Search Results (6,846)

The sustainable recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is critical for resource conservation and environmental protection but remains challenging due to the complex coexistence of target and impurity metals. This study systematically investigates the selective leaching behaviors of metals (Co, Li, Cu, Fe, Al) in phosphoric acid media, revealing that lithium could be preferentially extracted in mild acidic conditions (0.8 mol/L H₃PO₄), while complete dissolution of both Li and Co was achieved in concentrated acid (2.0 mol/L H₃PO₄). Kinetic analysis demonstrated that metal leaching followed a chemically controlled mechanism, with distinct extraction sequences: Li > Cu~Co > Fe > Al in dilute acid and Cu > Al~Li > Fe > Co in concentrated acid. Furthermore, we developed a closed-loop process wherein oxalic acid simultaneously precipitates Co/Li while regenerating H₃PO₄, enabling acid reuse with minimal efficiency loss during cyclic leaching. These findings establish a single-step phosphoric acid leaching strategy for selective metal recovery, governed by tunable acid concentration and reaction kinetics, offering a sustainable pathway for LIBs recycling. Full article

In recent years, a type of biochip known as a Digital Microfluidic Biochip (DMFB) has been actively researched in the field of life sciences. DMFBs perform dilution operations by mixing reagent solutions and buffer solutions at a 1:1 ratio to generate droplets with the desired concentration. One of the challenges of DMFBs is that droplets may not always be evenly split during the droplet division process. To address this issue, an error correction method utilizing error cancellation has been proposed. This method modifies the dilution graph to minimize the impact of division errors on the target node. However, this approach has a significant drawback: when large division errors occur in nodes close to the target node, they can introduce substantial concentration errors at the target node. Full article

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is a common chronic neurological disorder in dogs, and both its comorbidities and adverse effects of anti-seizure medication (ASM) can markedly reduce quality of life (QoL) for affected dogs and their caregivers. Concurrent conditions such as lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) may mimic ASM side effects or signs of disease progression, potentially leading to inappropriate dose adjustment or treatment discontinuation. This retrospective case series describes eight dogs with IE and Escherichia coli (E. coli) UTI, presenting with suspected worsening of ASM side effects. Reported deterioration lasted 1–55 days (mean 31), with behavioral changes (n = 5), lethargy (n = 5), new or worsened ataxia (n = 5), urinary incontinence (n = 3), polyuria (n = 3), polydipsia (n = 2), and additional signs such as weakness, exercise intolerance, panting, and cluster seizures. All dogs showed bacteriuria; urinary specific gravity was 1.020 ± 0.013 (mean ± standard deviation) [range; 1.002–1.042]. E. coli (>10⁶ CFU/mL) was isolated in all cases. Treatment with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid resulted in clinical improvement within 24–72 h; five dogs experienced UTI relapse, again with clinical deterioration. Findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and treating UTIs in epileptic dogs to avoid misinterpretation as ASM toxicity and possible worsening of seizure control. Prospective studies are needed to clarify potential links between ASM, urinary dilution, immune modulation, and infection risk. Full article

Microalgae offer a sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment by simultaneously removing pollutants and producing biomass of potential value. This study evaluated five species—Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlamydomonas sp., Anabaena variabilis, and Scenedesmus sp.—in three undiluted food and beverage industry effluents from Mexico: nejayote (alkaline wastewater generated during corn nixtamalization for tortilla production), tequila vinasses (from tequila distillation), and cheese whey (from cheese making). Strains were adapted through UV mutagenesis and gradual acclimatization to grow without freshwater dilution. Bioremediation efficiency was assessed via reductions in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphates (TPO₄). C. vulgaris achieved complete TN and TPO₄ removal and 90.2% COD reduction in nejayote, while A. variabilis reached 81.7% COD and 79.3% TPO₄ removal in tequila vinasses. In cheese whey, C. vulgaris removed 55.5% COD, 53.0% TN, and 35.3% TPO₄. These results demonstrate the feasibility of microalgae-based systems for treating complex agro-industrial wastewaters, contributing to sustainable and circular wastewater management. Full article

Fermentation represents a sustainable biotechnological approach for enhancing bioactive properties of plant-based foods, yet its anticancer effects remain underexplored. We evaluated the antiproliferative activity of fermented (with commercial probiotic lactic acid bacteria consortium) and unfermented plant-based beverages derived from tiger nut, carob, and rice using an in vitro model. Following INFOGEST 2.0 gastrointestinal digestion, bioaccessible fractions were applied to Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells at 1:15 v/v dilution for 24 h. Analyses included cell viability, apoptosis detection, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species production, glutathione content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular calcium levels. Fermented tiger nut achieved superior (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity compared to unfermented counterpart (39.6% vs. 77.4% cell viability) through dual mechanisms: depleting cellular antioxidant defenses (glutathione reduced to 55.9%) while inducing oxidative stress (180.3% ROS overproduction). This evoked irreversible apoptosis (76.9% early apoptosis) and extensive DNA fragmentation (84.8% SubG₁ population) via calcium-independent pathways. Fermented carob operated through cytostatic mechanisms, inducing G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest (74.7% vs. 44.2% in blank digestion cells) without oxidative stress. Fermentation reduced (p < 0.05) rice beverage antiproliferative activity (90.2% vs. 71.9% unfermented beverage cell viability). These findings establish lactic acid fermentation as effective for developing plant-based beverages with anticancer mechanisms, offering dietary strategies for colorectal cancer prevention. Full article

In order to solve the problem of low thermal efficiency of a 130 t/h industrial circulating fluidized bed boiler, a computational particle fluid dynamic approach was used in this work to study two-phase gas–solid flow, heat transfer, and combustion. The factors influencing coal particle size distributions, air distribution strategies, and operational loads are addressed. The results showed that particle distribution exhibits “core–annulus” flow with a dense-phase bottom region and dilute-phase upper zone. A higher primary air ratio (0.8–1.5) enhances axial gas velocity and bed temperature but reduces secondary air zone (2.5–5.8 m) temperature. A higher primary air ratio also decreases outlet O₂ mole fraction and increases fly ash carbon content, with optimal thermal efficiency at a ratio of 1.0. In addition, as the coal PSD decreases and the load increases, the overall temperature of the furnace increases and the outlet O₂ mole fraction decreases. Full article

Brine with a high magnesium-to-lithium ratio was separated by electrodialysis equipped with a monovalent cation exchange membrane under differing operational parameters. The ionic concentration variations, separation coefficients, lithium recovery ratio, permselectivity coefficient, and Li⁺ flux were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the initial Li⁺/Mg²⁺ mass concentration ratio, applied voltage, and initial volume ratio between the dilute and concentrated compartments on the separation performance of magnesium and lithium. The results showed that the increase in initial Li⁺/Mg²⁺ concentration ratio significantly increased the separation coefficient, lithium recovery ratio, and Li⁺ flux, demonstrating an improvement in the separation performance since the Li⁺ migration was accelerated when less Mg²⁺ competed with Li⁺. As the applied voltage increased from 10 V to 15 V, the separation coefficient increased, and the lithium recovery ratio and Li⁺ flux increased within 60 min; however, as the applied voltage increased to 20 V, the separation coefficient, the lithium recovery ratio, and the Li⁺ flux did not increase, which indicated that an increase in the applied voltage within the limits would contribute to the separation performance. The increase in the initial volume ratio between the dilute and concentrated compartments decreased the separation coefficient and lithium recovery ratio, indicating that the separation performance had declined. Full article

Aging of asphalt is a major cause of pavement distress. While regenerators restore aged asphalt, their mechanisms and efficacy differences remain unclear. This study quantified the repair effects of waste bio-oil (WBO) and mineral oil (MO) rejuvenators on aged asphalt binder using a comprehensive characterization approach. Conventional properties (penetration, softening point, ductility), functional groups (FT-IR), thermal stability (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic shear rheology (DSR) were analyzed. Results reveal distinct mechanisms: WBO acts chemically via polar molecules, selectively reducing oxygen-containing groups and significantly improving ductility, while MO acts physically through light components that dilute viscosity, exhibiting weaker chemical repair. WBO-regenerated asphalt showed a lower thermal-oxidative peak temperature, superior low-temperature ductility, and enhanced high-temperature rheological performance (higher rutting factor, optimized viscoelasticity). These mechanistic differences—chemical restoration (WBO) versus physical replenishment (MO)—determine performance outcomes at the binder level. The findings provide a theoretical basis for regenerator selection in pavement engineering, highlighting WBO’s advantages for functional group restoration and balanced thermal rheological properties, supporting sustainable road development. Full article

In the present article, we study a nonlinear mathematical model for the steady-state non-isothermal flow of a dilute solution of flexible polymer chains between two infinite horizontal plates. Both plates are assumed to be at rest and impermeable, while the flow is driven by a constant pressure gradient. The fluid rheology model used is FENE-P type. The flow energy dissipation (mechanical-to-thermal energy conversion) is taken into account by using the Rayleigh function in the heat transfer equation. On the channel walls, we use one-parameter Navier’s conditions, which include a wide class of flow regimes at solid boundaries: from no-slip to perfect slip. Moreover, we consider the case of threshold-type slip boundary conditions, which state the slipping occurs only when the magnitude of the shear stresses overcomes a certain threshold value. Closed-form exact solutions to the corresponding boundary value problems are obtained. These solutions represent explicit formulas for the calculation of the velocity field, the temperature distribution, the pressure, the extra stresses, and the configuration tensor. The results of the work favor better understanding and more accurate description of complex dynamics and energy transfer processes in FENE-P fluid flows. Full article

Soil salinity severely impairs crop productivity by inducing osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, and oxidative damage. This study investigated the mechanisms by which foliar-applied wood vinegar (WV), a biomass pyrolysis byproduct rich in organic acids and minerals, alleviates salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Three WV dilutions (100×, 300×, 500×) were tested to evaluate their effects on growth, antioxidant systems, chlorophyll metabolism, and ion homeostasis. The results demonstrated that 300×-diluted WV (WV3) most effectively mitigated salt stress, increasing shoot biomass by 81% and root length by 75% compared to salt-stressed controls. WV3 restored antioxidant enzyme activities to non-stressed levels, reduced lipid peroxidation, and normalized chlorophyll overaccumulation induced by salinity. Elemental profiling revealed that WV3 enhanced shoot K⁺ and Ca²⁺ uptake while reducing Na⁺ accumulation, thereby improving ion homeostasis. Additionally, WV3 promoted Fe translocation to shoots, supporting chlorophyll synthesis. However, 100× WV (WV1) exhibited phytotoxicity due to excessive organic acids, while 500× (WV5) showed limited efficacy. These findings highlight a 300-fold diluted solution of WV as an optimal dilution for enhancing wheat salt tolerance through coordinated ROS scavenging, photosynthetic protection, and ion regulation. This study provides a scientific basis for integrating WV into sustainable strategies to combat salinity in wheat cultivation. Full article

The infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes a severe infectious disease in poultry, leading to significant financial losses. The prevention and treatment of this disease are extremely challenging due to the virus’s rapid mutation. Therefore, quick diagnosis of IBV infections is crucial for controlling the disease. This study aimed to develop a real-time reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) method for IBV. The most effective primer combination was selected for further validation. To determine the assay’s analytical sensitivity, a serial dilution from 10⁵ to 10⁰ EID₅₀/mL was used, and the limit of detection was calculated. The assay could detect down to 10² EID₅₀/mL. The limit of detection (95% Confidence Interval) was 67 EID₅₀ per reaction. There was no cross-reaction with common poultry diseases. When analyzing 39 clinical samples, RT-RAA and RT-PCR showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, the IBV RT-RAA detection method is rapid, sensitive, and specific. This approach can be used to improve IBV diagnosis at the point of need. Full article

Persistent bacteria (PB) are a subpopulation of dormant cells that tolerate high antibiotic concentrations and cause chronic, hard-to-treat infections, posing a serious global health threat. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of six cationic polymers, poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PHMG), polyethyleneimines of different molecular weights, α-polylysine, ε-polylysine, and polyacrylamide, against persistent bacteria was systematically evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these cationic polymers against susceptible and persistent methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were determined using a microbroth dilution method, while cytotoxicity to mouse fibroblast (L929) cells was assessed via MTT assay. PHMG demonstrated superior antibacterial activity, with MBC values as low as 2 μg/mL against persistent MSSA, markedly outperforming the other polymers tested. The key novelties of this work are (i) the first establishment of a cationic polymer library with diverse structural parameters for persistent bacteria clearance, offering a potential strategy for treating recalcitrant infections; and (ii) the elucidation of quantitative correlations between polymer charge density and hydrophobic chain segments with antimicrobial efficacy through structure–activity relationship analysis, providing a theoretical basis for the rational design of anti-persistent materials. Full article

Livestock-intensive regions in Europe face dual challenges: nutrient surpluses and a high dependency on import of high-protein feedstocks. This study proposes duckweed (Lemnaceae) as a potential solution by recovering nutrients from manure-derived waste streams while producing protein-rich biomass. This study evaluated the performance of duckweed treatment systems at a pig manure processing facility in Belgium. Three outdoor systems were monitored over a full growing season under temperate climate conditions. Duckweed cultivated on constructed wetland effluent showed die-off and low protein content, while systems supplied with diluted liquid fraction and nitrification–denitrification effluent achieved consistent growth, yielding 8 tonnes of dry biomass/ha/year and 2.8 tonnes of protein/ha/year. Average removal rates were 1.2 g N/m²/day and 0.13 g P/m²/day. Growth ceased after approximately 100–120 days, likely due to rising pH and electrical conductivity, suggesting ammonia toxicity and salt stress. Harvested duckweed had a high protein content and a total amino acid profile suitable for broilers, though potentially limiting in histidine and methionine for pigs or cattle. Additionally, promising energy and protein values for ruminants were measured. Although high ash and fibre contents may limit use in monogastric animals, duckweed remains suitable as part of a balanced feed. Its broad mineral profile further supports its use as a circular, locally sourced feed supplement. Full article

Ten ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the collection of the Museo delle Culture in Lugano (Switzerland) were analyzed to identify the materials used in their production. These Japanese artworks were traditionally created with colors derived from minerals and plants, mixed with diluted animal glue and applied to paper using wooden matrices. Due to their fragility, non-invasive external reflection infrared spectroscopy and imaging analysis were employed. Spectral data were compared with reference samples of Japanese pigments and existing literature, reflecting the growing interest in the characterization of ukiyo-e prints. Within the limits of the non-invasive approach, several colorants were identified, including akane (madder), suo (sappanwood), yamahaji (Japanese sumac), kariyasu (Eulalia), and kio (orpiment), along with a proteinaceous binding medium. The extensive use of bero-ai (Prussian blue), applied both as a pure pigment and in mixtures, was confirmed. Notably, mica was detected in the background of one print, providing the first analytical evidence of the kirazuri decorative technique, which produces a sparkling, silver-like effect. Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence imaging further contributed to the assessment of conservation status, revealing faded decorative motifs and signs of previous water damage. Full article

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has attracted extensive attention in the field of nutrient diagnosis for rubber leaves. However, the mainstream method of extracting leaf average spectra ignores the leaf spatial information in hyperspectral imaging and dilutes the response characteristics exhibited by nutrient-sensitive local areas of leaves, thereby limiting the accuracy of modeling. This study proposes a spatial–spectral feature fusion method based on leaf-scale sub-region segmentation. It introduces a clustering algorithm to divide leaf pixel spectra into several subclasses, and segments sub-regions on the leaf surface based on clustering results. By optimizing the modeling contribution weights of leaf sub-regions, it improves the modeling and generalization accuracy of potassium diagnosis for rubber leaves. Experiments have been carried out to verify the proposed method, which is based on spatial–spectral feature fusion to outperform those of average spectral modeling. Specifically, after pixel-level MSC preprocessing, when the spectra of rubber leaf pixel regions were clustered into nine subsets, the diagnostic accuracy of potassium content in rubber leaves reached 0.97, which is better than the 0.87 achieved by average spectral modeling. Additionally, precision, macro-F1, and macro-recall all reached 0.97, which is superior to the results of average spectral modeling. Moreover, the proposed method is also superior to the spatial–spectral feature fusion method that integrates texture features. The visualization results of leaf sub-region weights showed that strengthening the modeling contribution of leaf edge regions is conducive to improving the diagnostic accuracy of potassium in rubber leaves, which is consistent with the response pattern of leaves to potassium. Full article