Separate Tanks Research Articles

Differences in Growth Performance and Meat Quality between Male and Female Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Separate Rearing.

This study compared the growth and flesh quality of juvenile male and female Nile tilapia grown in separate RAS tanks. The Genetic Sex Determination method yielded 40 males and 40 females. Males grew longer and heavier than females, and the results showed significant variation between the sexes in terms of weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and final body length and weight. In terms of the feed conversion ratio (FCR), Gonad Somatic Index (GSI), and Viscera Somatic Index (VSI), females presented better results than males. Male and female Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) values did not differ significantly-no difference in blood serum values. The meat's moisture and crude protein composition did not alter significantly from male to female; however, the crude fat and ash levels did differ significantly. Male and female animals were given the same seventeen distinct types of amino acids, and there was no distinct variation in the profiles of total amino acids (TAAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs) between the sexes. However, in the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) category, there were marginally significant differences, wherein females performed better than males. Males and females differed considerably in crude fat and ash levels but not in the moisture content or crude protein composition of the meat. Regarding fatty acids, males outperformed females in terms of total fatty acids (TFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). However, no significant difference in the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in muscle was found between males and females.

The Zebrafish Cerebellar Neural Circuits Are Involved in Orienting Behavior.

Deficits in social behavior are found in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Since abnormalities in cerebellar morphology and function are observed in ASD patients, the cerebellum is thought to play a role in social behavior. However, it remains unknown whether the cerebellum is involved in social behavior in other animals and how cerebellar circuits control social behavior. To address this issue, we employed zebrafish stereotyped orienting behavior as a model of social behaviors, in which a pair of adult zebrafish in two separate tanks approach each other, with one swimming at synchronized angles (orienting angles) with the other. We harnessed transgenic zebrafish that express botulinum toxin, which inhibits the release of neurotransmitters, in either granule cells or Purkinje cells (PCs), and zebrafish mutants of reelin, which is involved in the positioning of cerebellar neurons, including PCs. These zebrafish, deficient in the function or formation of cerebellar neural circuits, showed a significantly shorter period of orienting behavior compared with their control siblings. We found an increase in c-fos and egr1 expression in the cerebellum after the orienting behavior. These results suggest that zebrafish cerebellar circuits play an important role in social orienting behavior.

Genomic selection for individual feed efficiency in the European seabass: Response to selection on efficiency, commercial traits and sex

Feed efficiency is a key factor in the sustainability of fish farming. Improving feed efficiency not only results in cost savings, but also helps to reduce the environmental footprint associated with feed production and to mitigate competition for feed resources. However, improving feed efficiency through genetic selection poses challenges, mainly due to the difficulty of accurately estimating it in a large population, especially under conventional rearing conditions. In a previous study, a methodology was developed to estimate the individual feed efficiency of sea bass in separate tanks under controlled feeding regimes during the juvenile phase. This approach allowed precise measurement of growth, feed intake and individual feed conversion ratio (iFCR) of each fish. Daily growth rate (iDGC) was found to be highly heritable (h2 = 0.75), and a reliable predictor of iFCR under restricted feeding conditions. In the present study, we aim to demonstrate the response to selection on feed efficiency, commercial traits and sex.From a cohort of 399 sea bass with known iDGC and genotyped for 1110 SNP markers, we selected 27 future efficient parents (Eff+), 35 intermediate parents (Eff0) and 29 inefficient parents (Eff-) by genomic selection (GBLUP). Three years later, 3 groups of offspring were produced from 9 Eff + parents, 13 Eff0 parents and 19 Eff- parents. Performances in individual aquaria (iDGC, iFCR) were assessed for 259 of them, as well as group feed efficiency (gFCR) from 142 g. At 240 g, the fish were slaughtered to assess processing traits.The results showed that the Eff + group had superior efficiency (iFCR and iDGC) and better adaptability to tank conditions compared to the other groups. In the group evaluation phase, significant differences in feed efficiency were observed between Eff- (gFCR = 1.83) and Eff + (gFCR = 1.61) (p < 0.001), with Eff0 being intermediate. In addition, Eff + fish were larger (266 g, 27.4 cm) and leaner with lower Fulton K values compared to Eff0 (234 g, 26.1 cm) and Eff- (223 g, 25.5 cm). Although there were no differences in fillet yield, Eff + had a slightly higher viscerosomatic index. There was also a higher proportion of females in the Eff- (57.1 %) and Eff0 (51.6 %) groups compared to Eff + (43.9 %).In conclusion, selection for feed efficiency in individual tanks is an effective strategy for improving the performance of sea bass, resulting in significant improvements with a marked effect on growth rates. Despite a slight increase in the viscerosomatic index, fillet yield was not significantly affected.

Integrated biofloc technology in red tilapia aquaculture: Salinity-dependent effects on water quality, parental stock physiology, reproduction, and immune responses

The study examines the impact of integrated biofloc technology (BFT), different salinity levels, and their combined effects over 90 days on various physiological parameters. The investigation includes growth performance and feed utilization, water quality, the chemical composition of biofloc and fish, digestive enzymes, reproductive performance, stress and biochemical indicators, and antioxidant-immune responses in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) broodstock. The fish were initially weighed (males: n = 270; 104 ± 0.96 g; females: n = 270; 93.2 ± 0.66 g) and subsequently divided into 12 treatment groups (6 for males and 6 for females) spread across 36 separate tanks (3 tanks per treatment; 45 fish per treatment; 15 fish/tank). The treatments involved three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36 ppt) in both clear water (CW) and BFT systems. The outcomes demonstrated that fish in the 36 ppt salinity with BFT treatment demonstrated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in growth parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). The condition factor in BFT groups increased in all salinity situations. The survival rates of broodstock were consistently high in all experimental conditions The study found that BFT and salinity significantly impacted (P < 0.05) whole body contents (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) in both males and females. Water quality parameters showed variations between BFT and CW, with notable impacts (P < 0.05) on dissolved oxygen and pH. The BFT and salinity influenced digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase, and lipase) and reproductive performance (males) and the 36 ppt salinity with BFT recorded the highest values. The hemato-biochemical and antioxidant-immune responses were also impacted by BFT and salinity exposure. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating BFT into red tilapia aquaculture systems, particularly in optimizing growth, health, and reproductive performance under various salinity conditions, which can enhance sustainable intensification, disease control, and environmental stewardship.

Decarbonization of simulated biogas with microchannel mixer by pressurized water scrubbing

Pressurized water scrubbing is an environmentally friendly technology for the decarbonization of biogas. However, the key bottlenecks such as low efficiency, high cost of water consumption and secondary CO2 emission by water absorption and desorption in the process of decarbonization are still necessary to be solved. This study focused on improve the mass transfer effect by introduce finger-crossed microchannel in the process of simulated biogas decarbonization using pressurized water scrubbing. The simulated biogas was mixed with pressurized water in the finger-crossed microchannel, and the gas-water mixture was continuously separated in the gas-water separation tank. The effects of pressure (26–30 bar), temperature (5–30 °C), gas-water ratio (5:1–12:1), liquid volumetric flowrate (5–10 mL/min), and other factors on the decarbonization were investigated. The overall mass transfer coefficient based on the liquid phase and the CO2 flux were also calculated and analyzed. The decarbonization parameters were optimized using the response surface methodology as follows: temperature 20 °C, pressure 29/27 bar, gas-water ratio 10:1, liquid volumetric flowrate 5 mL/min. The process remained stable, achieving 98 % removal of CO2 under optimal conditions. Furthermore, the CO2 concentration in the purified gas was maintained below 3 %. Additionally, a significant number of micro-nano bubbles were observed in the absorption water obtained through this mixer, and the releasing of CO2 from the water lasted 5 days. These results indicated the excellent decarbonization performance of the finger-crossed microchannel in pressurized water scrubbing and potential application value of new ways of CO2 absorption water without desorption.

Effects of Food Concentration and Light Intensity on the Growth of a Model Coral

Since reef-building corals rely on both heterotrophy and endosymbiotic dinoflagellate autotrophy to meet their metabolic needs, it is necessary to consider both food supply and light levels, respectively, when optimizing their cultivation ex situ. Herein nubbins of the model reef coral Pocillopora acuta cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems at photosynthetically active radiation levels of 370 or 670 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 were fed Artemia nauplii at concentrations of either 33 or 78 individuals mL−1 in a separate feeding tank for 6 hr in the dark thrice weekly. A subset of nubbins was experimentally wounded at the outset of the 84-day experiment to assess recovery, and 100% fully healed within 2–4 weeks. All cultured corals survived, and unwounded corals (1) grew at a specific growth rate approaching 0.5% day−1 and (2) demonstrated a mean total linear extension of 0.2% day−1 (~6–8 cm year−1); these are far higher than growth rates normally documented in situ. In the feeding tank, corals tolerated nitrate levels up to 25 mg L−1, but once concentrations reached 50 mg L−1 by day 84, tissue necrosis began to occur in nubbins of one tank. This highlights the importance of feeding in separate tanks during long-term culture of corals, and bio-filtration could reduce the possibility of organic matter accumulation in future coral culture studies.

Impact of feeding biochar sources in rohu (Labeo rohita): Evaluating the growth, nutrient absorption, carcass composition, haematology and mineral status.

Biochar, an organic carbonaceous matter, is a unique feed additive that is now being used in aquaculture industry to formulate a cost-effective and eco-friendly diet. This experiment (in door) was conducted over course of 90 days to determine the most effective form of biochar, produced from various sources, for supplementation in Moringa oleifera seed meal-based diet. These sources were: farmyard manure biochar, parthenium biochar (PB), vegetable waste biochar, poultry waste biochar (PWB) and corncob waste biochar, added at 2 g/kg concentration to determine the effect of supplementation on the growth indices, nutrient absorption, carcass composition, haematology and mineral status of Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings. The research design consisted of six test diets with three replications (6 × 3) of each. Total of 270 fingerlings (6.30 ± 0.020 g) were fed at 5% body weight and 15 of them were kept in separate steel tanks. The results indicated that PWB was most effective in improving weight gain (285.58 ± 4.54%) and feed conversion ratio (1.060 ± 0.040) compared to control diet and other test diets. The same type of biochar (PWB) produced the best results for nutrient digestibility, that is, crude protein, crude fat and gross energy and carcass composition. In terms of haematology and mineral status, PWB showed the best results. In conclusion, it was found that PWB significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) L. rohita fingerling's growth, carcass composition, nutrient digestibility, haematological parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin) and mineral composition (Ca, Na, P, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, K and Cu) whereas PB negatively affected all parameters. It is anticipated that the potential use of biochar will increase in aquaculture industry, as research on its incorporation in fish feeds is still limited.

Effect of pancreas disease vaccines on infection levels and virus transmission in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) challenged with salmonid alphavirus, genotype 2.

Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) causes pancreas disease (PD), which negatively impacts farmed Atlantic salmon. In this study, fish were vaccinated with a DNA-PD vaccine (DNA-PD) and an oil-adjuvanted, inactivated whole virus PD vaccine (Oil-PD). Controls were two non-PD vaccinated groups. Fish were kept in one tank and challenged by cohabitation with SAV genotype 2 in seawater. Protection against infection and mortality was assessed for 84 days (Efficacy study). Nineteen days post challenge (dpc), subgroups of fish from all treatment groups were transferred to separate tanks and cohabited with naïve fish (Transmission study 1) or fish vaccinated with a homologous vaccine (Transmission study 2), to evaluate virus transmission for 26 days (47 dpc). Viremia, heart RT-qPCR and histopathological scoring of key organs affected by PD were used to measure infection levels. RT-droplet digital PCR quantified shedding of SAV into water for transmission studies. The Efficacy study showed that PD associated growth-loss was significantly lower and clearance of SAV2 RNA significantly higher in the PD-DNA group compared to the other groups. The PD-DNA group had milder lesions in the heart and muscle. Cumulative mortality post challenge was low and not different between groups, but the DNA-PD group had delayed time-to-death. In Transmission study 1, the lowest water levels of SAV RNA were measured in the tanks containing the DNA-PD group at 21 and 34 dpc. Despite this, and irrespective of the treatment group, SAV2 was effectively transmitted to the naïve fish during 26-day cohabitation. At 47 dpc, the SAV RNA concentrations in the water were lower in all tanks compared to 34 dpc. In Transmission study 2, none of the DNA-PD immunized cohabitants residing with DNA-PD-vaccinated, pre-challenged fish got infected. In contrast, Oil-PD immunized cohabitants residing with Oil-PD-vaccinated, pre-challenged fish, showed infection levels similar to the naïve cohabitants in Transmission study 1. The results demonstrate that the DNA-PD vaccine may curb the spread of SAV infection as the DNA-PD vaccinated, SAV2 exposed fish, did not spread the infection to cohabiting DNA-PD vaccinated fish. This signifies that herd immunity may be achieved by the DNA-PD vaccine, a valuable tool to control the PD epizootic in farmed Atlantic salmon.

FIVE YEARS OF PARTULA SNAIL PRE-EXPORT HEALTH SCREENING.

Between 2015 and 2019, a health screening was carried out annually on captive-bred Partula snails prior to export for reintroduction as part of an international effort to repopulate areas of French Polynesia, where the snails were extinct or critically endangered. In total, 129 separate tank populations of 12 different species were screened at ZSL London Zoo. Wet mounts and smears stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) of 535 fecal samples were examined, and 45% contained flagellated protozoa, and 35.5% had MZN-positive oocysts, measuring 3-5 µm in diameter. Smaller (2 µm) presumptive spores, MZN-positive bacilli, ciliated protozoa and nematodes were recorded less frequently. Fecal bacterial culture yielded mixed species, with a clear predominance of Myroides species (88.9% of samples). The MZN-positive oocysts (3-5 µm) were present in 6.5% of impression smears from the apices of 432 snails examined postmortem, plus acid-fast bacilli in a few cases, but no 2 µm spores. Mixed bacteria were cultured from coelomic swabs, with Myroides species again the most common (63.5%). Histologic examination was carried out on 292 snails. Autolysis affected almost 90% of those found dead but only 3.4% of euthanized snails. Histology commonly identified microsporidial sporocysts in the digestive gland and midgut epithelium of all but two species. Intracellular, extracytoplasmic Cryptosporidium-like organisms were also common in the midgut but were only observed when snails were fixed in 10% formalin (2017-2019), not ethanol. There were no clear pathologic changes associated with either organism. Pigmented hemocytic nodules were commonly observed, most frequently in the foot process; these were either age related or evidence of prior chronic inflammatory reaction and of low clinical significance. With no evidence of poor health and no significant organisms found, a total of 4,978 individuals representing 12 species were exported for reintroduction.

Assessment of occupational external radiation exposure of workers in the Southwest of Libya using portable NaI detector

In this study, gamma dose rates generated from the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) were measured in the waste streams of a large scale and sludge onshore petroleum operations. Measurements conducted in this work involved: sludge recovery from separation tanks, sludge forming, NORM storage, scaling in oil tubulars, scaling in gas production and sedimentation in produced water evaporation ponds. Field work was carried out in many places of different terrain of an operation oil exploration and production in Murzuq basin in the Southwest of Libya. The radiation dose rates were measured using portable InSpector-1000. A total of 400 dose rates were acquired. The highest dose rate was 70 μSv/h acquired in sludge stored in barrels. The estimated mean annual equivalent doses in this field were in the range of 0.2–2.8 mSv/y in the first scenario, while in the second scenario the calculated mean annual equivalent doses were in the range of 0.04–0.68 mSv/y. It is assumed that workers may face various exposures in the field where measurements took place, considering the total annual effective dose to be 1.53 mSv/y. The main radioisotopes detected in these samples indicated by the display of the measuring device were 226Ra and 228Ra but detecting both radioisotopes in the same run is not achievable by using the display of the screen.

Degradation Potential of Some Biodegradable Polymers: Do they Degrade?

Biodegradable products were invented and commercially introduced to curb the catastrophic impacts of non-degradable plastics. These intend to act as a green solution since they are manufactured to degrade in the environment without accumulating as waste plastics. Three commercially available products labeled as ―biodegradable‖ i.e. salad plate (SPL), lunch sheet (LS), and garbage bag (GB), were tested for degradation potential in six different exposure media i.e. seawater (SW), beach-sand (BS), freshwater (FW), freshwater sediment (FWS), compost, and ultra- violate (UV) rays, with controlled and uncontrolled conditions simulating the natural environment. Cellulose filter paper (CFP) was the positive control. SW, FW, FWS, and BS were placed in four separate glass tanks while compost was prepared in a 100L plastic storage box. A UV chamber was fabricated to expose samples to UV radiation. SW tank was equipped with a wave pump, and FW tank was continuously aerated. All samples were cleaned, cut into manageable sizes, inserted in synthetic mesh pockets (except for those exposed to UV), labeled, and placed inside the media in triplicates. UV-exposed samples were directly placed in boiling tubes inside the chamber equipped with 15 W LED UV bulbs providing 280-320 nm irradiation. Initial weights were measured and the weight loss over five months was recorded. Physical parameters including temperature, pH, salinity, and conductivity were measured in each sampling. RAMAN spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were performed initially to find out the test samples‘ chemical composition and surface structure. CFP and SPL contained cellulose, LS contained Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and Poly Butylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), and GB contained Poly Ethylene (PE) as major components. Degradation potential was calculated in terms of percentage weight loss with time, and visual remarks of degradation were recorded. The highest weight-loss percentages of CFP (100%), and SPL (100%) were observed in FWS (both in 122 days) and compost (in 92 days, and in 122 days respectively) media. LS showed faster degradation (20% weight loss in 92 days) in compost while GB showed slight fragmentation (2% weight loss in 57 days) under UV during the first five months of sampling. Comparatively minimum signs of degradation were observed in GB in all exposures. CFP, SPL, and LS samples were discoloured and fragmented into small pieces during the degrading process. All products showed lesser degradation potential in SW, FW, and UV exposures. The experiment will be continued further to understand the degradation process. &#x0D; Keywords: Degradation, Biodegradable products, Abiotic degradation, Plastic pollution

Effects of Prolonged Fasting and Refeeding on Metabolic, Physiological, Tissue, and Growth Performance Adjustments in Colossoma macropomum

Fish can tolerate prolonged periods of fasting more easily than endothermic organisms. However, these fasting periods are associated with pronounced lipid and protein catabolism and body weight loss. We evaluated the use of body reserves, growth performance, and the histology of the intestines and muscles of Colossoma macropomum subjected to prolonged fasting for 45 days and refeeding for 14 days. We used 66 juvenile C. macropomum (71.78 ± 10.75 g) distributed in 10 tanks of 100 L in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and kept 6 fish in a separate tank, considered the basal group. The fish were divided into two groups: fed (continuously fed for 59 days) and fasted/refed (subjected to fasting for 45 days and subsequently refed for 14 days). The tambaqui juveniles showed the mobilization of their body reserves during 45 days of fasting but with a large deficit in their growth performance. The 14-day refeeding period was sufficient for fish to restore their energy but insufficient for recovering most growth parameters.

Environmental enrichment improves growth and fillet quality in rainbow trout.

Some environmental enrichment methods, such as occupational enrichment (OE), can improve fish growth, but little is known about its effects on fillet quality. In this study, we evaluated the effects of OE using underwater currents on different aspects of fillet quality and muscle metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), before and after a handling procedure (fasting). The trout were placed in groups of 30 in separate tanks in three treatments for 30 days: no artificial currents (CON), randomly fired underwater currents (RFC), and continuous underwater currents (CUC). Additionally, half of the individuals in each treatment were fasted (5 days, 45.2 °C days). Slaughter weight, condition factor, and relative growth were lower in CON fish, indicating a positive effect of OE on growth. Rigor mortis, muscle pH, and muscle glycogen levels were similar among treatments, indicating no effect of OE on classical measures of fillet quality. However, significant differences were found regarding fillet colour and muscle enzymes. The fillets of RFC fish were more salmon-pink in colour, which is favoured by consumers. Also, activity levels of pyruvate kinase and glycogen phosphorylase in muscle were significantly higher in CUC fish, probably due to increased energy demands, as pumps were on continually in that treatment. Overall, RFC fish seemed to have received enough stimulation to improve growth while not being excessive in terms of exhausting the animals (avoiding negative effects on muscle metabolism), whereas OE may have provided a hormetic effect, allowing fish to better adjust to fasting. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study on the occurrence state of main components of phosphogypsum dihydrate and its impurity distribution.

The dihydrate phosphoric acid process is the mainstream technique. However, the phosphogypsum (PG) produced contains high levels of impurities such as phosphorus and fluorine, severely constraining its valorization. In order to elucidate the occurrence patterns of phosphorus and fluorine impurities in PG, this study employed analytical methods including XRF, XRD, AMICS (Automated Mineralogy Integrated with Chemistry System), XPS, and chemical element balance analysis. We investigated the occurrence states of phosphorus, fluorine, silicon, iron, and aluminum elements in PG from wet-process phosphoric acid production, as well as the distribution characteristics of phosphorus and fluorine impurities. Additionally, we utilized Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to determine the binding energies of major minerals with water-soluble phosphate and fluoride groups, and analyzed the zeta potentials of gypsum and quartz mineral surfaces. The results indicate that the main mineral phases in PG are gypsum, quartz, potassium silicate minerals, aluminosilicate minerals, and hematite, predominantly occurring in monomineralic forms. Phosphorus impurities primarily exist in calcium silicate and hematite minerals, while fluorine is mainly associated with gypsum and potassium silicate minerals. DFT calculations demonstrate strong binding energies between calcium silicate and hematite minerals with PO4 3-, as well as between gypsum and quartz minerals with F-. The acidic conditions in the separation tank during wet-process phosphoric acid production may contribute to the distinctive distribution characteristics of phosphorus and fluorine impurities in PG.

Modifikovani Rankinov ciklus parne turbine bez odbacivanja toplote kondenzacije ciklusa, pokretan termokompresorom koji radi u oblasti vlažne pare

The disclosed concept relates to a novel modified and simplified steam-turbine Rankine cycle without rejection of the cycle waste heat of condensation, which is driven by a thermocompressor (ejector) operating in the wet-vapor region. The thus modified steam-turbine Rankine cycle can theoretically achieve the maximum possible thermal efficiency (~100%). The wet-vapor mixture circulating within the thermocompressor is being separated in a dedicated cylindrical separation tank, so that the saturated water is pumped to a water heater where it receives the cycle heat input, while the saturated vapor is expanded in a backpressure steam turbine producing useful mechanical work and is then recirculated back to the thermocompressor, where it is being re-pressurized by means of the primary fluid (pumped and heated saturated water). The concept can be applied to steam-turbine-cycle power-plants fueled by: coal or solid/liquid/gaseous fuel, waste heat, nuclear fuel (used by boiling water reactors, pressurized water reactors, pressurized heavy-water reactors, gas-cooled reactors, molten salt reactors or liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors) or renewable energy sources (Solar energy, biomass, geothermal). The concept can also be applied as the “bottoming” steam-turbine-cycle part of a combined gas-turbine/steam-turbine cycle power plant.

Novel Approaches for Improving Solubility of Pyridinium Anolytes in Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Organic redox flow batteries (ORFBs) offer significant promise as a means of efficient grid-scale energy storage to compliment the intermittent power supply of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. ORFBs efficiently store energy in the form of redox-active organic molecules (ROMs) by passing them over two polarized electrodes to generate an oxidized (catholyte) and a reduced (anolyte) species, which are held in separate tanks until energy is needed. Structural diversity of anolytes and catholytes for ORFBs has expanded dramatically over the past decade as researchers have raced to discover or design ROMs suitable for use in grid-scale energy storage devices; however, a lack of correlations between ROM structure and a desired chemical or physical property has led to a “guess and check” approach that can overlook possibly transformative electrolyte structures. Recent work has demonstrated the ability to employ multivariate regression analysis to correlate computationally derived structural descriptors of ROMs to their corresponding stability. Based on this, we considered the possibility of employing a similar approach to identify quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) for critical physical properties of ORFB electrolytes, such as solubility.Electrolyte solubility is an essential design characteristic in ORFBs as it directly impacts the corresponding battery’s energy storage capacity. Nevertheless, the fundamental question, “What makes an electrolyte soluble?” (especially in organic solvents) still lacks a concise answer despite decades of progress. As part of a collaboration with the Guarr group at the Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute, our group has identified a novel class of pyridinium anolytes with exceptionally low redox potentials and highly persistent charged states. We will discuss our group’s recent progress to combine experimental and computational techniques to develop QSPR models to accurately predict solubility of pyridinium anolytes. The resulting models have provided new insights into the role that self-interaction between anolyte species in solution plays in dictating their corresponding solubility. Using these models, we have successfully expanded the solubility range for a class of pyridinium derivatives by >200% in acetonitrile.

Gut-immunity modulation in Lepidocephalichthys guntea during Aeromonas hydrophila-infection and recovery assessed with transcriptome data

The fish immune system, which consists of innate and adaptive immunologic processes, defends against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The gut immunity is an integral part of the host immune system that controls immunological homeostasis, hosts' interactions with their microbiomes, and provides defence against a number of intestinal infections. Lepidocephalichthys guntea, a facultative air-breathing fish, was experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila using intraperitoneal injection followed by bath challenge, and transcriptome data were used to examine the gut immune responses during disease progression and recovery from the diseased state without the use of medication. For the control or uninfected fish (FGC) and the infected fish that were kept for seven days (FGE1) and fifteen days (FGE2), separate water tanks were set up. Coding DNA sequences (CDS) for FGC and FGE1, FGC and FGE2, and FGE1 and FGE2 were analyzed for differential gene expression (DGE). The presence and expression of genes involved in the T cell receptor (TCR) signalling pathway, natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway, and complement-mediated pathway, along with a large number of other immune-related proteins, and heat shock protein (HSPs) under various experimental conditions and its relationship to immune modulation of the fish gut was the primary focus of this study. Significant up-and-down regulation of these pathways shows that, in FGE1, the fish's innate immune system was engaged, whereas in FGE2, the majority of innate immune mechanisms were repressed, and adaptive immunity was activated. Expression of genes related to the immune system and heat-shock proteins was induced during this host's immunological response, and this information was then used to build a thorough network relating to immunity and the heat-shock response. This is the first study to examine the relationship between pathogenic bacterial infection, disease reversal, and modification of innate and adaptive immunity as well as heat shock response.

МАТЕМАТИЧНА МОДЕЛЬ ПРОГНОЗУ ЗНАЧЕНЬ ОСНОВНИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК МОРЕХІДНОГО СТАНУ ТАНКЕРА ПІСЛЯ ЗАВАНТАЖЕННЯ

Transportation of oil cargoes by the world tanker fleet takes place in various climatic zones with significant fluctuations in ambient temperature. When the temperature of the oil cargo increases, its volume will increase, which may lead to increasing the risks of the cargo spilling onto the ship's deck. International conventions and codes that regulate the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products allow the use of only 98% of the cargo capacity of the tanker, the remaining 2% is called the safety factor, i.e. the margin of volume for the unforeseen expansion of the cargo when sailing in different climatic zones. From the other hand, the intensity of cargo operations during the transportation of various types of cargo, including oil cargo, has led to an increase in the role of the "human factor" in ship’s energetic system. Reducing the number of ship crews leads to the accumulation of fatigue, distraction of the attention of ship operators (masters) in the process of increasing the intensity of carrying out cargo operations on the ship. A significant share of tanker fleet accidents occurs as a result of loss of control over the volume of bulk cargo that is accepted in each tank of the vessel. The operator's lack of accurate information about the state of each tank’s filling at the current moment of time leads to the risk of overflowing of a separate tank, which, in turn, can cause the spillage of bulk cargo, for example, petroleum products on the ship's deck and on the water surface of the port's water area. The relevance of these problems determines the direction of this research. For constant dynamic monitoring of the tanker parameters’ conformity during loading operations, considering parameters that maximally satisfy the requirements of maritime safety and taking into account all restrictions, such as the maximum permissible volumes of oil cargo in tanks, the current study proposes to use a mathematical model and create a system for automatic control of tanker loading. Keywords: oil cargo, tanker, level gauges, safety factor, loading control, mathematical model.

Thermodynamic investigation of a novel organic Rankine cycle including partial evaporation, dual-phase expander, flash tank, dry expander and recuperator for waste heat recovery

The optimum exploitation of low-grade waste heat sources is a critical issue for producing clean electricity and promoting sustainability. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is an emerging technology to produce electricity exploiting various energy sources like waste heat recovery, solar irradiation and geothermal energy. The present work suggests a novel ORC architecture that combines different solutions for increasing electricity production from low-grade waste heat sources (e.g., industrial waste heat up to 200 °C). More specifically, the present cycle includes the solution of partial evaporation, dual-phase expansion, flash tank separator, dry expander and recuperator. All these concepts together create a global optimal design which is examined with the environmentally friendly working fluid R1233zd(E). The present work examines the suggested ORC parametrically, and then the design is optimized. According to the results, the present novel configuration was found to outperform compared to the trilateral cycle, classical ORC without superheating, flash tank cycle, and partial evaporation ORC, for waste heat stream temperatures from 80 °C up to 200 °C. Furthermore, the analysis for the novel systems proved that the optimal system energy efficiency was found to range from 2.3% for Tin = 80 °C up to 13.3% for Tin = 200 °C, while the respective exergy efficiency from 27.3% for Tin = 80 °C up to 62.5% for Tin = 200 °C.

Case Study of Decreasing of Quality of Processed Waste at Sewage Treatment Plant to Contain Waste Disposal on Ship Mv. Ck Angie

Prevention of contamination by sewage on ships can be overcome by using an auxiliary sewage treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant is a liquid waste treatment installation which is generally intended for domestic waste in the form of feces and laundry residue containing detergents which are harmful to the environment by utilizing aerobic bacteria as waste decomposers and UV sterilizers as a neutralizer for waste parameters. However, in reality when the author and engineer 3 conducted regular tests on the processed water content of the sewage treatment plant from May 4 2021 to May 25 2021, the results of the waste parameters were not in accordance with the manual book. So, according to the test results above, the authors take 3 causes for the decline in the quality of processed water which is the background for writing this thesis, namely the operation of the aeration blower is ineffective, the UV sterilizer does not function properly and the accumulation of sludge or excessive solid residue in the separation tank section. The research method used is descriptive. The approach method used is a qualitative approach method with data collection techniques carried out by means of observation and documentation based on data analysis techniques carried out using root cause analysis (RCA) techniques carried out on the MV ship. CK ANGIE from 11 December 2020 to 24 January 2022. the operation of the aeration blower is ineffective, If the uv sterilizer does not function properly, the cause of the problem is the dirty blower air filter and dirty blower air inlet pipe and the uv sterilizer section is caused by the life of the uv lamp which has exceeded running hours and the uv jacket is dirty. And for engine cadets to pay attention to the exhaust air pressure from the aeration blower so that when the exhaust air pressure from the aeration blower starts to decrease, they can immediately report it to the engineer in charge. suggestions for maintaining the performance of the UV Sterilizer are to pay more attention to the usage period or running hours of the UV Lamp so that the effectiveness of the UV Lamp continues to function properly. And for the jacket section of the UV sterilizer to be cleaned regularly by implementing a regular planned maintenance system (PMS)..