Cephalexin removal by persulfate activation using simulated sunlight and ferrous ions

This study presents the main results related to the use of activated persulfate (PS) in the elimination of the beta-lactam antibiotic cephalexin (CPX). Experiments were done using K2S2O8 and simulated sunlight. A face-centered central composite experimental design was used to analyze the effects of the solution pH and the PS concentration on the reaction, and to determine the optimized conditions that favor the CPX elimination. The results indicated that the removal of CPX is promoted by an acidic pH and under the higher evaluated PS dose (7.5 mg L−1). CPX total removal was achieved in 30 min. The analysis of the effect of the pollutant initial concentration indicated that a pseudo-first order kinetic model can be used to describe the reaction. Likewise, the use of Fe2+ ions for PS activation (in the dark) was evaluated and allowed to establish that a higher concentration of ions favors the pollutant removal. Control tests and under the presence of scavenger agents indicated that both HO• and SO4−• radicals would be present in the solution and promote the CPX elimination. The assessment of the solution dissolved organic carbon, nitrates and sulfates was also carried out, and indicated that a portion of the organic matter was mineralized.

Optimization of the Indirect Extrusion Process of Copper-Clad Aluminum Rods by Methods of Statistical Experimental Designs and Numerical Analyses

The success of composite extrusion is influenced by multiple process parameters. In order to investigate the significance of specific parameters during indirect extrusion of copper-clad aluminum (CCA) rods, statistical methods were applied and a central composite experimental design was implemented. The runs of the experimental design were modeled with the finite element method based software DEFORM 2D and evaluated with respect to product quality, described by four response variables. Using variance and regression analyses, as well significant linear and quadratic effects of the five investigated process parameters as interactions between them were identified. Based on a statistical model, an overall optimum setting for the process parameters was predicted utilizing the response surface methodology with a desirability approach. By applying the output of the statistical analysis to an extrusion trial, the extrusion of a high quality CCA rod was achieved. Moreover, the results of the statistical analysis could be verified by comparing predicted and experimentally determined values of the investigated quality characteristics.

Pressurized-Liquid Extraction as an Efficient Method for Valorization of Thymus serpyllum Herbal Dust towards Sustainable Production of Antioxidants

The aim of this study was to valorize Thymus serpyllum herbal dust, a particular fraction distinguished as an industrial waste from filter-tea production. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was used with the aim of overcoming certain obstacles of conventional extraction techniques in terms of shortening extraction time, reducing solvent consumption and energy costs, using “green” solvents and obtaining high yield and quality products. In order to optimize PLE of T. serpyllum herbal dust, the preliminary screening of the independent variables in order to define the most influential parameters and their domain was done first. After the screening, the optimization study using the face-centered central composite experimental design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented. Additionally, taking into account the high awareness of the positive influence of antioxidants on the human health and associating it with high content of polyphenolic compounds in various members of Lamiaceae family, PLE has proven to be a great approach for antioxidants recovery from T. serpyllum herbal dust.

Split-plot Central Composite Experimental Design Method for Optimization of Cake Height to Achieve desired Texture

In many industrial experimental situations, the levels of certain factors under investigation are much harder to change than others due to time and/or cost constraints. An appropriate approach to such situations is to restrict the randomization of the hard-to-change (HTC) factors, which leads to a split-plot structure. This work designs and conducts a split-plot central composite experiment for optimizing cake height using oven temperature(Factor A) as the HTC factor, amount of flour (B), baking powder (C), and amount of milk (D) as the easy-to-change (ETC) factors. A second-order split-plot central composite design (CCD) model was fit to the generated data and analyzed using generalized least squares (GLS). A stationary point, which gives optimum cake height, was then determined. The results show that main effects of oven temperature, flour, baking powder, and milk were highly significant on the cake height . Their quadratic effects were also significant except that of the flour. The flower/baking powder interaction effect was significant. The fitted model accounted for about 95% of the total variability in the cake height data. The observed optimum cake height was ̂ at a stationary point: A . This study has established the potentials of response surface experiments in optimizing products in food industries. Keywords: Experiment, split-plot CCD, Cake height, Design, Stationary point.

Synthesis of an Addition-Crosslinkable, Silicon-Modified Polyolefin via Reactive Extrusion Monitored by In-Line Raman Spectroscopy

We present the modification of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM) with vinyltetra-methydisiloxane (VTMDS) via reactive extrusion to create a new silicone-based material with the potential for high-performance applications in the automotive, industrial and biomedical sectors. The radical-initiated modification is achieved with a peroxide catalyst starting the grafting reaction. The preparation process of the VTMDS-grafted EPM was systematically investigated using process analytical technology (in-line Raman spectroscopy) and the statistical design of experiments (DoE). By applying an orthogonal factorial array based on a face-centered central composite experimental design, the identification, quantification and mathematical modeling of the effects of the process factors on the grafting result were undertaken. Based on response surface models, process windows were defined that yield high grafting degrees and good grafting efficiency in terms of grafting agent utilization. To control the grafting process in terms of grafting degree and grafting efficiency, the chemical changes taking place during the modification procedure in the extruder were observed in real-time using a spectroscopic in-line Raman probe which was directly inserted into the extruder. Successful grafting of the EPM was validated in the final product by 1H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy.

Optimization of dynamic maceration of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. leaves to maximize trans-anethole content

Trans-anethole possesses several biological and pharmacological effects. It is also used as masking agent in household products and as a flavoring agent in food. Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. leaves are reported as a source of trans-anethole that makes their anise-like odor. This work sought to optimize the dynamic maceration of C. anisata leaves to maximize the trans-anethole content. The circumscribed central composite experimental design was applied to investigate the effects of extraction temperature and time on extraction yield, trans-anethole content in the extract, and trans-anethole content in the plant raw material. The results showed that the extraction yield was high when C. anisata leaves were extracted over a long extraction time, while the extraction temperature had a lesser effect on the extraction yield. Trans-anethole content in the extract and plant raw material determined using a linear, specific, precise, and accurate HPLC method was high when a medium extraction temperature with a short extraction time was used. The optimal condition that maximized trans-anethole content involved an extraction temperature of 61.8 °C and an extraction time of 12.9 min, respectively. The percentage error of the prediction conducted by computer software was low, suggesting that the prediction was highly accurate. In conclusion, the optimal condition of dynamic maceration obtained from this work could be used as a guide for maximizing trans-anethole content from C. anisata leaves.

Optimization of the In Vitro Bactericidal Effect of a Mixture of Chlorine and Sodium Gallate against Campylobacter spp. and Arcobacter butzleri

ABSTRACT Campylobacter spp. and Arcobacter butzleri are foodborne pathogens associated with the consumption of contaminated raw chicken meat. At the industry level, the combination of new and common antimicrobials could be used as a strategy to control the presence of pathogens in chicken carcasses. The objective of this study was to determine the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of a mixture of chlorine (Cl) and sodium gallate (SG) on a mixture of two Campylobacter species (Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli) and A. butzleri. Using a central composite experimental design, it was established that the optimum inhibitory SG-Cl concentration for Campylobacter spp. was 44 to 45 ppm. After 15 h of incubation, Campylobacter species growth was reduced by 37.5% and the effect of Cl was potentiated by SG at concentrations above 45 ppm. In the case of A. butzleri, optimum levels of 28 and 41 ppm were observed for SG and Cl, respectively; no synergism was reported, as this bacterium was more sensitive to lower Cl concentrations than Campylobacter. After a 20-min pretreatment with peracetic acid (50 ppm), the optimum condition to achieve a >1.0-Log CFU/mL reduction of Campylobacter spp. was exposure to 177 ppm of Cl and 44 ppm of SG for 56 min. As A. butzleri showed lower resistance to the bacteriostatic effect of the Cl-SG combination, it was assumed that optimum bactericidal conditions for Campylobacter spp. were effective to control the former; this was confirmed with subsequent validation of the model. The SG-Cl combination has bactericidal properties against Campylobacter and A. butzleri, and it may be a useful strategy to improve sanitary practices applied in the poultry industry. HIGHLIGHTS

Impact of Processing Techniques and Packaging Materials on some Functional Properties of Soybean Flour

This study investigated some functional properties of soya bean flour produced from steeping and gelatinization techniques and stored in different packaging materials. The freshly harvested soya bean seeds used for the study were cleaned and soaked for five different durations (6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 hours); cooked at five different cooking times (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40mins); packaged in five different materials (paper bag, low density polythene bag, composite bag, high density polythene bag and plastic) and stored for five different periods (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 days). A Response Surface Methodology, Central Composite Experimental Design was used. The samples of flour were then subjected to functional analysis. All experiments were carried out in triplicates. Data obtained was analyzed using Design Expert 11.0 statistical software tool; the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted and empirical models developed. Statistical analysis shows that the gelatinization duration, and packaging materials had significant effect (P≤0.05) on the oil absorption capacity of the flour sample at P-value of 0.044 for gelatinization duration, 0.012 for packaging material, and water absorption capacity of the flour samples was significant with effect to storage duration P= 0.001, packaging material of 0.015 p-value. Bulk density of the processed flour was not significantly affected by processing techniques, packaging materials and storage duration employed in this study. Numerical optimization conducted on the experimental factors shows best desirability constraint of 0.60 point at steeping and gelatinization duration of 13.03 minutes and 25minutes respectively.

Optimization of baker`s yeast production on grape juice using response surface methodology

There is an increasing interest in improving biological processes, including fermentation processes, improving fermentation conditions is difficult, as it requires the use of an appropriate improvement method that allows operating the biological fermenter under optimal conditions in order to obtain the largest possible amount of the final product. The aim of this work was to succeed in examples of fermentation conditions to produce the largest possible quantity of dry yeast biomass Saccharomyces cerevisiae using grape juice as the sole carbon source. The optimum values of five factors that have an effect on the production of dry biomass from baker`s yeast were determined. The design of the experiments was carried out using the central composite experimental design (CCD) and the number of experiments according to the design was (54) experiments, the response surface methodology method was used to determine the best possible amount of production of yeast, and has reached (41.44 g/L) after 12 hours of fermentation, under the following optimal conditions (temperature (30.11??), pH (4.75), sugar concentration (158.36 g/L), the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (an essential nutrient for yeast growth ) is (11.9), initial concentration of yeasts (2.5 g/L), the amount of urea was 6.65 g/L and the amount of ammonium sulfate used was 6.65 g/L, so that the concentration of added urea and ammonium sulfate was (50-50)% and the required C/N ratio was achieved, and the used agitation speed was equal to 200 r.p.m during the fermentation process. The fermenter power of the obtained yeast was 470 ml. Three kinematic models (Monod, Verhulst, and Tessier) were also selected for the purpose of studying the kinetic performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Monod and Tessier`s models did not give satisfactory results, while the best results were according to the Verhulst model. Also, the Leudeking Piret model has also been successfully used to predict substrate consumption during fermentation time.

Smart Starch-Gelatin Films Incorporated with Curcumin

In this study, we developed a starch-gelatin film incorporated with synthesized curcumin to be used as a pH-sensitive smart material for food packaging. The film-forming mixture contained five components: starch, gelatin, glycerol, acetic acid and curcumin. The interactions of the components and their effects on the film properties were investigated by using response surface methodology with central composite experimental design. The results showed impacts of the contents of these components as independent variables on tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus and solubility of the films. The contents of starch, gelatin and glycerol significantly affect these properties, while acetic acid and curcumin do not (p<0.05). Also, it was shown that the incorporation of curcumin provided the film with the capacity to sense pH changes from neutral to basic (yellow at pH ≤ 8 and orange-red at pH ≥ 9).