Excess Content Research Articles

Impact of Limestone–Metakaolin Ratio on the Performance and Hydration of Ternary Blended Cement

Once sulfates become limited, the interaction of limestone with metakaolin (MK) is initiated, resulting in the formation of carboaluminates in a blended cement system. In this study, two different types of MKs (sourced from coal mining residue and soft clay) were adopted to examine limestone–MK ratios of 1:8, 1:4, 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, by fixing the cement and MK content at 55% and 15%, respectively. The optimal limestone–MK ratio of 1:4 was found (equal to limestone content of 3.8%) to achieve the highest compressive strength of 60 MPa due to the formation of more carboaluminate content in both MK blended cement systems. This finding was corroborated with the thermodynamic modeling that the highest hydrates volume was achieved at the optimal limestone–MK ratio of 1:4. An overdosage of limestone reduces its reaction degree, reflecting the fact that excessive limestone content could only acts as filler in the system.

Evaluating the grafting of Maleic anhydride with Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) via batch compounding

Maleic anhydride (MA) was grafted to Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) at twelve different content ratios by batch compounding method. The rheology, morphology and grafting possibilities of blend components were analysed. It was found that excessive peroxide content can cause chain scission and chain shortening in the blend which produces a porous structure with inferior mechanical properties. The addition of MA increases the degradation rate of the blend. MA increased the dispersity and interfacial adhesion of PHBV phase within PLA phase.

Effect of fattening and slaughter value of Puawska gilts on their lifetime piglet production

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of performance test traits of young gilts on the number of piglets born and reared during their reproductive life. The material for the study consisted of the entire population of Puawska sows, kept in breeding herds and included in the genetic resources conservation programme in the years 20012019. Dataset was created for 2,722 Puawska gilts with complete information from fattening and slaughter evaluation and reproductive performance results. In order to determine the influence of selected factors on sow production performance, 4 groups of factors were created (for parity, body weight, daily gain and meatiness). It was found that young gilts evaluated at a body weight of up to 55.9 kg and with daily gains of up to 519 g/day were statistically significantly characterised by the worst production parameters in both the first and subsequent parities. In the case of meatiness, its excessive content in the carcass of females (60%, class S) contributed to the reduction in the number of piglets born and reared mainly in the first parities. In the second and third parities, a high value of meatiness contributed to a reduction in the number of piglets reared.

BIODESULFURISATION OF SOLAR OIL FROM THE CEPU PPSDM OIL AND GAS REFINERY USING Rhodococcus erythropolis BACTERIA

Diesel oil is a type of fuel for diesel engines as a result of processing from crude oil. One of the content of diesel oil that causes various problems is sulfur compounds. Excess sulfur content will cause odors in processed products, the calorific value produced can decrease, causing corrosive properties in processing equipment at the PPSDM Migas refinery such as fractionation columns, refinery storage tanks, distribution pipes, pumps, and vehicle storage tanks. The limit of sulfur content in diesel oil set by the Director General of Oil and Gas is 50 ppm. This study aims to determine the ability of Rhodococcus erythropolis bacteria to biodesulfurize diesel oil, to determine the growth activity of Rhodococcus erythropolis bacteria to biodesulfurize diesel oil, and to determine whether the biodesulfurization process can cause corrosivity in diesel oil. The method used is biodesulfurization of growing cells using Rhodococcus erythropolis bacteria, sulfur testing is done by ASTM D2622 method, and corrosivity testing is done by ASTM D130 method. The treatments used in this study were variations in the pH of the growth medium, variations in the concentration of diesel oil, and variations in the length of incubation time. In this study, the bacteria Rhodococcus erythropolis succeeded in reducing the highest sulfur content in diesel oil from 2167.9 to 1766.1 (ppm) with pH 8 treatment. The biodesulfurization process caused a decrease in the pH of the media from 8.2 to 7.1 with pH treatment. 8.

Effect of Leached and Co-Composted Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste with Bulking Agents on Soil Properties and Sweet Pepper Plant Development Under Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT Composting of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and its utilization for agriculture has gained great popularity all over the world. However, the safe use of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) in agriculture has been regarded with skepticism because of concerns over the possibility of excessive salt content. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the leached and co-composted OFMSW with wheat straw (WS) and wood shaving (WSH) as bulking agents (BAs) on soil properties and sweet pepper performance. Six mixtures of compost were prepared including; T1= (OFMSW), T2= (OFMSW+WS) and T3= (OFMSW+WSH). The last three piles, where OFMSW was subjected to leaching (L), including: T4= (LOFMSW), T5= (LOFMSW+WS) and T6= (LOFMSW+WSH). The compost was applied to the field at rates of 0, 40, and 80t/ha alone, as well as in a combination with NPK fertilizer. Plant growth and quality parameters were improved with the addition of compost containing BAs. The application of leached compost significantly reduced (P < .001) electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium (Na) in the soil. Most of the growth and yield plant parameters were increased at a compost rate of 40 t/ha + NPK. Increasing compost rates combined with NPK increased EC, and soil available nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sodium (Na), while soil organic matter (SOM) increased with compost alone. Soil pH was lowered with increasing compost + NPK. Overall, findings suggest that applying leached compost with BAs could provide better results on soil and plant.

Features of the immune and metabolomic profile in overweight children associated with polymorphic variants of the IL-1B and TP53 genes

Background. The growing number of overweight children is an important problem of modern healthcare. Excess body weight causes the risk of severe metabolic disorders developing. Analysis of changes in the immune, metabolic, and genetic profile of overweight children as markers of the early development of metabolic disorders is an effective tool for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these pathologies.&#x0D; Aim. To identify the features of the immune and metabolomic profile in overweight children aged 711 years associated with polymorphic variants of the IL-1B (rs1143634) and TP53 (rs1042522) genes.&#x0D; Material and methods. 132 children aged 711 years were examined: 54 children with overweight and 78 children with normal body weight. The lymphocytes subpopulation composition was analyzed by flow cytometry; the content of leptin, cortisol, superoxide dismutase, lipid hydroperoxide and interleukin-1 using enzyme immunoassay, immunoglobulin G using the method of radial immunodiffusion method by Mancini. Polymorphic variants of the IL-1B (rs1143634) and TP53 (rs1042522) genes were identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical data processing was implemented in the Statistica 10, SNPStat and Gen-Expert programs.&#x0D; Results. The immune profile of the examined children was characterized by an increased content of CD3+CD8+-, CD19+-lymphocytes and immunoglobulin G against the background of CD3+CD4+-lymphocytes, p53 deficiency and a decrease in the number of CD4+/CD8+. The metabolomic profile of children was characterized by an excess content of leptin, cortisol, lipid hydroperoxides, and superoxide dismutase. The identified changes in immune and metabolomic regulation in overweight children were significantly associated with the G allele and GG genotype of the IL-1B gene (rs1143634), as well as with the C allele and CC genotype of the TP53 gene (rs1042522), which cause the initiation of inflammation and inhibition of apoptosis.&#x0D; Conclusion. The established features of immune and metabolomic regulation associated with the G allele and GG genotype of the IL-1B gene (rs1143634) and with the C allele and CC genotype of TP53 gene (rs1042522) represent a complex of markers of overweight formation in children aged 711 years.

Isotope provenance of AMD and treatment options for large, abandoned mines: A case study of the abandoned Dashu pyrite mine, Southwest China

Discharge of acid mine drainage (AMD) along with heavy metals mobilization is a critical environmental concern. An urgent need is to manage or treat AMD in the minefield effectively. To this end, based on a hydrogeological investigation, the d-T (deuterium excess parameter-Tritium content) technique was adopted to trace the recharge, runoff, and discharge of AMD in the abandoned Dashu pyrite mine in China. The results reveal that AMD in the minefield originates from local precipitation and shallow groundwater and exhibits apparent seasonal runoff variations. The AMD is associated with shallow groundwater from the top of the Quaternary platform on the axis of the Dashu anticline, and protons could originate from the pyrite oxidation. Therefore, an engineering practice to purify the AMD is combined with (1) water diversion to stop AMD formation and blockage of the AMD outlets. (2) Acceleration of Fe(II) oxidation through aeration promotes the precipitation of Fe-oxide and hydroxide. (3) Neutralization of AMD using Karst water from the Maokou Formation (P2m). This study provides a new research idea and tracing method for improving hydrogeological surveys and effectively handling environmental problems related to AMD of abandoned mines.

Surface-based modified 3D-printed BG/GO scaffolds promote bone defect repair through bone immunomodulation

Successful bone defect repair requires a favorable immunomodulation. Macrophages are among the frontline cells activated after biomaterial implantation, and biomaterials play a role in the final determination of their fate. The surface properties of biomaterials such as roughness and hydrophilicity can activate macrophages to have an anti-inflammatory phenotype for improving tissue regeneration. Because of its known characteristics, graphene oxide (GO) is widely used in the biomaterials field. GO directly promotes stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, properties that have been extensively investigated. The aim of this study is to research the effects of the surface-based modified three-dimensional (3D) porous bioactive glass (BG)/GO scaffolds on macrophage activation and bone regeneration. In vivo, compared with the control group receiving BG with a relatively smooth surface, the group receiving the porous implant showed a decreased proinflammatory response in the skin around the implant with increasing GO density, and the 3D porous implant was covered with new bone tissue. In vitro, both Raw264.7 cells and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) can adhere and stretch well on rough, hydrophilic BG/GO scaffolds. When Raw264.7 cells were cultured on scaffolds, GO significantly promoted the polarization of M0 macrophages to the M2 type to a certain extent and further promoted the secretion of osteogenic and angiogenic factors, enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs and the angiogenesis of endothelial cells. Further experiments showed that the rough hydrophilic surface of BG/GO might lead to the upregulation of the surface-dependent WNT-3A protein induced by the enhancement of integrin signalling and the accumulation and activation of β-catenin protein in cells. However, excessive content of GO has the opposite regulatory result. These results demonstrate that BG/GO biomaterials with surface-based modification play an important role in bone repair by adjusting the response of macrophages to biomaterials through their surface properties.

Piezoelectricity and Thermophysical Properties of Ba0.90Ca0.10Ti0.96Zr0.04O3 Ceramics Modified with Amphoteric Nd3+ and Y3+ Dopants

Lead-free barium calcium titanate zirconate (BCTZ) ceramics doped with a single rare-earth element generally exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties. However, their electrical properties deteriorate at an excessive dopant content, limiting their application. In this study, amphoteric neodymium (Nd3+) and yttrium (Y3+)-codoped BCTZ-NYx ceramics were synthesized via a solid-state reaction at 1240 °C. The influences of the Y3+ content (x) on the structural features, electrical properties, mechanical properties, and thermophysical properties were investigated. At a small x (<0.18 mol%), Y3+ could enhance the fracture strength and electrical properties by eliminating oxygen vacancies, defect dipoles, and/or structural defects. However, the outstanding performance deteriorated with excessive x. Additionally, the mechanism of the defect chemistry at different x was deduced. At an yttrium content of 0.18 mol%, the ceramic exhibited high piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity with low domain-switching activation energy (Ea = 0.401 eV), indicating that it could replace commercial lead-based piezoelectric ceramics.

Effects of Shellfish and Organic Fertilizer Amendments on Soil Nutrients and Tea Yield and Quality.

Soil acidification in tea plantations leads to an excessive heavy metal content in tea, decreasing its yield and quality. How to apply shellfish and organic fertilizers to improve soil and ensure the safe production of tea is still not clear. A two-year field experiment was conducted in tea plantations in which the soil was characterized by a pH of 4.16 and concentrations of lead (Pb) (85.28 mg/kg) and cadmium (Cd) (0.43 mg/kg) exceeding the standard. We used shellfish amendments (750, 1500, 2250 kg/ha) and organic fertilizers (3750, 7500 kg/ha) to amend the soils. The experimental results showed that compared with the treatment without any amendment (CK), the soil pH increased by 0.46 on average; the soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents increased by 21.68%, 19.01%, and 17.51% respectively; and the soil available Pb, Cd, Cr, and As contents decreased by 24.64%, 24.36%, 20.83%, and 26.39%, respectively. In comparison to CK, the average yield of tea also increased by 90.94 kg/ha; tea polyphenols, free amino acids, caffeine, and water extract increased by 9.17%, 15.71%, 7.54%, and 5.27%, respectively; and the contents of Pb, Cd, As, and Cr in the tea decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 29.44-61.38%, 21.43-61.38%, 10.43-25.22%, and 10.00-33.33%, respectively. The greatest effects on all parameters occurred with the largest amendment of both shellfish (2250 kg/ha) and organic fertilizer (7500 kg/ha) combined. This finding suggests that the optimized amendment of shellfish could be used as a technical measure to improve the health quality of both soil and tea in acidified tea plantations in the future.

Silencing of the calcium-dependent protein kinase TaCDPK27 improves wheat resistance to powdery mildew

BackgroundCalcium ions (Ca2+), secondary messengers, are crucial for the signal transduction process of the interaction between plants and pathogens. Ca2+ signaling also regulates autophagy. As plant calcium signal-decoding proteins, calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) have been found to be involved in biotic and abiotic stress responses. However, information on their functions in response to powdery mildew attack in wheat crops is limited.ResultIn the present study, the expression levels of TaCDPK27, four essential autophagy-related genes (ATGs) (TaATG5, TaATG7, TaATG8, and TaATG10), and two major metacaspase genes, namely, TaMCA1 and TaMCA9, were increased by powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Bgt) infection in wheat seedling leaves. Silencing TaCDPK27 improves wheat seedling resistance to powdery mildew, with fewer Bgt hyphae occurring on TaCDPK27-silenced wheat seedling leaves than on normal seedlings. In wheat seedling leaves under powdery mildew infection, silencing TaCDPK27 induced excess contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS); decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT); and led to an increase in programmed cell death (PCD). Silencing TaCDPK27 also inhibited autophagy in wheat seedling leaves, and silencing TaATG7 also enhanced wheat seedling resistance to powdery mildew infection. TaCDPK27-mCherry and GFP-TaATG8h colocalized in wheat protoplasts. Overexpressed TaCDPK27-mCherry fusions required enhanced autophagy activity in wheat protoplast under carbon starvation.ConclusionThese results suggested that TaCDPK27 negatively regulates wheat resistance to PW infection, and functionally links with autophagy in wheat.

Highly-transparent fluorinated epoxy coating prepared via ring-opening of thiolactone and thiol-click reactions for robust omniphobicity

Transparent omniphobic coatings have attracted extensive research over the past decade to meet growing application demands. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based anti-fouling coatings have been widely reported to contribute a liquid-like surface for liquid repellency. The bulky PDMS chains usually make the surface greasy and energy-consuming. Fluorinated epoxy is expected to overcome the above drawbacks and contribute to excellent mechanical robustness. However, the reported fluorinated epoxy coatings are unsatisfactory due to severe phase separation, excessive fluorine content, poor self-healing and weatherability. In this work, a thiolactone-terminated fluorinated prepolymer (TTFP) was prepared through thiol-click chemistry. The thiolactone structure limited the phase separation and reacted efficiently with epoxy resin in a thiol-click manner after ring-opening. The flexible TTFP molecules had a strong surface migration ability, allowing the product coating to be liquid repellent with a low fluorine content and self-healed after damage. Therefore, a low-cost, eco-friendly, anti-ultraviolet, self-healed, highly transparent, mechanically robust and chemically resistant fluorinated epoxy coating was proposed. In addition to the excellent repellency to ink traces, fingerprints and thick paint, the coating with 5H pencil hardness could maintain omniphobic properties after 100 h of intensive UV irradiation or 12 h of alkali corrosion. Benefiting from the strong surface migration ability of flexible fluoroalkyl chains, the coating could recover its omniphobicity within 30 min of heating. The characterization results show the excellent comprehensive properties of the coating and its great potential for application in various scenarios.

Excise taxation of products harmful to health in the context of the implementation of the national development goals of the Russian Federation

The subject of this study is the mechanism of excise taxation and its regulatory potential in the context of curbing the consumption of harmful products. The research focuses on excise taxation of products harmful to health, identification of ways to balance rates on alcohol-containing and alcoholic products, as well as assessment of the feasibility of taxation of soft drinks with excessive sugar content (innovations in the field of Russian taxation). The relevance of the research topic is determined by the need to identify ways to fully realize the regulatory potential of excise taxation in the direction of reducing the consumption of products harmful to health. The purpose of the work is to substantiate recommendations aimed at revealing the regulatory potential of excise taxes in terms of curbing the use of harmful beverages in the context of the implementation of the national development goals of the Russian Federation. The paper identifies the prerequisites for improving excise rates, argues for the inadmissibility of increasing the availability of strong alcoholic beverages as a result of an unbalanced pricing policy. Based on the analysis of scientific works of foreign and Russian authors, a study was conducted on the impact of excise taxation of beverages with excessive sugar content on the strengthening of socio-economic inequality of persons with different income levels, changes in their behavior, in terms of the use of harmful beverages. The expediency of constant monitoring of excise taxation of beverages with excessive sugar content is shown, the conclusion is argued that the main purpose of this taxation should not be to increase budget revenues, but the formation of correct eating habits. Recommendations of a regulatory, legislative and organizational nature are proposed, aimed at the fullest realization of the potential of excise taxation, in terms of curbing the use of harmful beverages. The necessity of developing software solutions integrating the mechanisms of implementing a set of measures to reduce the morbidity of the population, the formation of proper eating habits, including through the improvement of excise taxation in modern conditions of the Russian Federation, is substantiated.

Copper and Nickel Induce Changes in the Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Anodonta cygnea.

The effect of copper and nickel ions on the lipid composition of freshwater mussels Anodonta cygnea was investigated using an aquarium experiment. The contents of the main lipid classes were determined using thin layer chromatography and spectrophotometry, and the fatty acid composition was analysed using gas-liquid chromatography. The results indicated that copper and nickel had different effects on the mussels' lipid composition, with copper producing less effect on the composition of lipids and fatty acids than nickel. On the first experiment day, excessive copper content in the organism caused oxidative stress and modifications in membrane lipids, which returned to their initial level by the end of the experiment. Nickel accumulated predominantly in gills; however, significant modifications in lipids and fatty acids were seen also in the digestive gland from the first day of the experiment. This indicated the activation of nickel-induced lipid peroxidation processes. Moreover, this study revealed a dose-dependent effect of nickel on lipid composition, which was likely related to the development of compensatory biochemical mechanisms in response to nickel-induced oxidative stress. A comparative study of the lipid composition alteration in mussels in response to copper and nickel action revealed the consequences of the toxic impact of metal ions and the defensive mechanisms that organisms employ to detoxify and remove xenobiotics.

Vegetation of Lakes and Springs in the Western Kazakhstan

The vegetation of 5 lakes and 40 springs of Western Kazakhstan was considered. The relationship between the degree of mineralization and the composition of vegetation was revealed. The anthropogenic factor influences the vegetation of lakes and springs by increasing the number of ruderal and halophytic plants. With a decrease in the water level in lakes, processes of active salinization of the water area and the coastal part are observed, an indicator of which is vegetation. In the territories adjacent to the springs, the dominant role of mesotrophs and megatrophs in the structure of the flora of the springs was noted, which indicates the predominance of soils and soils with sufficient and excessive content of nutrients in the studied area. The flora of the region’s springs has a low degree of similarity. Cluster analysis of the flora of spring tracts confirmed the heterogeneity of quantitative species composition.

Effect of Waterborne Polyurethane on Rheological Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Emulsified Asphalt

To explore the effect of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) on the performance of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) emulsified asphalt and broaden the application range of polymer-modified emulsified asphalt, WPU-SBR-modified emulsified asphalt with 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% WPU was prepared. The penetration, softening point, ductility, and storage stability tests were used to explore the effect of different contents of WPU on composite-modified emulsified asphalt. Meanwhile, the rheological properties of five modified emulsified asphalts were analyzed by temperature scanning test, multiple stress creep recovery test, and low-temperature bending creep test. The results show that the addition of WPU improved the performance of SBR emulsified asphalt, and the improvement effect varied with the addition amount. With the increase of WPU content, the penetration and unrecoverable creep compliance Jnr of WPU-SBR-modified emulsified asphalt gradually decreased, and the softening point, rutting factor G*/sinδ, and creep recovery rate R gradually increased, indicating that the high-temperature stability of modified emulsified asphalt was enhanced, and when the WPU content was 9%, the best improvement effect was obtained. However, excessive content of WPU will deteriorate the low-temperature performance of WPU-SBR-modified emulsified asphalt, and thus the content of WPU should be appropriately selected in practical engineering applications.

Exploring the Operational Status and Improvements of Village Learning Curriculum – Focusing on Document Analysis and Teachers’ Recognition on Middle School -

이 연구는 마을학습 교육과정이 현행 학교계획서에 어떻게 반영되고 있는지를 분석하고, 교사의 인식을 통해 마을학습 교육과정의 운영 현황과 개선 방안을 탐색하는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 이 연구는 중학교의 학교교육계획서를 분석하고, 설문조사를 통해 마을학습 교육과정에 대한 교사의 인식을 탐색하였다. 이러한 과정을 거쳐 도출된 연구 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 학교교육계획서에 반영된 마을학습 교육과정은 주로 지역사회의 인적·물적 자원을 활용하여 운영되고 있다. 둘째, 중학교 교사들은 마을학습 교육과정이 학교와 지역사회의 공동체 형성을 위해 필요하며 학교와 마을의 소통이 필요하다고 인식하고 있다. 또한, 구나 동보다는 시 단위 그리고 마을의 시설을 활용한 마을학습 교육과정에 높은 인식을 보였고, 교육의 제반 영역에서 운영하는 것이 적절하다고 인식하고 있다. 그리고 교사의 업무 부담 가중과 교육과정의 학습 내용 과다를 마을학습 교육과정 운영의 가장 큰 저해 요인으로 꼽았다. 이상의 결과를 바탕으로 지역중심 마을학습 교육과정에서는 중학교 교과와 연결된 교육과정의 개발이 필요하고 교사에게 업무 부담을 줄여 주며 개발한 교육과정을 효율적으로 홍보하고, 학교 중심 마을학습 교육과정의 활성화를 위해서는 교사역량 강화 연수 및 전문적 학습공동체의 운영이 필요하다고 보았다.The purpose of this study is to analyze how the village learning curriculum is reflected in the current school plan, and to explore the operational status and improvement plans of the village learning curriculum through teachers' perceptions. To this end, this study analyzed school education plans of middle school and explored teachers' perceptions of the village learning curriculum through a questionnaire survey. The research results derived from this process are as follows. First, the village learning curriculum reflected in the school education plan was operated mainly by utilizing the human and material resources of the local community. Second, regarding the operation of the village learning curriculum, middle school teachers recognized that the village learning curriculum was necessary for community formation between the school and the local community and that communication between school and village education was necessary. In addition, regarding the content, high awareness was shown on the contents of the city unit and the village learning curriculum using the village's facilities, and it was recognized that it was appropriate to operate in the creative experiential activity area for the operation method and time. And as for the factors hindering the village learning curriculum, the increased work burden of teachers and excessive learning contents of the current curriculum were found to hinder the village learning curriculum the most. Based on the above results, the following are suggestions for improving the operation of the village learning curriculum. First, the diversification and publicity of the local village learning curriculum should be strengthened. Second, teacher capacity building training and professional learning communities to develop and operate a school-centered village learning curriculum should be activated.

Hydrogen production from hazardous petroleum sludge gasification over nickel-loaded porous ZSM-5 and Al2O3 catalysts under air condition

In this study, the potential of petroleum sludge (PS) for hydrogen production via the gasification process was evaluated. For this purpose, nickel (Ni)-loaded ZSM-5 and γ-Al2O3 (Ni-ZS and Ni–Al) catalysts were prepared and employed for PS gasification in air condition. The effects of different supports, Ni loading content, and reaction temperatures on the production of hydrogen-rich syngas along with the stability and reusability of the best catalyst were investigated. Applying 5%Ni-ZS obtained more gas yield (68.09 wt%) and hydrogen selectivity (25.04 vol%) compared to those obtained by 5%Ni–Al mostly owing to weak metal-support interactions which led to the dominance of well-dispersed metallic Ni. At various Ni loading percentages, 10%Ni-ZS showed the highest catalytic efficiency, which increased both gas yield (70.92 wt%) and hydrogen selectivity (30.74 vol%). However, excessive Ni content (especially 20%) significantly reduced the gas yield and hydrogen selectivity because of limited accessibility of support's active sites, poor dispersion of Ni, and inappropriate acidity. Increasing the temperature promoted the gas yield and produced hydrogen, where the highest gas yield (73.18 wt%) and hydrogen selectivity (33.15 vol%) were obtained at 850 °C due to the endothermic nature of gasification reactions. The 10%Ni-ZS catalyst showed proper stability during three consecutive experiments at 850 °C. The spent catalyst was successfully regenerated without a significant reduction in activity or selectivity.

Towards stable nickel catalysts for selective hydrogenation of biomass-based BHMF into THFDM

Selective transformation of BHMF (2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan) to THFDM (tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol) over a variety of structured Ni/Sx-Z1−x catalysts was investigated. The effects of support, Ni loading, solvent, temperature, pressure, and particle size on the conversion and selectivity were studied. Among them, the 10 wt% Ni catalyst supported on the SiO2:ZrO2 weight ratio of 90:10 (10NiS90Z10) exhibits the best performance in terms of BHMF conversion and THFDM selectivity. Its good performance was attributed to its well-balanced properties, that depend upon the ZrO2 content of the support in combination with SiO2, the active Ni sites-support interaction, and acidity/basicity ratio of each catalyst resulting in different Ni dispersions. Importantly, the 10NiS90Z10 catalyst showed a stable selectivity to THFDM (>94%), with 99.4% conversion of BHMF during 2 h reaction time. Poor catalytic activity resulted from excessive ZrO2 content (>10 wt%). The structural, textural, and acidity properties of NiSi100−y-Zry catalysts, tuned by selectively varying the Ni amount from 5 to 15 wt%, were critically investigated using numerous material characterization techniques. Catalyst recycling experiments revealed that the catalyst could be recycled several times without any measurable loss of catalytic activity.

Exploring the effects of waste sorting on plants and their diversity using a literature analysis approach

Waste separation is one of the key topics of research today. Researchers have found that unsorted waste is caused by people's weak environmental awareness and inadequate policies, yet there is a research gap on the impact of unsorted waste on plants. Therefore, the research topic of this paper is to explore the effect of unsorted waste on plant growth and its diversity. The research method of this paper is as follows, firstly, we read the literature to collect the background and reasons leading to the unsorted waste from government, people and biological levels. Secondly, data on heavy metal content in soil were collected to analyze the effects of their heavy metals on plants. The study showed that excessive heavy metal content in soil has a negative impact on the growth of plants and is detrimental to the growth of plants and the conservation of their diversity. Therefore, the correct sorting and disposal of waste contributes to the sustainability of the environment, and thus to the growth of plants and their diversity.