Economical Option Research Articles

Chicken IgY based electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of bacterial pathogen E. coli in water

On a global scale, approximately 1 in 8 (13.6 %) of worldwide mortalities have been associated with bacterial infections. Therefore, the necessity for rapid and cost-effective diagnostic kits is paramount to accurately diagnose bacterial infections. Besides, the utilization of IgY antibodies emerges as a natural and economical option for effective sensing of pathogens. Notably, electrochemical IgY-based immunosensors amalgamate the inherent specificity of immunoreactions with highly sensitive electrochemical sensors, thereby facilitating the advancement of next generation Point-of-Care (POC) devices. In this work, a label-free IgY-based immunosensor for the detection of E. coli, employing Boron and Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots (B, N-doped GQDs) nanomaterial as the electrode interface was successfully devised. This developed immunosensor has demonstrated commendable sensitivity of 0.0395 µA. (CFU/mL)−1 & 0.0491 µA. (CFU/mL)−1 from Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) & Amperometry (Amp) techniques across various E. coli concentrations (0.5 x 101 – 107 CFU/mL) and exhibited exceptional selectivity of < 5.88 %, thereby ensuring precise E. coli detection while mitigating interference from other agents. Moreover, real sample analysis with the developed sensor displayed exemplary recoveries, affirming its efficacy in detecting E. coli. The immunosensor’s promising results in terms of its figures-of-merit underscore the potential diagnostic utility of IgY in E. coli screening bacterial sensing applications.

A clinical and novel dermoscopic investigation of combined peels as a hand aging treatment.

The hands are one of the areas where skin aging is most noticeable, alongside the face, but limited studies used dermoscopic evaluation on hand aging. The Dermoscopy Photoaging Scale (DPAS) is frequently used to assess face aging but is never used for hand aging. Treating skin aging using chemical peeling is a commonly used method to rejuvenate the skin on the hands, as it is relatively affordable. Using multiple chemical peels may yield more significant results. To determine the effectiveness of a chemical peeling combination in retarding hand aging and to assess the utility of DPAS in this process. This study involved 69 Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV volunteers aged 20-69. One hand of each participant was treated with 20% glycolic acid (GA), while the other received a combination of peels consisting of 20% GA and 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The hands were clinically examined before and after the treatments, and dermoscopic examinations were performed using a modified DPAS. Four treatments improved clinical and dermoscopic characteristics in both hands. The combined peeling considerably improved pigmentation intensity on the dorsal hand compared to the GA peel (p < 0.001). Post-chemical peeling patient satisfaction increased significantly. The modified DPAS is a valuable instrument to assess the signs of hand aging. The combination of GA and TCA effectively improves skin aging of the hands and offers an accessible and economical option for addressing skin aging.

Inhibition of fusarium graminearum growth and spore germination by a streptomyces amritsarensis strain capable of killing and growing on microcystis scum.

Developing energy-saving and ecofriendly strategies for treating harvested Microcystis biomass. Streptomyces amritsarensis HG-16 was first reported to effectively kill various morphotypes of natural Microcystis colonies at very high cell densities. Concurrently, HG-16 grown on lysed Microcystis maintained its antagonistic activity against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. It could completely inhibit spore germination and destroy mycelial structure of F. graminearum. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HG-16 attacked F. graminearum in a comprehensive way: interfering with replication, transcription, and translation processes, inhibiting primary metabolisms, hindering energy production and simultaneously destroying stress-resistant systems of F. graminearum. The findings of this study provide a sustainable and economical option for resource reclamation from Microcystis biomass: utilizing Microcystis slurry to propagate HG-16, which can subsequently be employed as a biocontrol agent for managing F. graminearum.

Economic, equity, and political trade-offs in energy transition in irrigation in Bihar, India

Affordable and reliable energy is an important driver for improving access to irrigation in South Asia. Policies for improving electricity access and augmenting supply are likely to impact affordability and equity in irrigation access, especially in regions where agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. In this paper, we focus on the state of Bihar in eastern India to study trade-offs across economic, equity, and political dimensions of energy transition in irrigation. We argue that in the context of the nascent but steadily increasing solar-powered irrigation, a decentralised energy regime is techno-economically and socio-politically distinct from a conventional centralised grid supply. With different economic costs, governance issues, and varied incentives of stakeholders, there are significant trade-offs associated with the two pathways of energisation. We further assess the multidimensional trade-offs associated with the conventional ‘centralised’ and the modern ‘decentralised’ energy supply systems for irrigation to present a comprehensive understanding of the technical systems aiming to address economic development and livelihood security issues. We find that the life cycle costs (LCC) of centralised grid supply are not only higher than that of decentralised solar-powered irrigation (SIP) but also the LCC for grid supply has a high sensitivity to average cost to supply electricity (ACS). We also find that at lower pumping hours or lower average cost to supply (ACS), grid electricity is competitive compared to SIP, but with an increase in pumping hours, ACS or both, there is a considerable increase in the LCC of the grid connected pump, making SIP a more economical option. Furthermore, we augment the analysis using primary data on farmers to examine the economic, equity, and political trade-offs. By highlighting the complexities associated with the diffusion of decentralised energy solutions in irrigation, our findings provide useful insights for public policy related to energy transition in irrigation in India.

Geogrid reinforcement for improving bearing capacity and stability of square foundations

Abstract Shallow foundations are often the most economical option for building support, as they distribute structural weight to soil layers, require minimal earthwork, and do not necessitate specialized machinery. The most common type of soil in the city of Karbala is sandy soil. It is granular and loose by nature which has a relatively low bearing capacity. According to previous studies, the soil weakness is one of the problems with shallow foundation construction. Thus, the aim of this study is to improve the properties of the soil using geogrid reinforcement. Three critical parameters are examined, including depth, size, and number of geogrid layers in the soil reinforcement process to increase bearing capacity and decrease soil settling. The effect of geogrid depth (u) was studied by considering four depth ratios (u/B = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) in order to determine the ideal depth of the geogrid layer, where (B) refers to the width of the footings. The results indicated that a decrease in depth ratio significantly increased the bearing capacity of footings built on reinforced soil layers compared to those built on natural soil, and the settlement reduction ratio (SRR) also increased. The size of the geogrid layer (i.e., width of the geogrid layer (b) was evaluated by evaluating four size ratios (b/B = 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0). With an increasing size ratio of the geogrid layer, the bearing capacity ratio (BRC) was significantly improved. Additionally, the study examined the optimal number of geogrid layers, focusing on single and multiple layers with N = 1, 2, 3, and 4. The results showed a higher BRC for footings on reinforced soil layers, as well as a significant rise in SRR with an increase in the number of geogrid layers. Finally, it was concluded that the optimal depth ratio was u/B = 0.5, the size ratio was b/B = 4.5, and reinforced with three geogrid layers, which provided the highest bearing capacity and SRR. The experimental test results were verified by comparing them with those calculated using theoretically developed models. The variation between the experimental and theoretical results is reasonable, confirming that the experimental testing results exhibit a high degree of accuracy.

Screening of sugarcane germplasm against Sporisorium scitamineum and its effects on setts germination and tillering

Sugarcane smut is the most damaging disease that is present almost across the globe, causing mild to severe yield losses depending upon the cultivar types, pathogen races and climatic conditions. Cultivation of smut-resistant cultivars is the most feasible and economical option to mitigate its damages. Previous investigations revealed that there is a scarcity of information on early detection and effective strategies to suppress etiological agents of smut disease due to the characteristics overlapping within species complexes. In this study, 104 sugarcane cultivars were screened by artificial inoculation with homogenate of all possible pathogen races of Sporisorium scitamineum during two consecutive growing seasons. The logistic smut growth pattern and the disease intrinsic rate were recorded by disease growth curve. Variable levels of disease incidence i.e., ranging from 0 to 54.10% were observed among these sugarcane cultivars. Besides, pathogen DNA in plant shoots of all the cultivars was successfully amplified by PCR method using smut-specific primers except 26 cultivars which showed an immune reaction in the field trial. Furthermore, the plant germination and tillering of susceptible sugarcane cultivars were greatly influenced by pathogen inoculation. In susceptible cultivars, S. scitamineum caused a significant reduction in setts germination, coupled with profuse tillering, resulting in fewer millable canes. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between reduction in setts germination and increase in the number of tillers. The present study would be helpful for the evaluation of smut resistance in a wide range of sugarcane germplasm, especially from the aspects of setts germination and tillers formation, and it also screened out several excellent germplasm for potential application in sugarcane breeding.

Life cycle assessment of a hybrid reverse osmosis hydrate-based desalination process

Trends in desalination technologies are shifting toward reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption while increasing economic feasibility. Accordingly, this study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) and an environmental life cycle cost (ELCC) analysis of a hybrid desalination process that combines reverse osmosis (RO) and hydrate-based desalination (HBD). The environmental impact assessment was conducted using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint and endpoint methodology. Moreover, an ELCC analysis considering environmental cost (EC) was conducted to elucidate the influence of environmental impacts on economic performance. Case studies analyzed the environmental and economic differences arising from the use of four different feedstocks (natural gas liquid, soybean oil, palm oil fatty acid distillate, and used cooking oil) for propane as a hydrate former in HBD and assessed the impact of selling renewable energy certificates (RECs). The global warming potential (GWP) of the hybrid desalination process ranged from −2.66 to 0.04 kg CO2 eq/m3, with the lowest GWP when using used cooking oil and not selling RECs. This can be attributed to the energy savings compared to conventional desalination and indicates the importance of using sustainable feedstock to reduce the environmental impact of chemicals. The production costs when considering EC ranged from −2.86 to −2.29 $/m3, with the sale of electricity and RECs resulting in profits in all cases. In addition, using natural gas liquids and selling RECs was the most economical option. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental and economic impact of hybrid desalination technologies and highlights their potential as an alternative to conventional methods in terms of sustainability and profitability.

Efficient lignin extraction from oil palm empty fruit bunches using guanidine-based deep eutectic solvents under microwave assistance

The abundance of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) in Malaysia necessitates effective waste management strategies. Deep eutectic solvents (DES), particularly chloride-based ones like guanidine hydrochloride (GHCl), offer green and economical pretreatment options for lignocellulosic biomass, enhancing lignin extraction. To the best of current knowledge, no prior investigations have focused on the properties of lignin extracted using this DES system. Therefore, this study investigates the efficient extraction of lignin from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) utilizing guanidine-based deep eutectic solvents (GHDES) under microwave assistance. Guanidine hydrochloride (GHCl) is introduced as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) in DES formation, particularly in the GHCl:lactic acid (LA) system. The study systematically investigates the influence of different pretreatment parameters (time and temperature) on the structure and properties of the extracted lignin. Remarkably, guanidine-based DES shows exceptional effectiveness in disrupting the OPEFB structure, resulting in highly efficient lignin extraction. Analyzes show that the DES-extracted lignin has comparable properties to other DES systems, with consistent structural and thermal properties observed at various reaction temperatures and times. Notably, the extracted lignin at 120 °C for 30 min exhibited high yield, minimal impurity content, significant phenolic content, and reduced weight loss. This study not only contributes to the sustainable use of lignin but also highlights the versatility of guanidine-based DES in the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. The promising results position guanidine-based DES as a viable and innovative candidate for lignin extraction in various applications and promote progress in the utilization of renewable biomass resources.

Roadmap of Graphite Moderator and Graphite-Matrix TRISO Fuel Management Options

Most high-temperature reactors use graphite as a moderator and structural material. This includes high-temperature gas-cooled reactors with helium cooling and TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel particles embedded in graphite, as well as fluoride salt–cooled high-temperature reactors with clean salt coolant and TRISO fuel particles embedded in graphite and thermal spectrum molten salt reactors with a graphite moderator and fuel dissolved in the salt. The largest volume radioactive waste stream from these reactors is the irradiated graphite. We describe herein a roadmap for management of these graphite wastes that contain radioactive 14C, tritium, and other radionuclides. There may be some graphite wastes with sufficiently low radioactivity levels that can be treated as nonradioactive waste and managed like other graphite waste. Management options for the graphite include (1) direct disposal, (2) recycled back to the reactor or other nuclear applications, and (3) oxidizing the graphite with release as an effluent or underground sequestration of the carbon dioxide. Cosequestration of this carbon dioxide with carbon dioxide from industrial, biological, and cement production processes can isotopically dilute the 14C before sequestration to eliminate the possibility of exceeding individual radiation exposure limits. We also describe options for processing graphite-matrix TRISO fuel, including separating the bulk graphite to reduce the volumes of used fuel for disposal or processing to recover fissile materials. The inventories of radioactive isotopes in different carbon wastes vary by many orders of magnitude; thus, there is no single economic option for the management of all graphite waste.

Feasibility of Photovoltaic-Powered Hydrogen Production for Off-Site Refueling Stations in Iraqi Cities: A Techno-Economic Analysis

The study explores the feasibility of using a photovoltaic (PV) energy system to produce hydrogen for off-site hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) in three Iraqi cities (Karbala, Maysan, and Nineveh), focusing on a comprehensive system model consisting of a 558 MWp off-grid photovoltaic system, a 157.5 MWp proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, a converter, and a hydrogen storage tank. Utilizing HOMER Pro software for system simulation and MATLAB, with consedaring 28 years from 2022 to 2050 life span, incorporating hourly weather data for 2022 to optimize system performance. The outcomes identify that the Karbala city as the most cost-effective for green hydrogen production, highlighting the economic benefits of PV technology, which presents the most economical option with a levelized energy cost of $5,010/GWh. The project is projected to produce 10.61 million kg of hydrogen annually at a production cost of $2.75/kg, with an overall project cost estimated at $372.77 million. The results are of strategic significance for Iraq transportation sector, supporting the development of a robust green hydrogen infrastructure for HRS. This infrastructure is expected to promote sustainable transportation practices and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to the energy transition in Iraq. This techno-economic analysis provides a foundational assessment for stakeholders considering investments in renewable hydrogen production and infrastructure development.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of bevacizumab for cerebral radiation necrosis treatment based on real-world utility value in China.

Bevacizumab shows superior efficacy in cerebral radiation necrosis (CRN) therapy, but its economic burden remains heavy due to the high drug price. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab for CRN treatment from the Chinese payers' perspective. Adecision tree model was developed to compare the costs and health outcomes of bevacizumab and corticosteroids for CRN therapy. Efficacy and safety data were derived from the NCT01621880 trial, which compared the effectiveness and safety of bevacizumab monotherapy with corticosteroids for CRN in nasopharyngeal cancer patients, and demonstrated that bevacizumab invoked asignificantly higher response than corticosteroids (65.5% vs. 31.5%, P < 0.001) with no significant differences in adverse events between two groups. The utility value of the "non-recurrence" status was derived from real-world data. Costs and other utility values were collected from an authoritative Chinese network database and published literature. The primary outcomes were total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The uncertainty of the model was evaluated via one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Bevacizumab treatment added 0.12 (0.48 vs. 0.36) QALYs compared to corticosteroid therapy, along with incremental costs of $2010 ($4260 vs. $2160). The resultant ICER was $16,866/QALY, which was lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold of $38,223/QALY in China. The price of bevacizumab, body weight, and the utility value of recurrence status were the key influential parameters for ICER. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the probability of bevacizumab being cost-effectiveness was 84.9%. Compared with corticosteroids, bevacizumab is an economical option for CRN treatment in China.

Retrofitting of heat-damaged fiber-reinforced concrete cylinders using welded wire mesh configurations

Abstract Fire damage poses a significant risk to reinforced concrete structures throughout their lifespan. Fire exposure influences the stress-strain properties and durability of concrete, despite its non-flammability. Therefore, the strengthening approach is an economic option for lengthening their lifespan. This paper aims to conduct an experimental investigation into retrofitting heat-damaged fiber-reinforced concrete cylinders using welded wire mesh (WWM) configurations. Four concrete mixes were investigated. In total, 48 concrete cylinders were tested under axial compression until failure. The primary variables considered in the testing program consisted of (i) the influence of various fiber types (steel fiber (SF), polypropylene (PP), and hybrid fibers (SF+PP)); (ii) exposure temperature (26°C and 600°C); and (iii) WWM strengthening. Exposure to a temperature of 600°C led to a significant reduction in the compressive strength, ranging from 23.7% to 53.3%, while the inclusion of fibers has a substantial effect on the compressive strength of concrete, regardless of fiber type, with an increased ratio reaching up to 34.7%. The finding also clearly shows that the strengthening of heat-damaged specimens with WWM jacketing resulted in a 38.8%, 4.9%, and 9.4% increase in compressive strength for SF, PP, and SF+PPF specimens, respectively, compared to unheated control specimens. The suggested approaches to strengthening, which involve the use of WWM jacketing with two layers, successfully restored and surpassed the initial concrete compressive strength of the specimens that were damaged due to exposure to high temperatures.

CAN PIEZOSURGERY MINIMISE THE POST OPERATIVE SEQUALE IN THIRD MOLAR SURGERY: A SPLIT MOUTH STUDY

Background: Despite the use of various instruments for removal of third molars the magnitude of severity of postoperative sequelae still remains a question unanswered. Our study uses a post operative symptom severity scale (Posse) to assess the quality of life after the procedure in comparison to conventional rotary. Aim: Evaluate the Efficacy between the piezotome and conventional rotary in removal of mandibular third molars. Material and Methods: third molar extraction was performed using conventional rotary on one side and piezotome on the other within interval of 7days. Results: The present study was a split mouth study in which piezosurgery can be used in a day-to-day case basis despite the longer duration of surgery. Conclusion: It is an excellent tool to reduce the risk of complication and to improve post - operative outcome. Although we would not say it is an economical option and also it may be more time-consuming.

#2263 Computational drug repurposing screen targeting PLA2R antibody binding

Abstract Background and Aims Approximately 60% of patients with membranous nephropathy have antibodies against the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R). The cysteine rich (CysR) epitope of PLA2R is a likely site of protein-antibody interaction. Current treatment regimens for membranous nephropathy involve maximal conservative management or systemic immunosuppression in severe cases. We have developed protocols and programs for an in silico high-throughput repurposing screen using structural modelling, docking, and molecular dynamics (MD). Uniquely, our approach uses a bespoke interface on Google Colab for graphic processing units to run the MD simulations. We describe their application to a repurposing screen aiming to identify larger licensed drug molecules capable of impeding antibody-protein interactions at the site of the CysR epitope. Method A complete model of PLA2R was obtained from I-TASSER using the canonical sequence on the UNIPROT database. This structure was equilibrated using a five nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The simulation was prepared using CHARMM-GUI and run on the GROMACS-ON-COLAB platform. The centroid of the MD system between three and five nanoseconds was used for docking experiments using PLANTS PLP with a study area that included the CysR epitope. A library of compounds listed in the British National Formulary was used for the docking studies. The results would be analysed by PLANTS energy and by key residue overlap score. Results Viable docking results were obtained for 891 of the 1510 compounds tested. 60 of these compounds were in contact with at least 10% of the residues in the CysR region. By restricting these results to compounds in the lowest 20% of the total sample for calculated binding energy, 22 compounds remained. 16 of these compounds have been assessed for their safety for oral or intravenous use. These sixteen compounds were then identified for further investigation by MD to assess the stability of the identified interactions. The sixteen compounds include Lymecycline, Trazodone, Mirabegron, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Rosuvastatin and Montelukast. Conclusion Structural bioinformatics methods provide a relatively fast and economical option for identifying protein-drug interactions that could result in new treatment strategies. The compounds identified for investigation are used for an array of different health conditions. However, they all share the chemical properties of large molecular weight and have the potential to form multiple hydrogen bonds. If validated experimentally, these compounds could provide new treatment options for PLA2R antibody positive membranous nephropathy.

Second-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries for Home Photovoltaic Systems: Transforming Energy Storage and Sustainability

Solar-based home PV systems are the most amazing eco-friendly energy innovations in the world, which are not only climate-friendly but also cost-effective solutions. The tropical environment of Malaysia makes it difficult to adopt photovoltaic (PV) systems because of the protracted rainy monsoon season, which makes PV systems useless without backup batteries. Large quantities of lithium-ion battery (LIB) trash are being produced by the electric vehicle (EV) sector. A total of 75% of the highest capacity levels have been discarded. By 2035, it is predicted that the wasted LIBs held as a result of expensive recycling and difficult material separation would carry up to 1200 GWh. An economical and sustainable option is offered by our study, which prototypes a replicated LIB pack that is incorporated into a PV home system. This study investigates the transformational power of second-life electric vehicle batteries (SLEVBs) when incorporated into home photovoltaic (PV) systems. The concept entails reusing existing electric vehicle batteries for stationary applications, offering a unique approach to extending the life of these batteries while meeting the growing need for sustainable domestic energy storage. The study looks at the technological feasibility, economic viability, and environmental effect of introducing SLEVBs into household PV systems, giving vital insight into their role in revolutionizing energy storage techniques and promoting sustainability. In comparison to the Lead–Acid Battery (LAB) system, the SLEVB system has a cheaper total cost of ownership, with savings of 12.62% compared with new LABs. A CO2 emission reduction of at least 20% is achieved by using the SLEVB system compared with LABs. Electricity can be provided in houses in rural areas where there is no electricity. As a result, the security and superiority of the life of rural residents will improve. It is anticipated that the suggested strategy will lower EV pricing, enabling EV adoption for M40 and B40 groups. Consequently, the Malaysian and worldwide EV business will remain viable.

Aviation fuels of the future − A techno-economic assessment of distribution, fueling and utilizing electricity-based LH2, LCH4 and kerosene (SAF)

This paper investigates the techno-economic implications on air travel when fossil-based kerosene is phased out of the market, specifically focusing on the comparison between liquid hydrogen, liquid methane and renewable kerosene for ten exemplary flight routes to estimate the cost of air travel per passenger and 100 km distance travelled €2020PAX100km for every fuel type. By considering the entire supply chain, including hydrogen production from renewable sources, synthesis, oversea transport, domestic distribution, and utilization, this study addresses the overarching question of whether it is more economical to change the fuel source or the fuel itself to reduce fossil kerosene usage in the aviation industry. It is demonstrated that aircraft acquisition costs play a minor role compared to fuel supply costs and specific fuel demand. The study shows that for electricity-based fuels, liquid hydrogen is the most economic option, even with a potential energy penalty, followed by liquid methane and renewable kerosene. The results for an aircraft with a capacity 180 passengers are 3.08, 4.57 and 5.11 €PAX100km for liquid hydrogen, liquid methane and renewable kerosene, respectively. Challenges regarding storage and isolation requirements for cryogenic fuels in aviation are discussed, with assumptions made that these obstacles can be overcome to realize economic benefits. Additionally, the study suggests potential shifts in aircraft size selection by airlines to mitigate rising fuel prices in the future. The study advocates for the aviation industry's openness to new fuels like liquid hydrogen and liquid methane to alleviate the cost increase associated with phasing out fossil kerosene.

In situ polymerization of acrylamide on magnetic SnFe2O4/CeO2 nanocomposite: A novel adsorbent for removing various dyes

Environmental conservation requires effective, secure, and economical treatment options for dye-contaminated wastewater. The current study comprises a novel fabrication of tin ferrite/ceria/polyacrylamide magnetic and porous ternary nanocomposite. This occurs through crosslinking polymerization of acrylamide on the SnFe2O4/CeO2 binary nanocomposite. The SnFe2O4/CeO2/PAM nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized using FTIR, TGA, XRD, TEM, VSM, EDX, SEM and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The ternary nanocomposite's efficiency as a novel adsorbent for anionic (direct violet 4, DV4) and cationic (bismarck brown r, BBR) azo dyes was investigated. A range of variables were studied to optimize the effectiveness of eliminating both dyes. In an acidic medium, DV4 removal was more efficient, whereas BBR removal was higher in an alkaline environment. Non-linear regression was employed to analyze adsorption kinetics and isotherm models, using three statistical error functions to determine the best-fit models. Adsorption data for both dyes demonstrated a good conformity with pseudo-second-order and Freundlich isotherm models. The dyes' adsorption was both endothermic and spontaneous. The nanocomposite displayed notable performance throughout five reuses. Moreover, the nanocomposite shows good adsorption efficiency for various dyes (congo red, acid blue 40, methyl green, and crystal violet) as well as DV4 and BBR. Therefore, it emerges as a promising adsorbent for wastewater purification.

Wheat germ supplementation has modest effects on gut health markers but improves glucose homeostasis markers in adults classified as overweight: A randomized controlled pilot study

Wheat germ (WG), a by-product of flour milling, is rich in bioactive substances that may help improve health complications associated with increased adiposity. This study investigated the effects of WG on gut health, metabolic, and inflammatory markers in adults classified as overweight. We hypothesized that WG, because of its many bioactive components, would improve gut health and metabolic, and inflammatory markers in overweight adults. Forty adults (18-45 years old) and with a body mass index between 25 and 30 kg/m2 participated in this single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study. Participants consumed the study supplements containing 30 g of either cornmeal (control, CL) or WG daily for 4 weeks. Primary outcome variables were gut health markers including gut microbiota, gut integrity markers, and fecal short-chain fatty acids, whereas secondary outcome variables included metabolic and inflammatory parameters assessed at baseline and at the end of supplementation. Thirty-nine participants (n = 19 and 20 for CL and WG group, respectively) completed the study. The genus Faecalibacterium was significantly higher in the WG group compared to CL post-supplementation but no significant changes in other gut health markers, short-chain fatty acids, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles were observed. Compared with baseline, WG improved markers of glucose homeostasis including insulin (P = .02), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = .03), glycated hemoglobin (P = .07), and the pro-inflammatory adipokine, resistin (P = .04). However, these parameters after intervention were not different with control. Our findings suggest that WG supplementation have modest effects on gut health but may provide an economical option for individuals to improve glycemic control.

Optimal Load Shedding Based On Hybrid Energy Generation

The demand for electricity is growing at an exponential rate with no corresponding increase in the electricity production, which has led to voltage collapse in many practical power systems all over the world. This has, therefore, been a serious concern to power system engineers, investors and utilities as its effect is highly detrimental to power system operation and its reliability. Consequently, in the quest for providing solutions to this problem, integration of various renewable energy sources are deployed in recent years. This paper, therefore, presents an effective approach to solving voltage collapse problems through load shedding optimization. HOMER software was deployed due to its great features of quality design and evaluation, coupled with its technicality and economical options for both standalone and grid-connected power system. The results show that the utilization of the hybrid Hydro/PV produces 91kWh annually, whereas 88.5% of the electricity is produced by hydroelectric system while the remaining 11.5% of the electricity comes from the integrated photovoltaic system with excess electricity of 84kwh per year. The results obtained, therefore, show that there is an assurance of stable electricity with the introduction of backup battery banks even with the intermittent nature of the renewable energy systems.

Evaluation of KIAA1549::BRAF fusions and clinicopathological insights of pilocytic astrocytomas

BackgroundPilocytic astrocytoma (PAs) represents a significant portion of childhood primary brain tumors, with distinct histological and radiological features. The prevalence of KIAA1549::BRAF fusion in PAs has been well-established, this study aims to assess the prevalence of KIAA1549::BRAF fusions and explore their associations with tumor characteristics, radiological findings, and patient outcomes in PAs. MethodsHistologically confirmed cases of PAs from a 5-year period were included in the study. Demographic, histopathological, and radiological data were collected, and immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize tumor markers. FISH and qRT-PCR assays were employed to detect KIAA1549::BRAF fusions. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine associations between fusion status and various other parameters. ResultsHistological analysis revealed no significant differences in tumor features based on fusion status. However, younger age groups showed higher fusion prevalence. Radiologically, fusion-positive cases were distributed across different tumor subtypes SE, CWE and NCWE. Survival analysis did not demonstrate a significant impact of fusion status on overall survival, however most cases with recurrence and death harboured KIAA1549::BRAF fusion. Of 200 PAs, KIAA1549::BRAF fusions were detected in 64 % and 74 % of cases via qRT-PCR and FISH, respectively. Concordance between the two platforms was substantial (86 %). ConclusionKIAA1549::BRAF fusions are prevalent in PAs and can be reliably detected using both FISH and qRT-PCR assays. Cost considerations suggest qRT-PCR as a more economical option for fusion detection in routine clinical practice.