Usage Of Oil Research Articles

Determinant analysis of oil agglomeration of coal fines using multiple regression and neural network models

ABSTRACT Oil agglomeration has gained importance owing to its simplicity and efficiency in beneficiating coal fines. In this study, high ash coal samples taken from six mines in India were put through an oil agglomeration process to investigate the usage of castor oil or blend of castor and turpentine for recovery of coal fines from coal-water slurry. The performance of the process has been evaluated based on ash rejection [AR (%)] and yield (%). Various Statistical analyses were carried out to investigate the role of various process parameters, such as PD, OD, AT, and oil-type on AR (%) and yield (%). Step-wise regression was performed for development of prediction model for AR (%) and yield (%). Determinant analysis was performed using general linear model (GLM). Our findings indicate that pulp density was the strongest determinant for AR (%), followed by oil dosage and agitation time. Similarly, oil dosage was the primary determinant for yield (%), followed by pulp density and agitation time. Sensitivity analysis was also carried out using artificial neural network (ANN) and the results in respect AR (%) revealed that agitation time was the most important predictor followed by pulp density and oil dosage.

Exposure to cooking fumes in cafeteria workers in Korean schools: a pilot study.

This study measured cooking fumes to which workers in school cafeterias may be exposed. The measurement items were respirable dust, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. A total of 111 samples were obtained from 55 schools. Data on variables such as school size and daily cooking oil usage were collected. Correlation and association analysis were performed. The median of concentrations of respirable dust was 38.37 µg/m3 (min-max: 20.73-49.71 µg/m3). The concentrations of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide also showed levels that did not exceed 20% for occupational exposure limits. The increase in school size was significantly correlated with the increase in daily cooking oil usage and had a significant correlation with respirable dust concentration (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.36; P <0.05). The linear regression test results adjusting for other variables were also similar. Cooking food by frying at high heat using cooking oil can increase the exposure of kitchen workers to respirable dust.

Argentinian Flag Sign during Cataract Surgery: Case Reports

Purpose Three case reports involving the Argentinian Flag Sign (AFS) during cataract surgery are presented in this paper with a discussion of the relevance to patients with a history of vitrectomy and silicone oil usage. Insights into the management of cases with similar complications, including surgical strategies, intraoperative findings, and post-surgical outcomes, are offered. Case Presentations Cases 1, 2, and 3 involved a 47-year-old female, a 26-year-old female, and a 57-year-old male, all of whom had a history of retinal detachment, vitrectomy, and silicone oil use. The AFS was observed during cataract surgery in all patients. Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation was successfully achieved and visual acuity improved in all cases. Conclusion The observation of AFS is more common in younger patients and those with a history of vitreoretinal surgery, and poses surgical challenges to avoid significant impact on postoperative visual acuity. Appropriate preoperative assessment to inform the choice of surgical technique is vital to ensure successful outcomes. Stable anterior chamber pressure should be maintained and the emulsified cortex must be carefully removed. Individualized adjustment of fluid dynamics is required to minimize the risk of radial tearing of the anterior capsule. In conclusion, favorable outcomes may be achieved despite the appearance of the AFS during cataract surgery.

Experimental investigation of machine vibration rate and machine sound level in MQL turning of AISI 1525 steel employing mango oil as lubricant

AbstractThe detrimental effects of mineral oil on the environment and machine shops have led to a surge in the usage of vegetable oil as cutting fluid. The most popular vegetable oil lubricants are edible, and they have a lot of potential to rival human consumption eventually. The study examined using mango oil, an inedible vegetable oil, as a lubricant during AISI 1525 steel turning with tungsten inserts. The best machining parameters were ultimately found using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) after the experimental studies were analyzed using the Taguchi process. Surface and contour plots were employed to investigate how different cutting settings affected the rate of vibration and sound level of the machine. Mango kernel seed oil outperformed its mineral oil counterparts by 2.3% and 57.7%, respectively, in terms of machine vibration rate and machine sound level. Moreover, feed rate (0.10 mm/rev), depth of cut (0.75 mm), and spindle speed (350 rev/min) are the ideal cutting settings to reduce machine vibrations and sound intensity. Mango oil holds significant potential as a substitute for cutting fluid derived from petroleum. The significance of this research is to formulate lubricants for industrial use that are more ecologically friendly and sustainable.

Pricing electricity from blue hydrogen to mitigate the energy rebound effect: A case study in agriculture and livestock

As the world's second largest producer of natural gas, Iran relies heavily on natural gas for 70% of its energy needs. There are, however, challenges associated with energy supply in remote regions attached to the gas pipeline network, particularly during the cold season when fuel oil is required for heating and energy provisioning. To address this issue, this research proposes the use of alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen, for non-residential energy consumption, including agriculture and livestock. A key objective of this study is to develop an optimization model for the generation of electricity from hydrogen resources, as well as formulate a robust strategy to assist electricity producers in maximizing their profits. Using this model, producers are able to set prices in accordance with their risk tolerance and present them to the market, thus mitigating price fluctuations. In the targeted sectors, the results indicate that appropriate pricing models can prevent rebound effects. Specifically, the implementation of this model can reduce natural gas consumption by up to 20% and fuel oil usage by 15% during peak seasons. Additionally, the optimal pricing strategy can lead to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The results of this research provide stable and reliable solutions to the energy supply challenges in these regions, thus making the energy market more resilient and environmentally friendly.

Analysis of the Impact of Hybrid Power System on Teachers' Psychology and Teaching Environment under Smart Energy Transformation and Energy System Planning

For this paper we study the structure and operational characteristics of plug-in hybrid Vs, Using the life-cycle evaluation method, The analysis model of energy consumption and environmental impact of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle fuel cycle suitable for China's national conditions is established, With the unit mileage of the plug-in hybrid car as the functional unit, Using the whole vehicle NEDC test cycle and combined with the relevant literature, Fuel consumption and environmental emission factors for this functional unit, The fuel cycle energy consumption, conventional gas emissions and greenhouse gas emissions are obtained, Evaluate the effect of power structure change on the above indexes, And compared the plug-in hybrid vehicles with conventional gasoline vehicles and compressed natural gas vehicles. As follows: compared with the current technical level of gasoline cars, under the background of road traffic, plug-in hybrid car fuel consumption is reduced by 40.7% less than gasoline cars, VOC, NOx, SO2 and greenhouse gas emissions than traditional gasoline vehicles reduced by 31.5%, 15.2%, 66.7% and 55.8%, this to alleviate increasingly severe urban air pollution is of great significance. Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer advantages over traditional gasoline cars in terms of energy consumption and emissions, both at the vehicle level and throughout the fuel cycle. Energy consumption is 56.3% lower, including a 56.4% reduction in crude oil usage, reducing oil dependency and promoting energy security. Environmentally, plug-in hybrids emit significantly less than gasoline cars, with VOC, NOx, SO2, PM10, and CO emissions reduced by up to 56%. Greenhouse gas emissions, including N2O, CH4, and CO2, are also lower. Additionally, emissions tend to be concentrated upstream, facilitating centralized pollution control.

Fish oil supplementation modifies the associations between genetically predicted and observed concentrations of blood lipids: a cross-sectional gene-diet interaction study in UK Biobank

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although habitual intake of fish oil is associated with cardioprotective effects through triglyceride reduction, the interactions of fish oil with the genetic predisposition to dysregulated lipids remain elusive. ObjectivesWe examined whether fish oil supplementation modifies the association between genetically predicted and observed concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. MethodsA total of 441,985 participants with complete genetic and phenotypic data from the UK Biobank were included. Polygenic scores (PGS) of the 4 lipids were calculated in participants of diverse ancestries. For each lipid, multivariable linear regression models were used to assess if fish oil supplementation modified the association between PGS and the observed circulating concentration, with adjustment for relevant covariates. ResultsFish oil supplementation attenuates the associations between genetically predicted and observed circulating concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while accentuating the corresponding association for HDL cholesterol among 424,090 participants of European ancestry. Consistent significant findings were obtained using PGS calculated based on multiple genome-wide association studies or alternative PGS methods. For triglycerides, each standard deviation (SD) increment in PGS is associated with 0.254 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.248, 0.259] SD increase in the observed concentration among European-ancestry participants who reported fish oil usage. In contrast, a stronger association was observed in nonusers (0.267; 95% CI: 0.263, 0.270). Consistently, we showed that fish oil significantly attenuates the association between genetically predicted and observed concentrations of triglycerides in African-ancestry participants. ConclusionsFish oil supplementation attenuates the association between genetically predicted and observed circulating concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while accentuating the corresponding association for HDL cholesterol in individuals of European ancestry. Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these findings.

Mustard oil consumption and Harris platelet syndrome: unveiling a dietary link to thrombocytopenia in the Indian subcontinent

Background and objectives: Asymptomatic thrombocytopenia, characterized by a reduced platelet count without bleeding symptoms, is notably prevalent in certain regions of India and Bangladesh, presenting a diagnostic challenge. A significant portion of healthy blood donors from Bangladesh and various parts of India, particularly West Bengal, exhibit this condition, termed Harris platelet syndrome (HPS). This review explores the potential correlation between mustard oil consumption, a common dietary staple in these regions, and the incidence of HPS. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using systematic search strategies across databases such as Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus. Keywords included "Harris platelet syndrome," "mustard oil consumption," "thrombocytopenia," and "erucic acid." Studies were selected based on relevance and quality, focusing on the epidemiology of HPS, dietary habits, and the thrombocytopenic effects of erucic acid. Results: HPS shows a significant geographical prevalence in the Indian subcontinent, notably in regions like West Bengal, Kashmir, and Assam. The review identifies a higher prevalence of thrombocytopenia in areas with predominant mustard oil usage. Studies highlight the association between dietary erucic acid from mustard oil and thrombocytopenia, with notable effects observed in patients treated with Lorenzo’s Oil, which contains erucic acid. Conclusions: The review highlights a significant association between mustard oil consumption and asymptomatic thrombocytopenia in the Indian subcontinent. The similarity in hematological profiles between HPS and erucic acid-induced thrombocytopenia underscores the need for further research. This includes measuring erucic acid levels in patients, conducting controlled dietary interventions, and genetic analyses to differentiate between genetic and environmental factors. July 2024; Vol. 18(2):009. DOI:https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.021 *Correspondence: Wasim Md MohosinUl Haque, Department of Nephrology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), 122 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Email: wmmhaque@live.com

A question of digestion: How microalgae species affects lipid and fatty acid digestibility in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Alternative nutrient sources for fish feed are currently of high interest. Feed ingredients with suitable lipid contents and valuable amounts of essential fatty acids are especially needed to relieve the usage of fish oil and maintain high product quality of fish from aquaculture. Microalgae contain promising nutrient contents and suitable fatty acid profiles that cover dietary requirements of fish. Nutrient digestibility, however, can be hindered by their rigid cell wall. Therefore, in the presented study, the microalgae species Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis chui were processed by freeze-drying and centrifugal milling to evaluate their nutrient and fatty acid digestibility in fish nutrition. For T. chui, an additional treatment with enzyme supplementation was tested. Test diets contained 70% of a fish meal based reference diet and 30% of the respective microalgae meal, as well as titanium dioxide as an inert marker to calculate apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed for 14 days and faeces were collected via manual stripping. The ADCs of Kjeldahl nitrogen (∼ 64–79%), nitrogen-free extracts (∼ 40–54%) and energy (∼ 52–66%) were not significantly different between the algae species, but I. galbana inclusion resulted in reduced lipid digestibility (∼ 57% to 77%), which was linked to the high content of saturated fatty acids. The fatty acid ADCs were higher for T. chui except for arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) and lauric acid (12:0). Mechanical or enzyme-treating processing did not increase nutrient and fatty acid digestibility for the microalgae used in this trial, and sole freeze-drying sufficiently ensured nutrient availability. The high digestibility of nutrients and, particularly, polyunsaturated fatty acids of I. galbana and T. chui underscore their potential as fatty acid and nutrient sources in fish feed.

Natural Gas as an Alternative to Fuel Oil Usage in the Steel Industry

Steel industry is a major energy consumption sector requiring large quantities of fuel in order to operate its various units. There are two main types of fuel used in the steel industry, fuel oil and natural gas. Natural gas burns better than fuel oil and produces less combustion products that are harmful to the environment. The Libyan Iron and Steel Company uses fuel oil as a main source of energy in its operations. Calculations are carried out to determine equivalent amounts of natural gas to fuel oil being used in the company as well as quantities of CO2, SO2 produced from combustion of both fuels. The results showed the possibility of reducing the amounts CO2 by about 25.7% and eliminating SO2 by switching to natural gas usage in the company.

Natural Gas as an Alternative to Fuel Oil Usage in the Steel Industry

Steel industry is a major energy consumption sector requiring large quantities of fuel in order to operate its various units. There are two main types of fuel used in the steel industry, fuel oil and natural gas. Natural gas burns better than fuel oil and produces less combustion products that are harmful to the environment. The Libyan Iron and Steel Company uses fuel oil as a main source of energy in its operations. Calculations are carried out to determine equivalent amounts of natural gas to fuel oil being used in the company as well as quantities of CO2, SO2 produced from combustion of both fuels. The results showed the possibility of reducing the amounts CO2 by about 25.7% and eliminating SO2 by switching to natural gas usage in the company.

Nano-emulsification of Osmanthus essential oil: Characterizations, stability and molecular interactions explaining antibacterial activity

The practical usage of Osmanthus essential oil (OEO) in foods is limited due to its poor solubility in water, higher volatility, and instability. This research aimed to prepare OEO nano-emulsion (OEO-NE) by high-pressure homogenization technique and characterize its nano-form (particle size, zeta potential, structure, FTIR, and thermodynamic stability). The antibacterial activity of OEO was researched using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of OEO-NE and OEO were researched. The OEO-NE exhibited long-term storage stability compared to the OEO, with particle size changing to 40.90 nm ∼ 68.09 nm and zeta potential changing to −38.37 mV ∼ −35 mV over 31 storage days at 4 °C and 25 °C. Dihydro-β-ionone and linalool oxide showed better binding affinity for S. aureus TyrRS than E. coli 24 kDa. In addition, nano-emulsification effectively stabilizes the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of OEO. Therefore, OEO-NE is an effective strategy to enhance stability and bioavailability.

Association of cooking oil and incident of frailty in older adults: a cohort study

BackgroundStudies examining the potential association between cooking oil and frailty risk in older adults have produced conflicting outcomes. Therefore, our objective was to explore the relationship between cooking oil (vegetable and animal fat oils), changes in oil usage, and the risk of frailty in older adults.MethodsWe included 4,838 participants aged ≥ 65 years without frailty (frailty index < 0.25) from the 2011 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Follow-up occurred in the 2014 and 2018 waves. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine the association between cooking oil and frailty. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of switching cooking oil on frailty during the follow-up period.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 3.0 (2.8–6.9) years, 1,348 individuals (27.9%) developed frailty. Compared to those using vegetable oil, users of animal fat oil had a lower risk of frailty (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61–0.85). Participants who switched from vegetable oil to animal fat oil, as well as those consistently using animal fat oil, had lower risks of frailty with HRs of 0.70 (0.52–0.95) and 0.63 (0.51–0.77) respectively, compared to those who consistently used vegetable oil. Conversely, individuals who switched from animal fat oil to vegetable oil experienced an increased risk of frailty (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01–1.97).ConclusionsThe utilization of animal fat oil in cooking exhibited a reduced frailty risk among older adults. Conversely, transitioning from animal fat oil to vegetable oil may elevate the risk. These findings propose that substituting vegetable oil with animal fat oil in the diet may safeguard against frailty.

Influence of silane-modified palm oil as a green processing oil in silica-reinforced SBR/BR compounds for tire tread applications

This study focuses on the usage of silane-modified palm oil (Si-m-PO) to replace petroleum-based processing oils, i.e., distillate aromatic extract (DAE) and treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE), in silica-reinforced styrene butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (SBR/BR) compounds for green tire tread products. The preparation of a novel processing oil based on Si-m-PO was successful on the laboratory scale, as verified by nuclear magnetic resonance, where the grafting efficiency of silane in oil molecules was 58%. Among the different types of processing oils, the presence of Si-m-PO in the compounds resulted in lower filler-filler interactions than the ones with TDAE and unmodified PO but higher than DAE. The Si-m-PO showed an effective reduction in filler–filler interaction compared to unmodified PO, possibly because the Si-m-PO could cover silica surfaces via silane linkage, leading to hydrophobicity of silica surfaces. Overall, the compounds containing Si-m-PO represented higher mechanical properties than the other oils. Furthermore, the Si-m-PO provided the same level concerning rolling resistance and enhanced wet traction, when compared to unmodified PO. Therefore, Si-m-PO can be applied as a biobased processing oil in tire tread applications.

Biomonitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in domestic kitchens using commonly grown culinary herbs

Cooking is a significant source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) emissions in indoor environments. A one-month biomonitoring study was carried out in previously selected rural Hungarian kitchens to evaluate cooking-related PAHs concentrations in 4 common kitchen vegetables such as basil, parsley, rocket and chives. The study had two mainobjectives: firstly, to follow PAHs accumulation pattern and to find out if this pattern can be associated with different cooking habits. Also, the usefulness of culinary herbs for indoor bioaccumulation studies was assessed. The 2-ring naphthalene was the dominant PAH in the majority of the samples, its concentrations were in the range of 25.4 µg/kg and 274 µg/kg, of 3-ring PAHs the prevalency of phenanthrene was observed, with highest concentration of 62 µg/kg. PAHs accumulation pattern in tested plants clearly indicated differences in cooking methods and cooking oils used in the selected households. Use of lard and animal fats in general resulted in the high concentrations of higher molecular weight (5- and 6-ring) PAHs, while olive oil usage could be associated with the emission of 2- and 3-ring PAHs. Culinary herbs, however, accumulated carcinogenic PAHs such as benzo[a]anthracene (highest concentration 11.9 µg/kg), benzo[b]fluoranthene (highest concentration 13.8 µg/kg) and chrysene (highest concentration 20.1 µg/kg) which might question their safe use.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the anti-infective potential of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (lour.) spreng against Klebsiella pneumoniae and elucidation of its mechanism of action through proteomics approach

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMembers of Plectranthus genus such as Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng is a well-known folkloric medicine around the globe in treating several human ailments such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary tract, skin and infective diseases. Its therapeutic value is primarily attributed to its essential oil. Although several properties of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil have been documented, its mechanism of action and safety has not been completely elucidated. Aim of the studyTo investigate the anti-infective potential of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae using in vitro and in vivo bioassays and identify its mode of action. The study was conducted to scientifically validate the traditional usage of Plectranthus amboinicus oil and propose it as a complementary and alternative medication to combat Klebsiella pneumoniae infections due to emerging antibiotic resistance problem. Materials and methodsPlectranthus amboinicus essential oil was extracted through steam distillation and was chemically characterized using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity was assessed using microbroth dilution assay, metabolic viability assay and growth curve analysis. The mode of action was elucidated by the proteomics approach using Nano-LC-MS/MS followed by in silico analysis. The results of proteomic analysis were further validated through several in vitro assays. The cytotoxic nature of the essential oil was also confirmed using adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells. Furthermore, the safety and in vivo anti-infective efficacy of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil was evaluated through survival assay, CFU assay and histopathological analysis of vital organs using zebrafish as a model organism. ResultsThe chemical characterization of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil revealed that it is predominantly composed of thymol. Thymol rich P. amboinicus essential oil demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on Klebsiella pneumoniae growth, achieving a significant reduction at a concentration of 400 μg/mL within 4 h of treatment The nano-LC-MS/MS approach unveiled that the essential oil exerted its impact by disrupting the antioxidant defense system and efflux pump system of the bacterium, resulting in elevated cellular oxidative stress and affect the biosynthesis of biofilm. The same was validated through several in vitro assays. Furthermore, the toxicity of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil determined using A549 cells and zebrafish survival assay established a non-toxic concentration of 400 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL respectively. The results of anti-infective potential of the essential oil using Zebrafish as a model organism demonstrated significantly improved survival rates, reduced bacterial load, alleviated visible signs of inflammation and mitigated the adverse effects of infection on various organs, as evidenced by histopathological analysis ensuring its safety for potential therapeutic application. ConclusionThe executed in vitro and in vivo assays established the effectiveness of essential oil in inhibiting bacterial growth by targeting key proteins associated with the bacterial antioxidant defense system and disrupted the integrity of the cell membrane, highlighting its critical role in addressing the challenge posed by antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Gamma ray irradiation enhances defatted Hermetia illucens larvae meal as a dietary alternative to fishmeal for Acanthopagrus schlegelii juveniles

The current research investigated whether gamma (γ)-irradiation could improve the viability of defatted Hermetia illucens larvae (HIL) meal as a fishmeal alternative in black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) diets. Three diets were formulated with equal protein (420 g/kg) and lipid (80 g/kg) contents. A diet containing 400 g/kg fishmeal was served as the control diet (C), and 50% of fishmeal in diet C was replaced by either defatted HIL meal or γ-irradiated defatted HIL meal to produce diet HR and diet HR10, respectively. Fish fed diet HR exhibited lower final body weight and weight gain compared to those fed diet C, while no statistically significant differences were found between fish fed diets C and HR10. Additionally, fish fed diet HR10 exhibited significantly lower feed intake, feed conversion rate, nitrogen waste, hepatic malondialdehyde content, relative usage of fishmeal and fish oil, fish-in to fish-out ratio, and economic conversion ratio, and meanwhile significantly higher nitrogen retention efficiency, hepatic total antioxidant capacity, economic profitability index and profitability, than those fed diet C. Fish fed different test diets showed statistically equal alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota, whereas the beta diversity of intestinal microbiota in group HR was far from groups C and HR10. Compared to fish fed diet C, the gut microbiota composition of fish fed diet HR showed significant alterations at both the phylum and genus levels. However, the altered composition of intestinal bacteria was partially restored in fish fed diet HR10. The above findings indicate that treating defatted HIL meal with γ-ray can reduce dietary fishmeal content for black sea bream to 200 g/kg without any adverse effects on growth, proximate composition and intestinal microbial diversity, and meanwhile ameliorates the feed utilization, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiological composition of black sea bream. Furthermore, feeding γ-irradiated defatted HIL meal enhances the economic profitability, while reduces the waste output and reliance on fishery resource of black sea bream aquaculture.

Oil price uncertainty and excess value of diversification

PurposeThis study examines the value implications of oil price uncertainty for investors in diversified firms using a sample of 922 USA firms from 2001 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachOur study employs a panel dataset to examine the value implications of oil price uncertainty for diversified firm investors. We consider several alternative specifications to account for unobserved factors and measurement errors that could potentially bias our results. In particular, we use alternative measures of the excess value of diversified firms and oil price uncertainty, additional control variables, fixed-effects models, the Oster test, impact threshold for confounding variable (ITCV) analysis, two-stage least square instrumental variable (2SLS-IV) analysis and the system-GMM model.FindingsWe find that the excess value of diversified firms, relative to a benchmark portfolio of single-segment firms, increases with high oil price uncertainty. The impact of oil price uncertainty is asymmetric, as corporate diversification is value-increasing for diversified firm investors only when the volatility is due to positive oil price changes and amidst supply-driven oil price shocks. The excess value increases irrespective of diversified firms’ financial constraints and oil usage. Diversified firms become conservative in their internal capital allocations with high oil price uncertainty. Such conservatism is value-increasing for diversified firm investors, as it supports higher performance in response to oil price uncertainty.Originality/valueOur study has three important implications: first, they are relevant to investors in understanding the portfolio value implications of oil price uncertainty. Second, they are helpful for firm managers while comprehending the value-relevant implications of internal capital allocations. Finally, our findings are policy relevant in the context of the future of diversified firms in developed markets.

Authenticating Edible Oils Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: A Review

Oil authentication has been widely discussed in recent years. One of the issues is the usage of gutter oil. This happened in China where many of the street foods were prepared using oils from sewage, gutters, and restaurant fryers. Other concerning issues including the adulteration of high-quality edible oils with cheaper oils and fresh palm oil with recycled cooking oil are common problems related to oil fraud. This may provoke the safety and the rights of public consumers. Hence, advanced, efficient, and rapid technology such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is needed to overcome the limitations of other technologies such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in analysing edible oils’ quality parameters, authentication, safety, stability and in foods related to oils. This review discusses the uses of FTIR in the analysis of edible oils and their authentication.

Circular usage of waste cooking oil towards green electrical discharge machining process with lower carbon emissions

A global manufacturing community is dedicatedly striving to implement the concept of NetZero in precision cutting of difficult-to-machine materials, specifically, Inconel 617 (IN617) with due consideration to environmental protocols. The fast strain hardening issue of the said alloy during conventional processing rationalizes the application of electric discharge machining (EDM). However, EDM has been criticized for its high energy consumption and limited cutting efficiency. Moreover, conventional dielectric (kerosene) employed in EDM has drastic environmental and operator health concerns. To address the abovementioned issues, waste cooking oil (WCO) has been employed in this study which enhances the reusability of resources and minimizes the cost of the dielectric. Making the process sustainable is imperative along with continuously escalating scarcity of engineering resources. Therefore, the potential of shallow and deep cryogenically treated electrodes (SCT and DCT) has been comprehensively examined against nanofilled WCO to achieve the aforementioned objective. Three different concentrations of powder (Cp) and surfactant (Cs) to uplift the machining responses are investigated through a detailed parametric experimental design. Core machining factors such as material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR), and specific energy consumption (SEC) are examined through optical and electron microscopy studies and 3D surface profilometry. Hereafter, machining factors are modelled using the artificial neural network (ANN) technique. An exceptional improvement of 80%, 25.3%, and 75.16% has been achieved in MRR, SR, and SEC respectively using nanopowder-mixed WCO against SCT brass compared to the responses’ values obtained against conventionally used kerosene. Furthermore, compared to kerosene, the maximum CO2 reduction of 79.97 ± 11.2% is achieved with WCO.