Search Results (384)

This work reports a low-cost, microwave-assisted wet chemistry synthesis of zinc antimonate (ZnSb₂O₆) powders with a trirutile structure, yielding highly homogeneous, nanometric particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of the trirutile phase with lattice parameters of a = 4.664 Å and c = 9.263 Å, and an estimated crystallite size of 42 nm. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed a bandgap of 3.35 eV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that ethylenediamine, as a chelating agent, formed porous microstructures of microrods and cuboids, ideal for enhanced gas adsorption. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed a specific surface area of 6 m²/g and a total pore volume of 0.0831 cm³/g, indicating a predominantly mesoporous structure. The gas sensing properties of ZnSb₂O₆ pellets were evaluated in CO and C₃H₈ atmospheres at 100, 200, and 300 °C. The material exhibited high sensitivity at 300 °C, where the maximum responses were 5.86 for CO at 300 ppm and 1.04 for C₃H₈ at 500 ppm. The enhanced sensitivity at elevated temperatures was corroborated by a corresponding decrease in electrical resistivity. Furthermore, the material demonstrated effective photocatalytic activity, achieving up to 60% degradation of methylene blue and 50% of malachite green after 300 min of UV irradiation, with the process following first-order reaction kinetics. These results highlight that ZnSb₂O₆ synthesized by this method is a promising bifunctional material for gas sensing and photocatalytic applications. Full article

This study aims to explore the influence mechanism of wet fermented soybean dregs on corn stover formation, improve the forming quality of straws and reduce the power demand and specific energy consumption of forming equipment. This study takes 2 mm and 4 mm corn stover sizes as the objects and explores the influence of different amounts of fermented soybean dregs on the volume relaxation ratio, maximum compressive force and specific energy consumption of straw forming pellets under compression displacements of 90 mm and 92 mm. Different amounts of water are selected according to the total moisture content of the mixed feed, and the effects of adding water and fermented wet soybean dregs on feed forming are compared and studied. The results indicate that, under certain conditions, adding water or wet fermented soybean dregs to straw is beneficial for shaping. Adding wet fermented soybean dregs to straw can improve the nutritional value of feed and promote the utilization of agricultural waste. Therefore, adding wet fermented soybean dregs is an effective method for processing high-quality feed pellets. Taking into account the quality and specific energy consumption of mixed feed processing, the optimal pelleting process for corn stover and wet fermented soybean dregs in a mixed feed is as follows: straw particle size of 4 mm, added mass ratio of wet fermented soybean dregs of 5% and compression displacement of 92 mm. These results support the research and development of technology and devices for high-quality and low-energy mixed formation using fermented soybean dregs and straw, and they offer a new route for the utilization of other high-moisture feeds. Full article

This study aimed to enhance sustainable innovations in intelligent wood pellets by integrating smart customized furniture design with Total Quality Management (TQM) principles. Through qualitative interviews with manufacturers and the application of lean production frameworks, the research explored how sustainability-driven customization can lead to optimized resource usage, reduced environmental impact, and increased market competitiveness. While the study was exploratory and limited in sample size, it provided practical insights for green manufacturing strategies and product differentiation in circular economies. Full article

With the gradual depletion of high-quality iron ore resources, global steel enterprises have shifted their focus to low-grade, high-impurity iron ores. Using low-grade iron ore to produce pellets for blast furnaces is crucial for companies to control production costs and diversify raw material sources. However, producing qualified pellets from limonite and other low-grade iron ores remains highly challenging. This study investigates the mechanism by which basicity affects the consolidation and reduction behavior of high-Al₂O₃ limonite pellets from a thermodynamic perspective. As the binary basicity of the pellets increased from 0.01 under natural conditions to 1.2, the compressive strength of the roasted pellets increased from 1100 N/P to 5200 N/P. The enhancement in basicity led to an increase in the amount of low-melting-point calcium ferrite in the binding phase, which increased the liquid phase in the pellets, thereby strengthening the consolidation. CaO infiltrated into large-sized iron particles and reacted with Al and Si elements, segregating the contiguous large-sized iron particles and encapsulating them with liquid-phase calcium ferrite. Calcium oxide reacts with the Al and Si elements in large hematite particles, segmenting them and forming liquid calcium ferrite that encapsulates the particles. Additionally, this study used thermodynamic analysis to characterize the influence of CaO on aluminum elements in high-aluminum iron ore pellets. Adding CaO boosted the liquid phase’s ability to incorporate aluminum, lessening the inhibition by high-melting-point aluminum elements of hematite recrystallization. During the reduction process, pellets with high basicity exhibited superior reduction performance. Full article

Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assays have emerged as among the most effective approaches for detecting endotoxins and fungi in vitro since they were first tested 50 years ago. Although detailed protocols are publicly available, conventional LAL collection methods (3% sodium chloride) waste as much as 80% of the total LAL during blood accumulation, confirming the incompatibility of these methods with the lasting survival of the American horseshoe crab. For this reason, new implementations of blood collection–suspension buffer combinations are critical. Here, we evaluated the ability of different blood collection solutions to inhibit exocytosis and subsequently treated the cells with CaCl₂ to stimulate exocytosis and improve the yield of LAL. Two test methods, chromogenic and turbidimetric tests for LAL activity, were evaluated. Crabs were bled during the bleeding season. The crab blood samples were collected with the following blood collection solutions: citric acid buffer, malic acid buffer, PBS buffer, and PBS–caffeine buffer. The cell pellets were washed with 3% NaCl and subsequently resuspended in LRW or CaCl₂ to facilitate degranulation. Both the chromogenic test and the turbidimetric assay were used to evaluate the LAL enzyme activity. Citric acid buffer, malic acid buffer, PBS buffer, and PBS–caffeine buffer blocked exocytosis, resulting in the high yields of LAL. There was no observable effect on the activity output of crab size via a chromogenic test with PBS–caffeine buffer during the bleeding season. This protocol substantially benefited prior processes, as the PBS–caffeine collection mixture decreased amoebocyte aggregation/clot formation during processing. Furthermore, we evaluated the specific biochemical parameters of PBS–caffeine-derived LAL. We developed an accessible, promising phosphate–caffeine-based blood collection buffer that prevents amoebocyte degranulation during blood collection, maximizing the LAL yield. Moreover, our analysis revealed that phosphate–caffeine-derived LAL is uniquely adaptable to compatibility with chromogenic and turbidimetric assay techniques. By employing this method for LAL blood extraction, our same-cost approach fostered significantly greater LAL yields, simultaneously ensuring a healthy limulus polyphemus population. Full article

This paper investigates the application of non-calcined metal tartrate as a novel alternative pore former to prepare functional ceramic composites to fabricate solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Compared to carbonaceous pore formers, non-calcined pore formers offer high compatibility with various ceramic composites, providing better control over porosity and pore size distribution, which allows for enhanced gas diffusion, reactant transport and gaseous product release within the fuel cells’ functional layers. In this work, nanocrystalline gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and Ni-Gd-Ce-tartrate anode powders were prepared using a single-step co-precipitation synthesis method, based on the carboxylate route, utilising ammonium tartrate as a low-cost, environmentally friendly precipitant. The non-calcined Ni-Gd-Ce-tartrate was used to fabricate dense GDC electrolyte pellets (5–20 μm thick) integrated with a thin film of Ni-GDC anode with controlled porosity at 1300 °C. The dilatometry analysis showed the shrinkage anisotropy factor for the anode substrates prepared using 20 wt. The percentages of Ni-Gd-Ce-tartrate were 30 wt.% and 40 wt.%, with values of 0.98 and 1.01, respectively, showing a significant improvement in microstructural properties and pore size compared to those fabricated using a carbonaceous pore former. The results showed that the non-calcined pore formers can also lower the sintering temperature for GDC to below 1300 °C, saving energy and reducing thermal stresses on the materials. They can also help maintain optimal material properties during sintering, minimising the risk of unwanted chemical reactions or contamination. This flexibility enables the versatile designing and manufacturing of ceramic fuel cells with tailored compositions at a lower cost for large-scale applications. Full article

The automatic feeding device is crucial in grassland livestock farming, enhancing feeding efficiency, ensuring regular and accurate feed delivery, minimizing waste, and reducing costs. The shape and size of pellet feed render it particularly suitable for the delivery mechanism of automated feeding troughs. The uniformity of pellet flow is a critical factor in the study of automatic feeding troughs, and optimizing the movement characteristics of the pellets contributes to enhanced operational efficiency of the equipment. However, existing research often lacks a systematic analysis of the pellet size characteristics (such as diameter and length) and flow behavior differences in pellet feed, which limits the practical application of feed troughs. This study optimized the angle of repose and structural parameters of the feeding trough using Matlab simulations and discrete element modeling. It explored how the stock bin slope and baffle opening height influence pellet feed flow characteristics. A programmable logic controller (PLC) and human–machine interface (HMI) were used for precise timing and quantitative feeding, validating the design’s practicality. The results indicated that the Matlab method could calibrate the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) model’s surface energy. The optimal slope was found to be 63°, with optimal baffle heights of 28 mm for fine and medium pellets and 30 mm for coarse pellets. The experimental metrics showed relative errors of 3.5%, 2.8%, and 4.2% (for average feed rate) and 8.2%, 7.3%, and 1.2% (for flow time). The automatic feeding trough showed a feeding error of 0.3% with PLC-HMI. This study’s optimization of the automatic feeding trough offers a strong foundation and guidance for efficient, accurate pellet feed distribution. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria are well known for hydrolyzing milk proteins, but their application to plant proteins remains limited. This study evaluated the ability of the cell-wall-anchored PrtS protease from two Streptococcus thermophilus strains to hydrolyze rapeseed albumins (RAs), aiming to generate bioactive peptides with potential food functionality. The specific activity of PrtS was first determined using a chromogenic substrate. RAs were then hydrolyzed using 10X- and 100X-concentrated cell pellets of each strain to assess the hydrolysis kinetics and the enzymatic mechanism. The results showed concentration-dependent hydrolysis, with protein conversion and the degree of hydrolysis increasing threefold at 100X for both strains. Despite the increased hydrolysis, the peptides produced had similar average sizes, averaging at five amino acids, indicating a consistent “one-by-one” cleavage mechanism. The in vitro testing of the RA hydrolysates produced with 100X PrtS from S. thermophilus LMD-9 revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activity comparable to native RAs. Importantly, unlike native RAs, these hydrolysates did not induce increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-8 in inflamed HT-29 cells, suggesting a reduced pro-inflammatory potential. These findings demonstrate that PrtS protease from S. thermophilus can effectively hydrolyze rapeseed proteins to produce functional hydrolysates with improved bioactivity profiles. Such hydrolysates have promising applications as functional ingredients in plant-based food products, contributing both to health benefits and potential food preservation through antioxidant activity. Full article

Lignocellulosic biomass is an exciting renewable resource for producing sustainable biofuels, thanks to its abundance and low environmental impact. However, its intricate structure makes it tough for enzymes to break it down effectively. Only efficient pretreatment methods can solve these problems. Among these, mechanical pretreatment methods are particularly good for industry because they are easy to use, do not require chemicals, and make it easier to achieve biomass. This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA protocols and used text analysis with VOSviewer to examine 33 academic articles published between 2005 and 2025. It highlighted two main types of mechanical pretreatment: size reduction (which includes grinding, crushing, and shredding) and densification (like pelletizing and briquetting). The results show that mechanical pretreatment can significantly boost biofuel yields by increasing surface area, lowering crystallinity, and allowing better enzyme penetration. Energy consumption remains a major hurdle for the overall sustainability of biomass conversion processes. This research provides a comprehensive review of current mechanical techniques, detailing their operational settings and performance metrics while also offering suggestions for optimizing biomass conversion processes. By promoting the use of mechanical pretreatment in biofuel production systems, the findings align with the principles of a circular economy and contribute to the development of greener energy sources. Full article

Owl pellets offer a distinctive, noninvasive perspective on the feeding ecology and morphological traits of owl species. This study presents the first comprehensive comparison of pellet dimensions—specifically length, breadth, and mass—across all 11 resident owl species in Israel. A total of 816 pellets were collected from diverse habitats, including Mediterranean woodlands, agricultural landscapes, and arid deserts. Pellet measurements were analyzed in relation to the average body length of each species, revealing significant interspecific variation in all three dimensions. Statistical analyses confirmed strong positive correlations between body size and pellet length (r = 0.95), breadth (r = 0.91), and mass (r = 0.96), highlighting the influence of morphological constraints on pellet structure. Larger owls, such as Bubo bubo and B. ascalaphus, produced the largest pellets, whereas smaller species, such as Otus brucei and O. scops, generated notably smaller and lighter pellets, consistent with their known dietary preferences. Habitat differences and ecological specialization likely contribute to further variability in pellet morphology, even among closely related taxa. By focusing on pellet morphometrics rather than prey composition, this study offers a standardized and replicable method for interspecific comparisons. The findings support the use of pellet size as a proxy for predator body size and ecological strategies and provide a valuable baseline for future research on owl diets, habitat use, and species identification in the Middle East and elsewhere. This study enhances the utility of pellet analysis in both ecological monitoring and conservation biology. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm) are recognized as an emerging global problem in all oceans and coastlines around the world. This paper provided the quantification and characteristics of microplastics found on fourteen beaches along the northwestern Moroccan Mediterranean coast. A total of 42 samples were gathered at a depth of 5 cm along the shoreline using a quadrant of 1 m × 1 m. Microplastics were detected in all sediment samples. The average abundance was 59.33 ± 34.38 MPs kg⁻¹ of dry weight (median: 48.33 MPs kg⁻¹), ranging from 22 ± 7.21 to 135.33 ± 38.80 MPs kg⁻¹. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between sampling sites. All observed microplastics were classified according to their shape, color, and size. The microplastic shapes comprised fibrous MPs (77.61%), fragments (15.65%), films (4.49%), foams (1.85%), and pellets (0.40%). Microplastic particles in the sediment samples ranged from 0.063 to 5 mm in length and were composed of small (54.3%, <1 mm) and large sizes (45.7%, 1–5 mm). The size fractions with the greatest percentage of MPs were 1–2 mm (24.9%). The dominant color of the microplastics was transparent (43.2%), followed by black (15.8%) and blue (13.3%), with shapes that were mainly angular and irregular. The present results indicate a moderate level of microplastic contamination on the beaches throughout the northern Moroccan Mediterranean coast, and tourism, fishing activities, and wastewater discharges as the most relevant sources. Full article

Biomass is an energy source with variable physico-chemical properties. Thermal treatments lower moisture and volatile matter contents. They also raise the high heating value (HHV). This is especially desirable for agro-wastes with low-energy potential, like maize cobs. To make pellets from biomass, it is important to keep the lignin intact. It is responsible for particle adhesion. This paper presents a study focused on high-temperature drying of maize cobs. The process temperatures were selected from a range between 60 and 220 °C. The upper temperature limit prevents significant lignin breakdown. We also do not exceed the self-ignition temperature of the raw material. The study analyzed changes in basic technical parameters. These include moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and HHV. We tested the grinding and densification process. We measured the raw material’s particle size distribution (PSD), specific density, and the mechanical durability (DU) of the agglomerates. The study showed a positive effect of high-temperature drying on the technical parameters. We found that the drying of corn cobs at a temperature of 180 °C gives the best results. Both PSD and DU values indicate that it is possible to create quality compacted biofuels from this material. Full article

The resource utilization of marine-dredged sediment is considered a sustainable approach to its disposal. This paper investigates the preparation of non-sintered ceramsites from marine-dredged sediments and CSA cement via cold-bonded pelletization. The study examines the effects of various preparation conditions on the engineering properties, phase compositions and microstructures of non-sintered ceramsites. The results indicate that preparation conditions significantly influence the particle size distribution of non-sintered ceramsites. The early-strength development of non-sintered ceramsites prepared from CSA cement is remarkable, with the PCS achieving approximately 60% and 80% of the 28-day strength within 3 days and 7 days, respectively—a marked contrast to OPC. Response surface methodology analysis reveals significant interaction effects between the disc rotation angle, rotational speed, and duration of rotation on the PCS of non-sintered ceramsites. The open-ended porosity of non-sintered ceramsites exhibits greater sensitivity to changes in preparation parameters compared to closed-ended porosity and total porosity. The preparation conditions have negligible impact on the hydration process of CSA cement in non-sintered ceramsites. For both ellipsoidal and plate-like marine-dredged soil particles, ettringite and the AH₃ phase provide effective pore-filling and binding effects in the microstructures of non-sintered ceramsites. These findings imply that low-carbon utilization of marine-dredged sediments through the preparation of non-sintered ceramsites offers a nature-based solution for sustainable management in coastal systems. Full article

Microplastic pollution in soils and surface waters is a growing environmental concern, yet the mechanisms governing transport by overland flow remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of soil texture and slope gradient on the movement of microplastics with different shapes and polymer compositions under simulated rainfall and typical agricultural conditions in a semi-arid climate. Small soil flumes were subjected to controlled rainfall simulations replicating typical rain patterns, and microplastic transport was quantified using collection flasks. The results indicated that neither soil texture nor slope gradient significantly affected total microplastic transport. However, fibres exhibited greater retention in the soil compared to other shapes. Polymer composition did not play a major role in microplastic mobility, except for polystyrene pellets, which were transported more readily than polyethylene pellets. Field observations of agricultural soils with a history of sludge application confirmed a predominance of fibres in the topsoil, reinforcing the tendency of this shape to resist mobilisation. These findings suggest that microplastic transport by surface runoff is primarily governed by particle shape and buoyancy rather than soil properties or slope inclination. Future research should explore the roles of particle size, rainfall intensity, and organic matter content in microplastic mobility under natural field conditions. Full article

With the depletion of high-grade iron ore resources, the efficient utilization of low-grade iron ore has become a critical demand in the steel industry. Due to its uniform particle size and chemical composition, pelletized iron ore significantly enhances both the utilization rate of iron ore and the efficiency of metallurgical processes. This paper presents a deep learning model based on ResUNet, which integrates three-dimensional CT images obtained through industrial computed tomography (ICT) to precisely segment hematite, liquid phase, and porosity. By incorporating residual connections and batch normalization, the model enhances both robustness and segmentation accuracy, achieving F1 scores of 98.37%, 95.10%, and 83.87% for the hematite, pores, and liquid phase, respectively, on the test set. Through 3D reconstruction and quantitative analysis, the volume fractions and fractal dimensions of each component were computed, revealing the impact of the spatial distribution of different components on the physical properties of the pellets. Systematic evaluation of model robustness demonstrated varying sensitivity to different CT artifacts, with the strongest resistance to beam hardening and highest sensitivity to Gaussian noise. Multi-scale resolution analysis revealed that segmentation quality and fractal dimension estimates exhibit phase-dependent responses to resolution changes, with the liquid phase being the most sensitive. Despite these dependencies, the relative complexity relationships among phases remained consistent across resolutions, supporting the reliability of our qualitative conclusions. The study demonstrates that the deep learning-based image segmentation method effectively captures microstructural details, reduces human error, and enhances automation, providing a scientific foundation for optimizing pellet quality and improving metallurgical performance. It holds considerable potential for industrial applications. Full article