Economical Alternative Research Articles

Eco-efficient cadmium(II) removal from water using alcohol distillate waste: A study of life cycle assessment

This study investigates the use of exhausted grape pomace, a byproduct of alcohol distillation, as a biosorbent for use in removing cadmium(II) from wastewater, in line with principles of a circular economy. Cadmium in water presents substantial environmental and health risks. Conventional treatment methods are often costly and environmentally damaging. This research proposes the use of agro-industrial waste as a sustainable and economical alternative. The biosorption process was optimized with Box-Behnken Design and Response Surface Methodology an adjusting factor such as the cadmium concentration, biosorbent dosage, solution pH, and stirring time. The findings reveal that cadmium(II) removal improves with increased stirring time, reaching a 99 % removal rate at 134 min. Optimal conditions include a biosorbent dosage of 2.4 g, pH 4.7, and initial cadmium concentration of 55 mg/L. The biosorption process also increased the solution’s pH, ensuring compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. Two optimization scenarios were evaluated. One achieved a 99.99 % removal efficiency for maximum cadmium reduction, The second focused on cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, attaining 77.35 % removal. This scenario highlights reduced the environmental impact, thereby supporting the role of exhausted grape pomace as a viable and eco-friendly option for wastewater treatment. Life cycle analysis, using CML-IA mid-point and ReCiPe end-point indicators, further underscores the sustainability of this approach, affirming the potential of grape pomace to contribute to circular, resource-efficient wastewater management.

Novel waste wool fabric reinforced alginate-gum hydrogel composites for rapid and selective Pb (II) adsorption

Heavy metals employed in various industrial applications can negatively impact both the ecosystem and human beings. Common techniques for eliminating pollutants often rely on expensive materials. So, this study focuses on exploring economical alternatives obtained from nature and textile waste. In this study, a hydrogel composite was synthesized using wool nonwoven fabric mixed with alginate, gum Arabic (GA), and xanthan gum (XG) to evaluate its efficacy in adsorbing lead (Pb) from aqueous solutions. The composites were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XPS to understand their structure and composition before and after Pb adsorption. The effects of time, pH, and initial metal ion concentration on Pb adsorption by the composite were also investigated. Maximum adsorption was observed at a basic pH, with the highest value recorded at 85.2 mg/g. Notably, 88.2 % of this maximum adsorption was achieved within 60 min, indicating a rapid adsorption process. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption process best fits pseudo-second-order kinetics, while the Freundlich model, with an R² value of 0.95, suggests a chemisorption mechanism. The developed wool-alginate-gum hydrogel composite has shown to be a promising candidate for the removal of Pb²⁺ ions from wastewater.

Improving separation efficiency of various micropollutants from water by polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration using oxidized alginate featuring less viscous and low filtration resistance

Polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF) is an economical and energy-efficient alternative using a versatile water-soluble polymer (WSP) to remove micropollutants by electrostatic interactions, allowing size exclusion through ultrafiltration (UF) membranes due to the WSP being bigger than the pores of UF membranes. However, the WSP used in PEUF is so viscous that it inevitably causes significant filtration resistance and membrane fouling, reducing filtration and energy efficiency. To overcome this problem, in this study, sodium alginate (Alg), which significantly performs in removing cationic pollutants, was oxidized using sodium periodate to produce oxidized alginate (OxAlg). The retention and water flux profiles of OxAlg for three micropollutants, methylene blue (MB), ciprofloxacin, and tetramethylammonium hydroxide, using the PEUF method were investigated in terms of pH, ionic strength, polymer and pollutant amount. A comparison between Alg and OxAlg demonstrated 1.19% to 1.8% higher MB retention rates (99.31%-99.97%) and up to 4.07 times higher water flux depending on the amount of polymer added. Furthermore, OxAlg displayed excellent retention rates of the NF level and 20-60 times higher water flux than typical NF. This outstanding OxAlg performance was mainly due to OxAlg’s properties, such as the low viscosity, flexibility and the resulting accessibility, and appropriate size from the perspective of filtration. Lastly, OxAlg was found to have the potential to surpass the existing WSP in that it showed a higher maximum retention capacity than about 560 to 1250mg/g in the real-world pH enrichment test even before the saturation.

Removal of Dyes from Waste Water Using Low‐Cost Adsorbents

AbstractThe principal objective of this article is a thorough analysis of the usage of inexpensive adsorbents to eliminate dyes from different aquatic environments. Dyes, commonly employed in industries—textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food, pose a significant environmental concern due to their persistence and potential toxicity. In response, researchers have explored the efficacy of low‐cost adsorbents (LCAs) as sustainable and economical alternatives for dye elimination. An overview of the environmental effects of dye contamination and the difficulties in using traditional dye removal techniques is given at the outset of the paper. It then delves into the diverse range of LCAs, including agricultural by‐products, waste materials, and natural substances, that have shown promise in adsorbing and eliminating dye contaminants. Examples of such adsorbents include activated carbon (AC) derived from agricultural residues, bio‐adsorbents from various plant materials, and industrial by‐products with inherent adsorption properties. Key mechanisms involved in the adsorption process, such as surface chemistry, pore structure, and electrostatic interactions, are elucidated to offer a fundamental understanding of the sorption capabilities of these materials. This comprehensive review consolidates the current knowledge on dye removal utilizing LCAs, offering insights into the challenges, advancements, and future directions in this environmentally significant field. The findings underscore the potential of harnessing readily available, sustainable materials as effective sorbents for mitigating the adverse impacts of dye pollutants in aqueous systems. The adsorption capacity is comparable to supplementary adsorbents suggested for the removal of dyes. The widely accessible adsorption properties of basic and acidic dyes do not significantly differ from one another.

The Role of Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbial Interactions in Phosphorus Activation and Utilization in Plant-Soil Systems: A Review.

To address the issue of phosphorus limitation in agricultural and forestry production and to identify green and economical alternatives to chemical phosphorus fertilizers, this paper reviews the utilization of phosphorus in plant-soil systems and explores the considerable potential for exploiting endogenous phosphorus resources. The application of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) is emphasized for their role in phosphorus activation and plant growth promotion. A focus is placed on microbial interactions as an entry point to regulate the functional rhizosphere microbiome, introducing the concept of synthetic communities. This approach aims to deepen the understanding of PSM interactions across plant root, soil, and microbial interfaces, providing a theoretical foundation for the development and application of biological regulation technologies to enhance phosphorus utilization efficiency.

Response of Chemical Fertilisation on Six-year-old Oil Palm Production in Shambillo-Padre Abad- Ucayali

It was proposed to determine the response of chemical fertilization in the production of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) six years old in the area of Rio Negro Shambillo Padre Abad in order to have a sustainable and economic alternative of chemical fertilization in the field stage, which contributes to the survival of the palm and provides the necessary resistance against pests and diseases. A completely randomized block design (DBCA) was used with four repetitions and treatments, 96 plants / UE / treatment were used, the spacing was 9x9 in rows and plants. Results obtained indicate the treatments; T3 and T2 (16,54 – 15,48 kg / plant) obtained the highest averages by bunch weight, T1 and T3 (17,48 – 15,42 fruits / bunch) obtained the highest averages regarding number of fruit / bunch, T1 and T3 (13,93 – 11,59 to 45 cm ) obtained the highest averages for bunch length, T1 and T3 (7,33 – 5,52 cm) obtained the highest averages regarding fruit length, T1 and T3 (11.37 – 9.54 g) obtained the highest averages regarding fruit weight, T1 and T3 (10,46 – 10,37 kg) obtained the highest averages to yield per plant. The addition of chemical fertilizers or organic amendments increases the weight of the oil palm bunch, consequently the production in soils with medium, low fertility; chemical fertilization influences the number of clusters of oil palm produced on a given surface, any dose is used as an alternative to phosphorous fertilization in oil palm with a direct relationship between plant height and root length.

Fe-Ni binder modified NbC cermets: A cost-effective solution with superior mechanical properties

NbC-Ni cermets have emerged as promising alternatives to the conventional WC-Co due to their superior hot hardness and fracture toughness. However, the recent increase in Ni and Co prices necessitates substituting these binders with economical alternatives for cermet formulations. The Fe-Ni binary alloy shows promise as a binder due to its superior mechanical properties, low cost, and reduced toxicity compared to Co and Ni. This study demonstrated the potential of Fe-Ni as a promising binder material for NbC cermets, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and properties suitable for various high-performance applications. The NbC-Fe-Ni cermets were fabricated via vacuum Liquid Phase Sintering (LPS) at 1440 °C for 1h and compared to NbC-Ni cermets. Microstructural analysis (SEM + EDX) revealed a continuous decrease in D90 values up to NbC-35Ni-65Fe (65 wt% Fe), indicating that Fe-Ni effectively suppressed grain growth; additionally, it increased the contiguity of NbC grains. Vickers hardness tests revealed that the hardness of the cermets increased with higher Fe content in the binder, reaching a peak value of 1487 ± 15 HV30 for NbC-35Ni-65Fe, marking a remarkable 34 % improvement over NbC-Ni. However, fracture toughness decreased marginally due to the increased contiguity of NbC grains, which reduced crack inhibition. Nanoindentation hardness tests of the binder phase revealed that partial substitution of Ni with Fe enhanced binder hardness, contributing to the overall improvement in NbC-Fe-Ni cermets' hardness values. A 3-point bend test demonstrated a maximum strength of 649 ± 16 MPa for NbC-35Ni-65Fe cermet, indicating a 19 % improvement over NbC-Ni cermet. These findings highlight Fe-Ni's potential as a cost-effective binder for NbC cermets, suitable for high-performance applications.

Sensitivity assessment of Biomphalaria glabrata (SAY, 1818) using reference substance sodium dodecyl sulfate for ecotoxicological analyzes.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is a surfactant used and recommended by regulatory agencies as a reference substance in ecotoxicological analyzes. In this work, acute toxicity assays were performed with adults and embryos of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata, an endemic organism with environmental and public health importance, to evaluate the effects of the surfactant and establish a sensitivity control chart. The organisms were exposed to SDS for 24 h to a range of concentrations, as well as a control group. Six assays were performed to establish the control chart for adults (with a median LC50 of 36.87 mg L-1) and differential sensitivity was observed at each embryonic stage (EC50 = blastulae 33.03, gastrulae 35.03, trochophore 39.71 and veliger 72.55 mg L-1). The following behavioral responses were observed in exposed adult snails: release of hemolymph and mucus, body outside the shell, and penile overexposure. Embryos at the blastulae and gastrulae stages were more sensitive, and teratogenic effects were accentuated in the trochophore stage. The difference in results obtained between adults and embryos underscore the importance of carrying out analyzes at different developmental stages. The serial assays established with SDS for B. glabrata demonstrated efficiency and constancy conditions in the assays with good laboratory practice standards. The wide distribution of Biomphalaria species in several countries, their easy maintenance and cultivation in the laboratory, in addition to ecological importance, make them economical alternatives for ecotoxicological assays.

Enhancing Conductivity in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells with Silver Nanowire-Assisted Ti3C2Tx MXene Electrodes for Cost-Effective and Scalable Photovoltaics.

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have set world-record efficiencies among single-junction silicon solar cells, accelerating their commercial deployment. Despite these clear efficiency advantages, the high costs associated with low-temperature silver pastes (LTSP) for metallization have driven the search for more economical alternatives in mass production. 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) have attracted significant attention due to their tunable optoelectronic properties and metal-like conductivity, the highest among all solution-processed 2D materials. MXenes have emerged as a cost-effective alternative for rear-side electrodes in SHJ solar cells. However, the use of MXene electrodes has so far been limited to lab-scale SHJ solar cells. The efficiency of these devices has been constrained by a fill factor (FF) of under 73%, primarily due to suboptimal charge transport at the contact layer/MXene interface. Herein, a silver nanowire (AgNW)-assisted Ti3C2Tx MXene electrode contact is introduced and explores the potential of this hybrid electrode in industry-scale solar cells. By incorporating this hybrid electrode into SHJ solar cells, 9.0 cm2 cells are achieved with an efficiency of 24.04% (FF of 81.64%) and 252 cm2 cells with an efficiency of 22.17% (FFof 76.86%), among the top-performing SHJ devices with non-metallic electrodes to date. Additionally, the stability and cost-effectiveness of these solar cells are discussed.

Development of a Simple and Rapid DNA Extraction Method for Aspergillus flavus

Abstract Aspergillus species are known to be very important in human and domestic animal health. Aspergillus species commonly cause severe systemic and skin infections, as well as allergic lung diseases. With the development of PCR techniques, these methods are used to identify and diagnose fungi. DNA extraction from Aspergillus species is difficult because the fungal cell wall structure is very durable and complex. Fungal DNA extraction methods containing proteinase K and liquid nitrogen are widely used to break down the cell wall. However, these methods cause DNA loss during the extraction in Aspergillus species. In this study, on the contrary, the commonly used DNA extraction by means of ammonium hydroxide, which is generally used to break down chitin in DNA extraction of ticks and plants, is used. The efficiency of the cell wall lysis method from A. flavus with ammonium hydroxide was compared with methods containing proteinase K and liquid nitrogen. For this purpose, DNA extraction of A. flavus was tried using three different methods. As a result, the cell wall of A. flavus was lysed using ammonium hydroxide in this study. The obtained DNA’s quality, concentration, and PCR performance were sufficient. This method has been evaluated as a faster, more straightforward, and more economical alternative.

Liquefaction optimization of grape pulp using response surface methodology for biopolyol production and bio-based polyurethane foam synthesis.

Both environmental and economic disadvantages of using petroleum-based products have been forcing researchers to work on environmentally friendly, sustainable, and economical alternatives. The purpose of this study is to optimize the solvothermal liquefaction process of grape pomace using response surface methodology coupled with a central composite design. After investigating the physicochemical properties of the liquified products (biopolyol) in detail, a bio-based rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) was synthesized and characterized. The hydroxyl and acid numbers and viscosity values of all the biopolyols were analyzed. According to variance analysis results (%95 confidence range), both the reaction temperature and catalyst loading were determined as significant parameters on the liquefaction yield (LY). The model was validated experimentally in the following reaction conditions: 4.25% catalyst loading, 50 min reaction time, and 165 °C reaction temperature, which yields an LY of 81.3%. The biopolyols produced by the validation experiment display similar characteristics (hydroxyl number: 470.5 mg KOH/g; acid number: 2.31 mg KOH/g; viscosity: 1785 cP at 25 °C) to those of commercial polyols widely preferred in the production of polyurethane foam. The physicochemical properties of bio-based foam obtained from the biopolyol were determined and the thermal conductivity, closed-cell content, apparent density, and compressive strength values of bio-based RPUF were 31.3 mW/m·K, 71.1%, 33.4 kg/m3, and 105.3 kPa, respectively.

Y-switch: a spring-loaded synthetic gene switch for robust DNA/RNA signal amplification and detection.

Nucleic acid tests (NATs) are essential for biomedical diagnostics. Traditional NATs, often complex and expensive, have prompted the exploration of toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) circuits as an economical alternative. However, the wide application of TMSD-based reactions is limited by 'leakage'-the spurious activation of the reaction leading to high background signals and false positives. Here, we introduce the Y-Switch, a new TMSD cascade design that recognizes a custom nucleic acid input and generates an amplified output. The Y-Switch is based on a pair of thermodynamically spring-loaded DNA modules. The binding of a predefined nucleic acid target triggers an intermolecular reaction that activates a T7 promoter, leading to the perpetual transcription of a fluorescent aptamer that can be detected by a smartphone camera. The system is designed to permit the selective depletion of leakage byproducts to achieve high sensitivity and zero-background signal in the absence of the correct trigger. Using Zika virus (ZIKV)- and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-derived nucleic acid sequences, we show that the assay generates a reliable target-specific readout. Y-Switches detect native RNA under isothermal conditions without reverse transcription or pre-amplification, with a detection threshold as low as ∼200 attomole. The modularity of the assay allows easy re-programming for the detection of other targets by exchanging a single sequence domain. This work provides a low-complexity and high-fidelity synthetic biology tool for point-of-care diagnostics and for the construction of more complex biomolecular computations.

Utilization of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Cow and Chicken Manure, Indigofera on Hydroponic Lettuce, and Consumer Perception

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a horticultural plant with high nutritional and economic value and good development prospects in Indonesia. However, the high costs of hydroponic fertilizers drive research to find more economical alternatives, such as substitution with Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF). This study aims to analyze consumer perceptions of hydroponic lettuce using LOF substitution and understand consumer responses and purchasing behavior toward these products to identify the attributes influencing purchasing decisions for hydroponic lettuce with LOF substitution. The study employs a survey method with purposive sampling, involving 35 regular customers and 15 supermarket shoppers from PT ABA to collect primary data through questionnaires regarding consumer interest in hydroponic lettuce with LOF substitution. Additionally, proximate analysis and nutrient content testing are conducted in the laboratory. Data analysis uses conjoint and discriminant analysis with SPSS Statistics 24 to evaluate consumer responses and the most preferred product model based on nutritional attributes, price, and weight. The study successfully analyzes consumer perceptions of hydroponic lettuce with LOF substitution and finds that consumers have a positive view of this product, mainly due to its better nutritional content and the plant's ability to absorb nutrients optimally. These factors significantly influence purchasing decisions, with the main attributes being price, weight, and nutritional content.

Gravity refrigeration cycle: An efficient approach for refrigeration in mountainous regions

Traditional refrigeration methods often rely on energy-intensive, high operational costs and result in considerable negative environmental impacts. This paper introduces a novel and revolutionary approach to refrigeration technology through the implementation of the Gravity Refrigeration Cycle (GRC). GRC utilizes vertical pipelines in high elevation mountains instead of compressors to increase the pressure of refrigeration gases. Gas added to the top of the vertical pipeline is pulled down by gravity, increasing the pressure and density of the gas along the vertical pipeline and liquefying it at the bottom of the pipeline. The liquid is then transported back to the top of the mountain, where cooling services are provided, and the cycle starts again. The estimated coefficient of performance for a GRC system with 28 and −7 °C hot and cold sinks is 4.19, which is 1.84 times higher than conventional, mechanical refrigeration systems and a cost of 274 USD/kWt, 2.2 times higher than conventional systems. Gravity Refrigeration Cycle represents a paradigm shift in refrigeration technology in mountainous regions, particularly for processes with high demand for cooling, such as hydrogen liquefaction. As the world seeks greener and more economical alternatives, GRC could be a promising advancement in refrigeration.

Active surveillance versus immediate surgery in the management of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: comparison of long-term costs in Brazil.

To compare the long-term medical costs of active surveillance (AS), partial thyroidectomy (PT), and total thyroidectomy (TT) in patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) receiving care covered by the Brazilian Public Health System. After reviewing AS cohorts and our own data, we created a model of AS, PT, and TT flow care for low-risk PTMC over 10, 20, and 30 years. The medical costs included those associated with diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up. We considered that 13.3% of the patients on AS would require surgery after a mean of 21.3 months, 4% undergoing TT would develop permanent hypoparathyroidism, and 43% undergoing PT would develop hypothyroidism. The most economical alternative was AS. The costs of TT per patient were higher than those of AS by 182.8% over 10 years (866.89 versus 306.49 US dollars [USD], respectively), by 152.9% over 20 years (1,023.66 versus 404.73 USD, respectively), and by 134.7% over 30 years (1,180.42 versus 502.96 USD, respectively). The costs of PT per patient were higher than those of AS by 16.0% over 10 years (355.66 versus 306.49 USD, respectively), by 16.9% over 20 years (473.41 versus 404.73 USD, respectively), and by 17.5% over 30 years (591.17 versus 502.96 USD, respectively). The AS approach was less costly than immediate surgery throughout 30 years of follow-up. Hence, the implementation of AS in Brazil should not be hindered by cost considerations.

Achieving Ultra-Broadband Sunlight-Like Emission in Single-Phase Phosphors: The Interplay of Structure and Luminescence.

The quest for artificial light sources mimicking sunlight has been a long-standing endeavor, particularly for applications in anticounterfeiting, agriculture, and color hue detection. Conventional sunlight simulators are often cost-prohibitive and bulky. Therefore, the development of a series of single-phase phosphors Ca9LiMg1-xAl2x/3(PO4)7:0.1Eu2+ (x = 0-0.75) with sunlight-like emission represents a welcome step towards compact and economical light source alternatives. The phosphors are obtained by an original heterovalent substitution method and emit a broad spectrum spanning from violet to deep red. Notably, the phosphor with x = 0.5 exhibits an impressive full width at half-maximum of 330nm. A synergistic interplay of experimental investigations and theory unveils the mechanism behind sunlight-like emission due to the local structural perturbations introduced by the heterovalent substitution of Al3+ for Mg2+, leading to a varied distribution of Eu2+ within the lattice. Subsequent characterization of a series of organic dyes combining absorption spectroscopy with convolutional neural network analysis convincingly demonstrates the potential of this phosphor in portable photodetection devices. Broad-spectrum light source testing empowers the model to precisely differentiate dye patterns. This points to the phosphor being ideal for mimicking sunlight. Beyond this demonstrated application, the phosphor's utility is envisioned in other relevant domains, including visible light communication and smart agriculture.

Green synthesis of Carica papaya mediated silver nanoparticles: Characterization, antibacterial activity, and bioelectricity generation for sustainable applications in nanotechnology

This study presents a sustainable method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using green Carica papaya extract (CPE) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesis minimizes environmental impact and utilizes bioactive compounds in Carica papaya (CP), offering an economical and sustainable alternative. The goal is to employ CPE for the eco-friendly synthesis of Ag NPs, followed by comprehensive characterization, antibacterial evaluation, cytotoxicity against brine shrimp, and examination of bioelectricity generation. Locally sourced CP was boiled in deionized water, then cooled and filtered twice. The bio-reduction of silver ions to Ag NPs was confirmed by a color change when 45 mL of 0.005 M AgNO3 was mixed with 5 mL of CPE. Characterization through UV–vis absorption spectrophotometry (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirms the successful formation and consistent size distribution of Ag nanoparticles. CPE is a crucial reducing agent, as evidenced by a distinct UV-visible peak at 422 nm. X-ray crystal analysis verifies highly crystalline Ag NPs with a face-centered cubic lattice structure. The d-spacing values in SAED images are consistent with the results obtained from XRD. Antimicrobial effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis is demonstrated. The study explores the bioelectricity generation potential of CPE-synthesized Ag NPs, indicating promising prospects for sustainable energy solutions. Preliminary experiments show the ability of the nanoparticles to catalyze bio-electrochemical reactions. This dual-benefit study underscores CPEs role in antibacterial properties and bioelectricity generation, laying the groundwork for further research in sustainable nanotechnology applicable to healthcare and energy sectors and contributing to the advancement of environmentally friendly technologies.

Optimizing medical oxygen concentrators: Efficiency, flexibility, and patient-centric solutions

Medical oxygen concentrators (MOCs) play a vital role in providing oxygen therapy to patients with respiratory diseases. This paper offers a comprehensive evaluation of different adsorbents, including 13X, LiLSX, 5A, CaX, Ag-ETS-10, and AgLiLSX, utilized in MOCs. Process modeling and multi-objective optimization are conducted to assess the effectiveness of these adsorbents using the Skarstrøm cycle, employing pressure swing adsorption (PSA), vacuum swing adsorption (VSA), and pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) processes. The optimization result indicates that LiLSX is the top choice, providing medical-grade oxygen at a total product flow rate exceeding 15 SLPM. Additionally, 13X and CaX are identified as economical alternatives, particularly suitable for employment in the PSA and VSA processes, respectively. This study highlights the significance of establishing a connection between the Medical and Chemical Engineering communities through the direct incorporation of medical performance indicators, such as the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2), into the optimization process. The findings serve as a guide for selecting an appropriate design based on the patient’s requirements and demonstrate LiLSX’s capability to meet a diverse range of treatments, achieving FIO2 values up to 0.75. Furthermore, we explore the flexibility of MOC designs in meeting the demands of multiple patients simultaneously and propose energy-efficient design options based on patient needs. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into optimizing MOCs, ensuring effective and reliable oxygen therapy for patients, while also addressing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and potential global lithium scarcity.

Optimal Ratio Determination of Tembang Fish Meal Addition (Sardinella Fimbriata) in Biscuit Making Through Organoleptic Quality and Moisture Content Evaluation

Purpose: This study aims to determine the optimal ratio of tembang fish flour addition to enhance the nutritional value of biscuits while maintaining their quality. Methodology: The research was conducted from June to July 2022 at the Applied Marine Product Processing Technology Laboratory and the Basic Laboratory of Politeknik Palu, Central Sulawesi Province. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for moisture content tests, and a Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used for organoleptic tests with five treatments of tembang fish flour addition: P1 (0 g), P2 (10 g), P3 (15 g), P4 (20 g), and P5 (25 g), each repeated three times. Results: The study found that the best addition of tembang fish flour in biscuits was P4, with a preference level of 'Like' (score 4) and moisture content below the maximum standard for biscuits (3.5% per 100 grams). Findings: Tembang fish biscuits are economical and significantly cheaper than other brands. Novelty: This research explores the use of tembang fish flour to diversify and enhance the nutritional profile of biscuits. Originality: The study offers detailed analysis and evidence of the nutritional and economic benefits of adding tembang fish flour to biscuits. Conclusions: Adding tembang fish flour improves the nutritional value and quality of biscuits, making them a viable and economical alternative. Type of Paper: Empirical Research Article

Nature-based solutions for living systems: Connectivity, complexity, community

Ecofeminist artist and landscape designer Betsy Damon advocates for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as more effective, resilient, and economical alternatives to conventional infrastructure projects that try to impose human control over natural systems. NBS embraces nature's self-sustaining tendencies by harnessing natural processes to address environmental challenges. Damon examines case studies of NBS from her own career, including her 1998 Living Water Garden, a water-cleaning park in Chengdu, China. Damon also draws lessons from the reforestation of the Loess Plateau, the Indigenous-led restoration of Washington's Elwha River, and the revival of amaranth cultivation in Central Mexico. These cases reveal key principles behind effective NBS engagements: flexibility, complexity, interconnectedness, and memory. Meanwhile, projects that impose single-purpose design often degrade surrounding ecosystems. Damon critiques the common scientific approach of understanding systems only through isolating variables, arguing that isolated thinking leads to isolated design. She advocates for a shift towards radical interconnectedness. She concludes that because NBS don't place human systems and natural systems into separate, conflicting categories, they strengthen resilience on multiple levels. Damon envisions NBS as inextricable from quality of life, climate justice, and Indigenous sovereignty. Throughout, Damon examines water as the medium of nature's flexibility and resilience, from the ecosystem to the molecular level.