Potential Market Value Research Articles

Gravity and Magnetic Separation for Concentrating Critical Raw Materials from Granite Quarry Waste: A Case Study from Buddusò (Sardinia, Italy)

The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), enacted by the European Union (EU) in May 2024, represents a strategic framework that aims to address the growing demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) and reduce dependency on non-EU sources. The present study explores the potential of CRM recovery from granite extractive waste (EW) at a granite quarry in Buddusò (Sardinia, Italy). A significant quantity of granite EW, stored in piles within designated disposal areas at the quarry under study, is estimated in terms of mass and volume using GISs and digital elevation models (DEMs). Analysis performed using a scanning electron microscope attached to an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) reveals the presence of allanite, a rare-earth-bearing mineral with substantial light rare-earth elements (LREEs), which can potentially be exploited for LREE recovery. A combined working process including gravitational and magnetic separations yields CRM-enriched fractions with concentrations of REEs, Sc, and Ga, reaching levels of potential economic interest for different industrial applications. Despite promising concentrations, limited knowledge of allanite processing represents significant challenges for CRM recovery from this waste. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the efficiency of these gravitational and magnetic separation methods in order to concentrate CRMs from granite EW. Economic evaluations, including potential market value estimates, suggest that CRM recovery from granite EW can be very profitable under optimized processing conditions. Expanding studies to other quarries in the region can provide valuable insights into the feasibility of establishing a recycling hub, offering a sustainable supply chain solution for CRMs within the EU’s strategic framework.

Building Public–Private Partnerships for Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure Using Game Theory

To operationalize advanced air mobility (AAM) and realize its potential market value, AAM infrastructure development is needed. However, the investment required for this often exceeds the individual capacity of state governments. The challenge for state governments lies in deciding whether they can independently invest in the entire infrastructure or whether they should form public–private partnerships (PPP) with private entities. To aid state governments and policymakers in making informed decisions on AAM infrastructure investment, we have devised two models: one without PPP, identifying the optimal timing for the state governments to independently invest in AAM infrastructure in specific cities over a given analysis horizon, and the other with PPP, focusing on resolving a PPP game for AAM infrastructure investment involving state governments and private investors. The PPP model addresses uncertainties and risks in AAM operations and allows renegotiation between investors in case of unexpected situations. The equilibrium solutions generated from the PPP model reveal optimal strategies for state governments and private investors. Results highlight the required investment amounts, the optimal investment times, and the investment returns for both players. Additionally, parametric analysis is conducted by varying critical parameters to observe how these variations affect outcomes for both investors.

Critical Raw Materials Supply: Challenges and Potentialities to Exploit Rare Earth Elements from Siliceous Stones and Extractive Waste

Critical raw materials (CRMs) supply is a challenge that EU countries have to face, with many thinking about domestic procurement from natural ore deposits and anthropogenic deposits (landfills and extractive waste facilities). The present research focuses on the possibilities linked to the supply of CRMs and the potential for exploiting rare earth elements (REEs), investigating a large variety of extractive waste and siliceous rocks in the Piedmont region (Northern Italy). Indeed, the recovery of REEs from the extractive waste (EW) of siliceous quarries and other siliceous ore deposits can be a valuable way to reduce supply chain risks. Starting with a review of the literature on mining activities in Piedmont and continuing with the sampling and geochemical, mineralogical, petrographic, and environmental characterization of EW facilities connected to siliceous dimension stones, of kaolinitic gneiss ore deposits, and of soils present near the investigated areas, this study shows that the degree of REEs enrichment differs depending on the sampling area (soil or EW) and lithology. The concentration of REEs in the EW at some sampling sites fulfils the indicators of industrial-grade and industrial recovery; the high cumulative production and potential market values of EW and the positive recovery effects through proven methodologies indicate a viable prospect of REE recovery from EW. However, REE recovery industrialization faces challenges such as the difficulty in achieving efficient large-scale recovery due to large regional differences in REE abundance, the mismatch between potential market value and waste annual production, etc. Nonetheless, in the future, EW from dimension stone quarries could be differentially studied and reused based on the enrichment and distribution characteristics of trace elements. The present paper shows investigation procedures undertaken to determine both CRMs potentialities and environmental issues (on the basis of literature data employed to select the more-promising areas and on sampling and characterization activities in the selected areas), together with procedures to determine the waste quantities and tentative economic values of REEs present in the investigated areas. This approach, tested on a large area (Piedmont region), is replicable and applicable to other similar case studies (at EU and non-EU levels) and offers decision makers the possibility to acquire a general overview of the potential available resources in order to decide whether and where to concentrate efforts (including economic ones) in a more detailed study to evaluate the exploitable anthropogenic deposits.

Dietary lipid and astaxanthin contents affect the pigmentation of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)

The most important quality parameter of salmonids is the red color of their skin and muscles. In this contribution, the effects of astaxanthin and dietary lipid content on the pigmentation of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) were studied. Charrs were fed on diets containing 40, 60, and 80 ppm synthetic astaxanthin together with 10, 18, and 26% dietary lipids for 24 weeks. Results indicated that the astaxanthin concentration in the belly skin and flesh of fish was strongly correlated with both carotenoid and dietary lipid contents, suggesting a significant interaction between diets and the total carotenoid concentration in the belly skin and flesh. The Hunter color L* values of the fillet and the belly skin were inversely related to their carotenoid levels, whereas their a* and b* values were strongly correlated with the total carotenoid concentration. The apparent digestibility coefficient of carotenoids was directly correlated with the level of dietary lipid but inversely correlated with carotenoid contents. A strong correlation between the content of carotenoids retained in the flesh and their digestibility was observed. Thus, the pigmentation of Arctic charr could improve the overall consumer acceptability as well as nutritional and potential market values of Arctic charr.Graphical

Efficiency Improvement and Market Value Analysis of Guide Vane Electrostatic Precipitators

Urbanization and industrialization accelerate, the issue of atmospheric environmental pollution has become increasingly severe, particularly the impact of indoor air quality on human health and well-being. This study introduces a novel guide vane electrostatic precipitator that significantly enhances dust removal efficiency through optimized airflow channels and electrostatic field design. Experimental data demonstrate that this device can effectively reduce PM2.5 concentrations, improving dust removal efficiency by approximately 10% compared to traditional electrostatic dust removal technologies. Applications in various scenarios, including hotels, dust workshops, and steel foundries, indicate that the device not only improves air quality, enhancing employee productivity and well-being, but also features low energy consumption and intelligent operation. Furthermore, it holds considerable potential market value, contributing to the promotion of green and low-carbon development objectives. This research provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the structure, working principle, mechanism of efficiency improvement, practical application effects, and market value of the guide vane electrostatic precipitator, looking forward to its application prospects in the field of air purification.

Cultural Empowermnet of Communities Through Information Technology in Giripurwo Village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Empowering communities based on culture can be achieved through information technology strategies provided to groups in the form of learning guides. Giripurwo is a village with intriguing cultural potential and high market value, yet this potential is not widely known by the communityThis research aims to: a) describe the conditions of the cultural village community of Giripurwo in Gunungkidul, b) identify weaknesses within the Giripuro cultural village community in Gunungkidul, c) develop a design for a cultural-based community empowerment model through information technology, d) assess the feasibility of the empowerment model guide based on culture through information technology, e) evaluate the effectiveness of the empowerment model guide based on culture through information technology.This study is a development research using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The subjects of this research are the cultural arts groups in the Giripurwo cultural village. Data collection methods include observation, interviews, documentation, and focus group discussions (FGD). Data analysis techniques include data collection, data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions or verification. The results of this research indicate that: a) the Giripurwo cultural village community already possesses skills in traditional cultural arts, b) the Giripurwo cultural village community has low skills in utilizing information technology as a medium in managing cultural arts, c) the cultural-based community empowerment model is implemented through information technology training for target groups, d) the cultural-based community empowerment model through information technology is deemed suitable for use with a "very good" category, e) the cultural-based community empowerment model has effectiveness for widespread application.

Harnessing the advances of MEDA to optimize multi-PUF for enhancing IP security of biochips

Digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs) have a significant stride in the applications of medicine and the biochemistry in recent years. DMFBs based on micro-electrode-dot-array (MEDA) architecture, as the next-generation DMFBs, aim to overcome drawbacks of conventional DMFBs, such as droplet size restriction, low accuracy, and poor sensing ability. Since the potential market value of MEDA biochips is vast, it is of paramount importance to explore approaches to protect the intellectual property (IP) of MEDA biochips during the development process. In this paper, an IP authentication strategy based on the multi-PUF applied to MEDA biochips is presented, called bioMPUF, consisting of Delay PUF, Split PUF and Countermeasure. The bioMPUF strategy is designed to enhance the non-linearity between challenges and responses of PUFs, making the challenge–response pairs (CRPs) on the MEDA biochips are difficult to be anticipated, thus thwarting IP piracy attacks. Moreover, based on the easy degradation of MEDA biochip electrodes, a countermeasure is proposed to destroy the availability of piracy chips. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed bioMPUF strategy against the brute force attack and modeling attack.

Estimating Circular Economic Potential of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste in Small City

The current waste management paradigm leads to a circular economic approach. To implement it, it is necessary to know the potential for resource recovery from waste, including organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). This research aims to investigate the potential for resource recovery from OFMSW generated in Buleleng Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia. Five technologies were assessed for their potential to transform OFMSW into resources, namely anaerobic decomposition (AD), densification and drying to produce solid fuel, composting, processing with black soldier fly (BSF), and processing for eco-enzymes production. The potential for resource recovery is estimated using a simple linear relationship mathematical model using data available from the literature and secondary data of waste generation in Buleleng Regency. The study estimated 37,489.08 tons OFMSW is generated in Buleleng in 2023. The estimate shows that revenue potential from densification and drying about 9,336 million IDR, followe by composting about 2,471 million IDR, anaerobic digestion about 1,939 million IDR, BSF about 145 million IDR, and eco-enzyme about 13 million IDR. Finally, by estimating the quantity of resources available in OFMSW and their potential market value, it can be taken into consideration in planning and managing the circularity of OFMSW.

Examining current trends and future outlook of bio-electrochemical systems (BES) for nutrient conversion and recovery: an overview.

Nutrient-rich waste streams from domestic and industrial sources and the increasing application of synthetic fertilizers have resulted in a huge-scale influx of reactive nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment. The higher concentrations of these pollutants induce eutrophication and foster degradation of aquatic biodiversity. Besides, phosphorus being non-renewable resource is under the risk of rapid depletion. Hence, recovery and reuse of the phosphorus and nitrogen are necessary. Over the years, nutrient recovery, low-carbon energy, and sustainable bioremediation of wastewater have received significant interest. The conventional wastewater treatment technologies have higher energy demand and nutrient removal entails a major cost in the treatment process. For these issues, bio-electrochemical system (BES) has been considered as sustainable and environment friendly wastewater treatment technologies that utilize the energy contained in the wastewater so as to recovery nutrients and purify wastewater. Therefore, this article comprehensively focuses and critically analyzes the potential sources of nutrients, working mechanism of BES, and different nutrient recovery strategies to unlock the upscaling opportunities. Also, economic analysis was done to understand the technical feasibility and potential market value of recovered nutrients. Hence, this review article will be useful in establishing waste management policies and framework along with development of advanced configurations with major emphasis on nutrient recovery rather than removal from the waste stream.

Potential market value of electrolyte condensate recovered from LIBs mechanical treatment

Potential market value of electrolyte condensate recovered from LIBs mechanical treatment

Effect of Nanoparticles and Organic Extract Preservatives on Vase Life of Cut Flowers: A Review

Cut flowers are used to express appreciation, affection and express emotions on various special occasions. The international trade in cut flowers has expanded in recent years and is expected to grow with the promotion and use of horticultural plants for their therapeutic benefits. Vase life is the period during which a cut flower maintains its appearance in the vase. This is a crucial factor in determining which plant species are ideal for use in floristry, with long vase life plants being considerably more desirable than short vase life plants. Chemical treatments that extend the life of vases are a major part of floristry. Adding sugars to a vase solution with cut flowers is known to delay aging and extend the life of the vase. Nano-sensors could therefore also help to extend the life of vases with cut flowers and thus enable the monitoring of ethylene concentrations in the warehouses of large growers and wholesalers. In floriculture, nanotechnology has increased yield to potential market value, particularly for essential micronutrients essential for host defence.

Synthesis and characterization of two potential impurities (des-ethyl-Ganirelix) generated in the Ganirelix manufacturing process.

Controlling certain diseases using peptide drugs has remarkably increased in the past two decades. In this regard, a generic formulation is an upfront solution to fulfill market demands. Ganirelix, a leading peptide active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) primarily used as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH), has established a potential market value worldwide. But its generic formulation mandates detailed impurity profiles from a synthetic source and contemplates the sameness of a reference-listed drug (RLD). Post-chemical synthesis and processing of Ganirelix, some commercial sources have revealed two new potential impurities among many known, which show the deletion of an ethyl group from the hArg(Et)2 residue at the sixth and eighth positions, named des-ethyl-Ganirelix. These impurities are unprecedented in traditional peptide chemistry, and such monoethylated-hArg building blocks are not easily accessible commercially to synthesize these two impurities. Here, we have outlined the synthesis, purification, and enantiomeric purity characterization of the amino acids and their incorporation in the Ganirelix peptide sequence to synthesize these potential peptide impurities. This methodology will enable the convenient synthesis of side-chain substituted Arg and hArg derivatives in peptide drug discovery platforms.

Potential Forage Hybrid Markets for Enhancing Sustainability and Food Security in East Africa.

The cattle sector is strategic for both the economic development and food security of Africa, but the low availability and quality of forage puts the most vulnerable population at risk. Hybrid forages are an alternative for enhancing both food security and sustainability of the sector but adoption levels are still low in Africa, which is related to various factors such as the availability of seeds. This document analyzes potential markets for new interspecific hybrids of Urochloa and potential hybrids of Megathyrsus maximus, adapted to the environmental conditions of eastern and partially western Africa, applying a four-step methodology based on estimating (i) required forage amounts for each country according to its dairy herd, (ii) potential hectares for forage cultivation based on (i), (iii) hectares that can be covered by the two hybrids of interest according to a Target Population of Environment approach, and (iv) potential market values for each country and hybrid. The results show a potential market of 414,388 ha for new interspecific hybrids of Urochloa and 528,409 ha for potential hybrids of Megathyrsus maximus, with approximate annual values of 73.5 and 101.1 million dollars, respectively. Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya hold a market share of 70% for Urochloa, and South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania a 67% market share for Megathyrsus maximus. The results will help different actors in decision-making, i.e., regarding private sector investments in forage seed commercialization or public sector incentives supporting adoption processes, and thus contribute to increasing food security and sustainability in the region.

Comparing the Volatile and Soluble Profiles of Fermented and Integrated Chinese Bayberry Wine with HS-SPME GC–MS and UHPLC Q-TOF

To evaluate the flavor characteristics of Chinese bayberry alcoholic beverages, fermented bayberry wine (FBW) and integrated bayberry wine (IBW) were investigated for their volatile and soluble profiles using HS-SPME GC-MS and UHPLC Q-TOF and were analyzed with multidimensional statistical analysis, including PCA and OPLS-DA. The volatile compounds 1-pentanol, β-caryophyllene and isopentanol were only detected in IBW. β-caryophyllene, the key flavor component of bayberry, was found to be the most abundant volatile compound in IBW (25.89%) and was 3.73 times more abundant in IBW than in FBW. The levels of ethyl octanoate, ethyl nonanoate, and ethyl decanoate were also several times higher in IBW than in FBW. These compounds contributed to the strong bayberry aroma and better fruity flavor of IBW. On the other hand, high levels of ethyl acetate and octanoic acid in FBW, representing pineapple/overripe or sweat odor, were key contributors to the fermented flavor of FBW. Soluble sugars, such as sucrose, D-glucose, and D-tagatose, as well as amino acids, such as L-glutamate and L-aspartate, had much higher levels in IBW. The anthocyanin pigment cyanidin 3-glucoside, which generates red color, was also higher in IBW. On the other hand, most of the differentially expressed alcohols, acids, amino acids, purines/pyrimidines and esters were present in higher concentrations in FBW compared to IBW. This demonstrated that IBW has a much sweeter and more savory taste as well as a better color generated by more anthocyanins, while FBW presents a more acidic and drier taste as well as a complex formation of alcohols and esters. The study also prompts the need for further research on the flavor profiles of IBW and its potential application and market value.

Metallizing the Surface of Halloysite Nanotubes—A Review

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been shown to be ideal nanoparticles for polymer reinforcement, sustained drug release, nano-reactor synthesis, toxic material removal, regenerative medicine, and as a substrate material for nanostructured coatings. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have been used for centuries in various medical applications, primarily for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The focus of this review is the metallization of HNT surfaces. Different technologies use specific metal compounds and multi-step chemical reactions to metalize the HNT surface. This review begins with a brief overview of the current methods for metallizing the HNT surface. Our focus then provides a detailed study on specific applications of metal-coated HNTs (mHNTs) in the field of nanomedicine. The focus is on using mHNTs and Mhnt polymer composites in anti-infective therapy, immunotherapy, dentistry, regenerative medicine, and wound healing. The importance of HNTs in aerospace, defense, and industry has emerged, and the application potential and enormous market value for metal oxide nanoparticles is apparent. The commercialization potential of metal-coated HNTs is also discussed.

Production and marketing of Tuber floridanum – ecology and gastronomic value of a recently described truffle species

Tuber floridanum is the first truffle species reported in Brazil and little is known about its nutritional properties and ecology. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine T. floridanum aroma and nutritional properties and (2) analyze cultivation and fruiting conditions, including potential crop pests and market value. Fruiting bodies of T. floridanum showed a slightly ellipsoid shape and smooth to shallow groovy surface. The mass of ascocarps ranged from 0.13 g to 15.95 g, and the truffle was composed of 71 % carbohydrates, 19 % protein, 5 % ash, and 5 % of fat. Octan-3-one, 1-methoxy-3-methyl-butane, and 1-methoxy-2-methyl-butane determined T. floridanum characteristic aroma. Soil properties were also specific for this truffle, differing from optimal soils where commercial truffles are produced. In addition, the occurrence of earwigs (Anisolabididae, Anisolabidinae) feeding on truffles (26 % of all ascocarps) in pecan orchards may reduce truffle quality and cause financial losses. T. floridanum aroma has a unique composition, completely different from any commercial and non-commercial truffle species analyzed so far. Soil conditions in pecan orchards were also specific for truffle fruiting. Further studies should elucidate other ecological conditions for the co-production of T. floridanum with pecan .

Lignin Modifications, Applications, and Possible Market Prices

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer in the world. Due to its complex structure, lignin can be considered a valuable source of energy and different chemicals. In addition, using different reactive sites on lignin, it is possible to prepare different value-added products, such as resins, polyurethanes, and many more. Different functional groups are presented on the lignin macromolecule and can be modified via different pathways. Hydroxyl groups are the most promising reactive sites for lignin modifications. Both modified and unmodified lignins could be used for preparing different biomaterials. This paper shows several possible applications of lignin. The main goal of this publication is to show the possible valorization of lignin in different value-added products throughout the actual market prices of non-biobased materials. This review proves that lignin has unquestionable advantages in material technology and can replace different substances which will lead to a higher potential market value of lignins and could create new bio-based materials compared with the actual prices of commercially available materials. Nowadays, it is easier to use lignin as an energy source even though a lot of lignin modifications and conversion processes are still under development and need more time to become more relevant for industrial applications. Information in the presented paper should reveal to the reader the importance and economic benefits of using lignin as a value-added compound in different applications.

Leveraging Domain Adaptation as a Defense Against Membership Inference Attacks

Deep Learning (DL) techniques allow ones to train models from a dataset to solve tasks. DL has attracted much interest given its fancy performance and potential market value, while security issues are amongst the most colossal concerns. However, the DL models may be prone to the membership inference attack, where an attacker determines whether a given sample is from the training dataset. Efforts have been made to hinder the attack but unfortunately, they may lead to a major overhead or impaired usability. In this article, we propose and implement DAMIA, leveraging Domain Adaptation (DA) as a defense aginist membership inference attacks. Our observation is that during the training process, DA obfuscates the dataset to be protected using another relate and similar dataset, and derives a model that underlyingly extracts the features from both datasets. Seeing that the model is obfuscated, membership inference fails, while the extracted features provide supports for usability. Extensive experiments have been conducted to validates our intuition. The model trained by DAMIA has a negligible footprint to the usability and introduces slight overhead compared with other defenses. Our experiment also excludes factors that may hinder the performance of DAMIA, and comparisons with other defenses, providing a potential guideline to vendors and researchers to benefit from our solution in a timely manner.

Corona LI. So, what have I learned?

Corona LI. So, what have I learned?

Private vs. public value of U.S. residential battery storage operated for solar self-consumption

SummaryCompensation structures for residential solar are evolving toward a model that incentivizes using battery storage to maximize solar self-consumption. Using metered data from 1,800 residential customers across six U.S. utilities, we show that batteries operated solely in this manner provide customer bill savings up to $20–30 per kWh of storage capacity annually, but virtually no grid value. Relative to market-based dispatch, this value gap remains across customers and will become more severe over time, insofar as increased renewable energy penetration leads to more volatile wholesale prices. This inefficiency primarily stems from residential batteries largely sitting idle on peak days. We show that incentivizing storage customers to respond to market prices, particularly on peak days, would enhance both private and public value. Unconstrained grid discharging increases exports to distribution networks, but 50–70% of the potential market value could be achieved without materially degrading solar self-consumption levels or increasing local grid stress.