High Consumption Rates Research Articles

Physiological and image-based phenotyping assessment of waterlogging responses of three kiwifruit rootstocks and grafting combinations

IntroductionKiwifruit species have a relatively high rate of root oxygen consumption, making them very vulnerable to low root zone oxygen concentrations resulting from soil waterlogging. Recently, kiwifruit rootstocks have been increasingly used to improve biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and crop performance under adverse conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate morpho-physiological changes in kiwifruit rootstocks and grafting combinations under short-term waterlogging stress.MethodsA pot trial was conducted at the ALSIA PhenoLab, part of the Phen-Italy infrastructures, using non-destructive RGB and NIR image-based analysis and physiological measurements to identify waterlogging stress indicators and more tolerant genotypes. Three pot-grown kiwifruit rootstocks (‘Bounty 71,’ Actinidia macrosperma—B; ‘D1,’ Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa—D; and ‘Hayward,’ A. chinensis var. deliciosa—H) and grafting combinations, with a yellow-fleshed kiwifruit cultivar (‘Zesy 002,’ A. chinensis var. chinensis) grafted on each rootstock (Z/B, Z/D, Z/H), were subjected to a control irrigation treatment (WW), restoring their daily water consumption, and to a 9-day waterlogging stress (WL), based on substrate saturation. Leaf gas exchange, photosynthetic activity, leaf temperature, RGB, and NIR data were collected during waterlogging stress.ResultsStomatal conductance and transpiration reached very low values (less than 0.05 mol m−2 s−1 and 1 mmol m−2 s−1, respectively) in both waterlogged D and H rootstocks and their grafting combinations. In turn, leaf temperature was significantly increased and photosynthesis was reduced (1–6 μmol m−2 s−1) from the first days of waterlogging stress compared to B rootstock and combination.DiscussionThe B rootstock showed prolonged leaf gas exchange and photosynthetic activity, indicating that it can cope with short-term and temporary waterlogging and improve the tolerance of grafted kiwi vines, which showed a decrease in stomatal conductance 5 days after the onset of stress. Morphometric and colorimetric parameters from the image-based analysis confirmed the greater susceptibility of D and H rootstocks and their grafting combinations to waterlogging stress compared to B. The results presented confirm the role of physiological measurements and enhance that of RGB and NIR images in detecting the occurrence of water stress and identifying more tolerant genotypes in kiwifruit.

P-403. Incidence of Surgical Site Infections in Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh: Findings From A Pilot Surveillance Project

Abstract Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are the most frequent type of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and SSIs have substantial healthcare ramifications. In Bangladesh, most hospitals lack surveillance systems for HAIs, including SSI. We conducted this SSI surveillance to assess the rate and determine measures of SSI burden in Bangladesh Common Organisms for Surgical Site Infections in Bangladesh Common Organisms for Surgical Site Infections in Bangladesh Methods From January to August 2021, we piloted SSI surveillance in four tertiary care hospitals. Participants included undergoing cesarean section (C-section) or abdominal surgery. We enrolled SSI cases if any infection occurred within 30 days of the surgery and contained the skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or deep soft tissue, in or on any part of the anatomy. We also collected data on symptoms, antibiotic consumption, diagnosis, and treatment Results We enrolled 1,760 patients, with a majority (75.7%) undergoing C-sections. Within 30 days of surgery, 33.2% (585) of patients developed SSI symptoms. Abdominal surgery patients had a higher rate of SSI (40.9%, 175/426) compared to C-section patients (30.7%, 410/1334). Most patients (90.9%, 532/585) acquired SSI symptoms during hospital stay. Two-thirds (66.4%) of patients were prescribed antibiotics on admission, and 70.1% were given surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. Rates of SSI did not differ between those who received antibiotics or not. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone 57.5%, on admission and the combination of ceftriaxone and metronidazole (84.1%) in postoperative patients. Only 10. 7% (63/585) of participants performed wound cultures, of which 76.2% (48/63) demonstrated growth. The most frequently reported organisms were Escherichia coli (37.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (30.2%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.9%). Conclusion Further study of the factors contributing to this high incidence and timing for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis administration is needed. The high rate of antibiotic consumption also suggests a need for examination of whether appropriate treatment is being administered and/or if antibiotic prophylaxis is targeting the correct organisms. Additionally, strengthening IPC practices, establishing antimicrobial stewardship programs, and updating antibiotic guidelines could help prevent SSIs and AMR in Bangladeshi hospitals Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Repurposing Mitochondria-Targeted Therapeutics for Kidney Diseases.

The kidney is one of the most metabolically demanding organs in the human body and requires a large amount of energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to perform and maintain normal renal functions. To meet this energy demand, proximal tubule cells within the nephron segments of the renal cortex are mitochondrially dense with high oxygen consumption rates. Mitochondria are complex organelles involved in diverse cellular and molecular functions, including the production of ATP, calcium homeostasis, and phospholipid regulation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is critical in the onset and progression of kidney disease. Dysfunctional renal mitochondria have been linked with alterations in redox homeostasis, impaired bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which result in renal cell injury and death, as well as fibrotic accumulation in kidney injury and disease. As such, interest in the development and/or repurposing of mitochondria-targeted therapeutics for the potential treatment of kidney diseases has recently surged. While novel therapeutics and promising new drug targets have been identified, drug repurposing for kidney diseases offers numerous advantages over traditional drug discovery initiatives, including reduced cost, time of therapeutic development, and preclinical testing, in addition to known pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and safety profiles. Here, we provide an overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of kidney injury and disease and shed light on promising mitochondria-targeted therapeutic agents that display repurposing potential for the restoration of renal function and/or acceleration of renal recovery.

Fear of Missing out Serially Mediated by Social Media Use and Alcohol-Related Content on Alcohol Outcomes Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Examination.

Fear of missing out (FoMO) is the apprehension that others may be having more rewarding experiences from which one is absent. A positive relationship between FoMO and social media related behaviors is well established. Limited studies have examined how FoMO may be associated with risky health behaviors, such as alcohol use. Risky alcohol use is a pervasive public health issue among college students, a population with high rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences. Emerging studies have identified alcohol-related content (ARC) on social media may predict greater college drinking. Yet no research has investigated if social media ARC exposure is a mechanism linking FoMO to alcohol outcomes among college students. This study examined if FoMO is indirectly related to college student (N = 705; ages 18-25) alcohol outcomes (i.e., quantity, frequency, problems, and peak drinks) via frequency of checking social media and frequency of ARC exposure from peers. All paths sequentially linking FoMO to alcohol outcomes were significant and positive. Greater FoMO was related to more frequent social media checking, greater ARC exposure, and indirectly related to greater alcohol consumption and problems. FoMO may be a helpful indicator of who is at risk of risky drinking and problems via social media use.

Non-native species have higher consumption rates than their native counterparts.

Non-native species can be major drivers of ecosystem alteration, especially through changes in trophic interactions. Successful non-native species have been predicted to have greater resource use efficiency relative to trophically analogous native species (the Resource Consumption Hypothesis), but rigorous evidence remains equivocal. Here, we tested this proposition quantitatively in a global meta-analysis of comparative functional response studies. We calculated the log response ratio of paired non-native and native species functional responses, using attack rate and maximum consumption rate parameters as response variables. Explanatory variables were consumer taxonomic group and functional feeding group, habitat, native assemblage latitude, and non-native species taxonomic distinctiveness. Maximum consumption rates for non-native species were 70% higher, on average, than those of their native counterparts; attack rates also tended to be higher, but not significantly so. The magnitude of maximum consumption rate effect sizes varied with consumer taxonomic group and functional feeding group, being highest in favour of non-natives for molluscs and herbivores. Consumption rate differences between non-native and native species tended to be greater for freshwater taxa, perhaps reflecting sensitivity of insular freshwater food webs to novel consumers; this pattern needs to be explored further as additional data are obtained from terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In general, our results support the Resource Consumption Hypothesis, which can partly explain how successful non-native species can reduce native resource populations and restructure food webs.

Polyurethane microplastics and associated tris(chloropropyl)phosphateadditives both affect development in larval fathead minnow Pimephales promelas.

Microplastics (< 5 mm) are a diverse class of contaminants ranging in morphology, polymer type, and chemical cocktail. Microplastic toxicity can be driven by one or a combination of these characteristics. Most studies, however, evaluate the physical effect of the most commercially available polymers. By disregarding other polymers with high consumption and/or production rates, and the chemical constituents of plastics, we fail to have a holistic understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity. Polyurethane is understudied in terms of effects testing yet considered one of the most hazardous polymers due to its chemical composition. Polyurethane is a high production polymer and is found in common consumer products ranging from packaging to spray foam insulation. To better understand the physico-chemical effects of polyurethane and a common additive in polyurethane products, we exposed larval fathead minnows for 28 days to polyurethane without chemical additives (i.e., plastic treatment), chemical leachate from polyurethane containing chemical additives (i.e., tris(chloropropyl)phosphate [TCPP]; i.e., chemical treatment) and polyurethane with chemical additives (i.e., plastic with chemical treatment) in a fully factorial experiment. We observed significant decreases in growth at 12 days posthatch (dph) in the plastic, chemical, and plastic with chemical treatments, suggesting a physical and chemical driver of toxicity. At 28 dph, we did not observe significant differences in growth, suggesting individuals can recover. We also observed concentrations of ΣTCPPs in fathead minnow exposed to the plastic with chemical treatment and the chemical only treatment, demonstrating TCPP uptake in exposed individuals. Combined, our data suggests the importance of both the physical and chemical components of microplastics when assessing effects, and thus emphasizing the need to evaluate the effects of microplastics in a multidimensional way.

Health risk assessment of aflatoxin M1 exposure through traditional dairy products in Fasa, Iran.

Milk and dairy products are an important source of essential nutrients for human health. However, contamination of these foods poses a significant public health concern. In this study, risk assessment of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) exposure associated with the consumption of traditional milk and dairy products in Fasa, Fars Province, Iran, was carried out. A total of 180 samples, comprising raw milk, boiled milk, cheese, yoghurt, as well as Doogh and Kashk, two traditional fermented milk-based products, were collected during two seasons of summer and winter and then analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The findings indicated that 85.55% of all samples were contaminated with AFM1 with the mean concentration of positive samples as 251.15 ± 71.97ng/kg (1.10-453.50ng/kg). The results also showed that in 68.88% of tested samples, the toxin concentration exceeded the limit set by the national standard of Iran and the European Union standard. Dietary exposure value calculated for the study population was 0.13ng/kg BW/day. Based on calculations resulting from risk characterization, hazard index (HI), liver cancer risk (LCR), and margin of exposure (MOE) for AFM1 were 0.67, 7.6 × 10-4, and 15,291, respectively. For yoghurt consumers, results showed a significant risk for the study population regarding non-carcinogenic and carcinogenicity hazard (HI > 1, LCR > 10-4, MOE < 10,000). Yoghurt showed the highest contribution rate for AFM1 exposure in various dairy products due to its higher consumption rates, followed by milk. Based on these results, there are needs for rigorous monitoring and control of cattle feeds to decrease the risk of contamination with aflatoxins.

Enhancing Agricultural Practices: Exploring the Benefits of Paddy Straw Management Technologies Adopted by Potato Growers in Jalandhar District, Punjab, India

This study was conducted in the Jalandhar district of Punjab in 2020-21, chosen purposefully due to its status as the region with the highest potato cultivation area. The list of potato growers was obtained from the District Horticulture Department in Jalandhar. Five blocks—Nakodar, Adampur, Bhogpur, Jalandhar East, and Jalandhar West—with the maximum potato cultivation area were selected from this list. A sample of 200 potato growers was then chosen using a proportionate cum random sampling method. Following the adoption of paddy straw management technologies, 52.5 % of potato growers reported a decrease in fertilization costs whereas 85 % of potato growers observed that increased in the cost of preparation of land during used of paddy straw management technologies by Rs.3035 because of high rate of diesel consumption. Additionally, 37 % observed an improvement in soil health, while 40.5% noted an increase in potato yield. The majority of potato growers incorporated paddy straw into their potato fields. However, an equal percentage of growers (17%) either used paddy straw to make bales or burned it. Notably, the adoption of paddy straw chopper, mulcher, and Mould board plough by potato growers led to a significant increase in potato yield. The results also indicated that for yield, the t - values for two tailed significance level of the difference between sample means for the response was 0.000 cost of production due to adoption of all the technologies by the potato growers. Therefore, statistically significant differences at level of 0.05 were observed in all five technologies used for paddy straw management in potato cultivation.

Isotopic Signatures and Fluxes of N2O Emitted from Soybean Plants and Soil During the Main Growth Period of Soybeans

Soil microorganisms have long been recognized as primary producers of biogenic N2O in terrestrial ecosystems. Terrestrial plants can contribute to N2O emissions by transporting N2O produced in soils, and there is also evidence that plants may serve as direct producers of N2O. However, to date, direct evidence for N2O production by plants remains limited. To exclude N2O emissions resulting from soil-to-plant transport, this study conducted incubation experiments using cut soybean branches and leaves (cSBF) and intact soil cores under an N2O-free air background. The natural isotopic signatures (δ15N and δ18O) and fluxes of N2O produced by cSBF and soil were compared across different soybean growth stages over two growing seasons. The observed δ15N and δ18O values of N2O from soil ranged from −26.7‰ to −5.3‰ and −24.1‰ to 22.8‰, respectively. In contrast, the values for N2O produced from cSBF ranged from −4.7‰ to 33.1‰ and from 23.7‰ to 88.8‰, respectively. Notably, N2O emitted from plants exhibited significantly higher δ15N and δ18O values than soil-derived N2O (p &lt; 0.05). These findings indicate that the pathways and mechanisms of N2O production and emission in soybean plants differ from those mediated by soil microorganisms and nitrogen transport processes. Additionally, a significantly higher amount of N2O emission was observed during early growth stages compared to late growth stages (p &lt; 0.01), suggesting that plant N2O production may be associated with elevated water content and oxygen-limited conditions within plant cells. In addition to the N2O uptake by plants observed in some literature, the positive relationship between δ15N values and N2O fluxes suggests that N2O could be consumed in plant cells (p &lt; 0.01), with a high consumption rate often associated with a high production rate. The results of this study provide compelling evidence that plants may represent an overlooked source of N2O in terrestrial ecosystems.

Environmental sustainability behavior model with responsible consumption: study of Indonesian young household consumers

Abstract One of the ecological crisis triggers is unethical behavior in the form of irresponsible consumption, which leads to resource wastage, energy leakage, and a high carbon footprint. Excessive consumption is the beginning of environmental problems as it generates large amounts of waste. Households are the economic sector that contributes the most waste, and demographically, young households tend to be active and have high consumption rates. The consumption behavior of this segment raises concerns as it puts pressure on the environment and sustainable development, which needs to be clarified in this study. This study tests a model of pro-environmental behavior, including environmental concerns and activism in shaping responsible consumption behavior. The model initiated in this research is by the actual phenomena that occur, so it is expected to produce essential insights for environmental planning and management based on aspects of consumer behavior as the main actors in the natural ecosystem.

Advancing methods for comparative nutritional LCA of milk and plant-based milk substitutes

Abstract Purpose The contribution of milk on the environmental and nutritional impacts of diets is substantial especially in countries with high consumption rates of dairy products, such as in the Nordic countries. Due to environmental and health reasons, plant-based drinks (PBDs) are gaining popularity among consumers, but the nutritional composition of PBDs varies depending on their base ingredients and possible fortification. This study develops product group-specific nutrient indices to be used as functional units (nFU) in life cycle assessments (LCA) of milks and PBDs. Methods Here, we formed three product group–specific nutrient indices for milk and PBDs: (i) based on our previous development of product group–specific indices considering the current dietary role of milk in Finnish diets, (ii) based on the potential nutritional benefits of PBDs compared to milk, and (iii) as combination of the two abovementioned indices. The new indices were then applied as a nFUs in a case study comparing selection of 46 drinks from the Finnish food composition database including milks and fortified and unfortified PBDs. The environmental impacts were assessed in five different impact categories utilizing data from LCA databases. Results and discussion The index based on current consumption led to the highest nutrient index scores for cow’s milks and consequently lower environmental impacts when used as a nFU, whereas the index based on nutrients obtained from PBDs as nFU led to higher environmental impacts for milk and lower for PBDs. Cow’s milk had the highest climate impact when the impacts were allocated per unit of mass, but in nFU-based comparison, some PBDs had higher impacts than cow’s milk. The results showed notable difference between fortified and unfortified PBDs, as the environmental impacts of unfortified PBDs were higher than impacts of milk when the comparison was based on nutrient content, while the environmental impacts of fortified drinks were lower than those of milk. Conclusions The index based on nutrients currently obtained from milk is the most suitable one for capturing the nutritional consequences of substituting milk with PBDs in the current diets. However, the other indices can bring additional information on the possible nutritional benefits in another decision-making situation. As nutrient fortification has substantial impact on the results, the role of fortification in sustainable foods should be further evaluated and the methodological approaches to consider fortification in nLCA advanced.

Detection and Characterization of Visceral Anisakid Nematodes in Blue Whiting from Portuguese Waters.

This study employs molecular detection techniques, including conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing, to investigate the prevalence, species composition and public health implications of Anisakid nematodes in blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) caught off the Portuguese coast. With Portugal's high fish consumption rates and increasing preference for raw or undercooked seafood, the risk of parasitic infections, particularly anisakidosis, is rising. Fifty blue whiting fish were examined, showing a 100% infection rate with Anisakid larvae. Molecular analysis identified 68.1% of the larvae as Anisakis simplex, 18.1% as Anisakis pegreffii, and 13.8% as Hysterothylacium aduncum, marking the first report of H. aduncum in blue whiting in Portugal. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA and ITS-2 confirmed the species classification. Notably, 42.9% of the fish were infected with multiple Anisakid species, increasing the risk of allergenic sensitization. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between fish width and parasitic load, and a weak negative correlation was found between fish length and parasitic load. The study contributes to food safety by integrating molecular tools that enable rapid and accurate species identification, offering new insights into the detection of biological contaminants in seafood. These findings are significant considering the rising trend in raw seafood consumption, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced detection strategies and broader parasite monitoring programs to mitigate public health risks. The high prevalence of parasitized fish highlights the necessity for the implementation of safe cooking practices to reduce the risk of anisakidosis. Further research into the allergenic potential of Hysterothylacium spp. and the ecological factors influencing this nematode distribution is recommended.

Ensemble learning and deep learning-based defect detection in power generation plants

Abstract One of the key factors driving a country’s economic development and ensuring the sustainability of its industries is the constant availability of electricity. This is normally provided by the national grid. However, the power supply is not always stable in developing countries where new businesses, including the telecommunications industry, are constantly emerging. Therefore, they must rely on generators to ensure their full functionality. These generators rely on fuel to function, and consumption is usually high if not properly monitored. Monitoring is usually done by a (non-expert) human. This can sometimes be a tedious process, as some companies have reported excessively high consumption rates. For anomaly detection in power generating plants, the studies by Mulongo et al. and Atemkeng and Jimoh used the same dataset to train a multilayer perceptron (MLP) and generative adversarial networks (GANs), respectively, achieving an accuracy of 96.1% with MLP and 98.9% with GAN. Through comparative analysis and the use of ensemble learning techniques, we found that ensemble learning models outperform both MLP and GAN as proposed by Mulongo et al. and Atemkeng and Jimoh using the same dataset. Furthermore, we investigated the potential of autoencoders to outperform MLPs, GANs, and ensemble learning models. To this end, we have introduced a label-assisted autoencoder approach for detecting anomalies in power-generating plants. This model includes a labelling assistance module that adjusts the thresholds. Our results indicate that the label-assisted autoencoder outperforms the MLP. However, GANs and all ensemble learning models outperformed the label-assisted autoencoder. Nevertheless, the use of a label-assisted autoencoder offers a distinct advantage in categorizing anomalies based on their severity, a capability not present in ensemble learning models and GANs.

Improvement of succinate production from methane by combining rational engineering and laboratory evolution in Methylomonas sp. DH-1

Recently, methane has been considered a next-generation carbon feedstock due to its abundance and it is main component of shale gas and biogas. Methylomonas sp. DH-1 has been evaluated as a promising industrial bio-catalyst candidate. Succinate is considered one of the top building block chemicals in the agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, succinate production by Methylomonas sp. DH-1 was improved by combining adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) technology with genetic engineering in the chromosome of Methylomonas sp. DH-1, such as deletion of bypass pathway genes (succinate dehydrogenase and succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase) or overexpression of genes related with succinate production (citrate synthase, pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase). Through ALE, the maximum consumption rate of substrate gases (methane and oxygen) and the duration maintaining high substrate gas consumption rates was enhanced compared to those of the parental strain. Based on the improved methane consumption, cell growth (OD600) increased more than twice, and the succinate titer increased by ~ 48% from 218 to 323 mg/L. To prevent unwanted succinate consumption, the succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase gene was deleted from the genome. The first enzyme of TCA cycle (citrate synthase) was overexpressed. Pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, which produce oxaloacetate, a substrate for citrate synthase, were also overproduced by a newly identified strong promoter. The new strong promoter was screened from RNA sequencing data. When these modifications were combined in one strain, the maximum titer (702 mg/L) was successfully improved by more than three times. This study demonstrates that successful enhancement of succinic acid production can be achieved in methanotrophs through additional genetic engineering following adaptive laboratory evolution.

Household Consumption of Adequately Iodized Salt: A Multi-Country Analysis of Socioeconomic Disparities.

Despite global efforts to promote universal salt iodization, iodine deficiency remains a public health issue in developing countries. This study assessed the proportion and sociodemographic characteristics of households consuming adequately iodized salt in 49 low- and middle-income countries. Data from DHS surveys of 49 low- and middle-income countries (2005-2021) were used to analyze household iodized salt prevalence. R version 4.0 was employed for statistical analyses. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate overall and regional prevalence. We found that 83.4% of households consume adequately iodized salt, although with high heterogeneity (I2 = 100.0%). The East Asia and Pacific and the Europe and Central Asia regions showed high consumption rates of 87.6% and 87.7%, respectively, while Latin America and the Caribbean presented a significantly lower proportion of 30.8%. The study highlights the need for enhanced public health strategies to increase iodized salt consumption, especially in low-income and rural households. Addressing disparities in access, education, and affordability is crucial for improving iodine intake and preventing deficiency disorders, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Salivary Metabolic Pathway Alterations in Brazilian E-Cigarette Users.

In recent years, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) has increased. However, their long-term effects on oral health and saliva remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the saliva of e-cig users and investigate possible biomarkers. Participants were divided into two groups: the Electronic Cigarette Group (EG)-25 regular and exclusive e-cig users-and Control Group (CG)-25 non-smokers and non-e-cig users, matched in sex and age to the EG. The clinical analysis included the following parameters: age, sex, heart rate, oximetry, capillary blood glucose, carbon monoxide (CO) concentration in exhaled air, and alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of saliva included sialometry, viscosity, pH, and cotinine concentrations. Furthermore, the EG and CG salivary metabolomes were compared using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. The MetaboAnalyst 6.0 software was used for statistical analysis and biomarker evaluation. The EG showed high means for exhaled CO concentration and AUDIT but lower means for oximetry and salivary viscosity. Furthermore, 10 metabolites (isoleucine, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, 3-phenyl-lactic acid, linoleic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 1,6-anhydroglucose, glucuronic acid, valine, stearic acid, and elaidic acid) were abundant in EG but absent in CG. It was concluded that e-cig users had high rates of alcohol consumption and experienced significant impacts on their general health, including increased cotinine and CO concentration in exhaled air, decreased oximetry, and low salivary viscosity. Furthermore, they showed a notable increase in salivary metabolites, especially those related to inflammation, xenobiotic metabolism, and biomass-burning pathways.

Tensile strength of friction stir additive manufactured laminated AA 6061/TiC/GS composites

Abstract With the fast progress of industrial manufacturing, friction stir additive manufacturing has fascinated wide-ranging consideration in the industry due to high material consumption rate. Friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM), a newly developed solid-phase additive manufacturing technique was employed to fabricate AA6061/TiC/GS composite. The process parameters like tool rotational speed, transverse speed, tool tilt angle and type of tools used in friction stir additive manufacturing were analyzed. Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array and ANOVA method was used to find the optimum process parameters for the tensile strength. Development characteristics of stirred zone, recrystallization and mixing of reinforced particles will significantly improve the mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. Microstructural investigation and fractography was done by using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Corrosion, wear behavior and elemental analysis through EDS was also performed for the fabricated material. The maximum tensile strength of 385.74 MPa was attained under optimal parameters of the tool rotational speed 1,200 rpm, transverse speed 55 mm min−1, and tool tilt angle of 1° for scrolled tapered octagonal tool pin. The findings of the linear regression model showed a minor variance between model and experimental values. Prominent results of the experiment were compared by few other researcher’s findings working in similar area.

Dopamine‐modified Highly Dispersed ZIF‐8 to Promote CO2 Absorption

AbstractCO2 capture technology has been widely used to reduce CO2 emissions, resulting in a variety of capture methods and materials. Among them, the more widely used is the chemical absorption method. However, the chemical absorption method has problems such as high energy consumption and slow absorption rate. In order to solve the above problems, we prepared an effective catalyst to improve the CO2 absorption rate. ZIF‐8 and hydrophilic ZIF‐8‐DA were prepared by in situ synthesis under ambient conditions. The catalytic effect of the hydration reaction of ZIF‐8 and ZIF‐8‐DA was tested using CO2 absorption regeneration experiments under aqueous and alkaline conditions, respectively. The results showed that the synthesized catalysts could significantly enhance the CO2 absorption in water and alkaline solution. The addition of 0.1 wt % of ZIF‐8 in alkaline solution increased the average CO2 absorption by 1.80–15.84 %, respectively, while the addition of 0.1 wt % of ZIF‐8‐DA increased the CO2 absorption by 7.01–25.36 %. In addition, both catalysts had excellent reusability and maintained high performance even after five absorption and regeneration cycles. Polymer dispersibility index (PDI) results showed that ZIF‐8‐DA dispersed more uniformly in aqueous solution.

The Role of Agricultural Technology in Attaining Food Security among Small Farmers in Char Area in Mymensingh District

Farmers in the char areas of Bangladesh are frequently affected by food insecurity due to their low engagement in modern agriculture such as less use of modern agricultural technology. This study evaluates the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample farmers to assess their nutritional status and the factors influencing char dwellers' dietary diversity. Survey data were collected from 70 households, and focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire from Nilokhiya char under the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh. An OLS regression model was used to estimate the influence of socioeconomic characteristics of sample households on the decision on factors influencing dietary diversity. The farming type of the farmers is another concern of this study where results show that 90% of farmers in the char areas rely on rice and vegetable farming, whereas more than 60% of the farmers are also involved in livestock and poultry farming at the same time. The nutritional status of char farmers shows that their diet includes a variety of foods but is deficient insufficient protein and healthy fats, which could have an impact on their overall nutrition. Cereals are a staple in the diet, as indicated by the high consumption rate (97.1%) and the substantial average intake (2.30 kg/day). Every household consumes fruits, though in smaller quantities (0.28 kg/day). Eggs are less frequently consumed (57.1%) despite a higher intake (2.64 kg/day). Dietary diversity has a strong positive correlation with supply (.913) at a 1 % significant level which means that efficient supply chains minimize delays, reduce spoilage, and ensure a continuous flow of food to markets to ensure food security. A positive correlation with total income (.373) leads to a higher total income also supports greater dietary diversity. Credit was significant at a 5% level (.267) indicating that a 1 % increase in credit leads to an increase in dietary diversity by 267%. On the contrary, Experience has a negative relationship with dietary diversity which means that experience does not influence food security. Lack of transport and communication, environmental hazards, and natural disasters are the most significant problems faced by the farmers in the char area.

Effect of Casing Diameter on Some Qualitative Properties of Smoked Heat-Treated Sucuk Stored in Cold under Modified Atmosphere Conditions

Heat-treated fermented sausages have a high consumption rate among meat products. In this study, the effects of different casing diameters on the some quality characteristics of smoked heat-treated sucuk stored in cold under modified atmosphere conditions were investigated. For this purpose, smoked heat-treated sucuk were produced by filling fibrous casings with three different diameters (45 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm). Following production, samples packaged in modified atmosphere conditions were examined for microbial, physical-chemical and sensory properties during cold storage (90 days at 4°C). According to the results, casing diameter did not affect the pH value of the product, while water activity, TBARS value, residual nitrite content, and L*, a*, and b* values were significantly affected by the casing diameter (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, sensory scores of colour, taste and overall acceptability as well as lactic acid bacteria and micrococci/staphylococci were also significantly affected by the casing diameter factor. (P &lt; 0.05). The storage factor had a significant effect on pH, L* value, TBARS value, and residual nitrite content at a P &lt; 0.05 level. Moreover, it was found that the storage factor significantly affected the odor and lactic acid bacteria count.