Optimal Activation Research Articles

TMIC-61. DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL NOTCH-TARGETING ONCOLYTIC HSV FOR GBM TUMORS

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain malignancy, which despite continuing worldwide efforts to develop new therapies, remains a deadly disease with limited treatment options. The NOTCH signaling pathway is often hyperactive in GBM tumors, and its activity contributes to tumor progression and resistance to treatment. The role of NOTCH signaling in tumor growth and resistance is well studied, but the significance of this pathway for immunotherapy of GBM is not very well understood. We have recently shown that NOTCH activation following virotherapy contributes to tumor regrowth and induces recruitment of monocytic MDSC cells into the tumor, which limit optimal immune activation to kill tumor cells. For this study, we have discovered a NOTCH interfering intracellular ligand (NIIL) that blocks NOTCH activation from inside glioma cells. RNA sequencing shows the expression of NIIL downregulates NOTCH signaling in vitro. To evaluate the effect of NIIL on virotherapy, we generated an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) that also encodes for NIIL. This virus showed a slower spread in vitro but improved therapeutic efficacy in vivo in multiple models of intracranial tumors. In immune competent mice there was a significant improvement in the survival of mice treated with the NIIL-encoding virus, with a fraction of mice showing a complete response after a single treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of immune infiltrates is ongoing to understand how NIIL impacts tumor microenvironment and anti-tumor immune therapy.

TMIC-54. OHSV-MEDIATED NOTCH BLOCKADE FOR BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract Primary brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM) are refractory to current standard-of-care, and so there is an urgent need to develop novel therapies to treat brain tumors. NOTCH is a cell-cell communication pathway that is exploited by GBM stem cells to bypass treatment. The role of NOTCH signaling in tumor growth and resistance is well studied, but the significance of this pathway for immunotherapy of GBM is not very well understood. We have recently shown that NOTCH activation with viro-immunotherapy contributes to tumor regrowth and induces recruitment of monocytic MDSC cells into the tumor, which limit optimal immune activation to kill tumor cells. Herein, we evaluated the impact of blocking NOTCH signaling using two different peptides: NIX1 and NIX2 that can interfere with NOTCH ligand binding with their receptors. Both NIX1 and NIX2 could effectively block the ligation of NOTCH ligands with Notch receptors in the tumor microenvironment. Secretion of both NIX1 and NIX2 was confirmed by western blot (WB) and ELISA. Functionality of NIX1 and NIX2 to block NOTCH signaling was assessed by western blot analysis for NOTCH cleaved intracellular domain (NICD). RNA sequencing and PCR based assays were utilized to evaluate the impact of NIX1 and NIX2 on global pathways that were enriched. Gene therapy using oncolytic immunotherapy vectors revealed that both NIX1 and NIX2 could suppress NOTCH signaling. In vitro, NIX1 and NIX2 did not increase the benefit of viro-immunotherapy. Treatment of mice bearing intracranial tumors with NIX1 or NIX2 armed viro-immunotherapy revealed a significant increase in therapeutic benefit with some long-term survivors. Both NIX1 and NIX2-expressing viruses induced macrophage migration relative to unarmed viro-immunotherapy in two different glioma models. Role of macrophages in guiding therapeutic benefit is currently being explored.

Chrysin-loaded Soluplus-TPGS mixed micelles: Optimization, characterization and anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid found in various plants, and it has shown potential therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is limited due to poor solubility and low bioavailability. Mixed micelles can help overcome these problems. This study focuses on preparation of Chrysin-loaded mixed micelles with the help of solvent diffusion evaporation method. Soluplus and TPGS were the main components of the formulation, and their proportions were optimized with the help of the central composite design matrix. Thirteen batches were constructed to optimize the mixed micelle formulation based on different Soluplus: Chrysin ratios and TPGS percentages. Response surface methodology and various models were employed to analyze micellar size, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading. The optimized formulation, CHR-MM1, exhibited a particle size of 132.2 ± 7.9 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 98.01 ± 2.27 %, and a zeta potential of −2.10 mV. TEM images revealed that the micelles were spherical in shape. Characterization studies, including FTIR and X-ray diffraction, confirmed the successful encapsulation of Chrysin in an amorphous form within the mixed micelles. The in vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained release behavior in both acidic and neutral pH conditions. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model best described the drug release kinetics. Cellular uptake studies using fluorescence microscopy revealed enhanced internalization of the mixed micelles into Hep G2 cells. Moreover, MTT assays indicated a concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity of Chrysin-loaded mixed micelles against Hep G2 cells, outperforming free Chrysin. The flow cytometry analysis results suggested an enhanced apoptotic activity of Chrysin in the mixed micelles as compared to free drug. This study provides a promising strategy for improving the solubility, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity of Chrysin. Therefore, our results point to the potential of Chrysin-loaded mixed micelles to serve as a therapeutic option for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Supercritical CO2 green solvent extraction of Nepeta crispa: Evaluation of process optimization, chemical analysis, and biological activity

This research investigates the extraction of compounds from Nepeta crispa (N. crispa), utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide green solvent, for the first time. Using RSM, the study examines the impact of pressure (15-25MPa), temperature (313-333K), and co-solvent (0.5- 3.5%) on the extraction yield. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil is assessed through Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, while its antibacterial properties are evaluated against four bacterial strains. The SCFE method achieved a maximum yield of 1.812% at optimum conditions (P= 25MPa, T= 313K and co-solvent= 3.5%). GC-Mass analysis revealed that the primary constituents of N. crispa essential oil which are 1,8-cineol and 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone in both extraction methods. The antioxidant and antibacterial results of N. crispa showed the superiority of SC-CO2 over hydrodistillation method. These observed antioxidant and antibacterial attributes highlight the plant’s potential suitability for applications within the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Structural and functional studies of the EGF20-27 region reveal new features of the human Notch receptor important for optimal activation.

The Notch receptor is activated by the Delta/Serrate/Lag-2 (DSL) family of ligands. The organization of the extracellular signaling complex is unknown, although structures of Notch/ligand complexes comprising the ligand-binding region (LBR), and negative regulatory region (NRR) region, have been solved. Here, we investigate the human Notch-1 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) 20-27 region, located between the LBR and NRR, and incorporating the Abruptex (Ax) region, associated with distinctive Drosophila phenotypes. Our analyses, using crystallography, NMR and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), support a rigid, elongated organization for EGF20-27 with the EGF20-21 linkage showing Ca2+-dependent flexibility. In functional assays, Notch-1 variants containing Ax substitutions result in reduced ligand-dependent trans-activation. When cis-JAG1 was expressed, Notch activity differences between WT and Ca2+-binding Ax variants were less marked than seen in the trans-activation assays alone, consistent with disruption of cis-inhibition. These data indicate the importance of Ca2+-stabilized structure and suggest the balance of cis- and trans-interactions explains the effects of Drosophila Ax mutations.

Preparation of Zeolite A from Ion-Adsorbing Rare Earth Tailings for Selective Adsorption of Pb2+: An Innovative Approach to Waste Valorization.

Ion-adsorbing rare earth tailings (IRETs) contain a large amount of clay minerals, which are a potential source of silicon and aluminum for the preparation of zeolite materials. The complexity of the tailings' composition and the impurity composition are the main difficulties in the controllable preparation of zeolite. Herein, IRETs were treated by classification activation technology for the preparation of IRET-ZEO, which was used for the removal of heavy metal Pb2+ in water. A new method of resource utilization of ion-type rare earth tailings is realized by "treating waste with waste". The results showed that the IRETs were classified and then thermally activated, and the optimal activation parameter was calcination at 850 °C for 1 h. The optimal NaOH concentration used in the crystallization process was 5 mol/L, with a crystallization time of 3 h and a crystallization temperature of 85 °C, and the crystallization product was zeolite A. The removal rate of the Pb2+ solution with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L was as high as 96.7% in an acidic solution with a pH value from 2 to 5.5. In particular, when the solution pH was higher than 4.2, the adsorption rate of Pb2+ was close to 100%. The IRET-ZEO showed a fast adsorption rate (5 min to reach adsorption equilibrium), a large adsorption capacity (378.35 mg/g), excellent acid resistance, and selectivity and regenerability for Pb2+. This work provides a new strategy for the green resource utilization of IRETs and the treatment of lead-containing wastewater.

Ultrasound-assisted low-temperature extraction of polysaccharides from Lavandula angustifolia Mill.: optimization, structure characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with high economic and pharmacological value. In this study, we optimized the conditions for low-temperature ultrasound-assisted extraction of L. angustifolia Mill. polysaccharides using response surface methodology (RSM), and two homopolysaccharides LAPW1 (33.6 kDa) and LAPS1 (95.9 kDa) were obtained after isolation and purification by DEAE-650 M and Superdex™ 200 chromatography. The primary structure of LAPS1 was determined using “partial acid hydrolysis, methylation, two-dimensional (2D NMR) spectroscopy” as the core method. The results revealed that LAPS1 is a heteropolysaccharide whose main chain consists of [-1)-β-Galp-(6→1)-α-Araf-(5→]3-1-α-Araf-(3→1)-α-Araf-(5→[1)-β-Galp-(6→1)-α-Araf-(5→]3-1-α-Araf-(5→1)-α-Araf-(5→[-1)-β-Galp-(6→1)-α-Araf-(5→]3. In vitro experiments revealed that LAPW1 and LAPS1 significantly reduced the production of the inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), as well as the expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 (NOS2) and release of nitric oxide (.NO) free radical in the inflammatory model established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7. Besides, the zebrafish inflammatory model, stimulated by CuSO4, was employed to assess the impact of polysaccharides on neutrophil migration, indicating a notable decrease in zebrafish neutrophils and confirming their potential anti-inflammatory activity. These results indicate that polysaccharides from L. angustifolia Mill. be used in the development of functional foods and pharmaceutical products.

Production and optimization of activated carbon from plant waste with high specific surface area for moisture-saving applications in agriculture

In conditions of water shortage, sustainable agricultural development requires the use of water-saving technologies, including the use of water-retaining substrates based on activated carbon. In this work, the textural and adsorption characteristics of activated carbon obtained from plant waste were studied at different mass ratios of the sorbent and KOH (1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4). The aim of the study was to determine the optimal activation conditions for creating a material with a high specific surface area and a developed porous structure. The results showed that the largest pore volume (1.6 cm3/g) and a high degree of microporosity are achieved at a ratio of 1:3, which is confirmed by the analysis of pore distribution using the DFT and BJH methods. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups (O–H, C=O and C–O) that contribute to water conservation. The differential pore volume distribution (dv(r), cm3/Å/g) also demonstrated that at a ratio of sorbent and KOH (1:3), the sample structure optimally combines micropores and mesopores, which increases the adsorption capacity of carbon.

The optimized magnetic ball-hinged iron-based hydrothermal carbon for catalytic removal of pharmaceutical pollutant by different peroxides with mechanical sonolysis：Comparisons in performance, mechanism, and application

The application of micro/nano iron-carbon micro-electrolysis (ICME) coupling advanced-oxidation-processes has been overlooked. In this study, the optimal activation systems of the ball-hinged reduced-iron-based hydrothermal-carbons (rFCs, 0.02 g L−1) with micro/nano-ICME activating different peroxides (hydrogen peroxide (HP) or peroxo-disulfate (PDS), 0.75 mM) under low-frequency ultrasonic (US, 28 kHz) driving were constructed to rapidly remove >90 % antibacterial-gentian violet (genV), especially under protonation role within 15 min. The synthetic rFCs with different preparation conditions were selective towards different peroxides. After detection and kinetics calculation, besides •OH and high-valent iron-oxo species, the differently dominant active species between HP and PDS was SO4•−. During the removal of genV, the generated intermediate products existed differences as well, e.g., the possible emergence of dimers in activating PDS. Resumptively, the US mechanical excitation, the micro/nano-ICME effect, and the forced friction of micro/nano-motors (US to rFCs) all contributed to activating peroxides. Furtherly, the construction of the US/ICME/different peroxides by continuous flow reactor (k at 0.117−0.200 min−1) suggested the reliability of enlarging application. Overall, this study not only provided an efficient activation method of physical field-driven catalyst for water treatment but also presented the differential comparisons in mechanism and application between activating HP and PDS.

Optimizing macroalgal biochar-based catalysts for monophenols recovery during wood dust catalytic pyrolysis: A comparative study using response surface methodology and artificial neural network

This study aimed to explore the optimization of macroalgal biochar-based catalysts (MBBCs) for enhanced monophenolic production in biomass pyrolysis. By utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN), key variables in the activation process during preparation of MBBCs were identified including activation temperature, activator ratio, and CO2 residence time. The results showed that the ANN model, with an R2 of 0.9816, accurately predicted optimal catalyst activation conditions, closely matching the experimentally determined optimal conditions (ENPC800-1:2–30). The bio-oil yield decreased under ENPC800-1:2–30 catalyst, but the monophenolic content increased significantly, reaching a relative content of 60 %, with a total concentration of phenol, cresols, and ethylphenol amounting to 35.54 mg/gbio-oil. The present study revealed significant changes in non-condensable gas composition, including increased hydrogen and carbon monoxide which aid in enhancing their energy applications. Thus, the optimized MBBCs greatly help in improving the bio-oil and non-condensable gas quality and thereby providing vital insights over sustainable chemical production through biomass pyrolysis.

The role of the activation heating source on the carbon capture performance of two new adsorbents produced from household-mixed-plastic waste

This study reveals the impact of the activation with microwave and conventional heating sources on textural properties and CO2 uptake of a mixed plastic-based char. Two mixed plastic-based adsorbents, one activated using microwaves and the other using conventional heating, were produced at optimum activation conditions, and subsequently compared. The findings show that both heating sources produced microporous adsorbents, but activation heating sources influenced their physicochemical properties and CO2 uptake. The microwave-produced activated carbon (AC) displayed superior BET surface area, total, micro- and ultra-micropore volumes compared to the conventionally produced AC. The microwave-produced AC possessed CO2 adsorption capacities of 1.66 and 2.37 mmol/g under dynamic and equilibrium conditions, respectively, at 25 °C and 1 bar. These capacities represent an 8 and 30 % higher uptake, respectively, compared to the 1.53 and 1.66 mmol/g displayed by the conventionally prepared AC under the same adsorption conditions. Both samples displayed stable and excellent CO2 recyclability over 10 adsorption-desorption cycles, with desorption efficiencies ranging from 93.46 % to 96.72 % (microwave- and conventionally- produced ACs respectively). The Avrami model most accurately described the experimental CO2 adsorption data under dynamic conditions, while the Sip model gave the best fit for equilibrium conditions. These findings apply to both types of ACs at various temperatures, irrespective of the heating source. Overall microwave heating is more efficient than conventional heating, requiring 300°C lower temperature, 115 minutes shorter time, 0.79 kWh less energy, and less KOH. It improves CO2 uptake and reduces production costs by 80 %, offering a sustainable alternative for CO2 adsorbent production.

Research on the effect of post-activation potentiation under different velocity loss thresholds on boxer's punching ability.

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of velocity-based training theory, with the objective of investigating the effects of post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by different velocity loss (VL) thresholds (10% vs. 20%) on the punching ability of boxers. In addition, the aim was to determine the velocity loss thresholds and time nodes that produced the optimal activation effect. Twenty-four male elite boxers were randomly assigned to three groups: CON, 10 VL, and 20 VL. All subjects in the three groups underwent an activation intervention involving an 85% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat, with 6-8 repetitions performed in the CON. The number of repetitions in the 20%VL and 10 VL was determined based on the velocity loss monitored by the GymAware PowerTool system. Four time points were selected for observation: the 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th minutes. These were chosen to test the subjects' punching ability. The results demonstrated that activation training at different VL induced a post-activation potentiation in boxers, improving punching ability bilaterally and to a greater extent than in the CON. The dominant side demonstrated the greatest efficacy at the 12th minute under the 20% velocity loss threshold, while the non-dominant side exhibited the greatest efficacy at the 8th minute under the 10% velocity loss threshold.

Synthesis, optimization and antitumor activity evaluation of sulfonyl benzoyl hydrazide derivatives as novel human LSD1 inhibitors

A new set of compounds known as sulfonyl benzoyl hydrazide derivatives were synthesized and tested using cellular assays. Through systematic optimization starting from general structure S-1, compound 10e emerged as highly promising. It exhibited potent inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.8 nM and possessed moderate clogP. Compounds 10e significantly inhibited solid tumor cells proliferation. Additionally, 10e induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle. Furthermore, in vivo studies using an HCT116 xenograft model showed substantial growth inhibition of tumors, accompanied by a favorable safety profile. These findings underscored compound 10e as a novel LSD1 inhibitor with robust efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, establishing it as a promising lead compound for further anticancer drug development.

Dy3+ doped Zn0.66Mg0.3Al2O4 nanophosphor for high dose radiation thermoluminescence dosimetric applications

Zinc Magnesium Aluminate doped with Dysprosium (Zn (1-x-y) Mg(y)Al2O4:x Dy (x=0.04 and y=0.3 mol%)) was prepared using the solution combustion synthesis method. The prepared phosphor was characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared, respectively, to study crystal structure, surface morphology, and vibrational properties. The thermoluminescence peak temperatures were 250°C, 248°C, and 246°C at irradiating doses of 600–1000 Gy, respectively. Through the computation of the activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b), and frequency factor (s−1), the kinetic parameters were assessed using the TL glow curve. It is observed from the TL dose-response curve that the intensity rises nearly linearly for all doses between 600 and 1000 Gy. Nanophosphor Zn0.66Mg0.3Al2O4:0.04Dy shows almost linear dose-response for a dose range of 600–1000 Gy and an optimum activation energy (E) of 0.93–0.97 eV, which makes it suitable for high-dose radiation thermoluminescence dosimetric applications.

Exploring microwave activation as a novel method for activating coal gangue: Focus on microwave activation mechanisms and hydration characteristics of cementitious supplementary materials

To support the decarbonization of the cement industry, coal gangue (CG) has potential as a supplementary cementitious material. The calcination process significantly impacts the phase transformation of clay minerals and the pozzolanic activity of CG. This study involved calcination of CG at 600 ℃ and 800 ℃ using both microwave and thermal activation methods. Employ XRD, XPS, FTIR, TG, and SEM to examine the impact of calcination mechanism on the crystal structure, element binding energy, chemical bonds, microstructure, and mineral composition of CG. The results indicate that the transformation of kaolinite in CG to metakaolin is completed around 600 °C. Microwave activation increased the reactive aluminate content in CG, enhancing pozzolanic activity and promoting secondary hydration with cement. This process generated additional C-(A)-S-H gels and AFm phases, which filled matrix pores, increased system density, and improved mechanical properties. The optimal activation method for CG was identified as microwave activation at 600 °C.

Polymorphic Supramolecular Therapeutic Platforms with Precise Dye/Drug Ratio to Perform Synergistic Chemo-Photo Anti-Tumor Therapy and Long-Term Immune Protection.

Malignant tumor has become one of the hellish killers threatening the health of people around the world, its diagnosis and treatment has become the concerns of public. However, the optimal therapeutic dose, undesired side-effect, and long-term immune activation werekey and bottleneck problems in tumor treatment. Herein, different batches of supramolecular therapeutic platforms, including vesicles, spherical nanoparticles, and cylindrical nanorods, with precise ratios of dye to drug (1:2) and multiple stimulus responsiveness wereconstructed by host-guest complexation between cyanine-camptothecin conjugates (IR780-CPT2) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) pendent hydrophilic copolymers. The reduction responsiveness, near-infrared photothermal conversion and singlet oxygen (1O2) generation performances endowed these platforms excellent cancer cells killing effect in both of in vitro cellular experiments and in vivo mice models. More importantly, without affecting the weight of mice, the maturation of dendritic cells, proliferation of T cells, up-regulation of high mobility group protein B1, and reduction of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells weredetected after employing a synergistic chemo-photo therapy, demonstrating the body's immune effect was successfully activated. Thus, during the treatment of primary tumor, the distal tumor was also inhibited. Webelieve this work could provide a distinctive way to fabricate supramolecular theranostic platforms with different morphologies and improve antitumor and antimetastasis capabilities.

Adsorption of phytohormones from waste coconut water using surface-activated biochar derived from cacao pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract The study investigated the potential of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) pod husk as feedstock for the production of activated biochar. The activated cacao pod husk biochar is to be used for the extraction of phytohormones present in coconut water. Cacao pod husk was dried, milled, sieved, and pyrolyzed at 500°C for 1 hour. The resulting raw biochar was then activated using ZnCl2. The chemical activation process was optimized by employing Central Composite Design with ZnCl2-biochar ratio and holding time as factors. The response was the phytohormone removal/adsorption efficiency from the coconut water. The goal of the optimization was to maximize phytohormone extraction performance. The low and high levels for ZnCl2-biochar ratio were 1:1 (w/w) and 5:1 (w/w), respectively. For the holding time, these were set at 30 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively. The optimum chemical activation conditions for phytohormone extraction performance were at 3.1:1 zinc chloride-biochar ratio and 30 minutes holding time. The predicted phytohormone adsorption (extraction efficiency) was 96.0%. Experimental verification of optimum conditions is ongoing. The results demonstrated that surface-activated biochar derived from cacao pod husk is an effective adsorbent for the extraction of phytohormones from waste coconut water. This approach not only helps mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with waste disposal in the chocolate and coconut oil industries but also provides an opportunity to create value-added products from these resources, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polyphenol from Chenopodium quinoa Willd.: Optimization and lipid-lowering activity

Hyperlipidemia poses a serious threat to human health, but its medication remains some issues including significant adverse reactions. Polyphenols exhibit great potential in lowering blood lipids and the lipid-lowering effects of quinoa polyphenols are still waiting to be explored. In this study, a deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction method of quinoa polyphenols was developed. Then, the constituents of quinoa polyphenols after purification CQP were analyzed. Besides, their lipid-lowering activities and mechanism were explored. Results suggested that CQP comprised at least 12 kinds of polyphenols. CQP could inhibit lipase, adsorb cholesterol, inhibit oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Subsequent network pharmacology, cellular experiments and molecular docking revealed that CQP might influence the expression levels or bind to AKT1 and FOXO1, thereby affecting their content or activity, ultimately regulating their functions and leading to changes of the cellular lipid levels. This study lays foundation for developing novel lipid-lowering drugs and functional foods.

Optimization study for chemical activation of biochar derived from sugarcane bagasse for maximum phytohormone adsorption from waste coconut water

Abstract Improper treatment and disposal of sugarcane bagasse (SB) in farms and sugar industries can lead to environmental and health concerns. Instead of burning these wastes, bagasse can be utilized for biochar production which can be applied as adsorbents. Additionally, studies reported that the performance of biochar adsorbents can be improved by activation. Hence, this study aimed to optimize the chemical activation conditions of biochar from SB for maximum adsorption of phytohormones from waste coconut water (WCW). Pretreated SB was first converted into biochar though pyrolysis and was chemically activated using potassium hydroxide (KOH). Response Surface Methodology was used to determine the optimum activation conditions to maximize phytohormone adsorption efficiency. Factors considered were KOH-biochar ratio (1:1 to 5:1 g/g) and carbonization holding time (45 to 90 minutes). Analysis of Variance showed that the adsorption efficiency of activated biochar is significantly affected by KOH-biochar ratio. Increasing the ratio created cavities on the surface which serve as adsorption sites; however, further increase in ratio resulted in pore degradation lowering the adsorption performance of activated biochar. Conversely, carbonization holding time did not have significant effect on the response for the range of factors considered. The optimum conditions which were 3.18:1 KOH-biochar ratio and 65.64 minutes holding time resulted to ~82.14% actual phytohormone adsorption efficiency. The characteristics of the optimized activated biochar (SBAB) were then compared with that of the unmodified biochar (SBB) in terms of morphology, surface elemental composition, functional groups, adsorption efficiency, average particle size, and bulk density. The SBAB produced can be applied in further studies focusing on the adsorption of phytohormones from WCW and desorption from the adsorbent to isolate them. Results of this study can also provide a sustainable solution in minimizing the disposal of sugarcane bagasse and waste coconut water while increasing their economic returns and environmental benefits.

Deep learning-based inversion of soil and rock compaction density utilizing Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Surface Waves

Methods relying on a single dynamic parameter to estimate the material density for the compaction quality testing of earth-rock dams and roadbed projects, present certain limitations in terms of applicability, testing accuracy, and work efficiency. The theory of elastic wave propagation reveals that the compaction density of the medium results from the combined interaction of multiple material properties. This study proposes a method that utilizes the transient surface wave method and a vehicle-mounted Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) to jointly enhance the accuracy of soil and rock material compaction detection. The transient surface wave method is employed to extract surface wave velocity and compressional wave velocity. The analysis of the FWD signal involves extracting dynamic parameters closely related to material density, including stiffness coefficients, central frequencies, and stiffness impedances, from time-domain, frequency-domain, and mechanical impedance analyses. A fully connected deep neural network is introduced to intelligently estimate the compaction density. The deep learning model is optimized by selecting the optimal activation function and optimization algorithm, as well as additional tuning. Extensive testing shows that deep learning model produce results closely approximating the true compaction density values. The average relative errors for the wet density and the dry density are 2.9% and 2.85%, respectively, meeting the quality control requirements for density testing. The proposed approach enables rapid detection and control of the compaction quality of soil and rock materials, providing a new method for the in-situ rapid detection of compaction quality.