Solvothermal‐assisted green synthesis of hybrid Chi‐Fe3 O4 nanocomposites: a potential antibacterial and antibiofilm material

In this present study, a hybrid Chi‐Fe₃ O₄ was prepared, characterised and evaluated for its antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus marcescens bacterial pathogens. Intense peak around 260 nm in the ultraviolet–visible spectrum specify the formation of magnetite nanoparticles. Spherical‐shaped particles with less agglomeration and particle size distribution of 3.78–46.40 nm were observed using transmission electron microscopy analysis and strong interaction of chitosan with the surface of magnetite nanoparticles was studied using field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM). X‐ray diffraction analysis exhibited the polycrystalline and spinel structure configuration of the nanocomposite. Presence of Fe and O, C and Cl elements were confirmed using energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis showed the reduction and formation of Chi‐Fe₃ O₄ nanocomposite. The antibacterial activity by deformation of the bacterial cell walls on treatment with Chi‐Fe₃ O₄ nanocomposite and its interaction was visualised using FESEM and the antibiofilm activity was determined using antibiofilm assay. In conclusion, this present study shows the green synthesis of Chi‐Fe₃ O₄ nanocomposite and evaluation of its antibacterial and antibiofilm potential, proving its significance in medical and biological applicationsInspec keywords: visible spectra, particle size, magnetic particles, nanocomposites, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, nanofabrication, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, nanomagnetics, microorganisms, antibacterial activity, iron compounds, ultraviolet spectra, biomedical materials, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, filled polymers, crystal growth from solution, polymer structureOther keywords: potential antibacterial material, antibiofilm potential, magnetite nanoparticles, solvothermal‐assisted green synthesis, hybrid Chi‐Fe₃ O₄ nanocomposites, staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus marcescens, bacterial pathogens, ultraviolet–visible spectrum, spherical‐shaped particles, particle size, transmission electron microscopy, FESEM, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, spinel structure, polycrystalline structure, energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, deformation, bacterial cell walls, Fe₃ O₄      

Antioxidant activity of pomegranate rind powder extract in cooked chicken patties

The radical scavenging activity, reducing power and phenolic composition of pomegranate rind powder extract (RP) were determined and antioxidant properties of RP was evaluated in cooked chicken patties compared with vitamin C (VC) during refrigerated storage. Freshly minced chicken meat were assigned to one of the following six treatments: control (meat without any antioxidant); RP 5, RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20 (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg equivalent RP phenolics 100 g^?1 meat, respectively) and VC 50 (50 mg VC 100 g^?1 meat). The RP exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher reducing power and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. Incorporation of RP into chicken patties significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the HunterLab L* values compared with control and VC patties. Total phenolic content (as tannic acid equivalent) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 308 in control to 441 μg g^?1 in RP 20 patties. Addition of RP to chicken patties did not affect any of the sensory attributes. The values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 1.530 in control patties to 0.135 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 samples in RP patties. Pomegranate rind powder extract treatment (RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20) substantially inhibited (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties to a much greater extent than VC treatment. Therefore, pomegranate rind powder can be utilized as an excellent natural antioxidant source.     

Feature-based design for process planning of machining processes with optimization using genetic algorithms

The development of a feature-based design environment that can be applied in the concept-to-manufacturing stages of the machining process is explained. It is broadly divided into four modules, namely, feature-based design (FBD) environment, virtual factory environment (VFE), operation-based feature mapping (OBFM) and optimization using genetic algorithms (GA). The feature-based design environment module is used for the design, modelling, synthesis, representation and validation of the components for machining application. It uses integrated features, which are predefined as feature templates in the feature library. While instancing these integrated features, they get/derive the information required for the design, modelling, process planning and manufacturing stages of the components as their attributes, from the user/knowledge base. After creating the component, integrated features present in it are validated with respect to its application, namely machining process. The VFE module defines the mathematical model of the factory in the computer, which provides the database for operations, machines, cutting tools, work pieces, etc. The knowledge base maps validated features of the component into operation sets in the first phase of the OBFM stage. Each operation in the operation sets can be carried out using different machines and cutting tools in the factory. All these possible choices are obtained in the second phase of OBFM. GA is used to find the optimal sequence of operations, machines and cutting tools for different criteria. Provisions are also available to generate NC codes for operations, which are to be carried out with NC or CNC machines, if selected. Thus, the optimal process plan for the selected criteria with respect to the given factory environment is found for the modelled component. The feature-based design system developed is built on existing CAD, programming and spread-sheet software tools, namely CATIA®, MS-Visual Basic® and MS-Excel®, which not only save developmental effort, but also make full use of the functionalities of these commercial softwares. This paper explains the developed system with a case study.     

间歇干燥及缓苏对高水分稻谷干燥品质的影响

对高水分稻谷进行了间歇干燥,研究干燥段数和缓苏温度对稻谷干燥品质的影响,并应用隶属度分析法对干燥品质进行综合评价。结果表明,间歇干燥可缩短干燥时间,与连续干燥40℃缓苏组相比,4段60℃缓苏组的干燥时间缩短了26.36%。间歇干燥可显著地降低干燥后稻谷的爆腰率,提高整精米率。高温缓苏(50、60℃)时,缓苏温度对整精米率影响优于干燥段数。热风干燥后稻谷的脂肪酸值增加,发芽率降低。隶属度分析法得出优化后的干燥条件为:干燥段数为2段,缓苏温度为60℃,综合分为最大值0.80。     

Compact Frequency and Bandwidth Reconfigurable Microwave Filter

This paper details the construction and working of a compound reconfigurable filter capable of frequency and bandwidth reconfiguration in the frequency range from 2 to 3 GHz. The switching between frequency and bandwidth reconfiguration is inherited by two PIN diodes. Bandwidth tuning is facilitated by tuning two transmission zeros individually using varactor diodes, giving flexibility in reconfiguring the upper and lower pass edges. The two transmission zeros are obtained using simple concentric square loop resonators. The maximum bandwidth obtained is 1.5 times the minimum bandwidth offered by the filter. Hence the filter can be used for dynamic bandwidth allocation. This prototype is fabricated and validated in real-time. The simulated and measured results are analogous to each other.

     

Signal integrity analysis on a microstrip ultra-wideband coupled-line coupler

In this paper, a compact, single-section, Ultra-wideband (UWB) coupled-line coupler designed using concentric loop in the signal plane and defect in the ground plane is presented. Bandwidth enhancement is achieved with low coupling at the X-band satellite downlink range to improve the signal strength for defence applications. Return loss greater than 15 dB and isolation greater than 20 dB is achieved over the entire UWB band. The prototype is fabricated and tested to validate the simulation results. Further to detect the quality of the output signal, signal integrity analysis is performed and metrics such as error vector magnitude (EVM), magnitude and phase error, eye pattern, constellation plots and signal to noise ratio are presented for the proposed UWB coupled-line coupler.     

Effects of pretreatments and drying air temperature on drying behaviour of peach slice

In this study, the effect of pretreatments (potassium meta bisulphite and ascorbic acid) and drying air temperature (55 and 65 °C) on drying behaviour of peach slices were investigated. The peach slices were dried in a cross-flow tunnel dryer. Drying of peach occurred in falling rate period. Pretreated samples had higher drying rate. To select a suitable drying curve, six thin-layer drying models were fitted to the experimental data. The logarithmic model best described the drying behaviour of peach slices with high correlation coefficient values. The effective moisture diffusivity of treated samples was higher than the untreated samples.     

Sorption isotherm of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and its prediction using chemical composition

Corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) has high feed value due to its nutritive contents. The ratio of wet distillers grains (WDG) and condensed distillers solubles (CDS) added during the production process determines the chemical composition of DDGS. Effect of changing this ratio on water sorption behaviour of DDGS, at different temperature, was studied. Five mathematical models were evaluated to explain the sorption behaviour of DDGS. Prediction of sorption isotherm from chemical composition using a four-component model was also investigated. DDGS followed a BET Type III isotherm with higher equilibrium moisture content at increasing relative humidity. Difference in the sorption isotherm curves of DDGS samples reduced as equilibrium relative humidity increased. Equilibrium moisture content of DDGS samples reduced with lowering of CDS quantity added during production process. Modified Halsey equation was found suitable for mathematically explaining the sorption behaviour of DDGS. Binding energy of water molecule with DDGS increased with lowering of CDS level. Sorption behaviour of DDGS can be predicted from the chemical composition of protein, sugar, minerals, starch, fibre and glycerol. Increase in CDS level increased the percent relative deviation of predicted values calculated using the modified four-component model and might be due to the interaction between the chemical compounds present in the samples.     

Multi‐band reconfigurable microwave filter using dual concentric resonators

This article presents the design and testing of a novel frequency reconfigurable microwave filter. The filter structure is composed of an all stop resonator coupled with C‐ and E‐shaped parasitic resonators. PIN diodes are located at suitable positions to achieve multi‐band reconfiguration from 1.2 to 3.2 GHz making the filter suitable for multiple wireless communication systems. The frequency and bandwidth of the filter are governed by the length of the resonators and coupling between the resonators and the transmission line, respectively. A sharp rejection of ?30 dB is observed between the passbands. The proposed filter offers 56% size reduction with flat group delay performance. The prototype filter is fabricated and the simulation results are validated using experimental measurements. The measurement results show good agreement with the simulation results.