Analysis Method Research Articles

Identification of the DEAD-box gene family and expression analysis of abiotic stress in potatoes

ABSTRACT Unwinding enzymes are a group of highly conserved enzymes that play important roles in plant growth and development as well as in adverse and stress conditions. The DEAD-box family represents the largest subfamily of deconjugating enzymes. However, little research has been conducted on the DEAD-box RNA gene family (StRH) in potato. Identifying and screening members of the DEAD-box gene family in potato could help us to better understand the response of potatoes to adverse and stress conditions and the related tolerance mechanisms. We identified a total of 73 DEAD-box gene family members from the potato genome-wide database. A comprehensive bioinformatics study of the potato DEAD-box family was carried out by a range of analytical methods. The evolutionary tree demonstrated that the potato DEAD-box family was divided into five distinct taxa. Three pairs of segmental repeats were identified on the chromosomes. In addition, we selected nine DEAD-box genes for qPCR(Quantitative Real-time PCR), and the results indicated that all of these genes were involved in both the ABA hormone stress and drought stress. These findings may help to increase our understanding of the functional diversity of the potato DEAD-box gene family under different environmental stresses.

In-tube extraction dynamic headspace coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the sensitive analysis of volatile compounds in aqueous samples

Aim: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often human-made contaminants used and generated in the manufacturing of numerous products, presenting notable environmental and health hazards. Therefore, the development of sensitive and reliable analytical methods is crucial for their detection with accuracy, timeliness, and automation capabilities. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the suitability of the in-tube extraction dynamic headspace (ITEX-DHS) sampling method for the gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) compounds in aqueous matrices. It emphasizes the method’s metrological reliability and innovative approach to precisely determining VOCs in aqueous environments providing a tool to prevent contamination of the agrifood sector. Methods: Following the optimization of various experimental parameters, including salt incorporation and adjustments of both dry purging and desorption conditions. The method’s performance was evaluated for repeatability, reproducibility, and robustness. Results: Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were for all substances determined lower than 50 and 100 ng/L, respectively. Average relative standard deviations below 5% were achieved for all analytes, with recovery rates ranging between 93% and 101%. Subsequently, the method was applied for the determination of BTEX in one hundred groundwater samples. The findings revealed that the BTEX levels were below the LOD in 84.2% of samples. However, in the remaining samples, more than one compound was detected at concentrations higher than the LOQ. Conclusions: The ITEX method emerges as a highly favorable alternative to both solid phase microextraction (SPME) and purge and trap (P & T) methods for determining BTEX in aqueous samples, providing significant advantages. Its strengths lie in its increased robustness, extended trap lifespan, and enhanced sensitivity, underscoring its superior performance in VOC analysis. The total analytical method allows the sensitive and robust determination of VOC.

Studies on Nitrogen Rich Benzoxazines Containing Schiff Base for Optical, Aggregation Induced Emission and Anti-Microbial Applications

ABSTRACT Dihydroxy derivative of vanillin-based diaminotriazole core monomer (DTV) has been synthesized using sustainable vanillin (V) and 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole (DT) under appropriate experimental conditions and characterized with a view to develop Schiff base core nitrogen-rich benzoxazines capable of exhibiting excellent optical and anti-microbial properties. The monomer DTV has been subsequently converted into benzoxazines separately using six structurally varied amino compounds, viz. aniline (a), 1-(−2-aminoethyl)piperazine (aep), furfurylamine (ffa), 4-H-1,2,4-triazoal-4-amine (ta), 3-aminopyrazol (apy) and 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole (api) with paraformaldehyde through Mannich condensation. The corresponding Schiff base based benzoxazines, viz. DTV-a, DTV-aep, DTV-ffa, DTV-ta, DTV-apy and DTV-api were synthesized and characterized for their molecular structure, thermal stability, optical, hydrophobic and anti-microbial properties using different analytical techniques and methods. Data obtained from different analyses for DTV based benzoxazines can be used for wide range of industrial and engineering applications.

Nonlinear Dynamics for the Ising Model

We introduce and analyze a natural class of nonlinear dynamics for spin systems such as the Ising model. This class of dynamics is based on the framework of mass action kinetics, which models the evolution of systems of entities under pairwise interactions, and captures a number of important nonlinear models from various fields, including chemical reaction networks, Boltzmann’s model of an ideal gas, recombination in population genetics and genetic algorithms. In the context of spin systems, it is a natural generalization of linear dynamics based on Markov chains, such as Glauber dynamics and block dynamics, which are by now well understood. However, the inherent nonlinearity makes the dynamics much harder to analyze, and rigorous quantitative results so far are limited to processes which converge to essentially trivial stationary distributions that are product measures. In this paper we provide the first quantitative convergence analysis for natural nonlinear dynamics in a combinatorial setting where the stationary distribution contains non-trivial correlations, namely spin systems at high temperatures. We prove that nonlinear versions of both the Glauber dynamics and the block dynamics converge to the Gibbs distribution of the Ising model (with given external fields) in times O(nlogn)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$O(n\\log n)$$\\end{document} and O(logn)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$O(\\log n)$$\\end{document} respectively, where n is the size of the underlying graph (number of spins). Given the lack of general analytical methods for such nonlinear systems, our analysis is unconventional, and combines tools such as information percolation (due in the linear setting to Lubetzky and Sly), a novel coupling of the Ising model with Erdős-Rényi random graphs, and non-traditional branching processes augmented by a “fragmentation” process. Our results extend immediately to any spin system with a finite number of spins and bounded interactions.

Association between brain resting-state functional activities and migraine: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study

Researchers have conducted extensive research on the correlation between brain resting-state functional activities (RSFA) and migraine. However, we still do not fully understand the exact nature of the causal relationship between these RSFA and migraine. We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal association between migraine and RSFA. We gathered summary statistics from genome-wide association studies for 191 resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging phenotypes. We employed various analytical methods for bidirectional two-sample MR analyses. This included inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR Egger, and the constrained maximum likelihood approaches. We also conducted pleiotropy and heterogeneity analyses to evaluate the robustness and reliability. We found the functional connectivity between the default mode and the central executive network (OR = 1.39, p = 4.77 × 10−4, FDR corrected p value = 0.040) and the intensity of spontaneous brain activity in the calcarine or lingual gyrus within the visual network (OR = 0.74, p = 5.94 × 10−4, FDR corrected p value = 0.040) having a causal effect on the risk of migraine. Our MR analysis provided genetic support for these networks, which may play an important role in influencing migraine susceptibility.

Demonstration of an End-To-End Workflow Using Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) With Real-Time Sample Recognition Software for the Identification of Falsified and Substandard Pharmaceutical Tablets.

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a subclass of falsified and substandard medicines. They are illicit products, purporting to be genuine medicines, that are made and sold by criminal organisations. They represent a significant risk to patient safety, as well as a financial and reputational threat to the companies who make the genuine medicines. It is essential to have analytical methods to determine if suspect samples seized by law enforcement agencies are counterfeit, with mass spectrometry (MS) being a commonly used technique in forensic cases. Speed-to-answer is vital to enable law enforcement agencies to progress investigations, as well as for pharmaceutical companies so that they can notify health authorities of the circulation of counterfeit medicines. In this work, an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP)-MS was assessed as a fast and simple-to-use approach to analyse tablets on a commercially available instrument. Complementing the analytics with real-time sample recognition software demonstrated that the classification of tablets as authentic or counterfeit could be achieved quickly (< 2 min) and without the need for MS interpretation skills. Authentication of five tablets (two authentic pharmaceuticals, one placebo and two counterfeits containing the correct active pharmaceutical ingredient [API] but at lower quantities than in the genuine medicine and with different excipient contents) of unknown origin was achieved with 100% success. This creates the opportunity to deploy the end-to-end workflow as a tool for non-scientists, such as law enforcement officers and border control staff, for use in-territory to obtain fast answers and make data-led decisions to control the illegal trading of medicines.

Analytical calculation approach for rocket nose cone structure with orthotropic material

The Authors of this research developed an analytical calculation method to estimate the strength of nose cone structures made of orthotropic materials, which were crucial components in aircraft and spacecraft. Strength analysis of nose cones had been comprehensively addressed for isotropic materials; however, the lack of efficient approaches for orthotropic materials presented a challenge. In this research, a new analytical method was proposed, combining membrane stress theory for isotropic materials with classical laminate theory for orthotropic materials. This approach enabled the determination of stresses on the nose cone shell structure in both meridional and circumferential directions in an efficient and straightforward manner. The analysis results indicated that the developed analytical method exhibited stress distribution trends similar to those obtained using the Finite Element Method. Stresses in the +45° and –45° direction, as well as in-plane shear stress and Tsai-Wu failure indices, showed trend similarity between the two methods. Despite specific numerical differences in the calculation results, these consistent trends suggested that the analytical method could serve as a tool for the preliminary design of a nose cone structure with a similar configuration analyzed in this study.

Quasinormal modes and the analytical continuation of non-self-adjoint operators

We briefly review the analytical continuation method for determining quasinormal modes (QNMs) and the associated frequencies in open systems. We explore two exactly solvable cases based on the Pöschl–Teller potential to show that the analytical continuation method cannot determine the full set of QNMs and frequencies of a given problem starting from the associated bound state problem in quantum mechanics. The root of the problem is that many QNMs are the analytically continued counterparts of solutions that do not belong to the domain where the associated Schrödinger operator is self-adjoint, challenging the application of the method for determining full sets of QNMs. We illustrate these problems through the physically relevant case of BTZ black holes, where the natural domain of the problem is the negative real line.

Enhancing auxetic gradient structures for hip joint implants to optimize stress shielding reduction

This study investigates the design and optimization of a porous hip implant to mitigate stress shielding. Initially, the focus was on determining the elastic modulus of a three-dimensional auxetic structure, primarily in the y-direction. Various methods—numerical, analytical, and experimental—were used to assess the elastic properties. Additive manufacturing was employed to create samples, which were then tested for their elastic properties through compression testing. The results revealed a strong correlation between the elastic modulus values obtained from simulations and experimental tests in the y-direction. To further enhance the implant’s performance and reduce stress shielding at the implant-bone interface, a gradient structure was introduced. This gradient design progressively increases the elastic modulus away from the bone contact surfaces, aligning closely with the bone’s modulus at the interface. The elastic modulus of this gradient structure was computed using Abaqus software and validated through analytical methods in MATLAB, with a minimal 4.8% difference between the two approaches, demonstrating high agreement. The application of a genetic algorithm enabled the creation of a porous hip implant tailored to minimize stress shielding throughout its structure. This innovative approach, integrating numerical, analytical, and experimental techniques with gradient structures, holds promise for improving hip implant performance and enhancing patient outcomes by reducing stress-shielding complications.

An optimal control for non-autonomous second-order stochastic differential equations with delayedarguments

Abstract Optimal control of non-autonomous second-order stochastic differential equations with delayed arguments is indispensable for managing systems exposed to uncertainty, time-dependent dynamics, and historical influences. These equations underpin a wide range of applications, including finance, engineering, and biology, where it’s imperative to make informed decisions that&amp;#xD;mitigate risks or maximize returns while considering the inherent randomness, evolving conditions, and the impact of past states. By employing optimal control techniques, we can devise strategies that are resilient to uncertainty, adaptable to changing circumstances, and capable of accounting for the memory effects of previous events. This empowers us to optimize system performance, bolster stability, and attain desired objectives in intricate and dynamic environments.&amp;#xD;So, the goal of this article is to introduce a novel model of second-order perturbed stochastic differential equations incorporating non-local finite delay and deviated arguments in the setting of Hilbert spaces. Moreover, essential criteria are presented to examine the existence of a mild solution and evaluate the potential for approximate and optimal control of the proposed system. These results have been obtained by using evolution operators, fixed point techniques, random&amp;#xD;analytic methods, and compact semigroup theory. Further, to support the theoretical results,&amp;#xD;the optimal controllability of our model was studied by considering the Lagrange problem. Finally, the results were applied to discuss the approximate controllability of a partial differential equation. These models have the potential to advance the understanding and application of optimal control techniques for a wider range of complex systems.

Development, Validation, and Greenness Assessment of Eco-Friendly Analytical Methods for the Determination of Abiraterone Acetate in Pure Form and Pharmaceutical Formulations

This study presents the development and validation of environmentally friendly analytical methods for quantifying Abiraterone Acetate (AA) in both its pure form and commercial pharmaceutical formulations. An optimized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was developed using an Agilent Extend C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 25 °C. The mobile phase consisted of formic acid and ethanol in isocratic mode, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1, and detection was performed at 253 nm. The spectrophotometric method involved a comprehensive evaluation of AA’s spectral properties in various solvents, with ultrapure water providing the most suitable spectra for analysis at 253 nm. Both methods were validated according to ICH guidelines, demonstrating selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, detection and quantification limits, and robustness, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.999 across the 5–30 μg mL−1 concentration range. Comparative statistical analysis using Student’s t-test and Fisher’s F-test showed no significant differences between the two methods. The environmental impact of both methods was assessed using AGREE and GAPI software, confirming their sustainability. These validated methods offer reliable and eco-friendly approaches for the quantitative analysis of AA in tablet formulations, promoting safer and greener laboratory practices in pharmaceutical analysis.

Soliton wave profiles and dynamical analysis of fractional Ivancevic option pricing model

This study dynamically investigates the mathematical Ivancevic option pricing governing system in terms of conformable fractional derivative, which illustrates a confined Brownian motion identified with a non-linear Schrödinger type equation. This model describes the controlled Brownian motion that comes with a non-linear Schrödinger type equation. The solution to comprehend the market price fluctuations for the suggested model is developed through the application of a mathematical strategy. The modified Kudryashov analytical method is applied to find the fractional analytical exact soliton solution. The restrictions on the parameters required for these solutions to exist were also the result of this approach. The dynamical insights are examined and significant aspects of the phenomenon under study are discussed through the use of the bifurcation analysis. In the related dynamical system, the phase portraits of market price fluctuations are displayed at equilibrium points and for different parameter values. Additionally, the chaos analysis was carried out to show the quasi-periodic and periodic chaotic patterns. In order to track changes in market price, the sensitivity analysis of the studied model is also looked at and presented at different initial conditions. It was discovered that the model experienced price fluctuations as a result of minute changes in initial conditions.

Eco-friendly solvents in liquid-liquid microextraction techniques for biological and environmental analysis: a critical review.

In recent years, green solvents have emerged as promising alternatives in the field of analytical chemistry, replacing conventional organic solvents known for their toxicity, volatility, and flammability. The combination of these solvents with liquid-liquid microextraction techniques has facilitated the development of simpler, faster, more economical, and environment-friendly methodologies for the analysis of samples of varying complexity. This review discusses the fundamental physicochemical properties and advantages of using deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, switchable-hydrophilicity solvents, supramolecular solvents, and surfactants as extractants. Furthermore, analytical methods based on liquid-liquid microextraction techniques developed in the last 5years for the determination of organic compounds and metals in biological and environmental samples are presented and discussed, highlighting their applications and benefits to improve analytical performance and sustainability.

Cross-validation of methods for the quantitative determination of phenazepam and its active metabolite in human blood plasma at various extractions

Introduction. In conducting of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), often such situation arises where the drug concentration has measured by different methods or in different laboratories. To combine and analyze the data obtained with different methods, it is necessary to perform cross-validation procedure. Insufficient attention is paid to the statistical approaches used for this purpose.Aim. Performing cross-validation of different analytical methods for the quantitative determination of phenazepam (PHEN) and 3-hydroxyphenazepam (3-OH-PHEN) using the Bland – Altman analysis.Materials and methods. PHEN and 3-OH-PHEN concentrations in the blood plasma of patients (n = 100) with alcohol withdrawal syndrome were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The quantification of both analytes in each sample was measure twice by two different methods: solid phase extraction (SPE) and supported liquid extraction (SLE). Both methods have been fully validated before the experiment began. Cross-validation was performed at the end of the experiment using data from study samples. The Bland – Altman analysis was used to evaluate accuracy and precision. Deming regression was also used to identify a systematic error between measurement results.Results and discussion. The regression equations have been obtained between concentrations both analytes measured by different sample preparation methods. 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of the regression coefficients of both equations included one, and 95 % CI of the intercepts included zero. 95 % CI of the geometric mean of the individual SLE/SPE ratios was within the acceptable range (0.87; 1.15). These results confirm the absence of the influence of quantitative methods on the measurement of both analytes concentration. 66.7 % CI of the percent difference between two measurements was within acceptable limits (–0.2; 0.2), not exceeding 20 % of the range of their mean value. This confirms the acceptable precision between the methods. The estimated CIs were displayed in the Bland – Altman plots.Conclusion. The statistical approaches used in the work have confirmed the reproducibility of the results of different sample preparation methods. In addition to cross-validation, the statistical algorithm from this paper using Bland – Altman analysis can be successfully employed to assess accuracy and precision during bioanalytical method validation and evaluation of the acceptance of analytical runs, as well as to determine the level of reproducibility of incurred samples.

A systematic review on analytical methods of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), and its causative microalgae and distribution in the environment

β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxin produced by various microalgal groups, is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and is considered a major environmental factor potentially linked to sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study systematically reviews the analytical methods used to study BMAA in publications from 2019 to the present. It also investigates the causative microalgae of BMAA and its geographical distributions in aquatic ecosystems based on studies conducted since 2003. A comprehensive search using the Web of Science database revealed that hydrolysis for extraction (67%), followed by quantification using LC-MS/MS (LC: 84%; MS/MS: 88%), is the most commonly employed method in BMAA analysis. Among analytical methods, RPLC-MS/MS had the highest percentage (88%) of BMAA-positive results and included a high number of quality control (QC) assessments. Various genera of cyanobacteria and diatoms have been reported to produce BMAA. The widespread geographical distribution of BMAA across diverse ecosystems highlights significant environmental and public health concerns. Notably, BMAA accumulation and biomagnification are likely more potent in marine or brackish water ecosystems than in freshwater ecosystems, potentially amplifying its ecological impacts. Future research should prioritize advanced, sensitive methods, particularly LC-MS/MS with as many QC assessments as possible, and should expand investigations to identify novel microalgal producers and previously uncharted geographical areas, with a special focus on marine or brackish water ecosystems. This effort will enhance our understanding of the environmental distribution and impacts of BMAA.

Incidental detection of aluminum phosphide in abdominal subcutaneous fat- a rare reporting of chemical analysis findings in poisoning cases.

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poses a significant health challenge in developing countries, primarily because of its accessibility to the unregulated market and the absence of specific antidotes. Although chemical analysis of routine viscera can provide valuable information regarding the type of poison present in the body during poisoning incidents, numerous factors can alter the test results of chemical analysis, such as decomposition changes, postmortem redistribution, and the chemical nature of drugs. Analytical methods are frequently impeded by the interference caused by coextracted putrefactive compounds, which can mask or alter the detection of drugs. This series of three cases is particularly noteworthy because it involves the postmortem detection of AlP in the abdominal subcutaneous fat of the deceased, a previously unreported occurrence. In the first case, the body showed findings of late postmortem changes, with stomach mucosa being congested and hemorrhagic, along with routine viscera, and abdominal subcutaneous fat was sent for toxicological analysis. To confirm these findings, in two further cases of suspected AlP poisoning, subcutaneous fat was sent along with routine viscera. Stomach mucosa in the other two cases showed findings similar to those in the first. In the third case, black paste-like material was noted as stomach content. All the cases revealed the presence of AlP in routine viscera samples and abdominal subcutaneous fat on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) analysis. Therefore, abdominal fat can serve as a suitable sample for toxicological analysis to identify the presence of AlP, even in cases with advanced putrefactive changes.

Personalization of pharmacotherapy with sirolimus based on volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) in pediatric renal transplant recipients-from LC-MS/MS method validation to clinical application.

The benefits of pharmacotherapy with sirolimus (SIR) in pediatric transplant recipients are well established. Traditionally, whole blood samples have been used to measure SIR concentrations. Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) is an alternative sampling strategy suitable for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM). In this study, we developed and validated two liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods for determining SIR concentrations in whole blood (WB) and capillary whole blood samples collected using a VAMS-Mitra™ device. We used protein precipitation during WB sample preparation and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with methyl tert-butyl ether for VAMS sample preparation to optimise the analyte extraction process. The described validation protocols were cross-validated, confirming the equivalence of the whole-blood and VAMS-based methods. Furthermore, the developed methods were evaluated in two three-level rounds of an external proficiency-testing scheme. The analytical methods were successfully validated within the calibration range of SIR (0.5-60 ng/ml). The validation parameters met the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDM&CT) acceptance criteria. No hematocrit (tested in the range of 24.3-64.1%), matrix, or carry-over effects were observed. Cross-validation confirmed the interchangeability between VAMS-LC-MS/MS and WB-LC-MS/MS methods. The developed methods were successfully implemented for SIR determination in 140 clinical samples (70 each of WB and VAMS) from pediatric renal transplant recipients, demonstrating their practicality and reliability. The VAMS-based method has been rigorously tested and is clinically equivalent to the reference WB-LC-MS/MS method. Additionally, clinical validation confirmed the utility of the presented methods for TDM of the SIR in the pediatric population after renal transplantation.

Evaluations of Groundwater Quality using Principal Component Analysis and Associated Multivariate Techniques: A Case History in Ewekoro Communities, South-West Nigeria

The quest for quality water consumption is comprised of integration of numerous techniques from different professionals whose contributions go a long way in determining overall health status and wellness of any given society. The water quality status of boreholes in Ewekoro communities of Ewekoro Local Government Area, South-West Nigeria was investigated in this work. Water samples were collected from 25 boreholes at various sampling stations across the study area. Standard analytical water quality methods using Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)/Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Pour Plate Techniques were respectively employed in the laboratory for the samples’ geochemical and bacteriological analyses. The raw data were processed and analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and other multivariate techniques with Excel and SPSS 20.0 statistical software packages with the corresponding outcomes systematically compared with water quality standards. For the PCA, the varimax rotation converged in 23 iterations with 6 components extracted which accounted for 92.76% of the total cumulative variance respectively observed for geochemical parameters. Na2+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-, SO42-, NH4+, PO43-, and HCO3-, Mg3+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Ni, S , Si, Fe3+, NO3− and Al3+ played a significant contribution with higher factor loading supported by the dominance of HCO3− among the water quality determinants. The rotation converged in 8 iterations with 3 extracted components that accounted for a total cumulative variance of 90.99% % with pH, TEMP, EC, BOD, TS, TURB, ALK, TH, TDS, THC, and DO in the Physico-chemical Parameters series. Most quality determinants in the sampled water are within allowable limits of the approved water quality standards including WHO except Alkalinity, HCO3−, MgCO3−, Cl−, BOD, Cd2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+. The overall ionic dominance pattern follows the same trend K+ &gt;Na2+ &gt; Fe3+ &gt;Mn2+ and Cl- &gt;NO3- &gt;NO2-. The results of the microbial analyses revealed the highest Total Coliform Count of 17 x 102 MPN/100 ml while that of THBC and FCC were reported as 7.8 ×102 cfu/ml and 1.2×102 cfu/ml respectively. The hygienic status of the water sources was found to be poor. High BOD, Coliform Count and BOD5:NO3- ratios of 248.23 recorded for the groundwater samples were suggestive of possible organic pollution due to faecal invasion with the lowest measured depth of 35m. Multivariate statistical approaches namely Correlation, Principal Component Analysis and Descriptive statistics simplified and identified the interrelationship among the analyzed physicochemical parameters and the pollution sources. This study has therefore revealed that boreholes in Ewekoro were polluted and posed potential risk to biomedical safety and overall human health. Intervention measures are therefore necessary to safeguard the inhabitants from water-related diseases and their consequences.

Extracting non-equilibrium material properties in visco-hyperelastic polymers based on analytical stress solution

This study extracts non-equilibrium material properties in the visco-hyperelastic polymers using an analytical stress solution. At first, the analytical stress solution of visco-hyperelastic polymers is obtained from finite-strain creep test data based on the generalized Maxwell’s rheological model. The solution uses the low-computational-cost exponential generalized pseudospectral method and analytically brings the stress components in terms of time and unknown non-equilibrium material properties of Maxwell’s elements. The solution invokes the Ogden hyperelastic model for the elastic element of the generalized Maxwell’s model. The exponential generalized pseudospectral method, based on exponential–rational Lagrange functions suitable for the semi-infinite time interval [Formula: see text] and the rational Chebyshev roots as the collocation points, is applied to derive the stress components. The non-equilibrium properties are derived by minimizing a residual, which is obtained by making the derivatives of the residual in terms of the non-equilibrium properties as zero. Notably, the proposed analytical method requires a small number of exponent–rational Lagrange basis functions and collocation points. Besides, the proposed method does not require integration, discretization, or linearization. Two case studies are considered: the moderate-stretched ETFE polymer with the neo-Hookean model as the elastic element and the large-stretched rubber with the six-parameter Ogden hyperelastic model as the elastic branch. The results are validated using uniaxial creep modeling in ANSYS and available reports in the literature.

Monitoring and preventing foodborne outbreaks: are we missing wastewater as a key data source?

In 2022, the number of foodborne outbreaks in Europe increased by 43.9%, highlighting the need to improve surveillance systems and design outbreak predictive tools. This review aims to assess the scientific literature describing wastewater surveillance to monitor foodborne pathogens in association with clinical data. In the selected studies, the relationship between peaks of pathogen concentration in wastewater and reported clinical cases is described. Moreover, details on analytical methods to detect and quantify pathogens as well as wastewater sampling procedures are discussed. Few papers show a statistically significant correlation between high concentrations of foodborne pathogens in wastewater and the occurrence of clinical cases. However, monitoring pathogen concentration in wastewater looks like a promising and cost-effective strategy to improve foodborne outbreak surveillance. Such a strategy can be articulated in three steps, where the first one is testing wastewater with an untargeted method, like shotgun metagenomic, to detect microorganisms belonging to different domains. The second consists of testing wastewater with a targeted method, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, to quantify those specific pathogens that in the metagenomic dataset display an increasing trend or exceed baseline concentration thresholds. The third involves the integrated wastewater and clinical data analysis and modeling to find meaningful epidemiological correlations and make predictions.