Satisfactory Correlation Research Articles

Extraction of organic pollutants from wastewater to improve the sanitary reliability of water bodies

. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the principal possibility of increasing the adsorption of hydroxybenzene by the carbon sorbent Purolate-standard by a combination of reactive and thermal oxidative modification. The control of the hydroxybenzene concentration from the solution was determined by spectrophotometry. The possibility of increasing the adsorption capacity by means of combined oxidative modification (reagent oxidation followed by heat treatment) of carbon material was considered. The characteristics of the extraction process were established on the basis of Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Analysis of the porous structure and functional groups of the surface of anthracite and its modified samples showed changes in the above parameters. The processing of experimental data in the coordinates of the Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations showed a satisfactory correlation, which allows us to calculate the values: Gibbs energy, the maximum adsorption capacity of the monolayer, the adsorption equilibrium constant, the maximum volume of the adsorption space. The obtained values allow us to establish the adsorption mechanism, both on the feedstock and on the processed samples. It was found that the oxidation of 2 % ammonium salt of peroxodiseric acid with subsequent heating at 200°C reduced the adsorption of phenol. Treatment of the adsorbent with 5 % ammonium salt of peroxodiseric acid with heating at 250°C slightly increased the adsorption of phenol. The use of the studied oxidants to increase the adsorption capacity of anthracite did not give the expected result with respect to hydroxybenzene. Sorption on macroporous carbon materials with preliminary modification can be recommended as a promising direction in relation to organic pollutants. The study of the adsorption of hydroxybenzene on anthracite of the Purolate-standard brand was carried out under static conditions. The authors have proved that reducing the sanitary reliability of reservoirs is possible by means of reducing the level of contamination of wastewater. The mechanism of adsorption of hydroxybenzene on sorbents modified by a combined method under different regimes has been studied for the first time, which is a scientific novelty of the study.

Assessing CFSR climate data for rainfall-runoff modeling over an ungauged basin between Iraq and Iran

In most developing countries, networks of gauge observations are frequently sparse and may have significant spatial and temporal gaps in the meteorological records. Reanalysis products are extensively used as alternative climate inputs for watershed modeling that provide continuous data worldwide. However, the direct utilization of such products is highly doubtful at different basin scales. This article aims to evaluate the accuracy of the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) product for streamflow simulation using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in the northeastern part of the Little Zab River Basin (LZRB), a mountainous basin between Iraq and Iran. The quality of CFSR was assessed from two viewpoints: (1) the precipitation aspect, an analysis of the CFSR precipitation compared to observational meteorological data (OMD) from 2004 to 2013 on a daily time scale, and (2) the hydrology aspect, a comparison of the SWAT model performance based on OMD (scenario I) and the CFSR product (scenario II) for monthly streamflow simulations. Results showed that the CFSR precipitation had a satisfactory correlation with rain gauge data ranging from 0.55 to 0.81. The performance of OMD in SWAT-based streamflow simulation achieved a ‘very good’ rating in calibration (2006–2010) and validation (2011–2013). Meanwhile, the CFSR-based model demonstrated a ‘very good’ hydrologic prediction skill in calibration. In contrast, CFSR revealed a lower performance in the validation period as it considerably overestimated base and peak flows in LZRB. Nevertheless, model uncertainty analysis after calibration showed that more than 88% of measured streamflow values at the basin outlet were bracketed within the 95 percent prediction uncertainty (95PPU) band for OMD and CFSR. These findings revealed that the CFSR product, after proper bias correction, could be a reliable alternative climate input for hydrologic modeling and climatological studies in semi-arid basins where gauge data is limited.

Measured Oxygen Consumption During Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization is More Accurate than Assumed Oxygen Consumption.

When calculating cardiac index (C.I.) by the Fick method, oxygen consumption (VO2) is often unknown, so assumed values are typically used. This practiceintroduces a knownsource of inaccuracy into the calculation. Using a measured VO2 (mVO2) from the CARESCAPE E-sCAiOVX module provides an alternative that may improve accuracy of C.I. calculations. Our aim is to validate this measurement in a general pediatric catheterization population and compare its accuracywith assumed VO2 (aVO2).mVO2 was recorded for all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with general anesthesia and controlled ventilation during the study period. mVO2 was compared to the reference VO2 (refVO2) determined by the reverse Fick method using cardiac MRI (cMRI) or thermodilution (TD) as a reference standard for measurement of C.I. when available. 193 VO2 measurements were obtained, including 71 with a corresponding cMRI or TD measure of cardiac index for validation. mVO2 demonstrated satisfactory concordance and correlation with the TD- or cMRI-derived refVO2 (ρc = 0.73, r2 = 0.63) with a mean bias of -3.2% (SD ± 17.3%). Assumed VO2 demonstrated much weaker concordance and correlation with refVO2 (ρc = 0.28, r2 = 0.31) with a mean bias of + 27.5% (SD ± 30.0%). Subgroup analysis of patients < 36months of age demonstrated that error in mVO2 was not significantly different from that observed in older patients. Many previously reported prediction models for assuming VO2 performed poorly in this younger age range. Measured oxygen consumption using the E-sCAiOVX module is significantly more accurate than assumed VO2 when compared to TD- or cMRI-derived VO2 in a pediatric catheterization lab.

A response surface modeling and optimization of photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in water using hierarchical nano-assemblages of CuBi2O4 particles.

Photocatalytic degradation, as an advanced oxidation process (AOPs), offers a great advantage to target persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water. RSM in the present study which is statistical means for optimizing processes like photocatalysis with minimum laboratory experimentation. RSM has a history of being a potent design experiment tool for creating new processes, modifying their designs, and optimizing their performances. Herein, a highly sought-after, easily preparable, visible-light active, copper bismuth oxide (CuBi2O4) is applied against a toxic emerging contaminant, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) under an LED light source (viible light λ > 420nm). A simple coprecipitation method was adopted to synthesize CuBi2O4 and later analyzed with FESEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and spectroscopy to determine its intrinsic properties. Principally, the photocatalytic degradation investigations were based on response surface methodology (RSM), which is a commanding tool in the optimization of the processes. The 2,4-DCP concentration (pollutant loading), CuBi2O4 dosage (catalyst dosge), contact time, and pH were the chosen as dependent factors, that were optimized. However, under optimal conditions, the CuBi2O4 nanoparticle showed a remarkable photocatalytic performance of 91.6% at pH = 11.0 with a pollutant concentration of 0.5mg/L and a catalyst dose of 5mg/L within 8h. The obtained RSM model showed a satisfactory correlation between experimental and predicted values of 2,4-DCP removal, with an agreeable probability value (p) of 0.0069 and coefficient of regression (R2) of 0.990. It is therefore anticipated that the study may open up new possibilities for formulating a plan to specifically target these organic pollutants. In addition, CuBi2O4 possessed fair reusability for three-consequent cycles. Hence, the as-synthesized nanoparticles applied for photocatalysis foster a fit-for-purpose and reliable system in the decontamination of 2,4 DCP in environmental samples, and also the study highlights the efficient use of RSM for environmental remediation, particularly in AOP implementation.

Sensitive amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay for the quantitative detection of CA242

We here developed a sensitive and stable amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) method for fast quantification of CA242 in human serum. Donor and acceptor beads modified with carboxyl groups could be coupled with CA242 antibodies after activation in the AlphaLISA method. CA242 was rapidly detected by the double antibody sandwich immunoassay. The method yielded good linearity (>0.996) and detection range (0.16–400 U/mL). The intra-assay precisions of CA242-AlphaLISA were between 3.43% and 6.81% (< 10%), and the inter-assay precisions were between 4.06% and 9.56% (< 15%). The relative recoveries ranged from 89.61% to 107.29%. Detection time for the CA242-AlphaLISA method was only 20 min. Moreover, results of CA242-AlphaLISA and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay had satisfactory correlation and consistency (ρ = 0.9852). The method was successfully applied to the analysis of human serum samples. Meanwhile, serum CA242 has a good detection value in the identification and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and the monitoring of disease degree. Furthermore, the proposed AlphaLISA method is expected to be an alternative to traditional detection methods, laying a good foundation for the further development of kits to detect other biomarkers in future studies.

Disclosures for slavery accounting concerning SDG 8 and corporate attributes: a study on the banking industry of Bangladesh

With the continuous adoption of sustainable development goals by all countries, there is a rising demand for implementing and disclosing related information by companies. This paper aims to find an idea about the nature of reporting practices related to slavery by listed banking companies of Bangladesh and the relationship between reporting practice and organizational attributes. Existing literature provides the foundation of this study. Annual reports from 2016 to 2021 were collected from the company websites, and content analysis was used to determine the nature and extent of slavery reporting; an index was developed based on content analysis. Independent variables were determined based on the current literature review. Statistical tools, including the test of multicollinearity, heteroscedastic, correlation, and linear regression and panel data analyses were used to determine the fitness of the model and the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable. Content analysis showed a clear picture of the consciousness about slavery accounting as all of the companies reported a minimum of three components of selected targets from SDG8. The evidence says that the quality and quantity of slavery reporting are improving yearly. A satisfactory correlation was found among the variables. Some variables, such as ownership nature, Board Size, etc., have a positive impact, and insignificant impact was found for Age and leverage on slavery disclosure. This paper only examines the banking industry, and it assesses only a few targets of SDG 8. Thus the results obtained from the study may not be similar to other companies. Data collection also has limitations; our target was to study till 2022 but some information requirements of few companies were not available on websites. This research paper is the first attempt to determine the nature of slavery accounting in Bangladesh. It will encourage business organizations to extend their reporting on slavery and SDGs.

Pyrene derived imine functionalized moiety for highly selective colorimetric detection of Cu2+ ion real time sample with supportive DFT studies

Schiff base probe 4-hydroxy-N-(pyrene -1-yl-methylene) benzo hydrazide (PyrBH) has been synthesized and rationally designed as a rapid and highly selective colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ ions in the semi-aqueous medium. Structural characterization of PyrBH was confirmed by NMR, FT-IR, and HRMS spectral techniques. The cation binding affinity with the PyrBH probe was confirmed colorimetric study using the UV-Visible spectral method. The probe PyrBH exhibits a colorimetric response from colourless to yellow solutions containing Cu2+ ions. UV-Visible studies confirmed the formation of a 1:1 stoichiometry complex with a calculated binding constant Ka value (3.464 × 10-5 M) of suggests stable complex formation between the Cu2+ ions and the sensing PyrBH probe. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 2.19 × 10-7 M. The fabrication of test paper strips with the probe was done to detect the presence of Cu2+ ions in the real sample. The DFT & TD-DFT computational analysis was used to determine the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels, which it associates with satisfactory correlation.

Digital microfluidic platform assembled into a home-made studio for sample preparation and colorimetric sensing of S-nitrosocysteine.

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a versatile lab-on-a-chip platform that allows integration with several types of sensors and detection techniques, including colorimetric sensors. Here, we propose, for the first time, the integration of DMF chips into a mini studio containing a 3D-printed holder with previously fixed UV-LEDs to promote sample degradation on the chip surface before a complete analytical procedure involving reagent mixture, colorimetric reaction, and detection through a webcam integrated on the equipment. As a proof-of-concept, the feasibility of the integrated system was successfully through the indirect analysis of S-nitrosocysteine (CySNO) in biological samples. For this purpose, UV-LEDs were explored to perform the photolytic cleavage of CySNO, thus generating nitrite and subproducts directly on DMF chip. Nitrite was then colorimetrically detected based on a modified Griess reaction, in which reagents were prepared through a programable movement of droplets on DMF devices. The assembling and the experimental parameters were optimized, and the proposed integration exhibited a satisfactory correlation with the results acquired using a desktop scanner. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the obtained CySNO degradation to nitrite was 96%. Considering the analytical parameters, the proposed approach revealed linear behavior in the CySNO concentration range between 12.5 and 400μmolL-1 and a limit of detection equal to 2.8μmolL-1. Synthetic serum and human plasma samples were successfully analyzed, and the achieved results did not statistically differ from the data recorded by spectrophotometry at the confidence level of 95%, thus indicating the huge potential of the integration between DMF and mini studio to promote complete analysis of lowmolecular weight compounds.

Identification of promising inhibitory heterocyclic compounds against acetylcholinesterase using QSAR, ADMET, biological activity, and molecular docking

Heterocyclic compounds exert diverse functions, especially acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Thus, identifying the association between their detailed structures and biological activities is important to the development of novel medications for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment. In this study, diverse sets of 120 potent and selective heterocyclic compounds (-log[the half‑maximal inhibitory concentration] (pIC50) values ranged from 8.01 to 12.50) were used to develop quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models using multiple linear regression (MLR), multiple nonlinear regression (MNLR), Bayesian model average (BMA), and artificial neural network (ANN) models. The models' robustness and stability have been assessed using both internal and external methodology. ANN outperforms MLR, MNLR, and BMA according to external validation. The molecular descriptors incorporated into the model were in satisfactory correlation with the AChE receptor-ligand complex X-ray structures, making the model interpretable and predictive. Three selected compounds exert drug-like characteristics (pIC50 values ranged from 11.01 to 11.17). The binding affinity between the optimal compounds and the AChE receptor (RCSB ID 3LII) ranged from − 7.4 to − 8.8 kcal/mol. Remarkably, the pharmacokinetics, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of compound 25 (C23H32N2O2, PubChem CID 118727071, pIC50 value = 11.17) were found to be consistent with its therapeutic effects in AD due to its cholinergic and non-toxic nature, non-P-glycoprotein, high gastrointestinal absorption, and capability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

Factor analysis, reliability and validity of a Pashto version of Hamilton rating scale for depression.

To translate and validate the Hamilton Rating Scale (HAM-D) for Depression in Pashto language. The cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from June to November 2021, and comprised patients of either gender diagnosed with depressive illness. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was translated from English to Pashto by 3 bilingual experts using forward-backward method. The version was tested on the participants using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability and construct validity of the scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 26. Of the 507 patients with mean age 34.56±12.58 years, 317(62.5%) were females, 379(74.8%) were married and 308(60.7%) were uneducated. Factor analysis of HAM-D (Pashto) showed to be a four factor model and Bartlett's test showed significant results indicating that the items were inter-correlated. Regarding construct validity, the factor loading through Item Total Correlation scores revealed highly satisfactory correlation coefficients. Cronbach's alpha reliability of the Pashto version was 0.843, and confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit model (0.904) with root mean square error of approximation value 0.075. The scale showed 312(61.5%) participants were severely depressed. Married, uneducated patients and those with higher birth order were significantly severely depressed (p=0.000). The Pashto version of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was found to be a reliable instrument to measure depression and can be used in clinical settings.

Cosmic ray cutoff rigidity governing by solar wind and magnetosphere parameters during the 2017 Sep 6–9 solar-terrestrial event

For the 2017 Sep 6–9 geomagnetic disturbance, we calculated (within the Tsyganenko magnetospheric magnetic field model Ts01) the cosmic ray (CR) geomagnetic cutoff threshold rigidities. We also compared those values with the calculation results obtained from ground-based observations at the global network of neutron monitors (GNNM) through the spectrographic global survey (SGS). Shown is a satisfactory correlation between the geomagnetic cutoff threshold rigidity variations obtained based on the Ts01 model and those obtained from the GNNM ground-based observations. An intercorrelation of the CR geomagnetic threshold variations with the parameters for geomagnetic activity, for solar wind, and for the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was established to be different at different stages of the magnetospheric-geomagnetic disturbance. This is because such an intercorrelation is caused by the dynamics of current systems, whose intensifying and damping occur differently over different time intervals. During the storm main phase, the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity threshold variation is shown to be governed, mainly, by the Dst and by the solar wind velocity, as well as by the IMF southern component and by the electric field azimuth component.

Rapid pretreatment-free evaluation of antioxidant capacity in extra virgin olive oil using a laser-nanodecorated electrochemical lab-on-strip

An electroanalytical lab-on-a-strip device for the direct extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) antioxidant capacity evaluation is proposed. The lab-made device is composed of a CO2 laser nanodecorated sensor combined with a cutter-plotter molded paper-strip designed for EVOOs sampling and extraction. Satisfactory performance towards the most representative o-diphenols of EVOOs i.e., hydroxytyrosol (HY) and oleuropein (OL) were achieved; good sensitivity (LODHY = 2 µM; LODOL = 0.6 µM), extended linear ranges (HY: 10–250 µM; OL: 2.5–50 µM) and outstanding reproducibility (RSD < 5%, n = 3) were obtained in rectified oil. The device was challenged for the extraction-free analysis of 15 different EVOO samples, with satisfactory recoveries (90–94%; RSD < 5%, n = 3) and correlation with classical photometric assays (r ≥ 0.91). The proposed device includes all analysis steps, needs 4 µL of sample, and returns reliable results in 2 min, resulting portable and usable with a smartphone.

Process optimization of nanosecond pulsed packed‐bed discharge plasma for SF6 degradation based on response surface methodology

AbstractIn this work, a nanosecond pulsed packed‐bed discharge (PBD) plasma was developed for SF6 degradation under different dilution gases. The discharge form transfers from filamentary discharge to the combination of surface discharge and microdischarge after introducing the packing material regardless of the dilution gas used, and the local electric field strength and SF6 degradation performance are promoted. The mean electron energy and rate coefficient for SF6 excitation in SF6/Ar system are significantly higher than those in SF6/N2 or SF6/air system, which results in higher SF6 degradation efficiency in SF6/Ar system. Moreover, the response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design model was constructed to optimize several key process parameters including pulsed voltage, gas flow rate, oxygen content, and relative humidity, as well as assess the contribution of each parameter to SF6 degradation. The proposed optimization model shows a satisfactory correlation between the predicted and the experimental results. The energy yield concerning SF6 degradation in nanosecond pulsed PBD plasma achieves approximately 75.3 g/kWh with nearly complete degradation. This work is expected to provide an efficient and energy‐saving plasma technique for SF6 degradation.

Development of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Tizanidine Hydrochloride in Bulk Drug and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

The quantitative analysis of tizanidine hydrochloride in both pharmaceutical dosage form and bulk medication has been developed and validated using an easy, affordable, quick, and unique isocratic HPLC approach. Tizanidine hydrochloride was separated isocratically using Waters symmetry C18 ODS as the stationary phase (250×4.6 mm, 5μm particle size), a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, and a UV detector to track the eluate at 230 nm. The drug and its degradation products could be separated using the mobile phase, which was made up of acetonitrile: phosphate buffer (20:80 v/v) and pH-adjusted to 3.0 by ortho-phosphoric acid. Linearity, accuracy (recovery), precision, specificity, and robustness of the approach were all validated. For the range of 4-80 μg/ml, the linearity of the technique was satisfactory (correlation coefficient 0.999). Between 100.4 to 101.3% of the tizanidine hydrochloride was recovered from the medicinal dosage form. In order to analyze the samples, tizanidine hydrochloride was put under stress conditions, including hydrolysis (acid, base), oxidation, photolysis, and heat degradation. The tizanidine hydrochloride forced degradation study demonstrated that it decomposed under minimal conditions. Under the other stress scenarios examined, the medication remained steady. It was discovered that tizanidine hydrochloride was significantly more stable in its solid state than in its solution condition. The breakdown products were clearly distinguishable from the primary peak. The validation method may be useful for routine analysis of tizanidine hydrochloride as bulk drug, in respective dosage forms, for dissolution studies, and as a stability indicating assay method in pharmaceutical laboratories and industries because the forced degradation study proves the method's stability indicating power.&#x0D; Keywords: RP-HPLC, Tizanidine hydrochloride, Forced degradation, Method validated

Identification and quantification of nine compounds in Fangwen Jiuwei decoction by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Fangwen Jiuwei Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation for the treatment of pneumonia developed by Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, which shows remarkable clinical responses. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the main active compounds are crucial for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine prescription in clinical application. In this study, we identified nine active compounds essential for the pharmacological effects of Fangwen Jiuwei Decoction based on the analysis of the Network Pharmacology and relevant literature. Moreover, these compounds can interact with several crucial drug targets in pneumonia based on molecular docking. We applied high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established these nine active ingredients' qualitative and quantitative detections. The possible cleavage pathways of nine active components were determined based on secondary ions mass spectrometry. The results of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were further validated, which show a satisfactory correlation coefficient (r>0.99), recovery rate (≥93.31%), repeatability rate (≤5.62%), stability (≤7.95%), intra-day precision (≤6.68%), and inter-day precision (≤9.78%). The limit of detection was as low as 0.01ng/ml. In this study, we established a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the chemical components in the Fangwen Jiuwei Decoction extract.

Psychometric performance of the Chichewa versions of the EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-Y-5L among healthy and sick children and adolescents in Malawi

ObjectivesThe EuroQol Group has developed an extended version of the EQ-5D-Y-3L with five response levels for each of its five dimensions (EQ-5D-Y-5L). The psychometric performance has been reported in several studies for the EQ-5D-Y-3L but not for the EQ-5D-Y-5L. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-Y-5L Chichewa (Malawi) versions.MethodsThe EQ-5D-Y-3L, EQ-5D-Y-5L and PedsQL™ 4.0 Chichewa versions were administered to children and adolescents aged 8–17 years in Blantyre, Malawi. Both of the EQ-5D-Y versions were evaluated for missing data, floor/ceiling effects, and validity (convergent, discriminant, known-group and empirical).ResultsA total of 289 participants (95 healthy, and 194 chronic and acute) self-completed the questionnaires. There was little problem with missing data (< 5%) except in children aged 8–12 years particularly for the EQ-5D-Y-5L. Ceiling effects was generally reduced in moving from the EQ-5D-Y-3L to the EQ-5D-Y-5L. For both EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-Y-5L, convergent validity tested with PedsQL™ 4.0 was found to be satisfactory (correlation ≥ 0.4) at scale level but mixed at dimension /sub-scale level. There was evidence of discriminant validity (p > 0.05) with respect to gender and age, but not for school grade (p < 0.05). For empirical validity, the EQ-5D-Y-5L was 31–91% less efficient than the EQ-5D-Y-3L at detecting differences in health status using external measures.ConclusionsBoth versions of the EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-Y-5L had issues with missing data in younger children. Convergent validity, discriminant validity with respect to gender and age, and known-group validity of either measures were also met for use among children and adolescents in this population, although with some limitations (discriminant validity by grade and empirical validity). The EQ-5D-Y-3L seems particularly suited for use in younger children (8–12 years) and the EQ-5D-Y-5L in adolescents (13–17 years). However, further psychometric testing is required for test re-test reliability and responsiveness that could not be carried out in this study due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Gas relative permeability evaluation in tight rocks using rate-transient analysis (RTA) techniques

The evaluation of effective and relative gas permeability is critical for modeling hydrocarbon recovery from low-permeability (unconventional) reservoirs, and for evaluating the potential for clean energy pathways such as carbon capture and sequestration and hydrogen storage in subsurface. Nevertheless, due to the low flow rates and long experimental times associated with low-permeability (nanodarcy/microdarcy range) sample testing, measuring relative permeability through conventional techniques is technically challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. Additionally, and importantly, none of the routine laboratory techniques for measuring relative permeability can mimic the boundary conditions under which wells are produced from, or injected into, in the field.For the first time, effective and relative gas permeability of partially-saturated low-permeability sedimentary rocks were investigated using state-of-the-art core analysis techniques based on rate-transient analysis (RTA). Conventional and new straight-line analysis methods, commonly applied to production data in the field, were used to estimate effective gas permeability of core plugs under variable stress conditions and water saturations. Five low-permeability siltstone and organic/clay-rich samples, differing in mineralogy, porosity, and pore size distribution, were analyzed for proof-of-concept testing.The observed flow regimes consist of transient linear flow followed by boundary-dominated flow regimes, as previously reported for field data. Satisfactory correlation (average coefficient of variation less than 7%) between permeability estimates using different RTA techniques demonstrates the applicability of this method for effective and relative permeability assessment of partially-saturated ultra-tight reservoirs (down to less than 1.0∙10−5 md). Importantly, test times after the initiation of the production phase, were on the order of minutes, which is significantly shorter than those commonly achievable using conventional techniques (e.g., hours using pulse-decay gas permeability testing). Effective gas permeability (from 1.5∙10−3 to 7.5∙10−6 md), and slip factor (from 715 to −286 psia−1), decreased with increasing water saturation (0–53%), reflecting the lower contribution of slip flow to gas transport. Effective gas permeability decreased with increasing effective stress (500–4000 psia), likely due to reduced effective (transport) pore throat size and increased tortuosity. The reduction of slip factor and the observed stress dependency with water saturation is attributed to the channel flow mechanism.

Bioelectronic tongue dedicated to the analysis of milk using enzymes linked to carboxylated-PVC membranes modified with gold nanoparticles

Bioelectronic tongues (bioET) made of sensors combining enzymes and nanomaterials have been shown to be advantageous due to the specificity offered by the biosensors and the enhanced sensitivity provided by the nanomaterials. In this work, an innovative bioET for milk analysis is developed using potentiometric biosensors based on lactic dehydrogenase, galactose oxidase and urease specific for the detection of compounds of interest in milk (lactic acid, galactose and urea). The performance of the biosensors has been fostered by covalently immobilizing the enzymes on membranes of carboxylated polyvinyl chloride combined with gold nanoparticles. The design and composition of the biosensors contributes to preserving the enzymatic activity, allowing limits of detection in the range of 10 −5 – 10 −6 M with excellent sensitivity and reproducibility (variation coefficients ranged from 1 to 5.1%). The three biosensors, combined in a single device and coupled to a pattern recognition software, can discriminate efficiently twelve classes of milk with different fat content (skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole milk) and nutritional characteristics (calcium enriched, lactose free and folic acid-enriched). The bioET shows an excellent classification capability with an accuracy of up to 99.7%. By applying Support Vector Machine (SVM) analysis, the BioET can perform the simultaneous assessment of eight physicochemical parameters (acidity, fat, proteins, lactose, density, urea, dry matter and nonfat dry matter) with satisfactory correlation coefficients and low residual errors. The results are further improved by implementing ensemble methodologies. The proposed strategy has been demonstrated to be useful for improving the performance of bioETs in the dairy industry. • A potentiometric bioET specifically dedicated to milk analysis was developed. • Enzymes were covalently linked to membranes combining Carboxilated-PVC and AuNPs. • The effective enzymatic immobilization helped to retain the enzymatic activity. • Using SVM and ensemble methods, nine physicochemical parameters can be determined simultaneously.

Abstract P2-11-03: How to make decisions in ductal carcinoma in situ? The first study of clinical applicability of the MSKCC ductal carcinoma in situ nomogram in the prediction of local recurrence risk after breast conserving surgery in a Brazilian cohort

Abstract Introduction: Radiation therapy (RT) plays an important role in the management of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast, treated by breast conserving surgery (BCS). RT reduces significantly the risk of local recurrences (LR). Efforts are being, currently, to de-escalate RT in this scenario with individualized decision-makings. Several biomarkers and clinical tools were developed to predict the probability of LR and aid a tailored clinical decision. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of the MSKCC DCIS Nomogram, which combines clinical, pathologic, and treatment features to forecast LR after BCS for DCIS patients and assist physicians to recommend RT. Methods: Were enrolled into the study women with DCIS undergoing BCS, with clear surgical margins, and external RT from 1993 to 2018 at a specialized breast cancer service in São Paulo, Brazil. The data were collected from medical records. The MSKCC DCIS Nomogram was applied to the study population. Receiver operating characteristic curve were drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) of 10-year risk of LR evaluation was calculated. Results: 110 women were eligible. Eight patients had LR (7,3%), being 5 invasives (62,5%) and 3 in situ (37,5%). The follow-up mean time was 4.8 years. Time to recurrence was 9.6 years with a 10 years risk of LR of 10,3%. The MSKCC DCIS Nomogram 10-year risk estimates showed satisfactory correlation as regard to LR with the AUC of 0.61. The nomogram is warranted for the 10-year risk LR prediction, and it may reinforce RT indication. Conclusions: The MSKCC DCIS Nomogram may identify patients with DCIS treated by BCS with high probability of LR, and therefore is a useful treatment decision aid for patients with DCIS and may assist the RT recommendation. Citation Format: Larissa Marques, Heloísa Carvalho, Filomena Carvalho, Luciana Rodrigues, Fernando Aguiar, Alfredo Barros. How to make decisions in ductal carcinoma in situ? The first study of clinical applicability of the MSKCC ductal carcinoma in situ nomogram in the prediction of local recurrence risk after breast conserving surgery in a Brazilian cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-03.

Leaching behavior and process optimization of tin recovery from waste liquid crystal display under mechanical activation

Recycling Sn from waste liquid crystal display (LCD) is crucial to alleviate resource shortage and prevent environmental pollution. However, the disposal of waste LCD is a complex coupling process affected by multi-factors. The lack of mature harmless and resource-based treatment process restricts the development of industrialization. Therefore, an environmentally sound process focusing on resource recovery was proposed to recover Sn efficiently and remove toxic substances from waste LCD in this study. The reaction mechanism and leaching kinetics were discussed assisted by mechanical activation, and the statistical and mathematical method (Box-Behnken Design (BBD) model) was adopted to optimize the leaching process. The results showed that the mechanical activation could improve the physical and chemical properties of ITO glass. The essence of the leaching reaction mechanism was that the H+ in H2SO4 combined with O2− in the lattice of In2O3 to form OH−, resulting in Sn–O bond broking and Sn4+ entering the aqueous solution. Furthermore, the Zeta potential results showed that the Zeta potential of SiO2 particles less than 0.035 mm was close to zero near pH 2, resulting in agglomeration between SiO2 particles under the action of Coulomb force. The leaching kinetics was well expressed by the shrinking core model. The BBD model showed satisfactory correlation between the predicted and actual results, and the particle size was the most critical factor affecting the leaching efficiency. The maximum leaching efficiency was 87.6% which was obtained under the following optimal condition: 6 mol/L H2SO4, 108 min, 88 °C, and 0.035 mm ITO glass powder. Our findings demonstrated that the developed recovery process was both efficient and environmentally sound, which had the potential in the industrialization of waste LCD recycling system.