative permeability of the NAPL phase in unsaturated media, which is the fundamental reason for the retarded kinetic migration of LNAPL pollutants. The results of this study lay a solid foundation for designing comprehensive and effective remediation strategies for LNAPL contamination in soil and groundwater.

Simultaneous vibration and soil moisture sensing using a single mode fiber for structural health monitoring applications

A dual-purpose single mode optical fiber sensor was developed for simultaneous soil moisture and structural health monitoring. Unmodified G655 SMF with polarization coupled phase components was used to detect environmental changes due to ground movement and moisture content variations. Spectral distribution profiles of the baseband frequencies below 10 Hz were analyzed for structural health monitoring, while resonant peak frequencies higher than 110 Hz had notable dependence on the damping effect of moisture on the spectral peak intensity of the detected acoustic waves. Using these peaks, moisture content was measured within a root mean square error value of +/−0.04. The sensor demonstrates a critical resource optimization tool for distributed sensing applications and monitoring in PON systems.

Impact of Blade Geometric Parameters on the Specific Cutting Energy of Willow (Salix viminalis) Stems

This article presents a model to estimate the specific energy demand for cutting annual willow stems, considering variations in plant moisture content and sliding-cutting angles. The study involved laboratory tests and statistical analyses. Key parameters were measured for 50 randomly selected annual willow shoots, including total plant weight, leaf weight, stem weight, centre of gravity of the shoot, shoot length, and stem diameter at specified heights: 0, 150, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, and 2000 mm. Five levels of willow shoot moisture content were evaluated. The study established a cutting force-deformation relationship through strength tests with an accuracy of 1 N, which was subsequently used to calculate shear stress and specific cutting energy. Steel blades with an angle of 30° and sliding-cutting angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° were used in the study. Ten repetitions were performed for each combination of variable parameters: shoot moisture content and blade sliding-cutting angle. Experimental results were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA), while Duncan’s test was applied to identify and classify groups with homogeneous specific energy values. The developed characterisation offers valuable information for designing shredding units and optimising their operational parameters to reduce energy consumption.

Preliminary Investigation Of Road Failure In Parts Of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Using Electrical Resistivity Imaging

Road failure in parts of Bayelsa State Nigeria has been constituting nuisance to human and vehicular activities in the area. This study was designed to investigate the geologic features responsible for road failure in parts of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Electrical resistivity method involving 2D imaging of the failed parts of Otuoke-Onuebum and Imiringi-Emeyal 2 Roads were conducted on four profiles normal to the strike of the affected parts. The data collected were tomographically inverted and the results predominantly showed that the failed portions of the roads are characterized with very low resistivities ranging from 0.094 Ωm to 173 Ωm. These results suggest that the formation underlying the failed portions of the roads are predominantly clays and peat, loam and mud. These suggest that clay volumetric variation due to variation in moisture content most likely caused the failure of some parts of the roads. The thicknesses of the clay formations range from 2 m to 8 m. Also, in the parts underlain by peat, loam and mud, the failure in those segments of the roads is attributed to the high moisture of the formations, which are easily compress by loads. The thicknesses of the peat, loam and mud formations range from 3 m to 10 m. It was recommended that excavation of clay and peat, loam and mud deposits be carried out and replaced with less expansive soil like sand on the affected parts of the road to minimize failure

Adsorption and diffusion behavior of CO2/N2 in coking coal matrix based on molecular simulation: Considering the effects of moisture and temperature

The moisture content and temperature of coal has a significant impact on the efficacy of inert gases (CO2/N2) in inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). Therefore, this study explores the changes in microporous structure, adsorption capacity, heat of adsorption as well as energy distribution and diffusion of CO2/N2 at varying moisture contents (1%–5%) and temperatures (303–343 K). The results demonstrate that water molecules gradually transform large pores in the microporous structure into multiple smaller pores, thus reducing the volume proportion of free pores. The adsorption of CO2/N2 is constrained by the pre-adsorbed water molecules occupying the adsorption sites. Both temperature and moisture exert similar effects on gas adsorption capacity, with higher levels of both reducing the adsorption capacity. Notably, temperature rise is associated with an increased heat of adsorption for the gas molecules. Under moisture effects, there is an observable positive relationship between the gas diffusion coefficient and the adsorption capacity. Conversely, there is a negative correlation with temperature. At low moisture content, CO2/N2 injection is enhanced. High temperatures reduce the effectiveness of CO2/N2 in preventing CSC, while heat can only be exchanged by diluting the oxygen concentration. These results provide crucial insights into the adsorption behavior of CO2/N2 at different temperatures and moisture contents.

Formulation development of highly stable collagenase-containing hydrogels for wound healing.

Collagenases are enzymes that break down collagen and are used in wound healing and treating various disorders. Currently, collagenase is commercially available in only ointment and injectable forms and is sensitive to various environmental factors. In the present study, different hydrogel formulations of collagenase have been prepared at pH 6.5 using carboxymethylcellulose sodium and zinc acetate with and without humectants such as propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (GL) in varying concentrations. The formulated gels were stored at room temperature (25±2°C, 60±5% RH) and refrigerator temperature (5±3°C) for six months to evaluate their physical and up to six years for chemical stability. The gels were subjected to various tests, including organoleptic studies, spreadability, moisture content, swelling index, swelling/de-swelling, syneresis, viscosity, gelation time, and weight variation. The purity and molecular weight of collagenase have been determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). At the same time, its activity during the storage period was evaluated by gelatin zymography. Casein zymography was also performed to detect any caseinase contamination in the formulations. The release of the enzyme from different gel formulations was assessed using the Franz diffusion apparatus and analyzed by gelatin zymography. The results showed some physical changes that were more prominent in gels stored at room temperature than those kept refrigerated. The difference in humectant concentration was also found to affect the stability of gels. PG was found to be a better humectant than GL, particularly in a concentration of 25%. The zymography results indicated that collagenase was stable in all formulations kept in the refrigerator. In contrast, its complete degradation was noted in the preparations stored at room temperature within a month. The data generated in this study will help the formulators to commercialize a relatively economical gel formulation of collagenase that is highly stable for up to six years at refrigerator temperature (5±3°C).

Assessment of Exercise-Induced Dehydration Status Based on Oral Mucosal Moisture in a Field Survey.

Background/Objective: Conventional techniques for evaluating hydration status include the analysis of blood, urine, and body weight. Recently, advancements in dentistry have introduced capacitance sensor-based oral epithelial moisture meters as promising avenues for assessment. This study aimed to examine the correlation between oral mucosal moisture content, as determined using a capacitance sensor, and exercise-induced dehydration. Methods: A total of 21 participants engaged in a 120 min slow distance exercise session. A series of measurements were taken before and after the exercise session, including body weight, sweat rate, secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration in saliva samples, saliva flow rate, and oral mucosal moisture content, which were assessed using a capacitance sensor. The relationship between physical dehydration and oral mucosal moisture content was investigated using statistical analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to ascertain whether variations in oral mucosal moisture content could discern body mass losses (BMLs) of 1.5% and 2%. Results: A significant correlation was observed between the sweat rate during exercise and the change in oral mucosal moisture content before and after exercise (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient: ρ = -0.58, p < 0.001). The salivary flow and s-IgA secretion rates were lower after the exercise period than before, whereas the s-IgA concentration was higher. Oral mucosal moisture decreased during the exercise period. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that differences in oral mucosal moisture content exhibited discriminative capabilities, with area under the curve values of 0.79 at 1.5% BML and 0.72 at 2% BML. Conclusions: The measurement of oral mucosal moisture using capacitance sensors represents a promising noninvasive approach for the assessment of exercise-induced dehydration.

Seasonal Differences and Driving Factors of Microbial Community Structure in Wetlands Along Shores of Daihai Lake

Microorganisms play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycling within wetland ecosystems. Soil-environment-mediated seasonal changes in microbial structure require further investigation. However, the factors driving seasonal variations in the microbial abundance and diversity in the Daihai wetlands remain unclear. This study employed high-throughput sequencing technology to examine the bacterial community structure and diversity in the lakeshore zone of Daihai across different seasons and to explore the seasonal variations in the bacterial community structure and the influence of driving factors. The results indicated that Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota dominate in spring and Pseudomonadota abundance further increases in summer, while organic-matter-decomposing microorganisms (e.g., Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota) dominate in autumn. Microbial diversity indices indicated a significantly greater diversity in spring than in summer and autumn (p &lt; 0.05). Changes in environmental variables were strongly associated with bacterial community changes, with variations in total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and soil moisture content being identified as potential key factors influencing seasonal bacterial diversity trends. Furthermore, bacterial community assembly in spring is driven by both stochastic processes and environmental selection, suggesting that abundant nutrients and organic matter promote bacterial diversity. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for wetland ecosystem restoration and conservation.

Thermodynamic Studies on the Pathway and Mechanism of Coal-Oxygen-Water Coupling Reaction of Low-Temperature Oxidation

ABSTRACT It is imperative to have an in-depth understanding of the pathway and mechanism of coal-oxygen-water coupling reaction during low-temperature oxidation of coal, not only for preventing fires in the coal industry but also for reducing emissions of hazardous gases. In this study, in-situ Infrared spectroscopy characterization and quantum chemical calculations were combined to investigate in detail the chemical interactions between coal, moisture, and oxygen. In-situ infrared oxidation experiments ascertained the types and amounts of hydroxyl, aliphatic hydrocarbon, and carbonyl functional groups in lignite coal samples with varied moisture content during LTO. Subsequently, three typical molecular structures of functional groups mainly involved in the coal-oxygen reaction were chosen as the research representatives, and their reactivity was analyzed using density functional theory (DFT). Thus, the main reaction pathways of these functional groups during the LTO of coal were studied using quantum chemical methods. The results indicated that the moisture in coal significantly affected the coal–oxygen reaction by altering the chemisorption processes in the coal–oxygen combination and the active sites in coal molecules. Quantitative calculation of thermodynamic parameters such as the enthalpy and activation energy showed that moisture had a promoting effect on some reaction steps while hindering others. Moreover, the mechanism of coal-oxygen-water coupling reaction was also explored based on the reaction sequence of intermediate complexes.

Assessing and monitoring with ultrasonic pulse velocity testing the critical effects of hygrothermal actions on the infill masonry walls of the envelope of buildings with reinforced concrete structure

The external envelope of buildings with reinforced concrete structures (RCS buildings) is usually subjected to various external environmental actions. Among these external environmental actions, hygrothermal actions are particularly relevant, mainly related to external temperature and humidity variations. These variations could negatively influence the hygrothermal behavior of that envelope and lead to problems related to an increased risk of material degradation of the external face of unreinforced masonry (URM) infill walls of the building envelope URM infill. In the survey of the degradation of these URM infill walls and of concrete elements, nondestructive evaluation (NDE), such as ultrasonic pulse velocity testing (UPV testing), had been used before. The main objective of the study is to assess the potential use of UPV testing in the evaluation of the influence of moisture content in the behavior of URM infill walls, and the methodology of the study consists, firstly, concerning the hygrothermal actions, which RCS buildings are subjected, which are here described summarily. An assessment is made of the most usual types of degradation of URM infill walls of the envelope of RCS buildings, mainly due to moisture and thermal effects in URM infill walls. UPV testing in the survey of the degradation of the external face of URM infill walls of the building envelope, essentially due to hygrothermal actions, is analyzed, based on an example of the use of UPV testing in a building façade. Subsequently, the potential use of UPV testing in evaluating the influence of moisture content in the behavior of URM infill wall is made, particularly with the use of UPV testing in a compression test of a masonry specimen with variable moisture content during the test. Their results are presented, followed by a discussion of these results, and finally by the conclusions of the study.

Freeze-thaw Effect on the mechanical properties of different wood species: impact of moisture content variations, microscopic morphology, and thermal modification in a selected species

This study investigates changes in the mechanical qualities (such as the deformation capacity, compressive strength, and compressive stiffness) of structural timber due to freezing and thawing cycles. Ten (10) specimens, including nine (9) distinct wood species, were assessed, with one from a thermally modified version of a specific species. The findings indicated that by the end of 60 full freeze-thaw cycles, the mechanical qualities had generally deteriorated for all wood species; however, the rate of reduction in these properties varied depending on the type of wood. The maximum reduction of the deformation capacity was evaluated as 16.2% for Iroko, and the lowest was 0.1% for Mahogany. Again, an average decrease of 29.5% was observed in the stiffness of Mahogany, while the least change in the stiffness was 4% for Soft Maple wood. To expound on the possible changes in the wood surface profile and fibers during freeze and thaw cycles of 20, 40, and 60, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was also conducted. It was observed that the overall fiber density variation, due to the distribution of developed cracks and pores, accounts for the different responses in each complete set of cycles. Some of the wood species showed a progressive decrease in the fiber density from 0 to 60 freeze-thaw cycles, while others exhibited some surging effects. This explains the possibility of some of the wood’s mechanical properties increasing between cycles of freeze-thaw action (before finally reducing). For the first time, the impact of prior thermal treatment on the freeze-thaw resistance of wood was also investigated. It was seen that thermally modified Red Oak showed improved resistance to freeze-thaw in terms of compressive stiffness when compared to untreated Red Oak. However, the deformation capacity and compressive strength declined in the thermally modified wood compared to the untreated wood.

Post-harvest processing methods have critical roles on the contents of active metabolites and pharmacological effects of Astragali Radix

BackgroundProcessing methods of traditional Chinese medicinal materials are critical in influencing the active metabolites and pharmacological effects. The fresh processing method effectively prevents the loss and degradation of metabolites, common in traditional drying and softening processes, while also reducing production costs. Astragali Radix (AR), a leguminous botanical drug, is widely utilized in clinical practice and functional foods. Therefore, optimizing its the post-harvest processing method is crucial for enhancing production and application.MethodsAR samples were processed using different methods with varying moisture content, including unpretreated samples and those subjected to kneading and sweating treatments. These samples were evaluated for physical appearance and active metabolite content. The entropy weight method, combined with the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), was employed to optimize the fresh processing method. A comparative study between freshly processed AR (AR-F) and traditionally processed AR (AR-T) assessed active metabolites, pharmacological effects and mechanisms.ResultsThe appearance and active metabolites content of AR samples were affected by moisture content, kneading, and sweating treatments. After these treatments, the content of polysaccharides and calycosin-7-O-glucoside increased compared to unpretreated samples at the same moisture level. Entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis showed that the sample with 35% moisture, 100 kneading cycles, and 12 h of sweating had the highest score. Comparative studies revealed that AR-F had significantly higher content of total polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside compared to AR-T, along with an increased flavonoid glycoside/aglycone ratio. However, no significant differences were observed in the total saponins and their metabolites. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that total flavonoids in AR-F exhibited superior macrophage RAW264.7 activation, compared to AR-T. Furthermore, we confirmed that the enhanced immunomodulatory capacity of AR-F was linked to its ability to stimulate the release of TNF, SRC, ER-α, AKT, HSP90, and Caspase-3 in RAW264.7 cells.ConclusionOur study optimized the fresh processing method of AR, and conducted a systematic comparative analysis between fresh and traditional processing samples, providing a basis for post-harvest processing in the AR production areas.

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Thermal Conductivity of Unsaturated Soils Amended with a Sustainable Biochar

This study investigates the thermal conductivity of unsaturated kaolin soil amended with biochar to promote sustainable geotechnical engineering. Biochar from agricultural waste offers the dual benefits of carbon sequestration and sustainable waste management. Experimental measurements were conducted for kaolin soil with 0% (control) and 10% biochar under varying moisture contents. Peach pit biochar increased thermal conductivity by 2–3% at 30–40% saturation and 40–50% at higher saturation as compared to the bare soil. Reed biochar decreased thermal conductivity by 1–2% at lower saturation but increased it by 55–60% at higher saturation. Applewood biochar increased thermal conductivity by 35–50% at moderate saturation, decreased beyond 50% water content, and had minimal variation at lower saturation. Further, the existing empirical models (such as Kersten and the Johansen model, Wiener’s model, and Mickley’s model) for predicting the thermal conductivity of materials were validated using the measured results of biochar-amended soils. Adding 10% biochar reduces thermal conductivity by 34.8%, and the Haigh model (2012) fits best with high accuracy and lower RMSE values than models such as Kersten and Johansen, which appears to be less reliable in case of biochar-amended soils. With an addition of biochar, the R2 values of the models decreased from a range of 0.8 to 0.9 to a range of 0.4–0.6, indicating the need for better model adaptation. Wiener bounds accurately predicted thermal conductivity at low saturation levels but varied greatly at higher ones. The most variable sample was peach pit biochar, highlighting the need to refine predictive models for material-specific differences. These findings provide a foundation for developing improved predictive models and integrating biochar into sustainable geotechnical and geothermal systems.

Variation of physical wood properties and effect of dasometric variables in Ochroma pyramidale trees growing in plantation.

Physical properties were studied in commercial plantation of balsa established in Costa Rica. Among other variables studied, physical properties varied mainly for tree age, spacing, stand density, diameter, and height of trees, which we named dasometric conditions. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the variation of specific gravity (SG), air-dry density (AD), green density (GD), and green moisture content (GMC), (ii) to know the site effect and dasometric conditions on these properties, and (iii) to establish the relationship between the four physical properties. The results showed that: SG from 0.08 to 0.21, AD from 90 to 250kg/m3, GD varied 203-274kg/m3, and GMC from 38.8 to 137.1%. Tree age affected statistically all physical properties, it was positively correlated with SG, AD, and GD, but negatively correlated with GMC. Diameter breast height and total height were weakly correlated with SG and AD, respectively. Commercial height and stand density were highly correlated with SG and AD, besides stand density was positively correlated with GMC. AD was positively correlated with SG and GD but negatively correlated with GMC. According to the results, balsa tree plantations exhibited significant variation in physical properties (SG, AD, GD, and GMC) in trees aged between 30 and 40 months and this variation was primarily attributed to the site-specific growth conditions, mainly temperature and precipitation. These wood properties can be selected by site and growing conditions.

Liquid-Water Transfer Coefficients of Porous Building Materials Under High-Humidity Conditions

The moisture transfer coefficient is a key parameter for analyzing the moisture-based physical properties of materials and studying the heat–moisture coupling process within building envelopes. The liquid-water transfer coefficient, as an important aspect of this process, plays a significant role, especially under high-humidity conditions. However, the global research on liquid-water transfer coefficients is still far from complete. To further enhance the research on liquid-water transfer coefficients, this study conducted capillary water absorption experiments on seven traditional and new porous building materials, focusing on testing the moisture transfer coefficients, primarily the liquid-water transfer coefficient. A novel analysis regarding the impact of sealing materials was proposed, based on the experimental results. Based on the experimental data, the concept of a critical value related to the variation in the capillary moisture content and the liquid-water diffusion coefficient was raised, and, building upon traditional empirical models, a completely new computational model was proposed. Data processing was carried out using methods such as variability analysis, correlation analysis, and nonlinear regression for model fitting. The research findings indicate the following: (1) The capillary water absorption rate and capacity of a material are influenced by its density and porosity. (2) In terms of sealing materials, self-adhesive films performed better than non-adhesive films. (3) The concept of critical capillary moisture content was proposed, based on the rate of change in the liquid-water diffusion coefficient. For the threshold of w ≤ 80%, a new calculation model with a higher correlation coefficient was proposed which can meet the calculation requirements of the diffusion coefficient under the vast majority of relative-humidity conditions.

Modulating hydrophobic and antimicrobial gelatin-zein protein-based bilayer films by incorporating glycerol monolaurate and TiO2 nanoparticles

The hydrophobicity was developed on gelatin-zein bilayer films with enhanced antimicrobial properties and persistent inherent mechanical characterization by incorporating Glycerol monolaurate (GML) and nano-TiO2. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that GML exhibited roughness and reduced porosity on outer zein surfaces, resulting in a water contact angle (WCA) > 90°. Substantial GML migration was also observed from gelatin film to acetic acid-containing zein layers and improved hydrophobicity. Conversely, nano-TiO2-assisted hydrophilic porous microstructure indicated lower WCA, and nano-TiO2 influenced the regulation of mechanical strength near controlled TS ( ≈ 20 MPa) with improved thermal resistance, whereas the extended flexibility (elongation >200 %) performed through GML incorporation. There were slight variations in water solubility (% WS) and moisture content (% MC), with 1 % (w/v) GML signifying better results in reducing water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis also presented GML migration, altering crystalline structures and protein conformation. Using the bacterial inactivation model for the liquid medium, including the log-linear inactivation phase and tail, Gram-positive S. aureus ATCC29213 reached a maximum of around 2 log reduction, but Gram-negative E. coli JM109 showed higher resistance. Along with the surface-mediated effect, GML-incorporated gelatin layers and migrated GML also exhibited inactivation efficacy for bacterial exposure on the outer surface for a considerable time. Hence, GML and nano-TiO2 synergistically hold promise for bioactive packaging with significant applications.

Data-driven mechanical behavior modeling of granular biomass materials

Significant equipment downtime, mainly caused by the variable attributes and complex mechanical behavior of granular biomass materials, has challenged the great potential of biofuel generation. Expensive and time-consuming lab experiments are not affordable in fully characterizing material behavior for samples with all possible attributes. In this paper, we present data-driven modeling of the cyclic axial compression and ring-shear stress–strain behavior for granular biomass materials with different moisture contents and mean particle sizes. Laboratory characterization data of milled pine samples, with a mean particle size of 2, 4, and 6 mm and a moisture content of 0%, 20%, and 40%, were employed to train two machine learning (ML) models independently. The sequential model takes a sequence of loading history into Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) and predicts the next step of strain/stress with a feed-forward neural network. In contrast, the incremental model takes only the current state to predict the stiffness/compliance coefficient and compute the stress/strain increment. Both models account for material variations in particle sizes and moisture content. After training, both models demonstrate their high efficiency and accuracy in predicting the mechanical behavior of samples with a diverse set of unseen material properties, augmenting the existing laboratory data set. They also effectively capture the underlying physics, which involves increased compressibility as moisture content rises and a linear relationship between applied compression and shear strength. This effort established the foundation for comprehensive data-driven constitutive modeling tailored for unconventional granular materials.