bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectoparasite Habrobracon Hebetor Say Is an Efficient Biological Control Agent of Lepidopteran Pests
Authors: Agasyeva Irina
Published: July 2021

Ectoparasite Habrobracon hebetor Say is one of the most widely used biological controllers in biological plant protection against a number of harmful lepidopterans, including especially dangerous pests of corn, soy, fruit and vegetable crops. As a result of research conducted in 2017, food specialization and parasitic activity of three different populations of H.hebetor were studied. Two races have been identified for mass rearing and application: pyralid and leaf roller (against corn moth, bean pod borer, apple and plum moths), and pyralid owl-moth (against cotton moth, corn borer, bean pod borer and boxwood moth). As a result of studies of biological features and trophic needs, it has been determined that caterpillars of mill moth (Ephestia cuhniellia Zella) should be used as a host insect for laboratory cultivation of the stock population of the Habrobracon pyralid and leaf roller race (race No. 1). For the introduced from South Kazakhstan the H.hebetor pyralid and noctuid race the most productive rearing is on the caterpillars of large bee moth (Galleria mellonela L.). Optimal temperature for rearing of both races is 26-28 ° C, relative air humidity is 70% and photoperiod is not less than 16 hours. It has been noticed that before laying eggs on the host’s caterpillars, the Habrobracon female preliminarily paralyzes the victim, piercing the sheath with ovipositor. As a result, the caterpillar stops eating and is immobilized. In 3-4 days larvae hatch out of the laid on the caterpillar eggs. The larvae feed on the contents of the caterpillars for 4-5 days, then pupate and after 6-8 days an adult insect leaves the cocoon. The development of one generation lasts 13-16 days, one cocoon includes one parasite. 1,000 large bee moth caterpillars used for infection provide on average 5.8-6.0 thousand cocoons, of which an average of 4.5-4.7 thousand parasites fly out.
The development system of biotech management of reproduction fish populations based on neuroendocrinological research
Authors: Garlov P. E. , Kolman R.
Published: July 2021

The participation of the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system (HHNS) in fish reproduction was established by ecologo-histophysiological research with the help of light-, electronmicroscopy and immunocytochemistry. At the beginning of migrations of passing fish an active synthesis of neurosecretory products in pericarions of neurosecretory cells and their excretion into the cavity of the III brain ventricle was stated, while a mass accumulation of them in neurohypophysis occurs. Firstly, the excretion of neurohormones into the brain’s liquor should cause their neurotropic effect on the CNS behavior centers in the form of a dominant state of arousal, designated as “migration impulse”. Then HHNS initiates spawning behavior at the beginning of spawning and completes it by participating in overcoming natural physiological stress. In fish reproduction the main functional role of HHNS is to initiate reproductive energy-intensive processes of migratory and spawning behaviors, and to completion spawning by suppressing the hyperactivity of the target glands, ensuring the body’s transition to energysaving plastic metabolic exchange. The analysis of the key role of HHNS in fish reproduction has allowed to present a constructive working scheme of its neuroendocrine integration by the principle of self-regulation and to develop, on this basis, the system management of biotech reproduction of fish populations.
Sensory and physic-chemical properties of wheat bread prepared with apple pomace
Authors: Pyanikova Elvira A. , Kovaleva Anna E. , Zaikina Maria A. , Belyaev Aleksey G.
Published: July 2021

The influence of secondary apple raw materials (frozen apple pomace) on organoleptic and physicochemical indicators of the quality of wheat bread has been studied. The traditional recipe of wheat bread was taken as a basis. In this recipe for the sample of bread No. 1, a part of the premium wheat flour was replaced with 25% rice flour and 10% frozen apple pomace. In the sample of bread No. 2, a part of the premium wheat flour was replaced with 12.5% rice flour and 10% fresh frozen apple pomace. For the organoleptic assessment, a five-point scale for assessing the quality of bread was developed, in which the maximum number of points up to5 was assigned to each indicator. According to the results of the study of the organoleptic indicators of the quality of the developed samples of bread using a point scale, it was found that they exceeded the control sample. The best was the sample with fresh frozen apple pomace10% and rice flour in the amount of 12.5%. In terms of physical and chemical indicators, the developed samples of wheat bread enriched with apple raw materials meet the regulatory requirements.
Study of the effect of organic acids on the crystal stability of wines
Authors: Cherviak Sofia , Anikina Nadezhda , Gnilomedova Nonna , Vesyutova Antonina
Published: July 2021

The loss of solubility of tartaric acid salts of potassium and calcium is the reason for precipitation of crystal sediment in wine. The aim of this work was to study the morphological characteristics of crystal sediment of wines obtained by varying the acidic complex of the must using different technological methods. The approach of must de-oxidation, as well as the introduction of citric acid, provided a decrease in the temperature of saturation with calcium tartrate by 5.8-11.3 °C. At the same time, when introducing the tartaric acid, an inverse relation was noted - the indicator value increased by 34%. According to the results of the study, the relationship between quantitative content of potassium and calcium ions and temperature of saturation with potassium bitartrate (Tsat (KHTar) and calcium tartrate Tsat (CaTar)) was not established (r = -0.48 and 0.50, respectively). It was shown that acidifying of the must with 1 g/l of tartaric acid provided the formation of very large crystals of calcium tartrate, and 2 g/l of tartaric acid - a stabilizing effect for young wine by the end of the experiment. Regardless the method of varying acid composition of the must, the value of Tsat (KHTar) was in the range of 14.8-19.5 oC. The obtained results are intended to prove the necessity of preventive measures in wine production to ensure their crystal stability.
Application of combined methods for the production of ingredients for the confectionery industry
Authors: Baranova Zinaida , Krasina Irina , Tarasenko Natalia , Elemanova Rimma
Published: July 2021

The production of confectionery products, especially those coated with chocolate or confectionery glaze, faces the challenges of selecting high-quality and technological fatty bases for the glaze or filling on a daily basis. In nature, the amount of vegetable oils that have an optimal fatty acid and triglyceride composition for use as such a base is significantly limited. Indeed, most of the vegetable oils and fats require a partial hydrogenation stage, that is, a change in the saturation level. As a result of these modifications, trans-fatty acid fatty acids are formed, which both impart hardness and form the basic rheological characteristics of the fatty base. The development of new, combined methods for the production of fatty ingredients for the confectionery industry and the improvement of processes for the modification of oils and fats are current trends in food production. In order to produce fatty ingredients – non-tempered mixed type cocoa butter substitutes with a low content of trans-fatty acid isomers and with optimal crystal formation properties, a research was carried out in respect of a set of indicators that form the consumer properties of the finished product: physical and chemical properties and main indicators of melting and solidification, as well as structural-mechanical and organoleptic characteristics. The research objectives included the study of the physical and chemical characteristics of the initial components of fatty ingredients, laboratory-based obtaining of samples of fatty ingredients for the production of confectionery glazes, the study of the physicochemical, structural, mechanical and rheological properties of the obtained fatty ingredients. The result of the research was the developed combined technology for the production of a non-tempered mixed type cocoa butter substitute with optimal consumer characteristics.
The effect of dihydroquercetin on the stability of consumer properties of chopped semi-finished meat
Authors: Shagaeva N. N. , Kolobov S. V. , Zachesova I. A.
Published: July 2021

The steadily increasing demand for semi-finished meat products is provided by the constantly expanding product range and improving its quality. In turn, quality stability is an important criterion for increasing sales. The article presents data on the effect of a natural antioxidant-dihydroquercetin on the stability of consumer properties of chopped semi-finished moose meat with the addition of beet fiber when stored at a negative temperature for 216 days. Dihydroquercetin was added in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the raw material. In the course of the work, generally accepted methods of studying organoleptic and microbiological quality indicators were used. The degree of oxidative deterioration of the product was checked by determining the acid, peroxide and thiobarbituric numbers. The conducted studies allowed us to conclude that the use of this food additive allows us to preserve the organoleptic and microbiological properties of the semi-finished product for a longer period by inhibiting the formation of oxidation products. The use of dihydroquercetin contributed to a decrease in the experimental sample of the semi-finished product on day 216 of the peroxide and acid number by 2 times, and the thiobarbituric number by 1.8 times in relation to the control. Thus, by reducing the oxidative damage of the semi-finished product, it is possible to influence its characteristics during storage.
In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Rosmarinus officinalis
Authors: Milyuhinа A. K. , Zabodalova L. A. , Kyzdarbek U. , Romazyaeva I. R. , Klyuchko N. Yu.
Published: July 2021

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties against a variety of microorganisms. In this work, research has been carried out on pharmacy rosemary. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties have been determined. This study showed that the ethanol extract of R. officinalis L. has a pronounced antimicrobial activity against strains of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The extract also showed good antioxidant activity. Rosemary showed significantly more potent antibacterial activity against E. coli. The diameter of the zone of oppression was 17 mm. Thus, Rosemary Pharmaceutical has demonstrated potential as a dietary supplement due to its stronger antibacterial activity.
Formation of properties of meat-containing canned food with the use of rabbit meat for children’s and dietary food
Authors: Merkulova Anna , Zachesova Inessa , Gorbacheva Maria
Published: July 2021

The modern level of knowledge about food products allows them to be developed with specified properties that correspond to a specific purpose. The creation of such products is always a search for a reasonable compromise between the numerous requirements for food products. The article reflects the results of a scientific study devoted to the development of a recipe for canned meat for baby food with a different percentage of rabbit meat and vegetables. Comprehensive studies of the consumer properties of canned food obtained according to one of the author’s recipes were carried out.

The obtained data and their analysis made it possible to choose the most optimal option for canned food, which will be in demand and competitive in relation to other types of products in the assortment group.
PCR-RFLP ITS-based analysis of wine yeast autochthonous strains isolated from different grape cultivars in Taman subregion
Authors: Lobodina Elena , Suprun Ivan , Ageeva Natalya , Al-Nakib Ekaterina
Published: July 2021

The studies present the results of morphological, cultural and genetic analysis of the ITS1-ITS4 region of the autochthonous yeast strains genome by using the HaeIII restriction enzyme. On the red and white grapes varieties, based on the morphology of the cells, autochthonous strains belonging to the genus Saccharomyces prevail – 83.3%, what is confirmed by genetic analysis of rDNA ITS region. Restriction analysis showed that all strains of the genus Saccharomyces belong to the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae / S. paradoxus. The percentage of Saccharomyces isolated on the Pervenets Magaracha variety is 86.7%, Krasnostop Anapsky - 80%. The non-Saccharomyces yeast had a product size of 750 bp, presumably of the species Hanseniaspora uvarum.
Improving logging process efficiency in the context of rational natural resource management
Authors: Zyryanov M. , Shvetsov V. , Milyaeva I. , Dozhdev E.
Published: July 2021

Until recently, only the trunk was recognized as valuable in the forest industry, and everything else, including the crown, was considered waste that cluttered cutting areas, and a hazardous raw material in the event of possible fires. Currently, only about 700 thousand tons of wood waste is used, which is no more than 4% of the resulting amount of potential raw materials that could be used at wood processing enterprises. Analysis of formation and use of logging waste showed that today coniferous greenery has found its application as a raw material for coniferous flour production directly at the cutting area. After the needles are separated, branches that have not found further use remain in the cutting area. One of the promising areas for logging waste use after needle separation is production of wood flour, which has found its wide application in many industries.
Study of the process of seed movement in the seed duct and the impact on the operation of a multi-level seeding system
Authors: Litvinov Maksim
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we consider the study of the process of seed movement in the seed duct and the impact on the operation of a multi-level seeding system. Mathematical models of the movement of the seed material from the seeder to the plowshare group along the seed line are obtained. To a greater extent, the movement time is affected by the weight of the sown portion and the initial speed of the seeds when falling from the seeder. Also, in straight sections, the time depends on the geometric parameters of the seed line. In the future, the formula of the complete transfer of seeds from the seeder to the plowshare group will allow you to adjust the mode of adjusting the response time of the dosing system on a self-propelled seeder with a multi-level seeding system.
Preliminary preparation of water supply system for the headbox through Pulsar water treatment plant
Authors: Dymchenko V. , Petrusheva N. , Ilyazova E. , Lipilin M.
Published: July 2021

Today, the main quality criterion in the production of fiberboards is a uniform supply of mixed wood fiber slurry to the mesh part of the press using a high pressure headbox. The interaction of water, various inclusions of waste water, wood-fiber semi-finished product, as well as stainless steel provokes occurrence of chemical reactions that cause intense corrosive destruction of working parts of the inlet. At present, the study of corrosion of the inlet structure pursues the goal of determining characteristic factors caused by the aggressive environment arising at the time of mixing the wood-fiber suspension with the water flow. The analysis of fiberboard production by the wet method examines the possibility of introducing equipment designed for high-quality water treatment with the possibility of cleaning it from various impurities. Pulsar water treatment system is designed for oxidation of soluble metals with their conversion into filterable forms, cleaning from organic and inorganic contaminants due to filters of soft and coarse cleaning using AS sorbents. The station operates autonomously with control of the output gravity for up to 10 years with annual losses of no more than 10% of filter elements.
To justification of parameters of ultra-low-volume spraying with pneumatic slot sprayers
Authors: Papusha S. К. , Zhadko V. V. , Kozhura F. A
Published: July 2021

Intensive potato production technology provides for improving the process of planting tubers with a potato planter with simultaneous treatment with protective and stimulating liquids. To this end, the design of the device was developed, and the parameters of pneumatic slot sprayers recommended for treated tubers with working fluids were optimized.
Analysis the Causes of Quality Defects in a Car Rack
Authors: Sitko Jacek , Midor Katarzyna , Ivanova T.N.
Published: July 2021

The article contains an analysis of the problem related to manufacturing defects in the components of vehicle steering mechanism. Steps have been undertaken to identify the problem of quality defects occurrence by means of selected tools so as to reduce and eliminate such defects.
Assessment of the effect of aerotechnogenic pollution on male reproductive organs Convolvulus arvensis L.
Authors: Ibragimova Evelina , Manankova Olga
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of assessing the impact of airtechnogenic pollution on the male generative organs of Convolvulus arvensis L. The unfavorable effect of toxic emissions from the landfill of municipal solid waste and vehicles on the processes of microsporogenesis of the populations of Convolvulus arvensis L., which was expressed in the production of large abortive pollen, was established. It is recommended to use the male generative system of the populations of Convolvulus arvensis L. for bioindication of the quality of the state of the environment.
Atmospheric precipitation is an ecological aspect of climate change
Authors: Turko Svetlana , Trubakova Karine
Published: July 2021

The amount of precipitation forms a varied climate type in various zones of the earth’s surface. The purpose of the research is the consideration of the cause, nature, as well as the long-term forecast of precipitation as one of the environmental aspects affecting climate change. Modern analysis determined the factors affecting the distribution of precipitation on the surface of the Earth within the borders of the Volgograd region. Literary materials, data of meteorological stations, research results and observations were used. As a result of the work, the regularity of the cyclicity of precipitation was established on the basis of perennial observations by meteorological stations and is given by the forecast forecast algorithm for the prospect. Several characteristic areas on the trend were identified: periods from 1955 to 1973 (transition cycle), from 1910 to 1951 and from 1973 to 2008 (sharply pronounced cyclic precipitation processes). The main reasons affecting precipitation are determined, this is the state of the lower layers of the atmosphere and the location of the territory Analysis of the trend of falling precipitation indicates the presence of synchronization, periodicity and cyclicity of processes. The forecast of precipitation allows you to simulate river regimes, including the risks of floods, minimizing social and economic losses.
The influence of acoustic power on chemical absorption of CO2 using Slow Kinetic Solvent
Authors: Shokrollahi Fatemeh , Keong Lau Kok
Published: July 2021

Ultrasonic Irradiation (UI) is an emerging technology that is used to assist the CO2 absorption process. Even for the slow kinetic solvents without using any chemical promoter, high-frequency UI might enhance mass transfer during the absorption process. For this purpose, it is essential to study the performance of a high-frequency ultrasonic-assisted absorption system under varied operating conditions. The ultrasonic power is considered as one of the main parameters during the absorption of CO2. Thus, in this paper, the influence of ultrasonic power is presented using Methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) as a chemical solvent. The ultrasonic power has been varied from 0 to 15.3 W. The results tend to show a significant absorption rate enhancement for higher ultrasonic power. Moreover, they prove that the high-frequency ultrasonic absorption system has high potential to be utilized to enhance the absorption using promoter-free MDEA.
Evaluation of the antimicrobial performance of menthol and menthol-based deep eutectic solvents as potential future antibiotic
Authors: Azmi Nor Azrini Nadiha , Elgharbawy Amal , Salleh Hamzah Mohd , Hayyan Adeeb
Published: July 2021

Triggered by the strong antimicrobial activities of menthol and various fatty acids, eutectic mixtures based on the components are developed, producing new solvents that have possibilities to become a new antibiotic. This study aims to provide an insight into the antimicrobial activities of the new deep eutectic solvents (DESs) developed. Menthol-based DES combined with fatty acids, namely propionic acid, butanoic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, and levulinic acid, were successfully obtained and their thermal profile was analyzed. The antimicrobial potential of DES systems was evaluated against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Owing to the activities of the start-up components, the results are considered promising, and this illustrates the potential of the newly obtained DESs as a new antimicrobial agent in various fields such as food, cosmetics as well as pharmaceutical.
Computational studies of ionic liquids as co-catalyst for CO2 electrochemical reduction to produce syngas using COSMO-RS
Authors: Mohammed Sulafa Abdalmageed Saadaldeen , Yahya Wan Zaireen Nisa , Bustam Mohamad Azmi
Published: July 2021

Transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into value-added products through electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2ERR) is a promising technique due to its potential advantages using renewable energy. The main challenge is to find a stable catalytic system that could minimize the reaction overpotential with high faradaic efficiency and high current density. Ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolyte in CO2ERR have attracted attention due to the advantages of their unique properties in enhancing catalytic efficiency. For better performance, a systematic understanding of the role of ILs as electrocatalyst is needed. Therefore, this paper aims to correlate the performance of ILs as co-catalyst in (CO2ERR) with the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level and the interaction energy as predicted by quantum chemical calculation using Conductor like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) and Turbomole. The results show strong linearity (R2=0.98) between hydrogen bond energy (HB) and LUMO values. It is demonstrated that as HB increases, the LUMO value decreases, and the catalytic activity for CO2ERR also increases. This result allows further understanding on the correlation between the molecular structure and the catalytic activity for CO2ERR. It can serve as a priori prediction to aid in the design of new effective catalysts.
Parametric Optimization of a Two Stage Vapor Compression Refrigeration System by Comparative Evolutionary Techniques
Authors: Mahadzir Shuhaimi , Ahmed Rasel
Published: July 2021

Multistage refrigeration system plays a vital role in industrial refrigeration for the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals and food industries. Modern chemical industries are complex, and the problems are commonly multi-dimensional, non-linear and time-consuming. This study presents the application of evolutionary computation techniques, namely PSO (particle swarm optimization), GA (Genetic Algorithm) and SA (Simulated Annealing) to solve a design problem of a two-stage vapor compression refrigeration system. Two objectives are evaluated, namely the minimization of total energy consumption and maximization of the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system. The basis of design for the two-stage refrigeration system is built from and validated against data from published literature. The mass flow ratio, evaporator and condenser temperature, parameters for subcooling and desuperheating, and the coefficient of performance for the basis of design show acceptable results. The errors are below 5% against the data from published literature, which are within errors of significant figures in the calculations. In this work, the optimum solutions show a reduction of the required amount of energy consumption by 30.8% and an increase of the COP by nearly 77% with respect to the basis of design. Further improvements are made to the optimization procedures to prevent early convergence and to increase the search efficiency for finding the global optima. The findings by PSO, GA and SA are in agreement, and all evolutionary techniques achieved proper convergence of the two objective functions. It is also found that PSO requires lower computational effort, less computation time and is also easier to implement compared to GA and SA.
Conceptual Framework for the Conservation of Natural Environment from Toxic Ionic Liquids by QSAR Model
Authors: Ishaq Khan Muhammad , Zaini Dzulkarnain , Mohd Shariff Azmi
Published: July 2021

The natural environment has been affected by human activities to fulfil daily life needs. Abundance and hazardousness of the chemicals including ionic liquids is one of the most challenging aspect to be handled by human as well as for the natural environment. Due to ionic structure, ionic liquids are very good choice for a variety of applications. The natural environment might be affected by the ionic liquids which can be toxic. Therefore, there is a need to address this problem by studying the ecotoxicological behaviour of these ionic liquids. The main objective of current research is to model the toxicity ecotoxicological behaviour is studied by quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR). QSARs predicts the toxicity of ionic liquids. In current research a relationship between polarizability and toxicity for imidazolium ionic liquids with different alky chain length having NTF2 anion has been modelled. The success of current research will be very helpful to protect the nature by minimizing the killing of testing animals as well as ensuring the safety of biotic components of the ecosystem.
Propylene Yield from Olefin Plant Utilizing Box-Cox Transformation in Regression Analysis
Authors: Zakria Mohamad Hafizi , Mohd Nawawi Mohd Ghazali , Abdul Rahman Mohd Rizal
Published: July 2021

Propylene yield is one of the key operating parameters that is monitored daily in the running olefin plant. This study was conducted in the actual world-scale olefin plant to measure the impact of identified controlled variables on the propylene yield. The Box-Cox data transformation was adopted in the Regression Analysis using Minitab Software Version 18 due to non-normal data were observed after normality and stability test were conducted using Box Plot, I-MR Chart, Run Chart, Graphical Summary, and Normality Plot tools. The model concluded that propylene yield in the studied plant was contributed by the factors of -0.000243 Hearth Burner Flow, 0.01332 Integral Burner Flow, and 0.08598 Naphtha Feed Flow. The Response Optimizer tool also suggested that the propylene yield from naphtha liquid feed can be maximized at 11.22% with the control setting at 10,993.86 kg/hr of Hearth Burner Flow, 604.61 kg/hr of Integral Burner Flow, and 63.50 t/hr of Naphtha Feed Flow.
Cohydrothermal carbonization of waste polyvinyl chloride and wood chip for dechlorination
Authors: Kusakabe K , Steven T , Ong JY , Uemura Y , Ikenaga K
Published: July 2021

The co-hydrothermal carbonization (Co-HTC) of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and wood chip (WC) was conducted at 200-260oC in an autoclave filled in air or nitrogen for the chemical recycling of wastes with dechlorination of PVC. Effects of the Co-HTC temperature and the oxidation reaction during the Co-HTC on the decomposition behaviors were investigated. The percentage decomposition in nitrogen atmosphere increased with increasing the reaction temperature and reached 76.1% at 260oC. The percentage decompositions in nitrogen were several percent higher than those in air. The synergistic effect of PVC and WC for the decomposition was observed at 220oC in N2. When the Co-HTC was performed in air, decomposition was suppressed, indicating the increase in hydrochar yield. The dechlorination yield was determined from the Cl content in the recovered PVC after the Co-HTC reaction. Under nitrogen atmosphere conditions, the dechlorination yield increased slightly with increasing the temperature. At a carbonization temperature of 260oC, the dechlorination yield of PVC was about 40%.
Investigation of parametric optimisation for the extraction of rice bran oil with the aid of ultrasound and its synthesis to biodiesel
Authors: Pratim Bora Akash , Naik Sriya , Sandilya Durbha Krishna
Published: July 2021

Improvisation of the biodiesel production using low-cost feedstock and the process optimisation is the perfect measure for the mitigation of high cost associated with the production process. In this current study, we are focussing on the extraction of rice bran oil (RBO) which is mainly considered underutilised waste material for the synthesis of biodiesel. Solvent extraction of RBO was performed with the aid of ultrasound and the study of various process parameters were exhibited using design of experiment by Taguchi model. The highest extraction efficiency was obtained at S/R ratio: 4:1 (ml/g), Agitation speed: 150 (rpm), Agitation time: 60 (min), Size range: 427.5 (micron), Sonication time (min): 15 (min) and Power level: 70 (KW). It was observed that the ultrasound-assisted extraction produced better quality oil than the extraction performed by conventional Soxhlet. Secondly, the esterification was performed using sulphuric acid as the acid catalyst and parametric optimization was performed for the enhancement of biodiesel yield using L9 orthogonal array. The key factors viz. agitation speed of 1000 rpm, methanol to oil ratio (M/O) of 10:1and reaction temperature of 60 °C; were found to be favourable for the attainment of the maximum yield of biodiesel.
Effects of operating parameters for dry reforming of methane: A short review
Authors: Ayoub Muhammad , Chong Chi Cheng , Zamir Asif , Cheng Yoke Wang , Farrukh Sarah , Naqvi Salman Raza , Setiabudi Herma Dina , Riaz Nadia , Ramzan Naveed
Published: July 2021

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) which also known as CO2 reforming of methane is a well-investigated reaction to serve as an alternative technique to attenuate the abundance of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4). The syngas yielded is the main component for the liquid fuels and chemicals production in parallel with the fluctuating price of oil. Major researches were executed to seek for the well-suited catalysts before the commercialization of DRM can be realized. However, severe deactivation due to the carbon formation restricted the usage of promising Ni-based catalysts for DRM. Meanwhile, the deactivation on these catalysts can be associated with the operating conditions of DRM, which subsequently promoted the secondary reactions at different operating conditions. In fact, the parametric study could provide a benchmark for better understanding of the fundamental steps embodied in the CH4 and CO2 activation as well as their conversions. This review explores on the influences of the reaction operating parameters in term of the reaction temperatures, reactant partial pressures, feed ratios, and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) on catalytic performance and carbon accumulation for the DRM.
Efficient Synthesis of Polysubstituted 1,5-Benzodiazepinone Dipeptide Mimetics via an Ugi-4CR-Ullmann Condensation Sequence
Authors: Van Den Hauwe Robin , Elsocht Mathias , Ballet Steven , Hollanders Charlie
Published: July 2021

An efficient three-step synthesis towards 3-amino-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one derivatives is presented. The versatile Ugi-4-component reaction (Ugi-4CR) and Boc deprotection is followed by a ligand-free Ullmann condensation. This protocol allows the rapid construction of a diverse array of substituted 1,5-benzodiazepinones. Since Ugi-based products are typically limited by their ‘inert’ C-terminal amides, the use of a convertible (‘cleavable’) isocyanide was envisaged and resulted in building blocks that can be made SPPS compatible. To demonstrate the potential of this novel synthetic route, the design and preparation of novel phenylurea-1,5-benzodiazepin-4(5H)-one dipeptide mimetics with potential CCK2-antagonist properties is reported.
Correlation of Surrogate Markers of Insulin Resistance with Fasting Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Study of Malwa Population in Punjab, India
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Garg Ravinder , Tapasvi Chaitanya , Chawla Sonia , Kaur Navdeep ,   Gitanjali
Published: July 2021

Context Insulin resistance (IR) and abnormal insulin secretion play a key role for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Aims We investigated the surrogate markers of IR, i.e., Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA), Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), McAuley, and Fasting Insulin Resistance Index (FIRI) in type 2 DM patients. Also, fasting insulin (FI) levels were estimated in type 2 diabetics. Further, the correlation of FI with other surrogate markers of IR in type 2 DM was done.

Settings and Design A hundred newly diagnosed patients with type 2 DM from Malwa population, Punjab, were considered for evaluation. Another 100 healthy individuals (age and sex-matched) were examined as controls.

Methods and Material Fasting blood glucose, FI, and lipid profile were estimated, and IR was calculated using McAuley index (McA), HOMA, QUICKI, and FIRI.

Statistical Analysis Used The statistical analysis was performed on the above-mentioned clinical interpretations. The Cohen’s kappa test was used to affirm the agreement.

Results FI levels in patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly higher (20.8 ± 9.05 µIU/L) than controls (7.93 ± 1.01 µIU/L). IR by surrogate markers was found significant in the study group. The 76% patients with type 2 diabetes ended up as resistant to insulin by FI measurement, almost equivalent to McA, 80%; HOMA, 88%; FIRI, 88%; and QUICKI, 90%. A notable correlation was highlighted between FI and McA manifesting IR (p < 0.01, r = −0.85). We calculated the statistical correlation of FI with HOMA, QUICKI, and FIRI indices (p < 0.01, r = 0.93; p < 0.01 r = −0.92; and p < 0.01, r = +0.93, respectively). The agreement visible from Cohen’s kappa test also affirms the same (k = 0.9 for McA).

Conclusion We concluded that all the surrogate markers for IR were specific when compared with FI, but in terms of sensitivity McA was found to be more sensitive as it includes markers of dyslipidemia, which is the precipitating factor of metabolic derangements so as the IR in type 2 DM.
Intraoperative Vasopressor Usage in Free Tissue Transfer: Should We Be Worried?
Authors: Munro Samuel P. , Chang Chad , Tinker Rory J. , Anderson Iain B. , Bedford Geoff C. , Ragbir Maniram , Ahmed Omar A.
Published: July 2021

Background The role of vasopressors has long been a subject of debate in microsurgery. Conventional wisdom dictates the avoidance of vasopressor use, due to concerns such as peripheral vasoconstriction, inducing vasospasm of the anastomoses, and leading to failure in perfusion. It has since become common practice in some centers to avoid intraoperative vasopressor use during free tissue transfer surgery. Recent studies have suggested that this traditional view may not be supported by clinical evidence. However, none of these studies have separated vasopressor use by method of administration.

Methods We conducted a retrospective review of our experience of vasopressor use in free flap surgery at a single high-volume center. The outcome measures were flap failure, flap-related complications and overall postoperative complications (reported using the Clavien–Dindo classification). Groups were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test where appropriate.

Results A total of 777 cases in 717 patients were identified. 59.1% of these had vasopressors administered intraoperatively. The overall failure rate was 2.2%, with 9.8% experienced flap-related complications. There was no difference in flap loss when vasopressors were administered, but an increased rate of microvascular thrombosis was noted (p = 0.003). Continuous administration of vasopressors was associated with reduced venous congestion, whereas intermittent boluses increased risk of microvascular thrombosis.

Conclusion Our study confirms previous findings that intraoperative vasopressor use in free flap surgery is not associated with increased failure rate. Administering vasopressors continuously may be safer than via repeated boluses.
Air Flow Cooling Improves Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Mapping Using the FLIR ONE Thermal Camera
Authors: Illg Claudius , Krauss Sabrina , Rothenberger Jens , Kolbenschlag Jonas , Daigeler Adrien , Schäfer Ruth Christine
Published: July 2021

Background Due to the variable vascular anatomy preoperative perforator mapping facilitates anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap harvesting. Dynamic infrared perforator imaging can assist preoperative planning by displaying hot spots that represent angiosomes. This study aims to compare previously described precooling methods to develop a standardized simplified protocol for ALT perforator planning.

Methods Fifty thighs were examined with a FLIR ONE thermal camera. Four different cold challenges, including alcoholic disinfection, wet laparotomy sponge cooling, fan cooling, and cold pack application, were compared. Hot spot locations within a 250 mm × 80 mm area were compared double-blinded to perforator locations determined by Doppler ultrasonography considered as gold standard.

Results The matching rate of thermographic hot spots and sonographically identified perforators was 34.9 ± 22.2%. An increased matching rate of 62.2 ± 42.2% was noted taking only favored perforators (septocutaneous course, diameter >1 mm, distance <3 cm to the center, and visible concomitant veins) into account. Precooling with a fan followed by alcoholic disinfection provided clearest thermograms and fastest results.

Conclusion Thermographic imaging is a reliable method for perforator imaging. Its supplemental use to ultrasound may reduce examination time and yield additional information. Precooling by air flow or alcoholic disinfection can be easily implemented and provide the best thermograms. The matching rate of thermographic hot spots and perforators increases when taking only clinically relevant perforators into account. Thermal perforator mapping therefore reduces distraction by negligible perforators.
Systematic study on CsSnBr3 perovskite microcrystals: Chemical vapor deposition growth, structure, stability and optical properties
Authors: He Ting , Dong Na , Yao Yi , Xu Faqiang
Published: July 2021

Although lead-based halide perovskites have promising applications in optoelectronic devices, these applications are limited by the toxicity of the materials. Therefore, it is necessary to develop lead-free all-inorganic substitute such as tin-based halide perovskites in spite of the enormous challenges in their controllable synthesis and stability. Here, we report the controlled growth of high quality CsSnBr3 microcrystals on SiO2/Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition method. The as-prepared products pre-dominantly show the morphology of triangle star and nail-like rod and the structure of cubic phase. The control of nucleation density and size of CsSnBr3 microcrystals has been realized by varying the growth temperature. The results of air-exposed samples explain the structural instability of the tin-based perovskites due to the production of SnO. The power and temperature dependent photoluminescence spectra reveal that CsSnBr3 microcrystals with different morphologies possess different exciton binding energies and produce different photoexcitation species due to the quantum confinement effect that changes the electron-hole effect.
Concurrently increasing specific energy and suppressing self-discharge of electrochemical capacitors by complexing carbon nanotubes with redox active units-containing charged copolymers
Authors: Mo Guang-shuai , Ge Kang-kang , Liu Guang-ming
Published: July 2021

Specific energy and self-discharge are two important performances of electrochemical capacitors. In this work, we have fabricated the composite electrodes by complexing the negatively charged carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNT) with the redox active units-containing positively charged random copolymers. 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyl-N-oxyl and viologen are employed as model redox active units to exemplify the strategy of the concurrent increase of specific energy and suppression of self-discharge of a two-electrode device. The slower hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions compared with the reactions of the redox active units lead to an increased electrolyte decomposition window, thereby giving rise to an increase in specific energy. On the other hand, the complexation between the cMWCNT and the copolymers suppresses both the redox shuttling and the cross-diffusion of the redox active units-containing polymer chains, leading to an improved performance of self-discharge. Based on the complexation between carbon nanotubes and redox active units-containing charged copolymers, this work provides a convenient and universal strategy to concurrently increase specific energy and suppress self-discharge of electrochemical capacitors.
Design strategy of polymer matrix to regulate room temperature phosphorescence efficiency
Authors: Pei Bin , Wang Tao , Zhang Xue-peng , Zhang Guo-qing
Published: July 2021

Polymers are routinely used as embedding matrices for organic molecular phosphors to substantially reduce the non-radiative decay rate and promote room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP). However, most previous studies focus on how glass transition temperature and free volume of various polymers influence RTP efficiency; very little is known on how electronic coupling between the matrix and the phosphor can modulate organic RTP. In the current investigation, we attempt to address the issue by synthesizing a monomeric version of an aromatic ketone phosphor and copolymerizing the ketone with four different types of matrix monomers. The resulting copolymers exhibit clear matrix-dependent RTP efficiency: a gradual decrease of RTP quantum yield from 22% to nearly 0 can be observed when the electronic conjugation of the matrix increases, suggesting that energy dissipation can occur in the triplet excited state via electron exchange when the triplet state of the matrix is close to that of the phosphor. The study provides a guiding principle on regulating the lifetime of triplet-excited states for organic dyes.
Effects of vacancies on plasticity and phase transformation in single-crystal iron under shock loading
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Huang Yongfeng , Wang Kun , Li Xiaofan , Deng Huiqiu , Xiao Shifang , Zhu Wenjun , Hu Wangyu
Published: July 2021

A characteristic region with vacancy concentration ranging from 0% to 2% was introduced into the single-crystal iron to investigate the effects of vacancies on plasticity and phase transformation of single-crystal iron under shock loading. The simulations were implemented by applying non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations with an excellent modified analytic embedded-atom method (MAEAM) potential. A fixed piston velocity of vp = 0.5 km/s was applied in our simulations, under which no plasticity or phase transformation occurred in the perfect single-crystal iron based on the description of the used MAEAM potential. The plasticity and phase transformation in iron were observably influenced by the vacancies as shown in this work. Significant anisotropy of shock response was distinctly exhibited. The nucleation and growth of dislocation loops emitting from the vacancy region were clearly observed in the sample that was shocked along the [110] direction, and the activated slip systems were determined as (112¯)[111] and (112)[111¯]. The vacancies and the vacancies-induced dislocation loops provided preferential nucleation positions for the subsequent phase transformation, which resulted in the phenomenon that the phase transformation product (HCP phase) always preferentially appeared in the vacancy region. The influences of different vacancy concentrations on plasticity and phase transformation were also discussed.
Influence of swift heavy ion irradiations on temperature dependent phononic behavior of epitaxial LaNiO3 thin film
Authors: Sunidhi  , Sharma Vishal , Arora Sunil K. , Sánchez Florencio , Singh Fouran , Sathe Vasant
Published: July 2021

The effects of Ag15+ (200 MeV) swift heavy ion irradiations on the structural and phononic properties of epitaxial LaNiO3 (LNO) thin film have been investigated using high resolution x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. After irradiation, the decrease in the out-of-plane lattice parameter of LNO toward its bulk value indicates the relaxation of epitaxial strain. The temperature dependency of phononic response for different ion irradiation doses was studied by performing the Raman measurements in a temperature range of 80−300 K. For pristine as well as irradiated samples of LNO, the observed phononic modes A1g and Eg shows softening with an increment in the temperature. The temperature coefficient of both modes varies with ion fluence. For the A1g mode, temperature coefficient increases from −0.087 cm−1 K−1 for pristine to −0.092 cm−1 K−1 for a maximum ion fluence of 1012 ions/cm2, while for the Eg mode, it decreases from −0.022 cm−1 K−1 for pristine to −0.015 cm−1 K−1 for 1012 ions/cm2. Raman frequency shift for both the modes shows non-linear behavior with temperature. This temperature dependent behavior was quantitatively analyzed by using a model which suggests that Raman shifts of the A1g mode emerged predominantly due to four phonon processes whereas, for the Eg mode, major contribution came from the thermal expansion effect. Ion irradiation did not change the dominating mechanism resulting in these temperature dependent Raman shifts, although the relative contribution of different processes was altered with ion fluence.
Detailed balance analysis of advanced geometries for singlet fission solar cells
Authors: Cheung Jeffrey C. F. , Kaake Loren G.
Published: July 2021

Singlet fission is a process by which a single photon can be converted into a pair of triplet excitons, making it highly attractive for light harvesting technologies. Maximizing the efficiency of excitonic solar cells is a challenge requiring careful energy alignment among other things. We performed detailed balance calculations on excitonic solar cells that leverage endothermic singlet fission with an endothermicity of up to ten times thermal energy at room temperature. As expected, we find that the design surpasses the single junction (Shockley Queisser) limit, with a maximum at an endothermicity of 0.125 eV. However, the design is susceptible to the effects of exciton binding energy. Calculations suggest that including a third material to form a double heterojunction can help to overcome this challenge. For exciton binding energies of 0.5 eV, the singlet fission double heterojunction design can achieve an efficiency of 40.8%, a nearly 10% improvement over a single heterojunction. Practical implementations of this design are likely to encounter a number of challenges unique to this design, namely, unwanted tunneling currents and exciton-charge annihilation. Their effects on the output characteristics of the cell are described. It appears likely that these issues can be avoided, and that highly efficient, inexpensive solar cells that leverage the full promise of the singlet fission mechanism can be created.