Natural Processing Research Articles

Poly(Acrylic Acid)/TiO2 Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Paper Artwork Cleaning and Protection.

Paper-based artworks are prone to natural aging processes driven by chemical and biological processes. Numerous treatments have been developed to mitigate deterioration and prevent irreversible damage. In this study, we investigated the use of poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2 composite hydrogels, combining their cleaning and protective functions in a minimally invasive treatment. Hydrogels allow for controlled water flow and photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles enhance the hydrogel's efficacy by enabling the removal of oxidation products and inactivating biological contaminants. Furthermore, this innovative material can act as a protective coating against UV-induced aging, preserving both color and stability of the paper. Raman spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging techniques were employed to evaluate the treatments, allowing for us to differentiate between hydrolytic and oxidative aging processes. Our findings demonstrate that papers coated with poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2 composite hydrogels exhibit significant reductions in oxidative markers, an enhanced color stability, and an overall improved resistance to degradation compared to uncoated samples.

Assessing hydrogeochemical facies and Groundwater Quality Index in rapidly urbanizing coastal region: a GIS-based approach with machine learning for enhanced management.

Groundwater is an essential freshwater source worldwide, but increasing pollution poses risks to its sustainability. This study applied a comprehensive approach to assess hydrogeochemical facies and groundwater quality in Odisha's large low-lying coastal regions. Analysis of 136 samples revealed that sodium (9.4%), potassium (40.8%), bicarbonate (2.1%), and chloride (2.1%) exceeded WHO limits. The Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) map classified 5.1% of samples as "excellent," 39.4% as "good," 31.3% as "poor," 13.8% as "very poor," and 10.2% as "unsuitable" for use. Additionally, the GQI values demonstrate a random spatial autocorrelation (- 0.06) likely due to diverse influences. The study identified the expansion of agricultural (43%) and built-up areas (13%) from the Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) map. Piper diagram and Gibbs plots suggest continued freshening, rock-water interaction, and seawater intrusion. Groundwater levels fall between 0 to 2m below ground level (mbgl), primarily due to excessive groundwater extraction. The Sodium (Na+) vs. Chloride (Cl-) cross plot shows most samples align with the mixing line, with some deviations indicating multiple contamination sources. The strong correlation (> 0.90) between total dissolved salts (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), Na+, and Cl- signals seawater intrusion, highlighting the complex interaction between human activities and natural processes. The proposed machine learning (ML) models like random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree, and linear regression (LR) offer a reliable alternative to traditional GQI methods, addressing the challenges of extensive sampling and data management. Among these, RF exhibited the highest predictive accuracy (coefficient of correlation (R2) = 95%), surpassing ANN (R2 = 82%), decision tree (R2 = 81%), and LR (R2 = 67%) as the most effective model for GQI prediction. Potassium (K+) stands out as a key indicator of contamination. GQI, LULC map, and ML methods improve understanding of contamination sources and support systematic groundwater management.

Spatio Temporal Analysis of the Effect of Slope Gradient on the Magnitude of Erosion and Deposition in the Endikat Watershed

Erosion is a natural process caused by rainfall (R), slope gradient (λ), slope length (LS), soil type (K), and changes in land cover. These factors drive the erosion of the surface layer of the soil, intensified by steep slopes and shifts in land use. The extent of this erosion has significant implications as it contributes to a reduction in the distribution of ecosystem services (ES) both spatially and temporally in various sub-watershed areas. To analyze the magnitude of erosion, modern methodologies including the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the refinement, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) have been adopted particularly focusing on the slope length (LS) factor for more accurate assessments. From this analysis and the direction of deposition spatially, the results can be used to assess and consider the actual value of ES in watersheds. The results can also be used for policy in decision-making, assessing the quality and quantity of water resources, as well as managing land resources better in an economically, environmentally, and socially beneficial manner. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the classification of the magnitude of slope in the RLKSi equation to predict the estimated spatial pattern of both erosion and deposition as well as assess the level of vulnerability to soil loss in the Endikat sub-watershed which was upstream of the Lematang watershed. The equation used was SEDRET which included the level of soil resistance to the magnitude of soil loss (RUSLE) minus actual erosion (USLE). The results of the highest erosion value of 2,205.14 tons/Ha/year occurred in an area with slope of > 45% and soil type Association & yellow brown podzolic with shrub land use. Although the highest eroded retention rate of - 6,710.17 tons/Ha/year occurred on slope of 39.09% with yellowish brown podzolic soil type and dry agricultural land use. Additionally, the area experiencing the greatest sedimentation occurred on slope of 5.79% with Andosol Brown & Regosol soil types as well as shrub land use.

The Effects of Disturbance on Plant-Pollinator Interactions in the Native Forests of an Oceanic Island (Terceira, Azores).

The native biodiversity of oceanic islands is threatened by human-driven disturbance and by the growing number of species introductions which often interfere with natural ecological processes. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of anthropogenic disturbance on plant-pollinator interactions in the native forest communities of an oceanic island (Terceira, Azores, Portugal). We found that native species predominated in preserved sites compared to disturbed ones and that the extant plant-pollinator interactions were mostly dominated by generalist species. Dipterans, particularly hoverflies, emerged as the primary flower visitors, while introduced hymenopterans (Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris) and native beetles were locally important, respectively, in disturbed and preserved sites. Human-driven disturbance seems to be responsible for the observed differences in flower abundance and species composition between sites and to drive changes in specific network metrics (namely nestedness, interaction strength asymmetry, and specialization), particularly in one of the study areas. Our findings also suggest that native generalist species provide ecological opportunities that can facilitate the establishment of introduced species through their broad interaction networks.

Regenerative Biomimetic Photosynthesis by Covalent-Organic Framework-Based Nanobiohybrids.

Biomimetic photosynthesis, which leverages nanomaterials with light-responsive capabilities, represents an innovative approach for replicating natural photosynthetic processes for green and sustainable energy conversion. In this study, a covalent-organic framework (COF)-based artificial photosynthesis system is realized through the co-assembly of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase and a light-responsive proton generator onto an imine-based COF, RT-COF-1. This system demonstrates an ATP production rate of 0.64 µmol ATP per mg protein within 90 s of light exposure and, for the first time, exhibites regenerative ATP production through multiple light on/off cycles. Furthermore, the ATP generated by the system facilitates the biocoupling of monosaccharides into disaccharides, confirming the hybrid system's capability to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of organic molecules. This approach shows significant potential for renewable bioenergy generation, offering precise and reliable control over biochemical processes through artificial photosynthesis.

Exploiting gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis for enhanced antimicrobial activity of phage endolysin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Recombinant GSDMDNterm protein was able to efficiently permeabilize P. aeruginosa outer membranes and increase endolysin activity against bacteria, producing either long LPS O-chains or lack them entirely. The obtained results suggest the limited possibility of using the natural process of pyroptosis occurring in monocytic cells to enhance the bactericidal effect of recombinant phage endolysins against Gram-negative bacteria infection.

Limnological Characteristics of Inland, Glacial Lakes on the Horseshoe Island (Antarctica)

Antarctica is a continent with extreme climatic conditions, with many lakes and ponds with ecological status varying from ultra-oligotrophic to hypereutrophic. Horseshoe Island is situated in Marguerite Bay, in the western Antarctic Peninsula. In this research, we purpose to determine the limnological characteristics of four lakes on Horseshoe Island (Col 1, Col 2, Skua and Zano). Water samples were taken once (during the summer period) from one station in each of the lakes for chemical analysis. The Trophic State Index (TSI) was calculated based on Secchi depth, chlorophyll-a, and total phosphorus concentrations. Phytoplankton were sampled from the same stations, except for Lake Zano, because of the ice cover. Phytoplankton community indice (Q) was calculated. Total phosphorus concentration for Lake Col 1, Col 2, Skua and Zano were measured as 0.6, 0.65, 3.0, 4.6 mg/m3, respectively. Based on total phosphorus, these four lentic systems are oligotrophic. TSI values pointed out oligotrophy and mesotrophy in the lakes. Lake Skua was found to be excellent quality (0.59 mg/l) while Lake Col 1 (0.72 mg/l) and Lake Col 2 (0.68 mg/l) were found to be good quality according to total phytoplankton biomass. The ecological status of the lakes is prediction to be of medium quality based on cyanobacteria biomass. This may be due to the rapid increase of Cyanobacteria in the short summer period as well as nutrient enrichment. Based on the Q indice, Lake Skua (4.2) is of excellent quality, Lake Col 2 (4) is of good quality, and Lake Col 1 (2.73) is of moderate quality in ice-free period. Because these lakes are under stressors such as climatic pressure (duration of ice cover) and natural eutrophication processes, regular monitoring of the lakes on the Antarctic continent is recommended.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Content and Identification of Their Sources in Bottom Sediments and Various Macrophyte Species of the Narew River (Poland)

The condition of the aquatic environment, particularly in protected areas of high ecological value such as the Narew River, requires detailed monitoring to identify and minimise the impact of anthropogenic factors on the ecosystem. This study focused on the content of heavy metals in bottom sediments and macrophytes of the Narew River, emphasising the influence of human activities and natural factors on this ecologically valuable ecosystem. Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Fe, and Mn concentrations were analysed in sediment samples, and ten macrophyte species were collected at 11 sampling points along the river. A geochemical index (Igeo) and multivariate statistical analyses were employed to identify sources of contamination. The digested samples (sediments and plants) were analysed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Fe, and Mn using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) on an ICE 3500 Thermo Scientific spectrometer, with a measurement error below 5%, validated against certified reference materials. The study results indicated that most metals, including Ni, Cr, Co, Fe, and Mn, predominantly originate from natural geological processes. In contrast, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb were identified as being enriched due to anthropogenic activities. An analysis of macrophytes revealed varied patterns of metal accumulation, which correspond to the bioavailability of metals and their environmental concentrations. Comprehensive statistical analyses provided insights into the predominant sources of metal contamination, closely associated with industrial emissions, agricultural runoff, and transportation activities. The integration of sediment and macrophyte monitoring allowed for a thorough evaluation of the Narew River ecosystem, facilitating the identification of key pollution sources. These findings highlight the critical need for measures to mitigate anthropogenic contributions of heavy metals—particularly from industrial, agricultural, and transportation sectors—to safeguard the Narew River’s unique ecological and natural heritage.

Sustainable Agriculture and It’s Practices: A Review

Sustainable agriculture, a holistic approach to farming, offers a promising solution to the global challenge of balancing food production with environmental preservation. Sustainability is based on the idea that we should fulfill current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to fulfill their requirements. It involves the farming practices that maintain the health of our land, water, and air while producing sufficient food necessary for the growing population. This comprehensive review explores diverse sustainable agricultural practices essential for balancing productivity, economic viability, and social equity. Key principles of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing environmental health, financial feasibility, and social justice, underpin a multifaceted approach. Permaculture, emphasizing biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration, aligns with nature’s principles. Crop rotation and diversification mitigate pests and diseases, and enhance soil health. Water management through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting optimizes water usage. Innovative practices including aquaponics, hydroponics, vertical farming, and agroforestry ensure year-round, efficient food production. Climate-smart agriculture adapts to climate change, while precision agriculture enhances resource efficiency. Organic farming, relying on natural processes, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Challenges like excessive chemical usage, climate-related disruptions, and knowledge gaps persist despite promising outcomes. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaborative efforts, policy support, and education initiatives. Sustainable agriculture represents the path toward a resilient and food-secure future for our growing global population.

Making Hidden Sustainable Urban Planning and Landscape Knowledge Visual and Multisensorial

Many cityscapes and landscapes create reactions of awe due to their unexpected characteristics or uniqueness. First glance observations may not reveal or enable the understanding of all natural, social, economic, environmental, and cultural processes taking place at a given moment or, particularly, how those places have evolved and been transformed into being what they are today. Research helps to uncover hidden layers of reality and make sense of relationships among elements, dimensions, and processes. Distinct research styles of variable intensity and comprehensiveness are required to respond to the needs of multiple stakeholders. Quantitative research methods have become increasingly sophisticated, and while they serve to enhance one’s knowledge of complex phenomena, they can also be difficult to understand. To what extent can urban planners and landscape architects utilize visual and multisensorial literacies to bring about more transparency and significance to territorial transformation processes? This paper analyzes how four educational and research programs implemented at the University at Albany built upon visual and multisensorial research methods to augment educational outcomes, bolster scholarly significance, and provide up-to-date knowledge to empower concerned stakeholders to help change unsustainable urbanization practices, social inequities and injustices in cities, car dependence and sedentary lifestyles, protect natural resources and livelihoods, while reducing environmental and social harm. The methods comprised literature reviews, self-reflections on the implemented programs, and analyses of participant evaluations of various outreach activities. The paper concludes with remarks for other researchers interested in making their pedagogical and scholarly activities more effective and rewarding for themselves and their intended beneficiaries.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EXODYNAMIC PROCESSES IN THE NAKHCHIVAN RIVER BASIN

In the article, we attempt to characterize adverse natural phenomena in terms of intensity in various river valleys of the Nakhchivan river basin. In the Nakhchivan river basin, flood events attract significant attention due to the damage they cause to populated areas and the economic system, as well as the repetition of widespread hazardous natural processes. The villages of Bichenak, Kolani, Daylagli, Selasuz and the city of Shahbuz are most exposed to the risks and dangers caused by flood flows. Stabilized landslides of ancient and relatively recent origin have developed in almost all river valleys of the basin. The zone where the landslides spread most actively covers the upper part of the Nakhchivan river basin, the Batabat massif, the Bichenak forest, the middle course of the Kuku river, the settlements of Kechili and Zirnel. Both glacial and debris landslides are widespread here. The factors that cause avalanches in the area differ between low mountains and high mountains. Thus, while in some places frost weathering plays an important role in avalanche formation, in other a sharp change in temperature, the physical and chemical composition of rocks, vegetation, color affecting the heat capacity of rocks, lithological bedding, slope exposure, and degree of inclination, etc., also plays a role. Through the joint analysis of satellite images and field research, for the first time in the basin area, we distinguished some of the dangerous exodynamic processes and were able to prepare maps of them.

Философско-правовые аспекты познания права на современном этапе в контексте общей культуры творчества в юриспруденции

The modern legal environment is focused on the high need for multifaceted legal creativity, which is so necessary in the conditions of an intensively developing society. The development of society (especially in continuous contact interaction of its members) is inevitably associated with its needs, which give rise to obligations. Objectively, this is due to the development of this type of legal activity in the socio-legal society. At the same time, an inextricable connection between legal creativity and legal culture is clearly observed. But at the same time, the existing boundary paradigms in law do not allow to fully implement the most needed here and now philosophical and legal innovations, arising as a result of legal creativity, which cannot always withstand the pressure of boundaries. The article gives a general assessment of the issue of the need to expand the boundaries of creativity in jurisprudence. Legal culture has such specificity that it does not fully coincide with any type of culture: spiritual, political, material. But being a unique form of harmonious development of the individual, the most noticeable general social progress is achieved through it. Masterpieces of legal creativity, subsequently recognized by humanity as a global heritage, were initially created in the bosom of the national cultural environment, transforming from an idea of local significance into more voluminous substances in philosophical content and practical application. The importance of the modern Russian model of philosophical and legal thought and the history of political and legal doctrines, when the ideological confrontation between Russia and the West is aggravated, makes it necessary to intensify various searches for the correct model of philosophical and legal thought that will retain its practical relevance for many years. The article attempts to discuss which tasks, derived from the very immutable nature of law, deserve attention from the famous Russian legal scholar D. Yu. Shapsugov. Analyzing the current legal reality, he, in the "Iering" manner, acts as a harbinger of the emergence of something new in jurisprudence. Indifference to jurisprudence as such underlies his deep reasoning. Going beyond the boundaries of positivistic views. Legal reality should be successfully formed under the influence of various ideas. Each subsequent era of the evolution of law and legal science sees and positions itself within the boundaries of its legal and psychological society, its fundamental concepts and normative culture of the necessary or obligatory legal order. And therefore the emergence of new ideas that turn into teachings is a natural process. The positivist version of understanding law by the first quarter of the 21st century has apparently exhausted its analytical resource and needs new approaches. It is these approaches with deep academicism that we observe in the works on the philosophy of law of D. Yu. Shapsugov and a number of other colleagues who work tirelessly in this vein.

Условия формирования оползней на территории Нахичеванской Автономной Республики

The presented article investigates the geographical distribution, types, driving forces, and moisture conditions of landslides-one of the widespread slope processes in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, using both traditional and modern remote sensing methods. The capabilities of the multizonal spectral images obtained during the study of landslides are thoroughly analyzed. Additionally, the geomorphological characteristics of landslides in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which have not been adequately studied, are characterized, and their impact on the formation and intensification of other natural processes, particularly mudflows, is demonstrated. As a result of the research, underground waters accumulated on various slopes have been identified, and landslide-prone slopes have been classified into four categories based on the degree of moisture. This outcome enables the prediction of the likelihood of large-scale landslides and the implementation of countermeasures in specific cases. To refine the prediction of landslide occurrence, a comparative analysis of infrared (IR) images taken at different times of the same areas was conducted, revealing a high probability of active landslides in the Batabat massif, Kechili, Boyahmed, Nasirvaz, and Khurs village settlements, as well as in the Tillak and Bichenek forests, and on the eastern and southeastern slopes of the Kuku mountain within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The Influence of Fresh Latex Coagulation on the Parameter Characteristics of the Yeoh Hyperelastic Constitutive Model for Natural Rubber.

The coagulation of fresh latex is one of the critical processes that impacts rubber quality during natural rubber processing. Constitutive relationships are the basis for the study of the mechanical properties of rubber materials and serve as a prerequisite for material simulation studies. However, studies on the effect of different coagulation methods on natural rubber constitutive relationships have yet to be carried out, and the current models used for natural rubber constitutive relationships need to be improved. In order to investigate the effects of different coagulation methods on the hyperelastic properties of natural rubber, the impact of natural coagulation, enzyme coagulation, acid coagulation, microbial coagulation, and enzyme-assisted microbial coagulation on the hyperelastic constitutive relationship of natural rubber were analyzed in detail based on tensile experiments and the Yeoh model. The results show that after introducing a strain rate-related factor, the Yeoh model can describe well the mechanical behavior of natural rubber carbon black composites in different deformation regions, and the rubber, studied with varying coagulation methods, exhibits different mechanical properties in different deformation regions. This study provides new evidence for the study of high-performance natural rubber and serves as a reference for process selection in the primary processing of natural rubber.

Data‐driven 3D modelling of long‐term Holocene delta evolution and sediment compaction: The Mekong Delta

SummaryThe Vietnamese Mekong River Delta (VMD) is one of the largest and lowest elevated deltas on Earth, shaped over the past thousands of years following delta progradation and sediment deposition. The geologically young delta sediments have high porosity and compressibility, resulting in high natural sediment consolidation (also known as autocompaction). Autocompaction is a natural intrinsic process that governs the spatio‐temporal morphological evolution and shallow compaction (i.e., land subsidence) in a delta. As a delta aggrades and progrades, the weight of accumulated sediments increases the effective stress experienced by underlying sediments, driving internal shallow compaction processes. Compaction of shallow sediments considerably contributes to land subsidence in the VMD, influencing the morphology and elevation of the delta plain and increasing the deltas exposure to natural hazards like flooding and relative sea‐level rise. In this study, we introduce a novel methodology to quantify sediment accumulation and autocompaction while taking into account the depositional history and heterogeneous nature of subsurface sediments in deltas like the VMD. We derived the depositional history, spatial heterogeneity and palaeo‐sedimentation rates by combining extensive datasets with lithological borelogs, sediment datings and geomechanical characterization of the delta's most representative lithologies. To simulate the spatio‐temporal formation and evolution of the delta over the last 4000 years, we employ the NATSUB3D finite element model to simulate sediment deposition and consolidation over time using an adaptive three‐dimensional mesh. The resulting 3D hydro‐stratigraphical and geomechanical characterization provides unique insights on past Holocene spatio‐temporal evolution of the VMD and current autocompaction dynamics. The model enables the prediction of shallow compaction rates under future sediment deposition and can facilitate process‐based quantification of delta elevation evolution under natural and human‐engineered sedimentation. This unlocks new opportunities to evaluate the effectiveness of nature‐based solutions and sediment enhancing strategies aimed to prevent elevation loss and combat relative sea‐level rise in the Mekong delta and similar lowly elevated coastal‐deltaic landforms elsewhere.

Breaking Motherhood’s Rules: Play and Reproduction in Gabriela Wiener’s Nueve lunas (2009)

This article analyses Nine Moons (2009), by the Peruvian writer Gabriela Wiener, in relation to the concept of play in the creation of the novel, the development of the protagonist as a mother, as well as the dismantling of normative notions of motherhood. Although motherhood as a patriarchal institution is, according to Adrienne Rich, full of norms that oppress women, whether they are mothers or not, it can also be a site of (possible) resistance. I argue how through play Nine Moons separates motherhood from natural processes and exposes its constructed quality, restoring independence and autonomy to the process of gestation.

Optimization of Eco Enzyme Production Using Bacterial Starters and Fermentative Fungi

Eco Enzyme is a natural fermentation product made from organic waste such as leftover fruits and vegetables, which has various benefits, including serving as an environmental cleaner and pollution reducer. This research aims to optimize the production of Eco Enzyme by using specific fermentative bacterial starters to enhance fermentation efficiency and the quality of the final product. In this study, the types of fermentative bacteria used are Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and the fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger. Parameters such as pH, temperature, and fermentation duration are strictly regulated and monitored to identify optimal conditions for Eco Enzyme production. The research results indicate that the use of certain fermentative bacterial starters can accelerate fermentation time by up to 30% and increase enzyme activity by 20% compared to natural fermentation processes without starters. The characteristics also show the same results, namely acidic pH, characteristic fresh aroma, fresh eco enzyme value and normal TDS (ranged 1,030 ppm - 1,700 ppm). This optimization not only produces a more efficient and high-quality Eco Enzyme product, but it can also serve as an innovative step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly organic waste management.

Potentially harmful elements in mining sites in Ghana: assessment of their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults

PurposePotentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the soil at gold mining sites can endanger the health and sustainability of the local community. We examined the potential health risks associated with the presence of PHEs (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se and Ti) in the soils of active, closed/abandoned/former and profile gold mine sites in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 102 soil samples from these mine sites, analysed them for their total element contents and calculated the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) (Igeo). We calculated the risks to human health by utilizing the hazard index (HI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adult males, adult females and children who may ingest contaminated soil particles.FindingsThe average total Cd concentration in the soils was above the global average of 0.2 mg/kg for abandoned (2.86 mg/kg), active (3.93 mg/kg) and profile (4.04 mg/kg) areas. Mercury was detected at elevated concentrations in the soil of active mines (0.92 mg/kg), profiles (0.89 mg/kg) and abandoned mines (0.87 mg/kg). In the active, abandoned and profile soils, titanium concentrations were 14.18, 6.74 and 4.82 mg/kg, respectively, in several folds above the global average of 0.57 mg/kg. The majority of the sites were contaminated with Cd, Hg and Ti based on the calculated PLI values (active = 2.04, abandoned = 1.77 and profile = 2.7). Cadmium, mercury, lead and titanium in mine spoils were found to be correlated with aluminium, iron, manganese, pH, total carbon, clay content and phosphorus in a multivariate analysis using correlation and principal component analysis.Research limitations/implicationsBoth natural and anthropogenic processes contributed to the elevated metal contents in the mining sites, as indicated by the investigation’s results. The children’s hazard index values exceeded the threshold of 1.0, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic risks.Practical implicationsGreen space technology (e.g. revegetation) may thus be critical for preserving public health and reviving the ecological integrity of the contaminated sites.Originality/valueThis study highlights health risks to local communities in southwest Ghana by investigating the presence of potentially harmful elements in soils from gold mining sites for the first time. It assesses non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks using a methodology recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency for soil-to-human health risk assessment, especially for children. The study highlights how contamination has been found, making green space technology essential for preserving ecological integrity and protecting public health. The inclusion of geospatial distribution mapping of PTEs offers a visual depiction of the spread of contamination at both active and closed mining sites.

Natural gas production process fault localization based on direct transfer entropy with adaptive lag

Abstract Natural gas production equipment has complex structures, numerous monitoring parameters, and intricate correlation relationships, making it challenging to trace the source of faults for abnormal events. This paper proposes a fault localization method for natural gas production processes based on direct transfer entropy with adaptive lag (AL-DTE). Firstly, a variable set is screened based on the contribution plot. To enhance the adaptability to multiple operating conditions and reduce the reliance on experience, this paper integrates the adaptively to DTE and proposed AL-DTE. A causal analysis is then constructed and the causality graph is utilized to visualize the abnormal propagation path and identify the root cause of the fault. The proposed method can locate abnormal and faulty sub-equipment without relying on historical experience, enabling rapid localization of unknown faults. The effectiveness of the method is verified through simulation data and real faults of a triethylene glycol (TEG) dehydration equipment.

The Use of Gamal Leaves (Gliricidia sepium) to Accelerate Fresh Fruit Bunch Detachment and Improve the Quality of Crude Palm Oil

Acceleration of processing for fresh fruit bunches (FFB) is crucial to increase profitability and business opportunities for oil palm farmers. This research aims to evaluate the effect of using gamal (Gliricidia sepium) leaves and the duration of ripening on the percentage of FFB processing as well as the quality of crude palm oil. This study employed a factorial completely randomized design (CRD). The data were analyzed using ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a significance level of 5%. The results of the analysis showed that the best treatment was S3T2 (40% gamal leaves, 20 h of ripening) with a natural processing percentage of 45.87% of the FFB weight and 60.34% of the total bunch weight. The use of gamal leaves and the duration of ripening significantly affected the quality parameters of the oil, especially the free fatty acid content. Treatment S1T1 (20% gamal leaves, 10 h of ripening) showed the best results with a free fatty acid value of 1.30%, meeting the quality standard (<5%). However, the moisture content still exceeded the quality standard (<0.5%), although treatment S3T2 yielded the best result at 0.63%. While, the impurity content quality met the quality standard (<0.5%), with the best value achieved by treatment S1T1 at 0.15%. Keywords: Bunch detachment, CPO quality, Ethylene, Gliricidia sepium, Ripening.