Changes In Products Research Articles

Cellulosimicrobium sp. Strain L1: A Study on the Optimization of the Conditions and Performance of a Combined Biological Trickling Filter for Hydrogen Sulfide Degradation.

Sulfide is a toxic and hazardous substance in the agricultural environment, which can cause damage to humans and livestock when exposed to large amounts of air. In this study, we performed one-factor optimization of the culture conditions and culture fractions of the Cellulosimicrobium sp. strain L1 and combined it with a biological trickling filter cell for the degradation of hydrogen sulfide for 24 consecutive days. The degradation effect of strain L1 and the biological trickling filter (BTF) on hydrogen sulfide was investigated, and the changes in intermediate products in the degradation process were briefly analyzed. The results showed that strain L1 had the highest conversion efficiency when incubated with 3 g/L sucrose as the carbon source and 1 g/L NH4Cl as the nitrogen source at a temperature of 35 °C, an initial pH of 5, and a NaCl concentration of 1%. The concentration of thiosulfate increased and then decreased during the degradation process, and the concentration of sulfate increased continuously. When strain L1 was applied to the biological trickling filter, it could degrade 359.53 mg/m3 of H2S. This study provides a deeper understanding of sulfide degradation in biological trickling filters and helps promote the development of desulfurization technology and the treatment of malodorous gasses produced by the accumulation of large quantities of livestock manure.

Improving urinary incontinence management and sleep quality with wetness sensing technology in absorbent products.

Using absorbent products to manage the urinary incontinence (UI) of dependent residents in care facilities (such as nursing homes, and hospitals) requires frequent routine checks throughout the day and night to see if products need changing. Timely changes of saturated products are necessary to avoid long-lasting skin exposure to wet absorbent products, unpleasant odor, leaking of such products and embarrassing moments for the users. Limited staffing, high workload, and peaks on the demand for caregiving are challenges that hamper swift support for the care dependent population. This paper describes novel sensing technology that has been developed for monitoring the wet state of absorbent products remotely. The Orizon system by Ontex enables caregivers to prioritize care routines, avoid sleep disturbance at night and achieve effective leakage prevention. Moreover, the monitoring data can be used to understand the individual product usage and incontinence pattern of individuals, helping incontinence specialists to choose the optimal product and implement appropriate toilet training for each user.

Sea/coral sand in marine engineered geopolymer composites: Engineering, mechanical, and microstructure properties

AbstractUtilizing marine waste and resources for eco‐friendly building materials is pivotal in promoting sustainable development in island and coastal construction industries. Among the potential alternatives, coral sand as well as sea sand stands out as a promising material. This research seeks to explore the potential of coral/sea sand as a fine aggregate in the creation of environmentally sustainable marine engineered geopolymer composites. An assessment was conducted on the influence of varying proportions of coral sand, meant as a substitute for sea sand, on the flowability, drying shrinkage, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the marine engineered geopolymer composites. The findings indicate that as coral sand replaces sea sand, flowability and drying shrinkage decrease, while compressive strength experiences an initial rise followed by a decline. Encouragingly, a combination of coral and sea sands enhances tensile ductility. Overall, a 20 wt.% coral sand mixture yields optimal results, with the compressive strength is 54.4 Mpa and the tensile strain capacity is 2.397% after 28 days. Moreover, microscopic tests reveal changes in hydration products and pore structure. Our research delves into the potential of coral/sea sand as a fine aggregate in the creation of environmentally sustainable marine engineered geopolymer composites.

Influence of polycarboxylate superplasticizer and polyacrylamide on mirror effect of fair-faced concrete

This work successfully prepared fair-faced concrete with mirror effect. The gray value standard deviation, porosity, crack rate and glossiness of the concrete surface were used to characterize the apparent quality of fair-faced concrete. The effect of polycarboxylate superplasticizer and polyacrylamide viscosity-modifying admixture on mirror effect of fair-faced concrete was investigated. The changes of hydration products and microstructure of fair-faced concrete were monitored by the measurements of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosity (MIP), and the potential mechanism was analyzed. The results indicate that the polyacrylamide reduces the number and size of Ca(OH)2 and change the morphology of Ca(OH)2 crystals from large-size parallel stacking state to small-size edge corrosion structure. The polyacrylamide can refine the pore size of concrete, the most probable pore size at the optimum dosage is 13.73 nm, which is much lower than that at other dosages. The usage of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer will introduce air, which has adverse effect on the concrete surface. But polycarboxylate superplasticizer can also improve the flowability of concrete and make bubbles easy to discharge. The combined action of polycarboxylate superplasticizer and polyacrylamide contributes the fair-faced concrete for better mirror effect.

Optimizing dry-air preheating conditions for enhancing bioactive constituents, stability, and physiochemical attributes of niger [Guizotia abyssinica (Lf) Cass.] seed oil

The study employed dry-air preheating (DAP) at different temperatures (140 °C, 160 °C, and 180 °C) and exposure times (5, 10, and 15 min) to improve niger seed oil (NiO) qualitative attributes. The changes in physicochemical characteristics, tocopherols, pigments, phytosterols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and Maillard products in NiO were explored after DAP of niger seeds. The structural changes induced by DAP promoted the release of beneficial components and restrained the development of harmful oxidative products. The NiO yield and oxidative stability index increased from 32.94 to 41.64 % and 2.71 to 5.17 h upon DAP at 160 °C and 180 °C for 10 min, respectively. The total flavonoids (140.58 mg/kg), hydroxycinnamic (36.39 mg/kg), and hydroxybenzoic (2.724 mg/kg) acids were highest upon DAP at 180 °C for 10 min, while the browning index (0.130), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (3.089 mg/kg), carotenoids (1.023 mg/kg), and viscosity (61.33 mPa·s) were highest upon DAP at 180 °C for 15 min. The tocopherols and phytosterols were augmented in NiO upon DAP at 140 °C for 10 min, while they were declined by further elevating temperature (180 °C) and exposure time (15 min). The results suggest the potential industrial application of DAP for enhancing NiO quality characteristics.

Revealing Differential RNA Editing Specificity of Human ADAR1 and ADAR2 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is an important post-transcriptional modification mediated by the adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) family of enzymes, expanding the transcriptome by altering selected nucleotides A to I in RNA molecules. Recently, A-to-I editing has been explored for correcting disease-causing mutations in RNA using therapeutic guide oligonucleotides to direct ADAR editing at specific sites. Humans have two active ADARs whose preferences and specificities are not well understood. To investigate their substrate specificity, we introduced hADAR1 and hADAR2, respectively, into Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe), which lacks endogenous ADARs, and evaluated their editing activities in vivo. Using transcriptome sequencing of S. pombe cultured at optimal growth temperature (30 °C), we identified 483 A-to-I high-confident editing sites for hADAR1 and 404 for hADAR2, compared with the non-editing wild-type control strain. However, these sites were mostly divergent between hADAR1 and hADAR2-expressing strains, sharing 33 common sites that are less than 9% for each strain. Their differential specificity for substrates was attributed to their differential preference for neighboring sequences of editing sites. We found that at the -3-position relative to the editing site, hADAR1 exhibits a tendency toward T, whereas hADAR2 leans toward A. Additionally, when varying the growth temperature for hADAR1- and hADAR2-expressing strains, we observed increased editing sites for them at both 20 and 35 °C, compared with them growing at 30 °C. However, we did not observe a significant shift in hADAR1 and hADAR2's preference for neighboring sequences across three temperatures. The vast changes in RNA editing sites at lower and higher temperatures were also observed for hADAR2 previously in budding yeast, which was likely due to the influence of RNA folding at these different temperatures, among many other factors. We noticed examples of longer lengths of dsRNA around the editing sites that induced editing at 20 or 35 °C but were absent at the other two temperature conditions. We found genes' functions can be greatly affected by editing of their transcripts, for which over 50% of RNA editing sites for both hADAR1 and hADAR2 in S. pombe were in coding sequences (CDS), with more than 60% of them resulting in amino acid changes in protein products. This study revealed the extensive differences in substrate selectivity between the two active human ADARS, i.e., ADAR1 and ADAR2, and provided novel insight when utilizing the two different enzymes for in vivo treatment of human genetic diseases using the RNA editing approach.

A novel in vitro cell model of the proteinase/antiproteinase balance observed in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition resulting from mutations in the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein, a major systemic antiproteinase, resulting in reduced/no release of AAT, disrupting the proteinase/antiproteinase balance. A sustained imbalance can cause structural changes to the lung parenchyma, leading to emphysema. Predicting and assessing human responses to potential therapeutic candidates from preclinical animal studies have been challenging. Our aims were to develop a more physiologically relevant in vitro model of the proteinase/antiproteinase balance and assess whether the data generated could better predict the efficacy of pharmacological candidates to inform decisions on clinical trials, together with expected biomarker responses. Methods: We developed an in vitro model assessing the proteinase/antiproteinase balance by the changes in the fibrinogen cleavage products of neutrophil elastase (NE) and proteinase 3 (PR3). This allowed the assessment of physiological and pharmaceutical neutrophil serine proteinase (NSP) inhibitors to determine the putative threshold at which the maximal effect is achieved. Results: AAT significantly reduced NE and PR3 activity footprints, with the maximal reduction achieved at concentrations above 10μM. The inhibitor MPH966 alone also significantly reduced NE footprint generation in a concentration-dependent manner, leveling out above 100nM but had no effect on the PR3 footprint. At levels of AAT consistent with AATD, MPH966 had an additive effect, reducing the NE activity footprint more than either inhibitor alone. Conclusion: Our results support an inhibitor threshold above which the activity footprint generation appears resistant to increasing dosage. Our model can support the testing of inhibitors, confirming activity biomarkers as indicators of likely pharmaceutical efficacy, the assessment of NSP activity in the pathophysiology of emphysema, and the likely function of biological or pharmacological inhibitors in disease management.

An Innovative Approach in Gastronomy: Ultrasound Technology

Ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves, induces significant physical and chemical changes in food products, making it a valuable tool for various applications. It enhances food safety, quality, and preparation efficiency by improving mass transfer, disrupting cellular structures, and accelerating chemical reactions. This review aims to explore the integration of ultrasound technology into gastronomy, emphasizing its potential impact on modern culinary practices. Firstly, ultrasound effectively reduces microbial loads and chemical residues on food surfaces, enhancing food safety. Secondly, in food processing applications, ultrasound accelerates marination processes and improves meat tenderness, with ultrasonic cutting providing precision in processing foods. Thirdly, ultrasound improves the stability of emulsions and the consistency of homogenized products. This technology's ability to create stable foams, accelerate gel formation, and extract aromatic compounds paves the way for new gastronomic discoveries. Additionally, in the realm of diagnostic and quality control, ultrasound enables rapid and non-invasive quality assessments. The primary focus areas of this review include the applications of ultrasound in decontamination, marination, tenderization, cutting, diagnostic analysis, homogenization, emulsification, dehydration, rehydration, and molecular gastronomy. This study demonstrates that ultrasound technology not only enhances the sensory and aesthetic qualities of food but also supports innovative culinary techniques in molecular gastronomy. Based on a comprehensive literature search and professional experiences, this review concludes that the integration of ultrasound in gastronomy has the potential to significantly enhance food preparation methods, contributing to more efficient, creative, and high-quality culinary experiences.

The Circular Economy and Elements of Consumer Behaviour using the SPSS Method

Consumer behaviour encompasses a myriad of factors that influence individuals, groups or companies their requirements and fulfilment of preferences materials, services or acquisition of experiences, using and relating to disposal how decisions are made. This multifaceted phenomenon is shaped by various elements, including psychological factors like perception, motivation, and attitudes. Additionally, socio-economic factors, Income, Education and Social status etc. purchasing power and in determining options play a significant role. Cultural influences, including values, norms, and traditions, further impact consumer choices. Moreover, technological advancements and the rise of digital platforms have transformed how consumers gather information and interact with products. Understanding these elements is crucial for businesses aiming to tailor their marketing strategies effectively and create products or services that resonate with their target audience. Research on consumer behaviours is of paramount significance in both academia and practical business applications. This understanding is instrumental for businesses in crafting effective marketing strategies, developing products that resonate with their target audience, and maintaining competitive advantages. The market involves categorizing and dividing consumers based on various criteria. This process helps businesses comprehend consumer behaviours, enabling them to efficiently target specific groups distinct groups with similar preferences and behaviours, companies can tailor their products, services, and marketing strategies to target specific segments, thereby increasing the likelihood of success. Product Development and Innovation Consumer behaviour research assists in determining optimal Pricing strategies. Consumers how they perceive value and price and between quality how to trade that they undertake understanding, consumers as per expectations Set prices allowing businesses. Consumer behaviour research market segment niche plays a role, businesses Specific consumer groups Identify and target Allows you to keep tailored offerings. Moreover, it provides insights into consumer preferences, enabling businesses to adapt to changing market trends and consumer demands. This research is invaluable for mitigating risks associated with consumer reactions to changes in products, pricing, or marketing tactics. Ultimately, a deep understanding of consumer behaviour is an essential tool for businesses seeking to thrive and innovate in today's dynamic and competitive business landscape. Emotions and Mood, Time and Convenience, Technology and Digital Influence, Social Media and Online Communities, Cultural Shifts and Trends, Privacy Concerns and Data Security and Crisis and External Events. the Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .744 which indicates 74% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis.

Evolution of the precursor structure during the preparation of the nanopowders with perovskite-type LnLn’O3 (Ln, Ln’ = REE) complex oxide phase in the La2O3-Lu2O3-Yb2O3 system

The thermal decomposition of complex oxide phases, such as perovskite, in the La2O3-Lu2O3-Yb2O3 systemwith a specific surface area of 37 m2/g, synthesised by the heterogeneous precipitation method under non-isothermal conditions of linear heating at a rate of 5 deg/min, was studied to reveal the features of structure changes in intermediate products. Thermogravimetric and adsorption-structural analyses, infrared spectroscopy, powder diffraction and electron microscopy revealed that the decomposition of precursors occurs in two main stages. Up to 700 °C, the initial coordination spheres are destroyed in a sequential manner, resulting in the powders remaining amorphous in phase composition. However, with a gradual increase in the order of the atoms, the change in the pore structure is non-monotonic, with an inflection point observed at 450 and 675 °C. At 675 °C, the system undergoes a collapse, accompanied with decrease in both the pore volume (V∑) and the specific surface area (SBET), which attain the lowest values of 0.0415 cm3/g and 16.5 m2/g, respectively. The second stage of decomposition of the precursor in the temperature range of 750-825 °C is associated with the formation and accumulation of the crystalline phase of perovskite in the form of a nanodispersed mesoporous powder with a specific surface area of 18 m2/g and the average mesopore diameter of 17 nm corresponding to a particle size of 40 nm when using the calculated X-ray density of 8.26 g/cm3.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Regulate Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolic Pathways to Promote the Growth of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance the uptake of soil nutrients and water by citrus, promoting its growth. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the action of AM fungi in promoting the growth of citrus were not fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the role of AM fungi Funneliformis mosseae in the regulatory mechanisms of P. trifoliata growth. Pot experiments combined with non-targeted metabolomics methods were used to observe the growth process and changes in metabolic products of P. trifoliata under the conditions of F. mosseae inoculation. The results showed that F. mosseae could form an excellent symbiotic relationship with P. trifoliata, thereby enhancing the utilization of soil nutrients and significantly promoting its growth. Compared with the control, the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and aboveground and underground dry weight in the F. mosseae inoculation significantly increased by 2.57, 1.29, 1.57, 4.25, and 2.78 times, respectively. Moreover, the root system results confirmed that F. mosseae could substantially promote the growth of P. trifoliata. Meanwhile, the metabolomics data indicated that 361 differential metabolites and 56 metabolic pathways were identified in the roots of P. trifoliata and were inoculated with F. mosseae. This study revealed that the inoculated F. mosseae could participate in ABC transporters by upregulating their participation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism and metabolites from five metabolic pathways of benzoxazinoid biosynthesis [mainly enriched in lipid (39.50%) and amino acid-related metabolic pathways] to promote the growth of P. trifoliata.

Storage study on compositional analysis of quinoa and ragi based snacks

This research focuses on examining compositional changes in quinoa and ragi seed-based snack products (Khakhara, Mathari, Laddu, and Cookies) during storage, aiming to provide comprehensive insights into their nutritional stability. The study addresses parameters such as total ash, total moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates, energy, crude fiber, iron, and calcium content. The background underscores the significance of understanding alterations in these snacks’ composition during storage, and the purpose is to assess their implications for nutritional value and quality. Methodologically, the investigation thoroughly analyzes the specified parameters over the storage period. The principal results reveal dynamic changes in total ash, moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates, energy, crude fiber, iron, and calcium content, shedding light on the evolving nature of these popular snacks during storage. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the need for strategies to enhance the shelf life and nutritional stability of quinoa and ragi-based snacks. The major conclusions drawn underscore the importance of further research to comprehend the driving factors behind these compositional changes. Acknowledging research limitations, the study recognizes the necessity for ongoing investigations to unravel underlying mechanisms. In terms of practical implications, the findings suggest a potential impact on the nutritional quality of these snacks, urging the development of strategies to mitigate such effects. Socially, the study’s insights into popular snack products contribute to broader discussions on food quality, nutrition, and health. In summary, this research advances our understanding of compositional changes in stored snacks and prompts further exploration for practical and societal advancements in the field.

Dynamic product competitive analysis based on online reviews

Competitive intelligence is vital for enterprises to survive in the market. Recently, online reviews have gained popularity among enterprises and researchers as a means to acquire timely and precise competitive insights. However, extant studies overlook the evolution of competitive information because they do not account for the variation of online reviews and products. In this research, we propose a method for dynamic competitive analysis by concentrating on the changes in products and online reviews. First, products and their related online reviews are analyzed via Dynamic Topic Model to derive product features mentioned in different slices. Second, we use sentiment analysis to estimate product performance and transfer the results into a product competitive relation network. Third, we implement competitive analysis from the perspectives of products and markets based on competitiveness propagation. By tracking the evolution of competitive relations among products, we discover competitors and glean more competitive insights. Lastly, a case study of laptops is used for validation. Experimental results indicate that our method is effective in capturing evolving and potential competitive relations among products.

Microwave processing effects on physico-chemical, functional properties, phenolic profile, and Maillard products of flaxseed flour and flaxseed press cake flour

Microwave processing (MwP) is an energy-efficient and impressive method for modifying the functional properties and enhancing the availability of nutrients and bioactive constituents in flaxseeds (FS). The comprehensive and comparative evaluation of FS flour and flaxseed press cake (FPC) flour after MwP is required for large-scale industrial processing and utilization of flaxseeds. In this study, the changes in phenolic composition, Maillard products, physicochemical and functional properties of FS flour and FPC flour after MwP of flaxseeds at 180 W, 360 W, and 540 W for 5, 10, and 15 min were investigated. The unprocessed FS and FPC flour differed in the level of ash, fat, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and functional properties. The oil absorption capacity, protein, zinc, and copper augmented in FPC flour and declined in FS flour upon increasing MwP conditions. The phenolic acids (free gallic, protocatechuic, syringic, and caffeic acid, bound protocatechuic and vanillic acid), flavonoids (free rutin, bound epicatechin, and kaempferol), Maillard products, and browning index augmented in FS and FPC flours upon MwP at 540 W for 15 min. However, the L* and b* values, magnesium, potassium, selenium, bound catechin, free epicatechin, and free quercetin declined in FS and FPC flours upon MwP at higher power and time. The FPC flour obtained after MwP at 540 W for 15 min exhibited higher ash (5.71 %), protein (29.46 %), and water absorption (7.17 g/g), lowest emulsifying activity (20.03 m2/g), emulsifying stability (14.66 min) and water solubility (3.95 %) indexes. While the FS flour obtained upon MwP at 540 W for 15 min showed the highest fat content (37.52 %) and water solubility (6.20 %), lowest protein content (24.03 %), minerals, color values, oil absorption (1.69 g/g), emulsifying activity (41.38 m2/g) and stability (21.82 min). In conclusion, the MwP of flaxseeds can be used in industries to improve phenolic profile, Maillard products and modify functional properties of FS and FPC flour for possible utilization in food products.

Perlindungan Hukum Jasa Keuangan Fintech Dalam Perkembangan Ekonomi Di Indonesia Pada Era Indusri 4.0

The Fintech-based financial services sector in Indonesia shows developments that are in line with regional and global sector dynamics. This development plays an important role in accelerating national economic growth, where the financial services sector functions optimally to maintain the smooth running of the financial system. This system is the foundation for sustainable development, supports community financial independence, and improves the distribution of development. This study uses a normative juridical approach with descriptive analysis. The data was analyzed qualitatively and juridically. The research results show that regulations in the financial services sector are developing rapidly due to demands from regional and global changes. One of the main challenges faced is the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework (ABIF). Legal developments in this sector can be seen in regulatory changes in institutions, services, products, and dispute resolution. Legal reform is still needed to provide a strong legal basis for the financial services sector, especially in civil and banking law. This reform aims to adapt regulations to the latest developments and ensure the stability and reliability of the financial services sector in the future.

Research on the resistance of cement-based materials to sulfate attack based on MICP technology

To evaluate the effect of Microbial Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) on the enhancement of early resistance to sulfate attack of cementitious materials. In this paper, firstly, the effect of Bacillus subtilis (BM) on the carbonation depth as well as the carbonation rate of standard as well as carbonation-conditioned cementitious sand specimens was investigated. Secondly, the compressive strength and volumetric deformation of the specimens at different ages of immersion in sulfate solution were investigated. Finally, the changes of hydration products before and after the addition of BM were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and the microscopic pore structure of the specimens after erosion was analyzed by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), which revealed the mechanism of the improvement of BM on the resistance to sulfate erosion of the cementitious materials. The results showed that the initial compressive strength of BM carbonised curing specimens, ordinary carbonised curing specimens and BM standard curing specimens were increased by 42.0%, 34.0% and 4.0%, respectively, compared with the ordinary standard curing specimens, respectively, compared with the control group, and the loss of the final compressive strength was reduced by 37.4%, 25.4%, and 14.5%, and the expansion rate was reduced by 31.3%, 22.0%, after sulfate erosion for 6 months, 5.2%, and porosity decreased by 24.2%, 13.6%, and 9.9%. Microbial mineralization accelerated the reaction between Ca2+ in the pore solution and atmospheric CO2, and the calcite formed filled the pores to make the structure denser, increasing the initial compressive strength of the specimens and reducing the loss of properties when exposed to sulfate solution. Therefore, the application of MICP technology in cementitious materials provides a new direction for the development of durable and sustainable cementitious materials.

Association between sociodemographics and change in alcohol or tobacco use behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To examine the association between various sociodemographic factors with alcohol and tobacco use behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants from Ohio and Indiana were asked to participate in the 'Impact of COVID-19 on the Cancer Continuum Consortium' study (N = 32,989) from June-November 2020. Those who completed the survey and responded to key study questions were included (n = 5,374). Participants were asked about the frequency and type of alcohol and tobacco product used. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with the impact of COVID-19 on change in alcohol and/or tobacco use. Mean age was 57 years old, 68% were female, 90% non-Hispanic white, 75% married, and 31% lived in rural counties. Out of 5,374 participants, 53% used alcohol-only (n = 2,833), 5% used tobacco-only (n = 255), 7% used both alcohol and tobacco (n = 395), and 35% used neither alcohol nor tobacco (n = 1,891). Urban county of residence (vs. rural) was associated with an increase in alcohol-use (p = 0.0001), change in alcohol products (p = 0.023), and an increase in tobacco use (p = 0.05). Among alcohol-only users, those who were younger (OR = 0.97), female (OR = 1.58), married (OR = 1.69), of high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.99), residing in urban counties (OR = 1.65), and had elevated financial (OR = 1.06) and employment concerns (OR = 1.28) were significantly more likely to report increased alcohol-use. Similarly, among tobacco users, those who were younger (OR = 0.97), female (OR = 2.79), married (OR = 2.16) or divorced (OR = 2.83), and had higher levels of neighborhood disadvantage (OR = 2.19) were significantly more likely to report increased tobacco-use. Findings suggest targeted intervention and prevention strategies for young, female participants with elevated financial and employment concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary to mitigate risks associated with higher odds of alcohol and tobacco use. Our findings on alcohol and tobacco use may be a result of the unique social and economic influence of the pandemic on women.

Intricacies of Mass Transport during Electrocatalysis: A Journey through Iron Porphyrin-Catalyzed Oxygen Reduction.

Electrochemical steps are increasingly attractive for green chemistry. Understanding reactions at the electrode-solution interface, governed by kinetics and mass transport, is crucial. Traditional insights into these mechanisms are limited, but our study bridges this gap through an integrated approach combining voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. This technique offers real-time monitoring of the chemical processes at the electrode-solution interface, tracking changes in intermediates and products during reactions. Applied to the electrochemical reduction of oxygen catalyzed by the iron(II) tetraphenyl porphyrin complex, it successfully reveals various reaction intermediates and degradation pathways under different kinetic regimes. Our findings illuminate complex electrocatalytic processes and propose new ways for studying reactions in alternating current and voltage-pulse electrosynthesis. This advancement enhances our capacity to optimize electrochemical reactions for more sustainable chemical processes.

Effective electro-removal of glyphosate and glufosinate from aqueous solutions via capacitive deionization

Both glyphosate (Gly) and glufosinate (Glu) are commonly used as herbicides, which has caused rising concerns about their impact on the environment and human health. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a newly developed energy-efficient water treatment technique that effectively removes inorganic and small organic molecules under the electric field. In this work, a carbon electrode-based CDI device was used in the electro-removal of Gly and Glu in an aqueous solution with an excellent removal rate of up to 95 % under various conditions. Furthermore, maximum electro-removal rates of 1.99 μmol∙cm−2∙min−1 for Gly and 1.33 μmol∙cm−2∙min−1 for Glu were also achieved, except with super-high removal rates of 100 % (Gly) and 97.6 % (Glu) in actual Gly and Glu-containing lake water, demonstrating the feasibility of the CDI device in real aqueous systems. In-situ electro-oxidation that occurred during the electrosorption process was confirmed by analyzing the three-electrode system-based electrochemical behaviors and tracing the time-dependent changes of the suspicious degradation products. Transition state (TS) search and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to study the microscopic processes theoretically, revealing the degradation pathways and thermodynamic characteristics of Gly and Glu. This research presents a novel avenue for the decomposition and removal of herbicides from water, leveraging the inherent side reactions of CDI systems as an advantage to decontaminate organic pollutants.

Unraveling the Major Determinants behind Price Changes in Four Selected Representative Agricultural Products

This study aims to analyze the drivers behind price changes in agricultural products in Türkiye from 2002 to 2021, considering the impacts of three crises of different causes which are the global food crisis, the Russia–Türkiye aircraft crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential factors are categorized into four subgroups: governmental effects, agricultural inputs, macroeconomic indicators, and climatic conditions. The selected agricultural goods for price change measurement include wheat and maize representing subsistence goods, and olive oil and cotton as marketing goods. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is applied to observe both the short- and long-term impacts of the variables on price developments. The results suggest that government effectiveness, regulatory quality, nitrogen use, water price, money supply, exchange rate, and GDP under the related categories are the most effective factors in price changes. Among the variables under the category of climatic conditions, significant values are obtained only in the analysis of the temperature impact on olive oil. The analysis also reveals the variable impact of crises on the prices of the chosen products, depending on the goods involved. The maize and wheat analyses yield particularly noteworthy results. In the long run, nitrogen use demonstrates a substantial positive impact, registering at 29% for wheat and 19.47% for maize, respectively. Conversely, GDP exhibits a significant negative impact, with 26.15% and 20.08%. Short-term observations reveal that a unit increase in the governmental effect leads to a reduction in inflation for these products by 17.01% and 21.42%. However, changes in regulatory quality result in an increase in inflation by 25.45% and 20.77% for these products, respectively.