Search Results (9,778)

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is an environmentally problematic effluent but also a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. This study evaluated an integrated recovery approach combining cationic starch clarification and adsorption resin purification for obtaining phenolic-rich fractions from Dalmatian OMW. A pooled OMW sample was characterized for conventional wastewater parameters and total phenolic content (TPC), clarified with four commercial cationic starches, and subsequently processed using Seplite LXA84, Seplite LXA88, Seplite LXA816, and Amberlite XAD4 adsorption resins. PrimePHASE 2545 at 1000 mg active substance L⁻¹ provided the most favorable balance between matrix removal and phenolic retention, reducing suspended solids and organic load while preserving approximately 92% of the initial TPC. In the preliminary resin screening, Seplite LXA84 produced the most favorable ethanol eluate, with the highest phenolic recovery and strong antioxidant activity, particularly in FRAP and ORAC assays. HPLC profiling confirmed hydroxytyrosol as the dominant recovered phenolic compound, accompanied by tyrosol and selected phenolic acids. These findings support a two-stage OMW valorization approach in which cationic starch pretreatment improves the suitability of OMW for column processing, while resin adsorption produces phenolic-rich fractions with antioxidant activity that may serve as candidates for further purification, characterization, and application-oriented research. Full article

This study presents an initial effort to develop Low-Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC) using local bio-sourced materials: Saint Jacques shells and slate tiles. Chemical analysis confirms that the Saint Jacques shells provide CaO and CaCO₃, while slate supplies the needed SiO₂ and Al₂O₃. The constituents, processed from a formulation targeting 70 wt% slate and 20 wt% shell fragments are crushed and ball-milled, mixed with 10 wt% boron trioxide (B₂O₃), and calcinated at 700 °C for two hours to remove organics, followed by a second milling. An aqueous slurry is then prepared and manually tape-cast to form tapes that are processed through standard LTCC process steps. Initial green-state mechanical tests showed elongation values up to ~7.8% and tensile break forces in the range of ~0.5–1.0 N, with lamination performed successfully using standard isostatic conditions. Cofiring yielded limited lateral shrinkage (~6%) but substantial vertical shrinkage (27%). Two-line method measurements indicate a relative permittivity of approximately 4.3 with a comparatively high loss tangent of 0.03, suggesting a vitreous phase and/or porous, inhomogeneous microstructure. A final resonator prototype is fabricated, yielding somewhat encouraging results for the feasibility of this bio-sourced LTCC route while highlighting the need to reduce dielectric losses in future work. Full article

The cement industry, responsible for 26% of industrial CO₂ emissions and 8% of global emissions, is under growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining profitability. In this context, optimizing grinding processes is essential to enhance both the efficiency and sustainability of cement production. This study presents the development of a self-adaptive expert system for closed-loop control, integrating symbolic Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Process Control (APC) techniques. The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters in real time to minimize the specific energy consumption of cement grinding while meeting quality targets. Notably, it enables autonomous plant operation without direct human supervision, thereby reallocating personnel to higher-value tasks and maintaining optimal performance continuously. The benefits observed following industrial implementation are discussed, alongside an analysis of the key factors influencing grinding performance and productivity. Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithms is proposed as a future enhancement, complementing the expert system through neuro-symbolic approaches. This fusion represents a significant step toward the digital transformation of industrial operations. Full article

Wave-edge milling tools can suppress chatter by introducing periodic harmonic variations along the cutting edge, which change the tooth-passing time delays between adjacent teeth. However, their stability is affected by coupled waveform parameters, such as amplitude, wavelength, and phase, making it difficult to screen suitable parameter combinations efficiently. This numerical/modeling-based study uses a previously validated multi-delay dynamic model to investigate the probabilistic relationship between pitch angle variance (PAV) and stability region area (SRA). A large number of feasible waveform-parameter combinations are generated under geometric constraints, and a PAV-based stratified sampling strategy is used to retain 54 representative parameter sets from six PAV layers for stability lobe diagram construction and SRA calculation. The results show that PAV has weak pointwise predictive capability for individual SRA values, with Pearson = 0.4234, Spearman = 0.4720, and R² = 0.179. However, the stratified statistical results reveal a clear layer-wise probabilistic tendency: the mean SRA increases from 17.962 to 20.996 in units of rpm·m, and the probability of obtaining an above-median SRA increases from 11.1% to 88.9%. The high-value tail case with PAV > 0.06 further indicates that a higher PAV does not necessarily guarantee a larger SRA for an individual parameter set. Therefore, PAV should not be used as a deterministic predictor or stand-alone tool-selection criterion, but can serve as a low-cost auxiliary probabilistic pre-screening descriptor before high-fidelity SLD/SRA evaluation. Full article

Adulteration of freshly milled rice with rice from older sources is a fraudulent and illegal practice that exploits consumers. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid and non-destructive technique that can detect this adulteration of milled rice, using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) in the wavelength range of 935–1720 nm. Adulterated samples were prepared by adding old and freshly milled rice at different levels, scanning the mixed samples, and comparing the results with 100% freshly milled rice samples. All samples were divided into calibration and prediction sets for the development of classification and calibration models. Spectral pretreatment methods were tested to develop the optimum models. For qualitative prediction, the best results for differentiation between freshly milled rice and adulterated samples using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) yielded 96.15% accuracy, 92.86% sensitivity, and 100% specificity. For quantitative prediction, the best calibration model for determining the percentage of mixing with old rice using support vector machine regression (SVMR) yielded a coefficient of determination for prediction (R²_p) = 0.90, and root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) = 9.10%. These findings demonstrate the potential of NIR-HSI for both qualitative and quantitative analyses in detecting the adulteration of freshly milled rice with old rice. It can be used as a rapid, nondestructive technique for assessing the authenticity of milled rice. Full article

The large-scale accumulation of coal gangue has caused serious environmental problems, and converting it into ceramsite is an important pathway for resource utilization. Grinding is a key step in the preparation of coal gangue ceramsite, but the effect of particle size distribution on heat release and ceramsite performance remains unclear. In this study, coal gangue with a calorific value of 699.77 kcal/kg was ground for 1, 2, 3, and 4 h, respectively, followed by pelletizing and sintering. The different ground powders and sintering ceramsites were investigated using particle size analysis, TG-DSC, and XRD, as well as pore structure and strength tests. The results show that for the Datong coal gangue raw material, grinding parameters and sintering regime adopted in this work, the powder milled for 2 h presents a left-shifted particle size distribution curve with a narrow main peak, particle refinement and a concentrated particle size profile (D50 = 8.498 μm, D90 = 23.941 μm). Combined with TG-DSC, XRD, and pore property test results, the 2 h ground powder delivers the most concentrated heat release during low-temperature combustion. This concentrated heat release is inferred to promote high-temperature mineral phase reconstruction and liquid phase formation, thereby generating a dense ceramsite structure featuring low apparent porosity, high closed porosity and excellent mechanical performance (water absorption: 2.99 ± 0.44%; compressive strength: 15.12 ± 0.43 MPa). When the grinding time is extended to 3 h, the particle size distribution broadens, and both the particle size distribution curve and the DSC curve show shoulder peaks, indicating dispersed heat release. Extending grinding time from 3 h to 4 h appears to induce fine-particle agglomeration with heat release becoming more dispersed and decreasing reaction degree, leading to an uneven temperature distribution and deteriorated ceramsite performance. Full article

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) xerophyte whose intraspecific morphological diversity remains poorly documented in Andean agroecosystems. This study characterized the phenotypic diversity of 55 accessions collected along an altitudinal gradient in the dry inter-Andean valleys of northern Ecuador. Twenty morphological descriptors were used to analyse the data. Quantitative descriptors showed moderate to high variability, with reproductive and defensive characters exhibiting greater variation than vegetative descriptors. MCA revealed substantial chromatic diversity, with fruit peel and pulp color emerging as the strongest qualitative discriminators among morphotypes. Cluster analysis identified three statistically distinct groups: a small-fruited, highly spinescent morphotype restricted to the most arid sites; an intermediate and phenotypically diverse morphotype distributed across all provinces; and a large-fruited, low-spinescence morphotype with the highest seed numbers, consistent with a more advanced domestication trajectory. The primary differentiation axis reflected a trade-off between spine investment and reproductive output. Five discriminant descriptors—fruit weight, spine length, seed number, peel color, and pulp color—provide a robust baseline for germplasm characterization and support conservation, breeding, and nutraceutical valorization in Andean drylands. The findings of this research contribute to filling a critical knowledge gap regarding Andean cactus pear germplasm, providing a scientific basis for conservation, sustainable management, and future breeding and agro-industrial initiatives. Full article

Zingiber officinale (ginger) is a high-value crop with significant nutritional benefits, but it is susceptible to food hazards, including mycotoxins and heavy metals. Fifty-one ginger samples were collected along the value chain in Kaduna State (local government areas: Jaba, Kachia and Zango) and 44 samples obtained from markets in Oyo State (local government areas: Ibadan North, Ibadan Northeast, Ibadan Northwest, and Ibadan Southwest). The incidence of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) and heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, and chromium), as well as risk assessments, were determined. Half (50%) of the samples from Kaduna contained aflatoxins and all (100%) of the samples from Oyo State contained aflatoxins. On average, 18 to 60% of split-dried samples and 17 to 83% of fresh from Kaduna exceeded 10 ng/g total aflatoxin concentration. In Oyo State 67 to 100% of the split-dried samples exceeded 10 ng/g and 100% of both fresh and milled samples exceeded 10 ng/g total aflatoxins. The estimated probable daily intake of mercury (0.572 mg/kg bw/day) exceeded the limit of 0.23 mg/kg bw/day from Kaduna samples, whereas others were within the tolerable limits. Lead, which has no defined tolerable daily intake, was not detected in Kaduna State samples. In Oyo State samples, lead was detectable with an estimated limit of 0.007 mg/kg bw/day; whereas, the others were within the limit. The estimated probable daily intake (PDI) of aflatoxin B1 was estimated at 4.1 μg/kg bw/day and 1.5 μg/kg bw/day from Oyo State and Kaduna State samples, respectively. The provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (TDI) for aflatoxins is 2 μg/kg bw/day. The use of probiotics was explored for the detoxification of aflatoxin-spiked ginger samples (at 50 ng/g). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 (LP) and Lactobacillus helveticus ATCC 15009 (LH) reduced aflatoxin concentrations by 50% when used alone or together at the end of a 120 h incubation period. The study highlights the incidence and risk of exposure to multiple toxicants in ginger and the need for management of aflatoxins and heavy metals along the ginger value chain. Full article

Aluminum honeycomb structures are widely used in the aeronautical, aerospace, marine, and automotive industries due to their excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio. However, machining these structures remains highly challenging because their thin, highly flexible cell walls are susceptible to plastic deformation and geometric defects. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an innovative machining approach that combines longitudinal-torsional ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining (LT-UVAM) with a 55-tooth CZD10 cutting tool. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using Abaqus/Explicit 2017 to simulate the dynamic interactions between the cutting tool and the honeycomb cell walls during the milling process. Following experimental validation on a high-speed machining center, the model was employed to investigate the effects of cutting and vibration parameters on the machining performance. The results demonstrate that longitudinal-torsional ultrasonic vibration coupling significantly reduces the cutting forces, resulting in a 26% to 42% reduction in the axial force component (Fz). Furthermore, vibration assistance effectively limits cell wall deflection, reducing the stress levels by up to 60% in the thinnest walls while maintaining them below the critical Euler buckling load. Furthermore, an ultrasonic vibration frequency of 22.5 kHz almost completely eliminates plastic deformation, while a vibration amplitude of 25 µm significantly reduces tool wear by promoting intermittent tool–workpiece contact, thereby facilitating chip evacuation. Ultimately, the LT-UVAM process produces finer and more uniform chips, leading to improved machining quality, enhanced dimensional accuracy, and extended tool life. Full article

Agri-food byproducts are increasingly investigated as food-tech material resources, but compositional richness alone does not establish ingredient suitability. This critical narrative review evaluates plant-derived and processing residues across four representative material groups: fiber- and polysaccharide-rich powders and fractions, protein- and starch-rich materials, bioprocessed ingredients, and formulation-supporting composites. We examine how source identity, stabilization, drying, milling, fermentation, enzymatic modification, fractionation, and formulation influence hydration, interfacial behavior, gelation, rheology, texture, sensory compatibility, storage stability, and preservation-supporting performance. Evidence is interpreted across linked feedstock–processing–functionality–application–readiness gates, with separate consideration of safety, regulatory positioning, batch specifications, scale-up, techno-economic feasibility, life cycle assessment, and circularity boundaries. The practical output is a five-gate decision support and claim calibration framework that distinguishes four proposed evidence levels: Candidate, Functionality-supported, Formulation-validated, and Industry-ready potential. As a proposed non-numerical synthesis, the framework supports decision-making and claim calibration rather than ranking, certification, or regulatory approval; it identifies the evidence required before matrix-specific functional, safety, sustainability, or industry relevance claims are made. Full article

Owing to its infinite shelf-life under ambient conditions, satisfactory recyclability, and great reparability, carbon fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) has been increasingly applied in the near-net-shape manufacture of high-value components. Longitudinal torsional ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling (LTUVAM) shows strong potential as an advanced processing technology for the efficient precision machining of composites. However, studies and models on the explanation of LTUVAM of CF/PPS composites seem to be missing in the literature. This paper proposes a finite element analysis method for LTUVAM of UD-CF/PPS processes. The kinematic analysis of the LTUVAM is proposed first, then the mechanism of surface formation during UD-CF/PPS milling process is provided. A simulation method which could simultaneously achieve both longitudinal and torsional vibration motions is introduced in the finite element model, enabling the simulation of LTUVAM of UD-CF/PPS composites. The experimental validations were conducted under both CM and LTUVAM conditions with three different cutters, demonstrating that cutting force simulations have significant agreement with experimental data, and both simulation and experiment indicate that LTUVAM produces superior surface quality compared to CM; the fiber debonding at the microscopic level could be eliminated and the height of machined surfaces could be significantly reduced when LTUVAM is utilized. These findings could also open avenues for clarification of other scientific queries such as cutting parameters optimization, cutting tool selection, and modeling of the UD-CF/PPS drilling process. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long-acting injectable aqueous suspensions based on fatty acid prodrugs offer a compelling strategy for chronic disease management. However, the selection of optimal alkyl chain length remains largely empirical, as its influence on prodrug performance is highly system-dependent and lacks predictive guidelines. Methods: Three aripiprazole prodrugs with different alkyl chain lengths were synthesized and characterized using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A series of physicochemical assessments was performed, including melting point, solubility, lipophilicity, solid-state stability, and plasma stability. The prodrugs were subsequently formulated as aqueous suspensions, which were evaluated for particle size, morphology, release behavior, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake. Finally, intramuscular administration in rats was carried out to investigate pharmacokinetic profiles and local tolerability. Results: Physicochemical characterization revealed that chain elongation progressively reduced the melting point, solubility, wettability, and solid-state stability of these prodrugs, whereas their flexibility, lipophilicity, and plasma stability correspondingly increased. After wet milling and intramuscular administration in rats, all suspensions sustained drug release for up to one month with good tolerability. Notably, the aripiprazole lauroxil formulation exhibited superior bioavailability and a shortened subtherapeutic interval, enabling the rapid attainment of therapeutic concentrations while effectively mitigating a prolonged pharmacokinetic tail. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the favorable profile of aripiprazole lauroxil as a lead candidate and demonstrate that isostructural packing facilitates the reliable prediction of chain length–property correlations across diverse fatty acid-prodrug systems, thus providing a valuable reference for rational alkyl chain selection in the design of fatty acid-based LAI suspensions. Full article

In this work, we demonstrate a defect-mediated strategy to fundamentally reprogram the selectivity of ZnO gas sensors through targeted doping with two types of trivalent rare-earth ions. We incorporate yttrium (Y³⁺) and dysprosium (Dy³⁺) into the ZnO host via a high-energy ball-milling (HEBM)-assisted solid-state reaction. On the basis of structural, optical, and spectroscopic characterizations, we demonstrate a significant increase in the oxygen vacancy density and a reduction in the band gap energy. The gas sensing tests revealed a remarkable inversion of selectivity: while doping suppressed the NO₂ response by 86% to 94%, it increased the sensitivity to VOCs. Dy doping produced a selective sensor for ethanol (S = 9.61, 5.62 × selectivity over NO₂), and Y doping produced a selective sensor for acetone (S = 8.27, 2 × selectivity over NO₂). This dopant-specific defect engineering provides a direct pathway to adapt ZnO sensors to the selective detection of VOCs in environmental monitoring. Full article

Although numerous studies have evaluated the effects of agronomic practices on either rice yield or grain quality, a comprehensive assessment of potential synergies and trade-offs between these traits across multiple management strategies remains limited, which is of great importance to simultaneously improving rice yield and quality in the future. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted with paired observations of rice yield and quality when various agronomic practices, including altering sowing date, alternate wetting and drying, growth regulator application, nitrogen application, potassium application, organic fertilizer application, increased planting density, silicon application, variety selection and zinc application, are employed. We found that applications of growth regulator and potassium fertilizer can improve rice yield, milling and appearance quality simultaneously. Enhanced rice yield and milling quality can be achieved through variety selection and organic fertilizer application. Additionally, enhanced rice yield and appearance quality can also be achieved through silicon application. However, though increased planting density and altered sowing date can improve rice yield and milling quality, they cause lower appearance quality. By contrast, though nitrogen application can improve rice yield and milling quality, it comes at the expense of appearance and eating quality. Therefore, our results indicate that there are indeed complex synergistic relationships and trade-offs between rice yield and various aspects of grain quality. Integrated agronomic technique packages should be employed to simultaneously improve rice yield and grain quality in the future. Full article

In this study, pure hydroxyapatite (HAp) was successfully produced by using eggshells. The eggshells were collected locally and calcined to get CaO from them. The CaO powder was reacted with diammonium hydrogen phosphate in a mechanochemical method using attritor milling. A portion of the synthesized samples was subjected to a second calcination process at 900 °C to investigate the thermal effects on the material. The structures of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. The as-prepared HAp appeared to be nanocrystalline with low-intensity reflections, which transformed into a highly crystalline hexagonal phase after heat treatment, as revealed by XRD analysis. Quantitative analysis revealed the thermal evolution of the secondary Ca(OH)₂ phase, due to the thermal decomposition into CaO without causing HAp decomposition into tricalcium phosphates. FTIR analysis showed characteristic phosphate bands for both samples, but the calcined sample displayed sharper peaks and a clear loss of residual water and carbonates. SEM observations also highlighted the major morphological transformation. The highly aggregated as-prepared nanoparticles formed larger, well-defined grains. Notably, the calcined sample also exhibited a rough, textured surface with a macroporous network with interconnected channels. EDS analysis confirmed a Ca-P-O-rich composition, where the elevated Ca/P ratio (Ca/P = 2.28) suggested the presence of secondary calcium-rich phases. These structural, chemical, and morphological characteristics suggest that eggshell-derived HAp, with or without a second heat treatment, has high potential and may be optimized for different applications in bone tissue engineering. However, biological performance was not evaluated in this study. Full article