Main Products Research Articles

Inhibit or promote: Spatial impacts of multifunctional farmland use transition on grain production from the perspective of major function-oriented zoning

Ensuring global sustainable development depends on achieving food security, a goal intrinsically linked to the farmland's grain production capacity. Despite its critical importance, the comprehensive spatial effects of multifunctional farmland use transition (MFFUT) on grain production, particularly from a production-living-ecology perspective, remain insufficiently explored. Addressing this gap, this study employs geospatial analysis techniques and spatial econometric models to examine the spatial impacts of MFFUT on grain production in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (HHHP), North China, from the perspective of Major Function-oriented Zoning (MFZ) during 2000–2020. The findings reveal an overall upward trend in grain production in HHHP, with main agricultural production zones emerging as significant grain bases. MFFUT considerably enhances local grain production while suppressing production in neighbouring areas. Specifically, Production Function Farmland Use Transition (PFFUT) and Living Function Farmland Use Transition (LFFUT) stimulate grain production in both local and neighbouring areas, whereas Ecological Function Farmland Use Transition (EFFUT) negatively impacts neighbouring areas while simultaneously bolstering local production. The heterogeneous analysis demonstrates that MFFUT promotes grain production in different MFZs but adversely affects neighbouring regions within main agricultural production zones. Further analysis indicates that PFFUT, LFFUT, and EFFUT considerably enhance grain production across various MFZs. However, PFFUT and LFFUT detrimentally affect neighbouring grain production in main agricultural production zones. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers to formulate optimised land use allocation schemes, implement differentiated land use measures, and safeguard food security.

An Exploratory Study of the Enzymatic Hydroxycinnamoylation of Sucrose and Its Derivatives.

Phenylpropanoid sucrose esters are a large and important group of natural substances with significant therapeutic potential. This work describes a pilot study of the enzymatic hydroxycinnamoylation of sucrose and its derivatives which was carried out with the aim of obtaining precursors of natural phenylpropanoid sucrose esters, e.g., vanicoside B. In addition to sucrose, some chemically prepared sucrose acetonides and substituted 3'-O-cinnamates were subjected to enzymatic transesterification with vinyl esters of coumaric, ferulic and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid. Commercial enzyme preparations of Lipozyme TL IM lipase and Pentopan 500 BG exhibiting feruloyl esterase activity were tested as biocatalysts in these reactions. The substrate specificity of the used biocatalysts for the donor and acceptor as well as the regioselectivity of the reactions were evaluated and discussed. Surprisingly, Lipozyme TL IM catalyzed the cinnamoylation of sucrose derivatives more to the 1'-OH and 4'-OH positions than to the 6'-OH when the 3'-OH was free and the 6-OH was blocked by isopropylidene. In this case, Pentopan reacted comparably to 1'-OH and 6'-OH positions. If sucrose 3'-O-coumarate was used as an acceptor, in the case of feruloylation with Lipozyme in CH3CN, 6-O-ferulate was the main product (63%). Pentopan feruloylated sucrose 3'-O-coumarate comparably well at the 6-OH and 6'-OH positions (77%). When a proton-donor solvent was used, migration of the 3'-O-cinnamoyl group from fructose to the 2-OH position of glucose was observed. The enzyme hydroxycinnamoylations studied can shorten the targeted syntheses of various phenylpropanoid sucrose esters.

Regulatory roles of extracellular polymeric substances in uranium reduction via extracellular electron transfer by Desulfovibrio vulgaris UR1

The pathway of reducing U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) using electroactive bacteria has become an effective and promising approach to address uranium-contaminated water caused by human activities. However, knowledge regarding the roles of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the uranium reduction process involving in extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanisms is limited. Here, this study isolated a novel U(VI)-reducing strain, Desulfovibrio vulgaris UR1, with a high uranium removal capacity of 2.75 mM/(g dry cell). Based on a reliable EPS extraction method (45 °C heating), manipulation of EPS in D. vulgaris UR1 suspensions (removal or addition of EPS) highlighted its critical role in facilitating uranium reduction efficiency. On the second day, U(VI) removal rates varied significantly across systems with different EPS contents: 60.8% in the EPS-added system, 48.5% in the pristine system, and 22.2% in the EPS-removed system. Characterization of biogenic solids confirmed the reduction of U(VI) by D. vulgaris UR1, and the main products were uraninite and UO2 (2.88–4.32 nm in diameter). As EPS formed a permeable barrier, these nanoparticles were primarily immobilized within the EPS in EPS-retained/EPS-added cells, and within the periplasm in EPS-removed cells. Multiple electroactive substances, such as tyrosine/tryptophan aromatic compounds, flavins, and quinone-like substances, were identified in EPS, which might be the reason for enhancement of uranium reduction via providing more electron shuttles. Furthermore, proteomics revealed that a large number of proteins in EPS were enriched in the subcategories of catalytic activity and electron transfer activity. Among these, iron-sulfur proteins, such as hydroxylamine reductase (P31101), pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (A0A0H3A501), and sulfite reductase (P45574), played the most critical role in regulating EET in D. vulgaris UR1. This work highlighted the importance of EPS in the uranium reduction by D. vulgaris UR1, indicating that EPS functioned as both a reducing agent and a permeation barrier for access to heavy metal uranium.

Study on properties of alkali activated titanium gypsum artificial aggregate concrete

Abstract In order to solve the problem of raw material shortage and solid waste disposal in the construction industry, titanium gypsum was used as raw material to prepare titanium gypsum artificial aggregate by alkali-activated cold bonding. The physical properties and microstructure of aggregates were studied, they were used to replace natural aggregates in unfired bricks. The unburned aggregate of ternary cementitious material system (titanium gypsum, cement, silica fume) was designed, and the best artificial aggregate ratio was selected by physical performance analysis, XRD and SEM analysis. The unburned bricks were prepared by replacing natural gravel with different replacement rates. The physical properties and durability were analyzed by physical test, dry and wet cycle test, and the best utilization method was sought. Main research contents and conclusions: (1) When the ratio of titanium gypsum: cement: silica fume = 7: 2: 1, NaOH: CaO = 1: 1 as the activator, the comprehensive performance of artificial aggregate is the best. According to XRD and SEM analysis, the main products in the titanium gypsum artificial aggregate system are C-S-H and AFt. (2) The compressive strength of the unburned brick prepared by titanium gypsum artificial aggregate completely replacing natural gravel reached 31.40 MPa, and the water absorption rate was 10.18 %. The unburned brick specimens with different substitution rates showed good dry-wet cycle resistance after 15 dry-wet cycles.

Investigation of isomerization and oxidation of astaxanthin in ready-to-eat Litopenaeus vannamei during accelerated storage

Astaxanthin (AST), the natural pigment in Litopenaeus vannamei, is susceptible to oxidation and isomerization, leading to the fading of the orange-red color in ready-to-eat (RTE) shrimps. This study specifically investigated the changes mechanism in AST content, including geometric and stereoisomers, as well as oxidation degradation, throughout the storage process of RTE shrimps. The results showed that the total amount of AST decreased by 46.76 % after 45 days of storage at 40 °C. The levels of geometric isomers (all-E, 9-Z, 13-Z) and stereoisomers (3S,3′S, 3S,3′R, 3R,3′R) gradually decreased over time. Notably, 9-Z and 3S,3′S isomers, known for their strong antioxidant activity, were reduced by 83.57 % and 61.64 % respectively. Additionally, AST underwent oxidative degradation, forming short-chain compounds (astaxanthinal or astaxanthinone), with the main products being Apo-14′-astaxanthinal and Apo-7-astaxanthinone DHA ester. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research on the degradation mechanism of AST, and offer valuable insights into the color protection of RTE shrimps.

Carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction by copper nanoparticles/ionic liquid-based catalytic inks

The development of copper nanoparticle (CuNP)-based catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ECO2-R) offers a promising approach to enhance its transformation into other industrially significant compounds. This study reports ECO2-R at −1.3 V vs RHE using CuNPs and catalytic inks composed of CuNPs and ionic liquids (ILs), observing significant differences in the selectivity of each catalyst. Specifically, CuNPs alone show a preference for producing ethylene and aqueous products, such as formic acid, ethanol, and formaldehyde. In contrast, the addition of ILs to the catalytic system redirects selectivity toward gaseous products, with methane being the main product. These findings highlight the potential to optimize catalyst composition to tailor the selectivity of CO2 conversion processes. ILs modify the catalytic environment and influence reaction pathways, enabling the selection of specific products.

Research Trends in the Recovery of By-Products from Organic Waste Treated by Anaerobic Digestion: A 30-Year Bibliometric Analysis

The prevailing extractive economic model is unsustainable due to the finite nature of resources, thereby necessitating the development of alternative models and policies. The anaerobic digestion (AD) process is key to achieving this objective, as it facilitates the conversion of organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. This approach is aligned with the principles of a circular economy and contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature published over the past three decades (1993–2023). The analysis will be based on data drawn from the Scopus database and then analysed using the VOSviewer software, which allows for the interconnection of the revised bibliography through a series of selected keywords. The results demonstrated the existence of four clusters: (i) the beneficial valorisation of waste; (ii) volatile fatty acids and biohydrogen as added value by-products resulting from AD; (iii) lignocellulosic substrates and their by-products; and iv) the main products of AD, biogas and digestate. The bibliometric analysis demonstrates a growing interest in AD within the biorefinery concept in recent years, showcasing its potential for effective waste management and integration into the production chain through the principles of the circular economy.

Remarkable CO2 photocatalytic reduction enabled by UiO-66-NH2 anchored on flower-like ZnIn2S4

The utilization of renewable solar energy for the photocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemical substances is considered an optimal strategy to simultaneously address climate challenges and tackle energy scarcity. Herein, we prepared heterojunction photocatalysts UiO-66-NH2/ZnIn2S4, which were successfully applied in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The yield of the main product CO, for the optimal UiO-66-NH2/ZnIn2S4-2 sample could reach up to 57 μmol g−1h−1 when converting CO2 under the visible light irradiation, which was approximately 3.35 and 2.71 times higher than that achieved by the individual UiO-66-NH2 and ZnIn2S4 samples, respectively. The better photocatalytic performance of the UiO-66-NH2/ZnIn2S4-2 composites can be attributed to its synergistic effect resulting from tight interfacial contacts, special charge transfer pathways and excellent CO2 adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the intimate contact between UiO-66-NH2 and flower-like ZnIn2S4 accelerates electron transmission while effectively suppressing the quenching of photogenerated carriers. This research provides vital knowledge for the rational design of heterostructures aimed at enhancing the efficiency of CO2 photocatalysis for solar fuel production.

Characteristics and Control Factors of a High-Quality Deeply Buried Calcareous Sandstone Reservoir, the Fourth Member of the Upper Xujiahe Formation in the Western Sichuan Basin, China

A special type of sandstone in which carbonate rock fragments (CRFs) dominate the composition developed in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation’s fourth member (Xu4) in the western Sichuan Basin, known as calcareous sandstone. Calcareous sandstones are widely distributed in the western Sichuan and is the main production target of tight sandstone gas in the Sichuan Basin. In this study, thin sections, porosity–permeability testing, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction are applied to examine the characteristics and control factors for high-quality reservoirs in the calcareous sandstones, with a view to providing guidance for natural gas exploration and development in calcareous sandstones. The results show that the calcareous sandstone belongs to litharenite, with an average framework grain composition of 30% quartz, 1% feldspar, and 69% rock fragments, while the Xu4 sandstone has a high quartz content (average content of 71%). Primary intergranular pores are the main storage space, and the reservoir quality is quite poor. Under the influence of different parent rock properties of sandstones, there are obvious differences in the composition of framework grains between the calcareous sandstone and the ordinary Xu4 sandstone, which in turn affects the reservoir storage space, diagenesis, and reservoir quality. High-energy depositional conditions, low content of late cements, and the development of fractures are the main controlling factors for the formation of high-quality reservoirs in Xu 4 calcareous sandstones.

Revealing the Mechanism of Converting CO2 into Methanol by the Cu2O and Oxygen Vacancy on MgO: Experiments and Density Functional Theory.

Given the great significance of defect and Cu compounds for the reduction of CO2 as well as the few reaction mechanisms of converting CO2 into different hydrocarbons, the effects of oxygen vacancies and Cu2O on the reduction of CO2 were thoroughly investigated, and possible mechanisms were also proposed. A series of Cu2O/Ov-MgO catalysts were synthesized for photothermal catalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol under visible-light irradiation, among which the 7%Cu2O/Ov-MgO composite exhibited the best reduction activity and the yield of methanol was 19.78 μmol·g-1·h-1. The successful composite of Cu2O and Ov-MgO can yield a loose and porous nanosheet, uniform distribution, favorable absorbance and photoelectric performance, and increased specific surface area and adsorption ability of CO2, which are all vital to the adsorption and conversion of CO2. The introduction of oxygen vacancy and Cu2O not only promotes the adsorption of CO2 but also provides more electron-triggered CO2 activation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was also performed to reveal the reaction mechanism for effective enhanced CO2 reduction to ethanol or methanol by the comparison of CuO/MgO and Cu2O/Ov-MgO composites, illustrating the reaction pathways of different products. By comparing the key steps in determining the selectivity of C1 or C2, the kinetic barriers of obtaining CH3OH for the Cu2O/Ov-MgO composite with CH3OH as the main product were found to be lower than those of generating CH2*, while the opposite is true for CuO/MgO composites, whereby it may be easier to obtain more C2 products. These insights into the reaction mechanism of converting CO2 into different hydrocarbons are expected to provide guidance for the further design of high-performance photothermal catalytic CO2 reduction catalysts.

Mapping the inter-provincial pathways of resources and socio-economic impacts in China's just transition of coal power

In the sustainable transition of the power system, China's resource distribution characteristics lead to a distinct geographical separation between the main production and consumption areas of coal and coal power. This separation leads to the transmission of complex inter-regional social risks and responsibilities associated with the phase-out of coal power. Considering the inter-provincial transmission of coal and coal power, this paper constructs a novel two-layer network framework incorporating both coal mining and coal power. This method systematically assesses the contributions of coal power production and consumption to provincial employment and tax revenue, and identifies key paths of inter-provincial impact transmission for the first time. In terms of total contribution, coal mining contributes significantly more to employment and tax revenue (1.45 million jobs and 143 billion RMB) than coal power production (0.69 million jobs and 58.2 billion RMB). Spatially, employment and tax revenue related to coal power are concentrated in North China's production areas and the coastal consumption regions. Provinces like Shanxi, characterized by abundant resource reserves yet low consumption, are more exposed to socio-economic risks from other provinces reducing coal use, whereas economically developed provinces like Guangdong currently benefiting more from coal consumption, should assume corresponding responsibility in the future sustainable transition of power sector. Our analysis emphasizes the need for future policies to consider inter-provincial economic and social impacts, innovating horizontal risk compensation and shared responsibility mechanisms, to secure the interests of resource-based provinces in the just transition of China's coal power industry.

Pengaruh Profitabilitas, Nilai Tukar dan Tingkat Suku Bunga terhadap Harga Saham Perusahaan Sub Sektor Batubara

The coal sector is the main producer in Indonesia, which is the largest exporter in Asia and Europe. The coal sub-sector has high prospects because most of the energy sources for power plants use coal as an energy source. Indonesia has abundant potential resources, especially mining which plays an important role in driving the country's economy. This creates jobs, guarantees the country's energy security and increases the country's foreign exchange earnings. This research was conducted to examine the effect of Profitability, Exchange Rates and Interest Rates in the coal sub-sector companies on the IDX. There are 20 populations of coal mining companies listed on the IDX. The sample of this research is 8 companies' financial reports obtained by using purposive sampling method. The analytical method used is panel data regression analysis . The results showed that Return on Equity has a positive effect on stock prices, while the exchange rate and interest rates have no effect on stock prices. Simultaneously Return On Equity, Exchange Rates and Interest Rates have a joint effect on Stock Prices.

Dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of ultrafine slag powder cement paste utilizing solid waste industrial tailings powder and fly ash

Ultrafine slag powder cement paste (USP-CP) is a promising green cementitious material with excellent mechanical properties and environmental benefits. In this study, the effects of elemental molar ratios in raw materials (n(Si)/n(Al) ranged from 1.2 to 1.4 with a gradient of 0.1; n(Fe)/n(Al) ranged from 0.15 to 0.21 with a gradient of 0.03; and n(S)/n(Al) ranged from 0.20 to 0.28 with a gradient of 0.04.) on the workability, mechanical properties, and microstructure of USP-CP were investigated. The main products of USP-CP are α-SiO2, AFt, gypsum, and α-C2SH. The molar ratio of Si/Al has the greatest influence on workability, while the molar ratio of S/Al has the greatest influence on setting time. For mechanical property tests, higher USP content can improve the early compressive strength of USP-CP, while its long-term compressive strength is affected by the anhydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO4) content. Specifically, when the molar ratios of Si/Al, Fe/Al, and S/Al are 1.2, 0.21, and 0.24, respectively, the 28-day dynamic and static compressive strengths of USP-CP specimens reach the maximum values, which are 121.3 MPa (321/s) and 42.0 MPa (10-2/s), respectively. Furthermore, the static compressive strength is comparable to that of pure cement of the same grade.The molar ratio of S/Al has a more significant effect on dynamic compressive strength than static compressive strength. The excessive increase of Na and Si elements in the alkaline activator inhibits the dynamic mechanical enhancement performance of USP-CP. This study provides theoretical and practical reference value for the application of USP in impact-resistant structural materials and static load-bearing materials. It also fully utilizes waste materials to reduce the use of cement and achieves environmental benefits of carbon reduction.

Sustainable Stabilization of Cadmium (Cd)-Contaminated Soil with Biochar-Cement: Evaluation of Strength, Leachability, Microstructural Characteristics, and Stabilization Mechanism

ABSTRACT To facilitate the solid waste reuse of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil and biochar and reduce the high emission of cement materials, we employed biochar-cement composite stabilizer to remedy Cd-contaminated soil. We assessed the effects of the biochar-cement composite stabilizer dosage and curing time on stabilized soil strength by using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, leaching concentration and stabilization rate in Cd-contaminated soil stabilized by biochar-cement by using toxicity characteristic leaching procedure, and mechanism of change in strength and leaching characteristics by using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The research results demonstrate that biochar addition to cement-stabilized soil promoted cement hydration reaction and increased particle agglomeration. A low dosage of biochar improved stabilization effects. The optimal biochar dosage was 5%, which enhanced the early growth speed of the UCS. More cement improved the stabilized soil’s UCS. At a 5% cement dosage, adding biochar significantly reduced Cd leaching concentration, and improved the stabilization rate. At a 10% cement dosage, the biochar-cement composite stabilized soil’s stabilization rate was >99.8%. Calcium silicate hydrate, calcium aluminate hydrate, and ettringite were the main products of biochar-cement stabilized soil that filled soil and biochar pores; these substances encapsulated, adsorbed, or exchanged ions of Cd2+, achieving stabilization effects.

Metals Transfer in Mushroom Tricholoma matsutake from Regional High Geochemical Background Areas: Environmental Influences and Human Health Risk.

Wild-grown edible mushrooms are important in world diets and are also efficient metal accumulators. Yunnan, Southwest China, is the main producing region, with typically high levels of geochemical metals. The environmental factors, bioaccumulation, distribution and human health risks of metals were examined in paired soil and Tricholoma matsutake (n = 54). T. matsutake grows on acidified soils (pH = 3.95-6.56), and metals show a strong heterogeneity, with Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in the ranges of 16-201, 0.046-8.58 g kg-1, and 22.6-215, 3.7-155 mg kg-1. High soil Fe content led to great accumulation in T. matsutake (0.24-18.8 g kg-1). However, though the soil Mn content was higher than that of Zn and Cu, their concentrations in T. matsutake were comparable (21.1-487 vs. 38.7-329 and 24.9-217 mg kg-1). This suggested that T. matsutake prefers to accumulate Zn and Cu compared to Mn, and this is supported by the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs = 0.32-17.1 vs. 0.006-1.69). Fe was mainly stored in stipes, while Mn, Zn and Cu were stored in caps, and the translocation factors (TFs) were 0.58 vs. 1.28-1.94. Therefore, stipe Fe showed the highest health risk index (HRI) at 1.28-26.9, followed by cap Cu (1.01-2.33), while 98-100% of the Mn and Zn were risk-free. The higher concentration and greater risk of Fe was attributed to the significant effect of soil Fe content (R = 0.34) and soil pH (R = -0.57). This study suggested that Fe, as an essential mineral, may exert toxic effects via the consumption of T. matsutake from high geochemical background areas.

FEATURES OF ACCOUNTING DISPLAY OF FINISHED PRODUCTS AS A COMPONENT OF FOREST RESOURCES

Different disciplines and branches of science (economics, ecology, sociology, etc.) have their own approaches to understanding the concept of «forest resources», which can lead to differences in its interpretation. The article analyzes approaches to understanding the essence of the main categories of forestry, in particular, «forest» and «forest resources». It is noted that the diversity of approaches in defining the concept of «forest resources» is reflected in the variability of the understanding of this definition in the context of ecological, economic, socio-cultural and other aspects. The author's definition of the category «forest resources» as an object of accounting is presented and it is determined that forest resources are part of the country’s natural resources, which include not only forest products, but also its useful properties (for example, recreation and health). The author gives the most common approaches to understanding the essence of the concept of «forest resources», including ecological, economic, socio-cultural, ecosystem and integrated. Depending on the purpose and specifics of the use of the components of forest resources, their totality is divided into several groups: raw resources of wood origin; resources of non-wood origin; resources of animal genesis; multifaceted beneficial functions of the forest. The peculiarities of forest resources as a category of accounting are determined. It has been established that forest resources are recorded as biological assets. The assessment of the main ecological and economic indicators of the functioning of forestry in Ukraine was carried out and the conclusion was made that along with the improvement of the economic indicators of activity in the forestry sector, during the analyzed period, the deterioration of the ecological indicators of forestry activity was observed. The approaches of scientists to the classification of finished products as a component of forest resources were traced and their own classification was proposed according to the economic value and economic benefits from the use of the main and waste products, the rational use of which can provide enterprises with additional economic benefits.

Assessing the efficiency of the effect of innovations on the development of grain processing enterprises

This study evaluates the impact of the introduction of deep grain processing on the development of grain processing enterprises. The main problems of processing grain crops in the Republic of Kazakhstan have been considered. The need to assess the impact of the innovative process of enterprise development was outlined. The research was carried out in the North-Kazakhstan region; the object of the study was the grain processing industries in the North-Kazakhstan region. The results show the following: 1) total cost savings when expanding the level of gluten consumption (up to 3 % by weight of the volume of flour consumed) will save USD 18.5 billion. The savings are due to the significant improvement in the baking properties of the flour when adding 1−3 % gluten to the level of the highest quality wheat flour. At the same time, due to the manufacturability of the process and the use of the lowest quality raw materials, the unit cost of gluten in terms of protein is lower than the price of high-quality wheat necessary for baking; 2) in the processing of starch and amino acids, grain starch is the main product of world trade among all goods of the grain processing industry, and gluten ranks only second in terms of world imports. The share of issued patents in the area of starch production is also leading among the sectors of deep grain processing; 3) the implementation of the developed project for deep processing of grain in Northern Kazakhstan could significantly improve the indicators of innovative development of the country: the increase in innovative products of the manufacturing industry in the country as a whole would be 19.1 %. The growth of non-resource exports would equal 1.5 %. The annual increase in the enterprise's revenue could be about USD 0.47 per USD 1 of investment costs compared to the base scenario for the sale of unprocessed wheat. The scope of practical application of the results extends to the grain industry. The project has a significantly wider range of manufactured products and is focused on the markets of neighboring countries, which could reduce export risks to a minimum and provide stable demand for the company’s products

Real-world evaluation of treatment utilization by women experiencing vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause in the United States and Europe: Findings from the REALISE study

ObjectivesDespite the profound impact of menopausal symptoms on women, treatment utilization is low, and many seek alternative therapies. The REALISE study aimed to evaluate the treatment landscape – that is, pharmacological treatment, lifestyle changes (LC), and use of over-the-counter (OTC) products – for women from six high-income countries experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and receiving healthcare. Study designAnalysis of a secondary dataset, the Adelphi Real World Disease Specific Programme™, a large, cross-sectional, point-in-time survey conducted in the United States and five European countries (February–October 2020). Physicians provided demographic, clinical, and treatment data; women were stratified by VMS severity (mild; moderate-severe) and presence of concomitant sleep/mood symptoms. Women completed forms on VMS severity, concomitant symptoms, LC, and OTC product use. Two subgroups were identified: VMS-only and VMS + sleep/mood. Main outcome measuresPrescription treatment, LC, and OTC product utilization. ResultsPhysicians (n = 233) provided data on 1767 women; 825 (46.7 %) completed a self-completion form. Physicians rated 60 % of women with moderate-severe VMS, of whom 709 (66.8 %) were currently prescribed pharmacological treatment; 27.1 % had never been prescribed. Hormone therapy was most frequently prescribed in the moderate-severe group (overall, 49.8 %; VMS-only, 57.4 %; VMS + sleep/mood, 47.3 %), followed by serotonergic antidepressants (15.7 %; 9.7 %; 17.6 %, respectively). Most women (78.3 %) with moderate-severe VMS adopted LC, and 57.6 % used at least one OTC product for VMS relief. ConclusionsNearly a third of women with moderate-severe VMS had never received treatment despite access to healthcare. This, combined with the prevalent use of LC/OTC products, suggests an unmet need for new treatment options to manage VMS and concomitant sleep/mood symptoms.

Nanostructured Molecular-Network Arsenoselenides from the Border of a Glass-Forming Region: A Disproportionality Analysis Using Complementary Characterization Probes.

Binary AsxSe100-x alloys from the border of a glass-forming region (65 < x < 70) subjected to nanomilling in dry and dry-wet modes are characterized by the XRPD, micro-Raman scattering (micro-RS) and revised positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) methods complemented by a disproportionality analysis using the quantum-chemical cluster modeling approach. These alloys are examined with respect to tetra-arsenic biselenide As4Se2 stoichiometry, realized in glassy g-As65Se35, glassy-crystalline g/c-As67Se33 and glassy-crystalline g/c-As70Se30. From the XRPD results, the number of rhombohedral As and cubic arsenolite As2O3 phases in As-Se alloys increases after nanomilling, especially in the wet mode realized in a PVP water solution. Nanomilling-driven amorphization and reamorphization transformations in these alloys are identified by an analysis of diffuse peak halos in their XRPD patterning, showing the interplay between the levels of a medium-range structure (disruption of the intermediate-range ordering at the cost of an extended-range one). From the micro-RS spectroscopy results, these alloys are stabilized by molecular thioarsenides As4Sen (n = 3, 4), regardless of their phase composition, remnants of thioarsenide molecules destructed under nanomilling being reincorporated into a glass network undergoing a polyamorphic transition. From the PAL spectroscopy results, volumetric changes in the wet-milled alloys with respect to the dry-milled ones are identified as resulting from a direct conversion of the bound positron-electron (Ps, positronium) states in the positron traps. Ps-hosting holes in the PVP medium appear instead of positron traps, with ~0.36-0.38 ns lifetimes ascribed to multivacancies in the As-Se matrix. The superposition of PAL spectrum peaks and tails for pelletized PVP, unmilled, dry-milled, and dry-wet-milled As-Se samples shows a spectacular smoothly decaying trend. The microstructure scenarios of the spontaneous (under quenching) and activated (under nanomilling) decomposition of principal network clusters in As4Se2-bearing arsenoselenides are recognized. Over-constrained As6·(2/3) ring-like network clusters acting as pre-cursors of the rhombohedral As phase are the main products of this decomposition. Two spontaneous processes for creating thioarsenides with crystalline counterparts explain the location of the glass-forming border in an As-Se system near the As4Se2 composition, while an activated decomposition process for creating layered As2Se3 structures is responsible for the nanomilling-driven molecular-to-network transition.

Performance evaluation and microbial community analysis of a continuous stirred tank reactor–anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor system for practical swine wastewater treatment

To treat swine wastewater from a practical piggery, a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR)–anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor (AnCMBR) was operated for 201 days. A high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 95 % and biogas production rate of 0.31 L/L·d were achieved at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 1.19 g-COD/L·d. Although the free ammonia concentration reached a maximum of 200 mg/L during the last operational phase, no evident inhibitory effect on AnCMBR performance was observed. Microbial community analyses indicated that six bacterial phyla were responsible for the hydrolysis, acidification, and fermentation of organics and environmental stabilization. Hydrotrophic methanogenic archaea were dominant, indicating that the main methane production pathway involved the use of H2 and CO2 as substrates. The results demonstrated that CSTR–AnCMBR systems exhibit excellent organics removal performance and energy recovery at high organic concentrations and possess strong anti-shock ability. Thus, they represent alternative green and sustainable anaerobic technologies for practical swine wastewater treatment.