scholarly journals Quality Blues: An Assessment of Cultural and Chemical Factors Used to Define Indigo Quality in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuru Shi ◽  
Libin Zhang ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Shan Li ◽  
Zuchuan Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Southern China ◽  
The People ◽  
Modern Development ◽  
Effective Components ◽  
Particle Size Analyzer ◽  
Chemical Factors ◽  
Important Quality

Abstract Background: The appearance of synthetic indigo has caused most people to forget the past brilliance of natural indigo. However, in parts of southern China, the folk still use and trade in natural indigo paste. The aims of this study were to i) document the traditional knowledge and experience of how people identify the quality of indigo paste and ii) explore the rationality of the quality judgment index used by local people.Method: We interviewed 283 traditional indigo paste artisans in 3 markets and 15 villages in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Fujian Provinces. Frequency of citation (FC), Mention index (QI), and Fidelity level (FL) of each indigo paste quality judgment index were calculated to determine the most commonly used, most recognized, and most important quality judgment index. A quantitative study was conducted on 21 indigo paste samples of different quality grades using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD), an acidity meter, and particle size analyzer. The relationship between the content of the effective components, pH, and particle size of the indigo paste and quality was explored. Results: The people divided indigo paste into five quality grades i.e., best, good, general, poor, and worst. Four main quality judgment indices were color, taste, touch, and dyeing ability. Among all study areas, color was the most commonly used, most important, and most recognized index. Effective ingredient content and pH differed significantly with different quality graded indigo pastes, but there was no significance difference between particle size and quality. In addition to indigo, indirubin played an important role in identifying the quality of indigo paste.Conclusion: Our study confirmed that the quality of indigo paste could be evaluated using the four indices (color, taste, touch, and dyeing ability). The people used indigo and indirubin content together to determine the quality of the indigo paste, while synthetic indigo is determined by indigo content only. The simple knowledge and experience of traditional folk has guiding significance for the modern development of indigo paste production.

scholarly journals Quality blues: traditional knowledge used for natural indigo identification in southern China

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuru Shi ◽  
Libin Zhang ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Shan Li ◽  
Zuchuan Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Quality Criterion ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Local People ◽  
Material Basis ◽  
Ph Range

Abstract Background As one of the oldest traditional dyes, people worldwide have used natural indigo for centuries. Local people have unique knowledge about indigo identification, which is crucial for indigo quality control and determining the dyeing effects. However, such traditional knowledge is rarely documented and explained. Therefore, the aims of this study were to document and assess the traditional knowledge used by local people when identifying natural indigo paste as well as quantitatively explore the characteristics and material basis of such traditional knowledge. Method Three field surveys were conducted between 2019 and 2020. A total of 283 traditional indigo-paste artisans were interviewed in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Fujian Provinces. The frequency of citation, mention index, and fidelity level of each indigo-paste quality criterion were calculated to determine the most commonly used, recognized, and important quality criteria. To explore the characteristics and material basis of the traditional knowledge, we analyzed 21 indigo-paste samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD), pH, and particle size analyses. Results Local people possess unique knowledge to identify natural indigo. Based on this knowledge accumulated over thousands of years, four criteria (color, taste, touch, and dyeing ability) were chosen by local people, and using these criteria, nature indigo was divided into five quality grades. The best quality indigo paste was judged according to the following folk criteria: dark blue in color with a purple-red luster; smooth and difficult to wipe off; having a sweet, bitter or spicy taste; and easy cloth dyeing. Additionally, the higher the contents of indigo and indirubin—especially indirubin—the better is the quality of the indigo paste. Within the pH range of 9–12, high-quality indigo-paste was more acidic. There was no significant relationship between particle size and quality. Conclusion The ancient methods used by local people for identifying natural indigo are comprehensive and unique. By documenting the various folk quality criteria and conducting quantitative analyses, this study revealed the importance of indirubin and pH for assessing the quality of indigo paste. These findings differ from existing quality standards for synthetic indigo. Amid rapid modernization, traditional knowledge remains invaluable as a world heritage of humanity that warrants preservation.

Nonconventional Materials (NOCMAT) for Ecological and Sustainable Development

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (53) ◽  
pp. 3553-3564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khosrow Ghavami ◽  
Arash Azadeh
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Vegetable Fibers ◽  
The People ◽  
Important Challenge

ABSTRACTFour decades of advanced research about Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT) such as bamboo and composites reinforced with natural fibers have shown that it is now possible to produce and use high performance NOCMAT. Bamboo and composites reinforced with vegetable fibers are capable, meeting most engineering demand in terms of strength, stiffness, toughness and energy absorption capability. The greatest challenge of the 21st century is the need for cost-effective, durable and eco-friendly construction materials that will meet the global needs of infrastructure regeneration and rehabilitation which alone can enhance the quality of life for all the people of the world. This paper summarizes some results of judicious combination of different matrix reinforced with vegetable fibers, especially bamboo. These sustainable ecological materials are strong, ductile and capable of absorbing large amounts of energy. They could find extensive applications in the engineering particularly in developing countries. Specifically, the development of durable composites reinforced with vegetable fibers and bamboo poses an important challenge to the science and skills of engineering. This challenge could create the most useful, eco-friendly construction materials backed by an endless supply of renewable natural resources. In addition the paper presents results of some ongoing research concerning bamboo and how vegetable fibers such as hemp plant, before the invention of Nylon was the most used materials in all aspects of human life around the globe and why it was banned.

scholarly journals HPLC Fingerprint Combined With Multicomponent Quantification as an Efficient Method for Quality Evaluation of Pharbitidis Semen

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2093164
Author(s):  
Huiwei Bao ◽  
Huailei Yang ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
Kaixuan Zhou ◽  
Yanan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Caffeic Acid ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Hplc Method ◽  
Hplc Fingerprint ◽  
Protocatechuic Aldehyde ◽  
Effective Components

Pharbitidis Semen is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) with a long history for treatment of edema and fullness, fecal and urinary retention, phlegm and retained fluid, and abdominal pain due to parasitic infestation. Since Pharbitidis Semen is distributed throughout the country, the quality of the medicine from different origins may be varied. Moreover, the reported method could not control the quality comprehensively. In this article, a fingerprint of Pharbitidis Semen has been established based on a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. In addition, the contents of the 2 main effective components were determined simultaneously. The reference HPLC fingerprint was obtained according to the chromatograms of test samples. The similarity values were calculated by the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM (2004 A edition). Cluster analysis of 10 batches of samples was performed using statistical software (SPSS 20.0). The HPLC fingerprints of 10 batches of Pharbitidis Semen showed 25 well-resolved common peaks in each chromatogram. Two of these peaks were assigned to protocatechuic aldehyde and caffeic acid. As a result, HPLC fingerprint similarities of 10 batches of samples were more than 0.99. Pharbitidis Semen from different habitats could be divided into 3 or 2 groups. The results of cluster analysis showed that samples classified into 1 group were associated with their habitats and breeds. At the same time, quantification results showed that the contents of protocatechuic aldehyde and caffeic acid were in the range of 0.026-0.088 and 0.019-0.053 mg/g−1 respectively. HPLC fingerprint combined with multicomponent quantification and data analysis techniques can be an efficient and useful method for monitoring the quality of Pharbitidis Semen. This study also provides a practical strategy for overall quality evaluation and control of traditional Chinese medicines.

N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Using Different Bases

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (01) ◽  
pp. 1850017
Author(s):  
M. Jaya Prakash Naik ◽  
Sourajit Mohanta ◽  
Peetam Mandal ◽  
Mitali Saha
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Graphene Quantum Dots ◽  
Ammonium Hydroxide ◽  
Particle Size Analyzer ◽  
Vis Spectroscopy ◽  
Doped Graphene ◽  
Formation Conditions

Photoluminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received tremendous attention due to their sui generis chemical, electronic and optical properties but fabricating the pristine quality of GQD is extremely challenging. Herein, we have reported the pyrolysis of citric acid which in the presence of different bases viz. triethylamine, ammonium hydroxide and urea, produced N-doped GQDs at different pH. The effect of different pH has been studied in detail to optimize the formation conditions of the GQD. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and normalized fluorescence spectra were applied to analyze the optical properties of the GQD. The mean particle size was analyzed by a particle size analyzer (dynamic light dispersion).

scholarly journals Quality Identification of Sauce-Flavor Liquor Based on the Tyndall Phenomenon

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Huizi Liu ◽  
Xuezhou Yang ◽  
Xiaofeng Su ◽  
Shuzhi Li ◽  
Qiyuan Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Light Scattering ◽  
Storage Time ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Brewing Process ◽  
Size Uniformity ◽  
Important Quality ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Long Storage

There is an obvious colloid state in sauce-flavor liquor due to its unique brewing process and long storage time, which is an important quality feature of sauce-flavor. Aiming at the problems of time, cost, and the strong professionalism of the traditional quality identification method, we proposed a method to identify the quality of sauce-flavored liquor based on the Tyndall phenomenon. The influence of different wavelengths of light on the light scattering in liquor was explored, and it was concluded that the ultraviolet and blue light bands have a certain efficiency in the identification of liquor. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between the particle size uniformity of liquor colloids and liquor quality according to the Tyndall phenomenon. We found that higher quality liquor has a brighter and lighter Tyndall path and a smaller light flooding angle due to the uniformity of the particles in it. This method can be used to achieve qualitative identification and is suitable for the identification of sauce-flavored liquor.

Nano-Modification of Concrete with Slurries Using Ultra-Jet Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 882 ◽  
pp. 263-270
Author(s):  
Andrey Leonidovich Galinovskiy ◽  
Mary Alekseevna Prokhorova ◽  
Kyaw Myo Htet ◽  
Sergey Vasilievich Bochkarev ◽  
Igor Nikolaevich Kravchenko
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Concrete Strength ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
Average Particle ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Particle Size Analyzer ◽  
Strength Tests

The article discusses the problem of increasing the strength of concrete through the use of a suspension based on nanomodified additives with boehmite, graphene and carbon nanotubes. The lack of high performance and efficient dispersion methods limits the possibilities for nanomodification of building materials. Therefore, the research topic associated with assessing the possibility of developing means and methods for dispersing hydrocomposites containing nanoparticles is relevant. The suspensions were treated with ultra-jet treatment. Nano-containing suspensions were studied using a Microtrac Bluewave laser particle size analyzer. The analysis results were the average particle sizes in terms of quantitative and volumetric distributions, as well as the minimum recorded particle size in the samples. The results of compressive strength tests of a batch of concrete samples are presented. It is shown that the use of nanomodified additives leads to an increase in concrete strength.

Effect of Modified Phosphogypsum on the Mechanical Properties of Super Sulphate Cement

2012 ◽  
Vol 161 ◽  
pp. 264-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Xin Gao ◽  
Bao Ying Yu ◽  
Fen Lian Xu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
High Performance ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Strengthening Mechanisms ◽  
Particle Size Analyzer ◽  
Composition Analyzer ◽  
The Relationship

The effect of phosphogypsum (PG) modified on mechanical properties of super sulphate cement (SSC) was systematically studied in this paper. Then attentions and researches were focused on the relationship between specific surface (SSA) and the mechanical properties of SSC containing PG modified by calcining, floating, neutralizing with alkali. Strengthening mechanisms of SSC were further investigated and analyzed by laser particle size analyzer and chemical composition analyzer at last. Results showed that the high strength SSC with the compressive strength 35MPa at 7 days, over 60MPa at 28 days, and some even more than 70MPa at 56 days, could be successfully developed. This research can provide a key reference for the utilization of PG and development of high performance eco-SSC.

scholarly journals Comparing the Flavor Characteristics of 71 Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Accessions in Central Shaanxi

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoting Cheng ◽  
Peipei Chang ◽  
Yuanbo Shen ◽  
Liting Wu ◽  
Ahmed H. El-Sappah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Salicylate ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Flavor Quality ◽  
Gas Chromatography Olfactometry ◽  
Important Quality ◽  
Tomato Cultivars ◽  
Positive Correlations

Flavor is an important quality of mature tomato fruits. Compared with heirloom tomatoes, modern commercial tomato cultivars are considerably less flavorful. This study aimed to compare the flavor of 71 tomato accessions (8 pink cherry, PC; 11 red cherry, RC; 15 pink large-fruited, PL; and 37 red large-fruited, RL) using hedonism scores and odor activity values. Taste compounds were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. Volatiles were detected using gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry. The flavor of tomato accessions can be evaluated using the DTOPSIS analysis method. According to the results of DTOPSIS analysis, 71 tomato accessions can be divided into 4 classes. Tomato accessions PL11, PC4, PC2, PC8, RL35, RC6, and RC10 had better flavor; accessions PC4, PC8, RC10, RL2, and RL35 had better tomato taste; and accessions PL11, PC2, and RC6 had better tomato odor. The concentrations of total soluble solids, fructose, glucose, and citric acid were shown to positively contribute to tomato taste. Tomato odor was mainly derived from 15 volatiles, namely, 1-hexanol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (Z)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadieal, 2,6,6-timethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, (2E)-3-(3-pentyl-2-oxiranyl)acrylaldehyde, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E)-6,10-dimetyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one, methyl salicylate, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, and 2-isobutylthiazole. Significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) were detected between the compound concentrations and flavor scores. The above-mentioned compounds can be used as parameters for the evaluation of flavor characteristics and as potential targets to improve the flavor quality of tomato varieties.

scholarly journals HPLC Fingerprint Combined with Quantitation of Main Effective Components and Chemometrics as an Efficient Method for Quality Evaluation of Oviductus Ranae

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1701200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shihan Wang ◽  
Yang Xu ◽  
Yanwei Wang ◽  
Zuying Lv ◽  
Qingyan Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Liaoning Province ◽  
Hplc Fingerprint ◽  
Effective Components ◽  
Hplc Profiles ◽  
Oviductus Ranae

To ensure the highest quality of Oviductus Ranae products for consumers, an accurate, efficient, scientific and comprehensive evaluation method for assessing the quality of Oviductus Ranae was proposed in this paper. The fingerprint of Oviductus Ranae has been established based on the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Oviductus Ranae from different habitats were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The HPLC profiles of fourteen batches of Oviductus Ranae showed 33 well-resolved common peaks in each chromatogram. Five of these were assigned to 1-methyl hydantoin, 7-ketocholesterol, 4-cholesten-3-one, cholesterol and stigmasterol. Contents of these five main effective components were determined in the meantime. Based on the HPLC profiles of all the samples, the reference HPLC fingerprint and similarity values were calculated by statistical software (SPSS 19.0). It was found that similarity value of all Oviductus Ranae samples were more than 0.85 and Oviductus Ranae from same habitats had similarity to some degree. In conclusion, the proposed method had good specificity, repeatability, stability and precision, which can provide a reference for the quality evaluation and identification of the medicine origin of Oviductus Ranae. Quantitation of effective components revealed that contents of five effective constituents in Oviductus Ranae obtained from Ji Lin province were the highest, followed by Hei Longjiang province and Liaoning province. The results of HCA showed that samples classified into one group were associated with their habitats. HPLC fingerprint combined with quantitation of main effective compounds and data analysis techniques can be an efficient and useful method for monitoring the quality of Oviductus Ranae.

scholarly journals Quality Blues: Indigenous Knowledge of Natural Indigo Identification in Southern China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuru Shi ◽  
Libin Zhang ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Shan Li ◽  
Zuchuan Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Quality Criterion ◽  
Particle Size Analysis ◽  
Local People ◽  
Size Analysis ◽  
Material Basis

Abstract Background: As one of the oldest traditional dyes, natural indigo is commonly used for centuries by the people worldwide. In the process of indigo production, indigenous people have formed unique knowledge of indigo identification because the indigo identification is crucial for indigo quality control and the dyeing effects. However, such indigenous knowledge is rarely documented and explained. Therefore, the aims of this study were to i) document and assess the indigenous knowledge of local people identifying the natural indigo paste and ii) to explore the characteristics and material basis of such indigenous knowledge.Method: Three ethnobotanical studies were conducted in 2019 and 2020. A total of 283 traditional indigo-paste artisans were interviewed in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Fujian Provinces. Frequency of citation, Mention index, and Fidelity level of each indigo-paste quality criterion were calculated to determine the most commonly used, most recognized, and most important quality criterion. To explore the characteristics and material basis of such traditional knowledge, we analyzed 21 samples we collected by using HPLC, pH and particle size analysis methods.Results: Local people possess unique knowledge to identify natural indigo. After thousands of years, they finally chose four criteria (color, taste, touch, and dyeing ability) and based on this, the nature indigo was divided into five quality grades. The best folk criterion was as following: dark blue with purple-red luster, smooth and difficult to wipe off; it should have a "sweet" or "spicy" taste, and dye cloth easily. It found that the higher the indigo and indirubin contents, especially indirubin content, the better the quality of the indigo paste. Within the 9-12 range, pH of high quality indigo-paste was lower. However, there was no significance difference between particle size and quality.Conclusion: The ancient methods used by the local people for identifying natural indigo are comprehensive and unique. This study revealed the importance of indirubin and pH for assessing the quality of indigo paste by documenting the various folk quality criteria and quantitative experiments. These findings differ from existing synthetic indigo-quality standards. Amid rapid modernization, traditional knowledge remains invaluable in world heritage of humanity that warrants preservation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document