Xuzhou Institute of Technology

About: Xuzhou Institute of Technology is a education organization based out in Xuzhou, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Computer science. The organization has 1696 authors who have published 1521 publications receiving 13541 citations.

Effect of high pressure processing and thermal treatment on physicochemical parameters, antioxidant activity and volatile compounds of green asparagus juice

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) at different pressures (200, 400 and 600 MPa) and treatment times (10 and 20 min) on microbial population, physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity and volatile compounds in green asparagus juice, in comparison with thermal processing (121 °C/3 min) and control (no treatment). The results indicated that HPP at 400 and 600 MPa for both treatment times decreased the total mesophilic bacteria to undetectable level as the thermal treatment did, thus ensuring the safety of asparagus juice. The pH value and soluble solids content of asparagus juice were not significantly affected by HPP treatments as compared to thermal processing and control. However, all HPP treatments retained significantly more ascorbic acid, rutin and total phenolic contents and higher total antioxidant activity than thermal treatment. The main volatile compounds in asparagus juice were aldehydes, alcohols and ketones. HPP treatments maintained significantly higher concentrations of aldehydes, alcohols and ketones than thermal treatment. These results suggest that HPP could be an effective alternative to conventional thermal processing for production of high quality green asparagus juice.

Green data analytics, blockchain technology for sustainable development, and sustainable supply chain practices: evidence from small and medium enterprises

Abstract: With attempts being made by both governments and organizations to reduce environmental hazards, blockchain technology is becoming a crucial tool for attaining supply chain sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SME). Recognizing this fact, this study investigates the effect of blockchain technology on sustainable supply chain practices to improve organizational performance. In this investigation, data was gathered from 364 respondents, including middle and upper-level managers from SME manufacturing companies in China and Pakistan. The relationships among the endogenous and exogenous variables were tested by employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The primary results suggest that blockchain technology and green information systems positively influence sustainable supply chain practices. Moreover, green information systems and sustainable supply chain practices possess a significant positive association. Sustainable supply chain practices have a positive and significant relationship with sustainability; i.e., operational, environmental, and economic performance. The findings also reveal that three dimensions of organizational sustainability—i.e., operational, environmental, and economic performance—have a significant effect on organizational performance. Additionally, the results of this study provide valuable insights into blockchain technology and offer policy implications for manufacturers and legislators regarding the implementation and promotion of green supply chain practices.

The Mechanical Properties of Mudstone at High Temperatures: an Experimental Study

Abstract: Temperature is one of the main factors affecting the mechanical properties of rocks (Wang 1995). Rock mass involved in projects such as nuclear waste disposal, geothermal energy generation, and underground development in large cities is generally under high temperature conditions. Engineers need to know the rock’s mechanical parameters for excavation of underground rocks, design of supports, and for stability analysis of the surrounding rock. Therefore, the strength of the rock and its deformation behavior at high temperatures need to be understood (Wai et al. 1982; Al-Shayea et al. 2000). Since the 1970s, many researchers have investigated the effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of rocks (Yin et al. 2012a, b; Heuze 1983; Lau et al. 1995). Chen et al. (2012) measured the peak stress, peak strain, and elastic modulus of granite subjected to thermal treatment from 20 to 1,000 C. They found that the peak stress and elastic modulus of heated granite decreased as the heating temperature increased, while the peak strain increased. Xu et al. (2008) studied the mechanical characteristics of granite under the action of temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1,200 C and found that mechanical characteristics did not show obvious variations below 800 C; strength decreased suddenly above 800 C and bearing capacity was almost lost at 1,200 C. Dwivedi et al. (2008) reviewed the thermo-mechanical properties of granites from India and other locations. Through a series of physical and mechanical tests on salt rock at different temperatures (20–240 C), Liang et al. (2006) found that the ultrasonic velocity of the samples declined with rising temperature, while the uniaxial compressive strength and axial strain increased, whereas the tangent modulus had an opposite trend. Ferrero and Marini (2001) applied microscopic analysis to study crack densities in limestone and marble samples at temperatures up to 600 C. They found a correlation between the increase in open porosity due to new fractures and the crack density for both rocks. Zhao et al. (2012) studied the thermal deformation and failure mode of large-size granite specimens at high temperatures and pressures, and obtained the behavior of the thermodynamic parameters of the specimens, such as Young’s modulus, for various temperatures. Other studies (Zhang and Mao 2009; Mao et al. 2009; Luo and Wang 2011; Wu et al. 2005) concluded that the strength of most rocks decreased with increasing temperatures and that the drop in strength depended on the rock type. Although much knowledge has been gained through theoretical and experimental studies of granite, salt rock, and sandstone, few experimental studies on the mechanical properties of coal measures mudstone at real-time have been carried out because of limitations due to experimental L. Zhang Civil Engineering Department, Xuzhou Institute of Technology, Xuzhou 221008, Jiangsu, China

Laser sintered single layer graphene oxide reinforced titanium matrix nanocomposites

Abstract: Single layer graphene oxide (SLGO) reinforced titanium (SLGO-Ti) nanocomposites have been achieved by laser sintering. This study focuses on the graphene oxide dispersion and survival in titanium matrix during laser sintering process. Through laser sintering, graphene oxides were dispersed uniformly into titanium matrix to fabricate SLGO-Ti nanocomposites. Microstructures and components of the nanocomposites were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. It was confirmed by XRD patterns, EDS maps and Raman spectrum that graphene oxide survived in SLGO-Ti nanocomposites after laser sintering. Nanoindentation measurements showed the laser sintered SLGO-Ti nanocomposites hardness was improved by more than 3-folds than that of pure titanium counterpart.