Maximum Capacity Research Articles

Performance assessment and characterization of the biosorption of the azo dye reactive Red 2 on thermally inactivated biomass of Trichoderma reesei

The present study evaluated and characterized the performance in the biosorption of the dye azo Reactive Red 2 (RR2) on thermally sterilized biomass of the fungus Trichoderma reesei. An FTIR analysis of unloaded and loaded biomass with RR2 confirmed the interactions between dye molecules and functional groups on the fungal biomass surface. The decrease in the initial pH of 9 to 3 with an increase in the temperature of 20 to 40 °C improved the biosorption, reaching for RR2 a higher removal efficiency of 76.88% at pH 3 and 40 °C. A pseudo-second-order model explained the biosorption kinetics of RR2 (R2≥0.9869), and the intraparticle diffusion model showed that the biosorption process was initially controlled by diffusion rate and later by biomass surface saturation with the dye molecules. The Langmuir isotherm explained the biosorption equilibrium well (R2 ≥ 0.9241), achieving the maximum biomass biosorption capacity (qmax ) value at 61.72 mg g−1. The dimensionless separation factor values (0.0632 ≤ RL ≤ 0.0973) and the thermodynamic evaluation of the process (ΔG° ≤ −24.09 kJ mol−1, ΔH° ≥ 12.39 kJ mol−1, ΔS° ≥ 0.1265 kJ mol−1 K−1) demonstrate that the biosorption was favorable, reversible, spontaneous, and endothermic. The findings in the present study allow it to consider the biomass of Trichoderma reesei thermally sterilized as a biosorbent biomaterial that can be used for bioprocess design in removing the azo reactive dyes from textile wastewater.

The Application of Wood Biowaste Chemically Modified by Bi2O3 as a Sorbent Material for Wastewater Treatment

Textile dyes discharged into aquatic systems can have significant environmental impacts, causing water pollution and toxicity to aquatic life, and constituting a human health risk. To manage these effects, the sorption ability of wood biowaste chemically modified by Bi2O3 for textile dye removal was investigated. Sorbent characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method for the specific surface area, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). The optimization of the sorption process was carried out, and optimal parameters, such as contact time, pH, the dose of sorbent, the concentration of dye, and temperature, were defined. Also, desorption studies were conducted. Kinetics and isotherms studies were carried out, and the data fits to a pseudo-second order model (r2 ≥ 0.99) and Langmuir model (r2 ≥ 0.99), indicating that the process occurs in the monolayer form and the dye sorption depends on the active sites of the sorbent surface. The maximal sorption capacity of the sorbent was 434.75 mg/g.

Passivation of the positive electrode during the discharge of Li-O2 and O2-assisted Li-CO2 batteries: A comparative study

The effect of passivation of the positive electrode by solid products under discharge is assessed for the first time as one of the factors determining the discharge characteristics of Li-O2 (LOB) and oxygen-assisted Li-CO2 (LCOB) batteries. In order to estimate the passivation, the electrode surface coverage θ by the reaction product (Li2O2 or Li2CO3) is determined on the basis of a decrease in the double-layer capacitance value in the course of the discharge. It is shown that for a given amount of electricity, the electrode surface coverage by Li2CO3 in LCOB is 1.5–2 times that of the coverage by Li2O2 under discharge in LOB. Furthermore, for each of the batteries, achievement of the maximum discharge capacity does not result in the full electrode surface blocking by the discharge products. LCOB manifests higher discharge characteristics than LOB under the kinetic reaction control (in the 100–500 mA g−1 current density range), owing to the accelerated conversion of intermediates and slower solid reaction product deposition on a larger electrode surface area. As the current density increases from 500 to 2000 mA g−1, the discharge capacity of LOB and LCOB decreases, which is mainly due to the effect of diffusion limitations. Moreover, while in the case of LOB the parameter θ decreases, in the case of LCOB it is practically independent of the current density in the studied range. The latter effect may be due to increased passivating properties of Li2CO3 deposits formed under high current density. The results of the work allow considering θ as a new criterion for estimation of the discharge depth and for predicting the characteristics of LCOB and LOB.

Synsedimentary Compaction of Peat Under the Load of Alluvial System Sediments in the Most Basin (Czech Republic, Lower Miocene): From Weak Compaction to Strong Local Deformation of Clastics and Peat

Alluvial systems affected by peat layer compaction of a variable degree are studied all over the world, especially in areas of large river deltas and coastal plains. Ordinarily studied Holocene peat accumulations do not reach thicknesses of more than 6–10 m. This paper documents four ancient alluvial systems affected by peat compaction during the Lower Miocene in large exposures of open-cast lignite mines within the Most Basin, Czech Republic. Field observations and the study of 3000 borehole sections showed a clear dependence of the thickness and composition of the underlying peat on the scale of the accommodation space for loading by younger alluvial sediments. If the underlying partly compacted peat was tens to hundreds of meters in thickness, significant deformations of the peat appeared during its loading, leading up to the formation of growth faults. In such cases, missing parts of the coal seams were also observed below the alluvial systems. Especially borehole data showed that a linear correlation exists between the thickness of the alluvial sediments and the maximum instantaneous available compaction capacity of the underlying peat.

A graph network-based learnable simulator for spatial-temporal prediction of rigid projectile penetration

Predicting plate penetration by rigid projectiles (PPRP) is crucial in terminal ballistics, with broad applications in civil and military engineering. Empirical and analytical methods face challenges in predicting field variables like displacement and stress in target plates. Although numerical methods offer high accuracy, they suffer from low computational efficiency. Herein, we introduce an efficient data-driven machine learning (ML) method based on graph neural networks (GNNs), named PGN, specifically tailored to address the PPRP problem. Unlike traditional ML methods that establish direct input-output mappings, PGN predicts comprehensive spatial-temporal information pertaining to the projectile-target interaction process. A thorough analysis of PGN's performance in terms of accuracy, computational efficiency and generalization ability was performed. Compared to validated results of numerical simulations, PGN maintained high precision with RMSE for displacement, stress, and strain predictions below 0.5 %, 9.5 %, and 2.1 %, respectively. It also achieved R2 values exceeding 0.92 for the time history of projectile velocity and acceleration, while requiring only 9.8 % of the computation time compared to LS-DYNA. In generalization tests, PGN exhibited remarkable adaptability in tackling challenging scenarios that extend far beyond the training data distribution, with overall RMSE between 11 % and 13 %. Furthermore, we find that the maximum information propagation capacity of a simulated physical system must meet or exceed the information propagation need of the real-world physical phenomenon it aims to replicate. Consequently, an approach was proposed to determine the critical connectivity radius of the massage passing method directly from the wave speed in the target medium, which greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of PGN.

Green synthesis of a multifunctional β-cyclodextrin modified polymer sorbent using agrarian wastes of Nelumbo nucifera for the efficient sequestration of toxic dyes from polluted water

This study explores an eco-friendly strategy for the effective removal of toxic dyes Malachite Green, Methylene Blue, and Basic Magenta Dye, from water bodies, utilizing a novel β-Cyclodextrin modified Nelumbo nucifera (β-CDNN) sorbent. The sorbent was characterized using different analytical techniques, to assess its dye sorption capability. The analysis of sorption isotherm data revealed that the Freundlich model most accurately represented the equilibrium data. Kinetic studies indicated that the sorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model. At pH 5–8, the sorbent achieved maximum removal efficiencies of 96.7 %, 94.2 %, and 96.3 % for Malachite Green (402.7 mg/g), Methylene Blue (385.6 mg/g), and Basic Magenta Dye (401.03 mg/g), respectively, at equilibrium time 60 mins for MAG & MEB and 80 mins for MAD. The maximum swelling capacity of β-CDNN was recorded at 180.4 % and selectivity assay was performed via a MAG-AO7 dye mixture. The sorbent reusability was recorded for six consecutive cycles without much loss in efficiency. Additionally, β-CDNN exhibited a removal efficiency of 91.3 % in real dye samples. The findings highlight the rapid dye adsorption capabilities of β-CDNN, establishing it as a versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for water remediation, while also underscoring the beneficial use of bio-waste materials.

High photosynthesis rates in Brassiceae species are mediated by leaf anatomy enabling high biochemical capacity, rapid CO2 diffusion and efficient light use.

Certain species in the Brassicaceae family exhibit high photosynthesis rates, potentially providing a valuable route toward improving agricultural productivity. However, factors contributing to their high photosynthesis rates are still unknown. We compared Hirschfeldia incana, Brassica nigra, Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana, grown under two contrasting light intensities. Hirschfeldia incana matched B. nigra and B. rapa in achieving very high photosynthesis rates under high growth-light condition, outperforming A. thaliana. Photosynthesis was relatively more limited by maximum photosynthesis capacity in H. incana and B. rapa and by mesophyll conductance in A. thaliana and B. nigra. Leaf traits such as greater exposed mesophyll specific surface enabled by thicker leaf or high-density small palisade cells contributed to the variation in mesophyll conductance among the species. The species exhibited contrasting leaf construction strategies and acclimation responses to low light intensity. High-light plants distributed Chl deeper in leaf tissue, ensuring even distribution of photosynthesis capacity, unlike low-light plants. Leaf anatomy of H. incana, B. nigra and B. rapa facilitated effective CO2 diffusion, efficient light use and provided ample volume for their high maximum photosynthetic capacity, indicating that a combination of adaptations is required to increase CO2-assimilation rates in plants.

A novel nCP-PVA@ACA composite with core–shell structure for efficient formaldehyde removal from air

Removing formaldehyde from indoor environments is crucial for the health of residents. However, developing a highly efficient and cost-effective material that is safe and stable and capable of continuously removing formaldehyde from ambient air is challenging. In this study, an environmentally friendly plant composite active calcium alginate gel (nCP-PVA@ACA) was prepared by fixing slow-release nanosized calcium peroxide (nCP-PVA) and active components from cactus stems into a three-dimensional network structure of a calcium alginate gel. The microscopic morphology, chemical composition, and structure of nCP-PVA@ACA were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. In the purification column, nCP-PVA@ACA was used as a filler, which effectively removed formaldehyde from the airflow. The results indicate that nCP-PVA was well dispersed and encapsulated by the calcium alginate gel. The formaldehyde removal efficiency of nCP-PVA@ACA ranged from 90.56 % to 98.51 % when the formaldehyde concentration in the air was in the range of 0.146–0.984 mg·m−3, with a maximum removal capacity of 89.31 mg·kg−1 (based on the dry weight of Na alginate). After 3.0 h of continuous purification, the formaldehyde concentration in the treated airflow was reduced to 0.020–0.053 mg·m−3, which was significantly lower than the recommended limit of 0.08 mg·m−3 of formaldehyde in ambient air. The synergistic effects of plant active components and slow-release nCP are key to effective formaldehyde removal. This study highlights the potential of calcium peroxide for air pollution control, providing new insights and theoretical support for their applications.

Green Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Selective Extraction of Protocatechuic Acid from Mango Juice.

A novel and environmentally friendly molecularly imprinted polymer (PCA-MIP) was successfully synthesized in an aqueous solution for the selective extraction of protocatechuic acid (PCA). In this study, a deep eutectic solvent (DES, choline chloride/methacrylic acid, 1:2, mol/mol) and chitosan were employed as the eco-friendly functional monomers. These two components interacted with PCA through hydrogen bonding, integrating a multitude of recognition sites within the PCA-MIP. Thus, the resulting PCA-MIP exhibited outstanding adsorption performance, rapid adsorption rate, and better selectivity, with a maximum binding capacity of 30.56 mg/g and an equilibrium time of 30 min. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses revealed that the synthesized polymers possessed a uniform morphology and substantial surface areas, which were conducive to their adsorption properties. Moreover, the PCA-MIP integrated with HPLC demonstrated its efficacy as an adsorbent for the selective extraction of PCA from mango juice. The PCA-MIP presented itself as an exemplary adsorbent, offering a highly effective and eco-friendly method for the enrichment of PCA from complex matrices.

Green Removal of Basic Fuchsin Using Fibers from Reed Leaves

This study investigates the adsorptive capacity of a novel lignocellulosic material derived from reed leaves for the removal of Basic Fuchsin, a cationic dye, from aqueous solutions through batch adsorption experiments. The experimental data showed that the adsorbent demonstrated effective dye removal, with the adsorption kinetics following a pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium data best described by the Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The Langumir model shows the maximum capacity adsorption was 37.59 mg.g-1 Moreover, thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was non-spontaneous and exothermic, highlighting the potential for optimizing conditions to enhance dye uptake and sustainability in wastewater treatment applications. In addition, characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis (BET) confirmed that the adsorbent possessed an amorphous structure with a surface area of 2.42 m².g-1 and the presence of mesoporous features. Lignocellulosic materials such as reed leaf adsorbents, effectively remove hazardous dyes from wastewater offering a sustainable solution to pollution.

Machine learning insights into the evolution of flood Resilience: A synthesized framework study

Enhancing urban resilience represented a viable strategy to mitigate flooding induced by intense human activities and climate change. However, existing studies often concentrated on system attributes or isolated resilience characteristics, failing to offer a holistic evaluation of urban flood resilience performance. Thus, it was imperative to develop a comprehensive flood resilience framework that incorporated the resilience evolution process including resistance, economic and function recovery. Consequently, this study endeavored to devise a synthesized framework for evaluating urban flood resilience, subsequently employing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for simulation. The findings indicated that: (1) Guangzhou’s maximum resistance capacity diminished from 0.52 to 0.50 as rainfall return periods altered, while Dongguan exhibited the lowest resistance, decreasing from 0.42 to 0.40. Regarding functional recovery capacity, Guangzhou ranked highest (0.35) and Foshan lowest (0.19); (2) according to Triangular Fuzzy Number-based AHP (TFN-AHP) analysis, the area classified as highest in resilience decreased from 15.6% to 12.1% of the total, whereas the low resilience area increased from 7.6% to 8.7%; (3) Zhuhai and Zhaoqing were primarily clustered along the resistance axis, in contrast, Dongguan was distinguished by its advancement along the axis of functional recovery.(4) CNN simulations yielded precise outcomes, with the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) and predictive accuracy (ACC) values exceeding 0.8,respectively. The insights provided by this research were crucial for entities tasked with flood risk management.

Investigating the Effects of Transition Metals and Activated Carbon on Hydrogenation Characteristics of Severely Deformed ZK60 Processed by High-Energy Ball Milling.

The synergic effects of activated carbon and transition metals on the hydrogenation characteristics of commercial ZK60 magnesium alloy were investigated. Severe plastic deformation was performed using equal-channel angular pressing with an internal die angle of 120° and preheating at 300 °C. The ZK60 alloy samples were processed for 12 passes using route BA. The deformed ZK60 alloy powder was blended with activated carbon and different concentrations of transition metals (Ag, Pd, Co, Ti, V, Ti) using high-energy ball milling for 20 h at a speed of 1725 rpm. The amount of hydrogen absorbed and its kinetics were calculated using Sievert's apparatus at the higher number of cycles at a 300 °C ab/desorption temperature. The microstructure of the powder was analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that 5 wt% activated carbon presented the maximum hydrogen absorption capacity of 6.2 wt%. The optimal hydrogen absorption capacities were 7.1 wt%, 6.8 wt%, 6.7 wt%, 6.64 wt%, 6.65 wt%, and 7.06 wt% for 0.5 Ag, 0.3 Co, 0.1 Al, 0.5 Pd, 2 Ti, and 0.5 V, respectively. The hydrogen absorption capacities were reduced by 35.21%, 26.47%, 41.79%, 21.68%, 26.31%, and 26.34% after 100 cycles for 5C0.5Ag, 5C0.3Co, 5C0.1Al, 5C0.5Pd, 2Ti, and 5C0.5V, respectively. Hydrogen absorption kinetics were significantly improved so that more than 90% of hydrogen was absorbed within five minutes.

Analytical Solutions for a Fully Coupled Hydraulic‐Mechanical‐Chemical Model With Nonlinear Adsorption

ABSTRACTAdsorption characteristics play a crucial role in solute transport processes, serving as a fundamental factor for evaluating the performance of clay liners. Nonlinear adsorption isotherms are commonly found with metal ions and organic compounds, which introduce challenges in obtaining analytical solutions for solute transport models. In this study, analytical solutions are proposed for a fully coupled hydraulic‐mechanical‐chemical (HMC) model that accounts for both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. To mitigate the difficulties arising from the variable coefficients, the system of second‐order partial differential equations involving three variables is linearized. The method of separation of variables, theory of integration, and Fourier series are utilized to derive analytical solutions. The analytical method presented can potentially be extended to a broad spectrum of nonlinear adsorption isotherms. The results reveal a 56.5% reduction in solute breakthrough time under the Freundlich isotherm and a remarkable 2.6‐fold extension under the Langmuir isotherm when compared to the linear isotherm. The adsorption constants of the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms exhibit a positive correlation with breakthrough time, while the exponent of the Freundlich isotherm and the maximal adsorption capacity in the Langmuir isotherm demonstrate a negative association with breakthrough time. This study enhances the precision of solute transport prediction and provides a more scientific assessment of clay liner performance.

High Performance and Selective Sequestration of Cd(II) from Water by Layered Thiophosphate.

The extensive use of toxic cadmium (Cd) in energy conversion and industrial applications ranging from solar cells and battery appliances to paints and pigments contaminates water bodies. However, the upper limit of Cd contamination in drinking water is to be only 3 ppb by the WHO and 5 ppb by the USA-EPA, which underscores the need for cost-effective, efficient, and ppb level capture of Cd from contaminated water. Leveraging the selectivity due to Lewis's hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) theory, we have achieved swift and highly selective capture of Cd(II) ions from aqueous mediums using layered potassium manganese thiophosphate (K-MnPS3). K-MnPS3 effectively removes Cd(II) ions from extremely dilute aqueous solutions (ppb levels), achieving a maximum sorption capacity of 405.43 mg/g and a removal rate exceeding 97% within 20 min. Even in the presence of competing ions such as Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Pb2+, K-MnPS3 remains selective. Additionally, it operates efficiently across a wide pH range (1.78-11.19) with a high distribution coefficient (∼104 mL/g). Breakthrough experiments using a 1 wt % K-MnPS3 and 99 wt % sand column showed complete breakthrough of Cd(II) after 62 h, leading K-MnPS3 as a promising candidate for Cd(II) removal from industrial effluents.

Highly efficient degradation of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate removal by bio-trickling filter reactors with various fillers

This study investigates the purification performance of bio-trickling filters (BTFs) using different media to treat ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate in kitchen waste malodorous gases. The media compared included a custom composite medium, pine bark, hollow polyhedral spheres, and ceramic particles. Over 25 days, the composite medium outperformed the traditional media, achieving removal rates of 90.13 % for ethanol, 63.89 % for acetaldehyde, and 82.56 % for ethyl acetate during the biofilm initiation phase, with the others below 60 %. Even under low empty bed residence time and high inlet concentrations, the maximum elimination capacity for ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate was 8.34–14.70 g/m3·h, 9.55–15.06 g/m3·h, and 6.18–10.45 g/m3·h. Kinetic analysis showed the Michaelis-Menten model fit well, indicating enhanced removal potential. High-throughput of 16S rDNA sequencing identified dominant microorganisms like Enterobacteriaceae (13.89 %), Stenotrophomonas (29.23 %), and Acinetobacter (4.09 %) in the composite medium, which thrived even at high pollutant concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated differences in the microbial composition of the custom composite medium compared to traditional media under varying inlet concentrations and loads. This study provides technical support for the treatment of complex malodorous gas mixtures.

Effect of Piston Geometry on Performance Characteristics of VCR Engine with and without EGR when Fueled with Blends of Methyl Ester

The growing population and exhaustion of fossil fuels necessitate our search for new sources of energy. The study for this research encompasses an amalgamation of interest in alternative fuels, advanced engine technology such as variable compression ratio VCR, engine component modification, and a methodical approach to testing for assessing the effects on key performance of the engine. A 3.5 kW compression ignition (CI) engine was fueled with blends of behada, chicken fat, and turmeric oil methyl ester. Engine operating parameters, such as the compression ratio (CR), rate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and piston top geometry, are optimized to maximize engine performance. CI engine was modified by changing the piston head (square and tangential groove top) for methyl ester diesel blend operations. In the study, diesel fuel is designated as B00 and methyl ester as B20. The influence of compression ratio (CR16 and CR18) with exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR 0% and EGR 10%) was evaluated. The key performance indicators: brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are investigated. Results indicate that an increase in BTE accompanies an increase in load, suggesting enhanced thermal efficiency with increased power output. The consequence of VCR is also investigated, and it is determined that a higher CR results in a higher BTE due to an increase in compression pressure and temperature, thereby enhancing combustion. Due to the re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons with the addition of EGR at a 10% rate, BTE increases further. Utilizing a piston geometry with tangential grooves and methyl ester blends also contributes to increased BTE. BSEC increases with increasing load, with an important rise observed when operating at maximum capacity. However,at CR 18, BSEC decreases as a result of enhanced combustion efficiency. EGR has different effects on BSEC depending on the geometry of the piston and the kind of fuel used. Enhanced air-fuel blending and re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons reduce the BSEC of the engine. The tangential groove top piston operates with 10% EGR. Similar to BSEC, BSFC decreases with increasing CR and improves with the use of a piston with a tangential groove and 10% EGR operation. AFR decreases as the consumption of fuel increases to meet the power demand, and higher CR values result in a lower AFR. EGT rises with load, and CR18 has a lower EGT than CR16 as a result of a higher compressing temperature and pressure. 10% EGR operation reduces EGT by decreasing the concentration of oxygen in the combustible area.

Optimized Lithium(I) Recovery from Geothermal Brine of Germencik, Türkiye, Utilizing an Aminomethyl phosphonic Acid Chelating Resin

ABSTRACT This study investigates the performance of Lewatit TP 260 ion exchange resin for the efficient recovery of lithium (Li(I)) from geothermal water sourced from the Germencik Geothermal Power Plant in Türkiye. A series of batch sorption experiments were performed to evaluate the influence of key parameters, including resin dosage, solution pH, temperature, initial Li(I) concentration, and contact time, on the Li(I) recovery process. The optimal conditions were determined to be a resin dose of 0.5 g per 25 mL of geothermal water, pH in the range of 6–8, and a temperature of 25°C. Under these conditions, the resin achieved a maximum Li(I) recovery rate of 71% from the geothermal water. Sorption isotherms were further analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models. Among these, the Langmuir model provided the best fit (R² = 0.9841), suggesting a maximum sorption capacity (qm) of 4.31 mg/g. Continuous recovery experiments conducted in column mode confirmed the practical applicability of Lewatit TP 260, achieving a total sorption capacity of 0.41 mg Li(I)/mL resin. The findings exhibit the potential of this resin as a viable sorbent for sustainable Li(I) extraction from geothermal brines, supporting the development of green energy technologies and contributing to the circular economy.

High-Intensity Interval Training Mitigates Sarcopenia and Suppresses the Myoblast Senescence Regulator EEF1E1.

The optimal exercise regimen for alleviating sarcopenia remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) over moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in ameliorating sarcopenia. We conducted a randomized crossover trial to evaluate plasma proteomic reactions to acute HIIT (four 4-min high-intensity intervals at 70% maximal capacity alternating with 4 min at 30%) versus MICT (constant 50% maximal capacity) in inactive adults. We explored the relationship between a HIIT-specific protein relative to MICT, identified via comparative proteomic analysis, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 epsilon 1 (EEF1E1) and sarcopenia in a paired case-control study of elderly individuals (aged over 65). Young (3 months old) and aged (20 months old) mice were randomized to sedentary, HIIT and MICT groups (five sessions/week for 4 weeks; n = 8 for each group). Measurements included skeletal muscle index, hand grip strength, expression of atrophic markers Atrogin1 and MuRF1 and differentiation markers MyoD, myogenin and MyHC-II via western blotting. We examined the impact of EEF1E1 siRNA and recombinant protein on D-galactose-induced myoblast senescence, measuring senescence-associated β-galactosidase and markers like p21 and p53. The crossover trial, including 10 sedentary adults (32 years old, IQR 31-32) demonstrated significant alterations in the abundance of 21 plasma proteins after HIIT compared with MICT. In the paired case-control study of 84 older adults (84 years old, IQR 69-81; 52% female), EEF1E1 was significantly increased in those with sarcopenia compared to those without (14.68 [95%CI, 2.02-27.34] pg/mL, p = 0.03) and was associated with skeletal muscle index (R2 = 0.51, p < 0.001) and hand grip strength (R2 = 0.54, p < 0.001). In the preclinical study, aged mice exhibited higher EEF1E1 mRNA and protein levels in skeletal muscle compared to young mice, accompanied by a lower muscle mass and strength, increased cellular senescence and protein degradation markers and reduced muscle differentiation efficiency (all p < 0.05). HIIT reduced EEF1E1 expression and mitigated age-related muscle decline and atrophy in aged mice more effectively than MICT. Notably, EEF1E1 downregulation via siRNA significantly counteracted D-galactose-induced myoblast senescence as evidenced by reduced markers of muscle protein degradation and improved muscle differentiation efficiency (all p < 0.05). Conversely, treatments that increased EEF1E1 levels accelerated the senescence process (p < 0.05). Further exploration indicated that the decrease in EEF1E1 was associated with increased SIRT1 level and enhanced autophagy. This study highlights the potential of HIIT as a promising approach to prevent and treat sarcopenia while also highlighting EEF1E1 as a potential intervention target.

Techno-Economic Feasibility Study of Tractor Pto Operated Shredder Cum Pulverizer

India's agricultural sector faces a challenge of widespread crop residue burning. An estimated 90-140 million tonnes of crop residues are burned annually by farmers across the country. The shredder cum pulverizer focuses on the shredding and pulverizing of coconut husks and fronds (Cocos nucifera), corn stalks (Zea mays L.) and subabul branches (Leucaena leucocephala). This shredded and pulverized crop residue is used to prepare the vermin compost, biomass production and various other purposes. The experiment was conducted at the IGKV, Raipur (C.G.). The detailed specifications parameters were optimized for each unit of the shredder cum pulverier. This study was conducted with four levels of feed rate varies with four levels of different speeds of operation at four moisture content) as the independent parameters. Their effects were studied on dependent parameters. The detailed data were analyzed statistically by SPD (Split Plot Design) with the three replications. The various performance parameters were also calculated. The result of the experiments showed that the shredding capacity and size of reduction of the shredder cum pulverizer with different feed rates of crop residues of coconut husks, coconut fronds, corn stalks, and subabul branches at different feed rates are 79.65 kg/h, 86.98 kg/h, 82.65 kg/h, and 94.64 kg/h, respectively, and the resultant size reductions of crop residues are 1.26mm, 2.66mm, 1.73mm, and 2.57mm, respectively. The result showed that the maximum shredding capacity 94.64kg/h was found on subabul branches were observed at 400kg/h feed rate, 40m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content and the maximum size of reduction 1.26mm was found on coconut husks were observed at 600kg/h feed rate, 70m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content. The cost of operation of shredder cum pulverizer was observed to be 983.25 Rs/h.

WO2–N co-doped 2D Carbon nanosheets as multifunctional additives for enhancing the electrochemical hydrogen storage performance of Co2B

Co2B, with its high theoretical hydrogen storage capacity, is a potential solid-state hydrogen storage material. However, its poor cycling life limits its practical application. In this work, in order to improve the cycling stability and reversibility of hydrogen absorption and desorption of Co2B, we propose to use WO2–N–C nanosheets as dopants to mix with Co2B, thereby enhancing its practical performance. Two-dimensional tungsten oxide-nitrogen-carbon (WO2–N–C) nanosheets was syntheized via a liquid-phase approach, using a tungstenate-polydopamine precursor followed by thermal treatment. Subsequently, these WO2–N–C nanosheets were compounded with cobalt boride (Co2B) particles through ball milling at various ratios of 1%, 3%, and 5%, which were confirmed by XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) methods. Employing a comprehensive suite of electrochemical analyses, including corrosion potential measurements, polarization curves, step voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), we found that the incorporation of WO2–N–C significantly enhances the corrosion resistance and electrochemical activity of Co2B. Furthermore, cyclic life tests revealed that the WO2–N–C-doped Co2B composites exhibit superior discharge capacities and capacity retention rates compared to pristine Co2B. Notably, the 3% WO2–N–C-doped Co2B composite demonstrated the optimal electrochemical performance, achieving a maximum discharge specific capacity of 555 mAh g−1 and maintaining 82% of its initial capacity after 50 cycles. Our findings underscore the dual role of WO2–N–C in not only augmenting the surface electrochemical activity of Co2B but also providing a protective surface layer, thereby enhancing its overall electrochemical performance.