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In this study, on the basis of single factor experiments, the effects of raw material mass concentration, ethanol volume fraction, ultrasonic power, extraction temperature, and extraction time on the lipase inhibition activity of mulberry leaves extract were investigated in combination with response surface methodology to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction process of the lipase-inhibiting components of mulberry leaves. Meanwhile, the active ingredients of mulberry leaves extract were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF HRMS. The results showed that the optimal 21extraction process parameters for the lipase-inhibiting components of mulberry leaves were as follows: The mass concentration of raw material was 0.05 g/mL, volume fraction of ethanol was 70%, ultrasonic power was 195 W, extraction temperature was 31 °C and the extraction time was 40 min. Under these conditions, the lipase inhibition rate of mulberry leaves extract was 39.68%. A total of 1067 compounds were identified. Flavonoids and phenolic acids accounted for the highest proportion, containing 203 and 201 compounds, respectively. These compounds might be the material basis for the lipase inhibiting activity of mulberry leaves extract. In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction process of mulberry leaves was optimized to improve the extraction efficiency of the lipase-inhibiting active components, and the main active ingredients were analyzed. The results may provide a reference for the functional application of mulberry leaves in improving lipid metabolism and the development of health food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat is a valuable crop that contains various nutrients and functional components. Tartary buckwheat peptide is a protease-hydrolyzed protein with a wide range of physiological functions. Tartary buckwheat peptide produced through microbial fermentation can decrease the enzymatic digestion of buckwheat protein, which contributes to the bitter taste, and improve both the flavor and texture of buckwheat peptide products. In this study, microbial fermentation using probiotics was employed to prepare Tartary buckwheat peptides, and the preparation process was optimized. Based on single-factor experiments, the polypeptide content in the fermentation solution initially increased and then decreased with varying water content, inoculum concentration, glucose addition, fermentation temperature, fermentation time, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate addition. According to the response surface methodology, the maximum peptide content was achieved under fermentation conditions of 60.0% moisture content, 12.87% inoculum ratio, 2.0% glucose, and a fermentation temperature of 30.0 °C, with an actual value of (22.18 ± 1.02) mg/mL. The results show that fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum produces higher peptide levels and is safer than other microbial fermentation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave-assisted and conventional extraction using ethanol, hexane, and petroleum ether as solvents, and to optimize the process for extracting oil from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds, with a focus on improving food-grade oil production. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to enhance the extraction process of the oil. Central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used to analyze the impact of solid–liquid ratio (x1), power (x2), and temperature (x3) on oil yield. The optimization identified the optimal conditions as a solid/liquid ratio of 1:38, power of 175 W, and temperature of 50 °C, achieving a 42% oil yield. Notably, the microwave-assisted extraction reduced the processing time from 8 h (using conventional Soxhlet extraction) to just 1 h. Conventional extraction with hexane and petroleum ether was also performed for comparison, resulting in similar oil content and fatty acid profiles, predominantly, oleic acid. FTIR analysis confirmed that the microwave-extracted oil contained fatty acids and had similar characteristics to the conventionally extracted oil. Thus, the use of ethanol as a green solvent in the microwave has shown significant improvement in terms of time and energy savings compared to the Soxhlet method with toxic solvents. This study concludes that microwave-assisted extraction with ethanol provides a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and time-saving alternative for food-grade oil production, aligning with advancements in food engineering and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, La@MxOy/TiO2 (M = V, Cr, Mn and Fe) composite catalysts were prepared based on the sol–gel method as an effective adsorbent and photocatalyst for the degradation of malachite green from an aqueous solution under UV–Vis light. Under experimental conditions, a maximum adsorption capacity of 57.10% for the malachite green dye was achieved with La@Fe2O3/TiO2. Moreover, this composite showed 78.62% photodegradation efficiency for malachite green. A quadratic model constructed using the response surface method showed that the maximum efficiency of photodegradation of malachite green can be achieved at pH 11 and a process time of 35 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling citrus peel waste offers several significant contributions to sustainability, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into valuable resources. In this study, the colour of sausages stored for 16 days, with varying amounts of orange extract added to the modified casing solution, was evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM) and a hyperspectral imaging system within the spectral range of 350–1100 nm for the first time. To enhance model performance, spectral pre-treatments such as normalisation, first derivative, standard normal variate (SNV), second derivative, and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were applied. Both raw and pre-treated spectral data, along with colour attributes, were fitted to a partial least squares regression model. The RSM results indicated that the highest R2 value, 80.61%, was achieved for the b* (yellowness) parameter using a second-order polynomial model. The interactive effects of soy oil and orange extracts on b* were found to be significant (p < 0.05), and the square effects of soy oil on b* were significant at the 1% level. The identified key wavelengths for colour parameters can simplify the model, making it more suitable for practical industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global energy demand necessitates a shift towards sustainable sources to mitigate environmental issues and ensure energy security. This work explores the design and optimization of propeller-type hydrokinetic turbines to efficiently harness renewable energy from water currents. Through experimental testing and regression modeling, the research aimed to maximize the power coefficient ( C p ) by determining the optimal values of the number of blades (Z) and the turbine diameter to hub diameter ratio ( d / D ). By correcting for experimental biases, the study elucidates the importance of factors such as the blockage ratio and turbine configuration on its performance. A second-order polynomial regression model, which was validated through analysis of variance, determined that when Z and d / D were set at 4 and 0.15, respectively, the optimal value for Cp was 53.62%. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing hydrokinetic turbine efficiency, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial nanocellulose (BC) has attracted significant attention across a wide array of applications due to its distinctive characteristics. Recently, there has been increasing interest in leveraging waste biomass to improve sustainability in BC biogenesis processes. This study focuses on optimizing the citrus pulp waste (CPW) medium to enhance BC production using Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans. The screening of initial medium pH, yeast extract, CPW sugar and inoculum concentrations was conducted using the Plackett–Burman design, with BC yield (mgDW/gCPW) as the model response. The significant parameters, i.e., CPW sugars and yeast extract concentrations, were optimized using response surface methodology, employing a five-level, two-factor central composite design. The optimized CPW-based growth medium resulted in a final yield of 66.7 ± 5.1 mgDW/gCPW, representing a 14-fold increase compared to non-optimized conditions (4.3 ± 0.4 mgBC/gCPW). Material characterization analysis indicated that the produced BC showed high thermal stability (30% mass retained at 600 °C) and a crystallinity index value of 71%. Additionally, to enhance process sustainability, spent baker's yeast hydrolysate (BYH) was assessed as a substitute for yeast extract, leading to a final BC titer of 9.3 ± 0.6 g/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (H.cordata), as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and food, has been used to treat various diseases because of rich content in flavonoids. Here, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) method was proposed for the determination of flavonoids profiling in H.cordata. Single factor experiment and response surface methodology were used to optimize the pretreatment process of H.cordata samples. The optimal conditions were as follows: ultrasonic temperature: room temperature (25 °C); ultrasonic time: 5 min; solid-liquid ratio: 1:40 and concentration of ethanol: 60%. The method showed the good linearity (r ≥ 0.9855), the satisfactory intra-day (RSD%≤10.94%) and inter-day precision (RSD% ≤ 11.2%) and low limit of quantification (< 0.01 µg/mL). The content of flavonoids in flowers and leaves was much higher than in roots and stems. The flavonoids in the leaves of H.cordata from Chongqing was the highest (9.22 mg/g), and that in the flowers of H.cordata from Hubei province was the highest (6.69 mg/g). In addition, the antioxidant activity of the extracts of H.cordata was evaluated using the scavenging effect of the extracts on five free radicals and the iron ion reducing ability. The best antioxidant activity was observed in scavenging DPPH free radicals with EC50 value of 295.16 µg/mL. The scavenging of ABTS•+ free radicals and PTIO• free radicals was also effective with EC50 values of 818.82 µg/mL and 685.43 685.43 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, this study will be helpful to the development and utilization of flavonoids from H.cordata in food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to predict and optimize process conditions to produce germinated VD20 with a high rate of germination and antioxidant properties. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to build models with three factors [soaking time (ST: 4–6 h), germination time (GT: 18–22 h), and germination temperature (33–37 °C)] and three replications. The data set from the BBD experiment was used to create an artificial neural network (ANN) model that estimated the change in responses by variable factors. The ANN model was extremely accurate, with an overall correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9997 and showed the best fit with actual and predicted data. The germination conditions were further optimized using multi-objective RSM, which revealed that the optimal conditions were ST of 5.34 h, GT of 20.78 h, and germination temperature of 35.6 °C. The experimental validation revealed a high level of agreement between the results of the BBD models forecasted and the actual experimental values. The ANN-coupled BBD methodology is a promising hybrid method for modeling, forecasting, and optimizing the impact of process conditions on the quality of germinated grain. In addition, the raw and germinated VD20 rice were analyzed for their techno-functional properties, estimated glycemic index (eGI), and FTIR. Lower peak viscosity, values of breakdown and setback, and phytic acid were found after rice was germinated. The result revealed that high antioxidant content and activity, which were confirmed by the FTIR pattern, and low digestion behaviors (eGI = 64.23) were the attributes of the germinated product. Furthermore, the results of pasting, thermal, swelling power, and solubility showed the wide range of further application of this material, which should receive more consideration in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to produce and fabricate polyvinyl alcohol–chitosan (PVA/CS) electrospun nanofibers to investigate the diameter and morphology of the fibers produced by experimental design software was investigated. The effects of voltage (14.32–17.05 kV), feed rate (0.2–2 ml/min), and PVA/CS mixing ratio (50–100 wt%) were studied to obtain optimal electrospinning conditions to achieve the minimum diameter and number of beads. Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to investigate and optimize the processing factors of PVA/CS nanofiber production. The nanofibers were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Nanofibers with diameters ranging from 40 to 250 nm were obtained. The presence of PVA/CS and functional compounds related to both substances in the resulting infrared spectra was confirmed. The results of CCD showed the effect of each variable on the diameter and quality of the fibers and finally suggested the optimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a nano composite PMMA was prepared with the help of hot plate magnetic stirring and probe sonication at different loading conditions of reinforcement material SS 316 L. In order to study the effect of independent factors (the amount of reinforcement material, stirring speed, and sonication time) on response variables, the central composite experimental design of response surface methodology was utilized. The microstructure (surface morphology and topography) was analysed by SEM and AFM, resulting in homogeneous dispersion of nano particles. The analysis of the RSM results indicated that the experimental data were most accurately represented by a quadratic polynomial model, with regression coefficient values exceeding 0.960 for all the responses. The optimum preparation conditions for PMMA nano-composite to achieve the best specific wear rate and compression strength were found to be as follows: the addition of 1.16% (w/w) of reinforcement material SS 316 L, a stirring speed of 1200 rpm, and a sonication time of 29.6 min. The results of this study hold great significance in the fabrication process of long-term provisional dental crowns and bridges. Highlights: A nano composite was prepared using SS 316 nanoparticles as reinforcement material. The effect of independent process parameter was investigated using RSM model. The compression strength and wear rate of nanocomposite were studied. The microstructure was visualised by using SEM and AFM images. The noval fabricated 3D printable nanocomposites was found more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry machining without cutting fluid is becoming increasingly popular, considering the environmental and health problems related to their use in conventional machining. Nickel 200 alloy material is highly corrosion-resistant with alkaline salt and neutral solutions, and aerospace and chemical processing industries use it. The main aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the turning parameters such as spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut on surface roughness, material removal rate, force, and temperature in dry turning operation on Nickel alloy 200 with Carbide CA6515 tool material. The design of Experiment (DOE) concept was utilized to plan the experimental runs via full factorial design. The response surface methodology is used to conduct the experiments with three levels of independent variables: spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The significant independent variable and interactions of independent variables are identified through the ANOVA table. Consequently, the relationship between independent and dependent variables is framed with regression analysis. Surface roughness and the rate of material removal in the machining of Nickel 200 alloy are affected by the spindle speed and depth of cut. The surface roughness value is the smallest when the federate level and the depth of cut are both minimal. Finally, the developed regression models were validated with experimental results. The validation results show that the developed regression models found good agreement with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally escalating ethanol demand necessitates the use of hybrid technologies integrating first- and second-generation biofuel feedstocks for achieving the futuristic targets of gasoline replacement with bioethanol. In present study, an optimized two-step sequential pre-treatment (first dilute alkali, then dilute acid) of Pine forest litter (PFL) was developed. Furthermore, the saccharification of pre-treated PFL was optimized through Response Surface Methodology using Box-Behnken Design, wherein 0.558 g/g of reducing sugar was released under the optimized conditions (12.5% w/v of biomass loading, 10 FPU/g of PFL enzyme loading, 0.15% v/v Tween-80 and 48 h incubation time). Moreover, during hydrolysate fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3288 strain, 22.51 ± 1.02 g/L ethanol was produced. Remarkably, hydrophobic resin (XAD-4) treatment of PFL hydrolysate, significantly removed inhibitors (Furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and phenolics) and increased ethanol production to 27.38 ± 1.18 g/L. Furthermore, during fermentation of molasses supplemented PFL hydrolysate (total initial sugar: 100 ± 3.27 g/L), a maximum of 46.02 ± 2.08 g/L ethanol was produced with 0.482 g/g yield and 1.92 g/l/h productivity. These findings indicated that the integration of molasses to lignocellulosic hydrolysate, would be a promising hybrid technology for industrial ethanol production within existing bio-refinery infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) emerges as a promising avenue for converting food waste into valuable resources while addressing environmental concerns. This study investigated the optimization of HTC parameters, utilizing landfill leachate as a sustainable moisture source and exploring methane recovery from process water. Employing the response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), the influence of key process variables on HTC efficiency was meticulously analyzed. Notably, the superior predictive capability of ANN over RSM was demonstrated, with a lower mean-squared error and a higher correlation coefficient. The identified optimal HTC conditions were 193°C for 175 min at a solid/liquid ratio of 0.2; under these conditions, RSM and ANN predicted mass yields of 66.37 ± 1.15% and 65.68 ± 0.11%, respectively. Furthermore, under these conditions, process water exhibited a remarkable biomethane production rate of approximately 283.11 ± 13.5 mL/g COD, fitting well with the modified Gompertz model. This study advances HTC optimization strategies and underscores the potential of integrating landfill leachate and methane recovery into food waste valorization processes, thereby paving the way for sustainable resource management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the identification of optimized process parameters for FSW of 6mm thick CDA 101 Cu alloy plates. Three distinctive parameters, the tool’s traverse speed, rotational speed, axial load, have been considered as self-reliant variables for formulating a numerical model based on nonlinear regression-type approach, with the objective of anticipating mechanical attributes of joints. From the surface- and contour-type plots, it was revealed that the axial load in combination with rotational speed has played a dominant role in influencing the tensile and yield strength of the CDA101 Cu alloy joints. At the same time, the traverse speed of the tool has played a dominant role in enhancing the ductility of the CDA101 joints through the generation of ample volumes of frictional heat, which in turn have facilitated both coarsening of grain structures and softening of materials in an ideal manner. Employing tool rotational speed, traverse speed and axial load in the ranges of 1750–1900rpm, 23–27mm/min and 5.75–6.5kN, respectively, was found to enhance the tensile strength of the CDA101 Cu alloy joints. FSW process parameters attained through the numerical meta-model of RSM have led to the attainment of the highest value of tensile strength of 209.5MPa together with a 141.4MPa yield strength with very minimal fitting errors of 0.28% and 0.52%, respectively. A collection of additional experimental data has been employed to verify the formulated empirical-based formula and additionally, an entirely different optimization technique namely PSO (i.e. particle swarm optimization) was implemented for comparison and validation purposes. The formulated meta-model of RSM generated the largest value of % of elongation of 14.23%, though the relative percent error was around 1.988%, which was slightly larger than that of the value (i.e. 14.11%) generated by PSO, with a relative error of 0.58%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the drilling of a hybrid jute/palm composite material offers significant contributions to sustainable material development. Incorporating renewable jute and palm fibers represents an innovative, eco-friendly approach compared to synthetic composites. This research aims to optimize drilling parameters to reduce defects and evaluate the performance of different drilling tools, crucial for industrial applications. Drilling is performed via three different types of drills bit: High-Speed Steel, HSS-Co5 coated high-speed steel with 5% cobalt, and carbide. The drilling process involves adjusting the feed and rotational speed. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to select drilling settings by validating experimentally obtained data and predicting the behavior of the structure based on cutting circumstances. The findings indicated that the most effective cutting parameters for minimizing delamination are achieved using the HSS drill bit, namely at lower feed and rotational speeds. Delamination remains below the threshold of 1.106 when the feed is 0.04 mm/rev and the rotational speed is 1592 rpm. The analysis of the results obtained using the response surface methodology indicates that the R2 coefficient for cylindricity is 0.96%. In contrast, the rate of delamination is 0.79% and the rate of circularity is 0.89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to optimize carob antioxidant extraction for use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Maceration investigated ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and time, while ultrasound-assisted extraction examined ethanol concentration, ultrasound power, and time. A central composite design with 19 experimental points assessed the influence of variables on total yield, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The results were analyzed to optimize the extraction parameters and enhance the antioxidant extraction from carob. The results of the study show that the best maceration condition for extracting antioxidants from the plant material was found to have a time of 24.38 minutes, an ethanol content of 59.02%, and a temperature of 54.52°C. Similarly, the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction were found to be 51.49 minutes, 79.78% sonication power, and 76.12% alcohol. The optimal conditions identified can be used as a starting point for further optimization and scaling up of the extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a nonapproximate computational method for generating G$G$‐optimal designs in response surface methodology (RSM) settings using Gloptipoly, a global polynomial optimizer. Traditional approaches use a grid approximation for computing a candidate design's G$G$‐score. Gloptipoly can find the global optimum of high‐order polynomials thus making it suitable for computing a design's G$G$‐score, that is, its maximum scaled prediction variance, which, for second‐order models, is a quartic polynomial function of the experimental factors. We demonstrate the efficacy and performance of our method through comprehensive application to well‐published examples, and illustrate, for the first time, its application to generating G$G$‐optimal designs supporting models of order greater than 2. This work represents the first non‐approximate computational approach to solving the G$G$‐optimal design problem. This advancement opens new possibilities for finding G$G$‐optimal designs beyond second‐order RSM models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syngas (CO + H 2) production through biomass gasification offers a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional fuels. This study investigates the co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake (PODC) and Alum Sludge (AS), utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques to optimize and predict syngas production. Conducted in a fixed bed horizontal reactor, the experiment investigates temperature, airflow rate, and particle size as input parameters. Results revealed that optimal condition of 900 °C temperature, 10 mL/min airflow rate, and 2 mm particle size yielded the highest syngas production at 39.48 vol%. The RSM showed an R2 value of 0.9896, whereas ANN network revealed an overall R2 value of 0.971. Both models demonstrated strong alignment with experimental data and the modelled equation. This research demonstrates the effective use of statistical modelling to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of syngas production, thereby fostering advancements in sustainable energy production. [Display omitted] • PODC and AS co-gasification was carried out in fixed bed horizontal tube furnace reactor. • RSM and ANN were applied for optimization and prediction of syngas production. • At optimal condition of 900 °C, 10 mL/min, and 2 mm, 39.48 vol% syngas was produced. • RSM and ANN model prediction accuracy were 98.96% and 97.1%, respectively. • Both RSM and ANN satisfactory validate and predict the response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L‐Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a very important antioxidant ingredient situated many usage areas in different industries. 2‐keto‐L‐gulonic acid (2‐KLG) is the main precursor component of L‐ascorbic acid production and it can be produced from L‐sorbose via microbial fermentation or chemical (catalytic) oxidation. While some special strains are used in microbial fermentation, it is benefitted from some catalysts in chemical oxidation. Herein, it was aimed to determine the optimum reaction temperature, pH, and time conditions to produce maximum 2‐KLG compound with the catalytic oxidation of L‐sorbose in the presence of Pt/Al2O3 catalyst with response surface methodology approach. For this aim, the reaction temperature, pH, and time used as variable factors. The limit values of variable factors were applied as 40–60 °C for the temperature, 7.00–9.00 for the pH value, and 3–9 h for the time. The analyses results demonstrated that the increasing temperature and time negatively effected the conversion of L‐sorbose into the 2‐KLG. The optimum conditions of variable factors were determined as 41.30 °C for the temperature, 8.23 for the pH, and 3.25 h for the reaction time by the central composite design. Under these optimum conditions, L‐sorbose was converted into 2‐KLG with an average yield of 43.70 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Weak aerobic stability is a notable challenge for whole-plant corn silage, particularly in hot and humid regions. Acetobacter is commonly regarded as an indicator of aerobic deterioration in silage, yet its precise role in fermentation and during aerobic exposure, as well as the factors that promote its growth, remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this study, whole-plant corn silage was prepared using a bagged method with controlled dry matter (DM) content at 20%, 25%, and 30%, and initial concentrations of A. pasteurianus at 40%, 50%, and 60%. The silage was stored for 60 days under varying temperatures (20°C, 30°C, and 40°C). Following the anaerobic storage phase, the silage was exposed to air at room temperature (20-25°C) for 7 days, both with and without A. pasteurianus inoculation. Results: The results demonstrated that A. pasteurianus did not impact the nutritional value of the silage during anaerobic fermentation, maintaining a low pH (< 3.80). However, during aerobic exposure, the presence of A. pasteurianus significantly reduced the aerobic stability of the silage. The microbial community shifted from primarily Klebsiella species initially to Lactobacillus and Acetobacter species post-ensiling. During the aerobic exposure phase, A. pasteurianus and A. fabarum became the dominant species. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) analysis identified optimal conditions for the proliferation of A. pasteurianus during the aerobic phase, which occurred at 28°C, 25% DM, and 52% initial concentration at 3 ml/kg. Discussion: These findings confirm that A. pasteurianus plays a critical role in reducing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage. Additionally, the study identifies the optimal conditions that favor the proliferation of A. pasteurianus, offering valuable insights for the development of strategies to prevent and control this bacterium, thereby improving the aerobic stability of silage in hot and humid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to characterize the biosurfactants synthesized by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) obtained from fermented foods, optimize the conditions for increasing the yield of biosurfactants and explore their antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential. Out of the 26 LAB isolates, isolate BS2 showed the highest biosurfactant production as indicated in the oil displacement test, drop collapse and emulsification activity. BS2 was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1625 using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The biosurfactant produced by BS2 was identified as an anionic glycol-lipo-proteins by employing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The biosurfactants produced by L. plantarum 1625 demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics against pathogenic strains such as Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 1049, Escherichia coli MTCC 1587, and Pseudomonas putida MTCC 1655. The minimal inhibition concentration value of antibacterial activity was found to be 0.1 mg/mL with the inhibition percentage ranging from 90 to 95%. Further, the effect of temperature, pH, and substrate composition on biosurfactant production was also studied to enhance it production using the Box-Behnken Design approach of Response surface methodology (RSM). Application of biosurfactant led to a considerable decrease in biofilm-forming harmful bacteria, as proven by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results highlight the potential uses of biosurfactants in distinct industries, and biotechnological contexts, especially in the creation of new antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microbial inoculants are widely recognized as an environmentally friendly strategy for promoting crop growth and increasing productivity. However, research on utilizing the microbial resources from desert biological soil crusts to enhance crop growth remains relatively unexplored. In the present work, a bacterial strain designated AC1-8 with high levels of amylase, protease, and cellulase activity was isolated from cyanobacterial crusts of the Tengger Desert and identified as Bacillus cereus (CGMCC 1.60196). The refinement of the fermentation parameters of B. cereus CGMCC 1.60196 determined that the most effective medium for biomass production was composed of 5 g/L glucose, 22 g/L yeast extract and 15 g/L MgSO4, and the optimal culture conditions were pH 6.0, temperature 37°C, inoculation quantity 3% and agitation speed 240 rpm. Furthermore, the utilization of B. cereus CGMCC 1.60196 has resulted in substantial improvements in various growth parameters of maize seedlings, including shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights, and the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll. The most pronounced growth promotion was observed at an application concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/m2. These results suggest that the novel B. cereus strain, isolated from cyanobacterial crusts, can be regarded as an exemplary biological agent for soil improvement, capable of enhancing soil conditions, promoting crop cultivation and supporting food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction using eco-friendly materials reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainable practices. This research uses sawdust and steel fibers to design sustainable concrete. The main goal is to improve mechanical properties and reduce embodied carbon emissions. This study examines the mechanical properties of concrete with different sawdust and steel fiber combinations to fill a gap in the literature. In this research synergistic effect of saw dust and steel fiber on concrete characteristics have been studied. The research also examines these pairings' environmental benefits. This study used a response surface methodology (RSM) to design an experimental program and assess the effects of input variables (sawdust and steel fiber percentages) on output responses like compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), embodied carbon (EC), and eco-strength efficiency (ESE). Established testing methodologies and RSM provided an optimum prediction model based on specimen mechanical properties. Sawdust and steel fibers enhances concrete's mechanical properties. Varying proportions of both materials were added in mix; sawdust (0%-12%) and steel fiber (0%-2%). The experimental findings suggest that the optimized composition achieved the following mechanical properties: 13.85 MPa compressive strength, 1.4 MPa split tensile strength, 3.67 MPa flexural strength, 18.027 GPa modulus of elasticity, 211.272 kg CO2e/m3 embodied carbon, and 0.065487 eco-strength efficiency. This research showed that the aims of improving mechanical properties and reducing embodied carbon were achieved. As per multi-objective optimization, optimal percentages of saw dust and steel fibers in concrete are 11.81% and 0.063% respectively. The investigation yielded many suggestions. To test the optimal blend composition of ecologically friendly concrete in real-world building projects, start with realistic projects. Finally, life cycle evaluations and cost studies are needed to determine the environmental and economic impacts of eco-friendly concrete compared to standard options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe Exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing novel strains of Enterococcus previously isolated from the vaginal source of pregnant women were selected based on ropy structure formation. The two selected strains, E.villorum SB-2 and E.rivorum S22-3, were found to be producing 2.87 g/l and 3.14 g/l EPS, respectively, in the minimal media (M17 media) after 24-hour fermentation under anaerobic condition. Both the strains have probiotic properties and have the potential to be used for industrial applications. The production media and fermentation conditions were optimized to enhance the EPS production using the one-factor method, Placket-Burman factorial designing and Central composite design (CCD) of Response surface methodology (RSM). The most relevant factors affecting the EPS yield were sucrose, yeast extract and pH for E.villorum SB2 and sucrose, yeast extract and magnesium sulfate for the E.rivorum S22-3 as determined by Placket-Burman design, whose concentrations were further optimized using CCD. The optimized fermentation conditions gave the total EPS of 9.76 g/l (4 times the initial production) from E.villorum SB-2 and 7.74 g/l (2.5 times the initial production) from E.rivorum S22-3, respectively, after 36-hour incubation at 37 °C. These optimization studies might be helpful during scale-up process for the industrial scale production of these exopolysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual stresses and surface roughness have been recognized to play a critical role in the fatigue strength of metal components. Machining processes can induce different roughness and residual stress conditions depending on the parameters used in the process. Therefore, it is essential to develop knowledge that helps to predict the residual stresses and roughness that would be obtained from different machining conditions. Due to the growing interest from the industry in the use of 42CrMo4 steel because of its excellent mechanical properties, the main objective of this work is to establish two phenomenological models to accurately predict the residual stress and roughness values in turned specimens of this material. The models are derived from data of four process variables: (a) insert tip radius; (b) feed rate; (c) cutting speed; and (d) depth of cut. For this purpose, a wide experimental campaign has been developed, which includes the machining of 68 specimens under various cutting scenarios, and their subsequent measurement of residual stresses and roughness. Once the experimental data were obtained, the response surface method based on the central composite design was used to fit the models, obtaining a correlation index R 2 higher than 0.9 in both cases. In this article, it is concluded that feed rate and insert radius have a greater effect on the residual stress and roughness obtained, while cutting speed and depth of cut have a lesser impact on the results. It is hoped that the findings will establish a groundwork for the machining of this material type, ensuring controlled conditions of residual stress and roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment used the response surface method to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. and studied its antioxidant activity. Four factors with significant impact on polysaccharide extraction (extraction temperature, extraction time, ultrasonic power, and liquid-to-solid ratio) were selected as the subjects of investigation. Based on the results of single-factor experiments, the Box-Behnken design response surface method was used to optimize the extraction process of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. polysaccharides. The antioxidant activity of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. polysaccharides was evaluated by measuring their scavenging effects on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and hydroxyl radicals. The results showed that the optimal extraction process obtained by the response surface optimization was an extraction temperature of 79 °C, an extraction time of 54 minutes, an ultrasonic power of 59 W, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 23 mL/g, at which the yield of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. reached 3.19%. At a concentration of 5 g/L, the maximum scavenging rates of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals by Phellodendron amurense Rupr. polysaccharides were 61% and 39%, respectively. The study indicates that the optimized ultrasonic extraction process of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. polysaccharides is stable and feasible, and Phellodendron amurense Rupr. polysaccharides possess certain antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), known for its light weight, high strength, and corrosion-resistant properties, is extensively used in the lightweight design of satellite components, the optimization of electronic device casings, and the processing of high-performance composite materials in the defense sector. This study employs picosecond laser drilling technology for the precision machining of CFRP, demonstrating its advantages over traditional mechanical drilling and other unconventional methods in significantly reducing the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and enhancing hole wall quality. The optimization of laser power, scanning speed, and fill times via response surface methodology (RSM) significantly reduced the hole wall taper to 4.160° and confined the HAZ to within 18.577 μm, thereby enhancing machining precision. The actual test results show that the deviations in the hole taper and HAZ width were 5.0% and 2.2%, respectively, further verifying the effectiveness of the optimization method. This technique not only improves processing quality but also offers significant industrial application value in the machining of materials for related high-tech fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forming quality of profiled ring rolling not only encompasses macroscopic accuracy but also emphasizes the microstructure. Due to the multiple process parameters and complex metal flow during profiled ring rolling, the various forming defects are difficult to control and difficult to study theoretically. The objective of this study is to establish a comprehensive method for evaluating the forming quality of profiled rings, which considers both the macroscopic forming accuracy and the microstructure. Firstly, the synthetic size factor was defined, and the evolutionary relation between the section forming rate and the diameter growth rate of E-section ring rolling was analyzed in detail. The synthetic size factor can be used to describe the dimensional evolution and evaluate the forming accuracy of the profiled ring rolling process. Taking into full consideration the features of intermittent deformation in local areas, a microstructure evolution model of the Inconel718 alloy during E-section ring rolling, which can accurately predict the recrystallization volume fraction and average grain size of the final ring, was established. Then, combined with finite element simulation, the influence of the rotation speed of the driving roll on the macro-size evolution and microstructure was systematically analyzed. The results indicate that there is often a discrepancy between dimensional accuracy and microstructure uniformity in the optimization trend. For instance, the higher the rotation speed of the driving roll is, the more uniform the microstructure is, but the more difficult it is for the section profile to form. Finally, combined with response surface methodology (RSM), multi-parameter optimization was carried out with section forming accuracy and grain uniformity as the optimization objectives. By using the optimal parameters, an E-section ring with a complete profile and a uniform microstructure was obtained, with a maximum prediction error of the recrystallization volume fraction lower than 5%. The results show that the macroscopic and microscopic quality evaluation methods proposed in this study, as well as the optimization method combining RSM, can be effectively applied to the process optimization of profiled ring rolling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of the right tool path trajectory and the corresponding machining parameters for end milling is a challenge in mold and die industries. Subsequently, the selection of appropriate tool path parameters can reduce overall machining time, improve the surface finish of the workpiece, extend tool life, reduce overall cost, and improve productivity. This work aims to establish the performance of end milling process parameters and the impact of trochoidal toolpath parameters on the surface finish of AISI D3 steel. It especially focuses on the effect of the tool tip nose radius deviation on the surface quality using precision measurement techniques. The experimental design was carried out in a systematic manner using a face-centered central composite design (FCCD) within the framework of response surface methodology (RSM). Twenty different experiment trials were conducted by changing the independent variables, such as cutting speed, feed rate, and trochoidal pitch distance. The main effects and the interactions of these parameters were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal conditions were identified using a multiple objective optimization method based on desirability function analysis (DFA). The developed empirical models showed statistical significance with the best process parameters, which include a feed rate of 0.05 m/tooth, a trochoidal pitch distance of 1.8 mm, and a cutting speed of 78 m/min. Further, as the trochoidal pitch distance increased, variations in the tool tip cutting edge were observed on the machined surface due to peeling off of the coating layer. The flaws on the tool tip, which alter the edge micro-geometry after machining, resulted in up to 33.83% variation in the initial nose radius. Deviations of 4.25% and 5.31% were noted between actual and predicted values of surface roughness and the nose radius, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This current investigation explored the thermal conversion process of castor wood into biochar, which was subsequently harnessed for removing naproxen from pharmaceutical industrial effluent via adsorption. Surface composition analyses conducted through scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared studies unveiled the presence of nano MgO particles within the adsorbent material. Employing optimization techniques such as response surface methodology facilitated a refined approach to batch study. The optimized conditions for batch naproxen sodium (NPX) adsorption on nano‐MgO‐modified biochar were identified as pH 4, 1.5 g/L adsorbent dosage, and a 120‐min contact time maintaining a constant NPX concentration of 10 mg/L. The adsorption capacity was calculated to be 123.34 mg/g for a nano‐magnesium oxide‐modified castor wood biochar (modified biochar) and 99.874 mg/g for pristine castor wood biochar (pristine biochar). Fenton's reagents comprising 15 mM of FeSO4 (7H2O) and 25 mM of H2O2 have been scrutinized under conditions of pH 3.0, a reaction time of 30 min, a temperature of 30°C, and stirring at 120 rpm, followed by batch adsorption treatment. The COD, NH3–N, NO3−, PO43−, and NPX removal percentages was found to be 90%, 87%, 79%, 80%, and 90%, respectively. Thus nano MgO‐modified biochar holds promise of treatment of pharmaceutical effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue in asphalt pavements is a major deterioration caused by repeated traffic loading. The objectives of this research were to investigate the fatigue performance of graphene oxide (GO) modified asphalt mixtures and evaluate the influence of temperature and stress level on the fatigue life of GO asphalt mixtures using response surface methodology (RSM). For this purpose, an indirect tensile fatigue test was conducted. The results showed that the application of GO increased the fatigue life of the asphalt mixture. The RSM analysis proposed a quadratic model with a high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.9977) to fit the experimental data. The ANOVA test showed that temperature, stress level, and GO percentage had a pronounced effect on the fatigue performance of the mixture. Furthermore, multi-objective optimization was used to achieve an optimized mixture proportion and verify the model's reliability by conducting validation experiments. The predicted and actual results were found to be in excellent agreement, with a variation of only 2.12%, suggesting that the model can accurately predict the fatigue life of the GO-modified asphalt mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uricase is potential therapeutic and diagnostic enzyme having wide applications in pharmaceutical sector, but production yield and cost of production are challenging. Hence, isolation of potent uricase-producing sources and optimizing its production are essential for industrial-scale uricase production. In this study, a novel extracellular uricase-producing bacterium was isolated using uric acid plate assay. The strain was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and it was found to be Pseudomonas mosselii with similarity of 99%. Further, multi-level statistical optimizations were conducted to enhance the uricase production. Firstly, Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was adapted for screening of different medium components and found that uric acid, peptone, and sucrose are highly significant medium components which affect the uricase production. Further, central composite design (CCD) and artificial neural network (ANN) combined genetic algorithm (GA) were used to optimize the uricase production. The use of CCD prior to ANN improved the predictive capability of ANN and GA model. Under the optimum conditions obtained using ANN-GA, the uricase production was enhanced and found to be 59.91 U/mL ± 0.32 which is 2.02 folds higher compared to unoptimized medium. The results of the current study enunciate that the newly isolated Pseudomonas mosselii is a potential bacterium for enhanced production of uricase and optimization using multilevel optimization approaches gave better prediction of optimum process conditions for enhanced uricase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosorption is a good choice for removal of pollutants from water. In this study, hull cell of thermally autolyzed baker yeast, was used as a low-cost biosorbent against U(VI) pollution. The changes of biomass properties due to autolysis were analyzed using SEM, FTIR and BET techniques. Uranium (VI) biosorption capacity was evaluated and the effective parameters were examined by Placket Burman Design and the levels of significant factors (including pH, biomass concentration, initial U(VI) concentration) were further optimized using Response Surface Methodology. Based on the results obtained from the proposed quadratic model, maximum U uptake (84 mg/g) was occurred under optimum conditions including: 2.0 g biomass/L, pH value of 4.5 and 300 mg/L of initial U(VI) concentration. Furthermore, the experimental data were fitted to pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.991) and Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.965). Uranium is desorbed in the presence of diluted solutions of sulfuric acid (about 70%) indicated the potential of the metal recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remediation of copper and nickel heavy metals from industrial effluents is crucial to prevent environmental pollution and protect public health. Biosorption, a low-cost and eco-friendly technology, has gained increasing attention as an efficient method for the removal of heavy metals from effluent. In this work, a novel low-cost cocopeat biochar has been developed with appropriate chemical modification using KMnO4 to achieve high removal capacity and cyclic stability. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to identify optimal conditions and achieved as 1 g/L adsorbent dosage, 710 mg/L metal concentration, and 20-min contact time for Cu(II), and 2.85 g/L adsorbent dosage, 872 mg/L metal concentration, and 20 min contact time for Ni(II). A maximum adsorption capacity achieved as 291.54 mg/g and 181.16 mg/g for Cu(II) and Ni(II), respectively. Biosorbent exhibited a rapid kinetic process, with 86.44% and 77.61% adsorption occurring within just 20 min for Cu(II) and Ni(II), respectively. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed a well-developed mesoporous molecular structure with an average pore diameter of 42.593 nm. The experimental results were fitted well with the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption primarily directed by chemisorption. Desorption efficiencies 48.25% and 52.16% for Cu(II) and Ni(II) respectively were achieved after four adsorption–desorption cycles. Furthermore, a preliminary study of chitosan composed of biochar was performed by experimental analysis and determination of optimum conditions of best performing synthesis methods using response surface methodology, biosorbent characterization, and possible mechanism of adsorption, which could potentially complement the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is a widely cultivated fruit, 114 million tonnes produced worldwide every year. Almost one-third of the weight of banana fruit is made up of banana peel, which is a kind of agro-waste. The weight of banana peel trash generated each year globally is around 39.9 million tonnes. In the present investigation, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) was operated using banana peel slurry as substrate with baker's yeast as external inoculum. Decision tree algorithms were applied for optimizing the input parameters of MFC. Input variables including temperature, pH, resistance, pretreatment of slurry and slurry concentration were optimized for achieving the maximum power density in MFC. Total five combination were obtained by the decision tree model that led to high power density. All five combinations were also tested for validation. Experimental validation of decision tree models showed accuracy in range of 77 to 99%. In order to obtain high power density, the best combination was determined by accuracy level and experimental validation. The best set of rules for high power density was 41.47 mL/L < slurry concentration < 87.5 mL/L, 22.44 °C ≤ temperature < 36.25 °C, 5.23 ≤ pH < 7.25, slurry was pretreated and resistance < 285 Ω. It was also observed that temperature, resistance and pretreatment were the most influential input parameters to achieve high power density. Results obtained in this work can be directly implemented at pilot and industrial scale without further experimental trails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A halotolerant alkaline protease-producing Bacillus subtilis ZB was isolated from the extreme environment. It was characterized by morphological, biochemical, and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Halotolerant protease production by the strain ZB was performed using low-cost substrate to reduce the production cost of the enzyme. Enzyme production was optimized using cow dung substrate in solid-state fermentation. In this study, the important process parameters were determined by the traditional one-variable-at-a-time approach, followed by response surface methodology. Three key factors including pH, moisture, and calcium chloride significantly influenced halotolerant protease activity (p < 0.05) in a two-level full factorial experimental design. Then, the central composite design was subjected to analyze the optimum concentration. The regression coefficient value, R2 value, was 0.9227 and the corresponding F-value was 26.21. The pinnacle of protease production was reached under the following optimized conditions: pH 8.85, 118.4% moisture, and 0.913% CaCl2. As compared with the unoptimized medium, the optimized medium showed an overall 2.5-fold increase in the yield of halotolerant protease. The protease enzyme was purified and the molecular weight was 49 kDa. The pH, thermo, and salt tolerance of protease enzyme were stable between pH 6–9, 30–40 °C, and 1–5% NaCl, respectively. Of the tested divalent ions, Mg2+, Na+, Mn2+, and Ca2+ showed protease activity (%) of 122.5, 115.4, 107.6, and 103.5, respectively. The ability of the organism to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of tannery wastewater was also studied. The crude enzyme reduced > 70% of COD content after 24 h of enzyme treatment at 4% salinity. The present study suggested the application of salt-tolerant bacterium for the potential degradation of tannery effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of the ancient seawall site is a focal point and challenge in the protection of historical relics along Hangzhou's Grand Canal in China. This endeavor holds significant historical and contemporary value in uncovering and perpetuating Hangzhou's cultural heritage. Researchers investigating the Linping section of the seawall site aimed to address soil site deterioration by selecting environmentally friendly alkali-activated slag cementitious materials and applying the response surface method (RSM) to conduct solidification experiments on the seawall soil. Researchers used the results of unconfined compressive strength tests and microscopic electron microscopy analysis, considering the comprehensive performance of soil solidification mechanisms and mechanical properties, to establish a least-squares regression fitting model to optimize the solidification material process parameters. The experimental results indicate that the optimal mass ratio of lime, gypsum, and slag for achieving the best solidification process parameters for the seawall soil, with a 28-day curing period, is 1:1.9:6.2. This ratio was subsequently applied to the restoration and reconstruction of the seawall site, with parts of the restored seawall exhibited in a museum to promote the sustainable conservation of urban cultural heritage. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the protection and restoration of soil sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need to address energy security risks and global warming has led to exploration of renewable energy sources. One such avenue is biodiesel specifically focusing on the potential of Rhodotorula minuta, a type of yeast known for producing lipids that can be used as a sustainable alternative for production of biodiesel. In the current study, this promising yeast was evaluated for its potential to produce lipids. The morphological characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and intracellular detail was studied by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Changes in content and cellular biomass were monitored at time intervals with the highest biomass yield of 12.4 g/l and lipid content of 6.2 g/l achieved after 72 h. In the present work, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized and extensively characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), SEM, TEM, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). By employing response surface methodology (RSM) with Box–Behnken design (BBD), optimal process conditions for transesterification could be determined. The best result achieved was a yield of 88.6% when the conditions were optimized, using methanol to oil ratio of 18:1 and 8% (w/w) amount of catalyst maintaining a reaction temperature of 55 °C and allowing the reaction to proceed for 120 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the printing method on the mechanical characteristics and printing time of test specimens created by masked stereolithography (MSLA) using a commercially available gray resin. In addition, the research intended to optimize the printing procedure to maximize ultimate tensile strength (UTS) while minimizing printing time. A MSLA printer was used to manufacture standard gray resin specimens, which were then tested according to ASTM standards. Response surface methodology (RSM) is then used to investigate several process variables, and optimization techniques are used to identify their ideal printing procedure. The p-values for the layer thickness, exposure time, and build orientation linear coefficients for UTS are less than 0.05. Layer thickness is the most influential factor influencing UTS and printing time response when f and p values are considered together. Corresponding to the results taken from the optimization, best operating parameters of the MSLA printing were found to be 0.01 mm layer thickness, a normal exposure time of 5 seconds, and a build orientation of 0°. The optimal output parameters were finally found to be 151.9574 minutes for printing time and 64.7344 MPa for UTS, respectively. The novelty of this study comes in the optimization of the MSLA printer's printing process using RSM. There has also been no investigation to analyze the printing time in conjunction with the mechanical qualities of the MSLA produced part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spark machining is the most promising method to machine complex shapes in hard materials like titanium alloy with high accuracy and precision. This work dealt with improving the surface roughness and overcut produced during the spark machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy using equal channel angular pressed (ECAP) copper as an electrode. The effect of ECAP on the copper in terms of hardness and electrical conductivity was studied. The performance of ECAP copper was examined by considering current, voltage, and duty factors as the process variables. The experiments were designed using the Box–Behnken method, and the data were analyzed for their fitness by statistical techniques. The roughness of the machined surface and overcut produced was minimized by optimization using the response surface technique. The micro-cracks and recast layers were also analyzed by SEM images. This study revealed that the ECAP copper electrode improved the quality of machining by reducing surface roughness and overcut. It also produced small and fewer micro-cracks comparatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of wastewater laden with dyes using optimized and less expensive techniques remains a challenge for environmental protection. In the current research work, alkaline activation approach was employed to derive a biosorbent from ditax fruit hulls (DS‐FHB), and its sorption performance was tested on Methylene blue (MB) dye biosorption with optimizing adsorption parameters. Structural and chemical properties of DS‐FHB including crystallinity, morphology, and surface functionality were analysed using XRD, SEM, FTIR technics, and pHPZC determination. Optimization of adsorption parameters using a centered composite design (CCD) from response surface methodology led to achieving a peak dye removal rate of 98.97 %. The optimal conditions were determined as DS‐FHB mass of 0.23 g, pH 7.12, contact time 39.00 min, and initial MB concentration of 69.35 mg/L. The findings demonstrated a strong alignment with both the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second order kinetic model, suggesting their appropriateness in describing the adsorption process of MB onto DS‐FHB. According to the Langmuir isotherm model, the sorption of MB dye onto DS‐FHB occurred by monolayer formation with a maximum dye sorption capacity of 96.453 mg/g. Based on the structural and physico‐chemical properties of DS‐FHB biosorbent, and its adsoption applicability evaluated in the experimental conditions, detax derived‐biosorbent can be proposed as a successful and effective low‐cost biosorbent for removing cationic dyestuffs from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic transformation and regeneration procedures in Saintpaulia are dependent on different parameters, which limit the genetic manipulation efficiency. We focused on introducing an efficient model for gene transformation and regeneration after that, via RSM. Two commercial cultivars were transformed by the GUS reporter gene via Agrobacterium-mediated method. Results showed that variables infection time, BA and IAA concentrations, and cultivar type significantly (p ≤ .05) affected gene transformation. According to the highest desirability (0.94) of the obtained model, the highest transformation rate was achieved (68.7%) by 15 s dip in bacterial suspension followed by regeneration steps in the medium supplemented with 100 µg/l BA + 1000 µg/l IAA. Subsequently, the given model validity was evaluated by a target gene (etr1-1). The highest rate of etr1-1 transformation (76.25%) was achieved by 30 s infection time in the proposed medium containing 100 µg/l BA + 1000 µg/l IAA, according to the model. Genomic and reverse transcription PCRs confirmed that GUS, nptII and etr1-1 genes were successfully integrated and expressed in both cultivars at each transformation. Our results indicate that optimising the time of infection and media using the RSM design could greatly improve the accuracy and feasibility of a model for achieving a high rate of genetic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkyl levulinates (ALs) are strategic compounds for the development of sustainable energy transition. In this regard, the direct alcoholysis of fructose and inulin for the selective ethyl levulinate (EL) production was investigated with a One‐Factor‐At‐a‐Time (OFAT) approach employing diluted H2SO4 as catalyst to clarify the role of the main reaction parameters (substrate and acid loadings, temperature, reaction time). The OFAT investigation on fructose ethanolysis allowed to reach the EL yield of 91.5 mol%. The inulin ethanolysis was then optimized adopting the multivariate approach based on the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), which highlighted the interplay of the reaction parameters on the selective EL production. This allowed to identify the optimal conditions to reach the highest EL yield (up to 89.3 mol%) and also those which ensured the highest EL concentration, adopting a substrate loading (14 wt%) higher than the majority ones reported in the literature according to the high gravity approach, and the lowest diethyl ether (DEE) by‐product yield. The DEE formation is scarcely investigated in the literature, but it can negatively influence the alcoholysis process, thus it was considered in this work. Moreover, the humin solid residue was deeply characterized to envisage its possible applications, under a circular economy perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of nisin in the fermentation medium can reduce the process's productivity. This research studied the potential of Nymphaea alba leaf powder (NALP) as a hydrophobic biosorbent for efficient in-situ nisin adsorption from the fermentation medium by docking and experimental analysis. Molecular docking analysis showed that di-galloyl ellagic acid, a phytochemical compound found in N. alba, had the highest affinity towards nisin. Enhancements in nisin adsorption were seen following pre-treatment of NAPL with HCl and MgCl2. A logistic growth model was employed to evaluate the growth dynamics of the biosorption capacity, offering valuable insights for process scalability. Furthermore, optimization through Response Surface Methodology elucidated optimal nisin desorption conditions by Liebig's law of the minimum, which posits that the scarcest resource governs production efficiency. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy pinpointed vital functional groups involved in biosorption. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the changing physical characteristics of the biosorbent after exposure to nisin. The findings designate NALP as a feasible adsorbent for nisin removal from the fermentation broth, thus facilitating its application in the purification of other biotechnological products based on growth and production optimization principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution deteriorates ecosystems and has a great threaten to the environment. The environmental benefits of wastewater treatment are extremely important to minimize pollutants. Here, the biochar purchased from the related industry was used to treat the wastewater which contained high concentration of vanadium (V). The concentration of vanadium was measured by the IC-OES and the results showed that 96.1% vanadium (V) was reduced at selected reaction conditions: the mass ratio of biochar to vanadium of 5.4, reaction temperature of 90 °C, reaction time at 60 min and concentration of H2SO4 of 10 g/L, respectively. Response surface methodology confirmed that all the experimental parameters had positive effect on the reduction of vanadium (V), which could improve the reduction efficiency of vanadium (V) as increased. The influence of each parameter on the reduction process followed the order: A (Concentration of H2SO4) > C (mass ratio of biochar to vanadium) > B (mass ratio of biochar to vanadium). Especially, the mass ratio of biochar to vanadium and concentration of H2SO4 had the greatest influence on the reduction process. This paper provides a versatile strategy for the treatment of wastewater containing vanadium (V) and shows a bright tomorrow for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. is a tropical dioecious plant belonging to the family, Cucurbitaceae also known as Gac, baby jack fruit, cochinchin gourd and sweet gourd. The plant is noted for its densely orange fruit, rich in nutrients, especially with 70 times more lycopene content than tomatoes. It possesses medicinal properties and the seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine called Mubiezhi to treat fluxes, liver and spleen disorders, wounds and hemorrhoids. This study evaluated the effect of combination of pH, sucrose and BAP concentration on in vitro multiple shoot induction response of M. cochinchinensis according to guidelines of design of experiment. For those three factors, Response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) was chosen and applied to the design matrix. The response shoot number/explant was evaluated by in vitro culture under variable conditions given in the design matrix. The response shoot number/explant was evaluated using in vitro culture under variable conditions given in the design matrix. The outcome of this method is an equation that calculates the shoot number as a function of pH, sucrose, and BAP concentration This study created response surface plots and contour plots for each factor, by analysing each factor's level of influence on the response shoot induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to optimize the solid-state fermentation process for rice syrup production, focusing on the interplay between various fermentation parameters such as water-to-rice ratio, inoculum volume, and fermentation time. Quadratic models were employed to establish relationships between these independent variables and several response variables, including syrup volume, total soluble solids (TSS), and concentrations of reducing sugar, glucose, and maltose, as well as reducing sugar yield. The optimal conditions for maximizing these responses were determined to be a water-to-rice ratio of 3:1, an inoculum volume of 10 mL, and a fermentation time of 60 minutes. Validation of the models revealed a strong correlation between predicted and actual values for all response variables, confirming the models' robustness. Comparative analyses with traditional rice-based beverages, like amazake, showed that the reducing sugar and glucose concentrations achieved were competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prickly pears are abundant in the Aurès region but are intended only for direct human consumption, due to the limited processing of this highly perishable fruit. To enhance the use of this precious resource, prickly pear vinegar [Opuntia ficus indica L. Miller], enriched with seed powder, can be produced by a double biological fermentation process, first alcoholic then acetic. Methods: The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize acetic fermentation process. This study investigated the influence of two independent variables, fermentation time and amount of added seed powder, on the chemical changes that affect five parameters (reducing sugar, ethanol, acetic acid, total phenolic and free radical scavenging activity) of vinegar obtained by the traditional method "Orléans". Result: The fermentation time had a significant impact on all chemical properties examined, while the amount of added seed powder had a significant impact only on total phenolic contents and free radical scavenging activity. At the optimal point (fermentation time= 248.81 h and seed powder= 35.52%), the vinegar produced contained 1.73±0.31% reducing sugar, 0.42±0.02% ethanol, 5.55±0.5% acetic acid, 1670.14±2.9 mg GAE/L total phenolic and 61.33±0.45 mg AA/100 mL free radical scavenging activity. As a result, prickly pear vinegar enriched with seed powder was successfully made. It has a high level of bioactive components and a strong antioxidant potential, so it can be used as a functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]