Can the incorporation of different concentrations of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil change the rheological properties of filmogenic solutions? A factorial experimental design approach

Background: Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil has high economic potential because it contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with high antioxidant potential and high carotenoid content, making it an excellent source of pro-vitamin A. Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the rheological properties of filmogenic solutions incorporated with different buriti oil concentrations. Methods: Buriti oil (0.15 to 0.45 % w/v) and emulsifier (Tween®20) (0.02 to 0.04 % w/v) were combined using a factorial experimental design 22 with 3 central points for the preparation of filmogenic solutions with cassava starch (3%, w/v) and glycerol (0.06%, w/v). Rheological properties, static and centrifugation emulsion stabilities, and pH value of filmogenic solutions were evaluated. Results: Filmogenic solutions with lower emulsifier concentration showed increased flow resistance and non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior (n<1). Central point formulation (E, F, and G) remained stable (no particle agglomeration) throughout the test period as well as pH value close to neutrality. In centrifugation stability index at 3500 rpm, only formulation C did not show phase separation. Conclusion: It was possible to develop a mixture of a filmogenic solution containing buriti oil that could be applied as an eco-friendly coating in food.

Minicutting technique and IBA application in vegetational propagation of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi

Vegetative propagation is an alternative for the production of seedlings of native tree species such as Schinus terebinthifolia that presents a high predation rate on its seeds. In order to develop vegetative propagation technology, different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) were tested in the rooting of apical and intermediate minicuttings of Schinus terebinthifolia. The 2x4 factorial experimental design involved two types of minicuttings (apical and intermediate) and four dosages of the hormone IBA (0, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg. L-1). The percentages of survival and rooting were evaluated. The intermediate minicuttings (37% and 35%) showed significantly greater survival than the apical cuttings (22% and 9%) respectively at 30 and 60 days, regardless of the IBA concentration. Among the rooting averages at 60 days obtained in the different concentrations of IBA, the treatment of 4000 mg. L-1 generated the highest results (9% for apical and 35% for intermediate). The vegetative propagation by minicuttings of Schinus terebinthifolia demonstrated the viability of intermediate minicuttings with high rooting associated with the highest concentration of IBA.

Tribological study of a polymer bushing wear with a steel axle for an automatic car tensioner

This paper aims to show through a factorial experimental design significant factors on the polymeric bushing wear PA66, including their amplitude, frequency and spring height, when interacting with a steel axle SAE1018 (from Society of Automotive Engineers - SAE) in a tension belt applied. It was verified that factors as amplitude and frequency are significant and it was possible to propose a mathematical model to predict this wear behaviour for the proposed test. Moreover, an adhesion wear behaviour was verified, whereof a polyamide film was observed on the axle transferred by the bushing. Through the microscopy report analysis, it was possible to see the transfer film topology characterisation for a better comprehension of the adhered polyamide film from the bushing to the axle surface.

Hydrogels Based on Poly([2-(acryloxy)ethyl] Trimethylammonium Chloride) and Nanocellulose Applied to Remove Methyl Orange Dye from Water

Bio-based hydrogels that adsorb contaminant dyes, such as methyl orange (MO), were synthesized and characterized in this study. The synthesis of poly([2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride) and poly(ClAETA) hydrogels containing cellulose nanofibrillated (CNF) was carried out by free-radical polymerization based on a factorial experimental design. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry. Adsorption studies of MO were performed, varying time, pH, CNF concentration, initial dye concentration and reuse cycles, determining that when the hydrogels were reinforced with CNF, the dye removal values reached approximately 96%, and that the material was stable when the maximum swelling capacity was attained. The maximum amount of MO retained per gram of hydrogel (q = mg MO g−1) was 1379.0 mg g−1 for the hydrogel containing 1% (w w−1) CNF. Furthermore, it was found that the absorption capacity of MO dye can be improved when the medium pH tends to be neutral (pH = 7.64). The obtained hydrogels can be applicable for the treatment of water containing anionic dyes.

The Impact of Co-Creating Through AR in Retail Stores on Purchase Intentions

With the broad diffusion of technology in the past few decades, there has been a shift in power from sellers to buyers. Marketers can no longer offer a product to the customer without considering their input in the development, customisation, and personalisation of the product. Innovative companies are learning how to co-create with their customers in order to understand what they want and how they want it. In this paper, the authors examine the role of augmented reality (AR) technology in co-creation and the effect it has on customer perceived risk, trust and purchase intent. A 2x2x2 factorial experimental design was used and followed up with an attitudinal survey measuring perceived risk, trust, and purchase intent. The results show that AR reduces perceived risk, increases perceived trust and purchase intent, thus providing evidence that AR may be more than just a novelty technology in today's evolving business environment.