Design and feasibility analysis of a graded harvesting end-effector with the function of soluble solid content estimation

In response to the prevailing scarcity of labor and with the aim of augmenting the proportion of premium-quality fruits, a robotic grading end-effector system for harvesting was meticulously designed. The end-effector could measure the soluble solid content (SSC) of peaches during the harvesting process to evaluate the quality of the fruit, thereby facilitating real-time grading during harvesting. As comprising a harvesting component and an information-gathering segment, the end-effector system was optimized with the primary structural parameters of its adaptive fingers using a mathematical model of peach morphology. Also, the buffering materials for mitigating the pressure exerted by the adaptive fingers on the peaches were compared. Furthermore, feasibility analyses of the grasping actions were conducted based on the interaction forces between the adaptive fingers and the peaches. To grade the quality of peaches, SSC was used as an indicator to assess and grade the quality of the peaches. The spectra of peaches within the wavelength range of 590-1100 nm were collected, and a predictive model for SSC was developed. The correlation coefficients for the calibration set and prediction sets of the predictive model were 0.880 and 0.890, with corresponding root mean square errors of 0.370% and 0.357% Brix, respectively. In addition, a robustness and accuracy assessment was conducted using 30 peach samples, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.936 and a standard error of 0.386% Brix between the predicted and measured values of SSC. The results confirm that the end-effector can measure the SSC of peaches during the collection process, providing novel concepts and theoretical foundations for real-time harvesting and grading.

METASTABLE EXTENSION OF SOLID SOLUBILITY OF RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS IN Al

The splat folis of Al-RE(RE=Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Eu,Gd,Tb,Dy,Er and Yb) binary alloys of 0.04—0.06 mm thickness were made by are-melting and hammer-anvil technique,the.cooling rate is in 10~6 K/s order of magnitude.The metastable extended solid solubilities of these RE elements have been evaluated by measurements of the lattice spacings of the rapidly solidified(RS)Al-RE alloys,they are 0.4,0.15,0.21,0.21,0.3, 0.5,0.1,0.6,0.65,0.7,0.75,0.2 at.-% for above individual RE clements,respectively.The secondary phase in RS Al-RE alloys were identified to be Al_4RE for alloys containing light RE and Eu elements and Al_3 RE for alloys containing heavy RE and Y elements. Some factors influencing the extension of solid solubility of Al-RE alloy were discussed.

Application Fourier transform near infrared spectrometer in rapid estimation of soluble solids content of intact citrus fruits

Nondestructive method of measuring soluble solids content (SSC) of citrus fruits was developed using Fourier transform near infrared reflectance (FT-NIR) measurements collected through optics fiber. The models describing the relationship between SSC and the NIR spectra of citrus fruits were developed and evaluated. Different spectra correction algorithms (standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative signal correction (MSC)) were used in this study. The relationship between laboratory SSC and FT-NIR spectra of citrus fruits was analyzed via principle component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS) re- gression method. Models based on the different spectral ranges were compared in this research. The first derivative and second derivative were applied to all spectra to reduce the effects of sample size, light scattering, instrument noise, etc. Different baseline correction methods were applied to improve the spectral data quality. Among them the second derivative method after baseline correction produced best noise removing capability and yielded optimal calibration models. A total of 170 NIR spectra were acquired; 135 NIR spectra were used to develop the calibration model; the remaining spectra were used to validate the model. The developed PLS model describing the relationship between SSC and NIR reflectance spectra could predict SSC of 35 samples with correlation coefficient of 0.995 and RMSEP of 0.79 °Brix.

Measurement of soluble solids content in watermelon by Vis/NIR diffuse transmittance technique

Watermelon is a popular fruit in the world with soluble solids content （SSC） being one of the major characteristics used for assessing its quality. This study was aimed at obtaining a method for nondestructive SSC detection of watermelons by means of visible/near infrared （Vis/NIR） diffuse transmittance technique. Vis/NIR transmittance spectra of intact watermelons were acquired using a low-cost commercially available spectrometer operating over the range 350-1000 nm. Spectra data were analyzed by two multivariate calibration techniques： partial least squares （PLS） and principal component regression （PCR） methods. Two experiments were designed for two varieties of watermelons [Qilin （QL）, Zaochunhongyu （ZC）], which have different skin thickness range and shape dimensions. The influences of different data preprocessing and spectra treatments were also investigated. Performance of different models was assessed in terms of root mean square errors of calibration （RMSEC）, root mean square errors of prediction （RMSEP） and correlation coefficient （r） between the predicted and measured parameter values. Results showed that spectra data preprocessing influenced the performance of the calibration models. The first derivative spectra showed the best results with high correlation coefficient of determination [r=0.918 （QL）; r=0.954 （ZC）], low RMSEP [0.65 °Brix （QL）; 0.58 °Brix （ZC）], low RMSEC [0.48 °Brix （QL）; 0.34°Brix （ZC）] and small difference between the＇RMSEP and the RMSEC by PLS method. The nondestructive Vis/NIR measurements provided good estimates of SSC index of watermelon, and the predicted values were highly correlated with destructively measured values for SSC. The models based on smoothing spectra （Savitzky-Golay filter smoothing method） did not enhance the performance of calibration models obviously. The results indicated the feasibility of Vis/NIR diffuse transmittance spectral analysis for predicting watermelon SSC in a nondestructive way.

ESTIMATION OF SOLUBILITY OF SOLIDS IN SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE

Peng-Robinson equation of state（PR EOS）was chosen for modeling the thermodynamic be-havior of supercritical（SC）-CO2/Solid systems.The necessary critical constants and acentric factorof the solute were obtained by the Sigmund and Trebble（1992）method based on the molecular weightand boiling temperature,and the vapor pressure of the solute was calculated by its meltingtemperature and heat of fusion.This approach compared very favorably with the conventional corres-ponding state theory,but without using critical constants and vapor pressure of solutes.Four mixingrules were tested for the calculation of solid solubility in SC-CO2.van der Waals（vdW）mixing rulewith one parameter was considered to be most suitable for the estimation of solubility.A simplecorrelation was developed for the SC-CO2/solid binary interaction coefficient kij with the meltingtemperature of pure solutes.The solubilities of solids in SC-CO2 were estimated for eleven binarysystems at various temperatures,the total absolute

Solid solubility and photoluminescence of Y_3Al_5O_(12):Ce^(3+)prepared by using(Y_(1-x)Ce_x)_2O_3 as precursor

Trivalent cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet （YAG：Ce3＋） phosphors are synthesized by solid-state reaction method through using （Yl-xCex）203 solid solutions as precursors. Solid solubility limits of Ce3＋ replacing y3＋ in Y203 and YAG are determined to be 40% and 7.5%, respectively, based on the relationship between the lattice param- eter and chemical composition. Using （Y1-xCex）203 as precursors we synthesize YAG：Ce3＋single phase at 1450 ~C and N2 atmosphere. However, under the same conditions using CeO2 there exists a second phase YA103 as impurity. The photoluminescence intensity of YAG：Ce3＋ increases monotonically with the increase of Ce concentration until it reaches a maximum at solid solubility limits of Ce3＋ in YAG.

Experimental Determination of Solid Solubility of Ce、La、Nd、Sm in Fe or Ni

The solid solubility of Ce、La、Sm and Nd in Fe or N i at various temperature was determined by means of a diffusion-couple method with the aid of an electron probe microanalyzer.Two methods,namely area method and whole range method,were proposed for data processing in the present paper.The principle and re- lated problems in the experimental determination of the solid solubility of rare-earth elements in Fe or Ni by use of the above mentioned methods were also discussed.

Enhanced dissolution of poorly soluble antiviral drugs from nanoparticles of cellulose acetate based solid dispersion matrices

Polysaccharide-based polymers were used to produce nanoparticles of poorly soluble antiviral drugs using a rapid precipitation process. The structure-property relationships of four novel cellulose acetate-based polymers were studied for their solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs. Particles were purified by dialysis, and dried powders were recovered after freeze-drying. The particle diameters were 150–200 nm. The target drug loading in the particles was 25 wt%, and the drug loading efficiencies were 80–96%. The effects of the formulation process and nanoparticle properties on drug solubility were investigated. All nanoparticles afforded increased solubility and faster release compared to pure drugs. Drug release was a function of the relative hydrophobicity (or solubility parameters) of the polymers.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University.

Low Mantle Perovskite:Solid Solution, Spin State of Iron and Water Solubility

Silicate perovskites（（Mg, Fe）SiO 3 and CaS iO 3） are believed to be the major constituent minerals in the lower mantle. The phase relation, solid solution, spin state of iron and water solubility related to the lower mantle perovskite are of great effect on the geodynamics of the Earth＇s interior and on ore mineralization. Previous studies indicate that a large amount of iron coupled with aluminum can incorporate into magnesium perovskite, but this is discordant with the disproportionation of（Mg,Fe）SiO 3 perovskite into iron-free MgS i O3 perovskite and hexagonal phase（Mg0.6Fe0.4）SiO 3 in the Earth＇s lower mantle. MnS iO 3 is the first chemical component confirmed to form wide range solid solution with Ca SiO 3 perovskite and complete solid solution with MgS i O3 perovskite at the P-T conditions in the lower mantle, and addition of Mn Si O3 will strongly affects the mutual solubility between Mg Si O3 and CaS iO 3. The spin state of iron is deeply depends on the site occupation of the Fe3＋or Fe2＋, the synthesis and the annealing conditions of the sample. It seems that the spin state of Fe2＋ in the lower mantle perovskite can be settled as high spin, however, the existence of intermediate spin or low spin state of Fe2＋ in perovskite has not been clarified. Moreover, different results have also been reported for the spin state of Fe3＋ in perovskite. The water solubility of the lower mantle perovskite is related with its composition. In pure Mg SiO 3 perovskite, only less than 500 ppm water was reported. Al–Mg Si O3 perovskite or Al–Fe–MgS iO 3 perovskite in the lower mantle accommodates water of 1100 to 1800 ppm. Further experiments are necessary to clarify the detailed conditions for perovskite solid solution, to reliably analyze the valence and spin states of iron in the coexisting iron-bearing phases, and to compare the water solubility of different phases at different layers for deeply understanding the geodynamics of the Earth＇s interior and ore mineralization.

Model evaluation for the prediction of solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients(APIs) to guide solid–liquid separator design

The assumptions and models for solubility modelling or prediction in systems using nonpolar solvents, or water and complex triterpene and other active pharmaceutical ingredients as solutes aren't well studied. Furthermore, the assumptions concerning heat capacity effects(negligibility, experimental values or approximations) are explored, using non-polar solvents(benzene), or water as reference solvents, for systems with solute melting points in the range of 306–528 K and molecular weights in the range of 90–442 g/mol. New empirical estimation methods for the Δ_(fus)C_(pi) of APIs are presented which correlate the solute molecular masses and van der Waals surface areas with Δ_(fus)C_(pi). Separate empirical parameters were required for oxygenated and non-oxygenated solutes. Subsequently, the predictive capabilities of the various approaches to solubility modelling for complex pharmaceuticals,for which data is limited, are analysed. The solute selection is based on a principal component analysis, considering molecular weights, fusion temperatures, and solubilities in a non-polar solvent, alcohol, and water, where data was available. New NRTL-SAC parameters were determined for selected steroids, by regression. The original UNIFAC, modified UNIFAC(Dortmund), COSMO-RS(OL), and COSMO-SAC activity coefficient predictions are then conducted, based on the availability of group constants and sigma profiles. These are undertaken to assess the predictive capabilities of these models when each assumption concerning heat capacity is employed. The predictive qualities of the models are assessed, based on the mean square deviation and provide guidelines for model selection, and assumptions concerning phase equilibrium, when designing solid–liquid separators for the pharmaceutical industry on process simulation software. The most suitable assumption regarding Δ_(fus)C_(pi) was found to be system specific, with modified UNIFAC(Dortmund) performing well in benzene as a solvent system, while original UNIFAC performs better in aqueous systems.Original UNIFAC outperforms other predictive models tested in the triterpene/steroidal systems,with no significant influence from the assumptions regarding Δ_(fus)C_(pi).

Solid Solubility and Age Hardening of Rapidly Solidified Al-Er Alloys

The metastable extension of solid solubility and age hardening of rapidly solidified Al-Er alloy were inves- tigated.The splat foils(0.04～0.06 mm in thickness)and spun ribbons(0.02～0.04 mm in thickness)of Al-Er alloys were prepared by melt hammer-anvil and melt spinning techniques,respectively.The cooling rate was about 10~6～10~7 K/s.The metastable extended solid solubility of Er in Al evaluated by measurements of lat- tice parameters of rapidly solidified alloys was 0.75 at%.An age hardening response was observed in the quenched and aged specimen.The precipitate responsible for age hardening was identified to be Cu_3Au type cubic Al_3Er.

MICROSTRUCTURE AND EXTENDED SOLID SOLUBILITY OF Tb IN RAPIDLY SOLIDIFIED Ag-Tb ALLOY

The 0,05—0.08 mm thick splat foils of Ag-Tb alloy,containing Tb up to 10 at.-%,were made by the hammer-anvil technique.The cooling rate was in order of 10~6 K/s.The metastable extension of solid solubility of Tb in the alloy was measured to be up to 5 at.-% by lattice parameter method.The secondary phase in metastable eutectic structure was identi- fied as Ag_3Tb from diffraction pattern.The microstructure and micro-defect in as-quenched Ag-Tb splat foil were also observed.

Effects of CO2 Enrichment on Yield,Soluble Solid Content and Downy Mildew of Greenhouse Grape

With‘Victoria'grape as a material,the effects of increasing 1200 mg/L of CO_2 on yield,soluble solid content and downy mildew of grape were studied in greenhouse.The results showed that when CO_2 was increased at a rate of 1200 mg/L in greenhouse,‘Victoria'fruit was harvested 8 d in advance,and compared with no increase of CO_2,the transverse diameter,longitudinal diameter,average single grain weight,commodity fruit yield at early stage and total yield of commodity fruit increased by 35.07%,7.37%,17.39%,24.88%,46.14% and 20.61%,respectively,with very significant differences.The incidence and disease index of grape downy mildew decreased by more than 50%,indicating a significant control effect.Therefore,increasing CO_2 in greenhouse could bring forward grape harvest,significantly improve yield and soluble solids content of grape and reduce the incidence of grape downy mildew.

Nondestructive determination of soluble solids and firmness in mix-cultivar melon using near-infrared CCD spectroscopy

Nondestructive evaluation of melon quality is in great need of comprehensive study.Soluble solids content(SSC)and firmness are the two indicators of melon internal quality that mostly a®ect consumer acceptance.To provide guidance for fruit classification,internal quality standards was preliminarily established through sensory test,as:Melon with SSC over 12
Brix,firmness 4–5.5 kgf·cm^(-2)2 were considered as satisfactory class sample;and SSC over 10
Brix,¯rmness 3.5–6.5 kgf·cm^(-2) as average class sample.The near infrared(NIR)nondestructive detection program was set as spectra collected from the stylar-end,Brix expressed by the average SSC of inner and outer mesocarp,each cultivar of melon was detected with its own optimum integration time,and the second derivative algorithm was used to equalize them.Using wavelength selected by genetic algorithms(GA),a robust SSC model of mix-cultivar melon was established,the root mean standard error of cross-validation(RMSECV)was 0.99 and the ratio performance deviation(RPD)nearly reached 3.0,which almost could meet the accuracy requirement of 1.5
Brix.Firmness model of mix-cultivar melon was acceptable but inferior.

Comparison between methods for predicting maximum solid solubility of transition metals in solvent metal

It is important to know the maximum solid solubility( C max ) of various transition metals in a metal when one designs multi component alloys. There have been several semi empirical approaches to qualitatively predict the C max , such as Darken Gurry(D G) theorem, Miedema Chelikowsky(M C) theorem, electron concentration rule and the bond parameter rule. However, they are not particularly valid for the prediction of C max . It was developed on the basis of energetics of alloys as a new method to predict C max of different transition metals in metal Ti, which can be described as a semi empirical equation using the atomic parameters, i e, electronegativity difference, atomic diameter and electron concentration. It shows that the present method can be used to explain and deduce D G theorem, M C theorem and electron concentration rule.

Organic Manures Improved the Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and Soluble Solids in Pepper

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of three organic manures (vermicompost, simple compost, compost with gypsum) with four different levels, as sources of fertilization, and mixed with river sand, this was used as an inert material, on the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and total soluble solids of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). The 12 mixtures formulated, with eight replications, were distributed in a completely randomized design. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and means were compared by test Tukey5%. All variables were significantly affected (p ≤ 0.001). Fruits with highest phenolic content were developed in the mixtures M2, M5 and M6 with 538.76, 541.54 and 565.04 mg GAE·100 kg-1 DW, respectively. Antioxidant capacity of fruits was increased with mixtures M2, M5, M6 and M7 with values of 934.48, 942.04, 921.69 and 924.17 μM TEAC·g-1 DW, respectively. The soluble solids content was higher in mixtures M1 and M2 with values of 4.93 and 4.97 °Brix, respectively. It was concluded that the variables studied were favored when applying, as sources of fertilization, mixtures of these organic manures with river sand, which could represent a suitable alternative for food production with quality nutraceutical.

Online quantitative analysis of soluble solids content in navel oranges using visible-nearinfrared spectroscopy and variable selection methods

Variable selection is applied widely for visible-near infrared(Vis-NIR)spectroscopy analysis of internal quality in fruits.Different spectral variable selection methods were compared for online quantitative analysis of soluble solids content(SSC)in navel oranges.Moving window partial least squares(MW-PLS),Monte Carlo uninformative variables elimination(MC-UVE)and wavelet transform(WT)combined with the MC-UVE method were used to select the spectral variables and develop the calibration models of online analysis of SSC in navel oranges.The performances of these methods were compared for modeling the Vis NIR data sets of navel orange samples.Results show that the WT-MC-UVE methods gave better calibration models with the higher correlation cofficient(r)of 0.89 and lower root mean square error of prediction(RMSEP)of 0.54 at 5 fruits per second.It concluded that Vis NIR spectroscopy coupled with WT-MC-UVE may be a fast and efective tool for online quantitative analysis of SSC in navel oranges.

Physicochemical Characterization and Solubility Enhancement Studies of Mebendazole Solid Dispersions in Solvent Mixtures

Abstract： The objective was to obtain solid dispersion to improve the dissolution rate, solubility and oral absorption of MB （mebendazole）, poor water-soluble drugs. The new formulation was characterized by DSC （differential scanning calorimetry）, PXRD （powder X-ray diffraction）, FT-1R （fourier transform infrared spectroscopy） and STEM （scanning transmission electron microscopy） methods. Solid dispersions of MB with polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 （PVP K30） were prepared by solvent evaporation method. The solubility of MB （original powder） and that of the solid dispersions was measured at 25℃ in ethanol-water. The aqueous solubility of MB was favoured by the presence of the polymer in solvent mixtures. Combination of solid dispersions with co-solvents increased the water solubility of MB in a larger extent that each method separately. Solubility parameter （o） was used to relate to solubility profiles. MB and the solid dispersions show a solubility curve with a single peak at 51 = 30.78 MPav2. Solid state characterizations indicated that the solid dispersion exist an amorphous material entrapped in polymer matrix getting highest improvement in wettability and solubility.

Maximum solid solubility of transition metals in vanadium solvent

Maximum solid solubility (C_ max) of different transition metals in metal solvent can be described by a semi-empirical equation using function Z_f that contains electronegativity difference, atomic diameter and electron concentration. The relation between C_ max and these parameters of transition metals in vanadium solvent was studied. It is shown that the relation of C_ max and function Z_f can be expressed as lnC_ max=Z_f= 7.3165- 2.7805(ΔX) 2- 71.278δ 2-0.85556n 2/3. The factor of atomic size parameter has the largest effect on the C_ max of the V binary alloy; followed by the factor of electronegativity difference; the electrons concentration has the smallest effect among the three bond parameters. Function Z_f is used for predicting the unknown C_ max of the transition metals in vanadium solvent. The results are compared with Darken-Gurry theorem, which can be deduced by the obtained function Z_f in this work.

Rules for maximum solid solubility of transition metals in Ti,Zr and Hf solvents

Based on the principle of energy change of alloy formation, the rules for the maximum solid solubility ( C max ) of various transition metals in the metals Ti, Zr and Hf were studied. It is deduced that the C max of transition metals in the metals Ti, Zr and Hf can be described as a semi empirical equation using three atomic parameters, i.e., electronegativity difference, atomic diameter and electron concentration. From the equation analysis by using experimental data, it shows that atomic size parameter and electronegativity difference are the main factors that affect the C max of the transition metals in the metals Ti, Zr and Hf while electron concentration parameter has the smallest effect on C max .