Search Results (134)

The transition to sustainable energy sources has intensified interest in lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) as a feedstock for second-generation biofuels. However, the inherent structural recalcitrance of LCB requires the utilization of an effective pretreatment to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation yields. This manuscript presents a novel, single-step, and optimized nitrogen explosive decompression system (NED 3.0) designed to address the critical limitations of earlier NED versions by enabling the in situ removal of inhibitory compounds from biomass slurry and fermentation inefficiency at elevated temperatures, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for post-treatment detoxification. Aspen wood (Populus tremula) was pretreated by NED 3.0 at 200 °C, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. The analytical results confirmed substantial reductions in common fermentation inhibitors, such as acetic acid (up to 2.18 g/100 g dry biomass) and furfural (0.18 g/100 g dry biomass), during early filtrate recovery. Hydrolysate analysis revealed a glucose yield of 26.41 g/100 g dry biomass, corresponding to a hydrolysis efficiency of 41.3%. Fermentation yielded up to 8.05 g ethanol/100 g dry biomass and achieved a fermentation efficiency of 59.8%. Inhibitor concentrations in both hydrolysate and fermentation broth remained within tolerable limits, allowing for effective glucose release and sustained fermentation performance. Compared with earlier NED configurations, the optimized system improved sugar recovery and ethanol production. These findings confirm the operational advantages of NED 3.0, including reduced inhibitory stress, simplified process integration, and chemical-free operation, underscoring its potential for scalability in line with the EU Green Deal for bioethanol production from woody biomass. Full article

This study aimed to verify, under real operating conditions, the effectiveness of protective lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture in counteracting the development of late blowing defects in Valtellina Casera PDO cheese and its impact on product sensory characteristics. Thirty-four LAB isolated from Bitto and Valtellina Casera PDO cheeses were screened for anti-Clostridium activity. Lacticaseibacillus casei VC201 was able to inhibit all the indicator strains through organic acid production. Valtellina Casera PDO cheese-making was performed twice in three dairy farms using a commercial autochthonous starter culture with and without the addition of the protective culture VC201. Cheese was ripened both at 8 °C and 12 °C and analyzed after 70 and 180 days for LAB population, proteolysis, and lipolysis evolution as well as sensory impact. Cheeses with the addition of the VC201 strain showed higher contents of rod-shaped LAB throughout the ripening at both temperatures. The protective culture decreased the production of butyric acid at 70 days, especially at 8 °C (−15.4%), while butyric fermentation was occasionally lightly observed at 12 °C. The sensory profile was favorably impacted by the higher relative proportion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFFAs, C2–C8), which was especially pronounced at 8 °C and persisted for 180-day ripening (23.91% vs. 18.84% at 70 days and 23.84 vs. 21.71 at 180 days of ripening). The temperature and time of ripening had a significant effect on the free fatty acid content of the cheese samples in all three classes (SCFFA, MCFFA, and LCFFA). The cheese made with Lcb. casei VC201 was preferred, according to the sensory evaluation, being perceived as less acidic, less bitter, tastier, and with more intense flavor. Protective cultures can represent a practical way to reduce late blowing defects in Valtellina Casera cheese production while maintaining adherence to its PDO regulatory requirements. Full article

Aiming at the problems of leakage and misdetection caused by insufficient multi-scale feature extraction and an excessive amount of model parameters in bridge defect detection, this paper proposes the AMSF-Pyramid-YOLOv11n model. First, a Cooperative Optimization Module (COPO) is introduced, which consists of the designed multi-level dilated shared convolution (FPSharedConv) and a dual-domain attention block. Through the joint optimization of FPSharedConv and a CGLU gating mechanism, the module significantly improves feature extraction efficiency and learning capability. Second, the Unified Global-Multiscale Bottleneck (UGMB) multi-scale feature pyramid designed in this study efficiently integrates the FCGL_MANet, WFU, and HAFB modules. By leveraging the symmetry of Haar wavelet decomposition combined with local-global attention, this module effectively addresses the challenge of multi-scale feature fusion, enhancing the model’s ability to capture both symmetrical and asymmetrical bridge defect patterns. Finally, an optimized lightweight detection head (LCB_Detect) is employed, which reduces the parameter count by 6.35% through shared convolution layers and separate batch normalization. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 60.3% on a self-constructed bridge defect dataset, representing an improvement of 11.3% over the baseline YOLOv11n. The model effectively reduces the false positive rate while improving the detection accuracy of bridge defects. Full article

After a brief characterisation of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) in terms of its biochemical structure and the pretreatment techniques used to disrupt lignin structure and decrystallise and depolymerise cellulose, this review considers five main pathways for biochemical biomass conversion: starting with anaerobic digestion to convert various LCB feedstocks into bioproducts; considering the integration of biochemical and thermochemical processes, syngas fermentation, which has been recently developed for biofuel and chemical production, is reviewed; the production of 2G bioethanol and biobutanol from LCB waste is discussed; the literature on biohydrogen production by dark fermentation, photofermentation, and bioelectrochemical processes using microbial electrolysis cells as well as hybrid biological processes is reviewed. The conclusions and future prospects of integrating biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes of biomass are discussed and emphasised. Full article

Driven by increased integration of renewable energy sources, the widespread decarbonization of power systems has led to energy price fluctuations that require greater adaptability and flexibility from grid users in order to maximize profits. Industrial loads equipped with flexible resources can optimize energy consumption rather than merely reacting to immediate events, thereby capitalizing on volatile energy prices. However, the absence of sufficient measured data in industrial processes limits the ability to fully harness this flexibility. To address this challenge, we presents a black-box optimization model for optimizing the energy consumption of cooling systems in the aquaculture industry using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Bayesian Optimization (BO). XGBoost is employed to establish a nonlinear relationship between cooling system power consumption and available measured data. Based on this model, Bayesian Optimization with the Lower Confidence Bound (LCB) acquisition function is used to determine the optimal discharge temperature of water into breeding pools, minimizing day-ahead electricity costs. The proposed approach is validated using real-world data from a case study at the Port of Hirtshals, Denmark based on measurements from 2023. Our findings illustrate that leveraging the inherent flexibility of industrial processes can yield financial benefits while providing valuable signals for grid operators to adjust consumption behaviors through appropriate price mechanisms. Furthermore, machine learning techniques prove effective in optimizing energy consumption for industries with limited measured data, delivering accurate and practical estimations. Full article

The Lower Congo Basin (LCB) is a rift-type basin with petroleum systems that developed at the western African margin in association with the opening of the South Atlantic. Two pre-salt siliciclastic units of the LCB, Lucula (uppermost Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous) and Chela (Aptian) formations, were sampled in deep wells and outcrops. Heavy mineral assemblages, XRD mineralogy and geochemistry indicate prevailing source in high rank metamorphic rocks from western regions of the Lower Congo Belt. However, sediment composition reveals some provenance heterogeneity. For the Chela Formation, occasionally abundant amphibole in the heavy mineral fraction, coupled with relatively high Fe and Ti proportions, suggest that it formed when deeper crustal units were exhumed. The Lucula Formation collected in outcrops have composition substantially different from Lucula and Chela samples collected in deep wells, indicating distinct provenance and the incorporation of recycled material. A significant diagenetic overprint compromises the interpretation of compositional features in terms of paleoclimate. The presence of a chemical component with dolomite, halite and diverse sulphates and the stratigraphic position of the Chela Formation at the transition to a thick evaporitic succession are compelling evidence of deposition under warm and dry conditions, which are probably more extreme than those associated with the original stages of rifting recorded by the Lucula Formation. Full article

Formation of long chain branches (LCB) in polyethylene (PE), via incorporation of in situ generated vinyl macromonomers, is known to affect material properties dramatically, making their detection and quantification of primary importance. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy is the archetypal technique for the analysis of polymer microstructure, yet it suffers from major limitations in the analysis of LCB in polyethylene, primarily in terms of resolution. Herein, we propose a simple and effective methodology for detecting and quantifying LCB based on the analysis of C atoms in β-position with respect to the branching point. By analyzing model ethylene/α-olefin copolymers bearing methyl, ethyl, butyl, hexyl or tetradecyl chain branches, we show how the C_β resonances can be used to discriminate between shorter or longer branches. Importantly, the proposed method allows the most critical discrimination between hexyl-type branches and LCB, with an up to three-fold detection enhancement with respect to previously proposed procedures based on the analysis of the methine carbons. The proposed approach is then tested on a representative industrial sample of HDPE, proving that it is suitable to detect very small amounts of LCB. Full article

The consumption of microalgae-based foods is growing due to their exceptional nutritional benefits and sustainable cultivation. However, their strong off-flavors and odors hinder their incorporation into food products. Lactic acid fermentation, a traditional method known for modifying bioactive and aromatic compounds, may address these challenges. This study aims to evaluate the impact of lactic acid fermentation on the aromatic profiles of four distinct Chlorella vulgaris biomasses, each varying in protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and pigment content. Six lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lcb. paracasei, Lcb. rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Leuconostoc citreum, were used for fermentation. All biomasses supported LAB growth, and their volatile profiles were analyzed via HS-SPME-GC-MS, revealing significant variability. Fermentation notably reduced concentrations of compounds responsible for off-flavors, such as aldehydes. Specifically, hexanal, associated with a green and leafy aroma, was significantly decreased. Lcb. paracasei UPCCO 2333 showed the most effective modulation of the volatile profile in Chlorella vulgaris, significantly reducing undesirable compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, and terpenes, while enhancing ester production. These results highlight lactic acid fermentation as an effective method to improve the sensory characteristics of C. vulgaris biomasses, enabling their broader use in innovative, nutritionally rich food products. Full article

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI), a key enzyme in cellulase complexes, is crucial for developing efficient enzymes for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomasses (LCB). Building on our previous discovery that Chaetomium thermophilum CBHI (C-CBH) exhibits significantly higher specific activity than Trichoderma reesei CBHI (T-CBH), systematic domain-swapping experiments were conducted to elucidate the structural determinants of catalytic efficiency in CBHI. Herein, the carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) of the CBHIs from Trichoderma reesei (T-CBH) and Chaetomium thermophilum (C-CBH) were interchanged and to obtain two chimeric mutants TC-CBH and CT-CBH. These four CBHs were expressed in T. reesei, and the enzyme properties were analyzed. Comparative characterization revealed that while module exchange preserved native temperature/pH adaptability, it significantly altered substrate specificity and catalytic performance. The CT-CBH variant was identified as the most efficient biocatalyst, exhibiting four key advantages over T-CBH: (1) protein expression levels that far exceed those of T-CBH, (2) specific activity enhanced by 2.6-fold (734.5 U/μM vs. 282.5 U/μM on MU-cellobiose), (3) superior degradation capacities for filter paper (1.6-fold) and xylan, and (4) improved binding affinity for crystalline cellulose. These findings establish cross-species domain engineering as a viable strategy for creating high-performance cellulases, providing both mechanistic insights and practical solutions for lignocellulose degradation. Full article

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a highly prevalent, burdensome sensorineural hearing loss closely associated with impaired autophagic influx. Our previous studies revealed that neuritin, a neurotrophic factor primarily expressed in the central nervous system, could alleviate drug-induced damages in hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons. However, its effects on ARHL and whether these effects are closely related to autophagy remain unclear. Using the Nrn1 knock-in mice and cultured cochlear basilar membrane (CBM) of the neonatal mouse, we show that neuritin could restore aging-associated hearing loss and alleviate senescence-associated damage in the cochlea. Overexpression of neuritin in support cells (SCs) alleviates the loss of cochlear HCs and nerve fibers, reducing the damage to spiral ganglion neurons and the shifts in ABR’s high-frequency threshold. Furthermore, conditional overexpression of neuritin in SCs improves autophagic influx by upregulating the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 type B (LCB3) protein and downregulating the expression of p21 protein. In cultured neonatal mouse CBM, neuritin administration significantly inhibits D-galactose-induced HC loss, cellular apoptosis, and ROS production and promotes autophagic influx. These effects were weakened when the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was added. In summary, our results confirm the therapeutic potential of neuritin treatment for ARHL. Full article

Carbon materials derived from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) precursors have emerged as sustainable and versatile candidates, exhibiting outstanding properties for energy storage applications. This study presents an innovative and cost-efficient approach to produce graphitic carbon from an LCB precursor (pinecone) using an optimized hydrothermal treatment process followed by carbonization and graphitization. The developed pinecone-derived graphitic carbon (PDGC) was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a graphitic phase, indicated by a sharp and intense (002) peak, decreased interplanar spacing (d₀₀₂), increased crystallite size (L_c~20.4 nm), and a high degree of graphitization (g~0.7), closely aligning with the characteristics of pure graphite. Additionally, TEM and SEM micrographs revealed a flake-like morphology with well-defined, continuous, and extended graphitic layers within the PDGC structure. The distinctive structural attributes of the developed material position it as a promising candidate for batteries and capacitors, while also serving as a model for converting LCB into advanced carbon materials. Full article

Background: Ceramide 2-aminoethylphosphonate (CAEP), a major sphingolipid class in mollusks, possesses unique structures that are not observed in other sphingolipids. CAEP has a carbon–phosphorus bond and unusual long-chain bases (LCBs). CAEP has been reported to exhibit nutritional functions, such as improving skin conditions and promoting cholesterol metabolism. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the role of dietary CAEP in the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and colon inflammation induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in mice. Methods: Five-week-old female Bagg Albino/c mice were divided into four groups (n = 11), which were treated with the respective experimental diet and DMH intraperitoneal injection nine times for ten weeks. The results obtained after administering CAEP were compared with those obtained after administering sphingomyelin (SPM), which is a major sphingolipid in mammal-derived foods. Results: The predominant LCB in the octopus-extracted CAEP was determined as hexadeca-4-sphingenine. Dietary CAEP suppressed the formation of ACF, and egg yolk-derived dietary SPM exerted a higher suppressive effect on the formation of ACF. Additionally, dietary CAEP suppressed the DMH-decreased expressions of two inflammation-related cytokines in the colon mucosa, whereas dietary SPM normalized the expressions of two cytokines different from those suppressed by CAEP. Conclusions: CAEP provides intestinal protection, with effects that differ from those of SPM. The polar head groups or LCBs in sphingolipids are important for determining their nutritional function in the intestine. The study findings contribute toward the understanding of the nutritional benefits of sphingolipids in daily diets or supplements in maintaining intestinal health. Full article

To achieve the required recycling rates, organic recycling via composting should be widely introduced in Poland for selectively collected biowaste. However, this process not only produces compost but also leachate (L_CB), a nitrogen- and organics-rich liquid by-product. So far there has been limited information on the application of anaerobic digestion (AD) for treating L_CB, which has fermentative potential. However, for effective methane production (MP) via AD, the ratio of chemical oxygen demand to total Kjeldahl nitrogen (COD/TKN) and pH of L_CB are too low; thus, it should be co-digested with other organics-rich waste, e.g., glycerine (G). The present study tested the effect of G content in feedstock (in the range of 3–5% (v/v)) on the effectiveness of co-digestion with L_CB, based on MP and the removal of COD. MP was accessed by using an automatic methane potential test system (AMPTS). Regardless of the feedstock composition (L_CB, or L_CB with G), the efficiency of COD removal was over 91%. Co-digestion not only increased MP by 6–15%, but also the methane content in the biogas by 4–14% compared to L_CB only (353 NL/kg COD_added, 55%). MP and COD removal proceeded in two phases. During co-digestion in the 1st phase, volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulated up to 2800 mg/L and the pH decreased below 6.8. The presence of G altered the shares of individual VFA and promoted the accumulation of propionic acid in contrast to L_CB only, where caproic acid predominated. An initial accumulation of propionic acid and acidification in the mixtures decreased the kinetic constants of MP (from 0.79 to 0.54 d⁻¹) and the rate of COD removal (from 2193 to 1603 mg/(L·d)). In the 2nd phase, the pH recovered, VFA concentrations decreased, and MP was no longer limited by these factors. However, it should be noted that excessive amounts of G, especially in reactors with constant feeding, may cause VFA accumulation to a greater extent and create a toxic environment for methanogens, inhibiting biogas production. In contrast, digestion of L_CB only may lead to ammonium buildup if the COD/TKN ratio of the feedstock is too low. Despite these limitations, the use of AD in the treatment of L_CB as a sustainable “closed-loop nutrient” technology closes the loop in composting of biowaste. Full article

Bile salt hydrolase (BSH; EC 3.5.1.24) is the microbial enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of primary bile acids (BAs) into secondary ones, promoting microbial adaptation and modulating several host’s biological functions. Probiotics with BSH activity are supposed to survive harsh intestinal conditions and exert a cholesterol-lowering effect. Here, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains (VB4 and VB1), isolated from the vaginal ecosystem, were submitted to a genomic survey, in vitro BSH activity, and BAs tolerance assay to unravel their probiotic potential as BAs modulators. The draft genomes of Lcb. rhamnosus VB4 and VB1 strains comprised 2769 and 2704 CDSs, respectively. Gene annotation revealed numerous strain-specific genes involved in metabolism and transport, as well as in DNA recombination. Each strain harbors a single bsh gene, encoding a C-N amide hydrolase, which conserved the essential residues required in the BSH core site. According to the results, compared to VB1, the VB4 strain tolerated better BAs stress and was more active in deconjugating BAs. However, BAs stress increased the bsh gene transcription in the VB1 strain but not in the VB4 strain, suggesting a partially nonlinear relationship between BSH activity and gene expression. In conclusion, despite the complexity of the BSH transcriptional system, the results support the VB4 strain as a promising BAs-deconjugating probiotic candidate. Full article

Recent advances in tunnel infrastructure have emphasized safety, operational efficiency and low operating costs. Modern tunnels are equipped with systems to improve both safety and operational performance. This study investigates the effect of tunnel lighting and vehicle breakdown scenarios on driver lane changing behaviour (LCB) using a driving simulator modelled on the third longest twin-tube tunnel. Data were collected from 125 drivers considering various driver characteristics with different lighting conditions and the presence of a stopped vehicle in a lane. The results show that drivers tend to slow down and change lanes more safely in response to red and flashing lights. In contrast, blue sky lights, which are designed to reduce stress and compare with other dangerous scenarios, had no significant effect on LCB. In addition, demographic factors such as gender and previous simulator experience played a role in influencing LCB tendencies. Female drivers and those familiar with simulators showed more cautious behaviour. The findings showed valuable insights into how tunnel lighting systems can improve safety. Results highlighted the potential for dynamic lighting and targeted driver training programs to improve tunnel safety. All these findings may contribute to ongoing efforts to improve traffic management and reduce accidents in tunnel environments. Full article