First-order Model Research Articles

Environmental fate and safety analysis of methoxyfenozide application to control litchi and longan pests.

Litchi and longan pests significantly affect crop yield and quality. Chemical prevention and control are very effective for production; therefore, it is crucial to study fate assessment and appropriate field efficacy before pesticide application on crops to appropriately assess the health and ecological risks linked with these agents. This study conducted Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) field trials and laboratory experiments to elucidate the dissipation, terminal residues, and efficacy of methoxyfenozide on litchi and longan in six locations throughout China. To detect methoxyfenozide residues on litchi and longan, a QuEChERS/UPLC-MS/MS-based method was designed. The initial methoxyfenozide levels in litchi and longan ranged from 2.21-2.86 to 0.83-0.95mgkg-1 and indicated half-lives of 5.1-5.3 and 5.3-5.7days, respectively. After 7days of foliage treatment, the concentrations of terminal methoxyfenozide residue were 0.78-2.61 and 0.02-1.01mgkg-1, which were less than the established maximum residue limit for methoxyfenozide in litchi and longan. The chronic (acceptable daily intake = 0.0055-0.0331%) dietary intake risk analysis for methoxyfenozide in longan and litchi indicated acceptable concentrations of terminal residue for the general population. Methoxyfenozide in litchi and longan was readily degraded in first-order kinetics models, the degradation rate on longan was higher than that on litchi, and their dietary risks were negligible to consumers. Two hundred forty grams per liter of methoxyfenozide suspension concentrate (SC) represents a highly efficacious insecticidal dose to control litchi and longan pests and indicates a significant application potential as it is rapidly degraded and linked with reduced post-treatment residue levels.

Effect of the storage process on quality characteristics of hemp-enriched "tsoureki" a rich-dough baked Greek product.

The effects of the storage process on the quality characteristics of a hemp-enriched "tsoureki" (a rich-dough baked Greek product, rich-dough baked product [RDBP]) were investigated. The wheat flour was substituted with defatted hemp flour at selected ratios (0%-50% hemp:wheat flour). The baked products were stored at 25°C and at specific time intervals (0, 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days), and their properties were determined, including moisture content, water activity, structure, texture, color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. Moreover, analyses of phenolic compounds were performed using quadrupole time of flight liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, identifying 14 compounds. Both the first-order kinetic model and modified Avrami equation, including the hemp-to-wheat ratio effect in the rate constant, well described the changes in the quality characteristics. The results showed that storage time and hemp incorporation significantly affected the quality of the product. Water activity decreased from 0.901 to 0.859, whereas moisture content decreased from 30.52%-32.33% (0 days) to 26.97%-27.02% w.b. (14 days) with storage time for all hemp additions. Hardness was greatly affected by hemp flour addition and approached 14.72 and 17.85 N after 14 days of storage for 30% and 50% substitutions, respectively. Springiness and cohesiveness decreased with hemp addition and storage time. The color difference of the hemp-enriched products compared to the control sample increased during storage. TPC increased due to the addition of hemp flour, whereas 14 compounds were identified. Based on property correlation, the hemp-enriched RDBP-tsoureki held its high-quality characteristics for 7 days of storage and contained a significant amount of bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Industrially produced, defatted hemp is a promising byproduct that can be used to nutritionally enhance baked goods. Modeling results can be used for the prediction of the properties that define product storage ability and also that the hemp-enriched, rich dough-baked Greek "tsoureki" could be produced while maintaining total phenolic content and antioxidant activity during 7 days of storage. These findings are expected to be used in the future in baked goods industry applications to produce goods with an improved nutritional profile.

Development and psychometric properties of an instrument to measure perception of aphrodisiac use among undergraduates in a southwestern Nigerian university.

A tool to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduates students of University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria was developed and validated. The study was hinged on several theories that could explain potential to use aphrodisiac among the youths. An exploratory mixed methods design was used to develop a scale to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. Qualitative data collection was performed among thirty equally represented male and female students and five key informant interview participants while 919 participants completed the quantitative phase (surveys). Integration of matched qualitative themes from FGD/KII to survey domains was achieved through the 'building approach'. Qualitative themes assessing perceptions of aphrodisiac use by university undergraduate students were used to develop original survey items as well as new survey items peculiar to research subjects. Exploratory factor analysis was deployed on polychoric correlation matrix of the items using R-statistical packages. Further model fit analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis on the items suggested by EFA as well as composite reliability and construct validity tests for the constructs. Mean Z-scores of factors were computed against socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use among respondents that have ever used it. Most respondents (84.3%) were under 25 years, mostly male (58.4%) and singles (96.3%), with 41.3% earning ≤20,000 naira monthly. The enhanced content validity of the items from mixed method analysis yielded two major domains. Two succession of factor analyses and a structural equation modeling suggested that a first-order model is good fit for experimental data (TLI = 0.931; CFI = 0.948; SRMR = 0.047; RMSEA = 0.083). The four-factor solution to the model included: prolonged sexual performance, use without erectile dysfunction or medical advice, treatment of erectile dysfunction and recreational purposes with an internal and composite reliability that ranged from 0.62-0.92 and 0.63-0.92. The validation with socio-demographics and consequences of aphrodisiac use indicated that: Male respondents, those older than 20years, the married, those from poorly educated parent and sufferers of all related consequences had statistically significant differences with poor perception of aphrodisiac use' domains. This validated instrument is good for assessment of perception of aphrodisiac use among students in tertiary institution albeit with caution. A version of the scale that is broadened with highly refined items and tested for high internal validity is suggested.

Translation and psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the metacognitive awareness scale among nursing students

ObjectiveThis study endeavors to translate and psycho-metrically validate the metacognitive awareness inventory scale (MAS) for nursing students in China.MethodA total of 592 nursing students were enlisted from four universities situated in the eastern, southern, western, and northern regions of China. Content validity and reliability were evaluated using the content validity index and item-total correlation coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, respectively. Convergent validity examined the goodness of fit among sub-scales through the average extracted variance and composite reliability.ResultsExploratory factor analysis confirmed the first-order and second-order factor models, contributing to a cumulative variance of 89.4 and 59.5%, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha values were 0.963 and 0.801, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis outcomes indicated an excellent overall fit index for the model, satisfying the convergent validity criteria and achieving a target coefficient of 96.0%, which is consistent with the original scale structure.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the MAS (C-MAS) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing metacognitive awareness among Chinese nursing students. Further research should consider a broader sample of nursing students across China to reinforce the scale’s applicability.

Elementary properties of free lattices

Abstract We start a systematic analysis of the first-order model theory of free lattices. Firstly, we prove that the free lattices of finite rank are not positively indistinguishable, as there is a positive ∃ ∀ {\exists\forall} -sentence true in 𝐅 3 {\mathbf{F}_{3}} and false in 𝐅 4 {\mathbf{F}_{4}} . Secondly, we show that every model of Th ⁢ ( 𝐅 n ) {\mathrm{Th}(\mathbf{F}_{n})} admits a canonical homomorphism into the profinite-bounded completion 𝐇 n {\mathbf{H}_{n}} of 𝐅 n {\mathbf{F}_{n}} . Thirdly, we show that 𝐇 n {\mathbf{H}_{n}} is isomorphic to the Dedekind–MacNeille completion of 𝐅 n {\mathbf{F}_{n}} , and that 𝐇 n {\mathbf{H}_{n}} is not positively elementarily equivalent to 𝐅 n {\mathbf{F}_{n}} , as there is a positive ∀ ∃ {\forall\exists} -sentence true in 𝐇 n {\mathbf{H}_{n}} and false in 𝐅 n {\mathbf{F}_{n}} . Finally, we show that DM ⁢ ( 𝐅 n ) {\mathrm{DM}(\mathbf{F}_{n})} is a retract of Id ⁢ ( 𝐅 n ) {\mathrm{Id}(\mathbf{F}_{n})} and that for any lattice 𝐊 {\mathbf{K}} which satisfies Whitman’s condition ( W ) {\mathrm{(W)}} and which is generated by join prime elements, the three lattices 𝐊 {\mathbf{K}} , DM ⁢ ( 𝐊 ) {\mathrm{DM}(\mathbf{K})} , and Id ⁢ ( 𝐊 ) {\mathrm{Id}(\mathbf{K})} all share the same positive universal first-order theory.

Free Electron-Plasmon Coupling Strength and Near-Field Retrieval through Electron Energy-Dependent Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy.

Tightly confined optical near fields in plasmonic nanostructures play a pivotal role in important applications ranging from optical sensing to light harvesting. Energetic electrons are ideally suited to probing optical near fields by collecting the resulting cathodoluminescence (CL) light emission. Intriguingly, the CL intensity is determined by the near-field profile along the electron propagation direction, but the retrieval of such field from measurements has remained elusive. Furthermore, the conditions for optimum electron near-field coupling in plasmonic systems are critically dependent on such field and remain experimentally unexplored. In this work, we use electron energy-dependent CL spectroscopy to study the tightly confined dipolar mode in plasmonic gold nanoparticles. By systematically studying gold nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 20-100 nm and electron energies from 4 to 30 keV, we determine how the coupling between swift electrons and the optical near fields depends on the energy of the incoming electron. The strongest coupling is achieved when the electron speed equals the mode phase velocity, meeting the so-called phase-matching condition. In aloof experiments, the measured data are well reproduced by electromagnetic simulations, which explain that larger particles and faster electrons favor a stronger electron near-field coupling. For penetrating electron trajectories, scattering at the particle produces severe corrections of the trajectory that defy existing theories based on the assumption of nonrecoil condition. Therefore, we develop a first-order recoil correction model that allows us to account for inelastic electron scattering, rendering better agreement with measured data. Finally, we consider the albedo of the particles and find that, to approach unity coupling, a highly confined electric field and very slow electrons are needed, both representing experimental challenges. Our findings explain how to reach unity-order coupling between free electrons and confined excitations, helping us understand fundamental aspects of light-matter interaction at the nanoscale.

Characterization of Fipronil in Micellar Medium with Brij 35

Fipronil is a phenyl pyrazole used as an insecticide to combat termites, moths, and locusts. Its low solubility in water represents a problem with its commercial formulations. In this work, an aqueous micellar medium was formed with Brij 35, calculating the critical micellar concentration at 0.01% (w/v) by UV-visible spectrophotometry and conductimetry. In this medium, the apparent pka was estimated at 12.6 from spectrophotometric data by the graphical method and Partial Least Squares Regression. Finally, its degradation kinetics in this medium at pH 12 was studied, finding that it conforms to a first-order model, with a half-life of 3.3 h, higher than the 2.4 h reported by other authors for an aqueous medium. In conclusion, the micellar medium favored the solubility of the compound in aqueous medium, allowing the estimation of its pka and retarding its chemical degradation.

Powers of commutators in linear algebraic groups

Abstract Let ${\mathcal G}$ be a linear algebraic group over k, where k is an algebraically closed field, a pseudo-finite field or the valuation ring of a non-archimedean local field. Let $G= {\mathcal G}(k)$ . We prove that if $\gamma\in G$ such that γ is a commutator and $\delta\in G$ such that $\langle \delta\rangle= \langle \gamma\rangle$ then δ is a commutator. This generalises a result of Honda for finite groups. Our proof uses the Lefschetz principle from first-order model theory.

Evaluating and modeling the efficacy of Stipagrostis plumosa for the phytoremediation of petroleum compounds in crude oil-contaminated soil

ABSTRACT This study focused on using Stipagrostis plumosa for phytoremediation to eliminate total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and heavy metals (HMs) like cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) from oil-contaminated soil. Conducted over six months at a field-scale without artificial pollutants, soil samples were analyzed using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) for TPHs and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‒OES) for HMs. Results after six months revealed that plots with plants had significantly higher average removal percentages for TPHs (61.45%), Cd (39.4%), Cr (46.1%), Pb (41.5%), and Ni (44.2%) compared to the control group (p <0.05). Increased microbial respiration and bacteria populations in planted plots indicated enhanced soil microbial growth. Kinetic rate models aligned well with the first-order kinetic rate model for all pollutants (R2 >0.9). Overall, the study demonstrates that S. plumosa can effectively reduce TPHs and HMs in oil-contaminated soil, making it a promising option for pollutant absorption.

Mpact of pasteurisationand storage conditions on the physicochemical properties of acerola jelly

Acerola, a fruit rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and vitamin C, is highly susceptible to degradation under temperature influences. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pasteurisationand storage conditions on the stability of these compounds in acerola jelly. Analytical findings revealed that thermal treatment at 80°C for 5 minutes effectively eradicated total aerobic bacteria and mould yeast content. Furthermore, this treatment preserved the vitamin C and phenolic content, as well as the sensory quality of the jelly, better than other samples. The study also discovered that during storage, the degradation of vitamin C and polyphenols in acerola jelly adhered to the first-order model and the Arrhenius model. In contrast, attributes such as total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and titratable acidity (TA) remained constant during pasteurisationand storage. Kinetic parameters, including D-value, k-value, z-value, and activation energy (Ea), indicated high stability of the product when stored at a low temperature of 4-6oC. These findings suggest that acerola jelly has considerable potential for commercial production.

Wastewater purification and recycling using plants in an arid environment for agricultural purposes: case of the Algerian Sahara

The aim of this study is to apply a water treatment technique (phyto-purification) in the Algerian Sahara, an arid region, to resolve the scarcity of irrigation, recycled wastewater and preserve Saharian ecosystems composed of sand and two species of aquatic plants: Typha latifolia and Imperata cylindrica. The choice of these plants was determined based on the natural vegetation, soil and climatic characteristics of the study area. To this end, we developed an experimental pilot composed of three tanks measuring 30 cm × 35 cm × 45 cm, arranged with a filter bed of sand and gravel. Two of these tanks are sown with the above-mentioned plants, while the third tank, serving as a control, is not. The values of the main wastewater pollution parameters, namely total nitrogen compounds, ammonium (NH4+), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids measured at the outlet of the device, substantiate the performance of this treatment system. Indeed, the nitrogen reduction rate increased from 63% in the unplanted control filters to around 80% in the planted filters, and from 81 to 88% for NO3−. Regarding chemical oxygen demand (COD), the reduction rate exceeds 88.37% for the three tanks. The study of the analytical approach to modeling the purification kinetics reveals that the kinetics of COD and NH4+ are well correlated with the first-order model, with an explained variance varying between 68.1 and 81.6% for COD and 83.5 and 92.3% for ammonium. The Riverside diagram highlights that all treated water samples fall into the low sodium risk and high salinity risk class. Build on the Na% values; all purified waters have characteristics suitable for water use for irrigation.

Intention to engage in ecotourism development: validation and extension of the Resident Empowerment through Tourism Scale (Version 2.1)

ABSTRACT This work, based on the conceptual work by Scheyvens and van der Watt (2021), amends the original Resident Empowerment through Tourism Scale (RETS) by including three new dimensions: economic empowerment, cultural empowerment, and environmental empowerment. In so doing, the modified scale is applied in a region of Ecuador not known for its ecotourism opportunities, to determine how residents’ (n = 500) perceived empowerment factors into their intent to engage in ecotourism endeavours through a modified theory of planned behaviour model. Psychometric properties of the 13-item modified RETS were strong. Six of the nine proposed hypotheses were supported via structural equation modelling using IBM Amos 28.0. The first-order model (of perceived empowerment) accounted for 33% of the variance in attitudes about engaging in ecotourism and 82% of the variance in behavioural intentions to engage in ecotourism. A second-order model increased variance explained in attitudes to 70% and in behavioural intentions to 89%.

Nitrofurazone biodegradation kinetics by batch fermentation of Aspergillus tamarii

Nitrofurazone (NFZ) compound contains a 5-nitrofuran ring structure that has been widely used as feed additives in animal husbandry. Due to the benzene ring structure, the residues are highly toxic to humans and animals. A kinetics study of NFZ biodegradation in batch fermentation with Aspergillus tamarii KX610719.1 was conducted. The main objectives were to determine the kinetic parameters of fungal growth, glucose consumption, protein production, and biodegradation of NFZ using fungal biomass. Kinetic parameters were determined using Polymath 6.0 software, and regression analysis was done using linear and non-linear methods. After 168 hours of batch fermentation, the maximum specific growth rate (µmax), and maximum cell concentration (Xmax) for cultivation without NFZ were 0.062 h-1, and 0.529 g L-1, respectively. The maximum specific growth rate (µmax), and maximum cell concentration (Xmax) for cultivation with NFZ were 0.092 h-1, and 0.327 g L-1, respectively. For glucose consumption, kinetic parameters of Yield of biomass over the substrate (YXS) and cell maintenance (mS) were estimated at 0.139 g g-1 and 0.239 h-1, respectively. Based on the Luedeking Piret model, the estimated growth-associated (α) and non-growth-associated (β) constants were 1.142×10-2 g g-1 and 5.680×10-5 h-1, respectively. The rate constant (k1) of NFZ biodegradation was estimated at 2.696×10-2 h-1 following the first-order model where the rate constant of NFZ removal is dependent on the NFZ concentration. The application of A. tamarii batch fermentation in the removal of NFZ compound was sufficient with a total percentage removal of 85.9 % or 0.430 g L-1 recorded.

The psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale on a Zimbabwean population

Orientation: Work engagement has been found to be related to positive job attitudes such as job involvement, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and low turnover intention.Research purpose: The primary goal of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) on a Zimbabwean sample.Motivation for the study: The UWES is a widely used measure of work engagement. Therefore, there is a need to assess the reliability and construct validity of the UWES in a Zimbabwean sample owing to the paucity of studies on its psychometric properties in this setting.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey research design was employed (N = 304). A non-probability sample of 304 participants from selected security organisations was studied. The UWES was used to measure work engagement, and its reliability was evaluated using SPSS. Construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using LISREL.Main findings: Moderately high levels of reliability were found for the UWES subscales. A poor model fit with the data was found for first-order measurement models through CFA.Practical/managerial implications: The UWES demonstrated a reasonable fit for the 9-item scale CFA model tested in this study. Moderately high reliability coefficients were recorded for all the subscales of the UWES.Contribution/value-add: The study promotes the use of reliable and valid instruments in Zimbabwe by confirming the psychometric properties of the UWES.

New formula of vegetation roughness height and Darcy–Weisbach friction factor in channel flow

Assessing the flow resistance caused by vegetation in rivers is a hot topic in the field of hydraulics and eco-hydrology. Based on mathematical experiments by first-order closure models, new roughness height of vegetation is proposed linked with the three factors that vegetation arrangement concentration, submergence ratio, and the ratio of width to height of vegetation. Besides, new Darcy–Weisbach friction factor is built for vegetated flow. Moreover, both collected and present experimental data are adopted for verification of the roughness height and friction factor. Compared with models from other research groups, results show that the new formulas proposed in this study have high accuracy for predicting vegetation resistance in ecological restoration and water resources management in rivers.

Pharmacokinetics of oral clonazepam in growing commercial pigs (Sus scrofa domestica).

Clonazepam causes sedation and psychomotor impairment in people. Due to similarities between people and swine in response to benzodiazepines, clonazepam may represent a viable option to produce mild-to-moderate tranquillization in pigs. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of a single oral dose (0.5 mg/kg) of clonazepam in eight healthy, growing commercial cross pigs. Serial plasma samples were collected at baseline and up to 96 h after administration. Plasma concentrations were quantified using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and compartment models were fit to time-concentration data. A one-compartment first-order model best fits the data. Maximum plasma concentration was 99.5 ng/mL, and time to maximum concentration was 3.4 h. Elimination half-life was 7.3 h, mean residence time 7.4 h, and apparent volume of distribution 5.7 L/kg. Achieved plasma concentrations exceeded those associated with psychomotor impairment in people although pharmacodynamic effects have not been investigated in pigs. A simulated oral regimen consisting of 0.35 mg/kg administered every 8 h to pigs would achieve plasma concentrations above 32 ng/mL which are shown to produce psychomotor impairment in people. Further studies to test the clinical efficacy of these dosages in commercial and miniature pigs are warranted.

Improvement of biomedical properties of PEO-treated titanium with flurbiprofen and exosome conjugation

Exosome (EXO)-based drug delivery systems have attained a desirable position among scientific researchers and in biomedical applications. In this study, an exosomal coating comprising the anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen (FLB) was applied on a commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) substrate that had undergone surface treatment using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process. The samples were characterized through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and water contact angle (WCA) measurement. The results indicated that FLB was loaded onto the EXO and the formation of FLB.EXO was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, AFM and FESEM. Furthermore, FLB.EXO system was treated on PEO-treated substrates and FLB.EXO@PEO system demonstrated a considerable degree of roughness (Ra= 51.16 nm) and exceptional WCA (37.2 ± 0.7 ̊) in comparison to the other samples. The cellular inquiries were assessed through examination of the morphology of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSc) and the MTT assay. The cytotoxicity assessment showed that the FLB.EXO@PEO improved BMMSCs attachment without toxicity. The antibacterial efficacy was determined by means of bacterial adhesion testing against both gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial strains. FLB.EXO@PEO sample also revealed an excellent antibacterial rate of ∼ 86 % against S. aureus and ∼ 55 % against E. coli. Additionally, in vitro drug release evaluations indicated that sustained drug release was occurred and FLB released from FLB.EXO@PEO during 191 h that was lower than release time in FLB.EXO (120 h). Moreover, the prolonged release was confirmed by constant release rate in both of systems of FLB.EXO and FLB.EXO@PEO after 191 h and 167 h, respectively. The release kinetic of FLB.EXO and FLB.EXO@PEO followed the zero order and first-order model, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that the designed sustained release system have a high potential for development of advanced biomedical implants.

Ultrafiltration fractionation of potentially inhibitory substances of hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase derived from municipal sludge

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising thermo-chemical technology for municipal sludge treatment due to its potential for biocrude oil recovery and minimizing biosolids management costs. However, the process generates a high volume of an aqueous byproduct that needs to be treated due to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and various organic and inorganic compounds. Although the aqueous phase is known to contain recalcitrant and potentially inhibitory substances that may affect its biological treatment, their molecular weight distribution (MwD) and its impact on anaerobic biodegradability are poorly understood. Ultrafiltration (UF) was conducted to fractionate HTL aqueous into different molecular weight (Mw) fractions using 300, 100, 10, and 1 kDa membranes. Mesophilic biochemical methane potential (BMP) assays were conducted to assess the anaerobic biodegradability of each fraction, and the first-order model was used to calculate the degradation kinetics of potential inhibitory compounds. The highest percentage of organics (65 %) was found in the Mw<1 kDa range, whereas the 10>Mw>1 kDa had the lowest percentage (8 %). There was no significant difference in the cumulative specific methane produced from various Mw fractions (p>0.05). The Mw<1 kDa fraction had the highest first-order specific methane production rate (0.53 day−1), whereas the unfiltered HTL had the lowest (0.38 day−1). Although UF fractionation increased the rate of anaerobic degradation of HTL aqueous for the Mw<1 kDa fraction, the observed methane potential was only 55 % of the theoretical value. This implies that 45 % of COD remains undegraded even after permeation through the lowest Mw cut-off membrane. Therefore, further characterization of HTL aqueous is needed for compounds with molecular weights below 1 kDa to fully understand the nature of inhibitory organics and their impact on anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, pretreatments utilizing techniques such as adsorption and advanced oxidation may be necessary to enhance the specific methane yields from various HTL aqueous fractions, thereby bringing them closer to the theoretical yield.

Developing Measurement of Collaboration Between the Supplier and Client Firms

This study recommends a suitable model for evaluating supply chain collaboration in the natural forest products industry. We follow a two-step analysis: The first-order measurement model is leveraged to assess collaboration level, and the second-order confirmatory factor analysis develops the collaboration level by using four indicators representing customer and supplier firms as well as two specific indicators for each of them. Four items are common practices for both sides: joint sales forecasting, exchange of basic information, joint planning, and joint delivery improvement. Two practices are highly oriented toward customers: resource sharing of logistics assets and exchange of performance evaluation. Business-to-business practices engaged mostly with suppliers include the implementation of replenishment systems and joint new product development. Collaboration measurement between suppliers and client firms contributes to effectively manage the relationship between the supplier and client firms and can improve the competitiveness of participating firms in the network.

Forecasting the Power Generation Mix in Italy Based on Grey Markov Models

This study considers an application of the first-order Grey Markov Model to foresee the values of Italian power generation in relation to the available energy sources. The model is used to fit data from the Italian energy system from 2000 to 2022. The integration of Markovian error introduces a random element to the model, which is able now to capture inherent uncertainties and misalignments between the Grey Model predictions and the real data. This application provides valuable insights for strategic planning in the energy sector and future developments. The results show good accuracy of the predictions, which could provide powerful information for the effective implementation of energy policies concerning the evolution of energy demand in the country. Results show an improvement in the performance of more than 50% in terms of Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) when the Markov chain is integrated in the analysis. Despite advancements, Italy’s 2032 energy mix will still significantly rely on fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts beyond 2032 to enhance sustainability.