Multivariate optimization and comparison between conventional extraction (CE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of carotenoid extraction from cashew apple

Carotenoids are an essential component of cashew and can be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, natural pigment, food additives, among other applications. The present work focuses on optimizing and comparing conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods. Every optimization step took place with a 1:1 (w:w) mixture of yellow and red cashew apples lyophilized and ground in a cryogenic mill. A Simplex-centroid design was applied for both methods, and the solvents acetone, methanol, ethanol, and petroleum ether were evaluated. After choosing the extractor solvent, a central composite design was applied to optimize the sample mass (59–201 mg) and extraction time (6–34 min). The optimum conditions for the extractor solvent were 38% acetone, 30% ethanol, and 32% petroleum ether for CE and a mixture of 44% acetone and 56% methanol for UAE. The best experimental conditions for UAE were a sonication time of 19 min and a sample mass of 153 mg, while the CE was 23 min and 136 mg. Comparing red and yellow cashews, red cashews showed a higher carotenoid content in both methodologies. The UAE methodology was ca. 21% faster, presented a more straightforward composition of extracting solution, showed an average yield of superior carotenoid content in all samples compared to CE. Therefore, UAE has demonstrated a simple, efficient, fast, low-cost adjustment methodology and a reliable alternative for other applications involving these bioactive compounds in the studied or similar matrix.     

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of PEDOT:PSS films via ionic liquid post-treatment

Thermoelectric(TE)energy harvesting can effectively convert waste heat into electricity,which is a crucial technology to solve energy concerns.As a promising candidate for energy conversion,poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS)has gained significant attention owing to its easy doping,high transparency,and solution processability.However,the TE performance of PEDOT:PSS still needs to be further enhanced.Herein,different approaches have been applied for tuning the TE properties:(i)direct dipping PEDOT:PSS thin films in ionic liquid;(ii)post-treatment of the films with concentrated sulfuric acid(H₂SO₄),and then dipping in ionic liquid.Besides,the same bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide(TFSI)anion and different cation salts,including 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium(EMIM+)and lithium(Li+),are selected to study the influence of varying cation types on the TE properties of PEDOT:PSS.The Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film treated with H2SO4EMIM:TFSI increase simultaneously,and the resulting maximum power factor is 46.7μW·m^-1·K^-2,which may be attributed to the ionic liquid facilitating the rearrangement of the molecular chain of PEDOT.The work provides a reference for the development of organic films with high TE properties.     

Analysis of a new multispecies tumor growth model coupling 3D phase-fields with a 1D vascular network

In this work, we present and analyze a mathematical model for tumor growth incorporating ECM erosion, interstitial flow, and the effect of vascular flow and nutrient transport. The model is of phase-field or diffused-interface type in which multiple phases of cell species and other constituents are separated by smooth evolving interfaces. The model involves a mesoscale version of Darcy’s law to capture the flow mechanism in the tissue matrix. Modeling flow and transport processes in the vasculature supplying the healthy and cancerous tissue, one-dimensional (1D) equations are considered. Since the models governing the transport and flow processes are defined together with cell species models on a three-dimensional (3D) domain, we obtain a 3D–1D coupled model.     

金刚石衬底上GaN HEMT沟道温度建模:各向异性且非均匀热导率的影响

为了改善GaN HEMT的自热效应,集成高热导率的金刚石衬底有助于增强器件有源区的热量耗散。然而,化学气相淀积(CVD)生长的多晶金刚石(PCD)具有柱状晶粒结构,导致了各向异性的材料热导率,且其热导率值与生长厚度有关。为此,通过建模金刚石生长过程中晶粒尺寸的演变过程,计算了金刚石沿面内和截面方向的热导率。基于该PCD热导率模型,利用计入材料非线性热导率的GaN器件热阻解析模型,计算得到了GaN HEMT沟道温度的波动范围,并分析了其与器件结构(栅长、栅宽、栅间距、衬底厚度)和功耗的依赖关系。最后,通过与有限元(FEM)仿真结果对比,分区域提取了GaN HEMT器件中PCD衬底的有效热导率,分别为260~310 W/(m·K)和1 250~1 450 W/(m·K)。本文的计算为预测金刚石衬底上GaN HEMT器件的沟道温度提供了快速、有效的方法。     

现代分析仪器在高中化学教学中的应用*——以“防晒霜的防晒效果实验探究”为例

从高中化学原子、分子等抽象性的知识教学出发,以防晒霜的防晒效果实验探究为例,探讨了现代分析仪器在高中化学教学中的应用。通过利用现代分析仪器紫外可见分光光度计,结合紫外线变色球实验探究防晒霜的防晒效果,分析并认识防晒霜中化学防晒的机理。结果表明,防晒霜的厚度越大、SPF越高,防晒霜的防晒效果越好,并且防晒霜的防晒效果可以持续一段时间,但是不同类型的防晒产品存在一定差异。在化学教学中渗透现代分析仪器的应用,为学生进一步了解化学学科在改变学习方式、拓宽学科知识领域、推动自身全面与可持续发展方面打下坚实的基础。