Higher Values Research Articles

Molecular Composition of Humic Acids and Soil Organic Matter Stabilization Rate of the First Arctic Carbon Measurement Supersite “Seven Larches”

In the framework of the implementation of the all-Russian climatic project “Carbon measurement test sites”, reference soils of “Seven Larches” carbon supersite, which is a benchmark and the only monitoring site in the Artistic latitudes, were investigated. The morphological structure of representative soils was specified, and it was found that soils are classified as Cryosols of different types (Histic, Stagnic or Gleyic). The basic physico-chemical characteristics of the soils were studied. By means of elemental analysis and 13C NMR spectroscopy, the composition and molecular structure of humic acids from organic and mineral soil horizons were studied. The surface (organic) soil horizons are characterized by high values of H:C molar ratios (1.2–1.3), which indicates a lower degree of the molecular structure aromaticity of humic acids from organic soil horizons. Analysis of the molecular structure of humic acids by 13C NMR spectroscopy showed that humic acids of the studied soils are characterized by the predominance of non-substituted aliphatic (0–47 ppm) and aromatic (108–164 ppm) fragments. Mineral soil horizons are characterized by higher stabilization of organic matter (with lower SOC content—0.5–0.9%) and higher hydrophobicity of humic acid molecules. Comparison of the obtained results with previously published data on the structural and elemental composition of humic acids isolated from soils of similar genesis and geographical location did not reveal any significant differences between the data obtained by us and previously published data. Thus, for “Seven Larches” carbon supersite “reference” parameters of elemental composition of humic acids, their molecular composition and degree of stabilization of soil organic matter were identified.

Trends in atmospheric water vapour over the Thar Desert during Indian Summer Monsoon period of 2003-2020.

The Thar is the most densely populated desert in the world, which supports diverse ecosystems and human endeavours such as agriculture and socioeconomic activities. Water demand and supply in the Thar play an essential role in regulating the socioeconomic activities of the region. Inland water and precipitation aid the movement of water in the Thar Desert. Precipitation in the Thar is governed by the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM), during which the winds distribute water vapour to regulate precipitation across the region. Therefore, we analyse the water vapour, its sources and its relation with precipitation using satellite measurements and reanalysis data in the Thar during ISM. Like other regions, a clear seasonal cycle of water vapour is observed in the Thar, with very high values (> 45 kg/m2) during ISM and low in winter (< 15 kg/m2). Evapotranspiration and moisture transport have significant effects on the amount of water vapour during ISM. There is a significant increase in water vapour in the troposphere, with high trends at the surface (0.032 g/kg/year) and small at the tropopause (0.00002 g/kg/year). A significant increase in column water vapour is also estimated in the Thar during ISM, with high trends in the eastern and southern areas, at about 0.15-0.35 kg/m2/year. The rise in water vapour in the Thar can be attributed to the increase in evapotranspiration (0.03-0.07 mm/day/year) and water vapour transport (> 0.5 kg/m/s/year) from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The rise in water vapour can lead to an increase in precipitation in the Thar, as it shows significant positive trends (0.05-0.1 mm/day/year) in the eastern areas during ISM. The increase in precipitation and water vapour in the arid Thar Desert can have significant implications for the regional environment and agriculture.

Harvesting high-performance electro-water oxidation and selective MB degradation through dual functional Gd2O3–La2O3 photo-electrocatalysts

Interestingly, catalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline medium with minimizing the overpotential is the most trustworthy electrocatalyst for the output of hydrogen energy from copious water electrochemical activity. Currently, amalgamated trivalent cations metal oxides have gained desirability as a low-cost anode electrocatalyst to replace noble metal-supported electrocatalysts for water oxidation and are also used for photo-degradation applications. In the present work, we have successfully synthesized Gd2O3 supported La2O3 composites via hydrothermal pathways for efficient OER and selective methylene blue (MB) degradation applications. XRD, UV–Vis DRS, FT-IR, XPS, SEM-EDX, HR-TEM, DLS, and BET analyzers confirmed the successful synthesis of photo-electrocatalysts. Gd2O3–La2O3 composites achieved 5.66 and 3.37-fold larger surface areas than La2O3 and Gd2O3, respectively. The results of the Gd2O3 supported La2O3 composite electrode demonstrated better OER performance under 1 M KOH, and it exhibited a lower Tafel slope and overpotential of 72 mV dec−1 and 310 mV at 10 mA cm−2. A chronoamperometry examination confirms that the fabricated Gd2O3–La2O3 electrode has good stability at a fixed potential of 1.540 V vs. RHE for water oxidation. Although the, Gd+3 inspired La2O3 electrode actively takes part in OER activity owing to its high Cdl value of 40.222 μF cm−2. The selective degradation of MB dye using the Gd2O3–La2O3 composite achieved an acceptable degradation efficiency of 84.80 % compared to other pollutants under UV-light irradiation for 120 min, and the specified pH condition is 9 for the degradation of MB dye, and it follows the first-order kinetics model. Notably, post-OER and photocatalytic results exhibited good stability and reusability characteristics. Therefore, the Gd2O3–La2O3 catalyst can be used for real-time water oxidation and MB dye removal from polluted water.

Comprehensive assessment of postoperative recurrence and survival in patients with cervical cancer

BackgroundThe prediction of postoperative recurrence and survival in cervical cancer patients has been a major clinical challenge. The combination of clinical parameters, inflammatory markers, intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI), and MRI-derived radiomics is expected to support the prediction of recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-free survival (DFS), tumor-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients after surgery. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 181 cervical cancer patients with continuous follow-up was completed. The parameters of IVIM-DWI and radiomics were measured, analyzed, and screened. The LASSO regularization was used to calculate the radiomics score (Rad-score). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct nomogram models for predicting postoperative RFS, DFS, CSS, and OS in cervical cancer patients, with internal and external validation. ResultsClinical stage, parametrial infiltration, internal irradiation, D-value, and Rad-score were independent prognostic factors for RFS; Squamous cell carcinoma antigen, internal irradiation, D-value, f-value and Rad-score were independent prognostic factors for DFS; Maximum tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, platelets, D-value and Rad-score were independent prognostic factors for CSS; Lymph node metastasis, systemic inflammation response index, D-value and Rad-score were independent prognostic factors for OS. The AUCs of each model predicting RFS, DFS, CSS, and OS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.985, 0.929, 0.910 and 0.833, 0.818, 0.816 and 0.832, 0.863, 0.891 and 0.804, 0.812, 0.870, respectively. ConclusionsNomograms based on clinical and imaging parameters showed high clinical value in predicting postoperative RFS, DFS, CSS, and OS of cervical cancer patients and can be used as prognostic markers.

Intrinsic oxidase-mimicking activity of nitrite upon visible light illumination and its colorimetric detection in saliva

Small molecules with enzyme-like properties have recently attracted considerable attention. Herein, we discovered that nitrite possesses intrinsic oxidase-mimicking activity upon visible light, catalyzing the oxidation of the typical chromogenic substrate in the absence of H2O2. Notably, nitrite exhibited a markedly high value of Kcat, approximately 4, 7, and 4000-fold greater than that of Acr+-Mes, Eosin Y, and Diacetyl, respectively. Comprehensive investigation elucidated that O2•⁻ and •OH are the primary reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride hydrate (TMB). Leveraging the linear correlation between the absorbance of oxidized TMB (oxTMB) at 652 nm and nitrite concentration, a simple colorimetric approach for nitrite detection was successfully established in the range of 1–75 μM with a detection limit of 0.14 μM. Moreover, the proposed strategy could be applied to determine the nitrite concentration in saliva, exhibiting a great prospect for clinical diagnosis. This work contributes novel insights into the exploration of small-molecule enzyme mimics.

Synergizing sugarcane waste valorization: Optimization of two-stage anaerobic co-digestion for enhanced methane recovery and organic matter removal

Multiple strategies have been used in anaerobic digestion of effluents aiming to enhance the efficiency of the methane (CH4) recovery process, where co-digestion and the two-stage process emerge as prominent methods. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the co-digestion of sugarcane vinasse and molasse in a two-stage process using anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBR), verifying the effect of increasing the organic loading rate (OLR) (5–22.5 kg COD.m−3.d−1) and temperature in the second stage methanogenic reactor. Regarding the two-stage process, sugarcane vinasse and molasses fermentation demonstrated the maximum energy potential (E.P) of 57.08 kJ.d−1 (7.5 g COD.L−1). Regarding the methanogenic sequential reactors, organic matter removal reached high values (up to 84.5 % in a thermophilic sequential reactor (TSR); up to 84.5 % in a mesophilic sequential reactor (MSR)). The highest CH4 yield (MY) of 306.77 ± 38.84 mL CH4.g−1 COD rem was observed in MSR (9 kg COD.m−3.d−1). Meanwhile, the maximum value of MPR (3.8 ± 0.5 L CH4.L−1.d−1) was observed in TSR (21 kg COD.m−3.d−1). Regarding the Archaea domain, a predominance of hydrogenotrophic microorganisms could be identified, in which the genera Methanobacterium and Methanothermobacter were the most abundant in MSR and TSR, respectively. This study demonstrates that anaerobic digestion of sugarcane vinasse and molasses enhances anaerobic treatment using two-stage AFBRs. It not only produces CH4 but also generates hydrogen and high-value products through an acidogenic reactor. This research marks a significant advancement in managing sugarcane processing by-products, offering promising approaches to maximize biogas production and improve pollutant removal efficiency.

Gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs: Distributions and implications for available models

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) existing in the atmosphere in the gas and particulate phase, remain persistent for a long time and pose a high risk to the environment and human health. In this study, PCDD/F measurements were made in an urban area between June 2022 and April 2023. In order to understand the fate of PCDD/Fs, the gas/particle (G/P) partitioning was studied. Although various models have been developed to determine the G/P partitioning of SVOCs, only logKp-logPL0, Junge-Pankow and Harner-Bidleman models are generally used for PCDD/Fs. In this study, nine different models (Junge-Pankow, Harner-Bidleman, Dachs-Eisenreich, Li-Ma-Yang, pp-LFER, mp-pp-LFER, QSPR, logKp-logPL0, logKp-logKOA) were employed to determine the G/P partitioning. To the best of our knowledge, pp-LFER, mp-pp-LFER and QSPR models were evaluated for PCDD/Fs for the first time in this study. In addition, the performance of the models within the equilibrium (EQ), non-equilibrium (NE) and maximum partitioning (MP) domain was investigated for PCDD/Fs for the first time in this study. Accordingly, models based on absorption in the EQ domain, adsorption in the NE domain and adsorption and absorption mechanisms in the MP domain were found to be effective in explaining the G/P transitions. It was determined that there is no equilibrium situation in the G/P partitioning. The Junge-Pankow, pp-LFER, Li-Ma-Yang and QSPR models under-predicted the particle fraction values while the other models showed a high prediction profile. The Li-Ma-Yang model showed the closest results to the measured particle fraction values, and it determined that deposition mechanisms are of non-negligible importance in the G/P partitioning of PCDD/Fs. One of the new models, the pp-LFER model, has shown remarkable success at high logKOA values. The mp-pp-LFER model, which overestimated the contribution of the adsorption mechanism, showed a very high prediction profile compared to the measured values.

Relative Value of Immunohistochemistry in Detection of Mycobacterial Antigen in Suspected Cases of Tuberculosis in Tissue Section.

Due to its infectious nature, complex immunological response, chronic progression, and the necessity for long-term treatment, tuberculosis has always been a major health burden. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has the capacity to highlight the occurrence of mycobacterial antigens for tissue diagnosis. This study was conducted to understand the advantage of immunostaining over culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 samples of suspected cases of tuberculosis. Specimens received were fixed in 10% formalin and processed; 3-5 µm thick sections were made from paraffin block, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, and immunohistochemistry. Culture was done using Lowenstein-Jensen medium. Immunohistochemistry was interpreted as fine granular brownish cytoplasmic, coarse granular brownish cytoplasmic, and bacillus staining. Out of the 30 samples studied, 12 (40.0%) were culture positive while 20 (66.7%) of them were IHC positive. Immunohistochemistry showed 17 granulomatous lesions of which 11 (55.0%) were well-formed granulomas. The sensitivity and negative predictive value were found to be high with immunohistochemistry, while specificity and positive predictive value were found to be on the lower side. Among the 20 positive IHC cases, the degree of staining was fine granular cytoplasmic staining in 13 cases (65.0%) and coarse granular staining in 7 cases (35.0%). Immunohistochemistry is a reliable test with high sensitivity as well as high negative predictive value which can be done rapidly for establishing an etiological diagnosis of tuberculosis in histologic specimens.

Effects of undescribed iridoids in Patrinia punctiflora on insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

Patrinia punctiflora is a medical and edible Chinese herb with high nutritional and medicinal value. The continuing study of its chemical constituents led to the isolation of six iridoids, which were previously unreported compounds, patriscabioins PU (1–6). Their structures were characterized and confirmed with NMR (1D & 2D), HRMS, IR and UV. Among them, compound 5 was screened to evaluate its insulin resistance activity on an IR-HepG-2 cell model. Compound 5 had no cytotoxicity compared with the control group and could promote glucose uptake in IR-HepG-2 cells. Through further mechanism studies, the undescribed compound 5 could increase the expression levels of PI-3 K, p-AKT, GLUT4 and p-GSK3β proteins. Moreover, the expression of PEPCK and G6Pase proteins, which are key gluconeogenic enzymes, was also inhibited. Thus, compound 5 promotes the transfer of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane by activating the PI-3 K/AKT signaling pathway, at the same time, promotes glycogen synthesis and inhibits the onset of gluconeogenesis, which in turn ameliorates insulin resistance.

Diagnostic Value of Hepcidin in Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To investigate the diagnostic value of hepcidin for sepsis diagnosis. Methods: The relevant literature on hepcidin for sepsis diagnosis published up to October 20, 2023, was systematically searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and China Knowledge Network databases. Two researchers screened the literature and extracted relevant data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Meta-analysis and calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were performed using State16 and Review Manager 5.3 software. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted, and the respective area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the accuracy of hepcidin. Publication bias was evaluated using Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test. Results: Overall, 1047 patients from 8 studies were included (625 patients with sepsis and 422 controls). The quality of the literature was relatively moderate. Meta-analysis demonstrated the presence of heterogeneity in the data (I2 > 50%, P < .05), and a randomized model was employed to combine the diagnostic indicators. Regarding its accuracy for sepsis diagnosis, hepcidin demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.94) and specificity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.76-0.97). The diagnostic odds ratio was 69.00 (95% CI: 19.00-253.00), and the ROC curve revealed an AUC of 0.95. Additionally, Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test demonstrated absence of publication bias. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested that hepcidin has a high diagnostic value in sepsis and may be a valuable diagnostic tool.

Combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and hyperspectral imaging for identification of adulterated Safflower seed oil

Safflower seed oil (SSO), a crucial edible oil, occupies a significant position in human diet due to its unique nutritional components. However, because of its high economic value, SSO has become a primary target for food adulteration. To rapidly and effectively detect the concentration of adulterants in SSO, a research approach using hyperspectral imaging and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was proposed as technical means, employing machine learning as the methodology. Specifically, different preprocessing methods were compared, with median filtering (MF) selected for spectral data to significantly reduce noise and improve the robustness and generalization ability of the model. Regarding the selection of feature bands, bands around 440 nm, 530 nm, and 880 nm – 950 nm were identified as more favorable for establishing a predictive model for the concentration of adulterants in SSO, while also shortening the modeling time. By constructing an ensemble learning model with ridge regression (Ridge) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) as base models and LightGBM as the meta-model, achieving high-precision prediction of the concentration of adulterants in SSO. Furthermore, by jointly modeling the linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid measured by GC-MS with hyperspectral data, the model's R2 was improved to 0.976, highlighting its outstanding performance. Therefore, this study identifies MF-Ridge-Stacking as the optimal model for predicting the concentration of adulterants in SSO. The research not only provides theoretical and technical support for adulteration identification but also presents a new method for predicting the concentration of adulterants in SSO, with potential practical application value.

Rethinking fish-friendliness of pumps by shifting focus to both safe and timely fish passage for effective conservation

Globally, catadromous freshwater eels of the genus Anguilla are of conservation concern, including critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Pumping stations that move river water to a higher elevation severely impact eels during their seaward spawning migration. Fish-friendly pumps can mitigate fish injury and mortality but here we uniquely rethink a fish-friendly pump as a fish passage solution. In this pluriannual study, the seasonal timing of pump operation was misaligned with the typical silver eel migration period. Eels were almost exclusively nocturnal but night-time pumping represented as little as 5.6% a year. Night-time eel approaches were primarily influenced by pump duration and temperature, but did not align with lunar phase, unlike in unregulated rivers. After reaching the pumping station, eel passage was influenced by weedscreen aperture and increased when the aperture was increased. Passive sensor collision suggested non-pump infrastructure could cause injury and mortality to eels. It is therefore recommended pump operation should align with the timing of silver eel migration, weedscreen and pump entrance efficiencies should be maximised, and non-pump infrastructure must have low fish injury risk. Ultimately, considering the entire structure a fish passage solution will help ensure fish-friendly pumps have high conservation value for anguillid eels globally.

Specnuezhenide ameliorates hepatic fibrosis via regulating SIRT6-Mediated inflammatory signaling cascades

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLigustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton is a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used with high hepatoprotective therapeutic and condition value. Specnuezhenide (SP), the standard prominent secoiridoid compound of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi may ameliorate hepatic inflammation in chronic liver diseases. Aim of the studyRegulating inflammation through SIRT6-P2X7R axis has caused the emergence of novel molecular mechanism strategies for reversing hepatic fibrosis. This study focused on the mechanism of SP in modulating the liver inflammatory microenvironment in hepatic fibrosis. Materials and methodsC57BL/6 mice with hepatic fibrosis were stimulated with thioacetamide (TAA) prior to administration of SP. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) or normal mouse primary hepatocytes were exposed to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) treatment. Meanwhile, normal mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with lipopolysaccharide/adenosine triphosphate (LPS/ATP), aiming to obtain the conditioned medium. HSCs and hepatocytes were transfected with SIRT6 knockdown vector (siRNA-SIRT6) to estimate the impact of SP on the SIRT6-P2X7R/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ResultsSP suppressed the HSCs extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine levels induced by the medium of BMDMs or TGF-β. In addition, SP also significantly up-regulated SIRT6, inhibited P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome in HSCs and hepatocytes, and functioned as MDL-800 (a SIRT6 agonist). SP reduced the hepatocytes pyroptosis and further prevented the occurrence of inflammatory response in the liver. SP could inhibit the activation of BMDMs and impede IL-1β and IL-18 from entering extracellular regions. Moreover, deficiency of SIRT6 in HSCs or hepatocytes reduced SP's regulation of P2X7R suppression. For TAA-treated mice, SP mitigated histopathological changes, ECM accumulation, EMT process, and NETs formation in hepatic fibrosis. ConclusionsTherefore, SP decreased inflammatory response via SIRT6-P2X7R/NLRP3 pathway and suppressed fibrillogenesis. These findings supported SP as the novel candidate to treat hepatic fibrosis.

Comprehensive analysis of phospholipids in pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds: Comparison with cashew nuts and almonds

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds have gained increasing attention due to their high nutraceutical value; however, data regarding the phospholipid (PL) profile of this oily seed are scarce. Through the combination of RPLC-MS/MS, HILIC-MS, and Paternò-Büchi photochemical reaction, we comprehensively characterized PLs in three accessions of pumpkin seeds. We identified a total of 183 PL molecular species across eight classes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) represents the most abundant class, followed by phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidic acid (PA). The total PL content is comparable to that of almonds and cashew nuts. In terms of PL structures, pumpkin seeds feature a higher abundance of C18:2-containing PL isomers, a preferential esterification of C18:1 and C18:2 at the sn-2 position as well as a predominant Δ9/Δ9,12 double bond locations for C18:1 and C18:2 respectively. This is the first systematic study on PLs of pumpkin seeds to our knowledge. Our findings add further evidence on the potential value of pumpkin seeds as a functional food or as a source material for making plant-based drink.

Best practices towards the digitization of 3D traces from virtual outcrop models

With the expanding application of virtual outcrop models (VOMs) within the geosciences, there is a growing need to establish standards for the digital measurement of geological discontinuities exposed therein. Such standards should be tailored towards the complexities of natural outcrops, where geological discontinuities often intersect the outcrop topography and are expressed as 3D traces. Digitizing geological discontinuities expressed as trace data is typically conducted manually via polyline interpolation along the exposed trace, with discontinuity orientation estimated through planar model fitting through the polyline's component nodes. Presently, establishing quality control for such measurements lacks standardization due to the absence of robust benchmarks, with the validity of the resultant orientation data heavily reliant on the experience of the interpreter.With the aim of bridging this gap, we present the results of the manual digitization and orientation estimation of bedding planes expressed as traces across seven natural outcrops. We use two digitization strategies: one employing a previewed best-fit plane during digitization and another without. The first digitization method is carried out by an expert user who visually filters data according to visual alignment with the intended bedding prior to best fit plane estimation. In contrast, the non-visually aided method mimics acquisition by a novice user, with no a priori data filtering based upon trace geometry with respect to the outcrop. Comparison of the results obtained by these ‘expert’ and ‘novice’ acquisition modes is aimed at building benchmarks and best practices. Specifically, we analyze parameters derived from the digitized traces and their corresponding best-fit planes. We compare these parameters with the deviation of the best-fit plane from the mean orientation of the bedding surface as measured using visually-aided acquisition. Comparing these datasets reveals that visually-aided digitization yields more precise and accurate bedding measurements, characterized by traces with lower vertex collinearity. Notably, comparable results can be achieved in the non-visually assisted dataset by excluding traces with high node collinearity. Consequently, we provide robust benchmarks for trace collinearity and its relationship to best fit plane quality to aid the practical implementation of the results of this study. Furthermore, we supplement quantitative comparative analysis with recommended best practices for 3D trace digitization, such as ensuring high values of coplanarity, maintaining a quasi-constant node-to-node distance relative to the model's resolution, and ensuring a minimum number of nodes to guarantee the robustness of the fitted planar model. Critically, our study highlights the critical role tacit geological knowledge plays in the robustness of 3D trace digitization from virtual outcrop models.

Assessment and characterization of solid and hazardous waste from inorganic chemical industry: Potential for energy recovery and environmental sustainability

Rapid global urbanization and economic growth have significantly increased solid waste volumes, with hazardous waste posing substantial health and environmental risks. Co-processing strategies for industrial solid and hazardous waste as alternative fuels highlight the importance of integrated waste management for energy and material recovery. This study identifies and characterizes solid and hazardous industrial wastes with high calorific values from various industrial processes at Nirma Industries Limited. Nine types of combustible industrial wastes were analyzed: discarded containers (W1), plastic waste (W2), spent ion exchange resins from RO plants (W3), sludge from effluent treatment in soap plants (W4), glycerine foot from soap plants (W5), rock wool puff material (W6), fiber-reinforced plastic waste (W7), spent activated carbon (W8), and spent cartridges from reverse osmosis plants (W9). Physical characterization, proximate and ultimate analysis, heavy metal concentration evaluation, and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to assess their properties, revealing high calorific values exceeding 2500 kcal/kg. Notably, W1 and W2 exhibited the highest calorific values (∼10,870 kcal/kg), followed by W6 and W8 (∼6000 kcal/kg) and W9 (∼8727 kcal/kg). Safe heavy metal levels are safe, and high calorific values support the prospects of energy recovery and economic and environmental benefits, reducing landfill reliance and enhancing sustainable waste management.

An artificial intelligence approach to model and optimize biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using life cycle assessment and market dynamics analysis

Biodiesel has emerged as a viable alternative to fuel, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy option. The current study explores the modeling and optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using artificial intelligence and genetic algorithms. The study focuses on enhancing five process parameters: methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time, and stirring speed. The optimization of these parameters is complemented by a life cycle assessment to reduce environmental impact. The approach considers biodiesel yield, high heating value, and energy consumption as output variables, thereby advancing sustainable biodiesel production. The findings indicated that, under optimal conditions (methanol-to-oil ratio of 1:6.9, stirring rate of 500 rpm, reaction duration of 20 s, reaction temperature of 30 °C and catalyst concentration of 1), the transesterification process achieved the maximum biodiesel yield of 97.76 %. The optimization reached a low environmental impact in the production of biodiesel in an efficient way. Additionally, SWOT analysis helps to develop strategic methods that can enhance efficiency and increase competitiveness. The research suggests that, by optimizing the chemical process in biodiesel production, it is possible to achieve a high yield and high heating value of the biofuel, along with feasible environmental mitigation strategies.

Evaluation of the acute hepatitis B surveillance system in the Republic of Korea following the transition to mandatory surveillance.

The prevalence of hepatitis B in the Republic of Korea has declined, yet the disease burden persists. After various changes in targets and methods, the national hepatitis B surveillance system now exclusively monitors acute cases. We aimed to assess the alignment of this system with its intended purpose and to recommend improvements supporting the national strategic plan for viral hepatitis management. This study assessed acute hepatitis B cases reported to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency's mandatory surveillance system over a 10-year period (2013-2022). It evaluated 5 factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems: simplicity, positive predictive value, data quality, timeliness, and usefulness. The nonspecific nature of acute hepatitis B symptoms, along with the complexity of diagnostic criteria, indicated a high potential for misreporting. The surveillance system demonstrated a high positive predictive value (94.4%), with data quality and timeliness also rated high. However, data following the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic indicate the need for improvement. Moreover, given the relative importance of specific characteristics of chronic infectious diseases, only limited interventions are implementable through the current surveillance system. The evaluation of the Republic of Korea's acute hepatitis B surveillance system revealed high positive predictive value, data quality, and timeliness. However, improvements can be made in the misreporting of chronic cases and the system's usefulness. More accurate reflection of the characteristics of acute hepatitis B cases is essential for better management of viral hepatitis.

Effects of natural and mechanical drying processes on unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, estradiol, and physicochemical properties of Rana chensinensis ovum

Although Rana chensinensis Ovum (RCO) is enriched with high nutritional value, its quality varies due to the different drying methods used by farmers. This study aims to explore the impact of natural and mechanical drying methods on the nutritional compositions and physicochemical properties of RCO. Five different drying methods were studied, including blast drying (BD), mild breeze light drying (MBLD), natural air drying (NAD), vacuum heat drying (VHD), and vacuum freeze drying (VFD). The quality assessment was based on unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content, iodine value, estradiol, vitamin E, saponification value, thiobarbituric acid value (TBA), acid value, and antioxidant properties. The results showed that VFD had higher UFA content and lower acid value (139.950 ± 0.397 mg · g−1) and TBA value (0.097 ± 0.003) than others. VFD and NAD had higher iodine values (147.166 ± 1.475 and 146.803 ± 1.209, respectively) than others. There were no significant differences in estradiol, vitamin E, peroxide value and the clearance rates of ABTS+ free radicals and DPPH• free radicals with different drying methods. The findings will provide valuable insights into the industrialization of RCO.Graphical

Factors contributing to stillbirth in young hyper-prolific sows in a tropical free-farrowing system.

The present study investigated factors associated with the incidence of stillbirth in young hyper-prolific sows within free farrowing systems in tropical environments. A total of 714 live-born and 54 stillborn piglets from 57 Landrace × Yorkshire sows, with an average parity of 2.7 ± 1.0 (range: 1 - 4), were comprehensively investigated. Reproductive variables of the sows, including gestation length, farrowing duration, the total number of piglets born per litter, and the birth order and status of each piglet, were recorded. Differences in the physiological characteristics of live-born and stillborn piglets, such as birth interval, cumulative birth interval, body weight at birth, crown-rump length, body mass index (BMI), ponderal index (PI), meconium staining score, and the percentage of piglets with a broken umbilical cord, were analysed. Piglets were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of birth order (Q1-Q4). On average, the duration of farrowing was 173.3 ± 85.9 min, and the total number of piglets born and number of piglets born alive-per litter were 14.1 ± 3.8 and 12.5 ± 3.5, respectively. The incidence of stillbirth was 6.7% (54/801 piglets). The higher percentages of stillbirths were detected in sows with large litter sizes (≥17 piglets, 10.9%) compared to those with small (≤13 piglets, 6.1%) and moderate (14 - 16 piglets, 2.8%) litter sizes (p < .001). The incidences of stillbirth in Q3 and Q4 of the litters were higher than in Q1 and Q2 (p < .001). Compared to live-born piglets, stillborn piglets had higher cumulative birth interval (103.0 ± 3.71 vs. 142.4 ± 9.35 min, p < .001), BMI (17.1 ± 0.15 vs. 18.4 ± 0.39 kg/m2, p = .002), PI (63.7 ± 0.59 vs. 70.8 ± 1.59 kg/m3, p < .001), meconium staining scores (1.78 ± 0.04 vs. 2.04 ± 0.10, p = .021), and the percentage of piglets born with a ruptured umbilical cord (45.2% vs. 66.0%, p = .004). An increase in the incidence of stillbirth was detected at 60, 120, 150, 180, and ≥ 210 min after the first piglet was born, compared to those born within the first 30 min of farrowing (p < .05). In conclusion, the study found that stillbirths in young, hyper-prolific sows were linked to several factors: large litter sizes (≥17 piglets per litter), prolonged cumulative birth intervals (142.4 min), elevated BMI of 18.4 kg/m2, high PI values of 70.8 kg/m3, increased meconium staining scores, and a higher occurrence of ruptured umbilical cords. To reduce the risk of stillbirth, particularly among piglets with high body indices born later in the birthing process, it is recommended to enhance farrowing supervision for young sows, starting at a cumulative birth interval of 60 min.