Affordable Option Research Articles

A Solid Electrolyte Based on Sodium-Doped Li4-xNaxTi5O12 with PVDF for Solid State Lithium Metal Battery.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) present a potential pathway for advancing next-generation lithium batteries, characterized by exceptional energy density and enhanced safety performance. Solid-state electrolytes have been extensively researched, yet an affordable option with outstanding electrochemical performance is still lacking. In this work, Li4-xNaxTi5O12 (LNTO)-based composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) were developed to enhance the interface stability and electronic insulation. The CSE is composed of Li3.88Na0.12Ti5O12 (LNTO3) and poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with a proportion of 20 wt % exhibited high ionic conductivity (4.49×10-4 S cm-1 at a temperature value equal to 35 °C), high ionic transfer number (equal to 0.72), low activation energy (equal to 0.192 eV), and favorable compatibility with the Li metal anode. The Li|LNTO3|LiFePO4 cell, tested at a 0.5 C current density, demonstrated 154.5 mAh g-1 of outstanding cycling stability for 200 cycles, capacity retention of 97.6 % along with a Coulombic efficiency of over 99 %, as well as a significant average specific capacity of 127.8 mAh g-1 over 400 cycles at 5 C. The Li|LNTO3|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cell could also operate over 100 cycles at 1 C. This study offers an effective method for preparing commercial CSEs for SSBs.

Prospects in the Use of Cannabis sativa Extracts in Nanoemulsions

Cannabis sativa plants have been widely investigated for their specific compounds with medicinal properties. These bioactive compounds exert preventive and curative effects on non-communicable and infectious diseases. However, C. sativa extracts have barely been investigated, although they constitute an affordable option to treat human diseases. Nonetheless, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunogenicity effects have been associated with C. sativa extracts. Furthermore, innovative extraction methods in combination with nanoformulations have been proposed to increase desirable compounds’ availability, distribution, and conservation, which can be aided by modern computational tools in a transdisciplinary approach. This review aims to describe available extraction and nanoformulation methods for C. sativa, as well as its known antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunogenic activities. Critical points on the use of C. sativa extracts in nanoformulations are identified and some prospects are envisaged.

Reliability of a portable toe pressure photoplethysmography device compared to a stationary laser doppler flowmeter.

The study aimed to investigate the reliability of a portable toe pressure (TP) photoplethysmography device (PPG) by comparing it to a stationary laser Doppler flowmeter (LD) used in the Helsinki University Hospital. The study evaluated if lower limb arterial circulation could be reliably evaluated with the portable PPG which is more affordable and mobile than the stationary LD. TPs were measured from 102 toes of 54 patients in the vascular surgery outpatient clinic, vascular surgery ward and interventional radiology recovery ward of Helsinki University Hospital. According to the study protocol TPs were measured twice with the PPG device. If the difference between the values was over 10 mmHg, a third measurement was done and two of the closest values were selected for the final analysis. The lowest value displayed by the PPG device was 30 mmHg. Lower than 30 mmHg values were reported as 25 mmHg in the analysis. The repeatability and reliability of the PPG measurements were compared to the LD with Bland Altman plots. Most patients had rest pain (n = 29) or claudication (n = 9). Prior to TP measurement, 24 patients had undergone lower limb revascularization through either a hybrid (n = 3), open (n = 10) or endovascular (n = 11) procedure. The mean absolute difference between PPG and LD measurement values was 15 mmHg (95% confidence interval 12-18 mmHg). 87.5% of lower limbs with significant arterial insufficiency (TP <60 mmHg with LD, n = 49) had a PPG measurement value of <60 mmHg. Conversely, 84.8% of lower limbs that did not exceed the ischemia criterion of TP ≥60 mmHg with LD had a PPG measurement value of ≥60 mmHg. Mean absolute difference of two consecutive PPG measurement values was 4 mmHg (95% CI 3-5 mmHg). The PPG device is a light and affordable option for the assessment of lower limb arterial circulation in primary health care. It is moderately reliable to exclude significant lower limb arterial insufficiency and may reduce unnecessary referrals to the vascular surgery clinic. The repeatability of the PPG device is satisfactory. However, it requires training to use, and the results must always be interpreted with consideration for the patient's clinical status.

Plant‐Made Vaccines Targeting Enteric Pathogens—Safe Alternatives for Vaccination in Developing Countries

ABSTRACTEnteric diseases by pathogenic organisms are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly in low‐income countries. Despite antibiotics, access to clean water and vaccination are the most economically affordable options to prevent those infections and their health consequences. Vaccines, such as those approved for rotavirus and cholera, have played a key role in preventing several enteric diseases. However, vaccines for other pathogens are still in clinical trials. Distribution and cost remain significant barriers to vaccine access in developing regions due to poor healthcare infrastructure, cold‐chain requirements, and high production costs. Plant‐made vaccines offer a promising alternative to address these challenges. Plants can be easily grown, lowering production costs, and can be administered in oral forms, potentially eliminating cold‐chain dependency. Although there are some promising prototypes of vaccines produced in plants, challenges remain, including yields and achieving sufficient immunogenicity. This review aims to describe common enteric pathogens and available vaccines, followed by a strategic summary of plant‐made vaccine development and a discussion of plant‐made enteric vaccine prototypes. Trends to overcome the key challenges for plant‐made vaccines are identified and placed in perspective for the development of affordable and effective vaccines for populations at the highest risk of enteric diseases.

Automation of Biochemical Assays Using an Open-sourced, Inexpensive Robotic Liquid Handler.

High Throughput Screening is crucial in pharmaceutical companies for efficient testing in drug discovery and development. Our Vaccines Analytical Research and Development Department (V-AR&D) extensively uses Robotic Liquid Handlers in their High Throughput Analytics (HTA) group for assay development and sample screening. However, these instruments are expensive and require extensive training. Opentrons' OT-2 liquid handler offers a more affordable option (< $10,000) with Python programming language and open-source flexibility, reducing training requirements. OT-2 allows broadening of testing capabilities and method transfer without significant capital investments. Two biochemical assays were conducted to assess OT-2′s performance, and it demonstrated accurate pipetting with low covariance compared to Tecan-EVO liquid handlers. Though OT-2 has some limitations such as lack of a crash detection system and limited deck space, it is a cost-effective, medium-throughput, and accurate liquid handling tool suitable for early-stage development and method transfer.

The Sequelae of Sleeping Issues and their Management in Post COVID- 19: A Unani and Contemporary Narrative Review

Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impacted not only physical health but also psychological health, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep issues. Disrupted sleep has now become a global concern and burden in the post-COVID period of recovery. The Unani system of medicine elaborated on sleeping issues and their management during the pandemic. However, the claims of the Unani system and its medications in improving the various domains of sleep quality during the revival period have not been investigated. Materials and Methods: A search of electronic databases on Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, on sleep disorders, post-COVID-19 and a manual search of Unani classical text related to sleep quality improvement methods was conducted. Results: Recent scientific evidence has found a positive association between COVID-19 and sleep disorders. Unani medicine suggests improvement of sleep issues by maintaining six essential factors, dieto-therapy, pharmacotherapy, and regimens (like Nutool (irrigation), Hamam (Turkish bath), and Dalk (massage). Several pre-clinical and clinical trials done on Unani herbs (single and poly-herbal preparations) have elucidated the scientific rationale for improving sleep quality. Conclusion: Unani therapy has sufficient potential for improving sleep outcomes for COVID-19 patients as they are efficacious, safe and affordable therapeutic options. Additionally, there is still a need for evidence to support the validity of Unani psychotherapy as a multifaceted and holistic approach.

Neural Networks for Conversion of Simulated NMR Spectra from Low-Field to High-Field for Quantitative Metabolomics

Background: The introduction of benchtop NMR instruments has made NMR spectroscopy a more accessible, affordable option for research and industry, but the lower spectral resolution and SNR of a signal acquired on low magnetic field spectrometers may complicate the quantitative analysis of spectra. Methods: In this work, we compare the performance of multiple neural network architectures in the task of converting simulated 100 MHz NMR spectra to 400 MHz with the goal of improving the quality of the low-field spectra for analyte quantification. Multi-layered perceptron networks are also used to directly quantify metabolites in simulated 100 and 400 MHz spectra for comparison. Results: The transformer network was the only architecture in this study capable of reliably converting the low-field NMR spectra to high-field spectra in mixtures of 21 and 87 metabolites. Multi-layered perceptron-based metabolite quantification was slightly more accurate when directly processing the low-field spectra compared to high-field converted spectra, which, at least for the current study, precludes the need for low-to-high-field spectral conversion; however, this comparison of low and high-field quantification necessitates further research, comparison, and experimental validation. Conclusions: The transformer method of NMR data processing was effective in converting low-field simulated spectra to high-field for metabolomic applications and could be further explored to automate processing in other areas of NMR spectroscopy.

The dynamics of digitalisation of ultra-micro, micro, small, and medium enterprises during COVID-19 pandemic and recovery periods: evidence from Indonesia

ABSTRACT This study investigates the causal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digitalisation adoption among Indonesia’s ultra-micro, micro, small and medium enterprises (UMSMEs) during the pandemic and recovery periods. Using data from Bank Indonesia’s UMSMEs Development Survey 2019–2022, we employ the Callaway and Sant’Anna difference-in-differences (CSDID) method. The findings indicate that, in general, there was an increase in digitalisation adoption by enterprises during both pandemic and recovery periods. Furthermore, we uncover the significant impact of COVID-19 on increasing the overall digitalisation adoption by enterprises during both periods. However, there are variations across different digitalisation channels and enterprise scales. The findings suggest that enterprises are rational in their digitalisation adoption. The implications of this study point to the importance of fostering a digitalisation ecosystem that offers a diverse array of affordable options for digital channels, allowing enterprises to select options that best suit their needs.

Evaluation of Biopesticides for Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Control and Predator Safety in Maize Field Condition

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest of maize worldwide. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various biopesticides for managing S. frugiperda infesting maize in vegetative (whorl) and reproductive (cob) stages, their effect on the predator, and their effects on yield in Indian conditions. A field trial was conducted in 2019-20 and 2020-21 using a randomized complete block design. The effect of biopesticides against S. frugiperda infesting maize indicated that all the treatments were found effective against fall armyworm as compared to untreated control in management practices applied at the vegetative (whorl) as well as reproductive (cob) stage of maize. Among the biopesticides, spinosad 45 SC was found most effective against fall armyworm followed by Nomuraea rileyi 2×108cfu/g. Among biopesticides treatments, pongamia oil 1% was safe for lady beetles and spiders followed by Bacillus thuringienesis 0.5% WP, Metarhizium anisopliae 2×108cfu/ml, Beauveria bassiana 2×108cfu/ml, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm and Nomuraea rileyi 2×108cfu/g. Economics of bio-pesticides management practices revealed that Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/l was the most economical one recording the highest yield (130.63 q/ha) and ICBR 1:36.07. It was followed by Nomuraea rileyi @ 4 g/l, Beauveria bassiana @ 5 ml/l, and Metarhizium anisopliae @ 3 ml/l recording ICBR of 1:12.72, 1:11.73, and 1:11.57 respectively. This study has shown the potential use of biopesticides for the management of FAW. This would offer the farmers a sustainable and affordable option for the management of FAW.

From earth to sky: Large-scale archaeological settlement patterns in southernmost South America based on ground surveys, UAV LiDAR, and open access satellite imagery

Large-scale archaeological surveys in coastal areas can be challenging. Factors such as remoteness, logistics, accessibility, and weather conditions can render fieldwork time-consuming and expensive in rugged archipelagic settings. Remote sensing encompasses several methods that can be used for increasing the survey area and promoting new archaeological insights. Moreover, it can be an affordable option. Google Earth (among others) collects aerial and satellite imagery from third parties and makes them freely available from anywhere in the world. In southern Tierra del Fuego, clusters of ring-shaped shell middens are conspicuous archaeological features. They are abundant in the central part of the Beagle Channel, but it has not been feasible to study their distribution across the Fuegian archipelago because we lack data from many remote areas where fieldwork is not easily conducted. Remote sensing provides a viable option for large-scale surveying due to the general visibility of these midden clusters. In this study, we establish confidence in open access satellite imagery identifications of ring-shaped middens in Tierra del Fuego based on comparisons with UAV LiDAR and conventional ground surveys, arguing that the results are appropriate for studies of large-scale trends. We provide the results from a full desk-based survey of satellite imagery provided by Google Earth, ESRI, and Microsoft Bing, covering 3000 km of coastline up to 1 km inland in southern Tierra del Fuego. Moreover, we determine the geographical distribution of ring-shaped middens and explore large-scale trends in coastal settlement patterns and landscape use—showing that ring-shaped middens are not evenly distributed across the Fuegian archipelago but strongly related to the sheltered areas of the Beagle and Murray Channels.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Cost-Effectiveness of EzeCheck for Hemoglobin Screening Across India.

Background Anemia, particularly due to low hemoglobin levels, is a significant public health concern in India. Traditional invasive screening methods can be burdensome and may limit access to diagnosis. This study evaluated the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a noninvasive hemoglobin screening device called EzeCheck for determining hemoglobin levels across diverse populations in India. We aimed to assess the user feasibility of the EzeCheck device and to conduct a comparative analysis of its cost-effectiveness against other available invasive and noninvasive methods to determine hemoglobin levels. Methods This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. User feedback was collected through surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals and workers across various regions. A cost-effectiveness analysis compared the EzeCheck device with other available noninvasive devices and standard invasive methods, accounting for factors such as equipment costs, consumables requirements, time efficiency, and overall testing costs. Results Preliminary findings suggest that the EzeCheck device was well-received by users, with 198 (86%) healthcare professionals reporting improved workflow and patient satisfaction. The comparative analysis revealed that the EzeCheck device was the most affordable option in terms of overall screening costs, while also increasing screening efficiency to a great extent. Moreover, it provided a safer and more comfortable experience for patients and users. Conclusions The noninvasive EzeCheck hemoglobin screening device demonstrates superior feasibility and cost-effectiveness over traditional methods. This study highlights its potential for enhancing anemia detection in India, particularly in underserved areas. By improving accessibility and reducing costs, this device could significantly impact public health outcomes and inform future health policy initiatives.

Housing Hardship Among Older Adults Living Alone: The Protective Roles of Aging and Housing Policies.

This study investigates the association between living arrangements and housing hardship among older adults across 21 high-income countries. Using data from the Gallup World Poll (2016-2020) and OECD databases, we employ multilevel regression models that can assess how individual- and country-level factors, including public spending on pensions and housing policies such as social housing stock and rent control, moderate these associations. Older adults living alone experience significantly higher rates of housing hardship compared to their counterparts, even after adjusting for demographic and economic factors. Public spending on old age pensions attenuates housing hardship for older adults living alone. While public spending on housing shows limited effectiveness, social housing availability and rent control emerge as protective measures, reducing housing hardship among older adults living alone by providing stable and affordable housing options. This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to support independent living.

The progesterone prime protocol: an affordable option for ICSI in Egypt

BackgroundThe two main input indicators needed to assess the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) strategies are cost-effectiveness and clinical outcome. Therefore, we focused in our study on the direct cost associated with the Progesterone Prime Ovulation Induction Protocol (P-P-OP protocol) compared to other protocols, and the clinical outcomes of this strategy were measured in their effect on implantation and pregnancy rates.MethodsA pilot single-armed study was conducted on 47 infertile women coming for an ICSI cycle. Progesterone priming was started with 10 mg dydrogesterone along with HMG 150–300 IU from the second day of the menstrual cycle and was maintained until the day of ovulation trigger. The primary outcome was the cost per cycle, while the secondary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. The cost per cycle, including the cryopreservation cost, was calculated for economic evaluation.ResultsPer each cycle, the number of retrieved oocytes was 14.87 ± 8.09, the number of mature oocytes was 9.81 ± 4.67, the number of total embryos was 8.74 ± 4.28 (grade A = 67.40%, grade B = 11.92%, grade C = 20.68%), and the number of transferred embryos was 2.43 ± 0.68. The clinical pregnancy rate in our study was 42.5%. Economically, the cost of the P-P-OP protocol for each patient was only 56 USD.ConclusionThe P-P-OP protocol is a simplified approach suitable for freeze-only strategies, offering the benefits of positive results, fewer injections, lower costs, and increased patient convenience.

Food poverty as a barrier for a healthy and climate-friendly nutrition in Austria

Abstract Background The food system plays a crucial role in promoting healthy and climate-friendly living. One fundamental aspect is accessibility. However, in Austria, there is a lack of systematic and regularly conducted studies on food system accessibility. To address this gap, a comprehensive study on food poverty has been conducted for the first time in Austria. Methods We used a mixed methods approach, combining expert workshops, a representative questionnaire survey (n = 2004) using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and focus groups (n = 20) with affected individuals. Results Approximately 12 percent of people living in Austria are affected by moderate and/or severe food poverty. These individuals struggle to afford sufficient quantities and quality of food due to financial constraints or limited access in general. Over four percent experience severe food poverty, leading to skipped meals or even days without food. People affected by food poverty would like to focus more on healthy shopping and quality of food (prioritizing fresh food over cheap high-processed food). The biggest hurdles relate to a lack of financial resources, too little time and a lack of affordable (healthy and climate-friendly) options. Conclusions Food poverty is a phenomenon in Austria that has received little attention to date. Public discourse often attributes nutritional problems to information gaps or individual competence, neglecting the impact of structural conditions. Addressing food poverty requires holistic approaches that avoid stigmatization. Recognizing it as a social, health, climate, and agricultural policy concern necessitates robust monitoring and considering the social and environmental aspects of nutrition holistically.

Perceptions about New York City as a Tourist Destination

The purpose of this paper is to explore how New York City is perceived as a tourist destination. The quantitative research method offered a structured approach to collecting data, allowing for the analysis and quantification of participant responses. The convenience sample consisted of 108 respondents. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors influencing both the attraction to and deterrence from visiting New York City as a tourist destination, as well as to gauge overall perceptions of the city among potential visitors. Through a comprehensive survey, key motivators such as iconic monuments, a vibrant cultural scene, and accessibility were identified as primary draws for tourists. Respondents expressed strong support for experiencing attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Broadway shows, highlighting the significance of cultural richness and unique architectural features. Conversely, the study also revealed significant barriers to visitation. The high cost of accommodation emerged as the most prominent deterrent, underscoring economic accessibility as a critical factor in tourism decision-making. Other concerns included congestion, security issues, and limited public transport options, which may dissuade potential visitors from traveling to the city. In terms of overall impressions, the results showed that a vast majority of respondents view New York City as an iconic and glamorous location with a diverse cultural landscape. Most participants expressed a willingness to recommend the city to friends and family, although a notable percentage exhibited reservations. Furthermore, the analysis emphasized the importance of affordable options for activities and attractions, suggesting that enhancing economic accessibility could positively influence visitation rates. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights for tourism agencies and local authorities. By addressing key concerns and highlighting the city's unique offerings, strategies can be developed to enhance New York City's appeal and accessibility, ultimately boosting its status as a leading tourist destination.

Indirect Cost Burden as an Emerging Issue of Foreign Employment in Developing Nations

Background: The current migration patterns and shifts present significant challenges, including widespread human rights abuses, exploitation of migrant laborers, high indirect costs due to expensive travel, limited affordable credit options, scarce job opportunities for low-skilled workers, and inadequate domestic migration policies. This study aims to identify the additional financial burdens faced by Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries. Methodology: A qualitative research design was used, with purposive sampling to select participants who had migrated to Gulf countries. In-depth interviews with 55 migrant laborers were conducted to gather data on cost burdens and employment conditions. Findings: Results showed that the indirect cost burden increased significantly after 2015 due to extended processing periods and technical procedures. Respondents generally preferred regulations before 2015. Despite legal changes like the "Free Visa: Free Ticket" policy reducing direct expenses, intermediaries and other indirect costs have offset this reduction, increasing the financial burden on migrant workers. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into Nepal's foreign employment complexities, urging more research and measures for migrant worker well-being. Findings reveal intermediaries exploiting workers by altering passport photos or obtaining counterfeit birth certificates. Additionally, 2% of surveyed workers migrated as young returnees before age 18. These insights are essential to empower recruitment agencies and improve their practices, ensuring safer, prompt, and more productive labor migration. Novelty: This study uncovers the hidden financial burdens Nepalese migrant workers face in Gulf countries. It highlights the offsetting effect of intermediaries on legal reforms like the "Free Visa: Free Ticket" policy. It offers new insights into labor exploitation and emphasizes better regulation and worker protection.

Machine learning algorithm approach to complete blood count can be used as early predictor of COVID-19 outcome.

Although the SARS-CoV-2 infection has established risk groups, identifying biomarkers for disease outcomes is still crucial to stratify patient risk and enhance clinical management. Optimal efficacy of COVID-19 antiviral medications relies on early administration within the initial five days of symptoms, assisting high-risk patients in avoiding hospitalization and improving survival chances. The complete blood count can be an efficient and affordable option to find biomarkers that predict the COVID-19 prognosis due to infection-induced alterations in various blood parameters. This study aimed to associate hematological parameters with different COVID-19 clinical forms and utilize them as disease outcome predictors. We performed a complete blood count in blood samples from 297 individuals with COVID-19 from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Statistical analysis, as well as ROC Curves and machine learning Decision Tree algorithms were used to identify correlations, and their accuracy, between blood parameters and disease severity. In the initial four days of infection, traditional hematological COVID-19 alterations, such as lymphopenia, were not yet apparent. However, the monocyte percentage and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio proved to be reliable predictors for hospitalization, even in cases where patients exhibited mild symptoms that later progressed to hospitalization. Thus, our findings demonstrate that COVID-19 patients with monocyte percentages lower than 7.7% and a granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio higher than 8.75 are assigned to the hospitalized group with a precision of 86%. This suggests that these variables can serve as important biomarkers in predicting disease outcomes and could be used to differentiate patients at hospital admission for managing therapeutic interventions, including early antiviral administration. Moreover, they are simple parameters that can be useful in minimally equipped health care units.

Examining the Association between Social Media Use and Dietary Habits among College Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Food culture plays a vital role in societal dynamics, with various factors influencing dietary choices beyond hunger. Among these factors are external eating, triggered by environmental cues, and emotional eating, which are common stress-coping mechanisms among college students. Social media has a significant impact on nutrition by providing access to food-related content, which can lead to restrictive diets or unhealthy eating habits. High social media engagement is associated with an increased risk of chronic diet-related conditions such as metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the association between social media use and dietary habits among college students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The cross-sectional study surveyed 401 participants online. The findings revealed that 74.6% of participants were women, with a mean age of 20.75 years. A significant portion (51.9%) reported spending over four hours daily on social media, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube being the primary sources of nutritional information. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in dietary scores related to having children, medical conditions, and social media usage time. This study highlights the negative impact of extensive social media use on dietary habits and suggests the need for targeted public health interventions. Recommendations include promoting reliable nutrition-related content on social media, offering affordable healthy food options on campuses, and conducting further research to establish causality between social media use and dietary habits.

CYBERSECURITY RISK MITIGATION IN INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS ANALYZING PHYSICAL HYBRID AND VIRTUAL TEST BED APPLICATIONS

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) play a vital role in industries such as oil, utilities, and manufacturing, forming the backbone of critical infrastructure. With the increasing integration of network capabilities in ICS, their exposure to cyber-attacks has grown significantly. However, due to the sensitivity of these systems, access to detailed technical information is limited, making cybersecurity research challenging. To address this, researchers have employed various physical, hybrid, and virtual testbeds to simulate and analyze cyber threats. This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA guidelines, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these testbeds in mitigating cybersecurity risks in ICS, particularly within the context of a clean water supply system. The findings reveal that physical testbeds offer a comprehensive understanding of the behavior and dynamics of ICS components, such as sensors and actuators, under real-world conditions affected by external factors like pressure, temperature, and mechanical wear. However, physical testbeds' high cost and complexity limit their widespread use. While more cost-effective, hybrid testbeds fail to capture crucial physical dynamics, which may lead to incomplete assessments of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Virtual testbeds provide the most affordable option, offering scalability and ease of implementation. However, they deliver a limited view of ICS operations that can impair the development of accurate detection and prevention mechanisms. The results underscore the trade-offs associated with each testbed type, suggesting that an integrated approach, blending physical and virtual elements, may offer the most effective framework for cybersecurity research in ICS while balancing cost and realism.

Rapid and efficient removal of water-soluble dyes via natural asphalt oxide as a new carbonaceous super adsorbent; NA-oxide synthesis and characterization

In this study, natural asphalt was oxidized to synthesize a new nano-structure adsorbent for dye removal. The functionalization of natural asphalt by oxidation introduced new properties that influenced its activity. The process of oxidizing natural asphalt with potassium permanganate resulted in a low-cost adsorbent, which can potentially be a more affordable option compared with synthetic alternatives. Characterization analysis confirmed the enhanced surface area, improving dye interaction and adsorption. The interconnected channels and capillaries of the oxidized natural asphalt facilitated the capillary action drawing in liquids, including dyes. The distinctive porosity of natural asphalt oxide (NA-oxide) was noted, and the experimental results showed that the NA–oxide nanoadsorbent efficiently adsorbed cationic and anionic dyes in water, with maximum capacities of 14.68 mg.g−1, 17.81 mg.g−1 and 16.47 mg.g−1 for methyl orange, methylene blue and Rhodamine B, respectively. The study investigated various parameters, such as concentration, adsorption dose, pH, contact time, and temperature, affecting the dye removal process. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms along with pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic equations were applied to assess the adsorption process, indicating that dyes adhered to the pseudo-first-order model and Langmuir isotherm. Analysis of MO, MB, and RhB dyes revealed conformity to Langmuir isotherm and first-order kinetics. Thermodynamic evaluations like ΔH°, ΔS°, and ∆G° displayed the exothermic and spontaneous nature of dye adsorption on the NA-oxide adsorbent. Furthermore, the absorbent displayed remarkable stability with a recovery rate of 98.45% after ten cycles, signifying its potential for enduring effectiveness in dye removal processes.