Search

This study explores the possibility of utilizing green butanol, a promising type of biofuel, in diesel engines to measure its impact on engine performance and emissions. Experimental data were collected on several parameters, including brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), exhaust gas temperature, all of which are influenced by the biofuel type used, in this case, butanol. The study examined emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and smoke opacity. Such emissions have the potential to improve with the use of different biofuels ratios, such as butanol. Advanced machine learning techniques, Elman and Cascade Neural Networks, were employed to predict the performance and emission characteristics of engines using butanol. The models were trained using a Conjugate Gradient Learning Function with Polak-Ribière Restarts to simulate the effects of butanol as biofuel, on diesel engines. Key findings revealed that when incorporating butanol into diesel fuel blends, potential improvements in BTE and fuel efficiency were observed. Notably, using butanol as a biofuel reduced exhaust gas temperatures and CO emissions, demonstrating the potential of this particular biofuel. Conversely, there were observed increases in HC emissions and smoke opacity, signifying the complexities of using biofuels such as butanol. Cascade neural network proved to be highly accurate in predicting engine performance parameters fueled with butanol as biofuel. Overall, the study offers valuable insights into the use of butanol as a biofuel, its potential benefits, and challenges, underscoring the importance of continuous research in sustainable biofuels such as butanol.

This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Vernonia Amygdalina extract (VAEE) in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) induced by azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) in mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The study utilized a mouse model of CRC to assess the impact of VAEE on pathological markers, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress. Phytochemical profiling of VAEE was conducted using LC-HRMS, focusing on phenolic compounds. The extract's antioxidant activity was quantified, and its safety profile was verified through acute toxicity assessments. VAEE significantly mitigated the AOM/DSS-induced reduction in colon length and weight loss in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. VAEE also demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and did not adversely affect blood, kidney, or liver biomarkers, confirming its non-toxicity. Protein-protein interaction analysis suggested VAEE's role in inhibiting inflammatory markers, including COX-2, IL-18, and NF-kB. Molecular docking results supported the extract's affinity for these proteins, indicating potential as a COX-2 inhibitor. VAEE exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticarcinogenic properties against CRC, with a favorable safety profile. These findings advocate for the integration of VAEE as a novel therapeutic agent in CRC treatment. Further investigations into its molecular mechanisms and long-term effects are warranted to facilitate clinical translation.

Accessibility remains an area of concern in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) design, which involves the integrated planning of transportation and land use. Most of the research has focused on accessibility as the movement using public transportation from one transit node to another, which can be defined as external accessibility. This study uses two accessibility definitions—external and internal accessibility. Internal accessibility defined as mobility using non-motorized transportation in transit node. Along with TOD definition, the non-motorized transportation is a major influencing factor in TOD area. Value creation, which is the process of enhancing value or price to increase efficiency, is derived from land use based on the real price of land and buildings. Value creation might be used as an option for self-financing the TOD area. This paper also uses two methodologies—the TOD index calculation in several Jakarta transit areas and a value creation analysis. The relationship between the TOD index and value creation is tested using regression analysis. The results of the study demonstrate that internal accessibility planning in TOD is crucial, as it contributes 40 % to the TOD index. The model, which suggests exponential correlation, demonstrates that the correlation between internal accessibility and value creation (R2 = 0.8430) is the best compared to the correlation between value creation and TOD index (R2 = 0.7969) and the correlation between external accessibility and value creation (R2 = 0.6739). The results are beneficial for urban and transportation planners, as enhanced internal accessibility increases value creation in TOD.

The study evaluated the sex-estimative capabilities of the digital radiogrametric linear dimensions of the metacarpals, proximal, middle, and distal phalanges of a Nigerian population. One hundred adults (50 male and 50 female) computed x-ray images of the right hand, obtained from 7 radiologic centres in different hospitals in Kwara and Lagos State were used for the study. Linear dimensions (length alone) of each bone were digitally measured (in millimetres; mm) from the apex to the base using MicroDicom Viewer (Version 3.1.4). The data were entered and managed into Microsoft excel (2016) and imported into SPSS Version 23 (IBM® Armonk, USA) for analysis. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) was used to evaluate the sex-discriminatory characteristics of the different bone dimensions (confidence level was set at 95 %; p < 0.05 was taken to be significant). The result showed that only the metacarpals (M_1D - M_5D) and Proximal phalanges (PP_3D - PP_5D) exhibited significant sex differences (P < 0.05), and was entered into the DFA model. (P> 0.05). The canonical correlations (CC) were 0.523 ([R2[M] = 27.3 %]; with Wilks’ Lambda Λ = 0.727, P = 0.000) and 0.428 ([R2[PP] = 18.3 %]; with Wilks’ Lambda Λ = 0.817, P = 0.002) for the metacarpals and proximal phalanges respectively. After cross-validation, accurate classification into group membership (sex) was achieved with an accuracy of 69.0 % using the metacarpals and 66.0 % using the proximal phalanges. Therefore, it can be concluded that the segregated skeletal finger dimensions are not very reliable as a stand-alone anatomical structure for sex-discrimination, but could serve as an adjunct during biological profiling in human identification.