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Abstract Rose (Rosa sp.) is one of the most important ornamentals which is commercialize for its aesthetic values, essential oils, cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceuticals and food industries in the world. It has wide range of variations that is mostly distinguished by petal color differences which is interlinked with the phytochemicals, secondary metabolites and antinutrient properties. Here, we explored the color, bioactive compounds and antinutritional profiling and their association to sort out the most promising rose genotypes. For this purpose, we employed both quantitative and qualitative evaluation by colorimetric, spectrophotometric and visual analyses following standard protocols. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications where ten rose genotypes labelled R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 were used as plant materials. Results revealed in quantitative assessment, the maximum value of lightness, and the luminosity indicating a brightening of rose petals close to a yellow color from rose accessions R4, and R10, respectively which is further confirmed with the visually observed color of the respective rose petals. Proximate composition analyses showed that the highest amount of carotenoid and β-carotene was found in R10 rose genotype, anthocyanin and betacyanin in R7. Among the bioactive compounds, maximum tocopherol, phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in R8, R6 and R3 while R1 showed the highest free radical scavenging potentiality with the lowest IC50 (82.60 µg/mL FW) compared to the others. Meanwhile, the enormous variation was observed among the studied rose genotypes regarding the antinutrient contents of tannin, alkaloid, saponin and phytate whereas some other antinutrient like steroids, coumarines, quinones, anthraquinone and phlobatanin were also figured out with their presence or absence following qualitative visualization strategies. Furthermore, according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), correlation matrix and cluster analysis, the ten rose genotypes were grouped into three clusters where, cluster-I composed of R3, R4, R5, R8, cluster-II: R9, R10 and cluster-III: R1, R2, R6, R7 where the rose genotypes under cluster III and cluster II were mostly contributed in the total variations by the studied variables. Therefore, the rose genotypes R9, R10 and R1, R2, R6, R7 might be potential valuable resources of bioactive compounds for utilization in cosmetics, food coloration, and drugs synthesis which have considerable health impact.

Rose (Rosa sp.) is one of the most important ornamentals which is commercialize for its aesthetic values, essential oils, cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceuticals and food industries in the world. It has wide range of variations that is mostly distinguished by petal color differences which is interlinked with the phytochemicals, secondary metabolites and antinutrient properties. Here, we explored the color, bioactive compounds and antinutritional profiling and their association to sort out the most promising rose genotypes. For this purpose, we employed both quantitative and qualitative evaluation by colorimetric, spectrophotometric and visual analyses following standard protocols. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications where ten rose genotypes labelled R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 were used as plant materials. Results revealed in quantitative assessment, the maximum value of lightness, and the luminosity indicating a brightening of rose petals close to a yellow color from rose accessions R4, and R10, respectively which is further confirmed with the visually observed color of the respective rose petals. Proximate composition analyses showed that the highest amount of carotenoid and β-carotene was found in R10 rose genotype, anthocyanin and betacyanin in R7. Among the bioactive compounds, maximum tocopherol, phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in R8, R6 and R3 while R1 showed the highest free radical scavenging potentiality with the lowest IC50 (82.60 µg/mL FW) compared to the others. Meanwhile, the enormous variation was observed among the studied rose genotypes regarding the antinutrient contents of tannin, alkaloid, saponin and phytate whereas some other antinutrient like steroids, coumarines, quinones, anthraquinone and phlobatanin were also figured out with their presence or absence following qualitative visualization strategies. Furthermore, according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), correlation matrix and cluster analysis, the ten rose genotypes were grouped into three clusters where, cluster-I composed of R3, R4, R5, R8, cluster-II: R9, R10 and cluster-III: R1, R2, R6, R7 where the rose genotypes under cluster III and cluster II were mostly contributed in the total variations by the studied variables. Therefore, the rose genotypes R9, R10 and R1, R2, R6, R7 might be potential valuable resources of bioactive compounds for utilization in cosmetics, food coloration, and drugs synthesis which have considerable health impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable alternative fuel to petrol-derived diesel. Decreasing the operating costs by improving the catalyst's characteristics is an effective way to increase the competitiveness of biodiesel in the fuel market. An aqueous solution of sodium methoxide (CH3ONa), which is a traditional alkaline catalyst, was immersed in nanometer-sized particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder to prepare the strong alkaline catalyst TiO2/CH3ONa. The immersion method was used to enhance the transesterification reaction. The mixture of TiO2 and CH3ONa was calcined in a high-temperature furnace in a range between 150 and 450 °C continuously for 4 h. The heterogeneous alkaline catalyst TiO2/CH3ONa was then used to catalyze the strong alkaline transesterification reaction of palm oil with methanol. The highest content of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), which amounted to 95.9%, was produced when the molar ratio of methanol to palm oil was equal to 6, and 3 wt.% TiO2/CH3ONa was used, based on the weight of the palm oil. The FAMEs produced from the above conditions were also found to have the lowest kinematic viscosity of 4.17 mm2/s, an acid value of 0.32 mg KOH/g oil, and a water content of 0.031 wt.%, as well as the highest heating value of 40.02 MJ/kg and cetane index of 50.05. The lower catalyst amount of 1 wt.%, in contrast, resulted in the lowest cetane index of 49.31. The highest distillation temperature of 355 °C was found when 3 wt.% of the catalyst was added to the reactant mixture with a methanol/palm oil molar ratio of 6. The prepared catalyst is considered effective for improving the fuel characteristics of biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting the yield of the epicatechin gallate (EGCG)–Cu complex as an indicator, the impact of four conditions, such as pH, reaction time, temperature and reactant ratio, on the synthesis of the target complex was analyzed to identify the optimal conditions on synthesizing the compound. The reactant ratio between EGCG and Cu2+ was explored, and the characteristic peaks and functional groups of the EGCG–Cu complex were scrutinized by UV–Visible and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrophotometers. Finally, the efficacy difference of bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli suspensions between EGCG and its complex was evaluated as the criteria. Furthermore, comparative studies were performed to gauge the antimicrobial activity of EGCG and its complex at equivalent concentrations. The results demonstrated that the optimal experimental conditions for the complex reaction were a pH of 7, at 40 °C, in a reaction time of 60 min and a reactant ratio of 1:2. By the molar ratio method, the reactant ratio was determined as n(EGCG):n(Cu2+) = 1:2, and the complex reaction was at the phenolic hydroxyl group on the benzene ring of EGCG. Compared to EGCG, the complex demonstrated significant enhancement in bactericidal properties against E. coli and has lower chromaticity. HIGHLIGHTS The optimal parameters for complexation were determined.; The absorbance curve showed that the complex ratio of EGCG and Cu2+ was 1:2.; The changes in absorption peaks of functional groups indicated that EGCG's phenolic hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring formed complexes.; Complexing Cu2+ to EGCG enhances its antibacterial properties.; The EGCG–Cu complex solution has lower chromaticity than EGCG during disinfection.;

Comprising a relatively large amount of industrial solid waste, the high-value utilization of phosphogypsum (PG) is closely related to the sustainable development of resource materials and the protection of the ecological environment. PG can improve some of the shortcomings of geopolymers, but there is a lack of systematic research on the specific influencing factors as well as the mechanism of the two in a hydration reaction. In this study, the effects of the Si/Al, Na/Al and Ca/Al ratios on the micropores as well as the hydration products of phosphogypsum-modified geopolymer material (PMGM) are systematically explored via macroscopic and microscopic tests from the molar ratios of the raw material's target components. By changing the molar ratio, the generation of hydration products is affected, thereby altering the properties of the material. The effects of each molar ratio on paste workability, capillary water absorption, drying shrinkage and self shrinkage are systematically analyzed, while the types, productions, and micropores of hydration products are analyzed via XRD and SEM. This study provides a new idea for the large-scale recycling of PG and makes a systematic investigation of its hydration mechanism, which can provide a reference for the reaction principle of PG with geopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To disperse fatty acids in aqueous solution, choline, a quaternary ammonium ion, has been used recently. So far, only the self-assembly of myristic acid (MA) in the presence of choline hydroxide as a function of the molar ratio has been investigated, and, thus, the current understanding of these fatty acid systems is still limited. We investigated the self-assembly of palmitic acid (PA) in the presence of choline hydroxide (ChOH) as a function of the molar ratio (R) between ChOH and PA. The self-assemblies were characterized by phase contrast microscopy, cryo-TEM, small-angle X-ray scattering, and 2H NMR. The ionization state of PA was determined by pH, conductivity, and FT-IR measurements. With increase in R, various self-assembled structures, including vesicles, lamellar phase, rigid membranes (large sheets, tubules, cones, and polyhedrals), and micelles, form in the PA/ChOH system, different from those of the MA/ChOH system. The change in R induces pH variation and, consequently, a change in the PA ionization state, which, in turn, regulates the molecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, leading to various self-assemblies. Temperature is an important factor used to tune the self-assembly transitions. The fatty acid choline systems studied here potentially may be applicable in medicine, chemical engineering, and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in the presence of almond oil at various molar ratios of zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide, including 0.5:1, 0.75:1, 1:1, 1.25:1, and 1.5:1, to obtain pH values of 11, 10, 9, 8, and 7, respectively. The XRD results revealed that ZnO NPs exhibit a hexagonal structure, with high crystallinity. SEM results showed that dense and large sized ZnO NPs were formed at pH 11, and relatively small (~30–40 nm) NPs were obtained at pH 9. The size distribution can be explained in terms of the presence of O H − ions at different pH levels. However, the larger size of the NPs at pH 7 compared to those at pH 8–11 were due to the coalescence of NPs suitable for antioxidant/antibacterial activities. ZnO NPs demonstrated a high degradation efficiency (~93%) in 90 min, with a high rate constant for Methyl Orange (MO), which is better than the previously reported rate. The larger sized almond oil capped ZnO NPs also showed excellent radical scavenging activity (94%) and are proven to be good carriers to resist Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer‐derived ceramic materials exhibit adjustable composition, microstructure, and dielectric properties and are widely used as high temperature microwave absorption materials in the aerospace field. In this study, polymer‐derived SiCN ceramic aerogels with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) properties were successfully fabricated through a combination of the sol‐gel, freeze‐ drying, and polymer precursor conversion methods. The hydrosilylation reaction between the Si‐H bond in polysilazane (a polymer ceramic precursor) and the C = C bond in divinylbenzene (a cross‐linking agent) occurs to form a wet gel. The effects of the molar ratios of the two bonds (C = C/Si‐H) on the microstructure and EMA properties of the SiCN ceramic aerogels were systematically studied. At a C = C/Si–H molar ratio of 1.25:1, the minimum reflection loss of the SiCN ceramic aerogels is −37.57 dB at 10.88 GHz. Moreover, the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth covers almost the entire X‐band, showing excellent EMA properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to incorporate pyrazine in the synthesis of Ni(II)-tartrate-pyrazine metal-organic frameworks or Ni(II)-T-P MOF as candidates of porous material. Synthesis of the targeted MOF was conducted at room temperature in a methanolic solution by mixing Ni(II) solution, L-tartaric acid (T), and pyrazine (P) solutions sequentially in various molar ratios (Ni(II):T:P = 1:1:0; 1:0:2; 1:2:2; and 1:2:4) using two different Ni(II) salts (chloride and nitrate). Solid products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, qualitative anion identification test, melting point test, and scanning electron microscopy. The result shows that type of nickel salt affects the precipitation of Ni(II) complex, in which pale blue solids were precipitated out only from the chloride reactions (1:0:2, 1:2:2, and 1:2:4). IR and SEM analyses from the 1:2:2 and 1:2:4 reactions show the identical result as also shown by the 1:0:2 reaction, whereas qualitative anion identification test result suggests that the chloride is uncoordinated to the Ni(II). The targeted Ni(II)-T-P is unsuccessfully obtained, instead, the product is proposed to be [Ni(pyrazine)x(H2O)(6-x)]Cl2. although the tartaric acid was doubled and firstly reacted with the Ni(II), the pyrazine still has a higher preference to coordinate to the Ni(II) center than the tartrate ligand.

The pH values of pore solutions are of great significance for the durability of concrete, but the influencing factors and mechanisms of geopolymer pore solutions are still unclear and the composition of raw material elements has a great influence on the geological polymerization behavior of geopolymers. Therefore, we prepared geopolymers with different Al/Na and Si/Na molar ratios using metakaolin, and the pH and compressive strength values of the pore solutions were determined using solid–liquid extraction. Finally, the influencing mechanisms of sodium silica on the alkalinity and geological polymerization behavior of geopolymer pore solutions were also analyzed. The results showed that the pH values of the pore solutions decreased with an increase in the Al/Na ratio and increased with an increase in the Si/Na ratio. The compressive strength of the geopolymers first increased and then decreased with an increase in the Al/Na ratio and decreased with an increase in the Si/Na ratio. The exothermic rates of the geopolymers first increased and then slowed down with an increase in the Al/Na ratio, indicating that the reaction levels first increased and then decreased with an increase in the Al/Na ratio. The exothermic rates of the geopolymers gradually slowed down with an increase in the Si/Na ratio, indicating that an increase in the Si/Na ratio reduced the reaction levels. In addition, the results obtained from SEM, MIP, XRD and other test methods were consistent with the pH change laws of geopolymer pore solutions, i.e., the higher the reaction level, the denser the microstructure and the smaller the porosity, whereas the larger the pore size, the smaller the pH value of the pore solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite studies on the potential replacement of synthetic resins by bio-based adhesives such as proteins in recent years, there is still no reliable method for estimating the strength of wood products made using the combined parameters in the literature. This limitation is due to the nonlinear relationship between strength and the combined components. In the present research, the application of artificial intelligence techniques was studied to predict the bonding strength of glulam adhered by protein containing different ratios of MUF (melamine--urea--formaldehyde) resin with different F-to-U/M molar ratios at different press temperatures. For this purpose, the ANFIS artificial intelligence model was used as basic mode or combined with ant colony optimization (ACOR), particle swarm optimization (PSO), differential evaluation (DE) and genetic algorithms (GA) to develop an optimal trained model to predict the bonding strength of glulam based on experimental results. Comparison of the obtained results with the experimental results showed the ability of the above methods to estimate the bonding strength of glulam in a reliable manner. Although the basic ANFIS alone and in combination with other algorithms was not able to achieve an ideal performance prediction to estimate bonding strength, the combination of GA and ANFIS offered an excellent ability compared to the combination of other algorithms combined with ANFIS. Hence, the developed ANFIS-GA model is introduced as the best prediction technique to solve bonding strength problems of laminated products. In addition, using the developed optimal model, a precise attempt was made to show the nature of the parameters used to produce glulam and determine the optimum limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tocopherols are natural bioactive compounds with several health benefits. This study evaluated the effect of different ratios of α- and δ- tocopherol homologs to protect sunflower oil (SO) and olive pomace oil (OPO) against oxidation. A synergistic effect was recorded when the two tocopherols were combined at a ratio of 7:1 (α-T/δ-T). The oil samples were exposed to accelerated oxidation conditions using a Rancimat (90 °C and airflow of 15 L/h for 24 h) and protection from tocopherols was compared with that from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Assessment of oil stability was examined using well-known parameters such as peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), p-anisidine value (p-AV), conjugated dienes (CD) and trienes (CT), and total oxidation (Totox) value, which were all significantly reduced when tocopherols were added at a ratio of 7:1 α-T/δ-T. Primary oxidative compounds measured according to PV were only reduced in SO samples (6.11%). Off-flavor compounds measured via TBARS assay in SO samples were reduced by above 20%, while p-AV was also reduced. CDvalue was correlated with PV in SO samples, while the 7:1 mixture was more effective than BHT for CTvalue. Total oxidation values in SO samples and OPO samples were reduced by 6.02% and 12.62%, respectively. These values in SO samples also provided a remarkable correlation (R2 > 0.95) with incubation time. Moreover, the synergistic effect was not only effective in reducing the oxidation values of oil samples, but also in lowering the degradation rate of tocopherols. Protective effects from tocopherols were mainly observed in SO samples, as OPO samples were more resistant to oxidation processes. This effect was even observed in fatty acid analysis, where the 7:1 mixture provided better results than BHT-spiked samples. Thus, it is suggested that tocopherol mixtures might be used as a natural preservative in the food industry to restrain lipid oxidation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although mineral chelates are widely produced to be used as food fortifiers, the proof that these complexes are chelates is still missing. In our present work, iron II complexes using citric acid in different ratios are produced, and the occurrence of chelation is investigated along with its behavior according to a molar ratio between the ligand and the mineral. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) were used for a non-structural characterization of these complexes. In contrast to published work, our findings show that the chelation of citric acid is achieved in the liquid form and at a low pH and that the molar ratio is very important in setting the direction of the reaction, either toward chelation or dimer formation. The ratio citric acid:iron 1:4 seems to be the most convenient ratio in which no free citric acid remains in the solution, while the 1:3 ratio behaves differently, requiring further investigations by such techniques as extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), among others, in order to deeply identify the structural organization occurring in this ratio. NIR, extensively used in industries, proved to be very useful in the demonstration and characterization of chelates. These findings are particularly advantageous for pharmaceutical and food industries in offering an innovative competent fortifying agent to be used in combatting iron deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To disperse fatty acids in aqueous solution, choline, a quaternary ammonium ion, has been used recently. So far, only the self-assembly of myristic acid (MA) in the presence of choline hydroxide as a function of the molar ratio has been investigated, and, thus, the current understanding of these fatty acid systems is still limited. We investigated the self-assembly of palmitic acid (PA) in the presence of choline hydroxide (ChOH) as a function of the molar ratio (R) between ChOH and PA. The self-assemblies were characterized by phase contrast microscopy, cryo-TEM, small-angle X-ray scattering, and 2H NMR. The ionization state of PA was determined by pH, conductivity, and FT-IR measurements. With increase in R, various self-assembled structures, including vesicles, lamellar phase, rigid membranes (large sheets, tubules, cones, and polyhedrals), and micelles, form in the PA/ChOH system, different from those of the MA/ChOH system. The change in R induces pH variation and, consequently, a change in the PA ionization state, which, in turn, regulates the molecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, leading to various self-assemblies. Temperature is an important factor used to tune the self-assembly transitions. The fatty acid choline systems studied here potentially may be applicable in medicine, chemical engineering, and biotechnology.

The size, distribution, and morphology of TiC particle in Fe–Ti–C system have a great influence on the mechanical properties of TiC/Fe composites. In this work, TiC/Fe composites were fabricated in the Fe–Ti–C system with different carbon source and molar ratio by combustion synthesis and hot-pressing method. Morphology and size of ceramic particles, as well as microstructure, interface bonding and mechanical properties of composites were compared. The results showed that the size of TiC particles decreased with increase of Fe content of Fe–Ti–C systems fabricated by the same carbon source, while the particles change from spherical shapes to cubic shapes which can reduce stress concentration between ceramic particles and matrix. Furthermore, TiC/Fe composites fabricated by 5Fe–Ti-carbon blacks (CBs) system exhibited superior yield strength (1523 MPa) compressive strength (2203 MPa) and microhardness (691.5 HV), caused by the high interface bonding strength and lamellar pearlite matrix which can commendably limit the dislocation slip. By comparison, TiC/Fe composites fabricated by 21Fe–Ti-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) system showed higher fracture strain (25.85%) on account of the ferrite matrix with favorable plastic. This work reveals the influence of carbon source and molar ratio of Fe–Ti–C system on TiC/Fe composites, which is helpful to further improve the properties of TiC/Fe composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc(II)-niacinamide complexes from various Zn(II) salts were prepared and their antibacterial activities toward the E. coli and S. aureus are reported here. The effect of the M: L molar ratio (1:2, 1:4, 1:6) on the yield was studied and a possible molecular formula of the products was also proposed. Sulfate, nitrate, chloride, and acetate were used as the Zn(II) salts. The solid products were characterized by SEM, FTIR, powder XRD, melting point test, and qualitative anion identification test. Experimental data shows that solid products were only yielded from the chloride and sulfate salts. The larger the molar ratio used, the higher the crystal yield obtained. The colorless crystals obtained from the sulfate and the chloride reactions are predicted to be complexes of [Zn(L)x(SO4)] and [Zn(L)x]Cl2, respectively. Antibacterial test of both metal complexes toward E. coli and S. aureus shows that the complexes have better activity than that of the niacinamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogeochemical properties of soils play a crucial role in soil and stream chemistry throughout a watershed. How water interacts with soils during subsurface flow can have impacts on water quality, thus, it is fundamental to understand where and how certain soil water chemical processes occur within a catchment. In this study, ~200 soil samples were evaluated throughout a small catchment in the Front Range of Colorado, USA to examine spatial and vertical patterns in major soil solutes among different landscape units: riparian areas, alluvial/colluvial fans, and steep hillslopes. Solutes were extracted from the soil samples in the laboratory and analyzed for major cation (Li, K, Mg, Br, and Ca) and anion (F, Cl, NO2, NO3, PO4, and SO4) concentrations using ion chromatography. Concentrations of most solutes were greater in near surface soils (10 cm) than in deeper soils (100 cm) across all landscape units, except for F which increased with depth, suggestive of surface accumulation processes such as dust deposition or enrichment due to biotic cycling. Potassium had the highest variation between depths, ranging from 1.04 mg/l (100 cm) to 3.13 mg/l (10 cm) sampled from riparian landscape units. Nearly every solute was found to be enriched in riparian areas where vegetation was visibly denser, with higher mean concentrations than the hillslopes and fans, except for NO3 which had higher concentrations in the fans. Br, NO2, and PO4 concentrations were often below the detectable limit, and Li and Na were not variable between depths or landscape units. Ratioed stream water concentrations (K:Na, Ca:Mg, and NO3:Cl) vs. discharge relationships compared to the soil solute ratios indicated a hydraulic disconnection between the shallow soils (

Ti2AlCx ceramic was produced by reactive hot pressing (RHP) of Ti:Al:C powder mixtures with a molar ratio of 2:1:1–.5 at 10–20 MPa, 1200–1300°C for 60 min. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the Ti2AlC with TiC, Ti3Al as minor phases in samples produced at 10–20 MPa, 1200°C. The samples RHPed at 10 MPa, 1300°C exhibited ≥95 vol.% Ti2AlC with TiC as a minor phase. The density of samples increased from 3.69 to 4.04 g/cm3 at 10 MPa, 1200°C, whereas an increase of pressure to 20 MPa resulted from 3.84 to 4.07 g/cm3 (2:1:1 to 2:1:.5). The samples made at 10 MPa, 1300°C exhibited a density from 3.95 to 4.07 g/cm3. Reaction and densification were studied for 2Ti–Al–.67C composition at 10 MPa, 700–1300°C for 5 min showed the formation of Ti–Al intermetallic and TiC phases up to 900°C with Ti, Al, and carbon. The appearance of the Ti2AlC phase was ≥1000°C; further, as the temperature increased, Ti2AlC peak intensity was raised, and other phase intensities were reduced. The sample made at 700°C showed a density of 2.87 g/cm3, whereas at 1300°C it exhibited 3.98 g/cm3; further, soaking for 60 min resulted in a density of 4.07 g/cm3. Microhardness and flexural strength of Ti2AlC0.8 sample were 5.81 ±.21 GPa and 445 ± 35 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed at optimizing the two-stage transesterification efficiency of the production of C. inophyllum biodiesel using artificial neural network and Kriging predictive models. Response surface methodology was used to develop the central rotatable composite design of 27 trial experimental runs with variations in the input process parameters like methanol to oil molar ratio, potassium hydroxide catalyst loading, and reaction time. A multi-layered non-linear regressive artificial neural network model with feed-forward propagation and a numerical surrogate Kriging model was used to predict the C. inophyllum biodiesel yield. The efficacy of the developed model was verified using analysis of variance by comparing its coefficient of determination and the mean relative percentage deviation values. The optimized C. inophyllum biodiesel as 98.1% is derived with 0.94 v/v of methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.98 wt.% of potassium hydroxide catalyst loading, and 80 minutes reaction time with 70 °C constant reaction temperature as predicted by Kriging model. The optimized parameters were also verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of red mud on the performance of geopolymer concrete in regard to fresh and mechanical properties. Red mud was used as a binder, and GGBS replaced the binder. Different proportions of red mud ranging from 0 to 30% with an interval of 2% and activator agents such as KOH and K2SiO3 for various alkaline-to-binder ratios such as 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50 were used; their effect on the fresh and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete were the focusing parameter on the current study. Fresh properties such as setting time, slump, compaction factor, and vee-bee consistometer test, and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact energy were studied. ANOVA and radar plot analysis were studied for various alkaline to binder (A/B) compressive strength results tested for 7 to 90 days. The increase of red mud quantity caused the decline of workability, but there was continuous enhancement of mechanical properties of GPC up to a specific limit. An alkaline-to-binder ratio of 0.4 shows excellent results compared with other ratios at ambient conditions for strength properties. ANOVA and radar plot reveal that A/B of 0.40 for 90 days shows excellent results compared with other ratios, and CS values vary in a linear manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Phytate, an important component of plant origin foods, works as a chelator for mineral nutrients such as iron. Estimating the phytate‐iron molar ratio is a traditional method to assess the bioavailability of dietary iron, and a ratio >1 is suggestive of poor absorption of iron through the intestinal mucosa. In Bangladesh, the ratio is considerably higher; nonetheless, the haemoglobin and ferritin status are satisfactory. Hence, we appraised phytate‐iron molar ratios and concomitant haemoglobin and ferritin status. METHODS: Dietary intake of iron and phytate was estimated in non‐pregnant non‐lactating women and school‐age children from a nationally representative survey. The phytate‐iron molar ratios were estimated. Linear regressions on haemoglobin for the phytate‐iron molar ratios and on molar ratios predicting inflammation‐adjusted ferritin were performed. RESULTS: The median ratios were 6.12 in women and 5.47 in children, with corresponding haemoglobin concentrations of 12.6 and 12.5 g/dl. Hypothetical lowering of the ratios by ~50% revealed a nominal increment of haemoglobin and ferritin. CONCLUSION: The standard cut‐off phytate‐iron molar ratio of >1 is inconsistent with the iron and haemoglobin status of the Bangladeshi population. One plausible explanation for the inconsistency is a non‐dietary environmental factor—groundwater iron. Isotope studies incorporating the iron from dietary and the drinking groundwater sources are needed to establish a ratio which might better explain iron bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to incorporate pyrazine in the synthesis of Ni(II)-tartrate-pyrazine metal organic frameworks or Ni(II)-T-P MOF as candidate of porous material. Synthesis of the targeted MOF was conducted at room temperature in a methanolic solution by mixing Ni(II) solution, L-tartaric acid (T), and pyrazine (P) solutions sequentially in various molar ratios (Ni(II):T:P = 1:1:0; 1:0:2; 1:2:2; and 1:2:4) using two different Ni(II) salts (chloride and nitrate). Solid products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, qualitative anion identification test, melting point test, and scanning electron microscopy. The result shows that type of nickel salt affects the precipitation of Ni(II) complex, in which pale blue solids were precipitated out only from the chloride reactions (1:0:2, 1:2:2, and 1:2:4). IR and SEM analyses from the 1:2:2 and 1:2:4 reactions show identical result as also shown by the 1:0:2 reaction, whereas qualitative anion identification test result suggests that the chloride is uncoordinated to the Ni(II). The targeted Ni(II)-T-P is unsuccessfully obtained, instead the product is proposed to be [Ni(pyrazine)x(H2O)(6-x)]Cl2. although the tartaric acid was doubled and firstly reacted with the Ni(II), the pyrazine still has higher preference to coordinate to the Ni(II) center than the tartrate ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fate of β-glucan (BG) health promoting properties during food production is crucial, but not predictable yet. Therefore, high molar mass BG (hBG) and control BG (cBG) were extracted from two barley varieties, characterized and added to wheat breads at levels of 3% and 6%. Bread quality criteria, carbohydrate contents and BG content and structural properties were determined. Additionally, breads were subjected to an in vitro digestion. The BG content in the chyme, molar mass, molar ratio, viscosity and bile acid retention were determined. The hBG and the cBG decreased loaf volume and increased crumb hardness with increasing BG content. The reduction in BG content during bread making was similar for hBG and cBG, but the molar mass of cBG decreased to a greater extent. As a result, only 10% of cBG entering in vitro digestion were found in the chyme afterwards, while 40% of the ingested hBG were detected. Molar mass reduction was much more severe for cBG compared to hBG. The use of hBG showed higher viscosity and better bile acid retention, indicating cholesterol lowering properties, compared to similar or higher amounts of cBG. These results provide valuable knowledge on the criteria to select BG-rich raw materials for ideal health promoting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is endowed with several indigenous foods (IFs), that hold special cultural significance among local and ethnic caommunities, yet no attempts have been made till date to systematically compile their nutritive values. As per FAO's recent mandate on creation of “Global-Hub on Indigenous Food Systems,” IFs have received renewed global recognition for their potential to contribute to improved food security while enhancing biodiversity across the world. Hence, the useful properties of wild IFs require proper study and documentation in order to bridge the gap between scientific evidence generation and indigenous peoples' ancestral knowledge. For this purpose, we conducted a literature search in two scientific databases: PubMed and Google Scholar, between July 2020 and December 2021, to identify studies reporting nutritive values and/or antinutrient content of IFs (not included in Indian food composition database), consumed by Indian indigenous communities. A total of 52 Indian research articles were included, from which data was selected and extracted, to create a compendium on nutrient (n = 508) and antinutrient (n = 123) content of IFs, followed by computation of antinutrient-to-mineral molar ratios for 98 IFs to predict their mineral bioavailability. Maximum nutritive values were available for green leafy vegetables (n = 154), followed by other vegetables (n = 98), fruits (n = 66), cereals (n = 63), roots & tubers (n = 51) and nuts and legumes (n = 36). Several IFs seen to have better nutritional content than conventional foods and were found to be rich (i.e., >20% Indian recommended dietary allowances per reference food serve) in iron (54%), calcium (35%), protein (30%), vitamin C (27%), vitamin A (18%), zinc (14%) and folate (13%). Some IFs displayed high levels of antinutrients, however, anti-nutrient-to-mineral molar ratios were found to be low (for mainly leafy vegetables, other vegetables, and roots and tubers), thus indicating high mineral bioavailability. Hence, efforts are desirable to encourage the inclusion of these nutritionally superior IFs into the usual diets of indigenous communities. The IF database collated in our review can serve as a resource for researchers and policymakers to better understand the nutritional properties of region-specific IFs and promote them through contextual food-based interventions for improved dietary quality and nutrition outcomes in indigenous population of India.

This work involves the chemical preparation from a series of metal Complexes having the general composition M(L)2(H2O)2, where M = [Mn+2, Fe+2, Co+2, Ni+2 and Cu+2].The ligand used was 9-fluoro-17-(1-hydrazono-2-hydroxyethyl)-11,17-dihydroxy-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-3H-cyclopenta[α]phenanthren-3-one (FHDTCP), who was diagnosed by H-NMR spectra.These complexes have been prepared and characterized by the ligand to metal by molar conductance, spectral (UV-Visible and FT-IR), and atomic absorption studies. The IR spectral measurements forecast interference to oxygen, nitrogen in coordination from the electron pairs to the metal ion in the center. And suggested the complexes geometry be octahedral for all.

The role of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in the Philippine nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulating plant, Brackenridgea palustris ssp. foxworthyi (Elm.) P.O. Karis is not yet fully understood. Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), the presence of organic acids such as oxalic, citric and malic acids were determined. Average nickel concentration in the plant tissues followed the ascending order: roots>stem>leaves with values of 7,294.73 µg/g, 7,412.30 µg/g and 9,866.46 µg/g, respectively. Among the organic acids analyzed, only oxalic acid was detected in all the plant tissues at considerable concentration. Linear correlation between oxalic acid and Ni concentrations in 0.025 M HCl plant extracts generated a positive r-value of 0.0437 indicating that as Ni content increases, oxalic acid also increases. This paper suggests that oxalic acid can be synthesized by B.palustris ssp. foxworthyi, therefore, it may acts as a ligand that chelates Ni and other metals to the aboveground tissues were it gets compartmentalized. To our knowledge, this will be the first report on the presence of organic acids in the Philippine endemic Ni hyperaccumulator plant, B. palustris ssp. foxworthyi whose potential was discovered more than thirty (30) years ago.

Introduction. An original N-glycoside derivative of indolocarbazole LHS-1269 with a carbohydrate xylose residue was synthesized at the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center Ministry of Health of Russia. It is characterized by high antitumor activity against a number of transferable ascitic and solid tumors in vivo experiments. Due to the hydrophobic properties of the substance LHS-1269, a method of solubilization by encapsulation in phospholipid vesicles - liposomes is proposed for creating an injectable dosage form.Aim. Development of the composition of a model of a liposomal dosage form for injection of an indolocarbazole derivative LHS-1269.Materials and methods. Substance LHS-1269 (N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center Ministry of Health of Russia), egg phosphatidylcholine (PC, E PC S, Lipoid, Germany), cholesterol >99 % (Sigma-Aldrich, Japan), polyethylene glycol-2000-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE, Lipoid, Germany). To prepare phospholipid vesicles, the method of lipid film hydration with subsequent filtration and extrusion was used. The obtained liposomes were analyzed using the method of spectrophotometry, laser scattering spectroscopy, the method of determining the electrophoretic mobility of particles, and viscometry.Results and discussion. On the basis of lipid components and active substance in various molar ratios, compositions were made and experimental models of liposomal dispersion were obtained. The compositions were evaluated based on the effectiveness of LHS-1269 incorporation into liposomes and physical and chemical parameters - dispersion viscosity, vesicle size distribution, and zeta-potential. As a result of the analysis of 7 studied compositions, the optimal molar ratios of the drug form components - LHS-1269/PC 1:160 and PC/cholesterol/PEG-PE 1:0.33:0.003 were determined. The use of this composition allows us to obtain relatively stable (zeta-potential -33 mV) homogeneous liposomes with a diameter of 190 nm with a maximum level of encapsulation of the active substance of 98 %.Conclusions. As a result of technological and chemical-pharmaceutical research, the composition of a model of a liposomal dosage form for injection of the indolocarbazole derivative LHS-1269 has been developed.

Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4-BaTiO3 (NZFO-BTO) magnetoelectric composite ceramics with different molar ratios (mNZFO:mBTO = 1:1.5, 1.5:1 and 2:1, defined as N1B1.5, N1.5B1 and N2B1, respectively) were prepared successfully by using a joint hydrothermal method and sol-gel technique and sintering at 1000 °C. Meanwhile, the dielectric, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of the composites were investigated. The presence of bi-phase structure in the composites was verified with X-ray diffraction analyses. The scanning electron microscopy images and energy dispersion spectrum results confirmed that the bulk-like grains (2 to 5 µm) and spherelike grains (∼0.5 µm) could be attributed to NZFO and BTO, respectively. The dielectric constant and loss increased with increasing NZFO/BTO molar ratio because the carrier concentration of NZFO is higher than that of BTO. Thus, the dielectric constant of the N2B1 ceramics is more than 7800 at low frequency of 100 Hz and room temperature, while only less than 2000 for the N1B1.5 composite. Two peaks can be observed in the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant curves. One is near 120 °C, which corresponds to the Curie temperature of BTO, while the other peak occurs at about 320 °C, corresponding to the relaxation polarization. The remanent polarization increases with increasing the content of ferroelectric BTO. The maximum value at 1 kHz was observed for the N1B1.5 sample and it is larger than 4.5 µC/cm2, while the minimal value was obtained for the N2B1 composite and is only 1.2 µC/cm2. Magnetic properties were also measured and it was observed that magnetization increases with increasing the molar ratio. The largest saturation magnetization has the N2B1 composite (∼51.74 emu/g) due to the larger concentration of NZFO phase. However, the sample N1B1.5 shows the largest coercive field due to the highest interface interaction. This study provides guidelines for the fabrication of NZFO-BTO magnetoelectric composite ceramics.

Although mineral chelates are widely produced to be used as food fortifiers, the proof that these complexes are chelates is still missing. In our present work, iron II complexes using citric acid in different ratios are produced, and the occurrence of chelation is investigated along with its behavior according to a molar ratio between the ligand and the mineral. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) were used for a non-structural characterization of these complexes. In contrast to published work, our findings show that the chelation of citric acid is achieved in the liquid form and at a low pH and that the molar ratio is very important in setting the direction of the reaction, either toward chelation or dimer formation. The ratio citric acid:iron 1:4 seems to be the most convenient ratio in which no free citric acid remains in the solution, while the 1:3 ratio behaves differently, requiring further investigations by such techniques as extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), among others, in order to deeply identify the structural organization occurring in this ratio. NIR, extensively used in industries, proved to be very useful in the demonstration and characterization of chelates. These findings are particularly advantageous for pharmaceutical and food industries in offering an innovative competent fortifying agent to be used in combatting iron deficiency.

The hydro-biological parameters such as thermohaline structure, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) during pre-southwest monsoon (PRSWM) and post-southwest monsoon (POSWM) periods of 2017, was investigated and compared along a coastal transect in the western Bay of Bengal (BoB). The impact of cold-core and warm-core eddies on chl-a in the very near coastal waters of the western BoB was analyzed. During PRSWM period, the water column was recharged with phytoplankton growth-promoting nutrients entrained by cold-core eddies that resulted in an increment in chl-a concentration. A three-times increase in chl-a concentration was observed due to the cold-core eddy, whereas the presence of warm-core eddy reduced the chl-a concentration by 87%. However, during POSWM period, despite having higher nitrate concentration and adequate light in the water column, the surface chl-a was substantially lesser than PRSWM. The molar ratio of ambient inorganic macronutrients during POSWM period played a significant role resulting in lower chl-a concentration. Nitrogen to phosphate (N:P) and nitrogen to silicate (N:Si) ratios were less than the Redfield values. The chl-a concentration off Godavari, a biological hotspot, was the lowest during POSWM period. This study highlights phosphate limitation off Godavari during the high river discharge period.

Abstract We re-evaluate the Raman spectroscopic quantification of the molar ratio and pressure for CH4–CO2 mixtures. Firstly, the Raman quantification factors of CH4 and CO2 increase with rising pressure at room temperature, indicating that Raman quantification of CH4/CO2 molar ratio can be applied to those fluid inclusions (FIs) with high internal pressure (i.e., > 15 MPa). Secondly, the v 1(CH4) peak position shifts to lower wavenumber with increasing pressure at constant temperature, confirming that the v 1(CH4) peak position can be used to calculate the fluid pressure. However, this method should be carefully calibrated before applying to FI analyses because large discrepancies exist among the reported v 1(CH4)-P curves, especially in the high-pressure range. These calibrations are applied to CH4-rich FIs in quartz veins of the Silurian Longmaxi black shales in southern Sichuan Basin. The vapor phases of these FIs are mainly composed of CH4 and minor CO2, with CO2 molar fractions from 4.4% to 7.4%. The pressure of single-phase gas FI ranges from 103.65 to 128.35 MPa at room temperature, which is higher than previously reported. Thermodynamic calculations supported the presence of extremely high-pressure CH4-saturated fluid (218.03–256.82 MPa at 200 °C), which may be responsible for the expulsion of CH4 to adjacent reservoirs.

Leachate is a waste water formed from the disposed garbage in landfill site. Leachate has a high content of ammonium that can contaminate water. Ammonium removal can be done by struvite precipitation. Struvite precipitation is a process of precipitation by chemical reactions assisted with precipitant chemicals containing Mg2+ and PO43- forming a precipitate of struvite crystals (MgNH4PO4.6H2O). This study aimed to determine the effect of molar ratio and pH on ammonium removal and other important pollutants from leachate. The leachate used for the experiments was taken from landfill Galuga, Bogor Regency that is used for disposal of municipal solid wastes from Bogor City and its surroundings. MgCl2.6H2O and Na2HPO4.2H2O were used as precipitants. The process was conducted in a jar test with stirring speed of 120 rpm for 15 minutes with sedimentation time of 45 minutes. Results showed that this process could reduce ammonium concentration as well as other important pollutant levels, such as COD, TSS, turbidity, and colour. The best ammonium removal efficiency was obtained at molar ratio of 1: 1.3: 1.2 and pH 9 with an ammonium removal of 80.51%. In this condition, removals of 46.67% COD, TSS 96.04%, turbidity 86.1%, and colour of 86.43% were achieved.

Abstract Groundwater under Basement Complex areas of southern Kebbi has been characterized in order to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation use. Water samples were drawn from shallow groundwater (hand-dug shallow wells 40 m). Physical parameters (i.e., temperature, TDS, pH, and EC), were determined in situ, using handheld meters. Discrete water samples were obtained for determination of chemical parameters. Results from several-sample ANOVA (Kruskal–Wallis test) suggested that heterogeneity in water table appeared to exert significant influence on groundwater chemistry which is characterized by a significant difference in pH, EC TH, Na+, Zn2+, Mg2+, PO4 3−, Cl−, HCO3 −, SO4 2−, and NO3 − concentrations. Also, ions including Fe3+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Na+, PO4 3−, and SO4 2− are above World Health Organization (2011) and National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (2007) reference guidelines. Most of the groundwater sources are moderately hard. Groundwater classification based on chloride, EC, and TDS revealed water of excellent quality for all types of uses. However, groundwater classification based on nitrate pollution revealed water of poor quality. Rock mineral is the major mechanism controlling water chemistry, as revealed by the Gibbs model. Most of the water sources have positive Scholler index, indicative of overall base exchange reactions in the underlying aquifers. Such condition was well explained by Piper trilinear diagram, which revealed two types of faces: Ca–Mg–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–SO4–Cl. The HCA categorized wells into three groups according to their hydrogeochemical physiognomies. Despite the significant difference in ions concentration and chemical indices, groundwater composition is more influenced by rock weathering than anthropogenic inputs. Groundwater evaluation for irrigation use indicates a significant difference in SAR level which is related to poor permeability index in shallow groundwater. Higher values of Kelly’s index and magnesium adsorption ratio threatened groundwater suitability for irrigation use in the study area.

The foaming geopolymer was prepared by experiments using circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash (CFAS),silica fume (SF),water glass (WG),NaOH and H2O2,and silica fume was used to adjust the n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) molar ratio of the geopolymers,the fresh paste was tested for foaming expansion factor and foaming rate.The strength and apparent density of the paste were tested after hardening.This paper analyzed the pore size distribution by Image-Pro Plus software,and the microstructures of the foamed geopolymers were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).The results show that the increase of the molar ratio of n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) accelerates the hydration reaction rate,and the appropriate ratio makes the foaming time advance.The wavelength shift in the FTIR indicates that the Si—O and Al—O bonds rearrange after alkali-excited,and the appropriate ratio is favorable for the rearrangement reaction of the geopolymer and increases the degree of polymerization.The product such as zeolite was formed found by XRD pattens.When the n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) molar ratio is 2.79,the strength and apparent density of the specimen in 28 d are 1.06 MPa and 231 g/L,and the microstructure of the specimen has good compactness.

Lawrence D Mayer, Paul Tardi, Arthur C LouieJazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USAAbstract: Combination regimens are a standard of care for many cancers. However, components of such regimens are typically first developed individually and subsequently combined using strategies to minimize toxicity. Little or no consideration is given to strategies that potentially maximize efficacy. In contrast, CPX-351 (Vyxeos®) is a dual-drug liposomal encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin that was rationally designed to improve efficacy over the traditional 7+3 cytarabine/daunorubicin chemotherapy regimen for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The notable clinical efficacy of CPX-351 is achieved through maintenance of a synergistic 5:1 molar ratio of cytarabine and daunorubicin within the liposome after intravenous injection. The CPX-351 liposome, which is formulated to contain bilayers of distearoylphosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylglycerol, and cholesterol at a 7:2:1 molar ratio and remains in a gel phase at body temperature, provides stability without polyethylene glycol, controlled release of cytarabine and daunorubicin, limited systemic drug distribution, and preferential internalization within malignant myeloblasts in the bone marrow via active uptake of liposomes into cytoplasmic vacuoles. Thus, the CPX-351 liposome protects cytarabine and daunorubicin from metabolism and elimination, while overcoming pharmacokinetic differences between the two agents. In clinical studies, these liposome properties markedly increased the elimination half-life of CPX-351 versus free cytarabine and daunorubicin and maintained a synergistic drug ratio for over 24 hrs after administration. Preferential uptake of liposomes by leukemia cells suggests that relatively large amounts of cytarabine and daunorubicin enter malignant cells via liposomes, potentially bypassing P-glycoprotein-based efflux pumps, which are important mediators of chemotherapy resistance, and contribute to the rapid clearance of leukemia cells from the circulation and bone marrow. These pharmacologic advantages, a direct consequence of properties of the encapsulating liposome, may explain the efficacy of CPX-351 in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk/secondary AML and the reduced drug exposure in off-target tissues that contribute to a manageable safety profile.Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia, CPX-351, cytarabine, daunorubicin, molar ratio, nanoscale liposomes

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) with the length and diameter of 25–35 μm and 25–35 nm, respectively, were prepared via a polyol reduction process using FeCl3 and NaBr as reaction inhibitors. The molar ratio of FeCl3 to NaBr has an influence on the yield of the product, but has little influence on the morphology of the product. Transparent conductive AgNWs films were fabricated on a glass slide and the optoelectronic and electrothermal properties of the film were investigated. The experimental results reveal that AgNWs heated at 25–170°C remained intact, and fused into discontinuous segments after heated at 200°C; and AgNWs films have good conductivities (51.2 to 20.5 Ω sq−1), excellent transmittance values (96.3 to 95.7%), and low surface roughness values (12.7 to 18.3 nm). The transparent AgNWs film heaters show fast heat response to reach its steady‐state temperature and good electro‐thermal conversion behaviour at low input voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the synthesis of hafnium diboride (HfB2)‐based nanofibers via electrospinning of polyhafnoxanesal (PHO)‐based solution followed by pyrolyzing hafnium‐boron containing polyvinylpyrrolidone precursor fibers by a moderate heat treatment at 1500°C under argon atmosphere. The influence of the molar ratios of C/Hf and B/Hf in preceramic polymer method is investigated on the final phase of HfB2‐based nanofibers. Structural, thermal, microstructural, and physical properties of the hafnium‐based fibers are evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscope/energy‐dispersive spectrometer (FE‐SEM/EDS), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET). The results unveiled that the acidic pH was the optimal condition needed for obtaining the single phase of HfB2 nanofibers. The precursor fibers with the stoichiometric ratio of 1:4:5 of Hf:B:C prepared under the acidic conditions converted into pure HfB2 nanofibers having rough and porous surface after pyrolysis at 1500°C for 2 hour in argon, whereas HfB2‐HfC composite nanofibers with smooth surface were produced in the neutral conditions. The HfB2 nanofibers with a mean diameter of ~100 nm prepared under the acidic conditions showed a higher specific surface area compared to HfB2‐HfC composite nanofibers with a diameter of ~121 nm derived in the neutral conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is focused on the optimization of critical process parameters for preparation of boron-containing phenolic resin (B-containing PR), including the molar ratios of formaldehyde/phenol and potassium borate/phenol, reaction time; and measurement of surface tension of B-containing PR solution and wettability between B-containing PR solution and carbon fibers. The effects of the formaldehyde/phenol and potassium borate/phenol molar ratios on the char yield of the B-containing PR was studied. The highest char yield of B-containing PR could be as high as 71% under optimal conditions (molar ratios of formaldehyde/phenol = 1.8 and potassium borate/phenol = 0.2, and reaction time = 13 h). The effect of concentration and tested temperature on the surface tension of B-containing PR solution was investigated, and the wettability between B-containing PR solution and carbon fibers was evaluated for the first time, providing useful theory and experimental data for the preparation of B-containing PR-based composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We re-evaluate the Raman spectroscopic quantification of the molar ratio and pressure for CH4–CO2 mixtures. Firstly, the Raman quantification factors of CH4 and CO2 increase with rising pressure at room temperature, indicating that Raman quantification of CH4/CO2 molar ratio can be applied to those fluid inclusions (FIs) with high internal pressure (i.e., > 15 MPa). Secondly, the v1(CH4) peak position shifts to lower wavenumber with increasing pressure at constant temperature, confirming that the v1(CH4) peak position can be used to calculate the fluid pressure. However, this method should be carefully calibrated before applying to FI analyses because large discrepancies exist among the reported v1(CH4)-P curves, especially in the high-pressure range. These calibrations are applied to CH4-rich FIs in quartz veins of the Silurian Longmaxi black shales in southern Sichuan Basin. The vapor phases of these FIs are mainly composed of CH4 and minor CO2, with CO2 molar fractions from 4.4% to 7.4%. The pressure of single-phase gas FI ranges from 103.65 to 128.35 MPa at room temperature, which is higher than previously reported. Thermodynamic calculations supported the presence of extremely high-pressure CH4-saturated fluid (218.03–256.82 MPa at 200 °C), which may be responsible for the expulsion of CH4 to adjacent reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the experimental data on the extraction and transesterification of bio-oil derived from Stoechospermum marginatum, a brown macro marine algae. The samples were collected from Mandapam region, Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India. The bio-oil was extracted using Soxhlet technique with a lipid extraction efficiency of 24.4%. Single stage transesterification was adopted due to lower free fatty acid content. The yield of biodiesel was optimized by varying the process parameters. The obtained data showed the optimum process parameters as reaction time 90 min, reaction temperature 65 °C, catalyst concentration 0.50 g and 8:1 M ratio. Furthermore, the data pertaining to the physio-chemical properties of the derived algal biodiesel were also presented.

In this paper, a nontoxic and environmentally friendly water-driven (WD) route to prepare InZnO thin films with various molar ratio of In and Zn has been reported. The formation mechanisms and physical properties of InZnO thin films as a function of element molar ratio are investigated by various characterization techniques. By comparing the performance of InZnO/SiO2 thin-film transistors (TFTs) at different element molar ratio, the results indicate that the molar ratio of 2:1 (In:Zn) is the optimal choice. Based on the optimal molar ratio, fully WD InZnO/HfOx TFT is fabricated and the excellent electrical properties are obtained at a low operating voltage of 5 V, including a higher field-effect mobility of 9.1 cm $^{{2}}\text{V}^{-{1}}\text{s}^{-{1}}$ , a larger ON-/OFF-state current ratio of ${1.5} \times {10}^{{7}}$ , a smaller subthreshold swing of 0.09 V/dec, and a smaller threshold voltage shift of 0.44 V after 5400-s bias stressing, separately. Finally, to further validate the feasibility of InZnO TFTs in complex logic circuits, an inverter is assembled based on the InZnO/HfOx TFT, exhibiting a high gain of 8.8. More importantly, the excellent properties of InZnO/HfOx TFT are achieved at a low-voltage stage, which stands for the great application prospects of WD TFTs in low-cost and excellent performance electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with a molar ratio of 3:1, which contain different divalent metals (Zn-LDH, Mg-LDH, and Ca-LDH), were synthesized. They were calcined at 500°C (Zn-CLDH, Mg-CLDH, and Ca-CLDH) for borate removal. The characterization of different CLDHs before and after adsorption of boric acid was performed by XRD, FTIR, and SEM. For Ca-CLDH (3:1), the main removal mechanism was the formation of ettringite with borate, which is the same as Ca-CLDH (2:1). However, the latter has a much higher adsorption of borate than the former, because for Ca-CLDH (2:1), the amount of ettringite produced during regeneration is more than that of Ca-CLDH (3:1). For Zn-CLDHs (3:1 and 2:1), borate was removed completely by ion exchange and intercalation. However, the adsorption rate of Zn-CLDH (2:1) is higher than that of Zn-CLDH (3:1), even though the final adsorption capacity is similar. In addition, Zn-LDH (2:1) containing polymerized boron formed in a short time, but as the reaction progresses, more Zn-LDH (3:1) containing polymerized boron is gradually formed. For two ratios of Mg-CLDHs, borate was first immobilized on the surface of metal oxide by electrostatic adsorption and then entered the interlayer of Mg-LDHs by intercalation, resulting in a decrease in borate concentration. However, Mg-LDH (3:1) has a faster and better adsorption of borate than Mg-LDH (2:1), and the structure regeneration time of Mg-CLDH (3:1) was shorter than that of Mg-CLDH (2:1). Therefore, when using CLDHs for boron removal, the metal type and ratio of LDHs should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract One of the strategic goals in crystal engineering is to synthesize the crystals with predictable structures and valuable properties. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a new class of crystalline porous materials, is a recent upsurge of interest in materials research. The challenges in the area encompass the deliberate control of structure, and therefore the properties and function, as many synthetic factors play a subtle role in the crystallization of MOFs. Among many influencing factors, nature of solvents, pH, molar ratio of reactants and temperature are four crucial parameters that determine the overall architectures of MOFs. This review presents the effect of these major parameters on the synthesis of several MOFs to clearly understand their influence on the nature of binding and formation of different MOF structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective catalytic reduction method is a useful method for the denitrification process of exhaust gas emitted from industrial facilities. The distribution of the ammonia–nitrogen oxide mixing ratio at the inlet of the catalyst layers is important in the denitrification process. In this study, a computational analysis technique was used to improve the uniformity of the NH3/NO molar ratio by controlling the flow rate of the ammonia injection nozzle according to the flow distribution of nitrogen oxides in the inlet exhaust gas of the denitrification facility. The application model was simplified to the two-dimensional array adopted from the existing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process in the large-scaled coal-fired power plant. As the inlet conditions, four (4) types of flow pattern were simulated, i.e., parabolic, upper-skewed, lower-skewed, and random. The flow rate of the eight (8) nozzles installed in the ammonia injection grid was controlled by Design Xplorer as the optimization tool. In order to solve the two-dimensional steady, incompressible, and viscous flow fields, the commercial software named ANSYS Fluent was used with the κ-ε turbulence model. The root mean square of NH3/NO molar ratio at the inlet of the catalyst layer has been improved from 84.6% to 90.1% by controlling the flow rate of the ammonia injection nozzles. From the present numerical simulation, the operation guide could be drawn for the ammonia injection nozzles in SCR DeNOx facilities.

Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and selenium (Se) concentrations were measured in various commercially important fish species. The benefit–risk binomial associated with these chemicals was assessed in children through the probability of exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) of the contaminants and the Se recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The Se:Hg molar ratios, selenium health benefit values (HBVSe), and monthly consumption rate limits (CRmm) for each species were also calculated. THg and Se were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Milan, Italy), while MeHg was determined by Trace Ultra gas chromatograph connected with a PolarisQ MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). None of the analyzed fish had Hg levels above the European Community regulatory limits, while most large predators had MeHg levels over the threshold concentration set by US EPA. The estimated weekly intakes of THg and MeHg exceeded in many cases the PTWIs and the Se estimated daily intakes were provided from 0.71% to 2.75% of the RDA. Se:Hg molar ratios above 1 and positive HBVSe index suggested that Se in fish could be enough to alleviate the potential toxic effect of Hg. However, high-risk groups as children should consume fish in moderation because a large consumption pattern, especially of swordfish and tunas, might be of concern for health.

Seeking to obtain bulk (NPK – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), chlorine-free fertilizers, the influence of interaction between potassium chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate in aqueous solutions at temperature of 20, 40, 60 and 80°C has been investigated. Components of the solid phase have been identified by methods of chemical and instrumental analysis: radiography (X – ray), infra – red molecular absorption spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been observed that the largest amount of solid state potassium dihydrogen phosphate was obtained at 60–80°C, when the potassium chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate molar ratio is equal 0.8:0.2. Changing the molar ratio of 0.5:0.5 to 0.8:0.2, and with increasing temperature, various shaped crystals have developed in the remaining aqueous solutions with a morphology shifting from sharp needles to tetragonal prism.