First observation of B(s)(0) → J/ψη and B(s)(0) → J/ψη'

We report first observations of B(s)(0) → J/ψη and B(s)(0) → J/ψη'. The results are obtained from 121.4 fb(-1) of data collected at the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+ e- collider. We obtain the branching fractions B(B(s)(0) → J/ψη)=[5.10±0.50(stat)±0.25(syst)(-0.79)(+1.14)(N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))]×10(-4), and B(B(s)(0) → J/ψη')=[3.71±0.61(stat)±0.18(syst)(-0.57)(+0.83)(N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))]×10(-4). The ratio of the two branching fractions is measured to be (B(B(s) → J/ψη'))/(B(B(s) → J/ψη))=0.73±0.14(stat)±0.02(syst).     

Synthesis and application of a recyclable ionic liquid-supported imidazolidinone catalyst in enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition

The synthesis of recyclable ionic liquid-supported imidazolidinone catalyst I and its application in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrone with α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with high performance were described. Most importantly, the catalyst I can be recovered and recycled for up to five runs without observing significant decrease in catalytic activity.     

Fractal-Generated Turbulence in Opposed Jet Flows

The opposed jet configuration presents a canonical geometry suitable for the evaluation of calculation methods seeking to reproduce the impact of strain and re-distribution on turbulent transport in reacting and non-reacting flows. The geometry has the advantage of good optical access and, in principle, an absence of complex boundary conditions. Disadvantages include low frequency flow motion at high nozzle separations and comparatively low turbulence levels causing bulk strain to exceed the turbulent contribution at small nozzle separations. In the current work, fractal generated turbulence has been used to increase the turbulent strain and velocity measurements for isothermal flows are reported with an emphasis on the axis, stagnation plane and the distribution of mean and instantaneous strain rates. Energy spectra were also determined. The instrumentation comprised hot-wire anemometry and particle image velocimetry with the flows to both nozzles seeded with 1  $\upmu$ m silicon oil droplets providing a relaxation time of ? 3 $\upmu$ s. It is shown that fractal grids increase the turbulent Reynolds number range from 48–125 to 109–220 for bulk velocities from 4 to 8 m/s as compared to conventional perforated plate turbulence generators. Low frequency motion of the order 10 Hz could not be completely eliminated and probability density functions were determined for the location of the stagnation plane. Results show that the fluctuation in the position of the stagnation plane is of the order of the integral length scale, which was determined to be 3.1±0.1 mm at the nozzle exits through the use of hot-wire anemometry. Flow statistics close to the fractal plate located upstream of the nozzle exit were also determined using a transparent glass nozzle.     

Sophorolipids—Bio-Based Antimicrobial Formulating Agents for Applications in Food and Health

Sophorolipids are well-known glycolipid biosurfactants, produced mainly by non-pathogenic yeast species such as Candida bombicola with high yield. Its unique environmental compatibility and high biodegradable properties have made them a focus in the present review for their promising applications in diverse areas. This study aims to examine current research trends of sophorolipids and evaluate their applications in food and health. A literature search was conducted using different research databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, and Wiley Online Library to identify studies on the fundamental mechanisms of sophorolipids and their applications in food and health. Studies have shown that various structural forms of sophorolipids exhibit different biological and physicochemical properties. Sophorolipids represent one of the most attractive biosurfactants in the industry due to their antimicrobial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms for applications in food and health sectors. In this review, we have provided an overview on the fundamental properties of sophorolipids and detailed analysis of their applications in diverse areas such as food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities.     

Effects of Extraction Methods on the Bioactivities and Nutritional Value of Virginia and Valencia-Type Peanut Oil

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of peanut varieties cultivated in Morocco (Virginia and Valencia) and extraction methods (cold press, CP; Soxhlet, Sox and maceration, and Mac) on the fatty acid profile, phytosterol, and tocopherol contents, quality characteristics, and antioxidant potential of peanut seed oil. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the oils. The results revealed that fatty acid content was slightly affected by the extraction technique. However, the CP method was shown to be an excellent approach for extracting oil with desirable quality features compared to the Sox and Mac methods. Furthermore, the peanut oil extracted via CP carried a higher amount of bioactive compounds and exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities. The findings also revealed higher oleic acid levels from the Virginia oil, ranging from 56.46% to 56.99%. Besides, a higher total phytosterol and tocopherol content and DPPH scavenging capacity were obtained from the Valencia oil. Analyzing the study, it can be inferred that extraction method and variety both affect the composition of the peanut oil’s bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. This information is relevant for extracting peanut oil with a greater level of compounds of industrial interest.     

Short-term forecasting of electricity demand by decomposition analysis

A model for short-term forecasting of electricity demand is developed, which consists of an annual base load augmented by demand variations on a weekly, daily, and hourly or half-hourly basis. Each of these components is individually modelled and forecast, and the aggregate forecast is refined by inclusion of a stochastic component for characterization of variations not attributable to elements of time. The approach is consistent with the operational concept of power system management, and can be readily adopted for on-line forecasting and control.