Search Results (149)

The study comprises an in-depth characterization of compositional groups of the liquid by-products obtained from the pyrolysis of swine manure at 500 °C, with the aim of providing an alternative and efficient approach for the valorisation of this waste stream, alongside with the production of biogas and char, the latter of which can be further converted into activated carbon. Two samples were considered: de-watered cake and solid product from anaerobic digestion of swine manure. Biocrude oils were fractionated into weak acidic, strong acidic, alkaline and neutral oil fractions. Subsequently, the neutral oil fraction was separated into paraffinic–naphthenic, slightly polar and polar fractions. All fractions were analyzed by GC–MS. The major identified compositional groups were: (i) for de-watered cake: steroids (40.7%), fatty acids, FAs (23.7%) and n-alkenes/n-alkanes (23.3%); (ii) for solid product from anaerobic digestion: FAs (31.0%), phenols/methoxy phenols (26.6%), n-alkenes/n-alkanes (10.8%) and steroids (10.6%). A variety of short-chain FAs (i.e., linear saturated, mono- and di-unsaturated, cis (i-), trans (ai-), isoprenoid, phenyl alkanoic, amongst others) and methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified as well. FA distribution, nC₁₂–nC₂₀, was similar for both manures studied with nC₁₆ and nC₁₈ as major compounds. FAMEs (nC₁₄–nC₂₈, with even carbon number dominance) in the slightly polar fraction of both samples were accompanied by considerable amounts of oleic (nC_18:1) and linoleic (nC_18:2) acids, and corresponding methyl esters. Hydrocarbons, i.e., n-alkenes/n-alkanes, were in the range of nC₁₅–nC₃₄, with nC₁₈ maximizing. Anaerobically digested manure has resulted in (i) an increase in the portion of longer homologues of hydrocarbons and FAMEs and (ii) the appearance of new FAs series of long chain members nC_22:1–nC_26:1, ω-9. The comprehensive analysis of the biocrude oils obtained from the slow pyrolysis of swine manure indicates their potential for use as biodiesel additives or as feedstock to produce value-added materials. Full article

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a promising source of vegetable oils with distinct applications for its pulp and seed fractions. This study presents the first comprehensive quantitative analysis of eleven commercial macauba oils available in the Brazilian market, using validated methods of GC-FID and LC-HRMS. The analysis revealed significant variability among samples. Control pulp oils (PCCs) were characterized by the predominance of oleic acid (C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0) methyl esters, and TG 54:3 was the major lipid species, reaching up to 12.11 g 100 g oil⁻¹. For control seed oils (SCCs), the profile was dominated by lauric acid (C12:0) and oleic acid methyl ester; TG 36:0 was the most abundant lipid, which reached concentrations of 49.20 g 100 g oil⁻¹. Among commercial samples, PC3 followed the expected pulp oil profile, whereas PC4 showed deviations. Others commercial samples (PC2, PC5, SC3, SC4, SC5) deviated significantly from expected profiles, showing high levels of linoleic acid (C18:2), and predominance of TG 54:6, with concentrations reaching 61.74 g 100 g oil⁻¹. The integrated GC-FID and LC-HRMS approach provides robust, sensitive, and discriminative analysis of FAMEs and lipid composition of macauba oil samples. These methodologies are essential for quality control in the food and bioproduct sectors, ensuring the chemical integrity of macauba commercial oils. Full article

This article offers a comparative study of two closely linked constellations of early Ṣūfī thought: the ascetic–mystical program of al-Fuḍayl ibn ʿIyāḍ (d. 187/803) and that of his renowned disciple Bishr al-Ḥāfī (d. 227/841). Moving beyond hagiographic anecdote, the study advances the thesis that the pair articulate two complementary modalities of tawba (repentance) that generate distinct ascetic habitus and pedagogical lineages: al-Fudayl’s “ethic of awe” (fear, juridical redress, and renunciation of patronage) and Bishr’s “aesthetics of reverence” (beauty-induced modesty, evident humility, and fame avoidance). Drawing on primary sources (Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ, al-Sulamī’s Ṭabaqāt al-Ṣūfiyya, al-Qushayrī’s Risāla, al-Sarrāj’s Lumaʿ), the article reconstructs each thinker’s core concepts, practices (e.g., returning wrongs, ḥafāʾ/barefoot humility), and teaching styles and maps how the teacher–disciple nexus transmits, adapts, and ritualizes these ethics into durable Ṣūfī dispositions. Methodologically, the article combines close textual analysis with practice theory to show how emotions—such as fear and modesty (ḥayāʾ)—are choreographed into public, socially legible acts, thus reframing repentance as embodied discipline rather than interior feeling alone. A prosopographic appendix traces transmission from al-Fudayl to Bishr to Sarī al-Saqaṭī and al-Junayd, clarifying how each modality survives in later Baghdad sobriety and Malāmatī self-effacement. The contribution is twofold: first, it supplies a granular typology of early Ṣūfī repentance that explains divergent stances toward money, publicity, and power; second, it models how to read early Ṣūfī biography as anthropology of practice, recovering the lived grammar by which “conversion stories” become social programs. In doing so, the article nuances standard narratives of early Ṣūfism, showing that Bishr is not merely al-Fuḍayl’s echo but a creative reframer whose “reverential” path complements—rather than imitates—the awe-driven ethic associated with al-Fuḍayl. Full article

This study presents an integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment of shaft generator (SG) integration in marine propulsion systems using alternative fuels. A comprehensive numerical model is developed to simulate the operation of a bulk carrier equipped with a low-speed two-stroke main engine, comparing conventional diesel generator (DG) configurations with SG-powered alternatives under varying ship speeds and auxiliary electrical loads. Three fuel types, heavy fuel oil (HFO), fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and methanol–diesel dual fuel, are analyzed to evaluate fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, and economic feasibility. The results show that SG integration consistently reduces total fuel consumption by 0.1–0.5 t/day, depending on load and fuel type, yielding annual savings of up to 150 tonnes per vessel. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Nitrogen oxide (NO_x), and sulphur oxide (SO_x) emissions decrease proportionally with increased SG load, with annual reductions exceeding 450 tonnes of CO₂ and up to 15 tonnes of NO_x for HFO systems. Methanol–diesel operation achieves the highest relative improvement, with up to 50% lower CO₂ and near-zero SO_x emissions, despite a moderate increase in total fuel mass due to methanol’s lower calorific value. Economically, SG utilization provides daily fuel cost savings ranging from $200 to $1050, depending on the fuel and load, leading to annual reductions of up to $320,000 for high-load operations. The investment analysis confirms the financial viability of SG installations, with net present values (NPVs) up to $1.4 million, internal rates of return (IRRs) exceeding 100%, and payback periods below one year at 600 kW load. The results highlight the dual benefit of SG technology, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting IMO decarbonization goals, particularly when coupled with low-carbon fuels such as methanol. The developed computational framework provides a practical decision-support tool for ship designers and operators to quantify SG performance, optimize energy management, and evaluate the long-term economic and environmental trade-offs of fuel transition pathways. Full article

Milk and dairy products are a vital source of nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pasteurization and the choice of derivatization method on the fatty acid (FA) profile in cream, a milk fat-rich product. Sixty cream samples (pre- and post-pasteurization) were analyzed. Two derivatization procedures were used: acid-catalyzed (1% H₂SO₄ in methanol following hexane extraction) and alkali-catalyzed (0.2 M KOH in methanol). FA methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified using GC–FID. A total of 34 FAs were detected. The acid derivatization method was significantly more efficient for quantification, yielding higher overall FA concentrations (e.g., 302.26 μg/mL vs. 62.66 μg/mL pre-pasteurization). Pasteurization significantly altered the FA profile by reducing the overall content of FAs (especially SFAs and PUFAs), suggesting thermal degradation. Conversely, concentrations of FAs with unusual chain lengths (e.g., C15:1, C17:0) increased, likely due to release from complex lipids. The FA profile in cream is sensitive to processing. Acid-catalyzed derivatization is the recommended method for accurate quantitative FA analysis in cream. The stability of milk fat confirms its importance for product quality and potential use in various bioformulations. Full article

This study introduces the preparation and tailoring of the catalytic properties of a novel biomass-based composite to produce a sustainable biolubricant, trimethylolpropane fatty acid triester (TFATE), via the transesterification of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). This novel catalyst was prepared from avocado seed and chicken eggshell residues using a Taguchi experimental design to determine the best synthesis conditions. The variables tested in the catalyst preparation included CaO impregnation time and temperature, mass ratio of CaO/char, and activation temperature. The transesterification conditions to obtain TFATE were analyzed using the best eggshell-/char-based catalyst, and the reaction kinetics were measured at 120 and 150 °C. The results showed an endothermic reactive system with calculated kinetic rate constants of 7.45 × 10⁻³–10.31 × 10⁻³ L/mmol·min, and an activation energy of 15 kJ/mol. This new catalyst achieved 90% TFATE formation under optimized reaction conditions. Reuse tests indicated that catalyst deactivation occurred due to active-site poisoning, despite very low calcium leaching. Catalyst characterization confirmed the relevance of the crystalline structure and CaO loading on the avocado char surface to obtain the best catalytic properties, while ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis proved TFATE formation. This low-cost catalyst can be an alternative for enhancing sustainable biolubricant production with the aim of replacing petrochemical-based counterparts. Full article

The current paper investigated the potential of oleaginous fungus Rhizopus oryzae B97 for lipid accumulation under varying process variables. The fungal strain was isolated from bread mold and analyzed for its potential to grow on sludge with simultaneous production of microbial lipids. The sludge sample was sourced from the wastewater treatment plant located in Sector I-9, Islamabad. The effects of various process variables, such as pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, and shaking, on lipid accumulation, cell dry weight (CDW), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and volatile solids (VS) removal were investigated. It was found that glucose and yeast promoted the maximum lipid accumulation. At the same time, the fungal biomass reached its maximum value of up to 64% at 30 °C and at pH 4 (CDW: 28 g/L). These process conditions also improved the sludge treatment efficiency, achieving 68% COD and 55% VS removal in 168 h. FTIR analysis of the accumulated lipids indicated strong characteristic peaks of functional groups associated with fatty acids. The GC-MS analysis confirmed the production of essential FAMEs required in biodiesel production from the corresponding fatty acids, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and erucic acid. Operation in a continuous-shaking aerobic batch reactor (CSABR) system under optimum conditions further improved the process efficiency. Overall, the results indicated the competent potential of oleaginous fungus Rhizopus oryzae B97 for lipid-based biofuel production through fatty acid transesterification. Full article

In line with EU decarbonization targets for the heavy-duty transport sector, this study proposes an analytical methodology to assess the impact of diesel performance additives on fuel consumption in Euro 6 heavy-duty vehicles, the prevailing standard in the circulating European road tractor fleet. A fleet of five N3-category road tractors equipped with tanker semi-trailers was monitored over two phases. During the first 10-month baseline phase, the vehicles operated with standard EN 590 diesel (containing 6–7% FAME); in the second phase, they used a commercially available premium diesel containing performance-enhancing additives. Fuel consumption and route data were collected using a GPS-based system interfaced with the engine control unit via the OBD port and integrated with the fleet tracking platform. After applying data filtering to exclude low-quality or non-representative trips, a 1% reduction in fuel consumption was observed with the use of fuel with additives. Route-level analysis revealed higher savings (up to 5.1%) in high-load operating conditions, while most trips showed improvements between −1.6% and −3.4%. Temporal analysis confirmed the general trend across varying vehicle usage patterns. Aggregated fleet-level data proved to be the most robust approach to mitigate statistical variability. To evaluate the potential impact at scale, a European scenario was developed: a 1% reduction in fuel consumption across the 6.75 million heavy-duty vehicles in the EU could yield annual savings of 2 billion liters of diesel and avoid approximately 6 million tons of CO₂ emissions. Even partial adoption could lead to meaningful environmental benefits. Alongside emissions reductions, fuel additives also offer economic value by lowering operating costs, improving engine efficiency, and reducing maintenance needs. Full article

Coconut oil is highly regarded for its nutritional and functional attributes, making it an attractive candidate for diverse food and health applications. This study evaluates the fatty acid profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, oxidative stability, and sensory properties of selected coconut oils (Coco24, Health, Kospa, Smetol, and Vita) from the Slovak republic market. Acid values (0.09 ± 0.060–0.42 ± 0.060 mg KOH/g) and peroxide values (0.51 ± 0.058–1.20 ± 0.010 mmol O₂/kg) were within recommended safety limits. Oxidative stability varied significantly (p ˂ 0.05), with Smetol showing the highest induction time (124.5 ± 0.98 h) and Coco24 the lowest (25.8 ± 0.22 h). DPPH antioxidant activity was highest in health (469.2 ± 2.01 mg TEAC/kg) and Coco24 (369.3 ± 1.99 mg TEAC/kg) (TEAC—Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). Coco24, Health, and Kospa exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (2.01 ± 0.001 mm, 1.37 ± 0.021 mm, 1.15 ± 0.010 mm, respectively), Candida glabrata (1.17 ± 0.015 mm, 1.17 ± 0.015 mm, 0.45 ± 0.025 mm, respectively), Candida tropicalis (2.12 ± 0.017 mm, 2.13 ± 0.017 mm, 1.52 ± 0.006 mm, respectively), and Bacillus subtilis (1.29 ± 0.055 mm, 1.35 ± 0.006 mm, 0.31 ± 0.020 mm, respectively). FAME analysis revealed that saturated fatty acids dominated, especially in Smetol (97.6 ± 0.067%), while Coco24 had the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids. Vita and Kospa received the highest panel ratings for smell, taste, and overall acceptability, indicating superior sensory appeal, whereas Smetol scored the lowest. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between MUFA and PUFA (r = 0.986) and taste and acceptability (r = 0.993), as well as between antioxidant activity and Candida albicans inhibition (r = 0.859). Oxidative stability was negatively correlated with PUFA (r = –0.924). PCA grouped oils high in MUFA/PUFA (Kospa, Vita) with superior sensory scores, while PC2 reflected microbial safety. These differences suggest that Coco24, Health, Vita, and Kospa offer enhanced functional and sensory benefits, whereas Smetol is better suited for applications that prioritize oxidative stability. Full article

The aim of the study to evaluate relationship between breed, GH and CAST genotypes, and FA composition in the ovine intramuscular fat of musculusSemimembranosus. To fulfil this aim, 175 blood samples were drawn by jugular vein puncture from Lithuanian Black-Headed (N43), Lithuanian Black-Headed *Ile de France (N43), Lithuanian Black-Headed *Suffolk (N44), and Lithuanian Black-Headed *Texel (N45) lambs. The lambs were weighed weekly, and the growth rate was calculated using birth weight and month weight values. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples taken into EDTA containing tubes, using a “GeneJET Genomic DNA Purification Kit” (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). The method of polymerase chain reaction and restriction length polymorphism were used to genotype growth hormone (GH) and (CAST) gene polymorphisms. Meat samples of four lamb breeds were taken for analysis (200–250 g from musculusSemimembranosus were taken 48 h after carcass meat cooling). The fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were analyzed using a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) instrumental technique. All data were evaluated statistically. Studies have shown that purebred Lithuanian Black-Headed lambs are born with a higher weight, so it is not advisable to mix them with Ile de France, Suffolk, or Texel breeds. Also, our research shows that the most beneficial breed are lambs that have the BB genotype of the GH gene and the MN genotype of the CAST gene, as these lambs are born with the greatest weight and gain. The meat of Lithuanian Black-Headed lambs showed the lowest content of SFA and the largest content of PUFA. The ratio ω-6/ω-3 FA varied from 2.71 (Lithuanian Black-Headed * Suffolk) to 4.52 (Lithuanian Black-Headed). Based on the research, it can be concluded that the purebred Lithuanian Black-Headed lambs had higher birth weight, therefore it is not appropriate to mix them with Ile de France, Suffolk, or Texel breeds. Full article

The application of microbial alkaline proteases holds significant potential for eco-sustainable industrial processes by reducing chemical usage and lowering the costs of effluent treatment. In the search for novel proteases with industrial relevance, several microbial strains were isolated from alkaline baths of the Portuguese tannery agroindustry. The most promising protease-producing strains were selected for identification and further study. Two isolates demonstrated the highest proteolytic activity, reaching 0.51 ± 0.01 U mL⁻¹ and 0.70 ± 0.01 U mL⁻¹ after 7.5 h of submerged cultivation in nutrient broth. Based on API biochemical tests, molecular biology techniques, and GC-FAME analysis of membrane lipids, the isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis and incorporated into INIAV’s collection of industrial microbial cultures as B. subtilis CCMI 1253 (BMR2) and B. subtilis CCMI 1254 (BMR1). The most promising protease producer, B. subtilis CCMI 1253 (BMR2), exhibited a maximum specific growth rate of 0.88 ± 0.10 h⁻¹. The proteases produced exhibited good extracellular proteolytic activity, with adaptability to industrial conditions, indicating their suitability for agroindustry applications such as leather making, detergent formulations and the treatment of effluents and protein residues. The results support the potential of microbial proteases as valuable tools in the bioeconomy and green chemistry. Full article

The integration of microalgae cultivation in the treatment of aquaculture wastewater (AWW) offers a sustainable solution for the recovery of nutrients and the valorisation of biomass. In this study, the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for growth in raw AWW and its variants was investigated and the efficiency of nutrient removal, biochemical composition of biomass, biodiesel potential by FAME analysis, and biogas production were evaluated. C. vulgaris was cultivated in three media: raw AWW, microelement-enriched AWW, and a synthetic base medium. Raw AWW allowed for the highest biomass production (2.4 g VS/L) and nutrient removal efficiency (ammonia: 100%, phosphate: 93.7%, nitrate: 37.8%). The addition of microelements did not significantly improve growth or nutrient uptake. The biomass grown on AWW showed a favourable lipid profile for biodiesel, dominated by C16:0 and C18:1. The highest biogas and methane yields were recorded for biomass from raw AWW as 358 ± 11 L/kg VS and 216 ± 7 L/kg VS, respectively. The results confirm that AWW is a suitable medium for the cultivation of C. vulgaris, enabling efficient wastewater treatment and the production of high-quality biomass. Full article

This paper explores philosophical issues of personal identity and its connection to forgetting through the famed Tibetan Buddhist thinker Tsongkhapa (1357–1419). Tsongkhapa, in turn, follows the Middle Way (madhyamaka) tradition of Nāgārjuna (c. 150–250 CE) and Candrakīrti (c. 600–650 CE). Specifically, Tsongkhapa demonstrates that we can make sense of a consistent personal continuity despite the disruptions of forgetting and remembering. In so doing, he nuances the notion of personhood, revealing that it does not exist in the way we think. I rely on a thought experiment derived from the hit TV show Severance to demonstrate the ramifications of his theory. By way of conclusion, I explore how Tsongkhapa’s analysis constitutes a notion of “positive forgetting”. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fatty acids, the building blocks of lipids, contribute to numerous crucial life processes and are implicated in numerous disease pathologies. Circulating fatty acids can be extracted/trans-esterified to their respective methyl ester forms and quantified from a variety of biological samples. This study aims to identify quantifiable fatty acids (through alkali trans-esterification) in human circulation, assess the correlation of the detectable fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) compounds between whole blood, serum and plasma matrices and propose the most ideal matrix for quantification of FAMEs. Methods: This anonymised study was carried out in a tertiary hospital after obtaining ethical approval and involved analysis of residual fasting whole blood, serum and plasma samples obtained from 20 apparently healthy subjects attending the routine health check services at the study centre. Fatty acids were converted to its methyl ester form by methanolic KOH trans-esterification and subjected to GCMS analysis. Paired t test, Pearsons’s correlation, linear regression and Bland Altman test were employed to assess the agreeability between matrices. Results: 9 out of 37 FAME compounds were detected in all three matrices. Strong correlations and statistically significant regression equations were obtained for the 9 compounds between plasma and serum matrices. Undecanoate, pentadecanoate, linolenate, and palmitate levels were lowest in plasma, while stearate, heptadecanoate levels were highest in whole blood. Myristate was highest in serum, dodecanoate was highest in plasma while docosahexanoate was found to be comparable in all three matrices. Methyl ester forms of dodeconate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, heptadecanoate, stearate, and linolenate were observed in higher concentrations in plasma when compared to serum. Conclusions: The current study shows similar & correlating FAME concentrations between serum and plasma matrix; however, whole blood FAME concentrations appear significantly different. Plasma serves as the most ideal matrix for detection and quantification of circulating fatty acids. Full article

Wealth and power have been recognized as being unequally concentrated within specific families. While research on social mobility has been limited to defined outcomes (e.g., occupation, income, and education) in specific contexts, the rise of big data has spurred broader network analysis. Using a comprehensive genealogical database of 30 million individuals in the Western Hemisphere, we analyzed how familial background, gender, and occupational domains influence the probability of individuals attaining “fame” in their lifetime. Individuals with famous parents are more likely to become famous themselves, especially males. Unexpectedly, we identified more than 10,000 famous individuals who are closely related, comprising 25.6% of all famous individuals in the entire dataset. While the underlying sample may have representativeness issues, the findings suggest that famous individuals are not isolated figures but often part of broader interconnected family networks. Full article