Optimization of high pressure machine decocting process for Dachengqi Tang using HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken experimental design

Using Dachengqi Tang（DCQT） as a model, high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）fingerprints were applied to optimize machine extracting process with the Box–Behnken experimental design. HPLC fingerprints were carried out to investigate the chemical ingredients of DCQT; synthetic weighing method based on analytic hierarchy process（AHP） and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation（CRITIC） was performed to calculate synthetic scores of fingerprints; using the mark ingredients contents and synthetic scores as indicators, the Box–Behnken design was carried out to optimize the process parameters of machine decocting process under high pressure for DCQT. Results of optimal process showed that the herb materials were soaked for 45 min and extracted with 9 folds volume of water in the decocting machine under the temperature of 140 1C till the pressure arrived at 0.25 MPa;then hot decoction was excreted to soak Dahuang and Mangxiao for 5 min. Finally, obtained solutions were mixed, filtrated and packed. It concluded that HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken experimental design could be used to optimize extracting process of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）.

GEAR BOX CONCEPT DESIGN EXPERT SYSTEM OF NC MILLER BASED ON OBJECT─ORIENTED TECHNOLOGY

The method and basic structure of object─oriented knowledge representation are presented in detail and the hierarchical structurc of object description is explained Based on object─oriented technology.the gear box concept design expert cistem of NC miller (GBCDLS) has been developed and applied to practical use.Moreover. the design principlc and techniques of GBCDES are discussed and analyzed. and the main functions of GBCDES are described. From the results of applications.it can be seen that GBCDES is effective and successful.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON ELASTIC－PLASTIC CONTROLLING DESIGN FOR BOX STEEL STRUCTURES

The principle of increasing structural loading abillity by the using of elastic-plastic con- trolling design, which can make steel reach a highcr yield slrength through controlling undue strains produced in loaded box steel structures and no damager to the static mechanical properties of the used materials, is dealt with under the guarantee of strength, rigidity, and stability. A new idea of elastic--plastic controlling design, which is mainly based on the elastic-plastic theory and experi- mental results and is different from the current design which is mainly based handbooks and design- er' s experience, is established. That is: the loading time and its effect on loaded structures are con- sidered, and the potential strength in used matcrials is fully utilized through the controlling of struc- tural strains in design. By the using of this design method, the weight and cost of box structures will be reduced in large amount.

Evaluation of VSK separation in the classification of two mineralogically different iron ore fines

With gradually diminishing Fe grade in tandem with the ever-increasing demand for high-grade iron ores,iron ore industries are now focusing on the beneficiation of low-grade iron ore fines,mainly considered waste.Besides,the scarcity of water at many of the mines’sites and the new water conservation policies of the governments have necessitated research on suitable dry beneficiation routes.In this context,an effort has been made to evaluate the efficacy of a dry classification unit,such as the VSK separator,in upgrading the iron values of two low-grade Indian iron ore fines,named Sample 1 and Sample 2.The mineralogical studies,involving scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction,suggest that Sample 1 is a low-grade blue dust sample(51.2wt%Fe)containing hematite and quartz as the major minerals,while Sample 2(53.3wt%Fe)shows the presence of goethite in addition to hematite and quartz.The experiments,carried out using Box-Benkhen statistical design,indicate that blower speed,followed by feed rate,is the most influencing operating parameter in obtaining a good product in the VSK separator.At optimum levels of the operating factors,a fines product with~55wt%Fe at a yield of~40%can be obtained from Sample 1,while Sample 2 can be upgraded to~56wt%Fe at a yield of~85%.The results suggest that the VSK separator can be employed as an efficient intermediate unit operation in a processing circuit to upgrade the iron contents of iron ore fines.

Screening and verification of the factors influencing somatic embryo maturation of Larix olgensis

With embryogenic callus of Larix olgensisis, we investigated the effects of inositol, glutamine, casein hydrolysate, carbohydrate, abscisic acid and silver nitrate concentration on the maturation of the somatic embryo.Three dominant factors emerged, and we developed a response surface model based on the Box-Behnken design.We defined the optimal conditions for the maturation of somatic embryos. The contents of abscisic acid, silver nitrate, sucrose and casein hydrolysis significantly affected the amount of maturing embryos, but inositol, maltose and glutamine had no effect. By establishing a response surface model with multiple factors, we predicted that the optimal number of L. olgensis somatic embryos was 204 ± 4 gon basal medium, containing 18.28 mg Labscisic acid,5.46 mg Lsilver nitrate and 82.67 g Lsucrose. In the verification experiments, the addition of 20 mg Labscisic acid, 5 mg Lsilver nitrate and 80 g Lsucrose to BM yielded an average of 202.06 somatic embryos per gram. These results should guide large-scale breeding of L. olgensis.

Optimization for Microbial Degradation of Dibenzothiophene by Pseudomonas sp. LKY-5 Using Response Surface Methodology

In this research, the degradation of dibenzothiophene(DBT) was investigated by using Pseudomonas sp. LKY-5 isolated from oil contaminated soil. The response surface methodology(RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design(BBD) was applied for evaluating the interactive effects of four independent variables including substrate concentration, temperature, pH and agitation rate on the DBT removal response. A total of 29 experiments for four factors at three levels were conducted in present study. A second-order regression model was then developed, and the analysis of variance(ANOVA) illustrated that the proposed quadratic model could be utilized to navigate the design space. The value of determination coefficient(R2=0.953 4) indicated a satisfactory agreement between the quadratic model and the experimental data. It was found that DBT removal was more significantly affected(P<0.000 1) by substrate concentration compared with other three parameters. An 100% degradation of DBT could be obtained by Pseudomonas sp. LKY-5 at a substrate concentration of 100 mg/L.

Mineral Fertilizer Use for Optimal Groundnut Production in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian Zones of Benin

Abstract This study aims to determine the optimal N, P, K, Mg and Zn rates for groundnut production on Ferric and Plintic Luvisol in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian zones of Benin Republic. Two years (2018 and 2019) experiment was carried out in the municipality of Ouessè in the Sudano-Guinean zone and Bembèrèkè in the Sudanian zone. The tested nutrient doses were N (0, 20 and 40 kg⋅ha−1), P (0, 25 and 50 kg⋅ha−1), K (0, 20 and 40 kg⋅ha−1), Mg (0, 15 and 30 kg⋅ha−1) and Zn (0, 4 and 8 kg⋅ha−1). The Box and Behnken rotating design is used to define the N, P, K, Mg and Zn rate combinations leading to 46 combinations. A completely randomized bloc design was setting up considering farmers as replication. In total, four farmers’ fields were selected. A one-way analysis of variance is carried out on yield data, using the linear mixed-effect model. Response surface analyses were used to determine the optimal doses for each N, P, K, Mg and Zn. Nodule production (6.5 times higher than the control), number of gynophores (2.8 times higher than the control) and root length (19.2 ± 0.2 cm) of groundnut plants were significantly (p = 0.0001) improved with nutrient application. The response surface analysis shows that treatments N-P-K-Mg-Zn of 16.01-20.18-6.70-5.65-2.47 (in the Sudano-Guinean zone) and 13.1-25.07-11.47-0-1.82 (in the Sudanian zone) are the optimal rates that have induced optimal yield of 2.1 t⋅ha−1 (i.e. 2.5 times the yield in the farmers’ field) pod yield and the best return on investment per hectare. Nevertheless, for a sustainable groundnut producproduction, treatment 13.1-25.07-11.47-20-1.82 is suggested as regular K input is required for the respect of the fertilization laws.

<i>In-Silico</i>Validation and Development of Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle for Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders

Background: Recent decades witnessed a significant growth in terms of phytocompounds based therapeutics, extensively explored for almost all types of existing disorders. They have also been widely investigated in Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) and Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic compound having potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, emerged as a promising compound in ameliorating NDDs. Owing to its poor stability, bioavailability and release kinetics, CGA needed a suitable nanocarrier based pharmaceutical design for targeting NDDs. Objective: The current study is aimed at the in-silico validation of CGA as an effective therapeutic agent targeting various NDDs followed by the fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles-based carrier system to overcome its pharmacological limitations and improve its stability. Methods: A successful in-silico validation using molecular docking techniques along with synthesis of CGA loaded polymeric nanoparticles (CGA-NPs) by ionic gelation method was performed. The statistical optimisation of the developed CGA-NPs was done by Box Behnken method and then the optimized formulation of CGA-NPs was characterised using particle size analysis (PSA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) along with in-vitro release kinetics analysis. Results & Conclusion: The results attained exhibited average particle size of 101.9 ± 1.5 nm, Polydispersibility (PDI) score of 0.065 and a ZP of −17.4 mV. On a similar note, TEM results showed a size range of CGA-NPs between 90 - 110 nm with a spherical shape of NPs. Also, the data from in-vitro release kinetics showed a sustained release of CGA from the NPs following the first-order kinetics suggesting the appropriate designing of nanoformulation.

Statistically designed enzymatic hydrolysis of an icariin/b-cyclodextrin inclusion complex optimized for production of icaritin

This study focuses on the preparation and enzymic hydrolysis of an icariin/bcyclodextrin inclusion complex to efficiently generate icaritin.The physical characteristics of the inclusion complex were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).Enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized for the conversion of icariin/b-cyclodextrin complex to icaritin by Box–Behnken statistical design.The inclusion complex formulation increased the solubility of icariin approximately 17-fold,from 29.2 to 513.5 mg/mL at 60℃.The optimum conditions were predicted by Box–Behnken statistical design as follows:60℃,pH 7.0,the ratio of enzyme/substrate(1:1.1)and reaction time 7 h.Under the optimal conditions the conversion of icariin was 97.91%and the reaction time was decreased by 68%compared with that without b-CD inclusion.Product analysis by melting point,ESI-MS,UV,IR,1H NMR and 13C NMR confirmed the authenticity of icaritin with a purity of 99.3%and a yield of 473 mg of icaritin from 1.1 g icariin.

A general White–Box strategy for designing thermoelectric cooling system

Thermoelectric cooling(TEC)is critically important in thermal management of laser modules or chips and potentially for personalized thermoregulation.The formulae for efficiency in standard textbooks can only describe the performance of a TEC module with ideal thermal conditions,that is,fixed terminal temperatures,but are unable to deal with a real TEC system where heat transfer at its interfaces with the heat source and sink are finite and with thermal resistances.Here,we define the TEC system-level performance indices,that is,the maximum cooling power,temperature difference,and coefficient of performance,by introducing a set of explicit formulae.The external heat transfer conditions are taken into account as dimensionless thermal resistance parameters.With these formulae,the TEC system performances are evaluated elegantly with errors well within±5%over broad operating conditions.We further optimize the cooling power and the coefficient of performance in practical scenarios and establish a general White–Box design procedure for TEC systems,which enables a transparent design process and straightforward analysis of performance bottlenecks.A set of cooling experiments are performed to validate the analytical model and to illustrate the dependence of system design on realistic thermal conditions.By choosing the suitable TEC module parameter under given external heat transfer conditions,the cooling power can be improved by more than 100%.This work sheds some light on the integral design of TEC systems for broad applications to take full advantage of the advanced thermoelectric materials in the cooling field.

Fragmentation of fuel pellets during transport via a belt conveyor:A design of experiment study

This work investigates the proportion of generated fines in a pilot-scale experiment using a belt conveyor and commercial fuel pellets.For this,a belt conveyor with a length of 3.1 m was used and operated at varying conditions:speeds,percentages of material loading on the belt,two combinations of the inclination angle of the belt and the falling height,and a different number of handling steps.We considered a design of experiments approach based on response surface methodology to investigate the effect of different conditions on the potential of fines generation.Moreover,a comparison between the results of the belt conveyor and three common benchmark experimental approaches(tumbling box,rotary impact tester,and mechanical compression test)was made.Results show that the number of handling steps and the combined effect of drop height and inclination angle directly affected the fines generation.However,the tested belt speed range and the level of loading were of lower significance.A polynomial quadratic model was derived based on the regression analysis and showed a high accuracy to predict the proportion of fines.Moreover,the tumbling box method showed good potential to predict the proportion of fines in a belt conveyor when transported several times.

Box Behnken design-based optimized extraction of non-dioxin-like PCBs for GC-ECD and GC-MS analyses in milk samples

A multivariate optimization process of the sample extraction procedure by Box-Behnken design through a global desirability function is described for the determination of six non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(NDL-PCBs#28,52,101,153,138 and 180)in milk by GC-ECD and mass spectrometry.Three factors were involved in refining the extraction conditions:the acetone percentage in the extraction mixture,the sample/solvent ratio,and the extraction time.The three-factor design required 26 experiments that were carried out in duplicate and in a randomized order to minimize the bias effects of uncontrolled variables.The optimized factors(acetone percentage:30%;sample-to-solvent ratio:0.11 g mL^-1;extraction time:45 min)ensured a low solvent consumption and a reduced extraction time,allowing a rapid and simultaneous preparation of multiple sample extracts.The method was validated according to the European directives(Decision 657/2002/EC,SANTE 2017/11813/EC)through the evaluation of linearity,selectivity,LOD,LOQ,recovery,precision,and ruggedness.

Formulation development and evaluation of gastroretentive floating beads with Brucea javanica oil using ionotropic gelation technology

In the present study, a gastric retention floating system for Brucea javanica oil, composed of alginate and carrageenan, was prepared using ionotropic gelation. Parameters for floatability, drug load, encapsulation efficiency, bead morphology, in vitro release, and in vivo gastric retention were evaluated. The optimized formulation via Box–Behnken design consisted of 1.7% alginate(W/V), 1.02% carrageenan(W/V), 1.4% CaCO_3(W/V), and a gelling bath of pH 0.8. The alginate–carrageenan–Brucea javanica oil beads had a porous structure and exhibited up to 24 h of in vitro floatability with a load capacity of 45%–55% and an encapsulation efficiency of 70%–80%. A 6-h sustained release was observed in vitro. The beads had a prolonged gastric retention(> 60% at 6 h) in fasted rats, compared to non-floating beads(15% at 6 h), as measured by gamma scintigraphy with single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography(SPET/CT). In conclusion, the alginate–carrageenan–Brucea javanica oil system showed enhanced oil encapsulation efficiency, excellent floating and gastric retention abilities, and a favorable release behavior.

Ethanol mediated As(Ⅲ) adsorption onto Zn-loaded pinecone biochar：Experimental investigation,modeling,and optimization using hybrid artificial neural network-genetic algorithm approach

Organic matters（OMs） and their oxidization products often influence the fate and transport of heavy metals in the subsurface aqueous systems through interaction with the mineral surfaces. This study investigates the ethanol（EtO H）-mediated As（Ⅲ） adsorption onto Zn-loaded pinecone（PC） biochar through batch experiments conducted under Box–Behnken design. The effect of EtO H on As（Ⅲ） adsorption mechanism was quantitatively elucidated by fitting the experimental data using artificial neural network and quadratic modeling approaches. The quadratic model could describe the limiting nature of EtO H and pH on As（Ⅲ） adsorption,whereas neural network revealed the stronger influence of Et OH（64.5%） followed by pH（20.75%）and As（Ⅲ） concentration（14.75%） on the adsorption phenomena. Besides, the interaction among process variables indicated that Et OH enhances As（Ⅲ） adsorption over a pH range of2 to 7, possibly due to facilitation of ligand–metal（Zn） binding complexation mechanism.Eventually, hybrid response surface model–genetic algorithm（RSM–GA） approach predicted a better optimal solution than RSM, i.e., the adsorptive removal of As（Ⅲ）（10.47 μg/g） is facilitated at 30.22 mg C/L of Et OH with initial As（Ⅲ） concentration of 196.77 μg/L at pH 5.8. The implication of this investigation might help in understanding the application of biochar for removal of various As（Ⅲ） species in the presence of OM.

Parametric study on the mixed solvent synthesis of ZIF-8 nano- and micro-particles for CO adsorption: A response surface study

The room temperature synthesis of ZIF-8 micro-and nano-particles was investigated using a mixed methanol-water solvent system.ZIF-8 particles of good quality and high crystallinity were obtained.Response surface methodology was used to determine the effect of the synthesis conditions on the ZIF-8 yield,particle size distribution,and mean particle size.The ligand/metal salt molar ratio followed by the amount of sodium formate(the deprotonating agent)and then the amount of water(i.e,the composition of the mixed solvent)respectively had the largest effects on both the ZIF-8 yield and particle size.Results showed that mixing of solvents with different strengths in producing ZIF-8 crystals is a practical method to size-controlled synthesis of ZIF-8 particles.This method is more favorable for industrial-scale ZIF-8 synthesis than using excess amounts of ligands or chemical additives(like sodium formate).In addition,ZIF-8 samples with different mean particle sizes(100,500,and 1000 nm)were used for CO adsorption and the mid-sized ZIF-8 particles had the highest adsorption capacity.

Transesterification of castor oil:neuro‑fuzzy modelling,uncertainty quantification and optimization study

This study conducted experiments used for the development of both the regression model with uncertainty analysis and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system(ANFIS)model for the prediction of the yield of biodiesel(YB)produced from castor oil in the presence of calcium oxide derived from the eggshell.Box Behnken design(BBD)was used to develop the experimental condition for five different variables while YB was the response.Uncertainty analysis was determined from Monte Carlo simulation(MCS).The model was optimized and validated before the generated data was applied in the three ANFIS modelling techniques.Root mean square error(RMSE),coefficient of correlation(R^(2))and average percentage error(APE)were used to determine the accuracy of the models developed.The result of this modelling shows that the optimum YB(94.29%)was achieved at a methanol to oil ratio of 11.48,catalyst loading of 3.38 wt%,reaction time of 1.84 h,the temperature of 60.2℃,and agitation of 343.5 rpm.The prediction from BBD,ANFIS and MCS agreed that the methanol to oil ratio was the most important parameter for investigation.The considered ANFIS model technique(subtractive clustering)for the modelling of YB outperformed BBD model.The novelty of this study are the determination of the optimum condition for the transesterification of castor oil in the presence of thermally treated anthill,the establishment of the use of ANFIS in modelling YB,the prediction of the influence of variables on YB using both statistical and,AI techniques and validation of the predictions from the two methods using MCS.