Initial Rate Research Articles

Does patent pledge reduce pollution and carbon emissions? Evidence from China

The existing literature has extensively examined the impact of green innovations, such as patents, on pollution and carbon emissions. However, there has been comparatively less emphasis on the debt financing of green innovation by using patents as collateral. This oversight may have implications for the realization of pollution and carbon emissions reduction goals. Using a natural experiment based on the patent pledge pilot policy in China, this study investigates the impact of patent pledge on pollution and carbon emissions. We find that a significant reduction in the emissions of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide attributable to the patent pledge pilot policy, particularly in cities with lower initial green patent rates, and these results still hold after an array of robustness checks. We show that the encouragement of green innovation and the stimulation of environmental entrepreneurship are the mechanisms underlying these emission reduction effects. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the impact of patent pledges on emission reduction is more pronounced in cities characterized by higher levels of government-reported environmental concern, public engagement in environmentally related searches, pollution information transparency indices, and green development evaluation indices.

The Cascade of Care for Early Infant Diagnosis in Zimbabwe: Point of Care HIV Testing at Birth and 6-8 Weeks.

Routine birth testing of HIV-exposed infants (HEI) using point of care (POC) nucleic acid testing may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment of infants living with HIV, but more data are needed on retention in care for those diagnosed at birth and re-testing for those with a negative HIV birth test. POC birth testing (within 48 hours of birth) was offered to all HEI born at 10 public maternities in Zimbabwe from November 2018 to July 2019. Data were abstracted from routine registers, including information on re-testing at 6-8 weeks for infants testing HIV-negative at birth and 6-month retention in care among infants diagnosed with HIV at birth. Of 2854 eligible HEIs, 2806 (98.3%) received POC HIV birth testing. Thirty-nine infants with HIV were identified (1.4%), and 23 (59%) were started on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Twenty infants (51%) remained on ART at 6 months. Of the 2694 infants who tested negative at birth, 1229 (46.5%) had a documented retest at 6-8 weeks. 7 (0.6%) of those infants tested HIV-positive. The uptake of POC birth testing was high in study facilities, but low rates of ART initiation after a positive birth test, despite high retention on ART through 6 months, diminish the impact of POC birth testing and must be addressed. Among infants who tested negative at birth, rates of testing at 6-8 weeks of life (46%) were slightly lower than national rates of testing at the same age without a birth test (56%) during the study period. Improving infant HIV testing rates at 6-8 weeks, regardless of birth testing, should be a priority.

Erzhi pills reverse PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression in melanoma microenvironment

BackgroundCancer immunotherapies aimed at activating immune system, especially by blocking immune checkpoints, have become a successful modality for treating patients with advanced cancers. However, its clinical practice is frequently conceded by high outcomes, low initial response rates and severe side effects. New strategies are necessary to complement and advance this biological therapy. Erzhi Pills (EZP) have diverse pharmaceutical effects including immune regulation, anti-tumor and anti-senescence. We hypothesized that EZP could exert its antitumor effect through immunomodulation. PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EZP on anti-tumor activities, and define its molecular mechanisms. MethodsBy applying melanoma model with high immune infiltrates, we determined the anti-melanoma effect of EZP. To identify whether this effect was mediated by direct targeting tumor cells, cell viability and apoptosis were examined in vitro. Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the potential mechanisms of EZP for melanoma via immune response. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and crystal violet (CV) experiments were performed to detect T cell infiltrations and functions mediated by EZP. The mechanism of EZP was further investigated by western blotting both in vivo and in vitro. ResultsThe administration of EZP significantly inhibited tumor weight and volume. EZP extract could only slightly reduce cell viability and induce melanoma apoptosis. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that JAK-STAT signaling pathway and T cell receptor signaling pathway might be involved during EZP treatment. Flow cytometry and IHC analyses showed that EZP increased the number of CD4+ T cells and enhanced the function of CD8+ T cells. In co-culture experiments, EZP elevated killing ability of T cells. Western blotting showed that EZP treatment reduced PD-L1 signaling pathway. ConclusionThese findings indicated that EZP exerted anti-melanoma effects by inducing apoptosis and blocking PD-L1 to activate T cells. EZP might represent a promising candidate drug for cancer immunotherapies.

Molten salt synthesis of 1T/2H mixed phase MoS2 for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution via Schottky junction under EY-sensitized system

Clean H2 fuel obtained from the photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen reaction could efficiently alleviate current energy crisis and the concomitant environmental pollution problems. Therefore, it is desirable to search for a highly efficient photocatalytic system to decrease the energy barrier of water splitting reaction. Herein, the 1T/2H mixed phase MoS2 sample with Schottky junction between contact interfaces is developed through molten salt synthesis for photocatalytic hydrogen production under a dye-sensitized system (Eosin Y-TEOA-MoS2) driven by the visible light. In mixed phase MoS2 sample, the photogenerated electrons of 2H-phase MoS2 migrated to the 1T-phase MoS2 are difficult to jump back because of the existence of Schottky barrier, which greatly suppresses the quenching of EY and therefore results in an enhanced hydrogen evolution performance. Therefore, the optimized MoS2 sample (MoS2-350) has an initial hydrogen evolution rate of 213 μmol h−1 and corresponding apparent quantum yield of 36.1 % at 420 nm, far higher than those of pure Eosin Y. It is strongly confirmed by the steady‐state/time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra and transient photocurrent response experiments. With the assistance of Density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the function of Schottky junction in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction is well explained. In addition, a new and universal method (SVM curve) of judging oxidation or reduction quenching for photosensitizers is proposed.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain arteriovenous malformations in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

ObjectiveBrain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) present different characteristics from sporadic AVMs, and they have lower initial bleeding rates. Conservative management is usually preferred for the treatment of these lesions. In this case study, we present the largest series of HHT patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery to date.MethodsWe identified eight patients with HHT and 14 AVMs. We retrospectively collected clinical, radiographic, and treatment characteristics of the patients and each AVM.ResultsMost patients in our sample presented with small AVMs. The median volume of these AVMs was 0.22 cm3 (IQR 0.08–0.59). Three out of eight patients presented with initial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The majority of lesions had low (12/14) Spetzler-Martin grades (I–II). Median maximum and margin doses used for treatment were 36.2 (IQR 35.25–44.4) and 20 (IQR 18–22.5) Gy, respectively. The overall obliteration rate after SRS was 11/14, and the median time to obliteration across all 11 obliterated AVMs was 35.83 months (IQR, 17–39.99). Neurological status was favorable with all patients having a mRS of 0 or 1 at the last follow-up. Symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RIC) after SRS were low (7.1%), and there were no permanent RIC.ConclusionsPatients with HHT who present with multiple brain AVMs are generally well served by SRS. Obliteration can be achieved in the majority of HHT patients and with a low complication rate. In the current study, initial hemorrhage rates prior to SRS were noticeable which supports the decision to treat these AVMs. Future studies are needed to better address the role of SRS for HHT patients harboring ruptured and unruptured AVMs.

Influence of radiation on borosilicate glass leaching behaviors

Vitrification is widely recognized as a promising method for the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) worldwide. To ensure the safe disposal of radioactive waste, the borosilicate glass that vitrifies HLW must exhibit exceptional water resistance to prevent the possibility of groundwater corrosion and subsequent radioactive leaks. Radiation might change the water resistance of borosilicate glass. A series of zirconium-containing borosilicate glass with an irradiation dose of 0.3 dpa were utilized to examine the radiation effect on glass-water interaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Time-of-Flight Secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the leaching behavior of the non- and irradiated samples. The depth profile of the leached samples implied the interdiffusion dominated glass-water interaction. The results from FTIR and ICP-OES indicated that, after irradiation, the initial leaching rate increased by threefold. Additionally, the impact of different zirconium contents on the water resistance of borosilicate glass was also presented.

Using Agent-Based Modeling to Examine Risk for COVID-19 Infection in Custodial Settings.

Research on pandemics in institutional settings often assumes that all human interactions within a jail pose similar viral transmission risks. We developed an agent-based model (ABM) called Simulation Applications for Forecasting Effective Responses in Corrections (SAFER-C™) to simulate nine scenarios of possible interactions and virus transmission among incarcerated individuals and jail staff and tested this assumption. We found that resumption of high-contact activities has a greater impact on the number of infections, while out-of-cell group sizes and initial vaccination rates had lower impact. This work emphasizes the importance of understanding and modeling human interactions in confinement facilities, as well as understanding, responding to, and limiting the mechanism of viral transmission in jails. Insights from ABMs provide correctional administrators with realistic options for managing responses.

Evaluation of a granular Cu-modified chitosan biocomposite for sustainable sulfate removal from aqueous media: A batch and fixed-bed column study

Adsorption-based treatment of sulfate contaminated water sources present challenges due to its favourable hydration characteristics. Herein, a copper-modified granular chitosan-based biocomposite (CHP-Cu) was prepared and characterized for its sulfate adsorption properties at neutral pH via batch equilibrium and fixed-bed column studies. The CHP-Cu adsorbent was characterized by complementary methods: spectroscopy (IR, Raman, X-ray photoelectron), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) and pH-based surface charge analysis. Sulfate adsorption at pH 7.2 with CHP-Cu follows the Sips isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity (407 mg/g) that exceeds most reported values of granular biosorbents at similar conditions. For the dynamic adsorption study, initial sulfate concentration, bed height, and flow rate were influential parameters governing sulfate adsorption. The Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models yield a sulfate adsorption capacity (146 mg/g) for the fixed bed system at optimized conditions. CHP-Cu was regenerated over 5 cycles (33 % to 31 %) with negligible Cu-leaching. The adsorbent also displays excellent sulfate uptake properties, regenerability, and sustainable adsorbent properties for effective point-of-use sulfate remediation in aqueous media near neutral pH (7.2). This sulfate remediation strategy is proposed for other oxyanion systems relevant to contaminated environmental surface and groundwater resources.

Exploring workplace barriers faced by breastfeeding mothers who are PAs.

To explore physician associate/assistant (PA) mothers' breastfeeding intention, duration, as well as workplace barriers for breastfeeding among working PA mothers and to determine if specialty has an effect on breastfeeding duration. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to PA mothers who had at least one biological child while a PA student or practicing as a PA. Study participants were recruited through the American Academy of Physician Associates' special interest group, PA Moms. The 545 participants reported a breastfeeding goal of 12 months in 76.8% of births. Breastfeeding rates among participants were 96.3% at birth, 83.8% at age 3 months, 78.1% at age 6 months, and 54.8% at age 12 months. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were 77.9% at birth, 75% at age 3 months, and 42.6% at age 6 months. Workplace support from colleagues and support staff was associated with longer exclusive breastfeeding duration and any breastfeeding duration. Adequate time and place for expression of breastmilk and support from supervising or collaborating physicians were associated with longer duration of breastfeeding. Specialty had a statistically significant effect on exclusive breastfeeding duration. PA mothers failed to meet their breastfeeding goals, despite high initiation rates. Dedicated time and space to express breastmilk and workplace support may significantly improve PA mothers' breastfeeding duration.

Initiation Rate of First-hour Breastfeeding in Healthy Term and Near Term Babies: Outcome Assessment After Quality Improvement Methods in Secondary Care District Hospital

Objective To improve the rate of first-hour breastfeeding in term and near-term healthy neonates by a quality improvement (QI) study at Secondary Care District Hospital. Design QI study. Setting Labor room-operation theatre of a secondary care district hospital. Participants Stable newborns ≥35 weeks of gestation born by normal vaginal delivery and by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Procedure A team of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, and anesthetists analyzed possible reasons for delayed initiation of breastfeeding by flow chart and Fishbone analysis. Various change ideas were tested through sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Outcome measure Proportion of eligible babies breastfed within 1 hour of delivery. Results The rate of first-hour initiation of breastfeeding increased from 69% to 88% in normal vaginal deliveries and from 17% to 61% in the cesarian section over the study period, which were sustained up to 80% in normal vaginal deliveries (NVD) and 55% in lower segment cesarean section. Conclusions A QI approach was able to accomplish sustained improvement in first-hour breastfeeding rates in normal and cesarean deliveries.

Early stage black pepper leaf disease prediction based on transfer learning using ConvNets

Plants get exposed to diseases, insects and fungus. This causes heavy damages to crop resulting in various leaves diseases. Leaf diseases can be diagnosed at an early stage with the aid of a smart computer vision system and timely disease prevention can be targeted. Black pepper is a medicinal plant that is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine because of its therapeutic properties. The proposed work represents an intelligent transfer learning technique through state-of-the-art deep learning implementation using convolutional neural network to predict the presence of prominent diseases in black pepper leaves. The ImageNet dataset available online is used for training deep neural network. Later, this trained network is utilized for the prediction of the newly developed black pepper leaf image dataset. The developed data set consist of real time leaf images, which are candidly taken from the fields and annotated under supervision of an expert. The leaf diseases considered are anthracnose, slow wilt, early stage phytophthora, phytophthora and yellowing. The hyperparameters chosen for tuning in to deep learning models are initial learning rates, optimization algorithm, image batches, epochs, validation and training data, etc. The accuracy obtained with 0.001 learning rate ranges from 99.1 to 99.7% for the Inception V3, GoogleNet, SqueezeNet and Resnet18 models. Proposed Resnet18 model outperforms all model with 99.67% accuracy. The resulting validation accuracy obtained using these models is high and the validation loss is low. This work represents improvement in agriculture and a cutting edge deep neural network method for early stage leaf disease identification and prediction. This is an approach using a deep learning network to predict early stage black pepper leaf diseases.

Forward-Thinking for Sustainable Shared Mobility Solutions in Amman

This study presents a novel examination of shared mobility’s viability and impact in Amman, Jordan, framed within the context of sustainable urban transportation. A rigorous methodological approach that integrates advanced statistical models including Probit and Decision Tree analyses was utilized to evaluate the propensity of Amman’s residents to adopt shared mobility solutions. Notably, the Ordered Probit Model provided superior model prediction compared to the multinomial logit model, evidenced by a better goodness of fit measure. The results showed that public transportation users would highly use shared mobility services based on cost and reliability, with service convenience emerging as a pivotal factor. The classification tree identified the convenience of the service as the most important factor in adopting shared mobility. The survey data revealed an initial adoption rate of 25.4%, indicating a significant inclination towards shared mobility among respondents. This is pivotal in understanding the current readiness and potential growth of shared mobility in the city. This study is one of the first to quantify the readiness and potential growth of shared mobility in a Middle Eastern urban setting. Furthermore, the impact of this adoption rate on CO2 emissions was conducted. Emission analysis is crucial for assessing the environmental benefits of transitioning towards shared mobility options and aligning with global sustainability goals. Finally, the study extrapolates strategic guidelines for advancing sustainable transportation in Amman, identifying shared mobility options with the highest potential for successful adoption and proposing strategies to foster their implementation. This research contributes a unique perspective to the discourse on urban mobility, particularly in developing urban contexts like Amman, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners.

Inflation–inequality puzzle: is it still apparent?

PurposeThe primary focus of this study is to examine the distributional consequences of the widespread increase in prices. The fundamental question the study aims to address is whether the dynamics of income distribution due to higher inflation differ in the short term compared to the long run.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimated a panel-data model (fixed effects) using inequality and inflation data available at a high frequency, i.e. on a quarterly basis for over 30 years, and found evidence that inflation causes rapid swings in income distribution.Findings The authors’ contribution to the literature lies in providing evidence that inflation rapidly causes swings in income distribution, even after controlling for the state of the economy. The authors also demonstrate that the magnitude and direction of the effect of inflation on income inequality depend on whether the initial inflation rate is below or above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the authors are the first to emphasize that the targets set by central banks can drive the strength and direction of the relationship between inflation and income inequality.

Representation of stress and free energy for a viscoelastic body from a stressed reference

Viscoelastic materials are often initially or residually stressed in the reference configuration. This stress and associated configuration may also evolve temporally without any external influence or loading. This paper develops a general framework representing the stress and Helmholtz potential from a stressed viscoelastic reference configuration. The Helmholtz function is assumed to depend on the initial stress, the initial stress rate (objective), the initial rate of deformation, and the right Cauchy–Green stretch tensor. The corresponding invariants appear not to have been have used earlier. New sets of spectral invariants are also determined and other possible sets of spectral invariants are identified. An appropriate constitutive relation and Helmholtz potential are obtained using a stress-free configuration associated with the stressed reference configuration. For this purpose, the initial strain tensors are determined in terms of initial stress and initial stress-rate by inverting a standard constitutive relation for a viscoelastic material. The model developed using this inverse approach is applied to the investigation of the stress-relaxation of a thick viscoelastic sphere from a stressed reference. Further, it is noted that measuring residual stress is quite challenging for viscoelastic materials. In the context of the present framework, a destructive, and a non-destructive approach to measure residual stress and residual stress-rate for viscoelastic materials is presented.

Dapsone for paediatric chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Shortreport from a tertiary centre in South India.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) resolves in most children within 3-12 months of diagnosis. Chronic ITP affects 10%-20% of patients, some of whom require treatment. Several second-line agents are efficacious in this group of patients. This paper describes our experience of using dapsone as a single second-line agent in children with chronic ITP. One hundred and three children with chronic ITP were seen at our centre from January 2012 to December 2016. Forty-five children met the inclusion criteria and received dapsone; 17 (37.8%) were boys; and 28 (62.2%) were girls. Early response to dapsone was seen in 37.8% of patients. The median duration of long-term follow-up was 50 months, and at least a partial response was seen in 64.4% of the patients. Dapsone offers good initial response rates and sustained remission in paediatric chronic ITP, comparable to other therapeutic agents available.

Analisis Kelayakan Investasi Mesin Pemotong Kerupuk Ikan di UMKM Dua Putri Sangkapura Bawean

UMKM Dua Putri is a home-based business that produces typical Bawean fish crackers located in Gresik district which has 4 products, namely: Large Roasted Crackers, Small Roasted Crackers, Original Leko Crackers, Leko Balado Crackers. The problem is that when carrying out the process of cutting cracker cakes, we still use manual cutting. Even though there is a dough rolling machine and a cracker roasting machine, it is still overwhelming during the cutting process. Therefore, the researcher's aim is to analyze the feasibility of investing in a cutting machine as a consideration so that time is not wasted and is efficient based on the machine's age of 7 years. The results of calculations using the NPV method yield a result of Rp. 58,025,817 (NPV>0), IRR of 19.02% (IRR>10% initial interest rate), BCR of (BCR>1), and proven investment returns from BEP results with data interpolation for 2 years and 7 months. Based on calculations, this investment is feasible or can be done. Keywords: BCR, BEP, Cutting, IRR, Investment Feasibility, NPV,

Study on the dynamic adsorption and recycling of phosphorus by Fe–Mn oxide/mulberry branch biochar composite adsorbent

In this study, the Fe–Mn oxide/mulberry stem biochar composite adsorbent (FM-MBC) was prepared and fully characterized by SEM-EDS, XRD, BET, and XPS. The solution pH (3.0, 4.5, and 6.0), initial concentration of phosphorus (10, 20, and 30 mg L−1), adsorbent bed height (2, 3, and 4 cm), and solution flow rate (1, 2, and 3 mL min−1) were investigated to analyze the breakthrough curves. The results showed that the breakthrough time was shortened as the initial phosphorus concentration, the flow rate increased and the bed height decreased. Higher initial phosphorus concentrations, flow rates, and lower bed heights, led to a faster breakthrough of phosphate ions in the FM-MBC adsorbent. Additionally, it was observed that increasing the pH value was not conducive to the adsorption of phosphorus by the FM-MBC adsorbent. Dynamic adsorption data were fitted to four models (Yoon-Nelson, Thomas, Adams-Bohart, and Bed Depth Service Time), and the R2 values of the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models exhibited minimal variation, suggesting that the dynamic adsorption process of FM-MBC was rather intricate. The saturated fixed-bed column (including FM-MBC) was regenerated with NaOH or HCl, and it was found that a 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH solution had the best regeneration effect. XRD analysis showed that the reaction product between the FM-MBC composite and phosphate anions was Fe3(PO4)2·H2O. Moreover, the experimental results that FM-MBC can successfully be used to remove phosphorus from actual wastewater.

Predicting environmental biodegradability using initial rates: mineralization of cellulose, guar and their semisynthetic derivatives in wastewater and soil

Microplastic pollution is a growing concern, and natural materials are being increasingly sought as plastic alternatives. Semisynthetic biopolymers occupy a grey area between natural and synthetic materials and are often presented as green alternatives to conventional plastic. They can be water-soluble or insoluble, and are ubiquitous in commercial products as thickeners, films, filters, viscosity modifiers and coatings. This work compares the mineralization kinetics of cellulose, guar and several of their commercialized derivatives using a simple pseudo first-order kinetic model to extrapolate half-lives and lifetimes, while identifying the levers that influence the mineralization rates of these ubiquitous materials. Industrial composting rates were consistently faster than those of wastewater. While partially substituted biopolymers exhibited measurable degradation, kinetic analysis revealed this effect could be entirely accounted for by the fraction of unsubstituted biopolymer. Surprisingly, the initial rates of highly substituted biopolymers exhibited persistence on par with conventional plastics over the experimental durations studied.

3D connected porous structure hard carbon derived from paulownia xylem for high rate performance sodium ion battery anode

Biomass-derived hard carbon has garnered significant attention due to its high capacity, low cost and abundant resources. However, the application of biomass hard carbon is limited by the low initial coulombic efficiency and rate capability. Based on these issues, natural fortune paulownia wood with numerous pores has been used as the precursor to investigate the effects on initial coulombic efficiency and rate capability at different heating temperatures. As the heating temperature increased from 1000 °C to 1400 °C, the graphitization degree of the prepared hard carbon gradually increased, and the defect concentration gradually decreased, resulting in an increase in ICE from 76.8 % to 85.9 %, and a significant increase in the proportion of platform capacity from 49 % to 69 %. The prepared HC-1400 exhibits a reversible capacity of 313 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and can still achieve a capacity retention rate of 92 % after 500 cycles at 1 C (charge) and 5 C (discharge). Meanwhile, due to the excellent inheritance of the 3D connected porous structure of paulownia xylem, the prepared hard carbon even exhibits an excellent capacity of 209 mAh g−1 at 10 C. In addition, the assembled HC-1400||Na3V2(PO4)3 full battery also demonstrated a high energy density of 204.4 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 C, and still exhibited 116.6 Wh kg−1 even at a high rate of 10 C. This study will provide strong guidance for designing and preparing hard carbon with both high capacity and high rate performance for sodium-ion batteries anode.

Kinetic Study of Coprinus cinereus Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxidation of 2,2'-Dihydroxyazobenzene.

Azo dyes are of concern due to their harmful effects on the environment and human health. The oxidation of 2,2'-dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB) catalyzed with recombinant Coprinus cinereus (rCiP) peroxidase was investigated. The kinetic measurements were performed using the spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods. The dependences of the initial reaction rates on enzyme, substrate and hydrogen peroxide concentrations during DHAB oxidation were established, and bimolecular constants of enzyme interaction with DHAB were calculated. This research demonstrated that the initial biocatalytic oxidation rates of DHAB depend on the pH and the estimated pKa values of the active forms of rCip. This study's findings thus contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the biocatalytic oxidation of DHAB, providing valuable data for assessing the long-term toxicity, carcinogenesis and epigenetic effects of azo dyes in the environment.