Production Costs Research Articles

Exploring Sb2S3 as a hole transport layer for GeSe based solar cell: A numerical simulation

Abstract Germanium selenide (GeSe) and antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) both are technological intriguing semiconductor material for green and economical photovoltaic devices. In this study, GeSe and Sb2S3 have been utilized as the absorber layer and hole transport layer, respectively, to constructed a heterojunction thin film solar cell consisting of FTO/TiO2/GeSe/Sb2S3/Metal. The GeSe and Sb2S3 are binary compounds and can adopt the same film deposition method, for instance, thermal evaporation, which is expected to improve process compatibility and to reduce production costs. The TiO2 (electron transport layer) and Sb2S3 can form small spike-like conduction band offset and valence band offset with the GeSe, respectively, which possesses potential to suppress carrier recombination at the heterointerfaces. Subsequently, the effects of main functional layer material parameters, heterointerface characteristics and back contact metal work function on the performance parameters of the proposed solar cell were simulated and analyzed using wxAMPS software. After numerical simulation and optimization, the proposed solar cell can reach an open circuit voltage of 0.872 V, a short circuit current of 40.72 mA·cm-2, a filling factor of 84.16%, and a conversion efficiency of 28.35%. According to the simulation results, it is anticipated that the Sb2S3 can serve as a hole transport layer for GeSe based solar cell and enable device to achieve high efficiency. Simulation analysis also provides some meaningful references for the design and preparation of heterojunction thin film solar cells.

Techno-Economic Feasibility: Planning an On-Grid Solar Power System for Shrimp Pond Aeration

The rapid growth of the Indonesian shrimp farming industry is accompanied by high production costs, primarily driven by the reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources that can destabilize the ecosystem. This study investigates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of using three energy sources, including photovoltaics (PV), grid, and generator, to supply aeration needs in shrimp ponds. A comparative analysis of three scenarios with on-grid schemes was conducted through optimization using Queen Honey Bee Migration (QHBM) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithms, namely Net Present Cost (NPC), Renewable Fraction (RF), and Carbon Emission (ECO2). From a technical point of view, a lower electricity tariff is obtained compared to the grid, which is US$ 589,968. The optimization results on the NPC, RF, and ECO2 parameters show that scenario 1 of the QHBM algorithm is the most optimal. This condition is evidenced by the acquisition of 3 parameters that are closest to the determination of the objective function, yielding an NPC of US$ 230,390.34, RF of 26.01%, and ECO2 of 1,484KgCO2e, with 655Wp PV specifications and the number of PV as many as 578pcs. Economically, the investment in a solar power plant for the shrimp pond obtained BEP of 4.2 years with a payback period (PP) obtained in year 5, net cash-flow of US$ 63,317.31, with ROI of 19% and NPV of US$ 775,159.40 in the same year.

Antimicrobial Peptides: A Promising Alternative to Conventional Antimicrobials for Combating Polymicrobial Biofilms

AbstractPolymicrobial biofilms adhere to surfaces and enhance pathogen resistance to conventional treatments, significantly contributing to chronic infections in the respiratory tract, oral cavity, chronic wounds, and on medical devices. This review examines antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating biofilm‐associated infections. AMPs, which can be produced as part of the innate immune response or synthesized therapeutically, have broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity, often disrupting microbial cell membranes and causing cell death. Many specifically target negatively charged bacterial membranes, unlike host cell membranes. Research shows AMPs effectively inhibit and disrupt polymicrobial biofilms and can enhance conventional antibiotics' efficacy. Preclinical and clinical research is advancing, with animal studies and clinical trials showing promise against multidrug‐resistant bacteria and fungi. Numerous patents indicate increasing interest in AMPs. However, challenges such as peptide stability, potential cytotoxicity, and high production costs must be addressed. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing AMP structures, enhancing stability, and developing cost‐effective production methods. In summary, AMPs offer a novel approach to combating biofilm‐associated infections, with their unique mechanisms and synergistic potential with existing antibiotics positioning them as promising candidates for future treatments.

PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI ANALIS BREAK EVEN POINT DAN STOK PADA BUDIDAYA AYAM POTONG BERBASIS WEB

Although broiler chicken farming offers many benefits, there are also risks of losses, especially when production costs are not accurately recorded, leading to inaccurate per-unit pricing that can harm farmers. To assist farmers in accurately determining the Break Even Point (BEP) price for each chicken, a web-based cost and stock management information system for broiler farming has been developed. To provide a clear and sequential software lifecycle approach, this system was built using the waterfall method, which includes the stages of requirements analysis, design specifications, coding, testing, and maintenance. Each stage produces measurable outcomes before proceeding to the next. The development results indicate that the system successfully records the total production costs, including detailed costs for feed, medicine, operational expenses, and chicken stock. By using the formula BEP = total production cost/number of live chickens, the system achieves accurate pricing for broiler chickens. Based on these findings, future research is suggested to improve the user interface for greater appeal, optimize system accessibility on mobile devices, and integrate this system with other systems.

FIELD PERFORMANCE OF HOT IN-PLANT PRODUCED ASPHALTIC CONCRETE WEARING COURSE (ACWC) WITH 30% RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT (RAP)

Hot in-plant recycling stands as an effective yet underutilized method in Malaysia for reusing pavement milling waste, resulting in insufficient established benchmarks and validated trials. The Utilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) can divert a significant amount of waste asphalt millings from landfills, while conserving energy and natural resources. This study focused on the recycled mixture, ACWC-30RAP, which integrated 30% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). In July 2022, a 400 m trial lay was conducted from KM413.90 to KM414.30 Southbound (SB), Section C3, along the PLUS North-South Expressway (NSE). Field tests were systematically conducted on both the ACWC-30RAP and conventional ACWC20 mixtures at different phases including month-6, month-9, and month-12 post-construction. The primary objective was to assess fundamental properties related to the structural stiffness of pavement layers as well as the pavement performance and condition for both trial sections using various field testing including Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Multi-Laser Profiler (MLP). Following the 12-month trial period, both the ACWC-30RAP and conventional ACWC20 mixtures experienced actual traffic loading and environmental conditions. Remarkably, the ACWC-30RAP demonstrated comparable field performance as the conventional ACWC20. This alignment in performance signified a promising avenue for employing the recycled mixture with high RAP content. Using ACWC-30RAP can also provide economic benefit, reducing the production cost by approximately 25%. In essence, the ACWC-30RAP had achieved an equivalent level of confidence to the conventional ACWC20 mixture, which was exclusively composed of virgin materials. cts.

Experimental and molecular dynamic simulation studies of landfill contaminated groundwater remediation by graphene oxide coated zeolite

ABSTRACT Graphene oxide (GO) has proven effective in wastewater treatment due to its capability to adsorb heavy metals and organic contaminants. Zeolite is also widely used in contaminant remediation as a reactive material in permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Experimental column flow-through tests were applied in this study to investigate the remediation ability of composite granule-graphene oxide coated zeolite (GOZ) on FA, Pb2+ and NH4 +, from municipal landfill contaminated groundwater. Microscopic characterization and molecular dynamic simulation were carried out in sequence to understand the adsorption process. The results demonstrated that GO significantly enhanced zeolite’s adsorption capacity for Pb2+ and FA by 147.5% and 164.8%, respectively, though NH4 + removal experienced a slight decrease of 25% after GO coating. The ion exchange of Pb2+ resulted in more significant partial collapse compared to NH4 + due to different effective diameter comparing with the channel size of zeolite. However, GO coating relieved the framework deformation by engaging in functional group reactions during Pb2+ adsorption. A recommended surface area coating ratio between 47.0% and 78.4% was identified, as values outside this range may lead to significant GO deformation or inefficient FA adsorption. The GO-zeolite granules displayed significant potential in remediating various contaminants while effectively preventing GO aggregation and zeolite collapse. As technological advancements reduce GO production costs, the economic feasibility of using GOZ in groundwater remediation is increasingly promising.

ASSESSMENT OF FEMALE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOOD GENERATING ACTIVITIES IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA, NIGERIA

This study examines female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. The objectives of the study were to: examine the extent of female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities and the income generated, determine factors influencing female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities, and identify major constraints faced by female youth participating in agricultural livelihood generating activities. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 133 female youths from 13 registered youth associations with 10 from each group in (4) peri-urban communities of the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data while descriptive statistics and Logit regression model were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 30.1% and 14.3% of the respondents were engaged in crop and poultry production and generated an average income of ₦420,093.02 and ₦216,000.00 respectively while 3.0% and 4.5 only were engaged in crop produce processing and poultry meat and egg marketing and generated ₦29,250.74 and ₦14,166.67, respectively. The logit regression results indicated that factors influencing female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities include age, education status, household size, income, occupation, and distance. Also, the major constraints hindering participation were inadequate access to land (43.6%), inadequate access to finance (41.6%) and high cost of production (16%). While the study indicates that a significant portion of female youths is engaged in crop and poultry production, their overall participation in agricultural activities is limited. The study provides critical insights into the potential of agriculture as a viable solution to youth unemployment in Nigeria. The study recommends implementing policies to improve land access for female youths, including land reform initiatives that prioritize youth ownership and leasing options. Additionally, it suggests exploring strategies to reduce production costs through input subsidies, partnerships with agricultural suppliers, and community-based resource-sharing initiatives.

Evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of epoxy resin hybrid composites reinforced with date palm stem fibre and glass fibre

This study investigates the mechanical properties of epoxy resin hybrid composites reinforced with date palm stem fibres (DPSF) and glass fibres (GF). Natural fibres like DPSF offer numerous advantages, including low cost, renewability and biodegradability, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fibres. GF, on the other hand, is well-known for its high strength and lightweight properties, making it ideal for various industrial applications. In this research, DPSF and GF were combined to create hybrid composites, aiming to enhance mechanical properties and reduce production costs compared to pure GF composites. The study involved the preparation of DPSF and the fabrication of composites using a hand lay-up approach with varying fibre proportions, followed by mechanical testing that included impact, flexural, tensile test and as well as a water absorption test. The results show that both the flexural and tensile strengths of a composite with epoxy resin containing 10 wt%DPSF and 10 wt%GF improved significantly, resulting in a tensile strength of 17.75 MPa and a flexural strength of 48.13 MPa, along with a favourable reduction in water absorption. The impact strength was significantly increased by the optimal integration of a composite with epoxy resin containing 20 wt% DPSF and 10 wt% GF. These findings suggest that the hybrid composites demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties, revealing the combined benefits of DPSF and GF. This study underscores the potential of DPSF-GF reinforced composites as a cost-effective and mechanically strong alternative to conventional GF composites.

Nested benders decomposition for a deterministic biomass feedstock logistics problem

AbstractIn this paper, we address a biomass feedstock logistics problem to supply biomass from production fields to satellite storage locations (SSLs) and from there to bioenergy plants (BePs) and then to a biorefinery. It entails a new problem feature of routing load-out equipment sets among the SSLs to perform loading/unloading of biomass and/or its pre-processing operations. The ownership of the loading equipment is a very capital-intensive link of the ethanol production supply chain, which when loaded onto trucks and routed along the logistics chain significantly brings down the ethanol production costs. This will make ethanol a cost-competitive alternative to fossil fuels, lead to sustainable use of fossil fuels and add to the overall relevance of the bioenergy sector. In this regard, the objective of our problem is to minimize the total cost incurred due to the ownership of equipment sets, fixed setups, and land rental cost, as well as the cost of transporting biomass from the fields to the BePs and biocrude oil from the BePs to the refinery. A mixed-integer mathematical model of the problem is presented, and a nested Benders decomposition-based solution approach is developed which involves decomposing this large problem into three stages. Stage 1 deals with the selection of fields, BePs, and SSLs, and assignment of fields to the SSLs. The remaining model consists of multiple Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problems (CVRPs) that are separable over individual BePs. For each BeP, the CVRP is further decomposed into Stage 2 and Stage 3 sub-problems where the Stage 2 problem is an allocation problem that assigns SSLs to tours associated to each BeP, and the Stage 3 problem is a variant of Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) that determines the sequence in which equipment is routed over the predesignated set of SSLs for each tour. These sub-problems are integer programs rather than linear programs. First novelty of our proposed approach is to effectively handle the integrality of variables arising due to the consideration of the routing of load-out equipment. Second is solution methodology and in the use of proposed multi-cut version of optimality cuts that capture the solution value at an integer solution for the sub-problems. These cuts aid in faster convergence and are shown to be stronger than those proposed in the literature. The applicability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by applying it to a real-life problem that utilizes available GIS data for the catchment area of regions around Gretna and Bedford in Virginia. We then solved a set of varying problem size instances using the state-of-the-art CPLEX® Branch-and-Bound and Benders Strategy methods. The CPLEX® algorithms struggled to solve instances even 10 times smaller than the real-life problem size instances; with MIP optimality gaps ranging from 5.85% to 82.79% in the allowed time limit of 10,000 s. On the other hand, our proposed nested Benders decomposition algorithm was able to achieve faster convergence and provided optimal solutions for all the considered problem instances with an average CPU run-time of around 3,700 s. This validates the efficacy and superiority of our solution approach. Lastly, we summarize our work and point out some interesting potential future research opportunities.

Molecular Engineering in the Semiconductor Industry: Progress and Prospects

Abstract. Along with population growth and economic development, human demand for energy and information will be more than ever, and humans need to rely on semiconductor devices to achieve energy storage, signal and other conversions. So how to design and prepare semiconductor materials with better performance, and industrialise and commercialise the materials has become a new hot topic. Typically, semiconductor materials are nanomaterials, and the current mainstream industrial processing is a top-down process, which raises the cost of production and leads to a waste of resources. Because of this, scientists are starting to believe that molecular engineeringa bottom-up strategy based on molecule self-assembly can save resources, energy, and production costs by constructing semiconductor material structures. This paper examines the bottom-up conceptual approach of molecular engineering and discusses the potential challenges in applying molecular self-assembly technology, which is a crucial method in molecular engineering, to the semiconductor industry. It ultimately concludes that molecular engineering plays a significant role in the semiconductor production process due to its advantages and vast potential for development.

Production of Hydrogen from Biomass with Negative CO2 Emissions Using a Commercial-Scale Fluidized Bed Gasifier

Biomass gasification, as a thermochemical method, has attracted interest due to the growing popularity of biofuel production using syngas or pure hydrogen. Additionally, this hydrogen production method, when integrated with CO2 capture, may have negative CO2 emissions, which makes this process competitive with electrolysis and coal gasification. This article presents the results of process and economic analyses of a hydrogen production system integrated with a commercial, fluidized-bed solid fuel gasification reactor (SES technology—Synthesis Energy Systems). With the use of a single gasification unit with a capacity of 60 t/h of raw biomass, the system produces between 72.5 and 78.4 t/d of hydrogen depending on the configuration considered. Additionally, assuming the CO2 emission neutrality of biomass processing, the application of CO2 capture leads to negative CO2 emissions. This allows for obtaining additional revenue from the sale of CO2 emission allowances, which can significantly reduce the costs of hydrogen production. In this analysis, the breakthrough price for CO2 emissions, above which the hydrogen production costs are negative, is USD 240/t CO2.

Agarose Micro/Nanostructured Surfaces: A Step Toward an Innovative Solution for Platelet Storage Bags

AbstractIn addressing the critical limitations associated with platelet storage, the study investigates an innovative solution aimed at preventing the unwanted activation of platelets within storage bags. This activation is a key factor that currently restricts the shelf life of platelet products to only 72 h, leading to extreme waste production and high costs. Here, highly effective surfaces are identified for minimizing surface‐induced platelet activation. Using thermal nanoimprint lithography (T‐NIL), a new method is demonstrated for patterning reproducible agarose micro/nanostructures (a natural hydrogel with anti‐platelet adhesive properties) including dots, chains, pills, and squares. The agarose (3%) structured surfaces displayed outstanding flexibility and hydrophilic behavior that prevented platelet adhesion as confirmed by confocal microscopy. Importantly, pill‐shaped structures effectively maintained their ability to prevent platelet adhesion, even after a long cell‐contacting duration. Atomic force microscopy indicated that the effectiveness of dampening platelet adherence is determined by the shape, size, height, and aspect ratio of the structures. A model is provided to explain how the different shapes affect wettability and thereby hinder platelet adherence. The developed anti‐adhesive agarose structured surfaces show promise to revolutionize platelet storage, provide vital insights into biomaterials research, and demonstrate the potential of tailored agarose surfaces in biomedical applications.

Energy budget and economic analysis of modern and traditional wheat production systems in Kurdistan province of Iran

This study was conducted to analyze input-output energies and economic analysis of modern and traditional wheat production systems of Kurdistan province, Iran. Data were collected from 100 dryland and 100 irrigated wheat fields. The fields were selected randomly, and inquiries conducted in a face-to-face interview from May up to August next year. The results showed that total energy inputs, energy use efficiency, and specific energy were 49,956 MJ ha-1, 2.4, and 4.9 MJ kg-1 in modern irrigated wheat system, respectively, 19,064 MJ ha-1, 3.4, and 3.4 MJ kg-1 in traditional irrigated wheat system, 16,598 MJ ha-1, 1.7, and 6.7 MJ kg-1 in modern dryland wheat system, and 14,471 MJ ha-1, 1.99 and 5.75 MJ kg-1 in traditional dryland wheat system, respectively. The economic analysis revealed that the total cost of production and net return were 546.5 and 1,448.6 USD ha-1 in modern irrigated wheat, 206.4 and 844.7 USD ha-1 in traditional irrigated wheat, 230.5 and 237.6 USD ha-1 in modern dryland wheat and 185.2 and 266.1 USD ha-1 in traditional dryland wheat systems, respectively. The results of this study showed that the modern wheat production system uses more energy compared to that by the traditional wheat production system. Thus, the wheat producers are advised to adopt modern wheat production systems with some caution.

Machine learning-based rational design for efficient discovery of allatostatin analogs as promising lead candidates for novel IGRs.

Insect neuropeptide allatostatins (ASTs) play a vital role in regulating insect growth, development, and reproduction, making them potential candidates for new insect growth regulators (IGRs). However, the practical use of natural ASTs in pest management is constrained by their long sequences and high production costs, thus the development of AST analogs with shorter sequences and reduced cost is essential. Traditional methods for designing AST analogs are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. This study aims to employ new computational methodologies to understand the structure-activity relationship and efficiently discover potent AST analogs. Two machine learning models, utilizing multiple linear regression and support vector machine, were constructed to reveal the key structural factors that influence the juvenile hormone-inhibiting activity of AST analogs. These models suggested that a potent AST analog should contain styrene, hydrophilic, and aromatic groups, and rotatable bonds at positions 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Six analogs (A52-A57) were designed and synthesized, and they exhibited potent juvenile hormone-inhibiting activity (IC50 < 16 nM). Notably, analog A53 showed the best activity (IC50 = 2.07 nM), surpassing that of most natural Dippu-ASTs, making it a potential lead candidate for IGRs. These models promote the efficient design, screening, and prioritization of new or untested AST analogs. The study clarifies how a machine learning-based strategy facilitates the development of AST analogs as novel IGR lead candidates, offering a useful reference for pest management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Electrochemical Biosensors in Diagnostic Medicine: Detecting Lung Cancer Biomarkers – A Comprehensive Review

AbstractElectrochemical biosensors use biomolecules, such as proteins, enzymes, and antibodies, to translate the analytical signals detected in a sample. They have diverse applications including pesticide detection in agriculture, water analysis in various sectors, and biomedical and forensic diagnostics. With the estimated number of cancer cases in the US in 2024 being over two million, particularly lung cancer, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose early, the integration of biosensors into the Point‐of‐care Testing (PoCT) strategy can significantly improve the detection of cancer biomarkers, contributing to early diagnosis and successful treatment. Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is a promising alternative for reducing production costs and customizing devices in various ways. This review highlights recent trends and research on the development of electrochemical biosensors for early detection of lung cancer. These biosensors are expected to be more sensitive and selective for a variety of real samples and are precise, accurate, and stable during their commercialization. Significant progress has been made in the development of electrochemical devices for the early diagnosis of lung cancer, with various biomarker anchoring and detection strategies addressed throughout the study. Overcoming these challenges is key to advancing the use of these biosensors, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and enabling the successful treatment of lung cancer patients.

Unveiling the potential of direct synthesized PbS CQD ink based solar cells through numerical simulation

Studies on lead sulfide-PbS quantum dot-QD based solar cells have gained considerable attention in recent years. A direct synthesis-DS method has emerged that makes it possible to obtain PbS ink in a single step by eliminating complex synthesis and ligand exchange processes, thus reducing the production cost and time. However, the limited number of studies on cells obtained with this method obscures the high potential of this technique. In this study, various electron-ETL and hole transport layers-HTL were systematically brought together in the SCAPS-1D environment to determine the architecture of the cell with record performance. A photoconversion efficiency-PCE of over 20% was achieved with a cell in which n-type DS PbS inks were combined with TiO2 ETL and MoO3 HTL. Moreover, we found that p-type DS PbS inks have a much higher potential than n-type inks, with a PCE of up to 36%, and most importantly, they are more resistant to increased defect density. We believe that this study, in which the device architecture for DS PbS inks was optimized and structured for the first time and the importance of p-type DS PbS inks was emphasized, will shed light on future studies in the field of solar cell technologies.

Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Combined with Solid-Phase Extraction for Purification of Schisandra chinensis Lignans

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can specifically recognize template molecules in solution with imprinted cavities. Due to their capacity for scalable production, they can be used to isolate target products from natural products for industrial production in the fields of pharmaceuticals and food. In this study, magnetic single-template molecularly imprinted polymers (St-MIPs) instead of magnetic multi-template molecularly imprinted polymers (Mt-MIPs) were prepared by surface imprinting using Schizandrol A as a template molecule and deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a functional monomer, combined with solid-phase extraction (SPE) for the adsorption and separation of Schizandrol A, Schisantherin A, Schizandrin A, and Schizandrin B from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis) fruits extracts. The synthesized MIPs were characterized by FT-IR, TEM, SEM, TG, XRD and VSM, and their adsorption properties were also evaluated. MIPs can specifically recognize the template molecules with high reusability. The purity of the total S. chinensis lignans after SPE was 74.05%, among which that of Schizandrol A, Schisantherin A, Schizandrin A, and Schizandrin B was 33.38%, 8.69%, 16.33% and 15.67%, respectively. Moreover, the one-step synthesis of carrier was easy to operate. And St-MIPs reduced the production cost compared with Mt-MIPs. This study provides a new idea for natural product separation by molecular imprinting technology (MIT).

Low-cost Biochar from Parthenium Hysterophorus for Efficient Cr⁶⁺ Removal: A Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solution

Aims: This study explores the development of innovative, cost-effective methods for removing Cr6+ from wastewater, focusing on biochar derived from Parthenium hysterophorus shoots. The biochar was prepared using a conventional slow-pyrolysis process and evaluated for its potential to treat Cr⁶⁺ in aqueous solutions. Study Design: Batch adsorption experiments are carried out in the study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Environmental Science, G B Pant University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, between Feb 2024 and July 2024. Methodology: Parthenium hysterophorus shoots were collected, reagents were purchased from HiMedia, and Cr⁶⁺ solutions were prepared and adjusted using NaOH and HCl. Shoots were washed, sun-dried, ground into powder and pyrolysed at 350°C for 180 minutes. Biochar yield was calculated, pH, proximal parameters (moisture, volatile matter, ash, fixed carbon) and ultimate analysis were measured, chemical functional groups by FTIR and morphology by XRD using Bruker D8 Advance was done. Cr⁶⁺ removal was studied using biochar adsorbent under varying pH, initial Cr6+ concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time, adsorption capacity (q) and removal percentage were then calculated. Results: Characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of multiple functional groups and crystalline structures, which contribute to its adsorption efficiency. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of prepared biochar dosage, initial Cr⁶⁺ concentration, pH and contact time. The optimal removal efficiency of 72.77% was achieved under conditions of pH 10, a biochar dose of 1 g/L, an initial Cr⁶⁺ concentration of 30 mg/L and a contact time of 72 hours. Conclusion: Although challenges remain in optimizing production and functionalization, this research highlights the potential of biochar for sustainable water treatment. Addressing production costs and practical challenges will further enhance its applicability, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.

Therapeutic Peptides Encapsulated into Lipid-Based Nanovesicles: Scaling from Lab to Plant

Lipid-based peptide-encapsulated nanovesicles represent a cutting-edge approach in drug delivery systems, offering enhanced stability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of therapeutic peptides. This review explores the comprehensive science and techniques behind the robust formulation and analytical methods for these nanovesicles, spanning from lab-scale research to large- scale manufacturing. Critical aspects include lipid selection, detailing how the choice of lipids impacts the stability and efficacy of the nanovesicles, and various peptide encapsulation techniques, emphasizing methods to achieve high encapsulation efficiency and controlled release. Key processes in vesicle formation, such as thin film hydration, sonication, and microfluidics, are discussed to highlight their roles in producing nanovesicles with consistent size and morphology. The importance of stability studies, including physical, chemical, and thermal assessments, is underscored. Analytical techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential measurement, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Mass Spectrometry (MS) are detailed, showcasing their crucial roles in characterizing nanovesicles and ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy for pharmaceutical use. The review addresses the challenges and solutions associated with scaling up production, including maintaining consistent product quality, optimizing manufacturing processes, and controlling production costs. It also navigates the regulatory landscape, discussing the stringent guidelines set by agencies such as the FDA and EMA and the necessity of strategic regulatory planning to facilitate market approval. This comprehensive review aims to serve as an in-depth resource for experts in the field, aiding in the translation of lipid-based peptide-encapsulated nanovesicle formulations from bench to bedside, ultimately enhancing therapeutic outcomes and expanding treatment options for various disease. Key Words: Peptide, Amino acid, Degradation, Pharmacokinetics, Peptide encapsulation, drug delivery systems, Peptide Characterization

Developing electric vehicles in China and the United States: Revisiting debates on industrial strategy

AbstractMotivationStrategies to develop manufacturing industry are the subject of lively debate over whether to follow or defy national comparative advantage. Electric vehicles (EVs), a major change for automobile manufacturers, are no exception.Despite the US government's promotion of global integration to activate the semi‐invisible hand of market forces, neither traditional Detroit automakers nor new firms, even with government grants or loans, were able to launch EVs on the world market promptly, with the notable exception of Tesla. In China, the government helped dozens of domestic electric vehicle manufacturers enter the market through formidable government subsidies. However, none of China's manufacturers, other than Wuling, were able to surpass Tesla in sales in China.The rapid growth of Tesla and Wuling without relying heavily on government protection and subsidies raises the question of whether their success can be attributed to other forms of state intervention.PurposeWhat policies and strategies enable manufacturers to develop and market a new technology, such as EVs? What can we learn by comparing the experiences of US and Chinese vehicle manufacturers?We consider these questions and what the implications are for debates about industrial development strategy.Methods and approachWe compare four carmaking firms—GM, Tesla, BYD, and Wuling—their business strategies and their interactions with the US and Chinese states. We draw on company reports, government documents, and press reports.FindingsBoth China and the US employed semi‐developmentalist, semi‐neoliberal policies to promote the manufacture of EVs. The US subsidized research and development in its automobile industry and provided incentives to consumers. It has subsequently moved to lending to the most promising firms for EV production. China, in contrast, has selectively subsidized EV firms all the way from development to marketing.Subsidies from the US government have been steady: they are expected to stay this way in the near term. However, the fastest‐growing carmakers have used outward foreign direct investment to gain competitive advantage. China's subsidies, on the other hand, have been unstable: linked to the performance of the target firms. The higher the firm's profit, the lower the subsidies and vice versa. China has been careful with subsidies to prevent rent seeking and moral hazard.Neither following nor defying comparative advantage explains the strategies followed by the four firms: comparative advantage considerations have been tempered by the possibilities of foreign investment.Policy implicationsThe results imply that traditional developmental strategies have resorted to inward foreign direct investment in high‐income countries as a means to learn technologies and outward foreign direct investment in low‐ and medium‐income countries as a way to reduce production costs, but have missed the comparative advantage of outward and inward foreign direct investment, and strategic mixes of these, when developing and diffusing radical innovation like EVs.