Effects of short-term controlled atmosphere treatment at elevated temperature on dried fig fruit

Commercial sun-drying has been practiced around the Mediterranean Basin for many centuries. Dried fruit are goods with a long shelf life but many factors including storage pests may limit their marketability. Before the decision to phase it out under the Montreal Protocol, methyl bromide (MB) was the most widely used fumigant to control storage pests due to its efficacy and relatively low cost. Now there is an urgent need to find MB alternatives for post-harvest use. The present research work comprised 3 experiments in 2005-6 carried out in a pilot fumigation chamber designed by EcO₂ (EcO₂ B.V., AG Numansdorp, The Netherlands). The objective was to test the effectiveness of controlled atmosphere (CA) (decreased O₂ at 1 ± 0.5%) at elevated temperature (41 °C) in controlling the major storage pests, fig moth (Ephestia cautella), Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), and dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus spp.). In addition, major quality parameters of the hosts, dried figs, were analyzed soon after the treatments, and after 4 months of storage under ambient conditions, in comparison with MB-treated controls (60 g/m³ for 24 h). The CA treatment can be recommended as a post-harvest MB alternative for dried figs since it provided 100% control of the pest species tested, had neutral or positive effects on dried fruit quality and required comparatively short (c.26 h) treatment times compared with other MB alternatives.     

Influence of Sliding Rate and Load with Friction on NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Wear Resistance

Metal Science and Heat Treatment - The effect of load and sliding rate on wear resistance of a NiTi alloy in martensitic and austenitic conditions with dry friction by a ball–disk scheme is...     

In situ investigation of surfactants’ effect onto electrochemical synthesis and properties of polyfurans

Polyfuran (PFu) films were electrochemically deposited onto gold electro-quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) electrodes using acetonitrile (ACN)/LiClO₄ solvent-electrolyte in presence of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (anionic, DBSA) and polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate (non-ionic, Tween 20) surfactants. The effect of surfactants on structural and conductivity properties of the polymer films was investigated using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and four-probe conductivity measurements. The doping effects of surfactants onto the properties of PFu were correlated with mass gain using in situ EQCM. The conductivity of PFu polymer was measured for PFu with no surfactant and for PFu in presence of two surfactants (Tween 20 and DBSA). Our data indicate that although a fast polymerization, a sharp shift in the frequency and mass changes of the polymer films as well as the highest recorded conductivity of 0.048 S cm^?1 were all obtained for the PFu/Tween 20-2 sample, significantly more PFu films formed with PFu/DBSA than with PFu/Tween 20 samples. We concluded that more PFu films can be obtained when an oxidant and an anionic surfactant (DBSA) are used than when an oxidant is used alone, or when an oxidant is used with a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 20). A part of an anionic surfactant can be incorporated into a PFu structure like an oxidant anion and can act as co-dopant.     

The role of oxygen free radicals in acute renal failure complicating obstructive jaundice: an experimental study

Oxidant injury is considered to be an important mechanism in the pathophysiology of acute renal failure. It has been thought that decrease in extracellular and intracellular fluid and endotoxemia seen in obstructive jaundice may cause an increase in production of oxygen free radicals and impairment in antioxidant defense mechanism. This study is designed to investigate the possible role of oxidant injury in renal failure seen in jaundiced patients. In this study, 28 rats were divided into four groups: Control (C)(N = 7); Renal ischemia (RI)(N = 7); Obstructive jaundice+renal ischemia (OJ+RI)(N = 7); Obstructive jaundice (OJ)(N = 7). All groups were compared with each other according to renal failure findings and enzyme activities, such as Xanthine oxidase (XOD), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase in renal cortex and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), in blood at 3rd day after ischemia and reperfusion. Renal failure findings monitored by blood urea and creatinine levels, seemed more evident in OJ+RI than RI group (p < 0.05). When compared with RI, in OJ+RI group, increase in XOD activity at 3rd day was statistically significant [0.259 +/- 0.01 U/g (tissue) and 0.362 +/- 0.03 U/g (tissue) respectively] (p < 0.05). SOD and GSH-Px activities of each ischemic group at 3rd day were decreased compared to non-ischemic groups. This fall was significant (p < 0.05). But there was no statistical difference between jaundiced and non-jaundiced groups. Alterations in catalase activities also had no statistical significance. These findings may suggest that the injury induced by oxygen free radicals at re-oxygenation of tissue after ischemia may also play a role in the pathogenesis of acute renal failure developed in obstructive jaundice.     

Synthesis,physical properties,and application of aminated poly(glycidyl methacrylate)/zeolite composite

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)/zeolite (PGMA/Z) composite was prepared by free radical polymerization and it was further modified to contain amino groups on its surface, by reacting to hexamethylenediamine. FTIR, TG, and SEM analyses were performed and investigated its potential as an adsorbent for removal of anionic dyes; namely, Reactive Red 120 (RR120) and Reactive Blue 4 (RB4). The effect of operational parameters was investigated. Maximum RR120 and RB4 adsorption capacities of composite were calculated as 136.5 and 189.8 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies were also performed. It was found that the adsorption process might be heterogeneous by nature, and adsorption kinetics of reactive dyes followed the pseudo‐second order. The thermodynamic calculations showed that adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2313–2322, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Dual‐type electrochromic device with single wall carbon nano tube employment in gel electrolyte

A novel conducting polymer‐based electrochromic device is proposed with single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) employment in gel electrolyte. Electrochemical film deposition on indium tin oxide substrates were governed and monitored via cyclic‐voltametry. Construction details of the proposed device are presented with its optimized parameters and SWCNT doping caused a noteworthy enhancement in efficiency and stability of the device performance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Exergoeconomic (Thermoeconomic) Analysis and Performance Assessment of a Gas Engine–Driven Heat Pump Drying System Based on Experimental Data

Exergoeconomic analysis has been used as a powerful tool to study and optimize various types of energy-related systems. In this study, we use the specific exergy cost (SPECO) method to calculate exergy-related parameters and display cost flows for all streams and components in a gas engine–driven heat pump drying system based on the experimental data. We analyze and evaluate the performance of the drying system components and the drying process for three different medicinal and aromatic plants from an exergoeconomic point of view. We also investigate the effect of varying dead (reference) state temperatures on exergoeconomic performance parameters for the drying system components and drying process. Although the condenser and drying chamber of the gas engine–driven heat pump dryer were significantly affected by the ambient temperature, the gas engine was slightly influenced by the ambient temperature. At low ambient temperatures, the exergy rates increased and the most effective performance obtained from this dryer was at 0°C. The performance of the drying process also increased at low ambient temperatures. This study demonstrated that exergoeconomic analysis can provide more information than exergy analysis, and the results obtained from the exergoeconomic analysis provided cost-based information, suggesting potential locations for drying system improvement.     

Effects of surfactants on the characteristics and biosensing properties of polyaniline

To investigate the effects of surfactants on the properties of polyaniline (PANI), a series of PANIs was synthesized in the presence of surfactants by chemical polymerization of aniline in an acidic medium, using (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ as oxidant. Three types of surfactant were used: (i) non‐ionic poly(ethylene oxide) (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and poly(ethylene oxide) (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40); (ii) cationic (1‐tetradecyl)trimethylammonium bromide; and (iii) anionic sodium 1‐dodecanesulfonate and sodium 1‐pentanesulfonate. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the various samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and UV‐visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Calorimetry was used to compare enthalpy changes during polymerization. The electrochemical and glucose biosensor properties of the PANIs were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurements. PANI‐Tween 20 and PANI‐Tween 40 were found to be good for immobilization of glucose oxidase enzymes and potential candidates for use in glucose biosensing. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methacryloylamidotryptophane) nanospheres and their utilization as affinity adsorbents for porcine pancreas lipase adsorption

Novel nanospheres with an average size of 350 nm utilizing N-methacryloyl-(l)-tryptophane methyl ester (MATrp) as a hydrophobic monomer were prepared by surfactant free emulsion polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), (MATrp) conducted in an aqueous dispersion medium. MATrp was synthesized using methacryloyl chloride and (l)-tryptophane methyl ester. Specific surface area of the non-porous nanospheres was found to be 1902.3 m²/g. poly(HEMA–MATrp) nanospheres were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Average particle size and size distribution measurements were also performed. Elemental analysis of MATrp for nitrogen was estimated at 1.36 mmol/g nanospheres. Then, poly(HEMA–MATrp) nanospheres were used in the adsorption of porcine pancreas lipase in a batch system. Using an optimized adsorption protocol, a very high loading of 558 mg enzyme/g nanospheres was obtained. The adsorption phenomena appeared to follow a typical Langmuir isotherm. The K_m value for immobilized lipase (16.26 mM) was higher than that of free enzyme (10.34 mM). It was observed that enzyme could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed without significant loss in adsorption amount or enzyme activity. These findings show considerable promise for this material as an adsorption matrix in industrial processes.     

Residue levels of malathion and fenitrothion and their metabolites in postharvest treated barley during storage and malting

In order to investigate residue levels of malathion and fenitrothion and their metabolites (malaoxon, isomalathion and fenitrooxon) during storage and malting, pesticide-free barley was treated with these insecticides. Barley was placed in a sealed plastic container and treated with a dust of malathion (2%). Fenitrothion emulsion (41.6% wettable powder) was applied onto the walls of a small-scale storage vessel. Residues were determined in barley at about 1-month intervals during storage and in malt produced from the barley stored at various times. The analysis of the residues was carried out by GC equipped with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD). Although the approved doses of insecticides for stored grain were used, the residue levels exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) at the beginning of storage. While the degradation of malathion and isomalathion in barley was observed to be about 65–72% during the storage period, the malaoxon was degraded extensively (85%). A significant percentage of fenitrothion residues (80%) were dissipated from grains for the short-term storage probably because of hot weather conditions. In malt, rates of degradation and volatilisation of the residues increased by the heat involved in malting. The carryover of the residues from barley into malt was also found to be dependent on the log P_ow (partition coefficient between n-octanol and water) values of the insecticides.