Display omitted
•Optimized biochar with an HHV and energy yield of 23.83 MJ kg−1 and 82.11 %•Optimization promoted biochar quality while reducing emissions and energy requirements.•Pequi seed ...biofuel: CO2 reduction by 188.65 kg CO2 eq, replacing diesel fuel.•Circular economy frame shows the environmental benefits of pequi seed as biofuel.•Stoichiometry diagram of pequi seeds thermochemical conversion routes.
Food loss and waste, about 30% of human-consumable food production, pose challenges to safety, the economy, and the environment. A significant portion includes discarded fruit parts, notably seeds. Pequi fruit seeds contribute to agro-industrial waste due to their intricate structure and thorns, raising environmental concerns. Prior research shows promise in utilizing pequi seeds (PS) for bioenergy through pyrolysis and gasification, but comprehensive torrefaction optimization investigation is lacking. Furthermore, PS contains 40–50% extractives, constituting a potential feedstock for biodiesel and enhanced biorefinery value. Despite literature on extractive valuation, studies often neglect residual biomass and biorefinery integration. This study fills the gap by evaluating the torrefaction of post-extraction residual biomass (PSW) and comparing it to PS. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), torrefaction conditions are optimized, evaluating Soxhlet extraction impact on raw (PS) and de-oiled pequi seeds (PSW) across scenarios: prioritizing biochar quality (S1) and simultaneously evaluating biochar quality, energy requirements, and potential CO2 retention (S2). Biochar parameters include solid yield, bulk density, proximate, ultimate, and energetic properties. Torrefied pequi seeds show superior biofuel properties, with up to 21% HHV enhancement for PSW, including increased energy content and substantial CO2 emission reductions compared to fossil fuels. RSM provides statistically significant models (reduced quadratic, reduced cubic, and reduced 2FI), with R2 > 0.9762 for the assessed biochar outcomes. The study identifies PS torrefaction at 274 °C and 42 min as optimum in S1, resulting in biochar (CH1.30O0.33) with a 76.18% energy yield and HHV of 24.11 MJ kg−1. In S2, PS is also optimal, with ideal torrefaction at 265 °C and 31 min, providing biochar (CH1.39O0.36) with an 82.11% energy yield, HHV of 23.83 MJ kg−1, and a 188.65 kg CO2eq (by substituting diesel as fuel). The results allowed the development of a pioneering stoichiometry diagram that provides a thorough understanding of the biofuels derived from pequi seed residues. This contribution significantly advances the insights of thermochemical conversion pathways, aimed at maximizing bioenergy yield and fostering environmental benefits within the context of a circular economy framework.
Display omitted
This work devoted to the investigation of adsorption Azure B (Az-B) onto CNTs/Zn:ZnO@Ni2P-NCs, while dependency of process efficiency to variables was optimized by the application ...response surface methodology. This adsorbent successfully using small amount 0.031 g is applicable to the adsorption of the high amount of Az-B in a short time. The optimum variables for achievement of maximum Az-B adsorption percentage (98.84%) were achieved using 0.031 g of CNTs/Zn:ZnO@Ni2P-NCs, 26.1 mg L−1 initial Az-B concentration, 8.2 min sonication time and pH 6.3. The kinetic of Az-B adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and equilibrium data strongly follow the Langmuir model.
Plant-derived alternatives to antibiotics are of great concern. The goal of this work was to enhance the Hu Zhang (Polygonumcuspidatum) extraction procedure against non-O1/O139 V.cholerae (HZE), ...identify the antibacterial components, analyze the mechanism of action, and investigate its potential in prawn storage. The extraction process of HZE optimized by one-factor-at-a-time experiment combined with response surface methodology was as follows: 95% methanol of extraction solvent, 28 mL/g of the ratio of liquid to solid, 88 °C of extraction temperature, and 150 min of extraction time. The MIC and MBC values of HZE were 1.5 and 3.0 mg/mL. The anti-V.cholera activity of HZE was attributed to the synergistic effects of various active chemical components such as rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, etc. HZE could significantly damage the integrity and permeability of the cell membrane and change bacterial morphology. Further practical potential in prawn storage indicated HZE could significantly decrease total V.cholera count in prawns at 4 °C. In this paper, the inhibitory activity of HZE against V.cholerae was investigated and its cellular damage mechanism was revealed for the first time. The results demonstrate the potential of HZE as a natural and effective antimicrobial agent to control V.cholera in fishery products.
•It is the first extraction report of HZE against non-O1/O139 Vibriocholerae.•The anti-V.cholerae activity of HZE was attributed to the synergistic effects.•HZE have strong impairing effects on the cell membrane of V.cholerae.•HZE could effectively inhibit TVC in shrimps at 4 °C.
The removal of ibuprofen (IBP) in aqueous solution using UV/H
O
process was evaluated. The response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design were employed to investigate the effects of ...process parameters on IBP removal, including the initial IBP concentration, H
O
dosage, UV light intensity, and initial pH value of solution. The RSM model developed herein fits well with the experiments, and provides a good insight into the OH radical irritated degradation mechanisms and kinetics. High resolution accurate mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography was used to identify the degradation intermediates. A total of 23 degradation products were identified, including mono-hydroxylated products and dihydroxylated products. A series of OH radical-initiated reactions, including hydroxylation, dihydroxylation, decarboxylation, demethylation, ring break, lead to the final mineralization of IBP to CO
and H
O. UV/H
O
technology could be a promising technology for IBP removal in aqueous solution.
A 24 full factorial design with four center points was used to investigate the effects of chickpea flour (CF), psyllium (PSY), cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase), and transglutaminase (TGase) ...on dough Mixolab® parameters and fresh and stored gluten-free bread (GFB) physical properties. Results show that CF and PSY have the greatest effects on the investigated variables. CF increases the loaf-specific volume and crumb firmness values of fresh GFB, effects of increased starch stability (C4) and tendency to starch retrogradation (C5). Both PSY and PSY- CF interactions reduce the loaf-specific volume and increase the crumb firmness of GFB during storage, effects of an increased initial consistency (C1). CF - CGTase interaction reduced crumb firmness during storage, and TGase had no effect. High CF-levels (75 and 100 g/100 g flour weight basis, fwb) combined with low PSY-levels (4.5 and 5.5 g/100 g fwb) resulted in favorable dough consistency for increasing loaf volume and crumb softness. Results also show that the combination of 75 CF and 5.5 PSY (g/100 g fwb) produces a GFB with good physical properties and appearance, reaching values comparable to commercially available fresh and stored GFB.
Display omitted
•Obtaining high-quality gluten-free bread remains a challenge with increasing demand.•Combination of promising ingredients evaluated with full factorial design.•Experimental breads were compared with fresh and stored commercial counterparts.•Chickpea flour and psyllium modified dough parameters and bread physical properties.•Combining 75 chickpea and 5.5 psyllium (g/100g) improve bread quality and shelf life.
•Ganoderma lucidum extraction was optimized using ultrasonic assisted response surface methodology.•Time was the most critical factor for the optimized extraction procedure.•Antioxidant activity and ...ganoderic acid content were optimized at 64.2–70 °C for 1.2 h.•Anti-diabetic activity and polysaccharide content were optimized at 66.8–70 °C for > 2.8 h.•Heat-dried samples extracted at 50 °C for 3 h showed high anti-inflammatory potential.
The dried Ganoderma lucidum (GL) has been widely used for its pharmacological properties and bioactive ganoderic acids (GAs). Herein, extraction procedures combining ultra-sonication and heating were optimized using response surface methodology based on four variables (antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic activity, total GAs content, and total polysaccharide content) and principal component analysis. The extraction of freeze-dried GL at temperatures between 64.2 and 70 °C for 1.2 h maximized the antioxidant activity and GA content, whereas the polysaccharide content and anti-diabetic activity were maximized by extraction between 66.8 and 70 °C for more than 2.8 h. Heat-dried GL extracted at 50 °C for 3 h provided the greatest anti-inflammatory activity against HaCaT cells by suppressing the response to inflammation related cytokines at mRNA levels. These results suggest that extraction conditions might be a limiting factor for target-oriented investigations, and optimized extraction methods may improve the potential effect and quality of harvested GL products.
In this work, a novel, simple and reproducible poly(l-proline)/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube composite on glassy carbon electrode (poly(PRO)-MWCNTs/GCE) was developed as an ...electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of gallic acid (GA), theophylline (TP) and caffeine (CAF) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).
The sensing platform was optimized by experimental design and response surface methodology, using various factors affecting polymerization and detection, such as electropolymerization time and potential, and pH, respectively. As a result, the dispersion conditions were the mixing of 1.78 mg MWCNTs with 1.00 mL l-proline solution to 4.14 mg mL−1 (in SDBS 0.5%), followed by 21 min of sonication with electropolymerization by 16 cyclic scans. In addition, the final analysis was performed at a pH of 3.00 and prior accumulation at 0.350 V for 40 s.
The electrochemical behavior of GA, TP and CAF on the optimized sensor was investigated. As a result, the electrode preserves and synergistically combines the properties of each modifier. This new electrochemical sensor showed superior electrocatalytic properties for the oxidation of GA, TP and CAF, which significantly improved the sensitivity of the three compounds.
Under the optimized experimental conditions, the detection limits achieved by S/N were 0.03, 0.04 and 0.11 μmol L−1 for GA, TP and CAF, respectively. The analysis of real samples was successfully performed in human breast milk, tea, infusion of yerba mate, coffee, Coca-Cola zero and energy drink, showing good recoveries, ranged between 87 and 108%. The proposed sensor also showed good selectivity, repeatability and reproducibility, indicating feasibility and reliability.
This is the first time that the l-proline monomer is used as a dispersant for MWCNTs and as a precursor for the in-situ polymerization of the proline polymer. Previously, the electropolymerizations were carried out with the monomer in solution rather than as an exfoliant of MWCNTs, where the polymer is electrosynthesized between MWCNTs rather than on them. In this way, the large specific surface area and strong adsorption ability of the nanomaterial are enhanced, and the ability to promote electron transfer reaction is increased, which provides enough effective reaction sites.
Display omitted
•A poly(l-proline)/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite on electrode was developed.•The first time that the l-proline monomer is used as a dispersant for MWCNTs.•Sensor for the simultaneous determination of gallic acid, theophylline and caffeine.•Sensing platform was optimized by experimental design.•Analysis of real samples was successfully performed.
A multi-objective optimization of mini U-channel cold plate with SiO2 nanofluid is conducted to obtain the optimal performance by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic ...Algorithm (NSGA-II). Numerical investigations arranged by Box-Behnken design are performed to optimize the design variables including inlet velocity (vin), inlet temperature (Tin), volume fraction of nanofluid (φ), channel radius (Cr) and channel number (Cn) on the objective functions including maximum temperature (Tmax), temperature difference (ΔT) and the pressure drop (Δp). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to verify whether the constructed regression models are appropriate and reliable. Response surface analysis is applied to show the interaction effect between each pair of design parameters. With the regression models constructed by RSM, the NSGA-II is adopted to obtain the Pareto-optimal fronts. According to Pareto optimal solution, the optimum objective functions are Tmax = 299.42 K, ΔT = 2.66 K, Δp = 436.19 Pa, respectively, corresponding design variables are vin = 0.033 m/s, Tin = 15.04 K, φ = 1.40%, Cr = 0.64 mm and Cn = 6. This work offers us significant reference to design battery thermal management system with nanofluid.
Display omitted
•SiO2 nanoparticles suspended in water are used as the coolant.•ANOVA is employed to verify the constructed regression models.•RSM and NSGA-II is combined for multi-objective optimization.•The optimized design parameters and performance parameters are decided.
Permanent magnet (PM)-type linear oscillating actuators (LOAs) are used in various types of equipment owing to their high efficiency, thrust density, and good control performance. However, the ...disadvantage of the LOA is the side force inevitably generated by the magnetic coupling structure of the stator and the PM mover. Therefore, side force reduction is essential at the design stage. This study manages the optimal side force design of a movable PM-type linear actuator using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the Maxwell stress equation, three optimization variables were selected for the magnet shape, and experimental points were selected using the Box-Behnken design. The RSM was performed based on the results of the experimental points obtained through the finite element method. To prevent output reduction, the back electromotive force, which is directly proportional to the thrust, was selected as the constraint. The validity of the optimal design was verified through a characteristic comparison between the optimal and initial models along with experimental verification.
Control of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their related genes in secondary effluents has become a serious issue because of increased awareness of their health risks. A considerable number of ...techniques have been developed in recent years, particularly in relation to advanced oxidation. However, limited information is known about cellular behavior and resistance characteristic change during photocatalytic treatment. In this study, the inactivation of tetracycline (TC)-resistant Escherichia coli (TC-E. coli), removal of TC-resistant genes (TC-RGs), and antibiotic susceptibility were evaluated by employing photocatalytic treatment using Ag/AgBr/g-C3N4 with visible light irradiation. The effects of light intensity, photocatalyst dosage, and reaction ambient temperature on photocatalysis were modelled and investigated. The rate of TC-E. coli removal was also optimized. Results demonstrated that the optimal conditions for TC-E. coli removal included light intensity of 96.0 mW/cm2, photocatalyst dosage of 211.0 mg/L, and reaction ambient temperature of 23.7 °C. Under such conditions, the ARB removal rate was 6.1 log after 90 min and the related TC-RG removal rates were 49%, 86%, 69%, and 86% for tetA, tetM, tetQ, and intl1, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration test after photocatalysis shows that the antibiotic resistance of TC-E. coli was enhanced, which may be mainly due to the changes in the membrane potential and resulted in difficulty in destroying the bacteria through antibiotic contact. Hence, photocatalytic treatment could be an ideal method for ARB and antibiotic-resistant gene (ARG) control in wastewater, but the health risks of the remaining ARB and ARG should be investigated further.
Display omitted
•Local tetracycline-resistant E. coli were used for experiment.•TC–E. coli and genes can be removed effectively through photocatalytic treatment.•MIC of TC-E. coli increased after undergoing photocatalytic treatment in triplicate.•The MDA and zeta potentials change after photocatalytic treatments.
PDF
