Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Meng Zhou, Ozan Kokkilic, Darryel Boucher, Mark Lepage, Thomas W. Leadbeater, Raymond Langlois, Kristian E. Waters
Summary: Developing dry separation methods, such as gas-solid fluidized beds, is crucial to replace water-based separation due to increasing water shortages. This study investigates particle motion in a fluidized bed using positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) technique, providing knowledge about separation mechanisms through direct visualization of the particle trajectory. The movements of different-sized beds are characterized by tracking single quartz and hematite particles, determining the separation behavior of heavy particles for different-sized fractions.
Article
Mechanics
Vladimir M. Parfenyev, Ivan A. Vointsev, Alyona O. Skoba, Sergey S. Vergeles
Summary: Strong rotation results in quasi-two-dimensional turbulent flow and the formation of coherent vortex structures known as condensates. External rotation speed affects the symmetry of cyclones and anticyclones velocity profiles, as well as the size limitation of the vortices.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
D. Werner, H. Davison, E. Robinson, J. A. Sykes, J. P. K. Seville, A. Wellings, S. Bhattacharya, D. A. Sanchez Monsalve, Tz. Kokalova Wheldon, C. R. K. Windows-Yule
Summary: The influence of bed composition on the mixing of fluidised beds containing mixtures of Geldart group B and D particles is studied using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT). It is found that small fractions of group D particles have weak effect on the mixing dynamics, but higher concentrations lead to decreased mixing effectiveness and marked changes in flow patterns, including a previously undocumented meta-stable state. This research contributes to the understanding of bed composition's impact on mixing in industrial processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Thomas W. Leadbeater, Jonathan P. K. Seville, David J. Parker
Summary: This article discusses the application of positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) technique in tracking the trajectories of particles in fluidized beds, and how to optimize its performance. It also explains how trajectory information can be transformed into measurements of particle movement and discusses the choices and pitfalls in data processing.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mark Al-Shemmeri, Kit Windows-Yule, Estefania Lopez-Quiroga, Peter J. Fryer
Summary: The physicochemical transformation of coffee during roasting is affected by the time-temperature profile, which is in turn influenced by heat transfer mechanisms governed by particle dynamics. This study employed Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) to analyze the granular flow of coffee in a pilot-scale rotating drum roaster. The results revealed that the drum speed, batch size, and bean density significantly impact the particle dynamics within the system. These findings suggest that controlling the drum speed can modulate conductive heat transfer from the heated drum to the bean bed, thereby influencing the roasting process.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Avshalom Offner, Sam Manger, Jacques Vanneste
Summary: Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is an imaging method that reconstructs three-dimensional trajectories of small tracer particles in opaque fluids. This study introduces a probabilistic framework based on Bayesian inference for accurately determining particle positions from PEPT data, while accounting for scattering and noise. The formulation is illustrated with simulations, showing the optimal choice of observation time and the benefits of inferring particle velocity in addition to position.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
C. R. Jones, A. Corona, C. Amador, P. J. Fryer
Summary: Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) was used to study the motion of radioactively labeled tracer particles attached to fabrics and solid fabric enhancer (SFE) delivery articles in domestic clothes dryers. Different movement behaviors of fabrics and SFE delivery articles were observed within the dryer drum, with fabrics primarily exhibiting cataracting motion while SFE delivery articles tended towards centrifuging and cascading flows.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Tasmia Rahman Tumpa, Shelley N. Acuff, Jens Gregor, Sanghyeb Lee, Dongming Hu, Dustin R. Osborne
Summary: A new TOF-PEPT algorithm is introduced in this paper for specific respiratory motion estimation in PET/CT imaging. Results show high correlation between motion signals derived from TOF-PEPT and Anzai band, outperforming COM methods. Gated imaging based on TOF-PEPT improves image quality, with higher max SUVs and sharper images observed in clinical studies compared to Anzai and COM methods.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Eero Lehtonen, Jarmo Teuho, Juho Koskinen, Mojtaba Jafari Tadi, Riku Klen, Reetta Siekkinen, Joaquin Rives Gambin, Tuija Vasankari, Antti Saraste
Summary: A novel method for estimating respiratory motion using IMUs based on MEMS technology is presented, showing high accuracy in detecting respiratory cycles and estimating their lengths. Compared to clinically used techniques, the method achieved lower breathing rate and amplitude errors, demonstrating potential for simplifying logistics in PET imaging studies and enabling multi-position motion measurements.
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
C. R. K. Windows-Yule, M. T. Herald, A. L. Nicusan, C. S. Wiggins, G. Pratx, S. Manger, A. E. Odo, T. Leadbeater, J. Pellico, R. T. M. de Rosales, A. Renaud, I Govender, L. B. Carasik, A. E. Ruggles, Tz Kokalova-Wheldon, J. P. K. Seville, D. J. Parker
Summary: Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is a high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging technique used for studying large, dense, and opaque particulate and multiphase systems. This research brings together experts from leading PEPT facilities to provide an overview, evaluation, and quantitative assessment of contemporary PEPT methodologies. The study includes detailed explanations and interactive code examples for algorithm exploration.
REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chengxiu Wang, Xin Su, Mengjie Luo, Xingying Lan, Jinsen Gao, Chunming Xu, Mao Ye, Jesse Zhu
Summary: A comprehensive study on hydrodynamics was conducted in a pilot circulating fluidized bed riser with high solids flux and gas velocity. The results showed that solids holdup accounted for 20-30% of the riser with such high solids flux. As the solids flux increased to 1800 kg/m(2)s, both solids holdup and particle velocity became more uniform, indicating reduced back-mixing. Compared to the circulating turbulent fluidized bed, the riser reactor with high solids flux exhibited good gas-solids contact.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David J. Parker, Dawid M. Hampel, Tzanka Kokalova Wheldon
Summary: The article introduces a technique called positron emission particle tracking (PEPT), developed at Birmingham University for studying fluid and granular flows. The authors compare the sensitivity and data rates obtained from three different camera systems and find that the newly constructed SuperPEPT and MicroPEPT systems have higher sensitivity and can generate data at higher rates compared to the longstanding ADAC Forte system, significantly expanding the potential for PEPT studies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
O. Jones-Salkey, A. L. Nicusan, C. R. K. Windows-Yule, A. Ingram, D. Werner, S. Clifford, G. K. Reynolds
Summary: This paper introduces the application research of positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) technique, which can observe and quantify the characteristics of particle motion in real-time, and provide in-depth understanding of the behavior of powders in continuous blender systems. The results of the study indicate that increasing the RPM and hold-up mass can improve mixing conditions, and a convection-like mixing phenomenon was observed under specific conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew Herald, Andrei Nicusan, Tzany Kokalova Wheldon, Jonathan Seville, Christopher Windows-Yule
Summary: This study proposes a novel technique of autonomously calibrating a digitizer using evolutionary algorithms, improving the accuracy of count rate response. The method is fault-tolerant and achieved through direct comparison of simulation to reality.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Dingkang Xia, Kunpeng Su, Jianhua Wu, Zhiyu Ding
Summary: Ultrasound technology shows promise for wastewater treatment, but faces challenges in industrial application and scaling up, such as ultrasonic horn tip erosion. The synergy between cavitation and solid particle erosion in solid-liquid flow systems remains unclear, and the influence of solids motion is relatively unknown. Through analysis and testing, it was found that synergistic erosion depends on solid particle flux, local solids concentration, and velocity, with higher concentrations and velocities aggravating the erosion. This understanding can contribute to erosion prediction and the optimization of ultrasound applications in wastewater treatment processes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
C. R. Jones, A. Corona, C. Amador, P. J. Fryer
Summary: Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) was used to study the motion of radioactively labeled tracer particles attached to fabrics and solid fabric enhancer (SFE) delivery articles in domestic clothes dryers. Different movement behaviors of fabrics and SFE delivery articles were observed within the dryer drum, with fabrics primarily exhibiting cataracting motion while SFE delivery articles tended towards centrifuging and cascading flows.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Evangelia Argentou, Carlos Amador, Anju Deepali Massey Brooker, Serafim Bakalis, Peter J. Fryer, Zhenyu Jason Zhang
Summary: The study reveals that low viscosity PDMS droplets can generate a uniform surface deposition profile, while high viscosity PDMS leads to localized deposition profile, which is related to the penetration behavior of oil droplets on cotton fabric. By optimizing the emulsion formulation, uniform surface deposition and excellent PDMS penetration profile can be achieved, maximizing tactile sensorial benefits.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shibo Shao, Ke Wang, Jason B. Love, Jialin Yu, Shangfeng Du, Zongyang Yue, Xianfeng Fan
Summary: A sulfur-rich zinc indium sulfide photocatalyst was developed to promote the cleavage of C-beta-O linkages in lignin, using water as a hydrogen donor. The reaction selectivity for aromatic monomers increased and the conversion rate of lignin model compounds improved significantly. This study provides a new and effective strategy to promote the cleavage of C-beta-O linkages and is helpful for the future development of photocatalytic lignin valorization.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
D. M. Hampel, S. Manger, D. J. Parker, Tz Kokalova Wheldon
Summary: Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is a powerful technique for studying flow inside engineering systems. The newly developed SuperPEPT positron camera has shown satisfactory sensitivity and data rates.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David J. Parker, Dawid M. Hampel, Tzanka Kokalova Wheldon
Summary: The article introduces a technique called positron emission particle tracking (PEPT), developed at Birmingham University for studying fluid and granular flows. The authors compare the sensitivity and data rates obtained from three different camera systems and find that the newly constructed SuperPEPT and MicroPEPT systems have higher sensitivity and can generate data at higher rates compared to the longstanding ADAC Forte system, significantly expanding the potential for PEPT studies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
D. I. Wilson, G. Christie, P. J. Fryer, I. M. Hall, J. R. Landel, K. A. Whitehead
Summary: The UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council supported a series of meetings in 2021 to develop a roadmap for future research in Quantitative Modelling in Cleaning and Decontamination. This activity involved identifying past and current activities on this topic across different fields and confirmed the common needs and challenges across sectors.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hanqiao Che, Mark Al-Shemmeri, Peter J. Fryer, Estefania Lopez-Quiroga, Tzany Kokalova Wheldon, Kit Windows-Yule
Summary: Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) was used to model the dynamics of aspherical particles in a spouted bed. The CFD-DEM results were rigorously validated against experimental data acquired using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT). The study showed that the Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and restitution coefficient did not significantly affect the system's dynamics, and that Gidaspow's correlation using equivalent intrinsic particle density was suitable for modelling drag forces. The analysis demonstrated that the PEPT-validated CFD-DEM models accurately captured key features of the system, including particle circulation time, velocity and occupancy distributions, and residence time in different regions. The study also showed that models using simple, spherical particles could quantitatively reproduce the dynamics of highly aspherical materials.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mark Al-Shemmeri, Kit Windows-Yule, Estefania Lopez-Quiroga, Peter J. Fryer
Summary: The physicochemical transformation of coffee during roasting is affected by the time-temperature profile, which is in turn influenced by heat transfer mechanisms governed by particle dynamics. This study employed Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) to analyze the granular flow of coffee in a pilot-scale rotating drum roaster. The results revealed that the drum speed, batch size, and bean density significantly impact the particle dynamics within the system. These findings suggest that controlling the drum speed can modulate conductive heat transfer from the heated drum to the bean bed, thereby influencing the roasting process.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Alejandro Avila-Sierra, Jose A. Moreno, Kylee Goode, Taotao Zhu, Peter J. Fryer, Alan Taylor, Zhenyu J. Zhang
Summary: Using QCM-D and AFM, the effects of surface structural and chemical properties on the adsorption characteristics of beta-Lg and BSA were investigated. It was found that the typical free contact scenario used to evaluate surface energy may not accurately represent biofouling conditions. Surface structuration favored protein adsorption, especially for beta-Lg, while surface structure led to the formation of soft protein adlayers. The study demonstrated the importance of surface chemistry and structure in modulating protein-surface binding affinity and packaging density, which is crucial for developing anti-fouling coatings.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Leslie Labarre, Ophelie Squillace, Yu Liu, Peter J. Fryer, Preeti Kaur, Shane Whitaker, Jennifer M. Marsh, Zhenyu J. Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the interactions between untreated and chemically treated hair samples and different chemical functional groups using Chemical Force Microscopy. The results show that adhesion on hair surfaces is mainly determined by capillary force at room temperature and is replaced by electrostatic interaction when polar groups are present. Hydrophobic interaction plays a major role when hair and hydrophobic functionalized AFM cantilever make contact in water. The findings provide important insights for the design of hair care products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fraz Saeed Butt, Allana Lewis, Riccardo Rea, Nurul A. Mazlan, Ting Chen, Norbert Radacsi, Enzo Mangano, Xianfeng Fan, Yaohao Yang, Shuiqing Yang, Yi Huang
Summary: Global warming is a pressing environmental issue, mainly caused by carbon dioxide (CO2). Various technologies, such as adsorption, cryogenic separation, and sequestration, have been developed for CO2 separation and storage/utilization. Among these, carbon capture using nano-adsorbents shows promise due to their excellent CO2 separation and storage performance. In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed for selective CO2 separation and storage using ZIF-8 hollow nanospheres. The optimized hollow ZIF-8 nanospheres exhibited remarkable CO2 adsorption capability, good CO2 storage capacity, and excellent cyclic adsorption/desorption performance. These findings are important for the development of nanomaterials for future CO2 capture technologies.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guanchu Lu, Zhe Wang, Zongyang Yue, Wenjing Wei, Yi Huang, Xiaolei Zhang, Xianfeng Fan
Summary: The high energy consumption of aqueous amine absorbents hinders their global deployment for carbon dioxide capture. Non-aqueous amine systems provide energy-efficient alternatives, but are prone to precipitation during the absorption process. This study combines experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the factors influencing precipitation and the effectiveness of different solvents. Based on these findings, novel non-aqueous absorbents have been developed to improve CO2 absorption and desorption performance, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mengyu Cao, Shibo Shao, Wenxi Ji, Xianfeng Fan
Summary: Carbon-doped TiN nanoparticles exhibited remarkable plasmonic photocatalytic performance for dye degradation under visible light. The catalyst showed much higher reaction rate constant compared to benchmark catalysts. The doping concentration of carbon and the crystal size of TiN nanoparticles were crucial factors governing the plasmonic photocatalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuxiang Xue, Xinyao Ma, Xue Feng, Sam Roberts, Guangyu Zhu, Yi Huang, Xianfeng Fan, Jun Fan, Xianfeng Chen
Summary: Gold nanostructures, especially gold nanobipyramids, have gained significant attention due to their unique physical and optical properties. However, synthesizing and purifying homogeneous gold nanobipyramids is a challenging task.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
George Firth, Zilin Yu, Joanna J. Bartnicka, David Parker, Jana Kim, Kavitha Sunassee, Hannah E. Greenwood, Fahad Al-Salamee, Maite Jauregui-Osoro, Alberto Di Pietro, Joanna Guzman, Philip J. Blower
Summary: Non-invasive imaging techniques to dynamically map whole-body trafficking of essential metals in vivo in health and diseases are needed. Despite Zn-62 having appropriate physical properties for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging (half-life, 9.3 h; positron emission, 8.2%), its complex decay via Cu-62 (half-life, 10 min; positron emission, 97%) has limited its use. We aimed to develop a method to extract Zn-62 from a Zn-62/Cu-62 generator, and to investigate its use for in vivo imaging of zinc trafficking despite its complex decay.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yonghong Ye, Songyan Zheng, Yuanxing Wang
Summary: In this study, the changes of aroma components in Gannan navel orange during growth were systematically studied using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Key aroma components and markers were identified. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic variation of aroma compounds during navel orange growth and have potential for industrial applications.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jia Xu, Yayuan Zhang, Mengke Zhang, Xinlin Wei, Yiming Zhou
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of glucosamine selenium on summer-autumn tea, showing that it can enhance nutritional quality, improve sensory characteristics, and increase plant adaptation to environmental changes and abiotic stresses.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yuanming Chu, Zhaoyang Ding, Jing Xie
Summary: This study investigated the use of ice glazing containing D-sodium erythorbate (DSE) and vacuum packaging to maintain the quality of large yellow croaker during frozen storage. The results showed that vacuum packaging effectively inhibited ice crystal growth and minimized water loss, while the combination of vacuum packaging and 0.3% DSE-infused ice glazing maintained freshness indicators at low levels throughout the 300-day storage period. This combination was considered the most effective in preserving the quality of the fish.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Md. Ashikur Rahman, Shirin Akter, Md. Ashrafudoulla, Md. Anamul Hasan Chowdhury, A. G. M. Sofi Uddin Mahamud, Si Hong Park, Sang-Do Ha
Summary: This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the mechanisms and key factors influencing biofilm formation by A. hydrophila in the food industry. It explores the molecular processes involved in various stages of biofilm formation and investigates the impact of intrinsic factors and environmental conditions on biofilm architecture and resilience. The article also highlights the potential of bibliometric analysis in conceptualizing the research landscape and identifying knowledge gaps in A. hydrophila biofilm research.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chujing Wang, Wenni Tian, Zengliu Song, Qun Wang, Yong Cao, Jie Xiao
Summary: Solid lipid ratio in emulsions has significant effects on colloidal stability, mucus permeability, and bioavailability in vivo. Higher solid lipid ratio improves intestinal stability but reduces mucus permeability.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dacai Zhong, Liping Kang, Juan Liu, Xiang Li, Li Zhou, Luqi Huang, Zidong Qiu
Summary: In this study, a novel online extraction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method was developed to comprehensively characterize complex foods. Meanwhile, a characteristic marker screening method and chemometrics modeling were used for the accurate authentication of highly-similar foods. This research has significant implications for ensuring food quality and safety.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Qiannan Zhao, Jinyi Yang, Jiahui Li, Lei Zhang, Xiaohai Yan, Tianli Yue, Yahong Yuan
Summary: This study investigated the transport and hypoglycemic effects of phenolics in mulberry leaves using an in vitro digestion model. The results showed that digested phenolics had higher absorbability and could inhibit glucose digestion and absorption. Phenolics also regulated glucose metabolism. Luteoforol and p-coumaric acid were found to be the primary phenolics strongly correlated with the hypoglycemic ability of mulberry leaves.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yanyun Cao, Qingling Wang, Jinou Lin, Yin-Yi Ding, Jianzhong Han
Summary: This study investigated the effects of gallic acid (GA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) at different ratios on the gel properties of calcium induced-whey protein emulsion gel. It was found that GA and EGCG could promote gel formation, increase gel strength, and delay the release of emulsified oil droplets.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Monique Martins Strieder, Vitor Lacerda Sanches, Mauricio Ariel Rostagno
Summary: This study proposed an integrated and automated procedure for extracting, separating, and quantifying bioactive compounds from coffee co-products. By optimizing the extraction, separation, and analysis method, real-time analysis was achieved. The results suggest that coupling different techniques can efficiently extract, separate, and analyze phenolic compounds, providing an integrated method to produce high-added value ingredients for various applications.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kyu Sang Sim, Hyoyoung Kim, Suel Hye Hur, Tae Woong Na, Ji Hye Lee, Ho Jin Kim
Summary: Geographical origin plays a crucial role in determining the quality and safety of agricultural products. In this study, ICP analysis was used to determine the inorganic elemental content of onions and identify their geographical origin. Chemometric methods were applied to analyze the ICP results, and the accuracy of distinguishing between Korean and Chinese onions was found to be excellent. The findings suggest that this method can be beneficial for identifying agricultural products.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
