Solvent Effect in Glycyrrhizic Acid Spectra (Absorption and Fluorescence)

In this research paper, a method built on UV/VIS spectrofluorophotometer and spectrophotometer by finding the fluorescence of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice root. Glycyrrhizic acid is an imperative active component present in licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch). Solvent effect had been studied in different solvents like deionized water and methanol. The differences between them were explored by the glycyrrhizic acid absorption and emission spectra. Under work conditions, i.e. 100% methanol solvent, a liquid ratio concentration 10−2 to 10−5 g /mL and second solvent with same conditions 100% deionized water in the same concentrations ,was done. The effect of the solvent was significant by change the value for λmax. The result was validated for parameters confines for Ex (λ Excitation) in different solvents. The results of absorption spectra obey Beer-Lambert's law. Because of the same property of these solvents (protic), the absence of a significant difference in the absorption spectra are shown. From florescence spectra, the spectrum at concentration 10−4 is the best for both solvents..

Umbu Fruit Peel as Source of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and α-Amylase Inhibitor Compounds

Herein, the extraction of bioactive compounds from umbu fruit peel was optimized using thermal-assisted solid–liquid extraction. In parallel, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and inhibitory effects against α-amylase of optimized extract were also evaluated. The combination of operational conditions including the temperature (32–74 °C), ethanol concentration (13–97%), and solid/liquid ratio (1:10–1:60; w/v) was employed using a rotational central composite design for optimization. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC) and antioxidant capacity by ABTS•+, DPPH• and FRAP assays. The bioactive profile of the optimized extract was obtained by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry in electrospray ionization in both negative and positive modes. The statistically evaluated results showed that the optimal operational conditions for the recovery of bioactive compounds from umbu fruit peel included 74 °C, 37% ethanol, and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:38. Under these conditions, the obtained values were 1985 mg GAE/100 g, 1364 mg RE/100 g, 122 µmol TE/g, 174 µmol/TE g and 468 µmol Fe2+/g for TPC, TFC, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP assays, respectively. In addition, the optimized extract was effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MBC ranged from 0.060 to 0.24 mg GAE/mL), as well as it was effective to inhibit α-amylase (IC50 value of 0.076 mg GAE/mL). The optimized extract showed to be mainly constituted by phenolic acids and flavonoids.

A Sustainable Approach on Spruce Bark Waste Valorization through Hydrothermal Conversion

In the context of sustainable use of resources, hydrothermal conversion of biomass has received increased consideration. As well, the hydrochar (the solid C-rich phase that occurs after the process) has caused great interest. In this work, spruce bark (Picea abies) wastes were considered as feedstock and the influence of hydrothermal process parameters (temperature, reaction time, and biomass to water ratio) on the conversion degree has been studied. Using the response surface methodology and MiniTab software, the process parameters were set up and showed that temperature was the significant factor influencing the conversion, while residence time and the solid-to-liquid ratio had a low influence. Furthermore, the chemical (proximate and ultimate analysis), structural (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis) of feedstock and hydrochar were analyzed. Hydrochar obtained at 280 °C, 1 h processing time, and 1/5 solid-to-liquid ratio presented a hydrophobic character, numerous functional groups, a lower O and H content, and an improved C matter, as well as a good thermal stability. Alongside the structural features, these characteristics endorsed this waste-based product for applications other than those already known as a heat source.

Production and Identification of Polypeptide from Silks by Hydrothermal Method

There are two kinds of proteins in silk, sericin and silk fibroin. Polypeptide compounds from silk sericin and silk fibroin were prepared by hydrothermal method. The process of silk dissolution was investigated under different solid-liquid ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time. By controlling the operating parameters of hydrothermal method, the temperature, material ratio and time were further optimized, and the best experimental results were obtained, the expected decomposition of silks occurred when the ratio of silks to waters was selected as 1 to 10, at 140 degree in 30 min. The molecular weight of polypeptide was detected by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and analysed by MALDI-TOF-MS. The results showed that the molecular weight of the polypeptide obtained from silks was about 6000-8000Da. After literature research, the polypeptide with such molecular weight could have better performance for some functional additives.

Mud Flow Dynamics at Gas Seeps (Nirano Salse, Italy)

The Nirano Salse, known since the Roman Times, are one of the most beautiful and scenic mud volcanoes areas of Italy with thousands of visitors every year. In this work, we apply hydrogeological techniques to characterize mud levels in the Salse by means of GPS-RTK positioning and continuous level logging within mud conduits. Our results suggest that different mud levels in mud volcanoes clusters are due to the different gas-liquid ratio in the conduits and not necessarily exclude interconnection at depth, a hypothesis, on the other hand, that seems strengthened by mud level time series correlations. The presence of shallow aquifers at a depth of 5 to 30 m is also supported by our field data. These shallow aquifers may provide a temporary storage for the ascending gas and when fluid pressure in these aquifers exceeds the tensional strength of the sedimentary rock, leakage of fluids to the surface would occur.

Study on the Effects of Powder-Liquid Ratio and Cement Ratio on Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Characteristics of Polymer-Cement Composite

This paper is about a study on the mechanical properties of a new polymer-cement composite (PCC) in constant elongation, tension, and shear. The study explored the effects of powder-liquid ratio and cement ratio on the mechanical properties of PCC through detecting the strength, deformation, and energy consumption of specimens under different powder-liquid ratios and cement ratios. In addition, scanning electron microscope and mercury injection apparatus were used for an in-depth analysis on the micromorphology and pore structure features of PCC under different powder-liquid ratios and cement ratios to explore the influence of powder-liquid ratio and cement ratio of the micromechanical properties of PCC. The results showed that, with the increase of powder-liquid ratio and cement ratio, the constant elongation adhesion strength of PCC decreased, and, at a high powder-liquid ratio (0.55) or a high cement ratio (0.5), the constant elongation adhesion strength of PCC completely disappeared. Meanwhile, with the increase of powder-liquid ratio and cement ratio, the tensile shear strength of PCC increased, while the deformation capacity of PCC decreased. The optimal ranges of powder-liquid ratio and cement ratio for PCC were 0.35–0.4 and 0.3-0.4, respectively. Furthermore, the increased powder-liquid ratio and cement ratio made the total pore volume decreased and pore structure refined, which improved the compactness of PCC, thus influencing the performance of PCC macroscopically. An achievement for the study is a flexible composite material, which was formulated with the polymer film as continuous base phase, as well as the inorganic composition and cement hydrates as dispersion phase. The material can effectively improve the economy and practicability of cementation of fissures for airfield pavement.

Semi-bionic Extraction Process and Antibacterial Activity against Salmonella goose of Compound Chinese Medicine Dahuang Qinyu San

Various classical Chinese medicines have shown their efficiency in curing various infectious diseases. Among them, Dahuang Qinyu San (DQS) found in the Chinese Veterinary Pharmacopoeia is composed of three kinds of Chinese herbs: rhubarb, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Outtuynia cordata. Due to its urgent need in human health and its effectiveness, a semi-bionic extract of Dahuang Qinyu San (SEDQS) was studied to evaluate its optimal extraction conditions and investigate its antibacterial activity against Salmonella goose. The U5 (53) uniform design method was used to investigate the effects of three independent variables, including pH value (X1), solid-to-liquid ratio (X2), and extraction time (X3), on the composite score (Y) of the extract rate and the MIC, using the semi-bionic extraction process. The broth microdilution method was also used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Salmonella goose. After 30 minutes of extraction, the optimal conditions for SEDQS were found to be pH 8.3 and a solidto-liquid ratio of 1: 40. Under these optimal conditions, the extraction rate was 43.66 % and the MIC was 9.10 mg/ml, which indicates antibacterial efficacy against Salmonella goose.

Complex Biomineralization Pathways of the Belemnite Rostrum Cause Biased Paleotemperature Estimates

Paleotemperatures based on δ18O values derived from belemnites are usually “too cold” compared to other archives and paleoclimate models. This temperature bias represents a significant obstacle in paleoceanographic research. Here we show geochemical evidence that belemnite calcite fibers are composed of two distinct low-Mg calcite phases (CP1, CP2). Phase-specific in situ measurement of δ18O values revealed a systematic offset of up to 2‰ (~8 °C), showing a lead–lag signal between both phases in analyses spaced less than 25 µm apart and a total fluctuation of 3.9‰ (~16 °C) within a 2 cm × 2 cm portion of a Megateuthis (Middle Jurassic) rostrum. We explain this geochemical offset and the lead–lag signal for both phases by the complex biomineralization of the belemnite rostrum. The biologically controlled formation of CP1 is approximating isotope fractionation conditions with ambient seawater to be used for temperature calculation. In contrast, CP2 indicates characteristic non-isotope equilibrium with ambient seawater due to its formation via an amorphous Ca-Mg carbonate precursor at high solid-to-liquid ratio, i.e., limited amounts of water were available during its transformation to calcite, thus suggesting lower formation temperatures. CP2 occludes syn vivo the primary pore space left after formation of CP1. Our findings support paleobiological interpretations of belemnites as shelf-dwelling, pelagic predators and call for a reassessment of paleoceanographic reconstructions based on belemnite stable isotope data.

Recovery of Waste Polyurethane from E-Waste. Part II. Investigation of the Adsorption Potential for Wastewater Treatment

This study explored the performances of waste polyurethane foam (PUF) derived from the shredding of end-of-life refrigerators as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The waste PUF underwent a basic pre-treatment (e.g., sieving and washing) prior the adsorption tests. Three target pollutants were considered: methylene blue, phenol, and mercury. Adsorption batch tests were performed putting in contact waste PUF with aqueous solutions of the three pollutants at a solid/liquid ratio equal to 25 g/L. A commercial activated carbon (AC) was considered for comparison. The contact time necessary to reach the adsorption equilibrium was in the range of 60–140 min for waste PUF, while AC needed about 30 min. The results of the adsorption tests showed a better fit of the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.93 for all pollutants) compared to the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacity of waste PUF was limited for methylene blue and mercury (Kf = 0.02), and much lower for phenol (Kf = 0.001). The removal efficiency achieved by waste PUF was lower (phenol 12% and methylene blue and mercury 37–38%) compared to AC (64–99%). The preliminary results obtained in this study can support the application of additional pre-treatments aimed to overcome the adsorption limits of the waste PUF, and it could be applied for “rough-cut” wastewater treatment.

Effect of Welsh Onion on Taste Components and Sensory Characteristics of Porcine Bone Soup

To investigate the effect of welsh onion on taste components and sensory characteristics in porcine bone soup, the stewing condition was as follows: the material–liquid ratio (m/V) was 1:1, the stewing time was 5.0 h, and the ratio of welsh onion was 2.5%. Then, the content of taste components was measured. The content of free amino acids in porcine bone soup with welsh onion (PWS) was higher than the sum of welsh onion soup (WS) and porcine bone soup (PS); particularly, the umami amino acids increased by 35.73% compared with PS. Significant increases in four organic acids (lactic acid, pyroglutamic acid, citric acid and ascorbic acid), two 5′-nucleotides (5′-AMP and 5′-GMP) and three mineral elements (K, Ca and Mg) were observed in PWS. Compared with PS, the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) value was increased from 79.09 to 106.47 mg MSG/100 g in PWS, which was due to the high content of umami amino acids and the synergistic effect with 5′-nucleotides. The results of the sensory analysis indicated a certain enhancement of umami taste in PWS, and the sweet and salty tastes were also increased with the addition of welsh onion. The correlation analysis was consistent with the variation of the components tested above.