Lower Negative Impact Research Articles

Thermal engineering and chemical kinetics of wood pellets torrefication

Relevance. The widespread distribution and availability of biomass in the regions of Russian Federation make it possible to consider it as a renewable energy source with a lower negative impact on the environment compared to fossil fuels, since biomass is recognized as a carbon-neutral fuel. The use of biomass as a fuel in the form of pellets is increasing, which provides increased density and heat value. At the same time, pellets as a fuel or as a technological raw material have a significant disadvantage – low hydrophobicity. This problem is solved by torrefaction – low-temperature pyrolysis at a temperature of 200–300°C to produce bio-carbon. The study of the wood pellets torrefaction in order to improve it is an urgent task. Aim. To identify the impact of the parameters of the torrefaction of wood pellets on the thermal characteristics of the product (the highest heat value of bio-coal) and the regime parameters of the process (mass and energy yields), as well as to determine the parameters of the chemical kinetics of low-temperature pyrolysis as the basis for mathematical modeling and development of efficient torrefaction reactors. Object. Torrefied coniferous wood pellets of domestic production (Moscow region). Methods. Experimental study of the low-temperature pyrolysis thermal characteristics; synchronous thermal analysis in an inert atmosphere. Results. It was found that during the torrefaction of wood pellets in an inert atmosphere, a change in the holding time in the range of 30–60 minutes does not significantly affect the higher heat value, mass and energy yield of bio-coal, while an increase in temperature from 250 to 300°C reduces mass and energy yield, and the higher heat value increases by 26%. The dynamics of mass loss and thermal effects when heated to 600°C at a rate of 10 K/min are determined by means of the synchronous thermal analysis. It is established that the chemical kinetics of the process is described by a generalized reaction of the order n=1.507, in the Arrhenius equation the activation energy E=71.25 kJ/mol, the pre-exponential factor A=4772 s–1.

Environmental innovation subjects: current legal challenges

Problem setting. Environmental innovation is a key element of a sustainable development strategy aimed at reducing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. They consist in the implementation of new technologies, processes, products or services that have a lower negative impact on nature compared to traditional solutions. A central aspect of environmental innovations is the participation of entities that contribute to their development and implementation. In all industrialized countries, innovation is one of the priority directions in government policy, because it is the basis of national independence and economic development. The state creates favorable conditions for innovative activity, forming uniform civilized rules and mechanisms that determine the development of all subjects of the innovation sphere. Analysis of recent researches and publications. In particular, in this area there were publications of legal scholars: G.V. Anisimova, V.L. Bredikhina, M.V. Krasnova, Yu. Yu. Bakai, D.V. Zadikhailo and others. Purpose of research consists in determining and making proposals to the current legislation in a certain topic. Article’s main body. The subjects of the modern market of ecological innovations are the state, enterprises, organizations, institutions, universities, foundations, natural persons (scientists and specialists), who ensure the processes of generation and distribution of ecological innovations Organizational and legal forms of innovative activity in the environmental sphere are technoparks, technopolises, business incubators, innovation centers, venture firms, consulting and analytical firms. Conclusions and prospects for development. Technoparks, in today’s world, the latter play a significant role in promoting the direct development of environmental innovations. Their existence is based on the creation of a favorable environment for interaction between scientific institutions, business and authorities with the aim of joint creation and implementation of new technologies of environmental direction. Science parks should contribute to the support of startups, the direction of which is primarily the development and implementation of environmental technologies, including the development of efficient renewable energy sources, waste-free / low-waste materials and other products aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment. Clusters, in turn, facilitate the concentration of enterprises operating in similar or complementary segments of the economy, thereby allowing them to jointly develop and implement environmental innovations through the exchange of knowledge and resources. Innovative business incubators have the opportunity to provide startups with financial support. It is about receiving grants, investments, etc. Such financial support will allow startups to work on their ideas, develop products and introduce them to the market. Second, business incubators can provide expert support. For example, business consulting, technical advice, marketing or product development support. Experts at the incubator guide startups through the various stages of development, from ideation to commercialization, helping them avoid common mistakes and use best practices.Industrial parks act also as one of the subjects of ecological innovation relations due to their ability to unite production enterprises in order to jointly implement ecological technologies and practices. They can be involved in the implementation of energyefficient technologies, renewable energy, the development and implementation of efficient use of water resources, as well as waste management. Industrial parks can create favorable conditions for cooperation between enterprises in the field of environmental research and development, as well as promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in this area. Thus, the main goal common to all these subjects is to promote the development and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies with the aim of preserving the environment, as well as ensuring sustainable development.

Simulation-Based Evaluation of the Impact of an Electrochromic Glazing on the Energy Use and Indoor Comfort of an Office Room

Electrochromic glazing alters its optical properties in the absence/presence of an electrical charge, varying from clear to dark to control daylighting and solar heat gains. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an electrochromic glazing, with indoor glare or temperature control, on the energy performance and thermal and visual comfort of an office room under three European climates, using a calibrated simulation model. The novelty of the paper lies in its combined performance assessment, using different standards and metrics. The results showed reduced climatization energy requirements with temperature control, but significantly increased artificial lighting energy use. Glare control achieved useful illuminance levels during 74–80% of working hours. Concerning temperature control, working hours within thermal comfort increased (21–43%) under a free-float regime. Moreover, the performance of this glazing was compared to that of a clear glazing with/without a reflective film and a thermochromic glazing for different solar orientations. The electrochromic glazing with glare control showed the highest energy savings (14–36%) for a western orientation, and the lowest negative impact on daylighting for a northern orientation. The best glare reduction was achieved with the reflective film. Considering the free-float regime, the electrochromic glazing, with temperature control, showed the highest increase in working hours within thermal comfort (6–9%) for a western orientation.

Harvest and decimation affect genetic drift and the effective population size in wild reindeer.

Harvesting and culling are methods used to monitor and manage wildlife diseases. An important consequence of these practices is a change in the genetic dynamics of affected populations that may threaten their long-term viability. The effective population size (N e) is a fundamental parameter for describing such changes as it determines the amount of genetic drift in a population. Here, we estimate N e of a harvested wild reindeer population in Norway. Then we use simulations to investigate the genetic consequences of management efforts for handling a recent spread of chronic wasting disease, including increased adult male harvest and population decimation. The N e/N ratio in this population was found to be 0.124 at the end of the study period, compared to 0.239 in the preceding 14 years period. The difference was caused by increased harvest rates with a high proportion of adult males (older than 2.5 years) being shot (15.2% in 2005-2018 and 44.8% in 2021). Increased harvest rates decreased N e in the simulations, but less sex biased harvest strategies had a lower negative impact. For harvest strategies that yield stable population dynamics, shifting the harvest from calves to adult males and females increased N e. Population decimation always resulted in decreased genetic variation in the population, with higher loss of heterozygosity and rare alleles with more severe decimation or longer periods of low population size. A very high proportion of males in the harvest had the most severe consequences for the loss of genetic variation. This study clearly shows how the effects of harvest strategies and changes in population size interact to determine the genetic drift of a managed population. The long-term genetic viability of wildlife populations subject to a disease will also depend on population impacts of the disease and how these interact with management actions.

Antimicrobial evaluation of silver nanoparticles using extracts of Crescentia cujete L.

New natural reducing agents with a lower negative impact on the environment and with a high antimicrobial potential are required for the process of obtaining silver nanoparticles through the chemical reduction method. The use of plant extracts can be a fast track in the formation of nanoparticles. In this case, organic compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, enzymes, proteins, and cofactors present in plants act as reducing agents for nanomaterials. This research evaluated the antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles from extracts of Crescentia cujete L. The presence of quercetin (flavonoid) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was established by green synthesis; the size and morphology of the nanomaterials were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The antimicrobial capacity was studied by two analysis methods: modified culture medium and surface seeding. The presence of quercetin (26.55 mg L-1) in the crude extract of Crescentia cujete L., identified by HPLC, was evidenced. Nanoparticle formation was spherical, with an average size of 250 ± 3 and 460 ± 6 nm. Microbiological cultures with treatment showed 94% microbial inhibition. It was concluded that the Crescentia cujete L., leaves shoed an acceptable concentration of quercetin to be used as a useful adjuvant to enhance the reduction of NPs synthesis. The nanoparticles produced by green synthesis proved to have a positive effect to combat pathogenic microorganisms.

Sustainable additive manufacturing of interference screws made from eco-friendly filament for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a sustainable manufacturing approach because it can lower emissions and have a lower negative impact on the environment. 3D-printed interference screws from poly-lactic acid, eco-friendly filament, by fused deposition modelling (FDM), were fabricated with different process parameters. The most popular technique for reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament is interference screw fixation. This study considered the role of the AM sustainability paradigm in terms of material input for FDM and product manufacturing. This study considered the role of the AM sustainability paradigm in terms of material input for FDM and process efficiency by investigating the effect of the AM process parameters, such as printing temperature (PT), printing speed (PS), and infill percentage (IP) on the density and stripping torque (ST). Later, the degradation profile of the screw was analyzed using the weight loss of screws. The experimental design of the fully factorial design was with two levels for each process parameter. The significant process parameters and their interactions were through statistical analysis of the resulting design. Results have shown that PT, PS, and IP significantly influenced the density and ST of 3D-printed interference screws. In five weeks, 3D-printed interference screws started to lose weight.

Free apps and paid apps: monetization strategies for health apps in the Portuguese market

PurposeThe rapid advancement of technology has transformed the health-care industry and enabled the emergence of m-Health solutions such as health apps. The viability and success of these apps depends on the definition of a monetization model appropriate to their specificities. In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to study the mechanisms of monetization of health apps, to stablish how alternative revenues determine if a health app is to be free or paid.Design/methodology/approachProbability models are used to identify the factors that explain if a health app is free or paid.FindingsResults show that the presence of alternative monetization mechanisms negatively impacts the likelihood of a health app being paid for. The use of personal data to customize advertising (the monetization of “privacy capital”) or the inclusion of ads on the app are alternative means of monetization with potential to decrease the likelihood of a health app being paid for. The possibility of in-app purchases has a lower negative impact on the probability of a health app being paid for. The choice of platform to commercialize an app is also a strategic decision that influences the likelihood of an app being paid for.Originality/valueThis work stands out for bringing together the two largest platforms present in Portugal and for focusing on the perspective of revenue and monetization of health apps and not on the perspective of downloads.

Can the Single-stapling Technique Following Intersphincteric Resection with Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision Become the New Standard Anastomosis?

For transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), the indication for single-stapling technique (SST) has been expanded to include lower anastomosis, even in intersphincteric resection (ISR). We focused on the anastomotic techniques following ISR with TaTME and examined the feasibility and safety of the SST below the anorectal junction (ARJ). Data on postoperative anastomosis-related complications and anorectal function was evaluated in comparison to conventional manual hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis in ISR with TaTME. We examined patients with 3-6 cm tumors from the anal verge who underwent ISR with TaTME between January 2018 and March 2020, and whose anastomotic line was located below the ARJ. Postoperative short-term outcomes and anorectal functions were compared. We also analyzed the effects of various factors on major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) using multivariate logistic regression analysis. In total, 87 patients-48 in the hand-sewn anastomosis group and 39 in the SST group-were included in this study. SST below the ARJ in ISR with TaTME did not exacerbate surgical outcomes, including anastomosis-related complications. The SST group had a significantly lower LARS score as compared to the hand-sewn anastomosis group, and the proportion of major LARS was significantly lower. Only hand-sewn anastomosis was identified as a statistically significant independent risk factor for major LARS. In TaTME, SST below the ARJ was safe and feasible and had a lower negative impact on postoperative anastomosis-related complications and anorectal function as compared to hand-sewn anastomosis. Thus, SST is a promising anastomotic option for patients with low-lying rectal tumors.

Low-carbon enhancement of fly ash geopolymer concrete: Lateral deformation, microstructure evolution and environmental impact

To provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cement-based concrete, the use of fly ash based geopolymer concrete (FGC) has been explored. However, FGC typically requires high-temperature curing to achieve optimal material performance, which results in significant energy consumption and carbon emissions, leading to negative environmental impacts. To address this issue, a small amount of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has been added to FGC, facilitating its setting and hardening at room temperature. At four different ages, a series of basic mechanical properties were tested, including Poisson's ratio. At 28 days, the resulting OPC-FGC has demonstrated comparable polymerization reactions and mechanical properties to heat-cured FGC, including lateral deformation ability and compressive behavior. Microscopic tests have shown that OPC-FGC has a denser matrix and a more reasonable pore structure distribution over time than heat-cured FGC. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment has indicated that OPC-FGC has a lower negative impact than heat-cured FGC. These findings suggest that OPC-FGC can be a viable substitute for conventional cement-based concrete, providing both mechanical properties and environmental benefits in engineering applications.

Sentinel Lymph Node Impact on the Quality of Life of Patients with Endometrial Cancer.

Given the improvement in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer with the inclusion of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), our aim was to evaluate the impact of this minimally invasive and tailored nodal assessment on patients' quality of life (QoL). This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a single-centre, tertiary-level hospital. Patients diagnosed with preoperative early-stage endometrial cancer, who underwent primary surgical treatment between August 2015 and November 2021, were included. The enrolled patients were divided into two cohorts according to the nodal staging performed: the first group underwent only SLNB (SLNB group); the second group underwent pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LND group). We evaluated the overall QoL using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life core 30-item questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and a sexual health questionnaire (EORTC SHQ-C20). The scores were compared between the groups. Ninety patients were enrolled in the study: 61 (67.8%) in the SLNB group and 29 (32.2%) in the LND group. In the LND group, 24 (82.7%) patients underwent pelvic and para-aortic LND, while 5 (17.3%) patients underwent pelvic LND. The assessment of the functional scales showed better results for the SLNB group than for the LND group, with a significantly lower impact on physical status (8.2% vs. 25%, respectively; p = 0.031). In terms of the symptom scales, the SLNB group reported a significantly lower negative impact on sleep quality (4.9% vs. 27.6%, respectively; p < 0.01), pain (1.6% vs. 13.8%, respectively; p = 0.019), and dyspnoea (0% vs. 10.3%, respectively; p = 0.011) than the LND group. The SLNB group had better results for all analysed items regarding sexual QoL. The implementation of a surgical technique with SLNB improved patients' overall QoL by increasing their well-being in the functional and symptom spheres.

Positive and negative survivor-specific psychosocial consequences of childhood cancer: the DCCSS-LATER 2 psycho-oncology study.

Numerous studies investigated generic psychosocial outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer (CCS). The present study aimed to describe survivor-specific psychosocial consequences in CCS, and to identify socio-demographic and medical associated factors. CCS from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort (diagnosed 1963-2001) part 2 (age ≥ 18years, diagnosed < 18years, ≥ 5years since diagnosis) completed the Benefit & Burden Scale (BBSC) and the Impact of Cancer-Childhood Cancer (IOC-CS). Items were scored on a 5-point Likert scale (range 1-5). We examined outcomes with descriptive statistics, and socio-demographic and medical associated factors with regression analyses, corrected for multiple testing (p< 0.004). CCS, N = 1713, age mean (M) 36years, 49% female, ≥ 15years since diagnosis, participated. On average, CCS reported 'somewhat' Benefit (M = 2.9), and 'not at all' to 'a little' Burden (M = 1.5) of childhood cancer. Average scores on IOC-CS' positive impact scales ranged from 2.5 (Personal Growth) to 4.1 (Socializing), and on the negative impact scales from 1.4 (Financial Problems) to 2.4 (Thinking/Memory).Apart from cognitive problems, CCS reported challenges as worries about relationship status, fertility, and how cancer had affected siblings. Female sex was associated with more Personal Growth, and more negative impact. CCS more highly educated, partnered, and employed had higher positive and lower negative impact. CCS older at diagnosis reported more positive impact. CNS tumor survivors and those who had head/cranium radiotherapy had higher negative impact. CNS tumor survivors reported less positive impact. The majority of CCS reported positive impact of cancer while most CCS reported little negative impact. While this may indicate resiliency in most CCS, health care providers should be aware that they can also experience survivor-specific challenges that warrant monitoring/screening, information provision and psychosocial support.

THERAPEUTIC USES OF TULSI ( OCIMUM SANCTUM ) IN ORAL LESIONS

Since ancient times, plants have been used for various medicinal purposes in treating various diseases. Oral diseases are among the major public health problems and the most common of the chronic diseases that affect mankind. The application of natural products for the control of oral diseases is considered an interesting alternative to synthetic antimicrobials due to their lower negative impact. Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) is a plant with enormous properties for curing and preventing diseases through its greater medicinal value. This article reviews the therapeutic role of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) in various oral lesions

Trajectories of distress from pregnancy to 15-months post-partum during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly burdened pregnant and postpartum women. It remains unclear how distress levels of pregnant and postpartum people have changed (or persisted) as the pandemic continues on and which factors may contribute to these trajectories of distress. This longitudinal study included 304 pregnant people, who were followed during pregnancy, 6-weeks, 6-months and 15-months postpartum. At each time point, a latent "distress" factor was estimated using self-reported depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress. Reported negative impact of COVID-19 and social support were assessed during pregnancy as risk and protective factors related to distress. Second-order latent growth curve modeling with a piecewise growth function was used to estimate initial levels and changes in distress over time. Mean distress was relatively stable from the pregnancy to 6-weeks postpartum and then declined from 6-weeks to 15-months postpartum. Higher education, greater social support, and lower negative impact of COVID-19 were associated with a lower distress during pregnancy. Unexpectedly, negative impact of COVID-19 was associated with a faster decrease in distress and more social support was associated with a greater increase in distress from pregnancy to 6-weeks postpartum. However, these effects became non-significant after controlling for distress during pregnancy. Findings indicate high but declining levels of distress from pregnancy to the postpartum period. Changes in distress are related to social support and the negative impact of the pandemic in pregnancy. Findings highlight the continued impact of COVID-19 on perinatal mental health and the need for support to limit the burden of this pandemic on pregnant people and families.

Green chemical analysis: main principles and current efforts towards greener analytical methodologies.

Green chemistry, green analytical chemistry and green sample preparation are related areas that have been developing since the 90s, aiming to moderate the adverse impacts of chemical practices on the environment and human health. Presently, a set of green principles has been established, which is a collection of rules that need to be followed to perform chemical practices with a lower negative impact on the environment. Herein, we comprehensively review green chemical analysis by combining historical aspects and ongoing efforts of green analytical methodologies. Through four systematically designed chapters, information is presented on the aspects of green analytical chemistry, including its fundamentals, metrics, modern strategies and future trends.

ODP608 Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Experiencing Different Models of Care in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background Little is known about the model of care affecting quality of life(QoL)and treatment satisfaction among people with type 1 diabetes(PWT1D). Objectives To compare QoL, treatment satisfaction and cardiometabolic indices among PWT1D receiving different care models in Saudi Arabia. Methods QoL was measure using Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life(ADDQoL) and treatment satisfaction was measure using Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version(DTSQs). Out of 177 respondents to internet validated Arabic versions of ADDQoL and DTSQs,105 are receiving care at specialized diabetes clinics(SDC), whereas 72 are receiving traditional care at general endocrine clinics(GEC). In SDC,where care is delivered jointly by an interdisciplinary team,PWT1D are evaluated from their first visit simultaneously and thereafter as recommended by 6 care providers: diabetes specialist,educator,podiatrist,nutritionist,optometrist, and mental health specialist, while in GEC, PWT1D will be followed every 6-12months and referred to other services as needed where referrals require a long waiting period. ADDQoL and DTSQs scores,sociodemographic characteristics, and cardiometabolic indices were compared between the two groups. The association between patients’ characteristics and their ADDQoL and DTSQs scores were examined. Results Among the respondents,109(61.6%)females,132(74.6%)never married,136(76.8%) belongs to age group(18-30)years old, with a mean duration of diabetes(11.4±7.5years). Both groups are comparable across nearly all sociodemographic characteristics except for half of the SDC attendees reported higher income categories(≥10000 Saudi Riyals)(51.4%vs. 23.6%,p&amp;lt;0. 001). Compared to participants in GEC, larger proportion of participants in SDC use insulin pump(29% vs. 0%, p&amp;lt;0. 0001),continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)(73.3%vs. 13.9%, p&amp;lt;0. 0001),have higher body mass index(26.3±6.4 kg/m2vs. 24.1±5.1 kg/m2,p=0. 016),and lower HbA1c(8.3±1.6%vs. 9.3±2.4%, p=0. 004). Receiving care in SDC is associated with higher DTSQs score(30.5±5.1vs. 26.2±7.9, p&amp;lt;0. 0001),lower level of negative impact of diabetes on ADDQoL score(-2.2±1.9vs. -3.5±2.4, p&amp;lt;0. 0001). Irrespective of clinic type, using insulin pump and CGM is associated with both higher DTSQs score(insulin pump(32±3.9)vs. MDI(28.5±7), p=0. 029), CGM(30.5±5.5)vs. glucometer(27.9±7.1), or not monitoring (22. 0±9.2), p&amp;lt;0. 0001), and lower negative impact of diabetes on ADDQoL score(insulin pump(-1.3±1.1)vs. MDI(-2.9±2.3), p=0. 002),(CGM (-2.3±2.1)vs. glucometer(-3.1±2.4),or not monitoring(-3.5±2.2), p=0. 036). Another factor associated with a higher DTSQs score is: (being never married (29.3±6.5), or married(28.7±7)vs. divorced/widow(20.6±4.7), p=0. 018), whereas other factors associated with lower level of negative impact of diabetes on ADDQoL score are: (younger age(18-30years(-2.5±2.2),or 31-40years(-3.1±2. 0)vs. &amp;gt;40years(-4.4±2.8), p=0. 013)),(being never married(-2.5±2.1)vs. married(-3.4±2.3),or divorced/window(-4.7±3.3), p=0. 010),(having bachelor degree or more (-2.4±1.9) vs. less than bachelor degrees (secondary school(-3.2±2.7),primary school(-3.9± 4.8),intermediate school(-5. 0±2.4), p=0. 005),and(being student(-2.2±1.9)vs. employed(-3.2±2.4), or unemployed(-3.2±2.5), p=0. 010). Conclusion QoL, treatment satisfaction and glycemic control among PWT1D can be enhanced by providing structured care and using devices(insulin pump and CGM). This necessitates a call for healthcare policymakers to utilize the existing health resources to optimize care for PWT1D. Presentation: No date and time listed

Effective removal of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus from a Chlorella vulgaris microalgal culture by homogeneous solar photo-Fenton at neutral pH

In this study, a citrate-modified photo-Fenton process was successfully applied to decontaminate a Chlorella vulgaris microalgae culture spiked with the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus (5 individuals mL−1). The applied treatment (1 mg L−1 Fe2+, 20 mg L−1 H2O2, 17.5 mg L−1 citric acid) had only moderate effects on viability and regrowth of the microalgae since, after a short post-treatment delay of a few days, they reached final cell densities similar to that obtained for microalgae cultures that were not spiked. The decontamination was effective as no regrowth of rotifers was observed in the microalgae cultures after treatment. The efficacy of the citrate-modified photo-Fenton treatment was also studied with a higher starting concentration of 20 rotifers mL−1 and was compared with a solar light/H2O2 treatment. Results show that both treatments had similar efficacies on the rotifer elimination, but that the citrate-modified photo-Fenton treatment had a lower negative impact on the regrowth of microalgae than the solar light/H2O2 treatment. However, when microalgae cultures were spiked with 20 rotifers mL−1, rotifers were only partially inactivated and post-treatment regrowth occurred, which highlights the importance to apply the photo-Fenton process at an early stage of a contamination to achieve full rotifer elimination. In any case, a contamination with 5 rotifers mL−1 is already a significant threat as numbers above 1000 rotifers mL−1 were reached after 14 days and caused the microalgae culture to fail. Overall, our treatment suggests that the citrate-modified solar photo-Fenton process is an environmentally friendly solution to support the maintenance of contaminant-free microalgal cultures.

The effects of loneliness and psychological flexibility on veterans’ substance use and physical and mental health functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation was a common experience as people were trying to keep themselves and others safe from infection. Veterans with problematic substance use are at particular risk of the consequences of social isolation. This study evaluated the nature of social interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of loneliness and psychological flexibility on self-reported substance use and physical and mental health functioning among U.S. veterans who reported problematic substance use. Data from 409 veterans with self-reported substance use concerns were obtained via a cross-sectional online survey. Results showed that many veterans who engaged in problematic substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic reported a number of social supports during this period and frequent communication with others, but still felt lonelier during the pandemic. In regression analyses, higher levels of loneliness were associated with more negative impacts of the pandemic, greater substance use, and poorer physical and mental health functioning. Psychological flexibility demonstrated significant unique variance in explaining mental health functioning during the pandemic after accounting for loneliness, but not for substance use or physical functioning. For veterans with high levels of loneliness, high levels of psychological flexibility were associated with a lower negative impact on quality of life due to the pandemic, but for veterans with low levels of loneliness, differing levels of psychological flexibility were not significantly associated with the negative impact of COVID-19. Overall, loneliness and psychological flexibility appear to be highly associated with the negative impact of COVID-19 on veterans with problematic substance use.

Chemical body composition and bone growth of young pigs as affected by deficiency, adequate and excess of dietary phosphorus supply

Abstract Objective of the experiment was to study the effect of deficiency, adequate and excess dietary phosphorus supply on growth performance, retention and utilisation of phosphorus, length, mass and geometry measurements of the femur shaft, content of protein, ash, phosphorus in viscera, edible (meat and fat) and inedible (bones and skin) parts of the body in pigs ageing from 33 to 110 days. It was found that compared to animals fed according to phosphorus requirement the deficiency and excess of dietary phosphorus did not influenced o total feed intake (mean 120.6 kg) and feed conversion (mean 1.9 kg/kg gain). However phosphorus deficiency lowered total gain of the body mass (P=0.0072), diminished weight of the inedible part of the carcass (P=0.0229), decreased the content of body protein (P=0.0171), ash (P=0.0001), and phosphorus (P=0.0001). Whereas, over-supply of dietary phosphorus did not cause any change of these component. Utilisation of the total phosphorus was diminished (P=0.0001) in pigs fed diet with both excess (by 16.26%) and deficiency (by 12.28%) of the phosphorus, but excess had much lower negative impact than its’ deficiency. When available form of this element was considered over-supply still reduced (P=0.0001) its utilisation the most (by 26.58%) but deficiency made utilisation the best (7.77%). Both dietary deficiency and over-supply of the phosphorus diminished (P=0.0001) femur mass (by 25 and 11 g, respectively). Thus negative impact of phosphorus deficiency was much stronger. Moreover, phosphorus deficiency diminished (P=0.0015) bone length (by 0.5 cm), however, excess did not change this feature. Response of animals to a decrease bone mass and length due disturbances in phosphorus supply (both deficiency and excess) was the increase the vertical external diameter of the femur shaft.

Greenhouse gas emissions from rapeseed oil ethyl and methyl esters

To ensure the sustainability of the biofuel chain, regulatory criteria and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets have been defined by various legislative frameworks. This study used five emission allocation principles to determine the GHG emission reduction factors for rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and rapeseed oil ethyl ester (REE): total GHG emissions from the biorefinery; energy contained in the product (Eno); for each sub-process, emissions from the process inputs were allocated based on the energy from the process outputs; the avoided energy supply-related emissions were deducted using the energy allocation model described in this work; and all GHG emissions from rapeseed production were allocated to biodiesel, glycerin, and rapeseed meal. RME yields a more significant reduction in hydrocarbon emissions (by 74%) compared to REE (53%). The use of pure RME reduces CO emissions by 5.7% compared to fossil diesel fuel. The use of pure REE reduces CO emissions by 7.2%. The smoke density decreased by 68.4% (RME) and 72.6% (REE) compared to that measured for fossil diesel fuel. Hence, the amount of nitrogen and carbon oxides emitted and the smoke density of rapeseed oil ethyl ester have a lower negative impact on the environment compared to rapeseed oil methyl ester.

A Review on Herbal Extracts in Dentistry: Current Scenario and Future Trends

Background: A global review on oral health by the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized that despite great improvements in the oral health of populations in several countries, global problems still persist. Dental caries and periodontal disease have historically been considered the most important global oral health burdens. This is particularly so among underprivileged groups in both developing and developed countries. The application of natural products for the control of oral diseases is considered as an interesting alternative to synthetic antimicrobials due to their lower negative impact, and for the effort to overcome primary or secondary resistance to the drug during therapy. Objective: To review the current evidence on the antimicrobial efficacy of plant extracts on dental caries and plaque microorganisms. Materials and Methods: A literature search was made for 6 months in PubMed, PubMed Central, MEDLINE, LILACS/BBO, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, SCIENCE DIRECT, and Google scholar databases. The results from the relevant published literatures are discussed. Summary and Conclusion: The extracts of Azadirachta Indica, Ocimum sanctum, Murraya koenigii L., Acacia nilotica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Rosa indica, and Aloe barbadensis The current evidence is on individual plant extracts against bacteria involved in either caries or periodontitis. The research assessing the antimicrobial efficacy of a combination of these plant extracts against dental caries and periodontal pathogens is the need of the hour, and such research will aid in the development of a novel, innovative method that can simultaneously inhibit two of the most common dental diseases of mankind, besides slowing the development of drug resistance.