Multi-level Modeling of Silica–Template Interactions During Initial Stages of Zeolite Synthesis

Zeolite synthesis is driven by structure-directing agents, such as tetrapropyl ammonium ions (TPA⁺) for Silicalite-1 and ZSM-5. However, the guiding role of these organic templates in the complex assembly to highly ordered frameworks remains unclear, limiting the prospects for advanced material synthesis. In this work, both static ab initio and dynamic classical modeling techniques are employed to provide insight into the interactions between TPA⁺ and Silicalite-1 precursors. We find that as soon as the typical straight 10-ring channel of Silicalite-1 or ZSM-5 is formed from smaller oligomers, the TPA⁺ template is partially squeezed out of the resulting cavity. Partial retention of the template in the cavity is, however, indispensable to prevent collapse of the channel and subsequent hydrolysis.

Application of β-Sitosterol + γ-Oryzanol-Structured Organogel as Migration Barrier in Filled Chocolate Products

Oil migration in filled pralines is a phenomenon that is highly correlated with the occurrence of chocolate bloom. In this study the potential to suppress or prevent oil migration by incorporation of sterol/sterolster-structured organogels was evaluated. Different quantities, 2.5 or 14% (w/w), of gel with structurant levels of either 10 or 25% (w/w) were studied in a layered model system. The gel was either a part of the nougat or of the chocolate phase, or as a separate layer. Samples were monitored regularly for a period of 24 weeks at storage temperatures of 10, 18 and 28 °C. The amount of migrated oil was determined via DSC analysis of a surface sample. The results indicate that, despite the additional oil brought into the system via the oleogel, the level of oil found in the chocolate layer is reduced through the presence of the gel. In particular, the three-layer system and gelled chocolate appear to be promising routes to either suppress oil migration or improve nutritional profiles by incorporation of liquid oils.     

Impact of rotifer grazing on population dynamics of green microalgae in high-rate ponds

In high-rate algal ponds, the grazing activity of rotifers such as Brachionus rubens or B. calyciflorus often leads to a replacement of Scenedesmus species by Micractinium pusillum. In contrast to many other green microalgae including Scenedesmus, Micractinium pusillum with fully developed spines (setae) cannot be eaten by Brachionus. Ecological conditions for population shifts between Scenedesmus and Micractinium are, therefore, interpreted as a response of the rotifers rather than being due to physiological properties of the algae. Another effect of rotifer grazing on the microbial flora of high-rate ponds is the development of large stable flocs consisting of bacteria and microalgae.     

Use of locality sensitive hashing (LSH) algorithm to match Web of Science and Scopus

Scientometrics - A novel hashing algorithm is applied to match two prominent and important bibliographic databases at the paper level. In the literature, such tasks have been studied and conducted...     

Temporary feeding shocks increase the productivity in a continuous biohydrogen-producing reactor

Continuous hydrogen production stability and robustness by dark fermentation were comprehensively studied at laboratory scale. Continuous bioreactors were operated at two different hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 6 and 10 h. The reactors were subjected to feeding shocks given by decreases in the HRT, and therefore the organic loading increases, during 6 and 24 h. Results indicated that the H₂ productivity was significantly improved by the temporary organic shock loads, increasing the hydrogen production rate up to 40%, compared to the rate obtained at the steady-state condition. Besides, it was observed that after the shock load, the stability of the reactor (measured as the hydrogen production rate) was recovered attaining the values observed before the feeding shocks. The bioreactor operated at shorter HRT (6 h) showed better H₂ productivity (17.3?±?1.1 L H₂/L-d) in comparison with the other one operated at 10-h HRT (12.4?±?1.6 L H₂/L-d).     

Geologic Workflows: The Metamorphosis of the Great Rock

Creating a series of inspirational museum spaces inside an irregularly shaped void at the heart of a massive artificial rock formation is no everyday task. To fulfil the dream that had driven construction of the Great Rock at Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden over a century ago, and to make the most of the space available, local firm PLANT – Atelier Peter Kis devised an innovative workflow that began with 3D scanning of the decaying concrete structure. Architect Péter Kis and landscape architect Sándor Bardóczi describe it.     

Solubility of actinide surrogates in nuclear glasses

This paper discusses the results of a study of actinide surrogates in a nuclear borosilicate glass to understand the effect of processing conditions (temperature and oxidizing versus reducing conditions) on the solubility limits of these elements. The incorporation of cerium oxide, hafnium oxide, and neodymium oxide in this borosilicate glass was investigated. Cerium is a possible surrogate for tetravalent and trivalent actinides, hafnium for tetravalent actinides, and neodymium for trivalent actinides. The material homogeneity was studied by optical, scanning electron microscopy. Cerium L_III XANES spectroscopy showed that the Ce³⁺/Ce_total ratio increased from about 0.5 to 0.9 as the processing temperature increased from 1100 to 1400 °C. Cerium L_III XANES spectroscopy also confirmed that the increased Ce solubility in glasses melted under reducing conditions was due to complete reduction of all the cerium in the glass. The most significant results pointed out in the current study are that the solubility limits of the actinide surrogates increases with the processing temperature and that Ce³⁺ is shown to be more soluble than Ce⁴⁺ in this borosilicate glass.     

The use of natural (Pinus pinaster) resin in the production of printing ink and the printability effect

Alkyd resins are generally used in the production of printing inks. All industries look for alternative raw materials in the production of ink with the growing inclination toward using natural products. Resins forming the vehicle of the ink to be obtained from natural resources will provide benefits for the environment, nature, and living creatures. The aim of the study was to promote the use of natural resin in the ink system. Natural Pinus pinaster resin was added into vegetable and mineral oil-based solvents in pure form with alkyd resin in different amounts and ink varnishes of different combinations were prepared. Then, printing inks were produced from these varnishes in pure and hybrid form. Following the assessment of the rheological properties of the inks prepared, printing tests were conducted to assess the printing quality parameters. Ideal mixing ratios of the natural resins in the ink were determined for printability. The environmental importance and advantages of the use of natural resins were discussed. Recommendations were given in line with the results to encourage widespread use of natural resins in near future.