Search Results (88)

Hydropower remains one of the primary sources of power generation. It can be operated as either a base-load or peak-load plant due to its rapid, easy start-up and stop-down capability. However, power plants, old or new, need to be operated and maintained optimally to meet energy demand and maximise economic returns. While the older plants without digital controls such as the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system are unable to leverage the evolving technology including big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the newer plants or plants that already have some form of data acquisition system have the advantage of leveraging the newer platforms for efficient operation, monitoring and fault diagnosis. Thus, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a machine learning (ML) algorithm, was chosen for this case study to predict the generator’s operational stator temperature by selecting six parameters that could potentially affect it. Real data from the 336 MW Chhukha Hydropower Plant (CHP) in Bhutan were used to train the ANN. The prediction of temperature using an ANN in MATLAB^® yielded an R² (correlation coefficient) of 96.8%, which is impressive but can be further improved through various optimisation and tuning methods with increased data volume and complexity. The performance of ANN prediction was validated against other regression models, and the ANN was found to outperform them. This demonstrated its capability to predict and detect generator temperature faults before failures, thereby enhancing hydropower operation and maintenance (O&M) efficiency. The model’s interpretation was also done through Shapley Additive ExPlanations (SHAP). Full article

This study investigated the extraction of aluminum from aluminum silicate-rich coal ash from the ash-slag waste of the Almaty CHP-2 power station using microwave-assisted alkaline leaching. The high chemical stability of the quartz and mullite phases in the ash leads to high energy consumption during conventional acid–base treatment. To improve the kinetic parameters of the leaching process, amorphous graphite was therefore used as an active additive, which effectively absorbs microwave energy. The experiments were conducted in the temperature range of 50–200 °C, in 1–6 M NaOH solution, and over a period of 5–30 min. The amount of amorphous graphite varied between 5 and 20 wt%. The proportion of amorphous graphite varied between 5 and 20 wt%. Upon microwave irradiation, the graphite-free ash reached a temperature of 200 °C within approximately 12 min, whereas this temperature was reached in the system with 15% amorphous graphite after only 8–9 min. At low alkali concentrations (1–2 M NaOH), the aluminum transfer into solution in the graphite-free system was approximately 18%–35%. With increasing NaOH concentrations to 3–4 M, the aluminum removal efficiency increased to 38%–58%. Under the same temperature conditions, the leaching process was significantly accelerated by the addition of amorphous graphite; thus, at temperatures near 200 °C and in a 5–6 M NaOH solution, 70%–72% of aluminum was removed. The leaching kinetics were analyzed using the shrinking core model. The results showed that the apparent activation energy of the reaction decreased from 54 kJ/mol to 32 kJ/mol in the presence of graphite. These results suggest that microwave-assisted alkaline leaching in the presence of amorphous graphite is an energy-efficient and promising method for aluminum recovery from coal ash. Full article

Colombia generates large volumes of lignocellulosic residues from agriculture, forestry, and agro-industrial activities. Much of this material is landfilled, openly burned, or left to decompose. These practices drive greenhouse-gas emissions (methane and CO₂), particulate air pollution, water contamination, and pest proliferation. Therefore, this study focuses on the design, simulation, exergetic and economic analysis of lignocellulosic biorefinery schemes in Colombia using corn stover (CS) as feedstock. This approach thus turns an environmental liability into valuable resources. Mass and energy balances obtained from Aspen Plus V10^® were used to calculate exergy efficiency. Economic indicators were provided by the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA) V10^® software. The first scenario (SCE01) included xylitol, lignin, carbon dioxide, biogas, and biofertilizer production along with in situ ethanol co-production; for scenario 2 (SCE02), a cogeneration (CHP) stage using biogas and biofertilizer as fuel was added; in scenario 3 (SCE03), the ethanol production of scenarios 1 and 2 was replaced by glutamic acid production. The exergy efficiency results were as follows: SCE01 (60.1%), SCE02 (36.8%), SCE03 (37.5%). The largest exergy losses were found in the CHP system. In terms of economic viability, all scenarios showed favorable economic parameters. SCE03 showed better results with an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 28.01% and a Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 985.1 M compared to SCE01 (27.48%; USD 769.1 M) and SCE02 (27.13%; USD 643.1 M). In light of these results, the SCE03 approach represents the most attractive investment opportunity, with the potential to integrate the social and environmental pillars of sustainability by fostering rural economic development and CO₂ capture. Optimization strategies can be readily adopted to enhance the overall efficiency of the proposed model, enabling it to serve as a benchmark for scaling and comparing alternative lignocellulosic waste valorization pathways at a national level. Full article

This paper investigates three distinct hydrogen-related subsystems: production, storage, and the use. An analysis of the micro-combined heat and power production (mCHP) behavior using natural gas is conducted to understand how the system operates under different conditions and to evaluate its yearly performance. To reduce CO₂ emissions, hydrogen fuel consumption is proposed, and an emission analysis under different fuel-supply configurations is performed. The results show that hydrogen produced by artificial photosynthesis has the lowest CO₂ impact. Therefore, the paper examines this process and its main characteristics. An engineering model is proposed to rapidly estimate the mean volumetric hydrogen production rate. To ensure safe coupling between hydrogen production and mCHP demand, the study then focuses on solid-state hydrogen storage. Subsequently, in this framework, the state of charge (SOC) is defined as the central control variable linking storage thermodynamics to hydrogen delivery. Accurate SOC estimation ensures that the storage unit can supply the required hydrogen flow without causing starvation, pressure drops, or thermal drift during CHP operation. The proposed SOC estimation method is based on an analytical approach and experimentally validated while relying solely on external measurements. The overall objective is to enable a coherent, low-carbon, and safely controllable hydrogen-based mCHP system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer remains a major public health concern in India, with the Northeast Region (NER) reporting the country’s highest incidence rates. In Meghalaya, a predominantly tribal state, cultural beliefs, financial hardship, and limited healthcare access significantly affect cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes. This study explores the experiences and needs of cancer patients in Meghalaya, India, to inform culturally sensitive, patient-centred, and financially inclusive approaches to cancer care among tribal populations. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 19 participants (12 patients and 7 caregivers; in cases where patients were unable to communicate effectively due to physical weakness or treatment-related complications, their primary caregivers, those directly linked to the specific patients, were interviewed instead) receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, Shillong, between August and November 2023. In-depth interviews were conducted in Khasi, translated into English, and analysed thematically following COREQ guidelines. Results: Ten key themes emerged. Patients often attributed early symptoms to supernatural causes and sought traditional healers, delaying diagnosis. Many experienced fragmented care pathways, misinformation, and fear of treatment side effects. The financial burden was severe, with high out-of-pocket costs for travel, diagnostics, and medicines, despite partial relief through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme. Communication about costs between patients and providers was limited, leaving families unprepared for the expenses. Emotional distress, loss of livelihood, and dependence on family support were common, while faith and spirituality served as major coping mechanisms. Conclusions: Cancer care in Meghalaya is shaped by intertwined cultural, economic, and systemic barriers. Strengthening culturally tailored health education, decentralised diagnostic services, structured financial counselling, and cost transparency can improve care delivery. Future research should adopt multi-centre, longitudinal approaches to guide equitable, patient-centred cancer policies in tribal and rural settings. Full article

Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) technology efficiently harnesses solar energy by co-generating electricity and hot water. Unlike conventional PV systems, PV/T systems improve thermal utilization, cool PV modules, and prevent performance degradation caused by high temperatures. Among the various PV/T configurations, micro-channel heat pipe (MCHP) systems are prominent due to their ability to enhance heat transfer through the use of vacuum-filled, refrigerant-sealed MCHPs. This study explores how factors such as working fluid type, evaporation section heat flux, fill ratio, and condensation section length impact system performance. A 3D steady-state CFD model simulating phase-change heat transfer was developed to analyze thermal and electrical efficiencies. The results reveal that R134a outperforms acetone in heat transfer, with thermal resistance showing a significant decrease (from 0.5 °C·W⁻¹ at a 30% fill rate to 0.3 °C·W⁻¹ at a 70% fill rate) under varying heat source powers. The optimal fill ratio depends on the heat flux; for powers up to 70 W, the fill ratio ranges from 30% to 50%, while above 70 W, it shifts to 60–80%. Additionally, a longer condensation section reduces thermal resistance by up to 30% and enhances heat transfer efficiency, improving the overall system performance by 10%. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing MCHP PV/T systems for increased efficiency. Full article

Chlorpyrifos (CHP) is a persistent organophosphate pesticide whose presence in water poses serious ecological and health risks. Here, we report a sustainable adsorbent obtained by high-temperature carbonization of immature walnuts (Juglans regia). The adsorbent’s structure, surface chemistry, and charge properties were comprehensively characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, zeta potential measurement, BET analysis, and XPS. The synthesis yielded a mesoporous carbon material with a BET surface area of 303 m² g⁻¹. Its performance in CHP removal was assessed under batch and dynamic conditions. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (k₂ = 0.122 mg min⁻¹ g⁻¹; contact time 0–120 min). Isotherm experiments performed at 20, 25, and 30 °C, with equilibrium data best described by the Langmuir and Sips models, reaching a maximum capacity of 43.2 mg g⁻¹. Thermodynamic analysis indicated a spontaneous and endothermic process. The adsorbent demonstrated selectivity for CHP over chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) in binary mixtures, retained its efficiency over at least ten regeneration cycles with ethanol, and removed up to 90% of CHP toxicity, as measured by acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Dynamic filtration confirmed its applicability under flow conditions. These findings demonstrate that the investigated adsorbent is an effective, reusable, and selective adsorbent, offering a low-cost and eco-friendly approach to pesticide removal from contaminated waters. Full article

Background: Digital transformation is reshaping public organizations worldwide, yet in low-resource contexts, its success is constrained by weak infrastructure and governance. In India, programs such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the Aspirational Districts Programme rely on meso-level officers who act as key managerial intermediaries, but their organizational challenges remain understudied. Aim: This study examines sub-district health and nutrition officers’ experiences, organizational barriers, and adaptive strategies in implementing digital reforms. Methods: Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with Medical Officers in Charge (MOICs) and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) across urban, semi-urban, rural, and flood-prone blocks of Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Data were transcribed, translated, and thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s approach, informed by organizational and technology adoption theories. Results: Officers valued digital tools for transparency and real-time monitoring but faced systemic barriers, including hardware decay, poor connectivity, fragmented platforms, and limited fiscal autonomy. Despite these, they displayed managerial agency through informal infrastructures such as WhatsApp, peer mentoring, and parallel records. COVID-19 accelerated digital use while widening inequities. Conclusions: Meso-level officers are critical enablers of organizational resilience. Their experiences highlight how leadership, governance, and adaptive management shape digital transformation in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) alters lower limb biomechanics, often leading to an asymmetric plantar pressure distribution. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore joint function and may normalize plantar loading, but evidence from instrumented static pressure analysis is limited. The objective of this study was to compare static plantar pressure distributions before and after TKA in individuals with knee OA and in age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: A pre-post study was conducted on 77 individuals with severe knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4) who underwent TKA and 77 matched healthy controls. The plantar pressure area, average pressure, and maximal pressure were assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively using a Win-Track force platform. Standard postoperative rehabilitation was followed. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Compared with controls, pre-TKA patients presented significantly lower plantar pressure area, average pressure, and maximal pressure than controls (p < 0.001). At 6 and 12 months post-TKA, the plantar pressure area (p < 0.001) and average pressure (p = 0.001) improved significantly, with more balanced bilateral loading and increased forefoot weight transfer. At 12 months, no significant differences in any plantar pressure parameters remained between the TKA and control groups. Conclusions: Severe knee OA is associated with altered static plantar pressure patterns, characterized by reduced loading and asymmetry. TKA effectively restores plantar pressure distribution, achieving normalization within 12 months. The incorporation of plantar pressure assessment into pre- and postoperative care may guide targeted rehabilitation and enhance functional recovery. Full article

Background: In low-resource health systems, official mHealth platforms often face usability and infrastructure barriers. In India, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their supervisors have pragmatically turned to WhatsApp as an informal digital infrastructure. While widely adopted, its dual role as both a support system and a source of burden remains underexplored. Aim: To examine the patterns and purposes of WhatsApp use among CHWs and block-level supervisors; to identify perceived benefits, barriers, and risks; and to assess its influence on workflow, power relations, digital equity, and program outcomes in an Indian Aspirational District. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study between June and December 2023 in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. Data comprised 32 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions with CHWs (Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs, ANMs) and block-level public health officers (total participants n = 81). We used reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s approach; reporting adhered to the COREQ guideline. Results: WhatsApp emerged as a de facto digital backbone for real-time communication, peer support, and program supervision, often perceived as more usable than official applications. Its informal adoption also created a triple burden: digital fatigue from information overload and blurred work–life boundaries; duplication of reporting across WhatsApp and official portals; and systemic inequities that disadvantaged older or less digitally literate CHWs, with risks of surveillance creep and data privacy breaches. Conclusion: WhatsApp simultaneously enables coordination and imposes workload and equity costs on India’s frontline workforce. Without formal policy and governance, this user-driven adaptation risks widening digital divides and accelerating burnout. We recommend clear protocols on purpose-limited use, investments in equitable digital capability and devices, and safeguards that protect worker well-being and data privacy. Full article

Background: This network meta-analysis aimed to assess the relative efficacy of macronutrient dietary groups with varying carbohydrate, fat, and protein ratios on weight control and cardiovascular risk factors improvement in adults. Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to 30 November 2024, as well as reference lists of related systematic reviews. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. The changes in body weight, blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were the study outcomes. Utilizing a Bayesian framework, a series of random-effects network meta-analyses were conducted to estimate mean difference (MD) with 95% credible interval (CrI) and determine the relative effectiveness of the macronutrient dietary groups. The quality of evidence for each pair of dietary groups was assessed based on the online tool called confidence in network meta-analysis (CINeMA). Results: This study initially identified 14,988 studies and ultimately included 66 eligible RCTs involving 4301 participants in the analysis. The very low carbohydrate–low protein (VLCLP, MD −4.10 kg, 95% CrI −6.70 to −1.54), the moderate carbohydrate–high protein (MCHP, MD −1.51 kg, 95% CrI −2.90 to −0.20), the very low carbohydrate–high protein (VLCHP, MD −1.35 kg, 95% CrI −2.52 to −0.26) dietary groups might lead to weight loss compared with the moderate fat–low protein (MFLP) dietary group. Among the dietary groups relative to the MFLP dietary group, the moderate carbohydrate–low protein (MCLP, MD 0.09 mmol/L, 95% CrI 0.02 to 0.16) and VLCHP (MD 0.16 mmol/L, 95% CrI 0.08 to 0.24) dietary groups were less effective in lowering HDL cholesterol, and the VLCHP (MD 0.50 mmol/L, 95% CrI 0.26 to 0.75) dietary group was less effective in lowering LDL cholesterol. In terms of triglyceride reduction, the MCLP (MD −0.33 mmol/L, 95% CrI −0.44 to −0.22), VLCHP (MD −0.31 mmol/L, 95% CrI −0.42 to −0.18), VLCLP (MD −0.14 mmol/L, 95% CrI −0.25 to −0.02), and moderate fat–high protein (MFHP, MD −0.13 mmol/L, 95% CrI −0.21 to −0.06) dietary groups were more efficacious than the MFLP dietary group, while any pair of dietary group interventions showed minimal to no difference in the effects on blood glucose, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. Conclusions: High or moderate certainty evidence reveals that the VLCLP dietary group is the most appropriate for weight loss, while the MCLP dietary group is best for reducing triglycerides. For control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, there is little to no difference between macronutrient dietary groups. Additionally, future studies in normal-weight populations are needed to verify the applicability of our findings. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding a chitosan/perlite (Ch/P) carrier to anaerobic digestion (AD) on the efficiency and kinetics of the process, as well as the directional changes in the bacterial microbiome. A carrier with this composition was applied in the AD process for the first time. A laboratory experiment using wafer waste (WF) and cheese (CE) waste was conducted under mesophilic conditions. The analysis of physico-chemical properties confirmed the suitability of the tested carrier material for anaerobic digestion. Both components influenced the microstructural characteristics of the carrier: perlite contributed to the development of specific surface area, while chitosan determined the porosity of the system. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), the study examined how the additive affected the genetic diversity of bacterial communities. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the degradation rate depended on both the carrier and the substrate type. Consequently, the presence of the carrier led to an increase in the volume of biogas and methane produced. The volume of methane for the wafer waste (WF–control) increased from 351.72 m³ Mg⁻¹ (VS) to 410.74 m³ Mg⁻¹ (VS), while for the cosubstrate sample (wafer and cheese, WFC–control), it increased from 476.84 m³ Mg⁻¹ (VS) to 588.55 m³ Mg⁻¹ (VS). Full article

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common RCC subtype, displays significant intratumoral heterogeneity driven by metabolic reprogramming, which complicates our understanding of disease progression and limits treatment efficacy. This study aimed to construct a comprehensive cellular and transcriptional landscape of ccRCC, with emphasis on gene expression dynamics during malignant progression. An integrated analysis of 90 scRNA-seq samples comprising 534,227 cells revealed a progressive downregulation of sodium ion transport-related genes, particularly CHP1 (calcineurin B homologous protein isoform 1), which is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells. Reduced CHP1 expression was confirmed at both mRNA and protein levels using bulk RNA-seq, CPTAC proteomics, immunohistochemistry, and ccRCC cell lines. Survival analysis showed that high CHP1 expression correlated with improved prognosis. Functional analyses, including pseudotime trajectory, Mfuzz clustering, and cell–cell communication modeling, indicated that CHP1⁺ epithelial cells engage in immune interaction via PPIA–BSG signaling. Transcriptomic profiling and molecular docking suggested that CHP1 modulates amino acid transport through SLC38A1. ZNF460 was identified as a potential transcription factor of CHP1. Virtual screening identified arbutin and imatinib mesylate as candidate CHP1-targeting compounds. These findings establish CHP1 downregulation as a novel molecular feature of ccRCC progression and support its utility as a prognostic biomarker. Full article

Background: Choroid plexus is a complex structure in the human brain that is responsible for the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cerebrospinal fluid. Few studies to date have generated choroid plexus (ChP) organoids differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and analyzed their secreted EVs. The scalable Vertical-Wheel bioreactors (VWBRs) provide low shear stress and a controlled environment. Methods: This study utilized VWBRs for the differentiation of hiPSCs into ChP organoids and generation of the secreted EVs compared to a static culture. Additionally, this study loaded curcumin into ChP organoid-derived EVs, performed EV lyophilization, and determined the ability of the re-hydrated EVs to alleviate neuro-inflammation. Results: The results demonstrated that the VWBR culture exhibited more aerobic metabolism and active glucose and glutamine consumption than the static control. Consequently, the ChP markers and Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport-dependent and -independent EV biogenesis genes were significantly upregulated (2–3-fold) in the VWBR, producing four-fold-higher EVs per mL media than the static control. The EVs retained similar size and zeta potential after lyophilization and re-hydration. The cells exposed to amyloid beta 42 oligomers and treated with the curcumin-loaded re-hydrated EVs showed high viability and the reduced inflammatory response determined by TNF-α and IL-6 expression. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a scalable bioreactor system to promote ChP organoid differentiation and generation of EV-based cell-free therapeutics to treat neural inflammation in various neurological disorders. Full article

Diffuse interstitial lung diseases (ILD) include conditions with identifiable causes such as chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP), sarcoidosis (SAR), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), and connective tissue disease-associated interstitial pneumonia (CTD), as well as idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) of unknown origin. In non-IIP diffuse lung diseases, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid appearance is diagnostic. This study examines lymphocyte subsets in BAL fluid and peripheral blood of 56 patients with diffuse ILD, excluding idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), who underwent BAL for diagnostic purposes. Patients were classified into CEP, SAR, CHP, CTD, and IIP groups, and clinical data, BAL cell analysis, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell analysis were compared. Eosinophils and type 3 innate lymphocytes (ILC3s) were significantly increased in the BAL fluid of the CEP group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified eosinophils ≥ 8% in BAL cells and ILC3s ≥ 0.0176% in the BAL lymphocyte fraction as thresholds distinguishing CEP. SAR patients exhibited significantly elevated CD4/CD8 ratios in the BAL fluid, with a ratio of 3.95 or higher and type 1 innate lymphoid cell frequency ≥ 0.254% as differentiation markers. High Th1 cell frequency (≥17.4%) in BAL lymphocytes in IIP, elevated serum KL-6 (≥2081 U/mL) and SP-D (≥261 ng/mL) in CHP, and increased BAL neutrophils (≥2.0%) or a low CD4/CD8 ratio (≤1.2) in CTD serve as distinguishing markers for each ILD. Excluding CEP and SAR, CD4⁺ T cell frequencies, including Th1, Th17, and Treg cells in peripheral blood, may differentiate IIP, CHP, and CTD. Full article