446494 research outputs found
Sort by
Morphology and chemical analysis of raw fuel and its combustion residue of
This study delves into the morphological characteristics of the cyanobacterium Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis (SP) and the synthetic waste (SW) ashes generated from co-combustion in a circulating fluidized-bed combustor (CFBC). Specifically, it addresses the ash attributes, including particle size, shape, and structural composition. The research focuses on the morphological and chemical transformations occurring in a 70:30 mass ratio blend of SP and SW during thermal processing in a CFBC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine its surface structure and morphology, which indicated a transformation in particle morphology. The resulting ash exhibited a coarser surface texture, with an average particle size distribution of approximately 3 μm. Chemically, the ash composition showed reduced concentrations of carbon (C), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and chlorine (Cl), elements that predominantly volatilize during combustion, leading to emissions such as CO2, SO2, and fly ash. The residual non-volatile ash components may offer practical applications, potentially being converted into fertilizers and catalytic materials
Isolation And Characterization Of Keratinase-Producing Microbes From Chicken Slaughterhouse Waste Soil With Double Enrichment And Initial Characterization Of Keratinase
Every year, there is an increase in chicken meat consumption. The high consumption of chicken meat results in significant waste from chicken slaughter, including chicken feathers. The soil around the chicken slaughterhouse waste disposal has the potential to produce bacteria capable of producing high proteases and keratinases. This research aims to obtain microbial isolates capable of degrading chicken feather waste and to characterize the microbial isolates and the resulting enzymes. The microbes obtained were enriched twice, namely by adding soil with chicken feathers and using a liquid medium supplemented with chicken feathers. This is done by getting bacteria that are really able to degrade keratin from chicken feathers. From the results of double enrichment, 10 isolates were obtained, with MSF6 being the isolate that produces the highest levels of protease and keratinase enzymes, at 761.532 U/mL and 37.733 U/mL, respectively, at 57 °C and pH 8. Molecular identification using the 16S rRNA sequence, MSF6 can be identified as a Bacillus paramycoides with a resemblance as great 100%. Based on the results of SDS-PAGE and zymography tests, the protease produced from MSF6 has a molecular weight of 68.181 ± 0.068 kDa and 68.147 ± 0.068 kDa, respectively. The enzyme produced from the MSF6 isolate can be used for animal feed, glue, and other industries that require proteases and keratinases
Development of an empirical model for predicting carbon steel corrosion rate using
Giving significant attention to carbon steel corrosion is essential for predicting damage and loss and for determining appropriate protection methods. Several studies have shown that measuring corrosion rate based on weight loss is a simple method, but it is relatively time-consuming. Therefore, this study aims to develop an empirical model for the corrosion rate of carbon steel in a corrosive environment containing 3.5% NaCl, protected by an inhibitor derived from
Melastoma candidum leaves. The 18 carbon steel plate samples were immersed in separate containers consisting of inhibitor concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm, respectively, and in 3.5% NaCl for 30 days. The developed empirical model was based on the relationship between corrosion rate and inhibitor concentration at specific time intervals. The analysis showed that both the experimental testing and the developed empirical model produced valid results, as showed by a trend line graph. This empirical model provided a novel contribution to predicting corrosion protection for carbon steel. The highest corrosion rate obtained for unprotected steel specimens was 0.32 mm/year, and decreased significantly with increasing inhibitor concentration
Demographic parameters and exploitation of the endemic cyprinid,
Hypselobarbus kurali (Red-tailed Barb) is a commercially important food fish that is endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and is extensively harvested from rivers in the state of Kerala, India. The present study investigates the fishery, demographic characteristics, and exploitation pattern of H. kurali, in five river systems situated within the Southern Western Ghats. The monthly catches of this species from different landing centres across the rivers ranged from 52.5 (January) to 133.8 kg (July). The estimated growth parameters of H. kurali include an asymptotic length (L∞) ranging between 263.55 and 368.55 mm and growth coefficient (K) varying from 0.42 to 0.82 yr−1 across different rivers. The total mortality (Z) ranged between 0.90 yr−1 and 2.17 yr−1 while the fishing mortality (F) was estimated between 0.41 yr−1 and 1.37 yr−1. The fishing mortality rate observed for H. kurali in the Periyar River of 1.37 yr−1 seems to be among the highest ever documented for this species. This rate raises concerns about a potentially indiscriminate level of exploitation by local fishers in the river. The current exploitation rate (E), which varies from 0.44 to 0.63 yr−1, exceeds the optimum exploitation level (E = 0.47) in Periyar, Pampa and Muvatupuzha rivers. It indicates that unmanaged fishing may have resulted in unsustainable exploitation, making this cyprinid population in Western Ghats rivers at risk of an imminent collapse. Enforcing measures like implementing fishing closures during spawning seasons, imposing restrictions on mesh sizes and establishing non-fishing zones can contribute to sustainable fisheries management of H. kurali.Hypselobarbuskurali(Red-tailed Barb)is a commercially important food fish that is endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The estimated growth parameters of H. kurali include an asymptotic length (L∞) ranging between 263.55 and 368.55 mm and growth coefficient (K) varying from 0.42 and 0.82 yr-1 across different rivers. The fishing mortality rate observed for H. kurali in the Periyar River of 1.37 yr-1 seems to be among the highest ever documented for this species. The current exploitation rate (E), which varies from 0.44 to 0.63 yr-1, slightly exceeding the optimum exploitation level (E=0.47) in two rivers and strongly exceeding in one river. It indicates that unmanaged fishery may have resulted in unsustainable exploitation, making this cyprinid population in Western Ghats rivers at risk of an imminent collapse
An algebraic generalisation of the Krankheit-operator modelling neurological disorders
Several neurological disorders can be described as alterations of the brain connectome, both anatomic and functional. To model diseases and compare them, it has been proposed the Krankheit-operator (K-operator), which acts on the weights of the connectome, reproducing the effects of specific disorders. In this article, with algebraic tools, we attempt to provide a more general definition of the operator, that encompasses the previous different definitions provided. We consider a general setting where the linear operator is an endomorphism on the vector space of matrices. We show that the left and right matrix multiplication and a Hadamard multiplications can all be described as a special structured operator
Unitarity and unitarization
This article reviews unitarization methods essential for extending Effective Field Theories (EFTs) beyond their perturbative limits, particularly in hadronic and electroweak (EW) sectors. Perturbative EFTs, like Chiral Perturbation Theory (ChPT), often violate unitarity bounds at higher energies, a breakdown observed in phenomena such as scattering resonances. To overcome this, non-perturbative techniques including the Inverse Amplitude Method (IAM), K-matrix formalism, and N/D approach are detailed. The IAM and the N/D methods resume perturbative series while preserving fundamental S-matrix principles: unitarity, analyticity, and causality, dynamically generating resonant behavior. The article emphasizes the unique role of dispersive frameworks, especially the Roy equations, which rigorously incorporate analyticity and crossing symmetry. It highlights their potential for future application in the electroweak sector, offering a powerful tool to constrain the Standard Model and interpret collider data
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose-based graft copolymer with hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers for controlled drug release application of imatinib: an anticancer drug
Cellulose, a biopolymer composed of β-1,4-linked D-glucopyranose units, possesses inherent porosity, swelling capability, and mechanical strength. Chemical modification and grafting can further enhance its physicochemical, biochemical, and hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties, making it suitable for advanced biomedical applications. In this study, microfibrous cellulose-based graft copolymers, cellulose-graft-Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (Cell-g-Poly(HEMA)), and crosslinked cellulose-graft-Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (Cross-Cell-g-Poly(HEMA)) were synthesized via a radical polymerization approach. Optimal reaction conditions were determined by varying one parameter while keeping others constant. The synthesized copolymers were characterized using FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM, and HR-TEM to confirm structural, morphological, crystalline, and thermal modifications. Swelling and drug release studies were conducted using Imatinib mesylate as a model anticancer drug. Drug loading efficiencies were 56.1% for microfibrous cellulose, 46.7% for Cell-g-Poly(HEMA), and 58.0% for Cross-Cell-g-Poly(HEMA). Maximum swelling occurred at pH 9.4, with percent swelling capacities of 991.7%, 550%, and 1015%, respectively. Sustained drug release (90–98%) was achieved under neutral and alkaline conditions due to enhanced polymeric matrix swelling. Kinetic modeling revealed quasi-Fickian diffusion for cellulose and non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion for the grafted copolymers, with correlation coefficients approaching unity, confirming linear release behavior. These findings demonstrate that grafted cellulose copolymers, particularly Cross-Cell-g-Poly(HEMA), are promising matrices for controlled delivery of Imatinib mesylate and potentially other therapeutic agents
Fasciolosis, a foodborne zoonotic trematode infection in cattle in Bangladesh: multifaceted validation of parthenogenecity and anthelmintic efficacy
Parthenogenic Fasciola (Trematoda: Fasciolidae) flukes have been developed by the hybridization of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. They are aspermic (asF) but capable of clonal expansion through parthenogenesis and are spreading rapidly throughout the globe. Here, we unambiguously prove the occurrence of parthenogenic Fasciola in cattle in Bangladesh, along with their ex vivo culture protocol and anthelmintic efficacy. By employing multiple conventional and molecular tools, we confirmed the presence of both the spermic F. gigantica (sFg) (31.7%; 814/2575) and asF (68.3%; 1761/2575) in Bangladesh. Both the adult sFg and asF survived well in DMEM supplemented with 20% bovine serum and 20% bovine bile. Using a DMEM-based ex vivo culture protocol, we found that nitroxynil (NTX) and oxyclozanide (OCZ) efficiently killed both sFg and asFg in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Surprisingly, triclabendazole (TCBZ) and clorsulon (CRL) killed neither sFg nor asF. Also, praziquantel, albendazole, and levamisole did not affect the viability of the flukes. We found that all TCBZ survivors had more than one mutation, both in nucleotides (G440A, G643A, and G788A) and amino acids (R147K, E215K, and R263K) of the binding pocket of carboxylesterase B (CestB), providing molecular evidence of TCBZ resistance in Fasciola. Taken together, asF constitutes more than two-thirds of the Fasciola population in Bangladesh. This study unambiguously proved the ineffectiveness of TCBZ against both asF and sFg circulating in Bangladesh. Therefore, only OCZ and NTX remain effective against fasciolosis, which thus poses ongoing public health risks of infection in humans with TCBZ-tolerant strains of fasciolosis
The state diagnosis method of metal enclosed gas insulation complete equipment based on deep learning algorithms
The reliable operation of metal-enclosed gas-insulated equipment is crucial to high-voltage power systems, and accurate diagnosis of its status is the key to ensuring safe and efficient operation of the power grid. Accurate state diagnostics help to prevent gas-insulated equipment failures, ensuring stable and efficient operation of the electricity grid. The existing methods are difficult to effectively capture the temporal and sequential characteristics of partial discharge (PD) signals, resulting in insufficient recognition accuracy for complex defects such as conductor protrusions (C-type), surface contamination (S-type), and floating electrodes (F-type). At the same time, the on-site environmental noise interference is large, and the fault samples, especially the severe defect samples, are rare and unbalanced. In addition, the gas state is easily affected by temperature and pressure, which makes the existing diagnostic models weak in generalization ability and poor in real-time performance, making it difficult to meet the urgent needs of high-voltage power grids for accurate, online, and efficient diagnosis of equipment status. This limitation restricts timely and precise fault detection, leads to equipment failure, and operational disruptions pave the way for deep learning algorithms. Thus, the research proposes a Long Short-Term Memory based Gas Insulation State Diagnostics (LSTM-GISD) method for accurate fault detection and state diagnostics in gas insulation equipment. The study utilizes sensor data from critical vital components, including gas pressure, temperature, partial discharge, and electrical parameters, to accurately assess the operational state of gas insulated as a dielectric medium in high-voltage equipment. The methodology includes data preprocessing feature extraction to identify the relevant characteristics of PD signals. The LSTM-based Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) algorithm is used for model training to improve the classification of PD patterns and diagnose the operational state of gas insulation switch gear equipment, enhancing fault detection accuracy and supporting maintenance strategies. The model’s effectiveness is evaluated using various metrics, including accuracy, precision, and recall. It focuses on their ability to identify both normal and fault states (C, S, F types) of equipment with improved reliability. The study results demonstrate improved fault detection speed in terms of computational time, accuracy and robustness in detecting faults and predicting potential failure states in equipment maintenance practices
Potential of Kalimantan White Pepper As a Raw Material for Kombucha Fermentation
Pepper can be expanded into processed products such as food and beverages. Kombucha is one of the products that can be made with pepper basic ingredients. Fermented kombucha tea has been shown to boost antioxidant activity. The presence of free phenolic substances obtained during the fermentation process causes an increase in antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine how pepper shape (powder and granule), concentration (5 and 10 g), and formulation (pepper alone and pepper coupled with black tea) affected the physicochemical properties of pepper-based kombucha. Kombucha was made by fermenting a 20% sucrose solution with a bacterial and yeast symbiotic culture (SCOBY) for 14 days. The parameters tested were pH, total sugar (°Brix), and total titratable acidity. The result of this study is the addition of 10 grams of pepper granules resulted in the lowest pH value (3.43), the lowest total sugar was in the treatment of tea pepper powder adding 10 grams (15.00) and the highest was a mixture of tea pepper powder 5 grams (17.87 Brix). The third anlaysis is total acid showed the lowest total acid value in the tea pepper granule treatment with the addition of 5 grams (70.74 %) and the highest, namely a mixture of tea. pepper granules 10 grams (94.61 %). Based on overall physicochemical characteristics, the addition of 10 g pepper granules produced the best kombucha quality. These findings indicate that white pepper has strong potential as a raw material for kombucha fermentatio