Extraction Rate Research Articles

Effect of probiotic fermentation on the extraction rate and bioactivity of plant-based polysaccharides: A review

Polysaccharides are biomacromolecules that make up the human body and have good physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and applications; these positive properties can be observed especially in polysaccharides from plants. However, the relatively low extraction rate and bioactivity of plant-based polysaccharides limit their application and popularization. Searching for a better extraction approach is important because of the disadvantages of high cost, environmental pollution, and narrow utilization range of physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. This work conducted a review and found that probiotic fermentation effectively improved the extraction rate of plant-based polysaccharides in most cases. Meanwhile, probiotic fermentation significantly enhanced the bioactivities (including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and probiotic activities) of plant-based polysaccharides. From a long-term perspective, probiotic fermentation might be a green and efficient strategy to improve the extraction rate and bioactivity of plant-based polysaccharides with great development potential, with probiotic-fermented dairy products and beverages being the best examples.

Fizzy extraction secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for analysis of volatile solutes in high-matrix samples

Fizzy extraction (FE) is a rapid way to prepare liquid samples containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for analysis. The sample is first infused with a carrier gas, and subsequent rapid decompression of the sample chamber causes it to effervesce spontaneously. Secondary electrospray ionization (SESI) enables analysis of VOCs using mass spectrometry (MS). Here, we report direct hyphenation of FE with SESI-MS. In order to adjust the flow rate of the gaseous extract to match the optimum input flow rate of the ion source, flow was split with a tee junction. The following parameters have been optimized: pressure inside the sample chamber (during saturation), high voltage applied to the nano-ESI solution, temperature of desolvation line, temperature of heated block, temperature of the SESI chamber, gas pressure applied to the headspace of nano-ESI solution, and length of tubing connected to the tee junction. The optimum parameters were 150 kPa, +4.0 kV, 225 °C, 200 °C, 90 °C, 18 kPa, and 6 cm, respectively. The developed method was characterized using MS and high-speed imaging. The limits of detection for ethyl butyrate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl decanoate are 1.11 × 10−7 M, 4.33 × 10−7 M, 8.13 × 10−8 M, 1.09 × 10−7 M, and 2.19 × 10−7 M, respectively. The analysis time was only 2.5 min per sample (not counting the cleaning step). The method was further applied for profiling VOCs in selected dairy products. Interestingly, the FE-SESI-MS method is much more tolerant to the sample matrix (milk) than headspace vapor analysis using the same ion source.

Mof-derived carbon aerogel for rapid on-site extraction of chlorophenols based on drone-liquid circulation system

The rapid on-site extraction of chlorophenols (CPs) from environmental water sample is crucial for the scientific assessment of environmental risks and the implementation of control measures. However, this process presents significant technical challenges. In this study, a solid phase microextraction (SPME) device of drone-liquid circulation system was designed. The device utilized a ZIF-8/agarose derived carbon aerogel coated fiber (ZIF-8/AG-CA-F) for on-site extraction of CPs. Compared to commercial fiber, the ZIF-8/AG-CA-F demonstrated rapid and efficient capacity towards the four selected analytes due to its interconnected hollow porous structure and rich functional groups. The fiber carried by the designed on-site device was used for extracting CPs in actual river water sample. With the help of the micro-pump, the diffusion of the analytes towards the sorptive phase was promoted by accelerating the flow rate of the water sample. The combined effect of SPME fiber and the device accelerates the extraction rate, providing a new approach for rapid and efficient on-site determination of organic pollutants.

A comparative study of specific heat extraction rate and absorption for distinct hydride bed configurations under homogeneous conditions

A comparative study of specific heat extraction rate and absorption for distinct hydride bed configurations under homogeneous conditions

Effects of Petasitin as Natural Extract on Proliferation and Pathological Changes of Pediatric Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH Cells

Scalp alopecia areata (SAA) is a common non-scarring hair loss condition, associated with factors such as autoimmune responses, genetics, emotional stress, and endocrine imbalances. Current treatments for SAA included minoxidil, topical steroid creams, biologics, and plant extracts. Tea tree oil (TTO), a natural plant extract, is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acaricidal properties, and it also provides nourishment for hair. In this research, a natural extract of TTO, was prepared to analyze its antibacterial properties. The hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) of patients with primary SAA were analyzed to understand the influences of TTO on migration of HFSCs. TTO was extracted from fresh tea tree leaves using steam distillation. Quantitative analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) qualitative analysis and its total ion chromatogram using area normalization method were conducted. Meanwhile, its antibacterial activity was tested against five common pathogens (Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Staphylococcus albus (S. albus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Candida albicans (C. albicans)) by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones (DIZ), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). HFSCs were isolated from patients with SAA and cultured in vitro, with cell identification performed through cytokeratin 15 (K15) immunofluorescent staining. The HFSCs were then exposed to varying concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 25.0 mmol/L) of TTO for culture, and cell proliferation activity (CPA) was assessed using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay, while migration of HFSCs was evaluated using the Transwell chamber assay. Results demonstrated that the extracted TTO had a content of 0.69 g and an extraction rate of 2.32%. 36 components were identified, constituting 98.67% of the total, with 4-terpineol reaching a high concentration of 48.35%. It exhibited a DIZ of less than 25 mm against all tested pathogens, with MIC values lower than 29 mg/mL and MBC values below 38 mg/mL. Patients with SAA displayed yellow and black dots, broken hair, malnourished and exclamation mark hairs, with few flag hairs observed in skin microscope examination. Isolated and cultured HFSCs expressed K15 primarily in the cytoplasm and exhibited favorable growth dynamics. Treatment with various concentrations of TTO greatly increased CPA and migrated cell numbers in HFSCs, with the optimal effect observed at 5.0 mmol/L concentration of TTO. In conclusion, the plant extract TTO possessed significant antibacterial activity and can promote proliferation and migration in vitro of HFSCs, suggesting its potential therapeutic application for SAA.

Experimental study on the transcritical cycle performance of a closed-loop heat pump drying system based on R744/R290/R32 ternary refrigerant

Given the issue of high operating pressure in CO2 transcritical cycles, this paper proposes a novel non-combustible and low-GWP R744/R290/R32 ternary refrigerant used for heat pump drying systems. Six different mass ratios of the R744/R290/R32 are determined based on the limits posed by non-flammability and low GWP, and the transcritical cycle performance of these mixed refrigerants and pure CO2 applied to a closed-loop heat pump drying system (HPDS) at various drying air supply temperatures (DAST) is studied and compared experimentally. The analytic hierarchy process is used to assess the weights of the evaluation indices. Based on the experimental data, comprehensive scores for seven refrigerants are calculated, leading to the determination of the optimal mass ratio. The results show that at the same DAST, compared to pure CO2, the discharge pressure of the HPDS using the six mixed refrigerants decreases, and the COP increases. The optimal R744/R290/R32 mass ratio is 0.741/0.06/0.199. When the HPDS uses this, the compressor discharge pressure, heating capacity, moisture extraction rate (MER), and specific moisture extraction rate (SMER) decrease by an average of 14.8 %, 7.7 %, 17.6 %, and 0.06 %, respectively, while the COP increases by 4.9 % to 12.4 %. These research results can provide a reference for the development of new environmentally friendly refrigerants and their systems in the heat pump drying field.

Process and mechanism of Zn and Co leaching from cobalt xanthate slag enhanced by oxidative roasting

Cobalt xanthate slag is the waste slag produced by the use of xanthate cementation and decontamination before the wet refining and electrowinning of Zn, in which Zn, Co, Cd, etc., and butyl xanthate exist in the form of hydrophobic complexes, which are poorly soluble with water. In addition, most of the cobalt xanthate in the slag exists in the form of high-valent Co, which lowers the extraction rate when directly leaching the metal elements. In this study, the atmosphere of the roasting process is regulated to destroy the hydrophobic complexes and change the mineral phase structure of the cobalt xanthate slag. In the cobalt xanthate slag, the Co and Fe valence states change during the roasting and leaching steps; specifically, during the roasting process, the complexes first decompose into CS2, reducing part of the Co3+. Following the disappearance of this sulfur-rich environment, the oxygen in the flowing air oxidises Fe2+ to Fe3+, but the valence state of Co remains unchanged. During the subsequent leaching process, Co3+ and Fe2+ further react to realise the benign transformation of Co3+ to Co2+ and Fe2+ to Fe3+ without an added redox agent. The rapid redox reaction between Co3+ and Fe2+ controls Co3O4 dissolution; thus, the reaction rate is controlled by the slower process of internal diffusion. Under the optimal roasting conditions, the Co3+ content in cobalt xanthate slag decreases to 21.10% and that of Fe2+ to 48.78%. Consequently, the optimum Zn and Co leaching rates reach 99.92% and 99.57%, respectively, and only 0.86% of Fe in the final leaching solution exists in the form of Fe2+.

Oncological microdissection testicular sperm extraction (Onco-microTESE) outcomes for fertility preservation of patients with testicular cancer with azoospermia or severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

To determine the success rate of oncological microdissection testicular sperm extraction (onco-microTESE) in patients with testicular cancer (TC) with azoospermia and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT; <1 million/mL sperm) and to explore any factors that may predict success. Case series of outcomes from all consecutive patients (42 testes in 38 patients) that presented or were referred to a single specialist tertiary referral centre for fertility management in the context of TC with severe OAT or azoospermia between August 2015 and August 2022. Biochemical, radiological, and histological parameters were collected for all patients. All patients underwent onco-microTESE (simultaneous radical inguinal orchidectomy with ex vivo microTESE of the affected testis). Those with unsuccessful surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) from the affected testis underwent contemporaneous contralateral microTESE, if no contraindication was present. The primary outcome was successful SSR from the affected testicle sufficient for assisted reproductive techniques. Secondary outcomes included contralateral microTESE success, the time from referral to procedure, and the total successful fertility preservation rate. Initial onco-microTESE was successful in 19 of 31 patients (61%) with azoospermia. Contralateral microTESE was successful in a further two of eight patients with azoospermia with failed onco-microTESE. Overall, 22/31 patients with azoospermia (71%) had successful fertility preservation in this series. In addition, six of seven patients with severe OAT had further sperm harvested by onco-microTESE to maximise their fertility preservation. All surgery was performed within median (interquartile range) of 7 (5-13) days from presentation. Onco-microTESE represents an effective method of fertility preservation for sub-fertile patients with TC without delaying oncological treatment. Knowledge of the fertility status at first presentation is essential to allow for such additional options for optimal fertility preservation in TC.

Extraction rates of algorithmically random continuous functionals

Extraction rates of algorithmically random continuous functionals

Triphenylamine-Based Y-Shaped Self-Assembled Monolayers for Efficient Tin Perovskite Solar Cells.

Triphenylamine-based Y-shaped organic sensitizers, specifically TPA-MN (1), TPA-CA (2), TPAT-MN (3), and TPAT-CA (4), are synthesized and utilized as p-type self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) for tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs). These SAMs are developed using low-cost starting materials, primarily from triphenylamine (TPA) components. An extensive analysis is conducted to examine the crystalline, morphological, thermal, optical, electrochemical, and optoelectronic characteristics of SAMs 1-4, and the results are compared. A two-step method is employed to successfully develop tin perovskite layers on all four SAM surfaces. The resulting devices demonstrates PCE in the following order: TPAT-CA (8.1%) > TPAT-MN (6.1%) > TPA-MN (5.0%) > TPA-CA (4.2%). The TPAT-CA molecule, which contains a thiophene spacer, performed better than the other three SAMs in terms of rapid hole extraction rate, high hole mobility, and retarded charge recombination. Consequently, SAM TPAT-CA exhibited the highest device performance with excellent stability over time, retaining ≈90% from the beginning values after storage for 3000 h. The innovative Y-shaped SAMs describe in this study, characterized by their simple and efficient design, have the potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of perovskite photovoltaics, particularly in the development of cost-effective TPSC technology.

Exact Time-Dependent Thermodynamic Relationships for a Brownian Particle Navigating Complex Networks

The thermodynamic characteristics of systems driven out of equilibrium are examined for M Brownian ratchets organized in a complex network. The precise time-dependent solution reveals that the entropy S, entropy production ep(t), and entropy extraction hd(t) of the system in complex networks increase with system size, which is plausible as these thermodynamic quantities display extensive properties. In other words, as the number of lattice sites increases, the entropy S, entropy production ep(t), and entropy extraction hd(t) increase, demonstrating that these complex networks cannot be reduced to the corresponding one-dimensional lattice. Conversely, the rates for thermodynamic quantities such as velocity V, entropy production rate e˙p(t), and entropy extraction rate h˙ d(t) become independent of the network size in the long-term limit. The exact analytic results also indicate that the free energy decreases with system size. The model system is further analyzed by incorporating heat transfer via kinetic energy. Since heat exchange via kinetic energy does affect the energy extraction rate, the heat dumped to the cold reservoirs also contributes to internal entropy production. Consequently, such systems exhibit a higher degree of irreversibility. The thermodynamic features of a system operating between hot and cold baths are also compared and contrasted with a system functioning in a heat bath where temperature varies linearly along the reaction coordinate. Regardless of the network arrangements, the entropy, entropy production, and extraction rates are significantly larger for the linearly varying temperature case than for a system operating between hot and cold baths.

Enhancing the Hypolipidemic and Functional Properties of Flammulina velutipes Root Dietary Fiber via Steam Explosion

Flammulina velutipes is an edible mushroom widely cultivated in China. As a by-product of Flammulina velutipes, the roots are rich in high-quality dietary fiber (DF). In order to obtain high-quality soluble dietary fiber (SDF), steam explosion (SE) is used as an effective modification method to improve the extraction rate and avoid the loss of active substances. Mounting evidence shows that SDF alleviates lipid metabolism disorders. However, it is not well understood how the influence of SDF with SE pretreatment could benefit lipid metabolism. In this study, we extracted a soluble dietary fiber from Flammulina velutipes root with an SE treatment, named SE-SDF, using enzymatic assisted extraction. The physicochemical and structural properties of the SE-SDF were investigated, and its hypolipidemic effects were also analyzed using oleic-acid-induced HepG2 cells. In addition, the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of SE-SDF were investigated using a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model. The results indicate that SE treatment (1.0 MPa, 105 s) increased the SDF content to 8.73 ± 0.23%. The SE-SDF was primarily composed of glucose, galactose, and mannose. In HFD-fed mice, SE-SDF significantly reduced weight gain and improved lipid profiles, while restoring liver function and reducing injury. This work provides an effective method for the processing of fungi waste and adds to its economic value. In future studies, the structural characteristics and the anti-obesity and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of SE-SDF will be explored in depth, supporting its high-value utilization in healthcare products.

Effect of Different Rates of Rambutan Peel Extract on Visfatin and Cardiac Troponin I Response in Type 2 Diabetic Rats Induced with Streptozotocin

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of STZ (Streptozotocin) and Rambutan peel extract (RPE) on serum visfatin and cardiac response in experimental Type 2 diabetic rats. Methods: In this study, 64 adult male Wistar albino rats, aged between 8-10 weeks, were used. 8 groups were randomly selected, each containing 8 rats as Control (C), R100 (RPE 100 mg/kg group given with oral gavage route of administration (OGRA), R200 (RPE 200 mg/kg group given with OGRA), R300 (RPE 300 mg/kg group given with OGRA); Diabetes Control (DC): STZ 50 mg/kg i.p administered group, DR100 (D+100 mg/kg JPE), DR200 (D+200 mg/kg JPE), DR300 (D+300 mg/kg JPE). The study lasted a total of 31 days, including adaptation (7 days), induction of diabetes (3 days), and trial period (21 days). Blood samples were taken from the tail vein (vena caudalis) of all subjects on days 0 and 21 of the study. Visfatin and cTnI levels in the serum samples were measured and evaluated by ELISA method. Result: While the increase in mean serum visfatin and cTnI levels in diabetic groups was seen mostly in DC groups, the most significant decrease in mean serum visfatin level due to the addition of RPE was determined in DR100 groups (p less than 0.01).As a result, it was concluded that the administration of 100 mg/kg RPE in rats had no adverse effects. It was concluded that RPE, which has a cardioprotective effect by regulating the visfatin response that plays a role in the development of diabetes, may be useful in supporting the impaired cardiovascular system function that occurs in diabetes.

Techno-Economic Analysis of BAU-STR Dryer for Rice Drying: An Approach to Accelerate Adoption

Postharvest food loss and waste offset worldwide agricultural productivity and food security. Insufficient drying and storage are the prominent drivers of food loss and waste in underdeveloped countries. Mechanical grain drying systems have distinct benefits over sun drying but are inaccessible to underserved communities due to high capital costs and energy demand. This study evaluated the techno-economic and financial performance of a half-ton-capacity BAU-STR dryer. The moisture extraction rate, drying rate, drying efficiency, and energy consumption were used as technical performance indicators. In contrast, the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), and payback period were considered economic performance indicators. The technical performance analysis results revealed that the moisture content of rice was reduced from 19.5% to 13.5 ± 0.15% in 4.0 h with an average drying rate of 1.5%/h and a drying efficiency of 75.1%. The financial performance analysis resulted in a drying cost, NPV, IRR, BCR, and PBP of USD 0.96 per 100 kg of grain, USD 3018, 135%, 3.0, and 0.73 yr., respectively, when the annual use was 240 h. If the yearly use of the dryer increased from 240 to 720 h, a higher NPV, IRR, and BCR, as well as a lower payback period and drying cost, could be achieved. Adopting a BAU-STR dryer for drying grain (rice and corn) among underserved communities could play a key role in postharvest food loss and waste.

Simple model for the fracture of a polymer chain: Single-bond potential of mean force and tension-based rate constants for chain rupture.

A linear chain of N particles connected by Morse bonds with periodic boundaries in a Brownian bath is considered as a model for polymer fracture. The potential of mean force (pomf) with respect to the length of a bond and its energy and entropic components are computed via Langevin Dynamics simulations at various chain elongations λ > 1. A narrow range of λ values is identified over which equilibrium is established between an intact (i) and a fractured (f) state over a pomf barrier. While the barrier and (f) regions of the pomf are well described by a well-known (N - 1)-bond adiabatic approximation, the shape of the (i) region departs from it, exhibiting a bimodal character. A new, 1-bond adiabatic approximation is proposed to explain this. The lower envelope of the two adiabatic approximations provides an excellent description of the pomf. The relationship between (f) states for individual bonds and for the entire chain is elucidated. A new approach, based on analysis of equilibrium tension autocorrelation functions, is developed to extract rate constants for the fracture and reformation of the chain in dependence of λ. Results from it agree with tension relaxation during nonequilibrium simulations initiated at equispaced configurations of the particles. Rate constants for chain fracture conform to a Boltzmann-Arrhenius-Zhurkov dependence on the tension averaged over the intact state of the chain, the activation length being higher than estimated from pomf extrema. These findings constitute a step toward a predictive multiscale simulation scheme for fracture in polymeric materials.

Rates of and Indications for Subcutaneous ICD Extraction: A Multihospital Healthcare System Analysis.

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) is an alternative to a transvenous ICD in patients who meet the criteria for ICD implantation without concurrent need for cardiac pacing. The objective of this study is to examine the rates of and indications for S-ICD removal and extraction. A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent S-ICD implantation between 2010 and 2022 at a single multihospital healthcare system was performed. The primary endpoint was S-ICD removal or extraction. Patient and device characteristics were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed to determine factors associated with S-ICD extraction. A total of 372 patients (69.5% male; 48.6 ± 14.4 years old) underwent S-ICD implantation during the study period. There were 22 (5.9%) patients (81.8% male; 52.1 ± 13.2 years old) who underwent S-ICD extraction over a median follow-up period of 4.4 [2.0-6.5] years. The median length of time between implantation and extraction was 39.6 [8.3-64.6] months. The most common indications for S-ICD extraction were the need for bradycardia pacing (frequency among extractions, 18.2%), infection (22.7%), and inappropriate shocks due to oversensing (22.7%). A smoking history and higher body mass index were independently associated with S-ICD extraction. The overall rate of S-ICD extraction over 4.4 [2.0-6.5] years was 5.9%, with the most common indications for extraction being the need for bradycardia pacing, infection, and inappropriate shocks due to oversensing. A smoking history and high body mass index are associated with increased rates of S-ICD extraction. With appropriate patient selection for the S-ICD, the need to remove the device after implantation is low.

High-pressure thermal conductivity, speed of ultrasonic measurements and derived elastic modulus of sandstones with different porosity

The effect of pressure on thermal conductivity is an important for understanding the heat transfer processes in modeling applications in geothermal reservoirs and for optimization of the technology of geothermal energy extraction processes. The primary factors affecting the economics of any geothermal energy recovery process are the amount of heat present in the geothermal reservoir and rate of heat extraction, which strongly depend on the thermal properties of the reservoir rocks, which are functions of both temperature and pressure. The present paper aims to study the variation of thermal conductivity of five sandstone samples from the Germany Geothermal Field with various total (open and close) porosities of (6.8, 13.0, 15.44, 21.3, and 21.5%) with pressure up to 203 MPa, to overcome the existing lack of thermal conductivity data for the geothermal reservoir modeling. The improved steady-state heat-flow technique (contact method) was used to precisely (with an uncertainty of 4%) measure the thermal conductivity of the sandstone samples. Unlike previous studies, in the present work the effect of the contact thermal resistance on the measured values of thermal conductivity has been taken into account using a calibration procedure to increase the accuracy and reliability of the measured data. The results show that with the increase of the pressure at a fixed temperature of 293.15 K, the thermal conductivity of sandstone is linearly increasing with pressure from 0.52 to 1.73 GPa−1 depending on sandstone structural and mineralogical composition, porosity, and other characteristics, which falls in the same range reported by other authors for rock samples from different geothermal fields. The derived values of the thermal conductivity pressure coefficient are crucial for geothermal studies in order to effectively use the geothermal resources of the region, and are useful for scientific applications such as the development and testing of the accuracy, reliability, and predictive capability of existing thermal models of geothermal reservoirs. Based on the present experimental results, statistical analysis (correlation analysis) was revealed between the measured thermal conductivity of sandstone samples and open and close porosities. The role of closed and open porosities on the pressure dependence of thermal conductivity and elastic moduli is discussed. For the first time, we experimentally observed the difference of the influence of the open and closed porosities on the thermal conductivity and elastic properties of sandstones. It was experimentally confirmed that the effect of closed porosity on the thermal conductivity of sandstones is significantly greater than that of open porosity by 15 to 20%. The obtained results show that it is of great importance to study the changes in the thermal properties of the sandstones under pressure at realistic reservoir conditions for geothermal studies.

Innovative management strategies for groundwater logging in Aswan city and maximization of its benefits using modeling techniques

Groundwater levels vary from region to another and sometimes in different zones in the same country due to different boundary conditions and extraction rates. Therefore, understanding intricate aquifer systems and predicting how they will react to hydrological changes require the use of groundwater models. In Egypt, the groundwater levels in the Nile Delta aquifer decrease causing problems to the delta ecosystem while it is rising in Aswan area due to the presence of Nasser Lake causing several damages to the city’s buildings and infrastructures. In order to maximize its benefits and lessen the harm brought on by inadequate groundwater management in the city of Aswan, the height of the groundwater level in that city was examined, appraised, and groundwater management scenarios were established in this study. To achieve the objectives of the study, a simulation of Aswan aquifer’s groundwater system is built based on a quasi-three-dimensional transient groundwater flow model using MODFLOW. The model was calibrated and verified. Four management scenarios are tested. The fifth scenario, in this scenario, the four scenarios combined together at the same time and with the same conditions and ratios were proposed to be implemented. The results of the proposal to implement the four scenarios together showed that the rates of decline in groundwater levels in the last stage will be 12.44%. The study results reveal that a better understanding of the simulated long-term average spatial distribution of water balance components is useful for managing and planning the available water resources in the Aswan aquifer.

Closed-Loop Process of Extracting and Separating Zinc Impurities from Industrial Cobalt Products—Pilot Test Study

The cobalt-containing products of an enterprise were selected as the object of this study. The separation effect of Cyanex 272 on Zn and Co was studied through a pilot test. The results showed that Cyanex 272 had a high extraction rate for Zn at pH 3–3.4, up to 99.8%. The extracted Zn2+ was enriched in the organic phase, and the Zn2+ in the organic phase was extracted back into the aqueous phase in the stripping stage by adding strong acid. Addition amounts of strong acid of 50 g·L−1, 80 g·L−1, and 100 g·L−1 were set. The results showed that the addition amounts of 80 g·L−1 and 100 g·L−1 could significantly reduce the pH of the back-extraction solution and effectively enrich Zn2+ in the solution. There was a large amount of Zn2+ in the back-extraction solution, which could be used twice to prepare zinc carbonate products through neutralization and precipitation. By comparing the extraction effect, economic cost, and resource loss under different strong acid addition amounts, it was found that the 80 g·L−1 strong acid addition amount was more suitable for the actual production process. This study provides data support and practical evidence for the selection of industrial extraction process parameters for Zn2+ separation in actual cobalt products.

Automated acute pain prediction in domestic goats using deep learning-based models on video-recordings

Facial expressions are essential in animal communication, and facial expression-based pain scales have been developed for different species. Automated pain recognition offers a valid alternative to manual annotation with growing evidence across species. This study applied machine learning (ML) methods, using a pre-trained VGG-16 base and a Support Vector Machine classifier to automate pain recognition in caprine patients in hospital settings, evaluating different frame extraction rates and validation techniques. The study included goats of different breed, age, sex, and varying medical conditions presented to the University of Florida’s Large Animal Hospital. Painful status was determined using the UNESP-Botucatu Goat Acute Pain Scale. The final dataset comprised images from 40 goats (20 painful, 20 non-painful), with 2,253 ‘non-painful’ and 3,154 ‘painful’ images at 1 frame per second (FPS) extraction rate and 7,630 ‘non-painful’ and 9,071 ‘painful’ images at 3 FPS. Images were used to train deep learning-based models with different approaches. The model input was raw images, and pain presence was the target attribute (model output). For the single train-test split and 5-fold cross-validation, the models achieved approximately 80% accuracy, while the subject-wise 10-fold cross-validation showed mean accuracies above 60%. These findings suggest ML’s potential in goat pain assessment.