Search Results (266)

This study presents a data-driven framework to predict and optimize the quality of date juice (DJ) produced from two commercially important Saudi cultivars (Sukkary and Khlass) using physicochemical and processing variables as model inputs. A total of 1600 experimental runs were performed by systematically varying initial fruit moisture content, extraction temperature (20, 40, 60, and 80 °C), mixing velocity (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of maximum speed), and date-to-water ratios (1:1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 w/w). The produced juices were characterized at 25 °C for water activity, moisture content, density, pH, total soluble solids (°Brix), turbidity, viscosity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), browning index, extraction time, electrical energy consumption, and an integrated Quality Index (Qi). A feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN; 7–15–1) with a hyperbolic tangent transfer function was developed and validated using normalized datasets, and its performance was benchmarked against multiple linear regression (MLR). The ANN consistently outperformed MLR for Qi prediction, achieving higher coefficients of determination and lower error indices across training, testing, and validation, indicating strong generalization and minimal overfitting. Sensitivity analysis highlighted total soluble solids, moisture content, and HMF as the most influential predictors of Qi. Optimal juice quality (Qi ≥ 0.91) was repeatedly achieved under moderate thermal conditions (≈60 °C), with 40% mixing velocity and a 1:2.5 date-to-water ratio, providing a practical operating window for producing juice at the target °Brix while limiting thermal quality deterioration. Overall, the proposed ANN-based model provides an actionable decision-support tool for process optimization and quality standardization, supporting the transition of date-juice manufacturing toward Industry 4.0 through data-driven monitoring and adaptive control strategies. Full article

Native Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigenum) are a valuable phytogenetic resource due to their compositional diversity and adaptation to high-altitude environments. Their starch is a key functional polysaccharide widely used in food systems; however, information on the kinematic viscosity of dilute gels under moderate thermal conditions remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of temperature (26, 36, and 46 °C) and starch concentration (1–3% w/v) on the kinematic viscosity of gels from three Andean potato varieties: Imilla Negra, Compis, and Peruanita. Starch was extracted from fresh tubers (Puno, Peru) using a wet extraction method, and gels were prepared by heating dispersions at 85 °C for 5 min under controlled conditions. Viscosity (0.61–34.47 cSt) decreased with increasing temperature and increased with concentration, confirming the sensitivity of these systems to thermal and compositional factors. The Arrhenius model adequately described temperature dependence, with activation energies of 15.19–29.75 kJ·mol⁻¹, showing an increasing trend with concentration. At 3% and 26 °C, viscosity followed Compis > Imilla Negra > Peruanita, indicating varietal differences in thickening capacity. These results provide useful rheological data for the design and optimisation of food processes involving dilute Andean potato starch dispersions. Full article

Conventional thermal recovery techniques face challenges in low-permeability heavy oil reservoirs due to low recovery factors and poor economic viability. To address these challenges, low-temperature oxidation (LTO) during oxygen-reduced air flooding was employed to achieve in situ oil upgrading and enhance oil recovery. Static oxidation tests at oxygen concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 21% were designed to analyze the produced gas composition and the physical properties of the oil following oxidation. We further employed Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis to evaluate the oxidation behavior of crude oil under the same oxygen concentration conditions. Finally, long-core displacement experiments were performed to assess how the oxygen concentration influences the recovery efficiency. The results showed that under the tested conditions, oxygen consumption exceeded CO₂ generation, indicating that low-temperature oxygen addition reactions (formation of oxygenated species) dominated over complete oxidation. As the oxygen concentration increased, the oxidized crude oil exhibited a higher viscosity. At higher oxygen concentrations (15% and 21%), the asphaltene content increased significantly, resulting in poorer fluidity. The activation energy in the LTO stage decreased with increasing oxygen concentration, as revealed by kinetic analysis over the range of 5% to 21%. The LTO stage dominated the crude oil oxidation process. However, the heat release during this stage was less affected by the oxygen concentration. Consequently, increasing the oxygen concentration contributed only marginally to elevating the reservoir temperature. For the studied reservoir, oxygen-reduced air flooding with a 5% oxygen concentration achieved a final recovery factor of 34.82%. This represented a 1.76% improvement over conventional air flooding, thereby enabling economically efficient reservoir development. Full article

In this study, first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations were employed to systematically investigate the effects of temperature and composition on the microstructure and transport properties of CaCl₂–CaI₂ mixed molten salts at the atomic scale. Structural analysis shows that the system exhibits good relaxation behavior and thermodynamic stability, with coordination strength following Ca-Cl > Ca-I. The transport properties reveal a coupled dependence on temperature and composition: increasing CaI₂ content enhances the diffusion of I⁻ ions, whereas at 1173 K, a decrease in diffusion coefficients is observed for all ionic species. Arrhenius analysis indicates that increasing CaI₂ content lowers the activation energy for ion migration. The shear viscosity follows the order η(Ca²⁺) > η(Cl⁻) ≥ η(I⁻), and decreases with increasing temperature and CaI₂ concentration, indicating improved fluidity. Notably, the results reveal a competitive coordination mechanism between Cl⁻ and I⁻ around Ca²⁺, as well as a non-monotonic transport behavior at high temperatures, reflecting the complex coupling between composition and ionic dynamics in mixed halide melts. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of molten salt electrolysis processes and nuclear energy materials, and offers insight for future multiscale simulations and experimental validation. Full article

To address poor interfacial compatibility between rubber powder and emulsified asphalt in cold-mixed asphalt mixtures, this study employed microwave activation to desulfurize and activate waste rubber powder. The investigation combined experimental research, molecular dynamics simulations, and solid–liquid separation methods to systematically explore the mechanism by which rubber powder activation influences cold-mixed emulsified asphalt systems. Results revealed an effective activation temperature of approximately 190 °C for rubber powder. The activation process, driven by microwave heating, involves main-chain scission and crosslink bond cleavage. Furthermore, moderate desulfurization reduces the solubility difference between rubber powder and asphalt, increases interfacial binding energy, and enhances the diffusion coefficient. Based on these findings, an optimal microwave activation scheme was proposed (4 min at 1040 W followed by 2 min at 873 W), which offers low energy consumption and excellent modification effects. Activation treatment reduces the initial viscosity by 33.9% and accelerates demulsification. Lastly, the results of molecular dynamics simulations are highly consistent with those of macroscopic experiments, forming a complete research chain of “microscopic mechanism analysis—macroscopic performance verification” and providing a theoretical basis and technical support for high-performance cold-mixed rubber-powder-modified emulsified asphalt mixtures. Full article

The Gulong shale oil reservoir is characterized by high clay content and strong heterogeneity, with substantial variations in mineral composition among different intervals. However, existing fracability evaluation methods for such continental shales remain inconsistent and often rely on oversimplified two-dimensional fracture descriptors, lacking a multi-parameter quantitative framework derived from three-dimensional fracture characterization. In this study, the Q1 and Q9 members of the Gulong shale oil were selected, and laboratory-scale hydraulic fracturing simulation experiments were conducted using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂), liquid CO₂, and water as the fracturing media. Within a fractal-theory framework based on CT-derived three-dimensional reconstructions, a multi-scale evaluation index system was established by integrating fractal dimension, fracture density, and spatial connectivity. The experimental results demonstrate that fluid properties exert a decisive influence on rock failure behavior. Owing to its ultra-low viscosity and strong diffusivity, SC-CO₂ can significantly reduce formation breakdown pressure while effectively activating natural weak planes to generate a more complex fracture network. For the Q9 shale, the breakdown pressure under SC-CO₂ is reduced by 11.91% and 8.33% relative to water and liquid CO₂, respectively. Moreover, the fracture fractal dimension reaches 2.41 under SC-CO₂, which is markedly higher than the values obtained under liquid CO₂ (2.18) and water (2.12). Mineral composition and densely developed bedding are the key factors inducing fracture branching and deflection, whereas injection rate and an asymmetric stress field regulate the internal energy-release rate and stress path, thereby influencing fracture crossing capability and aperture evolution. Based on the experimental dataset, a fracture complexity index (FCI) evaluation model was developed: under SC-CO₂ fracturing, the FCI values are 8.92 for the Q9 member and 4.43 for the Q1 member, and the model predictions are in good agreement with physical observations. This work elucidates the failure mechanism of the Gulong shale under multi-field coupling and provides a theoretical basis for optimizing hydraulic fracturing and evaluating fracability in unconventional reservoirs through the proposed FCI-based assessment framework. Full article

Polyphenols are structurally diverse plant secondary metabolites with broad biological activities and growing applications across the food, health, and materials sectors. Conventional extraction based on organic solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol) is often energy-intensive, inefficient, and environmentally burdensome. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have therefore emerged as greener alternatives for polyphenol extraction. This review evaluates recent advances in solvent design, extraction performance, and process sustainability. Imidazolium-based ILs frequently achieve high yields and selectivity, particularly when coupled with ultrasound or microwave-assisted extraction, but high cost, synthetic complexity, viscosity-related constraints, and potential toxicity hinder scaleup. By contrast, DESs—especially those derived from choline chloride or lactic acid—are easier to prepare, less costly, and more compatible with industrial implementation, with efficiency enhanced by tailoring hydrogen bond networks, water content, and process intensification. Critical downstream challenges persist for both solvent classes, notably in extract purification and solvent recovery due to low volatility; approaches such as resin adsorption, antisolvent precipitation, and direct formulation have been explored. Overall, ILs and DESs represent compelling alternatives to conventional solvents, and future progress will depend on integrated extraction–recovery strategies, systematic solvent selection, and validation under scalable, sustainable processing conditions. Full article

Ultrasonic cavitation is a key mechanism in the dispersion and erosion of solid materials in liquids; however, the influence of processing conditions and medium properties on its efficiency in ultrasonic baths remains poorly systematized. Despite the widespread use of ultrasonic baths in materials processing, general optimization principles are lacking, and operating parameters are typically determined empirically for each system. In this work, cavitation activity was quantitatively assessed using an aluminum foil erosion test, with the foil clamped in a plastic frame to evaluate the mechanical effects of cavitation. The effects of ultrasonic power, frequency, treatment time, temperature, solvent nature, and vessel material on the foil mass loss were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that both the instrumental parameters and physicochemical properties of the dispersion medium, including viscosity and surface tension, significantly affect the cavitation activity. Solvents with lower cavitation thresholds and favorable acoustic properties promote more intense erosion, while the vessel material and geometry also influence energy transmission to the liquid. This study provides a systematic framework for assessing the cavitation dose in ultrasonic baths and offers practical guidelines for optimizing ultrasonic dispersion processes and improving their reproducibility. Full article

In this study, potential fungicides were prepared following the principles of green chemistry. The compounds were synthesized in deep eutectic solvents as an alternative medium and compared with syntheses in traditional solvents such as ethanol. The efficiency of the reaction was improved by ultrasonic synthesis in both eutectic solvents and ethanol, resulting in higher yields while reducing reaction energy and time. For the first time, deep eutectic solvents (DES) were used for quaternisation reactions, with choline chloride as a hydrogen bond acceptor and urea, glycerol, malic acid, malonic acid, and levulinic acid as donors. DES, composed of biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable components, represented a greener alternative to conventional solvents. However, reactions in DES by the conventional method generally resulted in lower yields, probably due to solubility and viscosity limitations inherent in the eutectic medium. The combination of ultrasound and deep eutectic solvents proved to be a good alternative to organic solvents for the quaternisation reaction, as higher yields were achieved in a shorter time compared to conventional methods. The antifungal activity of all 18 synthesized compounds was tested. The compounds exhibited significant antifungal activity against all four pathogens, with varying levels of mycelial growth inhibition. B. cinerea was the most sensitive species (up to 70.7% inhibition), while F. culmorum was the least sensitive (≤32%). Full article

This study presents the experimental characterization of the volumetric and transport properties of pseudo-binary mixtures of commercial diesel and residual chicken fat methyl ester biodiesel over the temperature range of 293.15–353.15 K at 0.078 MPa. Density measurements were performed using a U-shaped vibrating-tube densimeter; kinematic viscosities were obtained using Cannon–Fenske capillary viscometers. The results show that density decreased with increasing temperature and diesel content. The excess molar volume (V^E) was negative for all mixtures; the strongest volumetric contraction took place at around x₁ ≈ 0.4–0.6. The Redlich–Kister equation and the Prigogine–Flory–Patterson (PFP) model were applied to represent excess molar volumes, with an absolute average deviation (AAD) lower than 14.92%. The thermal expansion coefficient (${\alpha }_P$) and its excess property (${\alpha }_P^E$) further confirmed the existence of non-ideal mixing driven by polar–apolar interactions. The kinematic viscosity ($\nu$) was confirmed to be temperature-dependent and increased with the amount of FAMEs; this effect can be associated with the greater polarity and structural rigidity of esters. The McAllister model also adequately reproduced the dynamic viscosity ($\eta$) with an AAD < 4.2%. Furthermore, an increase in the activation enthalpy (${\Delta H}^{\ne }$) was observed at higher FAME fractions, indicating a high energy demand is required to overcome the internal energy barrier for the initial displacement of the molecules. Full article

Electrophysiology, mechanobiology, and the study of soft matter within cells demonstrate increasing amounts of evidence that neuronal signaling arises from interactions between membrane potential, force, and phase. Herein, we have attempted to collect and organize the evidence for each of these areas of study into an approximate structure called the electromechanical connectome: a three-way state–space (membrane potentials, nanoscale mechanical forces, and cytoplasmic rheology, including phase-separated liquid–liquid droplets) where membrane potentials, nanoscale mechanical forces, and cytoplasmic rheology, and phase-separated liquid–liquid droplets are likely to influence one another, influencing synaptic processing, plasticity and network stability. We will also attempt to illustrate the following: how changes in electrostatic fields can be used to alter the arrangement of lipids, hydration, and dielectric microdomains, and the contact geometry between organelles and activity dependent transcription; how mechanical dynamics associated with spines, axons, and the active zone of synapses may be used to modify the energy landscape of channels, the docking and priming of vesicles, and the transport of cytoskeletons; and how viscosity corridors, along with phase-separated micro-reactors, can be used to regulate the kinetics of signaling, molecular trafficking and metabolic processes in local environments. With these connections in mind, we will propose a multiphysical attractor model in which cognition is the result of navigating through metastable manifolds, while neurodegenerative disease may be a result of the progressive loss of electromechanical coherence, phase boundary control and energetic flexibility. Finally, we will present testable hypotheses and use AI-enabled digital twin methods to potentially quantify the early deformation of manifolds and provide precision biomarkers and therapeutic options. Full article

In this work, the kinetics of the redistribution of oils, resins, and asphaltenes in high-viscosity oil from the Karazhanbas field (Republic of Kazakhstan) were investigated. This was achieved with an ultrasonic treatment (22 kHz, 50 W) in the presence of a zeolite catalyst (1.0 wt%). The parameters of the technological process were established as a temperature range from 30 to 70 °C and an exposure time of 3 to 11 min. This allowed us to increase the oil content by 14.8% and decrease the concentration of resins by 12.2% and asphaltenes by 2.6%. Conversion schemes (“oils ↔ resins” and “resins ↔ asphaltenes”) were developed, which made it possible to determine the main direction of the reaction processes. The most rapid process is the conversion of resins to oils (k₂ = 0.1148–0.1860 min⁻¹). The process of the cracking of asphaltenes with the formation of resins (k₄ = 0.1023–0.1413 min⁻¹) ranks second in rates. Condensation reactions, including the transition of oils to resins (k₁ = 0.0175–0.0252 min⁻¹) and resins to asphaltenes (k₃ = 0.0139–0.0194 min⁻¹), occur significantly more slowly. The calculated activation energies (7.0–10.4 kJ/mol) show that the cavitation treatment of high-viscosity oil in the presence of a catalyst effectuates the processing of heavy oil with minimal energy consumption. A group composition analysis of the light and middle oil fractions demonstrated an increase in paraffinic, naphthenic, benzenic, and olefinic hydrocarbons, with a simultaneous decrease in naphthalenes and heteroatomic compounds. The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of ultrasonic–catalytic treatment for the structural cracking of high-viscosity oil and the formation of lighter hydrocarbon fractions. Full article

Tight oil reservoirs are widely recognized as a critical successor in global unconventional energy development and are generally characterized by distinct geological features, including fine pore throats, pronounced heterogeneity, and a high concentration of clay minerals (e.g., montmorillonite and mixed-layer illite/smectite). Severe hydration, swelling, and fines migration are readily induced during water injection or conventional water-based fluid operations, thereby resulting in irreversible impairment of reservoir permeability. Despite the excellent injectivity and capacity for viscosity reduction associated with CO₂ flooding, sweep efficiency is severely compromised by viscous fingering and gas channeling, which are induced by the inherent low viscosity of the gas. While CO₂ foam technology is widely acknowledged as a pivotal solution for addressing mobility control challenges, its implementation is hindered by a primary technical bottleneck: the incompatibility between traditional water-based foam systems and strongly water-sensitive reservoirs. A dual challenge comprising water injectivity constraints and gas channeling is presented by strongly water-sensitive tight oil reservoirs. To address these impediments, three emerging low-damage CO₂ foam systems are critically evaluated in this review. First, the synergistic mechanisms of novel quaternary ammonium salts and polymers in inhibiting clay hydration and enhancing foam stability within modified water-based systems are elucidated. Next, the physical isolation strategy of substituting the water phase with a non-aqueous phase (oil/organic solvent) in organic emulsion systems is analyzed, highlighting advantages in wettability alteration and the mitigation of water blocking. Finally, the prospect of waterless operations using CO₂-soluble foam systems—wherein supercritical CO₂ is utilized as a surfactant carrier to generate foam or viscosify fluids via in situ formation water—is discussed. It is revealed by comparative analysis that: (1) Modified water-based systems are identified as the most economically viable option for reservoirs with moderate water sensitivity, wherein cationic stabilizers are utilized to inhibit hydration; (2) Superior wettability alteration and the elimination of aqueous phase damage are provided by organic emulsion systems, rendering them ideal for ultra-sensitive, high-value reservoirs, despite higher solvent costs; (3) CO₂-soluble systems are recognized as the future direction for “waterless” flooding, specifically tailored for ultra-tight formations (<0.1 mD) where injectivity is critical. Current challenges, such as surfactant solubility, high-temperature stability, and cost control, are identified through a comparative analysis of these three systems with respect to structure-activity relationships, rheological properties, damage control capabilities, and economic feasibility. What is more, an outlook is provided on the molecular design of future environmentally sustainable, cost-effective CO₂-philic materials and smart injection strategies. Consequently, theoretical foundations and technical support are established for the efficient exploitation of strongly water-sensitive tight oil reservoirs. By bridging the gap between reservoir damage control and mobility enhancement, this study identifies viable strategies for enhanced oil recovery. Crucially, it supports carbon neutrality and sustainable energy targets via CCUS integration. Full article

This study investigates the exothermic effects and viscosity properties of multicomponent oxide melts during the high-temperature reduction of low-grade Cr–Mn ores. Unlike previous thermodynamic-focused research, this work provides experimental evidence of transient exothermic responses and correlates them with melt properties. High-temperature experiments identified pronounced exothermic effects in the 800–1600 °C range. Phase analysis (XRD, SEM–EDS) confirmed effective Cr and Mn reduction into Fe–Cr–Mn–Si alloys with minimal residual oxides in the slag. Effective viscosity, measured via the electrovibrational method at 1400–1650 °C, decreased monotonically with temperature. Arrhenius analysis was applied to determine activation energies and crystallization onset temperatures (T_cr). The results indicate low viscosity and high thermal stability of the slags, ensuring efficient metal–slag separation. These findings confirm the technological feasibility of using low-grade ores for Fe–Cr–Mn alloy production and provide a basis for optimizing industrial smelting. Full article

Kefiran, the extracellular polysaccharide produced by Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) bacteria found in kefir grains, is a promising biopolymer with multiple applications in agri-food and biomedical fields. Besides its characteristics and potential applications, the factors that affect its production remain a prime subject of interest. Lactic acid bacteria synthesize polysaccharides to protect their cells from adverse conditions. Therefore, low-temperature storage (4 °C) of kefir grains inoculated into Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) milk at two different concentrations (5% and 30%) was studied as a factor for increasing kefiran production in the medium. The cryoprotectant disaccharide trehalose, which comprises a carbon and energy source for many microorganisms, was also evaluated for its effectiveness in enhancing kefiran production. The pH, the increase in kefir grain mass, the amount of kefiran produced, and the rheological properties of the acidified milk were determined during two distinct storage periods, depending on kefir grain concentration. For comparison, kefir grains were also fermented at 25 °C and 30 °C. Low-temperature storage at a kefir grain concentration of 30% resulted in an increase in the amount of polysaccharide produced beyond that obtained through fermentation. Fermentation of a 5% grain inoculum at 30 °C resulted in the lowest kefiran production. In the presence of trehalose, prolonged low-temperature storage favored an increase in the biosynthesis of kefiran, especially at a 30% kefir grain inoculum. Trehalose, however, was not a significant factor in the fermentation experiments. Proper selection of low-temperature storage time is required to avoid a reduction in kefiran concentration due to the metabolic activity of the microorganisms in kefir grains. The acidified milk (low-temperature storage) and kefir (fermentation) samples both exhibited increased elasticity and apparent viscosity with increasing kefir grain concentration. However, the rheological behavior of acidified milk was greatly affected by protein degradation during low-temperature storage. As shown by the findings of the present study, low-temperature storage (4 °C) of a 30% kefir grain inoculum in the presence of trehalose (3% w/w) until a final pH of 4.2 proves to favor kefiran production in the medium the most. Full article