Pressure Release Research Articles

Far-Field Earthquake-Induced Crustal Deformation and Mud Volcano Activity in Azerbaijan Based on the InSAR Technique

Azerbaijan is known as a hydrocarbon-rich region for its extensive mud volcanoes and complex tectonic settings. In this research, we analyzed a long-term InSAR time-series from Sentinel-1 SAR data spanning January 2017 to October 2024, which revealed the dynamics of active deformation and mud volcanoes. The study area, with its unique geological complexity characterized by rapid eruptions, subsurface pressure, and fault systems, is a one-of-a-kind natural laboratory for examining the interplay between tectonics and mud volcano activity. Based on extensive data collection, the results showed significant deformation on the primary mud volcanoes, such as Ayazakhtarma and Akhtarma-Pashaly. These patterns, characterized by observed subsidence and uplift, result from subsurface pressure fluctuations and hydrocarbon migration. Furthermore, the examination has demonstrated evidence of temporal deformation episodes intricately linked to the periodic buildup and release of subsurface pressures. A significant result of our study was the reactivation of faults and high deformation rate in almost all observed mud volcanoes during the February 2023 Türkiye Kahramanmaraş earthquakes (Mw 7.8 and 7.6). This dynamic far-field triggering effect reactivated faults and induced widespread deformation. This study indicates that the far-field triggering effect has uncovered deformation patterns that persist for several months after the earthquakes, reflecting prolonged subsurface adjustments. The findings demonstrate that mud volcanoes are subsurface fluid dynamics and tectonic stress indicators and have significant practical implications. Overall, the results provide important insights into the reaction of hydrocarbon-rich regions to seismic energy that can be directly applied to improve regional seismic hazard assessments and tectonic studies. By combining different geodetic data with geological interpretations, this work emphasizes the implication of monitoring hydrocarbon-rich regions like Azerbaijan to assess natural hazards and subsurface dynamics, making the research highly relevant and applicable.

Enhancing diesel engine performance and emissions with N-Butanol enhanced biodiesel derived from Scenedesmus obliquus algae

The main goals of this study were to produce biodiesel from Scenedesmus obliquus algae using n-butanol as a green fuel and to analyse engine performance, combustion characteristics, and emission. Researchers are looking into how N-butanol affects mixes of Scenedesmus obliquus algae used to make biodiesel for use in Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) engines. In the studies, different combinations of Scenedesmus obliquus diesel algae were employed: 30 A (Algae), 30 A + 10% N-Butanol, 30 A + 20% N-Butanol, and 30 A + 30% N-Butanol. The pure 100% Diesel (D100) combination was also used. The butanol blends 30 A + 30% N and 30 A + 10% N both exhibit mediocre performance across the board in terms of emissions and combustion. When compared to pure diesel (D100), the ideal addition was 30 A + 20% N - Butanol, which led to a 10.96% gain in brake thermal efficiency and a 7.4% decrease in specific fuel consumption. On the other hand, because of the high concentration of D100 and the noticeable rise in exhaust temperature, there was an increase in nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. On the other hand, the exhaust gases concentrations of carbon monoxide and smoke opacity decreased by 19.2%, and 15%, respectively, in contrast to D100. Hydrocarbon emissions, on the other hand, dropped by 8%. The cylinder pressure and heat release rate improved by 8.6% and 36.43%, respectively, according to the combustion characteristic analysis results.

Full Component Cycling of Spent CIGS Solar Cells by Transient Pressure Differential

AbstractSpent copper indium gallium selenium (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells contain valuable metals and toxic elements, making their recycling crucial for a circular economy. The efficient separation of the layers within solar cells is crucial for successful recycling. However, current methods for interlayer dissociation, which rely on pyrolysis and organic reagent dissolution, are slow, produce toxic byproducts, and hinder complete component recovery. This study introduces an innovative instantaneous pressure‐difference strategy for separating photovoltaic modules. During the rapid pressure release process, water vapor generates a significant pressure differential, causing the separation of module interlayers owing to the abrupt expansion of water vapor. The proposed method enables the complete separation of all components in waste CIGS cells within 150 s. The method effectively enriches valuable metals and facilitates their leaching recovery., while the separated ethylene‐vinyl acetate and polyethylene terephthalate exhibit properties comparable to those of commercial materials. Life cycle assessment indicates that the proposed recycling strategy has a lower environmental footprint and cost compared with conventional methods. Additionally, this approach can be applied to the delamination and recycling of other retired photovoltaic modules. Overall, the strategy provides a viable solution for managing end‐of‐life solar panels, contributing to the development of a circular economy.

Hydrogen Induction in a Dual-Fuel Mode Common Rail Direct Injection Compression Ignition Engine Running on Ethanol–Diesel Blends: Combustion, Performance, and Emission Characteristics

Abstract This study investigates the simultaneous incorporation of ethanol and hydrogen (H2) as a potential alternative to conventional diesel in a common rail direct injection compression ignition engine. Ethanol was blended with diesel in varying proportions (10–40%) and investigated at three H2 flowrates (5, 10, and 15 LPM). The results reveal a complex interplay between combustion characteristics, performance, and emissions. Increasing ethanol content reduced peak cylinder pressure and net heat release rate across all H2 flowrates, while higher H2 flowrates improved these metrics for specific blends. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) improved with increasing H2 flowrates. Additionally, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke emissions decreased with the addition of H2. However, at a specific H2 rate, these parameters increased with higher ethanol percentages, while nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions followed an opposite trend. Overall, substituting 30% diesel with ethanol and incorporating 15 lpm H2 (D70E30 + 15 LPM H2) resulted in higher BTE and reduced BSFC, CO, HC, smoke emissions, and NOx emissions comparable to that of neat diesel.

Consumption of steam explosion and fermentation-pretreated corn stover affects the growth performance of sheep by shifting the rumen microbiota community structure.

Corn stover is rich in lignocellulose, which results in low digestibility. Steam explosion is a hydrothermal pretreatment widely used to improve the digestibility of plant-based materials by inducing cell wall disruption through the rapid release of pressure. However, the impact of steam explosion-treated corn stover on the growth performance of sheep consuming it remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of steam explosion and Lactobacillus buchneri inoculation on the nutritional value and rumen microbiota of corn stover. Corn stover was prepared with or without steam explosion and L. buchneri inoculation. Eighty sheep of similar body weight (47.62 ± 0.74 kg) were allocated into two groups and fed either untreated corn stover (CON, n = 40) or steam explosion-pretreated corn stover cocultured with L. buchneri (SEC, n = 40). The experiment lasted 60 days, and it included 10 days of adaptation and 50 days of feeding. Our results indicated that compared with the CON group, the final weight, average daily gain, and daily dry matter intake of the SEC group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Alpha-diversity analysis showed that the Chao1 index of the rumen microbial community tended to be lower (P < 0.1) in the SEC group. At the genus level, the SEC group had a higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Stylonychia, Paramecium, Treponema, Blepharisma, Neocallimastix, Stentor, Tetrahymena, Ichthyophthirius, and Pseudocohnilembus than the CON sheep. We identified the top 15 KEGG functional terms with distinct differences between the CON and SEC groups, with endocytosis being the only pathway enriched (P < 0.05) in the SEC group. Based on these findings, we speculated that, compared with the CON group, the consumption of corn stover pretreated with steam explosion and fermentation may have been associated with greater energy loss via the production of more methane and lower microbial activities, contributing to the low utilization and efficiency of this feedstuff. Before the widespread application of steam explosion to corn stover, there is a need to further optimize the production process, with particular attention paid to the proportion of corn stover in the diet.

Different Effects of Riociguat and Vericiguat on Pulmonary Vessels and Airways

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease leading to right heart failure. One treatment strategy is to induce vasodilation via the nitric oxide–soluble guanylate cyclase–cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO–sGC–cGMP) signaling pathway. There are currently two soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators on the market: Riociguat and vericiguat, with vericiguat having a longer half-life and needing to be taken only once a day. This study investigated whether the pharmacological differences between the drugs affect pulmonary vessels and airways. Methods: The effects of vericiguat and riociguat on pulmonary arteries, veins, and airways were studied using rat precision-cut lung slices (PCLS). Vessels were pretreated with endothelin-1 and airways with serotonin. In isolated perfused lungs (IPL), the effects of sGC stimulation on pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), airway resistance, inflammatory cytokine, and chemokine release were quantified. Results: Riociguat and vericiguat caused pulmonary artery dilation in PCLS. During IPL, riociguat was more effective than vericiguat in reducing PAP with a statistically significant reduction of 10%. Both drugs were potent bronchodilators in preconstricted airways (p &lt; 0.001). Only vericiguat reduced airway resistance during IPL, as shown here for the first time. Both drugs significantly reduced IL-6 and IL-1ß levels, while riociguat also reduced VEGF-A and KC-GRO levels. Conclusions: Riociguat and vericiguat had three main effects in the two rat ex-vivo models: They dilated the pulmonary arteries, induced bronchodilation, and reduced inflammation. These properties could make sGC stimulators useful for treating diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction. In the future, vericiguat may provide an alternative treatment to induce bronchodilation in respiratory diseases.

Research on the spatiotemporal evolution of deformation and unloading mechanical effects in underlying coal and rock during upper protective layer mining

The spatiotemporal rule of pressure release in rock–coal strata within the mining zone serves as the theoretical basis for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters during the mining of the stress-concentration stratum. Taking the mining of the upper protective layer of the Hulusu coal mine located in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, as the engineering background, this study, based on the theory of elastic–plastic mechanics, investigates the pressure relief mechanics of the underlying coal and rock during the upper protective layer mining. The research is conducted across different scales through rock mechanics experiments, numerical simulations, and on-site industrial experiments. The spatiotemporal evolution of the stress and displacement fields in the underlying coal and rock strata during the upper protective layer mining was simulated and analyzed using the 3-Dimensional Distinct Element Code. Brillouin optical time-domain analysis distributed fiber-optic sensing technology was used to monitor the deformation and unloading dynamic process of different rock–coal strata under the mining floor in real-time. The results indicate that the stress changes in the underlying rock–coal strata during the mining of the upper stress-concentration stratum can be divided into four phases, namely, in situ stress, stress concentration, stress release, and stress restoration. Due to the uneven distribution of the waste rock collapse in the mined-out area, stress is alternately distributed in the unloading stable zone, unloading recovery zone, and boosting zone. The mining-induced stress distribution curve in the protected coal seam changes from a U-shape to a W-shape and then to a “WWW”-shape. The stress-relieving effect of upper stress-concentration stratum mining is significant, but the stress-relieving parameters vary depending on time and spatial factors. The research results have important theoretical and practical significance for guiding the layout and key parameter design of stress-concentration stratum mining.

Analysis of combustion characteristics of a diesel engine run on ternary blends using machine learning algorithms

AbstractDiesel engines are vital in industries, such as transportation, agriculture, and power generation. Enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in these engines are critical goals, and machine learning (ML) techniques offer novel solutions for achieving them. This study investigates the use of ML models, specifically random forest regression (RFR) and polynomial regression (PR) to predict key combustion characteristics, namely cylinder pressure and heat release rate (HRR), in a dual‐fuel diesel engine powered by a ternary blend (TB) and acetylene. The experimental setup involved modifying a conventional diesel engine to operate in dual‐fuel mode, using a TB fuel comprising 70% diesel, 20% waste cooking oil biodiesel (WCOB), and 10% methanol by volume. The cylinder head, piston crown, and intake/exhaust valves were coated with partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) to improve combustion efficiency. The RFR model achieved an impressive R2 score of 0.9987 for cylinder pressure and 0.9878 for HRR predictions, with corresponding mean absolute error (MAE) values of 0.124 and 0.021, indicating high predictive accuracy and minimal deviation from experimental values. The PR model, while capturing some nonlinear trends, performed less reliably, with R2 scores of 0.7689 for cylinder pressure and 0.6720 for HRR. These results underscore the RFR model's robustness in predicting complex combustion behavior, offering a reliable, cost‐effective approach to optimize fuel efficiency and emission reduction in diesel engines. The findings suggest that implementing ML models, particularly RFR, can aid in tuning engine parameters for sustainable fuel blends, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved fuel efficiency.

Optimization of cashew nut shell biodiesel production with industrial waste catalysts and butanol additives for ecofriendly CRDI engine applications

Stringent emission regulations and the depletion of conventional fuel sources drive research on green fuels, additives, and the optimization of fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation. This study analyzes the impact of butanol additives in diesel and cashew shell liquid biodiesel (CSLB) blends under optimal operating conditions. CSLB was produced with an 85.43% yield from waste cashew nut shell liquid under optimal conditions: a methanol/CSL molar ratio (MR) of 20:1, a process temperature (PT) of 70 °C, and a 4 wt% industrial waste-derived heterogeneous catalyst (IC), using the desirability function approach in the RSM-CCD model. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, FTIR, and BET analyses to confirm its catalytic activity. Engine performance improvements were achieved with specific modifications, including 4° CA timing retardation, 15% split injection, and a 20% exhaust gas recirculation rate when using CSLB blends. In common rail direct injection (CRDI) experimental investigations, diesel and CSLB blends were combined with butanol additives (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) and compared to the baseline test. Incorporating 10% butanol, with its higher latent heat, resulted in a lower combustion temperature, reducing NOx emissions by 47.09% in CSLB10. Additionally, the additive’s lower viscosity and higher oxygen content enhanced atomization, reducing CO (33%) and smoke (23.02%) emissions. However, a slight increase in CO2 (8.92%) and a decrease in HC emissions (27.14%) were observed in CSLB10. Improved combustion characteristics, reflected in higher peak pressure and heat release rate, resulted in a 4.75% increase in brake thermal efficiency and a 13.92% reduction in brake-specific energy consumption compared to ideal conditions. Overall, this study explores the impact of butanol additives on the performance and emissions of CRDI engines fuelled with CSLB blends derived from waste cashew nut shell liquids, providing insights for sustainable fuel optimization.

Analysis of Cylinder Pressure and Heat Release Rate Variation in Diesel Engine Fueled with Croton Macrostachyus (CMS) Seed Oil Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel

Analysis of Cylinder Pressure and Heat Release Rate Variation in Diesel Engine Fueled with Croton Macrostachyus (CMS) Seed Oil Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel

Utilizing respiratory rate in APRV-TCAV protocol on Puritan Bennett ventilator. A case report

Background Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV), particularly with the Time-Controlled Adaptive Ventilation (TCAV) protocol, is known to improve oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. However, its role in managing refractory hypercapnia remains underexplored. This case report highlights APRV with TCAV as a potential strategy to tackle refractory hypercapnia. Case Report A 43-year-old woman with acute hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure was admitted to our intensive care unit. Over the first 24 hours of management via conventional ventilation modes, she progressed to refractory hypercapnia, leading us to initiate modified APRV settings with TCAV protocol on the Puritan Bennett 980 ventilator (PB 980). This intervention led to rapid improvement in PaCO2, successful transition to PSV, and eventual liberation. Discussion Our literature review revealed limited research on the use of higher controlled respiratory rates in APRV with TCAV. This case demonstrates the potential of this approach, emphasizing the importance of adhering to TCAV principles while optimizing respiratory rate settings. Additionally, we provide insights into APRV titration on the PB 980. Conclusion This report supports the use of APRV with higher controlled respiratory rates, adhering to TCAV protocols, as an effective strategy for managing refractory hypercapnia. Further research is warranted to establish evidence-based guidelines. Keywords: CPAP, Time-Controlled Adaptive Ventilation (TCAV), Refractory Hypercapnia, Ventilation Strategies, Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV)

Achieving biodiesel standards through saturation level optimisation

Achieving biodiesel standards through saturation level optimisation

L-tyrosine methyl ester hydrochloride crystal under high pressure and DFT calculations.

L-tyrosine methyl ester hydrochloride crystal under high pressure and DFT calculations.

Sugar boiling pre-treatment improves radio frequency explosion puffing quality on modifying the physicochemical and functional properties of purple sweet potato flour.

Sugar boiling pre-treatment improves radio frequency explosion puffing quality on modifying the physicochemical and functional properties of purple sweet potato flour.

Effects of rescue airway pressure release ventilation on mortality in severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective comparative analysis from India.

Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) has a mortality rate of up to 75%, which can be up to 90% in high-risk patients. Even with the use of advanced ventilation strategies, mortality remains unacceptably high at 40%. Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) mode is a new strategy in PARDS. Our aim was to evaluate whether use of APRV mode in severe PARDS was associated with reduced hospital mortality compared to other modes of ventilation. This was a retrospective comparative study using data from case files in a pediatric intensive care unit of a university-affiliated tertiary-care hospital. The study period (January 2014 to December 2019) covered three years before routine use of APRV mode to three years after its implementation. We compared severe PARDS patients in two groups: The APRV group (who received APRV as rescue therapy after failing protective ventilation); and The Non-APRV group, who received other modes of ventilation. A total of 24 patients in each group were analyzed. Overall in-hospital mortality in the APRV group was 79% versus 91% in the Non-APRV group. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the APRV group (univariate analysis: hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.52; P=0.001 and multivariate analysis: HR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.005-0.17; P=0.001). Survival times were significantly longer in the APRV group (median time to death: 7.5 days in APRV vs. 4.3 days in non-APRV; P=0.001). Use of rescue APRV mode in severe PARDS may yield lower mortality rates and longer survival times.

A Case Series Study of Airway Pressure Release Ventilation in Patients with Intracranial Pathologies and Acute Respiratory Failure.

Background: Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) is an alternate mode of ventilation in acute respiratory failure (ARF), but there is inconsistent data to support its use over other modes of ventilation. Because of increased intrathoracic pressure for most of the respiratory cycle, a negative impact of APRV on intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) has been hypothesized. We evaluated the effects of APRV ventilation, with particular attention to ICP, CPP and ICP-directed therapy, in a real-world cohort of neuro-ICU patients. Methods: Retrospective single-center analysis from January 2021 to December 2023 of neurosurgical ICU patients with ICP monitoring. APRV was used as a rescue mode at the physician's discretion when the Horovitz index (PaO2/FIO2 ratio) fell below 150 despite optimized conventional ventilation. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, APRV was utilized in 29 patients undergoing a total of 60 episodes. Forty patients (66.7%) were female, median age was 49.5 (Q1 34; Q3 61.25) years.After transition to APRV, mean FiO2 decreased by 4.3% (t = 3.5, p < .001) and mean PaO2 increased by 22.7 mm Hg (t = 4.2, p < .001). The Horovitz index improved by 44.6 mm Hg (t = 4.9, p < .001). Mean compliance did not differ after transition to APRV (-1.5 ml/mbar, t = -0.9, p = .4).During the APRV episode, mean ICP was 1.2 mm Hg lower (t = 2.6, p = .01), while mean CPP was 1.6 mm Hg higher (t = -0.9, p = .4) and the intensity of ICP-directed therapy (TIL) was significantly lower (X2 = 92.771, p < .001). Conclusion: APRV was hemodynamically tolerated in 29 out of 33 patients, and was safe with regard to ICP, CPP, and the intensity of ICP-directed therapy. Oxygenation was increased by APRV. 4 out of 33 patients would not tolerate APRV for hemodynamic reasons, APRV therefore was stopped immediately.

Engine performance, combustion and emission studies of calcined chicken eggshell catalyzed marine fish waste oil biodiesel and their blends.

The current research is primarily oriented on determining the influence of marine fish waste (MFW) oil biodiesel catalyzed with calcined eggshell heterogeneous base catalyst (ESBD) and its blends on two-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine. The physicochemical and fuel properties such as free fatty acid content (0-0.25%), acid value (0-0.5mg KOH/g), viscosity (3.33-5.88 cP), flash point (57-115°C), calorific value (39,287- 42,906kJ/kg), cold filter plugging point (8- -11°C) and cetane number (33.9-57.8) for B5, B20, and B50 blends of ESBD authenticates their application in the diesel engine. The B5, B20, B50, and B80 ESBD-diesel fuel blends exhibited brake specific fuel consumption value in the 0.21-0.23 kgs/kWh range and brake thermal efficiency in 31.59-36.29% range at 100% engine load, slightly higher than diesel. The B80 ESBD blends displayed the highest in-cylinder pressure (55.90 bars) and heat release rate (69.82J/deg). Across all ESBD blends, 59.34-70.32%, 2.57-6.90%, and 12.40-27.35% reductions in CO, CO2, and HC emissions were observed. B50 ESBD blend showed a 69.23% and 27.35% reduction in CO and HC emissions than diesel, respectively. The B80 blend showed a 19.51% increase in O2 emission than diesel. The key finding of the current research unveils that the exploitation of ESBD blends in diesel engines could aid in better combustion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The exploitation of MFWs for biodiesel production using calcined eggshell catalyst would aid in overcoming waste disposal issues, reduce environmental pollution, and also provide additional revenue to fish farmer communities and the fisheries sector.

A comprehensive review of compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled engines under different operating conditions and combustion strategies on performance and combustion characteristics

Climate change and stringent emission regulations are driving the search for sustainable fuels for internal combustion engines. To address growing urbanization, increased vehicle use, and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring alternative fuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is one of the most promising and ecologically friendly alternative fuels since it can be exploited in both compression ignition and spark ignition engines. Thus, this review article broadly and comprehensively focuses on the global background of CNG usage, aiming to attain the ambition of mitigating greenhouse gases and environmental pollution. Indeed, CNG projects carried out around the world and the suitable properties of CNG for internal combustion engines are critically presented. More importantly, the performance, combustion, and emission attributes of the CNG-fueled engines are evaluated and compared with those of conventional diesel and gasoline engines. The brake thermal efficiency of CNG is greater than that of gasoline, but it drops when compared to diesel because of the disparity in calorific value. Compared with conventional fuels, CNG has a lower peak cylinder pressure and heat release rate because its laminar flame speed is slower. In addition, the effects of operating parameters on CNG-fueled engines are also completely analyzed. Finally, the combustion strategies, limitations, and perspectives of CNG are discussed in detail.

EFFECTS OF MANUAL PRESSURE RELEASE VERSUS STRAIN COUNTERSTRAIN ON REDUCING PAIN AND IMPROVING HIP MOBILITY IN NON-SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts mobility, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. Effective physiotherapeutic interventions are crucial for pain relief and functional improvement. Manual pressure release (MPR) and strain counterstrain (SCS) are widely used techniques targeting myofascial dysfunction, yet their comparative efficacy remains underexplored. Understanding their impact on pain reduction and hip range of motion (ROM) can enhance clinical decision-making and optimize rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with non-specific CLBP. Objective: To compare the effects of manual pressure release and strain counterstrain techniques on pain intensity and hip ROM in individuals with non-specific CLBP. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 92 participants (49.2% males, 50.8% females) aged 25 to 40 years with non-traumatic CLBP persisting for more than three months. Participants were recruited through convenient sampling and randomly assigned to two intervention groups. Group A received manual pressure release, while Group B underwent strain counterstrain therapy. Both interventions were administered three times per week for eight weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and hip ROM (flexion and extension) was measured using a goniometer. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test for VAS and paired samples t-test for hip ROM. Between-group differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U Test for VAS and independent samples t-test for hip ROM, with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in VAS scores in both groups (p&lt;0.001). Group A showed a reduction in pain from 4.7±0.8 to 1.2±1.05, whereas Group B demonstrated a decrease from 5.3±1.2 to 2.2±1.4. Hip ROM also improved significantly in both groups (p&lt;0.001). In Group A, right hip flexion increased from 60.4±4.7° to 73.6±5.1°, and left hip flexion from 57.5±4.7° to 73.4±4.5°, while right hip extension improved from 13.3±3.1° to 22.2±2.5° and left hip extension from 15.3±2.6° to 21.4±2.4°. In Group B, right hip flexion increased from 61.7±6.5° to 71.5±5.1°, and left hip flexion from 61.0±4.2° to 70.2±4.1°, while right hip extension improved from 13.08±2.5° to 16.71±1.3° and left hip extension from 12.21±2.9° to 16.61±1.7°. Between-group analysis indicated that Group A achieved significantly greater improvements in pain reduction (p=0.032) and hip ROM (p&lt;0.05) compared to Group B. Conclusion: Both manual pressure release and strain counterstrain techniques were effective in reducing pain and improving hip ROM in individuals with CLBP. However, manual pressure release demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing hip flexion and extension and reducing pain severity, making it a potentially more effective therapeutic option for CLBP management.

Sustainable synthesis and advanced optimization of Prosopis juliflora biomass catalyst for efficient biodiesel production and environmental impact assessment

The present research focuses on developing an innovative biochar-based heterogeneous catalyst from Prosopis Juliflora biomass waste using response surface methodology and genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize pyrolysis parameters, achieving a 46.31% PJBC yield from 60 mg of biomass at 790 °C for 60 min. The pyrolyzed PJBC is characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDX, BET, XPS analyses, and physico-chemical measurements to confirm its catalytic activity. Now, the newly synthesized PJBC serves as an efficient catalyst for waste Trichosanthes cucumerina seed biodiesel (WTSB) production from waste Trichosanthes cucumerina seed bio-oil through trans-esterification, achieving a maximum yield of 97.42%. Also, the WTSB exhibits excellent physico-chemical properties that meet most of the ASTM D6751 standards for biodiesel and closely align with the characteristics of conventional diesel fuel. Therefore, this research utilized neat WTSB and WTSB/diesel blends (WTSB25, WTSB50, and WTSB75) in a direct injection (DI) diesel engine at variable load settings. Among all WTSB blends, the WTSB25 blend showed closer variations of 1.65% lower BTE and 9.29% higher BSEC when compared to conventional diesel fuel readings. Its peak in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate were similar to those of diesel fuel at 100% engine load. Emission analysis indicated that the WTSB25 reduced specific HC, CO, and smoke opacity emissions by 8.39%, 13.97%, and 4.18%, respectively. However, specific NO emissions increased slightly by 3.05% compared to diesel fuel. Thus, WTSB25 is validated as a viable diesel alternative requiring no significant engine modifications. The environmental impact, lifecycle and economic feasibility are also discussed.