Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kleopatra Miserli, Amalia Nastopoulou, Ioannis Konstantinou
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient removal of organic pollutants from sludge through hydrothermal treatment under variable reaction conditions. Higher temperature and longer reaction time enhance the degradation efficiency, while the sludge-to-water ratio has no significant effect. Hydrothermal treatment effectively removes detected pesticides and degrades specific pharmaceutical compounds. It is a suitable and promising technology for sludge treatment.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Aneirson Francisco da Silva, Kaio Max Aranda, Fernando Augusto Silva Marins, Erica Ximenes Dias, Rafael de Carvalho Miranda
Summary: In practical industrial processes, evaluating the relationships between factors and their effects on response variables is crucial. This study proposes a new hybrid framework to optimize experimental problems with multiple responses, using a combination of methodologies. The application to a glass lamination process shows the effectiveness of the framework in optimizing industrial processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaorong Luo, Xuedong Wang, Cunyan Xia, Jing Peng, Ying Wang, Yujie Tang, Fan Gao
Summary: The rapid development of modern industry and agriculture introduces new pollution elements that pose a threat to the soil ecosystem. By studying the quantitative relationship between ionic characteristics and plant toxicity, a model for predicting the phytotoxicity threshold of elements has been established. This research helps assess the ecological risks of these elements.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Shilpayan Ghosh, Mainak Chatterjee, Kunal Roy
Summary: We have developed quantitative toxicity prediction models for organic pesticides of agricultural importance using a novel quantitative Read-across structure-activity relationship approach. The models were validated using experimental data of different fish species and were found to have good fit, robustness, and external predictivity. The qRASAR approach shows potential as an effective alternative method for aquatic toxicity prediction and ecotoxicity potential identification.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Kritamorn Jitrangsri, Amornrut Chaidedgumjorn, Malai Satiraphan
Summary: In this research, response surface methodology was used to find the optimal conditions for producing peanut extracts with high antioxidative potential through ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extractions. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction had higher extraction efficiency compared to microwave-assisted extraction.
JOURNAL OF CHEMOMETRICS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mingyang Zan, Xue Wang, Aibibai Amuti, Zhanzhong Wang, Leping Dang
Summary: The study optimized the saponification reaction of PSO using Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology, achieving the highest yield and determining the kinetic parameters of the reaction. This work provides valuable insights for industrial production of PSO fatty acid products.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Abdulnaser M. Al-Sabaeei, Hitham Alhussian, Said Jadid Abdulkadir, Filippo Giustozzi, Fauzan Mohd Jakarni, Nur Izzi Md Yusoff
Summary: This study evaluates and compares the feasibility of using response surface methodology (RSM) and machine learning (ML) methods to predict the mechanical properties of different modified asphalt binders. The results show that the ML models, especially Decision Tree Regression (DTR), outperform the RSM models in accurately predicting the non-recoverable creep compliance and percentage of recovery.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mehrshad Nazarpour, Ahmad Taghizadeh-Alisaraei, Ali Asghari, Ahmad Abbaszadeh-Mayvan, Aliasghar Tatari
Summary: This study aimed to design and fabricate a micro-photobioreactor for bio-hydrogen production, and optimized the variables affecting hydrogen production using the response surface methodology. The results showed that test length had a significant impact on hydrogen production, while sulfur content and biomass concentration had no significant effect. The optimal conditions for maximum bio-hydrogen production were identified as sulfur concentration of 0.75%, run time of 101.96 h, and biomass concentration of 53.31 g/L, with a production of 66.32 mL g-VS-1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kang Hyun Lee, Ye Won Jang, Hansol Kim, Jang-Seu Ki, Hah Young Yoo
Summary: In this study, an effective solvent and optimized extraction parameters were used to improve the recovery of bioactive extracts from Tetraselmis suecica, resulting in a maximum lutein content of 2.79 mg/mL and a maximum lutein recovery estimated to be 22.3 mg/g biomass, which was 3.1-fold improved compared to the control group.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
E. Costa, M. F. Almeida, C. Alvim-Ferraz, J. M. Dias
Summary: Crambe abyssinica oil can be used as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production, and high FAME yield can be obtained through enzymatic transesterification. The methanol:oil molar ratio and enzyme concentration significantly influence the reaction.
Article
Thermodynamics
Oussama Rejeb, Mohamed S. Yousef, Chaouki Ghenai, Hamdy Hassan, Maamar Bettayeb
Summary: This study proposes an innovative statistical model using the response surface methodology to analyze a batch solar behavior still. It determines the most influential input factors affecting water productivity, establishes a polynomial regression model for prediction, and validates the model's fitting. The results indicate the importance ranking of water depth, solar radiation, ambient temperature, and thickness of insulation on distilled water quantity from solar stills.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
LaiFu Song, Xiang Yu, Bin Xu, Rui Pang, ZeYu Zhang
Summary: This paper addresses the issues in 3D slope reliability analysis and proposes an intelligent response surface method. By combining the advantages of the finite element method and the limit equilibrium method, the reliability analysis has been effectively extended from 2D to 3D slope systems.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tianyao Wang, Chuangjie Xie, Qian You, Xingguo Tian, Xiaoyan Xu
Summary: In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with chemometric methods were used to analyze four benzimidazole (BMZs) residues in corn. Sulfhydryl functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag-SH magnetic SERS substrates were prepared for the spectral analysis and chemometric analysis was performed using the partial least squares regression discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) model. The results showed that this strategy could rapidly determine BMZs residues in food with high accuracy and no significant difference compared to HPLC.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilia Goemaere, Deep Punj, Aranit Harizaj, Jessica Woolston, Sofie Thys, Karen Sterck, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Winnok H. De Vos, Kevin Braeckmans
Summary: Photoporation is a gentle and efficient method for transfecting cells, and response surface methodology (RSM) proves to be a valuable approach for optimizing the photoporation procedure. By varying PDNP size, concentration, and laser fluence, the RSM designs successfully identified an optimal delivery yield and revealed a strong dependence on PDNP size.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qiaoling Wei, Liangdong Zhang, Chunfeng Song, Hongfu Yuan, Xiaoyu Li
Summary: A silver colloid SERS analysis method combined with a exhaustive peak-seeking method for the quantitative determination of thiram and ziram was introduced in this paper. By improving the preparation method of silver colloids, adding suitable activators and optimizing the detection process, a liquid detection system with good repeatability and a wide linear quantitation range was obtained. This analysis system effectively solves the problem of poor repeatability and a narrow linear quantification range in SERS analysis based on silver colloid substrates.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge Espinha Marques, Lia Duarte, Miguel Queiros, Armindo Melo, Catarina Mansilha
Summary: Throughout history, the Drave mountain village in North Portugal has faced challenging hydrological conditions. This study examines the evolution of water demand and supply in Drave village from the 16th century to the present day, and proposes a possible solution for future water needs. The analysis reveals two historical periods in water demand and supply, with the current scenario relying on contaminated water resources to meet temporary residents' needs. A potential solution involves utilizing surface water during the wet season and exploiting stream alluvial deposits during the dry season.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Fernandes, Sara Simoes, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Maria Joao Alegria, Nuno Mateus, Anabela Raymundo, Victor de Freitas
Summary: This work examines the potential of Rocha do Oeste pear pomace as a sustainable and healthy food ingredient, and the enrichment with yeast protein extract to develop innovative food products. The study evaluates the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, rheology, texture, and microstructure of pear pomace, both alone and enriched with YPE, before and after heating. The results demonstrate that pear pomace is a rich source of dietary fibers and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, and that YPE enrichment and thermal treatment do not significantly affect its technological properties.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Patricia Santos, Jorge Espinha Marques, Joana Ribeiro, Catarina Mansilha, Armindo Melo, Rita Fonseca, Helena Sant'Ovaia, Deolinda Flores
Summary: This study investigates the physicochemical and geochemical changes in soils surrounding a self-burning waste pile in an abandoned coal mine. The results indicate that coal mining can lead to the generation of organic and inorganic contaminants that can spread to surrounding soils. Multivariate statistics and geostatistical methodologies were used to analyze the statistical and spatial relations of different elements and infer their sources. The presence of 16 priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soils suggests contributions from various sources.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ana Machado, Carla Goncalves, Pedro Moreira, Olivia Pinho, Patricia Padrao, Tania Silva-Santos, Micaela Rodrigues, Pedro Norton, Adriano A. Bordalo
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status among a Portuguese university staff. The results showed moderate iodine deficiency in Portuguese adults, especially among women. Public health strategies and monitoring programs are needed to ensure iodine adequacy in all population groups.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Paloma Lopes, M. Madalena C. Sobral, Guido R. Lopes, Zita E. Martins, Claudia P. Passos, Silvia Petronilho, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira
Summary: Recovering biomolecules from food industry by-products is important for a circular economy strategy, but their contamination with mycotoxins limits their application range. This systematic review examines the contamination, distribution, and prevalence of mycotoxins in food by-products from 2000 to 2022. The evaluated by-products include distiller dried grain with solubles, brewer's spent grain, brewer's spent yeast, cocoa shell, grape pomace, and sugar beet pulp, which are frequently contaminated with AFB(1), OTA, FBs, DON, and ZEA mycotoxins.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Helena Sant'Ovaia, Claudia Cruz, Alexandra Guedes, Helena Ribeiro, Patricia Santos, Sonia Pereira, Jorge Espinha Marques, Maria dos Anjos Ribeiro, Catarina Mansilha, Helena Cristina Brites Martins, Bruno Valentim, Joana Torres, Ilda Abreu, Fernando Noronha, Deolinda Flores
Summary: The study focused on the tungsten Regoufe mine, which stopped operations in the 1970s. The research evaluated the contamination of soil, plants, and water in the mining area, specifically looking at potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The results showed that the area had a high level of contamination, posing ecological risks, particularly due to contributions from arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd). However, it was difficult to establish a direct link between As contamination and mining activities, as the soils were already enriched in metals and metalloids from natural geological processes. The study also found that PTE levels in plants were lower than in soil, but bioaccumulation was influenced by site-specific soil concentrations of As and Pb. Magnetic studies indicated the presence of technogenic particles, likely formed during ore processing/mining activities. Overall, the levels of PTEs in surface and groundwater samples were relatively low, with the exception of As, which exceeded drinking water standards.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Martin Vojtek, Clara B. Martins, Raquel Ramos, Sara Gomes Duarte, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Ana L. M. Batista de Carvalho, M. Paula M. Marques, Carmen Diniz
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer and current drug treatments often face limitations. In this study, Pd(3)Spd(2) was found to be a promising metal-based anticancer agent for TNBC treatment, surpassing its Pt analog in activity. Pd(3)Spd(2) demonstrated similar antiproliferative activity in both sensitive and resistant TNBC cells and showed a promising selectivity index ratio, indicating its potential for further exploration in treating TNBC and its cisplatin-resistant forms.
Article
Entomology
Pedro A. S. Sousa, Joana Neto, Joana V. Barbosa, Joana Peres, Ana Magro, Graca Barros, Jose M. Sousa, Fernao D. Magalhaes, Antonio Mexia, Ana A. R. M. Aguiar, Margarida M. S. M. Bastos
Summary: Maize grains are important for food safety globally, but the maize weevil is a destructive pest causing losses. Synthetic chemical insecticides are often used to control these pests, but they have drawbacks. This study tested an innovative macro-capsule delivery device loaded with essential oils and found that it significantly reduced losses and survivability of maize weevils.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Julio C. Machado Jr, Pedro D. M. Nicola, Olga Viegas, Mickael C. Santos, Miguel A. Faria, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira
Summary: Ageing beer with wood can improve its color, structure, and flavors. The influence of oak wood on beer phenolic composition and bioactivity was assessed, with dark malt having higher phenolic values and American oak significantly increasing certain acids. The bioactivity of beer is more influenced by malt than wood.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Carla S. S. Teixeira, Caterina Villa, Joana Costa, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Isabel Mafra
Summary: The production of food and feed to meet the needs of the growing world's population will soon become a serious challenge. In search for sustainable solutions, entomophagy is being proposed as an alternative source of proteins, with economic and environmental advantages when compared to meat. Edible insects are not only a valuable source of important nutrients, but their gastrointestinal digestion also originates small peptides with important bioactive properties.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Amanda Luisa Sales, Sara C. Cunha, Jessika Morgado, Adriano Cruz, Thiago F. Santos, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Jose O. Fernandes, Marco Antonio L. Miguel, Adriana Farah
Summary: Given the substantial world coffee production, there is a significant amount of coffee fruit cascara being wasted annually. However, utilizing this by-product to produce potentially healthy and acceptable foods can add value to coffee production and improve people's lives. This study aimed to produce kombuchas from coffee cascara tea, assess their microbial profile, monitor the changes in volatile profile during fermentation, and evaluate their sensory attributes and acceptance by consumers. The results showed that coffee cascara is a promising by-product for the production of fermented beverages with unique characteristics that can be explored in the food industry.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara S. Diogo, Aracelis Narayan, Catarina Mansilha, Jorge Espinha Marques, Deolinda Flores, Sara C. Antunes
Summary: This study assessed the ecotoxicological effects of soil elutriates from different soil types in the PejAo Coalfield on Lactuca sativa. The presence of toxic elements in the elutriates affected the development of L. sativa, inhibiting germination and causing morphological alterations. The results emphasize the importance of using elutriate samples to evaluate the phytotoxicity of coal mining waste.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Natalie Marinho Dantas, Maria Elisabeth Machado Pinto-e-Silva, Zita Emanuela Martins, Rafaela Rodrigues Dutra, Karla Suzanne Florentino da Silva Chaves Damasceno, Olivia Pinho
Summary: A study conducted in a Portuguese university canteen found that reducing the salt content in carrot soup can make the dish more liked, while the salt reduction in turnip green and carrot with cabbage soups did not affect their acceptability and saltiness perception.
JOURNAL OF CULINARY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. Graca Dias, Elsa Vasco, Francisco Ravasco, Lufsa Oliveira
Summary: This study estimated the vitamin D intake of "adults" and "elderly" populations in Portugal using the TDS methodology. The results showed that the majority of people had inadequate vitamin D intake, well below the Dietary Reference Values.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yanan Wang, Jiachen Shi, Yong-Jiang Xu, Chin-Ping Tan, Yuanfa Liu
Summary: This study investigates the variations in lipid digestion profiles among individuals of different ages using in vitro digestion models. The findings suggest that adults have a more comprehensive lipid digestion compared to infants, and infants tend to release shorter chain length and more saturated free fatty acids during digestion. Additionally, the particle sizes in the stomach of the elderly were consistently larger. This study enhances our understanding of how lipids with different degrees of unsaturation undergo digestion in diverse age groups.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hyunjong Yu, Huisu Kim, Pahn-Shick Chang
Summary: Chitosan-pectin emulsion-filled hydrogel (EFH) was developed to enhance the bioaccessibility of lipophilic bioactive compounds through intestinal delivery. The EFH, prepared without crosslinking agents, demonstrated improved mechanical strength and compactness with higher pectin concentration. It retained the emulsion at pH 2.0 and released it at pH 7.4, resulting in enhanced release of free fatty acids and improved bioaccessibility of curcumin.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tongze Zhang, Siqi Hong, Jia-Rong Zhang, Pin-He Liu, Siyi Li, Zixian Wen, Jianwei Xiao, Guirong Zhang, Olivier Habimana, Nagendra P. Shah, Zhongquan Sui, Harold Corke
Summary: Lactic acid fermentation significantly affects the morphology and physicochemical properties of proso millet starch, including the formation of surface indentations and small pores, decrease in gelatinization temperatures, and changes in hardness and adhesiveness.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Liqin Kong, Feng Hong, Peng Luan, Yiping Chen, Yaoze Feng, Ming Zhu
Summary: This study presents a novel impedance biosensor using composite nanomaterials and T1R1 as a signal probe, which can competitively and ultra-sensitively detect umami intensity. The biosensor exhibits exceptional analytical performance and is suitable for food flavor evaluation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Kunying Lv, Yixin Yang, Qilong Li, Ran Chen, Liang Deng, Yiwei Zhang, Ning Jiang
Summary: Horse's milk, with its high nutritional value and low allergenic proteins, could be a substitute for cow's milk in infant consumption. A proteomic method was used to identify and compare milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and whey proteins from different horse breeds. The study found differences in protein composition and functionality, which could support the development of formulas more suitable for human infants.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Enrique Jacobo Diaz-Montana, Helene Brignot, Ramon Aparicio-Ruiz, Thierry Thomas- Danguin, Maria Teresa Morales
Summary: Sensory perception of virgin olive oil is influenced by phenols and volatiles, which are affected by the composition of the oil and biological factors. This study investigated the effect of saliva and phenols on the release of volatiles, and found that the presence of phenols decreased the release of saturated volatiles.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wei Zhou, Rui Zhang, Zhen Cai, Fangfang Wu, Yong Hu, Chao Huang, Kun Hu, Yun Chen
Summary: Environmentally friendly and outstanding pH-responsive cationic starch nanoparticles (CSNP) were prepared from pH-sensitive starch. CSNP exhibited nanosize and regular sphere, highly free-flowing molecular chains, and demonstrated excellent pH responsiveness through multiple emulsion/demulsification transitions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Andrea Koo, Vinayak Ghate, Weibiao Zhou
Summary: This study suggests that direct seeding may negatively affect the nutritional quality of crops, causing a decrease in ascorbic acid, vitamin K, and total glucosinolate content.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tonghao Du, Yazhou Xu, Xiaoyan Xu, Shijin Xiong, Linli Zhang, Biao Dong, Jinqing Huang, Tao Huang, Muyan Xiao, Tao Xiong, Mingyong Xie
Summary: This study successfully improved the ACE inhibitory activity of black sesame seeds by fermenting them with Lactobacillus Plantarum NCU116 and hydrolyzing them using acid protease. The RF-PSO model was used to predict the ACE inhibitory activity during the hydrolysis process. Eight peptides with ACE inhibitory activity were identified from fermented black sesame seed hydrolysates after separation and screening.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yao Liu, Songyi Lin, Kexin Liu, Shan Wang, Qiaozhen Liu, Na Sun
Summary: This study analyzed the structural changes of shrimp proteins during digestion, predicted the immunodominant epitopes, and validated their allergenicity. The results showed that shrimp proteins were degraded into peptides during digestion, but still carried IgE epitopes that trigger allergic reactions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tiantian Fu, Hongwei Cao, Yu Zhang, Xiao Guan
Summary: This study investigates the impact of milling on the active components in rice, with a focus on the stability and bioaccessibility of phenols, VB1, and alpha-GABA during cooking and digestion. The findings show that milling exacerbates the instability of gamma-GABA during cooking and VB1 during digestion, and it affects the bioaccessibility of these active compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhihao Yang, Yanru Hou, Min Zhang, Puxin Hou, Chang Liu, Lu Dou, Xiaoyu Chen, Lihua Zhao, Lin Su, Ye Jin
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanism of feeding regimes on lamb flavor by using TMT labeling combined with MS. The results showed that pasture-fed groups had higher levels of amino acids and volatile flavor substances compared to concentrate-fed groups. Additionally, several differentially abundant proteins associated with lamb flavor were identified.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zixuan Xie, De Zhang, Junyu Zhu, Qianqian Luo, Jun Liu, Jingtao Zhou, Xiaoyong Wang, Yuqiong Chen, Zhi Yu, Dejiang Ni
Summary: This study investigated the acidification of aroma-enhanced black tea during storage. Analysis of non-volatile substances and organic acids using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and HPLC revealed a decrease in soluble sugars and amino acids, while an increase in organic acids such as oxalic acid, malic acid, and quinic acid. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that the acidification is a result of the decomposition of sugars and amino acids by heating, as well as the oxidation of aromatic aldehydes. Additionally, the study showed that the taste composition of tea infusion is altered, with reduced amino acids, catechins, soluble sugars, and flavonoids. This research provides a theoretical basis for improving the quality of black tea.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lin Wang, Falai Ma, Zihan Li, Yan Zhang
Summary: This study developed time-temperature integrators based on amyloglucosidase@Cu3(PO4)2 nanoflowers for monitoring the freshness of chilled pork. The results showed that the integrators were highly reliable and accurate in predicting the quality of chilled pork.
