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This article traces the fragments and afterlife of the colonial rail as a material object in Tanzania. The rail was a tool for exploitation and proper control of the colony. The rails changed the land. The land was shaped and reshaped to accommodate the rail and aid the colonial project. As the colonial project ended, it marked the start of the demise of the railways and its ultimate abandonment. However, as ruins, the rail has continued affecting people and the Tanzania landscapes in various ways. This article collects fragments and the effects of the rail, both visible and beyond the ruination of the rail itself.Este artigo traça os fragmentos e a vida após a morte da ferrovia colonial como um objeto material na Tanzânia. A ferrovia foi um instrumento de exploração e de controle real da colônia. As estradas de ferro mudaram a terra. A terra foi moldada e remodelada para acomodar as estradas de ferro e auxiliar o projeto colonial. O término do projeto colonial marcou o início do fim da ferrovia e seu abandono definitivo. No entanto, como ruína, a ferrovia continuou afetando as pessoas e as paisagens da Tanzânia de várias maneiras. Este artigo coleta os fragmentos e os efeitos das estradas de ferro, tanto visíveis quanto além da ruína da própria ferrovia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its proximity to coastal South America and settlement during the early phase of insular Caribbean occupation, Curaçao's archaeological record offers potential evidence for early overwater exploration and regional interaction. Here, we report new accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates on charcoal from C-1426 at Saliña Sint Marie, an Archaic rockshelter site that extends Curaçao's occupation back to 5735–5600 cal BP, some 290–850 years earlier than the established settlement chronology. This finding makes the C-1426 rockshelter Curaçao's earliest known archaeological site and among the oldest in the insular Caribbean. We describe the site and the archaeological context of dating and conclude by considering the implications of Curaçao's revised occupation chronology for initial Caribbean settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of biomass-coal mixtures into energy using thermal conversion systems offers a more environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional coal consumption. A reactor with an internal compartment is proposed to improve the pyrolysis performance of lignite coal and mixtures of lignite coal with peanut shells. The study investigates lignite coal with varying moisture contents and peanut shell proportions (0%, 10%, 25%, and 50%) at a temperature of 500°C, using a heating rate of 0.1°C/s. The results indicated that dry mixtures demonstrated higher overall productivity compared to wet mixtures, particularly in terms of charcoal production. The weight of charcoal increased by 4.83%, 4.71%, 4.02%, and 2.61% across the mixtures. The total conversion rates for dry mixtures were 24.59%, 29.27%, 34.36%, and 40.44%, while for wet mixtures, the conversion rates were 29.42%, 33.98%, 38.38%, and 43.05%, respectively. The results revealed that moisture content during pyrolysis significantly influenced the productivity of lignite and lignite-peanut shell mixtures. The conversion rates in dry mixtures were lower compared to those in wet mixtures. The novelty of this work lies in its pioneering investigation of the impact of moisture on the slow pyrolysis of Turkish lignite mixed with peanut shells. It offers novel insights into optimizing the thermal conversion process for these materials by uniquely examining the effects of moisture on productivity and conversion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of bamboo charcoal (BBC) and coconut shell charcoal (CSC) on the adsorption and degradation of 3,5-dichloroaniline (3,5-DCA) in soil were investigated by batch equilibrium and soil incubation experiments. The pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of BBC and CSC on the uptake and bioaccumulation of 3,5-DCA in chives (Allium ascalonicum). The adsorption capacity of CSC and BBC to 3,5-DCA depended on their specific surface area and total pore volume, and the adsorption mechanism was mainly physical. Two types of biochar delayed the degradation of 3, 5-DCA in the soil and were positively correlated with their dose. Biochar effectively alleviated the negative effects of 3,5-DCA on plant height and fresh weight of chive, with a decreasing order of CSC > BBC. Compared with the control, the accumulation of 3,5-DCA in chives decreased by 36.44% ~ 65.70% and 36.05% ~ 68.12%, respectively, with the addition of 0.1% ~ 1.0% BBC and CSC. These two types of biochar increased the adsorption capacity and persistence of 3,5-DCA in soil but alleviated biotoxicity and reduced accumulation in chive plants. CSC promises greater potential than BBC for remediation of 3,5-DCA contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe study of the variations in Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of charcoal rot, is critical in understanding the ecology of the isolates and the epidemiology of the diseases they cause. This study sought to identify and characterize M. phaseolina isolates using both molecular and morphological approaches and to determine the virulence of the isolates. Macrophomina phaseolina was isolated from cowpea-diseased stem tissues. Eleven M. phaseolina isolates from the major cowpea growing areas (Manga, Nyankpala, Yendi, Damongo, Tumu, Wa, Akomadan and Ejura) were morphologically and molecularly characterized. DNA of the M. phaseolina isolates were amplified using species-specific PCR primers MpKF1 (5'-CCGCCAGAGGACTATCAAAC-3') and MpKR1 (5'-CGTCCGAAGCGAGGTGTATT-3') and sequencing of the M. phaseolina specific amplicons was obtained. This was followed by searching against the NCBI nucleotide sequence database. Isolates were tested for their pathogenicity on a susceptible cowpea cultivar (IT97K-499-35). Virulence of the M. phaseolina isolates was expressed as the percentage of sown seeds that expressed seed rot and damping-off symptoms 14 days after planting. All isolates were confirmed as M. phaseolina based on the amplicon size obtained, and the sequenced amplicons showed an average of 99% homology to the available M. phaseolina sequences. The radial growth of isolates and the percentage of seed rot and damping off they caused on the IT97K-499-35 cultivar varied significantly. The percentage seed rot and damping off were positively correlated (r = 0.74 and 0.75) with the radial growth and colour intensity of the isolates, respectively. Macrophomina phaseolina infection and disease expression may be predicted by the colour and colour intensity of isolates as well as cowpea genotypes. Isolate Mp_3Mc (dense black colour) was the most virulent while isolate Mp_6Ec (grey colour) was the least virulent, resulting in 76.7% and 26.7% seed rot and damping off, respectively. The three clades resolved through the phylogenetic tree matched the distinct colour types of M. phaseolina which correlated with virulence. Isolates of M. phaseolina are diverse and differ in their pathogenicity. Efforts must be geared towards developing cowpea varieties that have resistance to charcoal rot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon filters are used for the removal of hazardous gases from the air. This research applied vibrational spectroscopy methods, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy to characterize hydrogen sulfide adsorption on impregnated carbon materials with metals having reactivity toward hydrogen sulfide. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results demonstrated the formation of a new chemical bond between the impregnating metals and the sulfur, indicated by the appearance of a new band at 618 cm−1. The Raman spectra results showed that for the copper-impregnated activated carbon with the highest hydrogen sulfide adsorption capacity, a new vibrational band at 475 cm−1 evolved, indicating a copper-sulfur bond. In addition, upshifts in the carbon D sub-bands were observed after efficient hydrogen sulfide adsorption, along with a larger area of the approximately 1500 cm−1 band. Therefore, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy combination can potentially indicate H2S adsorption on impregnated activated carbon filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the symbiotic potential of Jatropha curcas and Reutealis trisperma with two isolates of dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungi (Cladosporium sp. and Rhyzopycnis vagum) grown on gold mine tailings media based on their ability to remediate Pb and their morphological, physiological, and anatomical changes. The targeted plants were grown for 12 weeks on different media contained mixed soil and compost, gold mine tailings, and tailing with additional charcoal. The result showed that DSE inoculation increased the height of J. curcas up to 24.1% in contaminated soil compared to control treatment without DSE. All DSE fungi were able to colonize both root plant even under gold mine tailing treatment. DSE inoculation increased chlorophyll content of both plants ranging from 11% to 33% compared to the plants without DSE. Jatropha curcas inoculated with DSE had the potential to be used as phytoremediation plant with a phytoextraction mechanism indicated by higher translocation factor (TF) value. Meanwhile, the R. trisperma was able to be used for phytoremediation categorized as phytostabilization due to lower TF values. The results of this study highlighted the possible role of the DSE symbiotic with J. curcas and R. trisperma to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation in contaminated lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, which presents pollen, charcoal, and 'soot'-particle records from a lacustrine sediment core, the development of the cultural landscape around Lake Dalkarby träsk on the Åland Islands in Finland is scrutinised and discussed within a broad temporal setting in order to clarify the long-term interplay between the environment and human activities in this part of the archipelago. Special emphasis is given to the transition period from the Late Iron Age to medieval times due to the dominating humanistic discourse on the settlement dynamics in this region, as in the Åland archipelago in general, arguing for an approximately 150-years-long hiatus in habitation between these two periods, from AD 1050 to 1200. Our results do not support the hiatus theories but show a long and continuous history of the utilisation of land and forest resources starting from prehistoric times. The forests were first cleared with fire for slash-and-burn cultivation. Thereafter, structural diversity in the landscape started to increase. By 1240, the pollen data portrays a picture of a developed agrarian community with a subsistence economy based on arable farming and animal husbandry in which hemp seems to play a substantial part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising technology for recovering energy in wastewater through bacterial metabolism. However, it always suffers from low power density and electron transfer efficiency, restricting the application. This study fabricated the MnCo2S4–Co4S3/bamboo charcoal (MCS-CS/BC) through an easy one-step hydrothermal method, and the material was applied to carbon felt (CF) to form high-performance MFC anode. MCS-CS/BC-CF anode exhibited lower Rct (10.1 Ω) than BC-CF (17.24 Ω) and CF anode (116.1 Ω), exhibiting higher electrochemical activity. MCS-CS/BC-CF anode promoted the electron transfer rate and resulted in enhanced power density, which was 9.27 times higher (980 mW m−2) than the bare CF (105.7 mW m−2). MCS-CS/BC-CF anode showed the best biocompatibility which attracted distinctly larger biomass (146.27 mg/μL) than CF (20 mg/μL) and BC-CF anode (20.1 mg/μL). The typical exoelectrogens (Geobacter and etc.) took dramatically higher proportion on MCS-CS/BC-CF anode (59.78%) than CF (2.99%) and BC-CF anode (26.67%). In addition, MCS-CS/BC stimulated the synergistic effect between exoelectrogens and fermentative bacteria, greatly favouring the extracellular electron transfer rate between bacteria and the anode and the power output. This study presented an efficient way of high-performance anode electrocatalyst fabrication for stimulating MFC power generation, giving suggestions for high-efficient energy recovery from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weights of light fraction organic matter (LF) separated from soils using saturated CaCl2 solution (1.4 g cm−3) were compared to those separated using NaI solution (1.6 g cm−3 and 1.4 g cm−3) to examine the possibility of using CaCl2 solution for LF separation, to examine more cost-effective LF separation procedure. In terms of the recovery weight and carbon and nitrogen content, the LF characteristics of 19 samples of the plow layer or A horizon soils separated using CaCl2 solution were similar to those of LF separated using NaI solution (1.6 g cm−3), which is commonly used for LF analysis. These results suggest that CaCl2 solution could be used for LF analysis. The applicability of the CaCl2 separation procedure for the analysis of LF from soil containing charcoal material was further confirmed by examining another set of 16 samples of the plow layer. The recovery weights of LF from soil containing organic matter and charcoal material with CaCl2 solution were similar to those with sodium polytungstate (1.6 g cm−3), which is conventionally used not only for LF but also for charcoal material separation from soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive-oxygen-species are produced more often in the body when bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting-substance, is present. In this investigation, bio-sorbents from an aqueous solution adapted from Aloe-vera were used to survey BPA removal. Aloe-vera leaf wastes were used to create activated carbon, which was then analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Zeta potential, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) techniques. It was revealed that the adsorption process adheres to the Freundlich isotherm model with R2>0.96 and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with R2>0.99 under ideal conditions (pH = 3, contact time = 45 min, concentration of BPA = 20 mg.L−1, and concentration of the adsorbent = 2 g.L−1). After five-cycle, the efficacy of removal was greater than 70%. The removal of phenolic-chemicals from industrial-effluent can be accomplished with the assistance of this adsorbent in a cost-effective and effective-approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Washington State in the US, the story of the Washington Department of Natural Resources' (WA DNR) work to manage increased wildfire threat and the resulting internal and external shifts in agency policy and practices is the subject of this analysis. A narrative policy framework is a lens adopted to examine how the elected leadership of the agency sought to institute adaptive change and increase available resources to implement such change through the initiation and support of a key piece of legislation and through strategic shifts in its land management emphasis. These changes were initiated to increase agency land management and firefighting capacity while not abandoning its long-standing mandate to generate financial returns for the State trusts. Although the implementation of these policy changes is in an initial stage, we suggest the lessons from these shifts in policy and practice are relevant to many other land management agencies facing similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient sequestration of radioiodine is one of the challenging tasks in nuclear establishment due to the radio-pharmaceutical applications as well as radiation release into environment point of view. In the present manuscript, an efficient and simple sequestration has been reported by triethylene diamine (TEDA)-functionalized Ag-activated charcoal, and the separation characteristics were compared to the virgin charcoal and Ag-activated charcoal. The kd values at 3 M HNO3 were found to follow the trend TEDA+Ag-activated charcoal > Ag-activated charcoal > charcoal. Pseudo-second-order kinetics was found to be predominating. Chemisorption involving Langmuir isotherm was operative with good sorption capacity (99.4 mg g−1). The sorption processes were found to be endothermic but spontaneous (ΔGTEDA+Ag activated charcoal~ −14.41 kJ mol−1, ΔGAg activated charcoal ~ -14.35 kJ mol−1 and ΔGActivated charcoal ~ -14.34 kJ mol−1). Though functionalization improved the separation efficiency, the radiological robustness was only moderate. Sodium thiosulfate as aqueous complexing agent was utilized for effective back extraction of iodine from loaded sorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text provides information about Montebrasite, a lithium aluminum phosphate mineral, and the Montebras tin mine in Creuse, France. Montebrasite was named after the quarry where it was discovered, which has a long history of mining phosphate minerals since pre-Roman times. The quarry remains active and is popular among collectors. The Montebras tin mine, rediscovered in 1858, has been owned by Imerys since 2005 and primarily mines white albitic leucogranite for ceramics. The mine employs local residents and is located near the hamlet of Montebras. The text acknowledges the contributions of several individuals in creating and improving the manuscript, which draws from French-language publications. [Extracted from the article]

Eva Obodo's recent art exhibition at the kó gallery in Lagos showcased his works in textile art, which explore various aspects of social life in Nigeria. Obodo, a contemporary Nigerian artist and sculptor, incorporates techniques such as tying, stretching, and twisting materials to create extraordinary pieces. His works address social and political issues in postcolonial Africa, using materials like jute, fabric, and charcoal. The exhibition reflects the artist's sensitivity to the socio-political climate in Nigeria, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obodo's works challenge viewers to reflect on leadership challenges and the need for credibility, competence, and courage in society. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper charcoals from the Syrian sites Tell Mozan and Tell Jerablus are investigated to understand the impact of 4th to 2nd millennium BC settlement on the vegetation. Charcoals from these sites have been identified and oak fragments have been measured for their maximal diameter and annual ring widths. Our results show that while oak had reached its maximal expansion in the Mid-Holocene, and vegetation in the Euphrates Valley was lusher than today, strong anthropogenic impact on the vegetation was occurring, probably already prior to the Late Chalcolithic period. Due to potentially enormous herds of sheep and goat, and possibly large-scale agriculture with perhaps some understory cropping, oak was growing very slowly, to the degree that it must often have had a shrub-like appearance. People did not apply systematic oak woodland management practices, such as coppicing or pollarding. They used dung as an additional fuel, probably to cover for shortages in wood resources. The land appears to have been used both intensively and extensively to a degree that was not sustainable in the long term. This, combined with aridity impact on the oak, probably led to a decrease in oak proportion at Mozan in the Middle Bronze Age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties remain regarding the carbon (C) loss due to scarification in afforested lichen woodlands (LW), which originate from regeneration failures of closed-crown black spruce- feathermoss stands due to compounded disturbances. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the C stock changes in the forest floor of scarified, unharvested LWs. Ten afforestation trials were established from 1999 to 2014 in LWs in the managed boreal forest of Québec. Ground surface layers were sampled in 2017 for different microsites. From 3 to 18 years after treatment, scarified floors exhibited ≈ 2 Mg ha−1 C loss, due to opposite trends in the furrow and ridge microsites. Both gradually approached the undisturbed C density level of forest floor between furrow pairs and between skidder trails microsites without reaching it after 18 years. This suggests that microsite C density continued to evolve afterward, and that losses due to scarification might be recovered, due to a higher potential gain in the furrow microsites combined with a lower expected loss in the ridge microsites. Carbon managers should use a permanent 2 Mg ha−1 C loss in the forest floor due to scarification in LWs, acknowledging that this is offset by the growth of planted trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of steel in concrete has become a challenge as the emissions of carbon monoxide during steel production pollute the environment. The use of a conventional method of reinforcement has many limitations that still affect the total arrest of the concrete issue. This research aims to identify ways in which concrete strength can be improved without the conventional method. The objective of this research was to investigate the compressive strength (fc), slump value, water absorption, and density of basalt fiber hybridized concrete. Experimental methods were used where a total number of 36 concrete cube specimens were prepared. It was discovered that hybrid fiber concrete (B4) obtained the highest fc on days 7, 14, and 28 of curing at 14.473, 17.844, and 24.632N/mm², respectively while on day 28, the fc of concrete mixes B1 was 9.330 N/mm², B2 was 16.780N/mm², B3 was 13.991N/mm². Hybrid fiber concrete (B4) obtained a slump value of 50 mm which is higher than the other concrete mix with B1 obtaining 25 mm which is the lowest slump value. The concrete B3 had the lowest density of 1931 kg/m³ followed by B4 concrete with 2047 kg/m³ while B2 had the highest density of 2099 kg/m³. Concrete mix B1 had the highest water absorption rate of 3.5% while B4 had the lowest water absorption rate of 1.4%. In general, B4 proved to offer better advantages over the other concrete mixes and can for flooring and crack resistance and curing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decayed wood occurs relatively frequently in charcoal assemblages from Iron Age sites in northwest Iberia, and the presence of fungal hyphae and wood-borer galleries has been identified in charred wood remains from different kinds of archaeological contexts. This study analysed the evidence of decayed wood, as a result of fungal and insect attack, including the affected taxa and other dendrological attributes, their association with firewood remains or evidence of wooden crafts and other contextual evidence, from nine Iron Age sites. The data available to date indicate that Corylus avellana, Quercus sp. deciduous, Alnus sp. and Fabaceae have been affected the most by the action of fungus and wood-borers, and evidence of xylophagous activity is correlated with the occurrence of fire events and/or the presence of worked wood. This paper highlights the potential of combining taxonomical identification with taphonomical and dendrological attributes to understand the processes of wood degradation in archaeological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a summary of the technological advances in the British iron industry. The major changes were the transition from the use of charcoal as fuel to mineral coal (or coke), first in blast furnace producing pig iron and then in producing (malleable) bar iron. Allied to this is the application of the reverberatory (or air) furnace first to foundry work and then to fining iron, ultimately in puddling furnaces. The ability to abandon charcoal as fuel in both sectors released the great expansion in iron production of the industrial revolution. Article History Received 27 September 2023; Accepted 20 December 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of thiocyanate (SCN−), which is widely used in many industrial processes is of concern due to this toxicity. In this work, the potential of polyaniline-coated charcoal ash (PANI-CCA) as a low-cost and efficient adsorbent was evaluated in order to remove thiocyanate ions from aqueous solution. Morphologies and chemical composition of the PANI-CCAhave been examined by using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRD). Batch experiments were performed to examine the effects of operating conditions such as pH (6.0–10.0), ash dosage (0–0.30 g/50 ml), initial dye concentration (50–1500 mg/L), agitation period (2.5 min-24 hr) and temperature (25–60 C). The efficiency of adsorption process was evaluated by applyingLangmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Halsey isotherm models. Among the performed isotherm models, Freundlich isotherm provided the best correlation for SCN ions onto PANI-CCAand the Freundlich constant related to the sorption capacity was calculated as 7.69 mg/g at an initial pH of 8.7 for the 50–1500 mg/L SCN- at 25°C.Thermodynamic parameters were calculated as ΔG = 1.95–1.57 kJ/mol, ΔH = −4.66 kJ/mol, and ΔS = −0.0094 kJ/mol K at T = 288–333 K. The experimental data fitted well to the pseudo second-order kinetic model (r2 = 0.999) and the kinetic model constants were calculated as k2 = 0.1858–0.0185 g/mg min, h = 24.48–113.09 mg/g min and qe,cal = 12.16–78.19 mg/g at 50–500 mg/L of SCN− concentration. The negative values of isosteric enthalpy change, free energy change, and entropy change indicated an exothermic, spontaneous characteristics and decreasing disorder of the process, respectively.The overall results of the study demonstrated the good efficiency of PANI-CCA in adsorption of thiocyanate at compared to other adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the abandoned mining field in southern Poland using high-resolution lidar images to distinguish the number of mining shaft remains and their morphological diversity. We identified 13,864 remains of mining shafts of various sizes (2–30 m in diameter) and diverse levels of denudation. This allowed us to select 13 mining shafts for detailed study. The radiocarbon dating of charcoal and peat from the shafts indicate three phases of exploitation in the study area: the Roman and early migration period (2nd century b.c.–6th century a.d.), the Middle Ages (6th–14th century a.d.), and the modern period (15th–17th century a.d.). The data on metal ore exploitation in the European Barbaricum is scarce and, in the study area itself, historical written sources indicate the onset of mining only in the 12th century a.d. Therefore, ore exploitation in the study area during the Roman period and early migration period, as well as in the early Middle Ages, is an unexpected result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miofloral and fossil charcoal analyses of the Permian deposits of the Barakar and Motur formations from core PKK-2B, located in the Pench-Valley Coalfield, Satpura Basin (India) were carried out to assess the floral diversity, evidence for palaeo-wildfire and age. Two distinct palynoassemblages are identified: Faunipollenites varius palynoassemblage and Gondisporites raniganjensis palynoassemblage dated as Kungurian (Cisuralian) and Guadalupian (Wordian-Capitanian), respectively. These assemblages show dominance of pollen attributable to Glossopteridales followed by Cordaitales and Coniferales. The occurrence of charcoal at two levels in the sedimentary sequence indicates the occurrence of repeated wildfires in the surrounding area. Macroscopic charcoal fragments exhibit anatomical features such as bordered pitting, rays and helical thickenings on cell walls of tracheids suggesting a gymnospermous wood affinity. Most of the charcoal specimens exhibit rounded edges suggesting an allochthonous origin. Furthermore, fusinite reflectance (1.03–6.61%) of studied charcoal/inertinite fragments suggests that the temperature was in the range of ~305–962°C during charring. This indicates co-occurrence of high-temperature crown fires, together with medium- and low-temperature surface and ground fires, respectively. Our data emphasise the dominance of gymnospermous vegetation during the Permian in India and adds further evidence for the widespread occurrence of wildfires during this period in India and on entire Gondwana as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shell middens are common finds recorded at Polish archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age; however, very little is known about the acquisition and exploitation of mussels by prehistoric communities. An archaeological feature discovered recently at Kiekrz (western Poland) has provided us with a rare opportunity to conduct complex research on a representative and large sample. Our study aimed to recognise the function of the pit, the character of the shell deposit, its chronology, the season of shell collection and environmental conditions that prevailed in the settlement's time. The investigations included multi-faceted analyses of archaeological finds (pottery, animal bones, and mollusc shells) and charcoal remains, δ13C and δ18O shell composition, and C14 dating. The results of the research indicate that the molluscs of Unio were deliberately collected for food c. 1500 cal. BC. They were probably harvested during late summer from the nearby lake. Then the molluscs were steamed in a kind of earth oven. Pine and oak wood from the immediate vicinity was used as firewood during the molluscs processing. After the meal, shells were probably stored in the pit for further use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of ZnCl2-activated cocoa pod husk charcoal (ACPHC) in removing Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated under different conditions of shaking speed, contact time, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, pH, and temperature with a view to widening the applications of the husk. Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and desorption studies were conducted. Activated carbon produced at 650 °C was found to give the best desired properties. The optimum shaking time and pH value were 45 min and 6. The shaking speed of 700 rpm gave maximum removal efficiency (mean ± sd) 97.02 ± 0.34%, 96.24 ± 0.19%, and 96.85 ± 0.01% for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions at the optimum pH, 25 °C, and 0.1 g adsorbent/25 ml solution with adsorption capacities of 2.426, 2.406, and 2.421 mg/g, respectively. While the average capacity at the optimum contact time was 2.290 mg/g. Non-linear Temkin and Redlich–Peterson and linear Langmuir isotherm models gave the best description of the adsorption equilibrium of the metal ions onto ACPHC surface, while pseudo-second order kinetics model gave the best description of the adsorption kinetics. The rate of removal of the metal ions was in the order Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Cd(II). The regeneration of the spent adsorbent was efficient with respect to the considered metal ions. The recovery values were 96.72 ± 0.43%, 92.76 ± 0.49%, and 91.66 ± 0.34% for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions, respectively. Thus ACPHC was found to be an efficient low-cost material for the removal of the studied metal ions from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo charcoals (BC) are prepared at different pyrolysis temperature (350, 450, 500, 600 and 700 °C) with 2 h residence time and at 15 °C/min heating rates. The biochar yields, thermal stability, molecular groups, surface topography, and pore structure were characterized to explore the effect of pyrolysis temperatures on the characteristics of BCs. The results show that the biochar yield has decreased while the thermal stability of BC has increased with the increasing pyrolysis temperature. With the increase of temperature, C-C and C-H bond of aromatic compounds are enhanced to form stable components. The highest specific surface area and pore volume is obtained in the BC prepared at 500 °C with the value of 40.754 m2/g and 0.04738 cm3/g. The optimum temperature for achieving sufficient structure and good properties in fiber is 500 °C. And then, PET/BC fibers are prepared via melt-blend spinning. The mechanical capacity, thermal behavior, moisture absorption and far infrared emission properties of PET/BC fibers with different BC content have been investigated. It is found that the fiber has most desired comprehensive property with the BC content was 2%. At this composition, the tensile strength of the PET is 3.01 cN/dtex, the moisture absorption increases by 50%. The far-infrared imaging of the fabric shows highly temperatures raise of 44.8 °C within 30 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is the second issue of the journal AMBIX, which focuses on the history of alchemy and chemistry. It provides information about the publication, including the editorial board, the publisher, and the terms of use. The document also includes acknowledgments from the author, who expresses gratitude to various individuals and institutions for their support in the creation of the book. Additionally, there is a section on transliteration systems for Arabic. The text discusses the importance and influence of the treatise "On Alums and Salts" (OAS) in the field of alchemy. The OAS was originally written in Arabic and later translated into Latin and Hebrew. It gained popularity in Christian Europe due to its practical content and clear organization. The text highlights the need for new editions of the Arabic and Hebrew versions of the OAS to accurately represent the available material evidence. The OAS has been the subject of scholarly study, with previous editions and translations in Latin and German. The attribution of the OAS to al-Rāzī is problematic, as he is not mentioned as the author in the Arabic or Hebrew manuscripts. The attribution of the alchemical treatise "On Alums and Salts" (OAS) to the Persian physician al-Rāzī became widely accepted in medieval Europe, likely due to its translation by Gerard of Cremona in the 12th century. The association with al-Rāzī, a respected author of medical and alchemical works, enhanced the authority [Extracted from the article]

Drawing on a qualitative approach, this paper examines wood fuel producers' insight on the environmental effects of their activities in the forest area of the Kintampo North Municipality. Tape-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically based on manual analysis. Results indicated that wood fuel producers have no option than to engage in the activities of charcoal production and fuelwood collection due to absolute poverty, unemployment, and the need for energy for cooking and heating. However, producers of wood fuel do not establish their plantations for wood fuel extraction; rather depend on the natural forest for their extraction. This resulted in environmental effects including deforestation, forest degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Since the current state of wood fuel extraction presents dire environmental consequences to the forest resources, we recommend Forestry Commission and the Municipal Assembly initiate tree planting exercises to make wood fuel a sustainable energy in Ghana. Poverty reduction programs such as Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) targeted at supporting inhabitants who want to engage in other forms of livelihood activities including shear butter processing to alleviate them from absolute poverty are strongly recommended. This will help reduce their over-dependence on the forest resources for survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and hygroscopic properties of charcoals from Doussie (Afzelia africana) and Okan (Cylicodiscuis gabunensis), produced from residues of two tropical woods from Cameroon. The properties determined for these charcoals included physical (moisture content, basic density, high heating value) chemical (proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, FT-IR analysis), and hygroscopic (absorption and sorption) properties. Our results show that these properties differ between the two woods. Higher values were obtained with Okan, except for the fixed carbon content. A higher diffusion coefficient on water uptake was also observed with charcoal from Okan (3.25 × 10−8 ± 0.22 m2/s) compared to charcoal from Doussie (2.42 × 10−8 ± 0.21 m2/s). The highest equilibrium moisture contents in sorption are obtained with charcoal from Okan. Our results also reveal a relationship between hygroscopic behavior and charcoals properties. It was found theoretically that an increase of initial moisture content of charcoals about 19% caused a decrease in their initial fixed carbon content about 2% and in their initial high heating value about 2.5%. The charcoals studied are of good quality and meet the recommended standards for domestic use even in humid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on, and supplies the checklists for, the known foodplant population currently growing around Diepkloof Rock Shelter, South Africa, within radii of ∼12.5 km, ∼35 km and ∼70 km. It demonstrates that many of the species identified from the shelter's Middle Stone Age charcoal record still grow on the landscape today and that 33 of the ancient charcoal-identified species are historically known as foodplants in southern Africa. With this contribution the current foodplant species that could serve as dietary resources are extended to 81 within a day's return trip (∼12.5 km) from the site, 158 within the ∼35 km radius and 170 on the greater foraging landscape extending up to ∼ 70 km from Diepkloof. Data are presented that indicate the proportional increases in plant growth forms and edible plant parts by extending foraging ranges. Initial interpretation of the data shows that foragers may have had adequate access to herbs and shrubs from which leafy vegetables and fruits can be collected, as well as hydrophytes (such as waterblommetjies) within a day's return trip. To increase especially access to energy-rich corms and roots, they may have used additional/other camp sites or home bases to exploit their ∼35 km foraging range. By travelling over longer distances, access to grass grains that also serve as famine foods can be exponentially increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how resource colonization for iron in central Sweden during the early Iron Age may have affected the use of forest landscapes. Slag heap volume at iron production sites was used to estimate the amount of forest resources required for charcoal production. Forest resources required for livestock grazing and fodder were estimated from literature sources. To produce charcoal at iron production sites, forests were harvested, creating conditions suitable for grazing. Production of livestock winter fodder, leaf-hay, became a constraint due to the conflict between grazing grounds and fodder producing areas near main settlements. Although availability of forest was not limiting, a combination of opportunities and constraints is suggested to have promoted a new spatial ordering of land use. This included land closest to the main settlements allocated to fodder production and development of secondary seasonal settlements (shielings) at iron production sites, which could be exploited for livestock grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability and consumer use of hemp products is rapidly increasing, but little work has been done to assess aerosol emissions of hemp pre-rolls. The objective of this research was to characterize the aerosol of pre-rolled joints from hemp material enriched for production of cannabigerol (CBG) that were smoked on a test system mimicking human use patterns. Aerosol emissions were collected and analyzed using glass microfiber filters and charcoal cartridges. The aerosol was screened for nine phytocannabinoids and 19 terpenes. Three phytocannabinoids (CBG, cannabichromene (CBC), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) were detected and quantified at a mean (SD) concentration of 19.4 (4.7), 0.48 (0.01), and 0.40 (0.04) mg per pre-roll, respectively. Five terpenes ((–)-α-bisabolol, (–)-guaiol, β-caryophyllene, nerolidol, and α-humulene) were detected and quantified at an average concentration of 352.7 (112.0), 194.3 (66.4), 106.0 (50.4), 28.3 (9.3), and 27.7 (11.2) µg per pre-roll, respectively. Particle size distribution testing via aerodynamic particle sizer and inertial impactor showed that average size of emitted aerosols was 0.77 (0.0) and 0.54 (0.1) µm, respectively. This study describes methodology for characterization of cannabinoid and terpene dose in emitted aerosols and aerosolization efficiency from hemp pre-rolls. It also presents these data for one of the marketed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of different fat contents (low-fat/LF or high-fat/HF), cooking methods (gas, charcoal, or electric), and various degrees of doneness (medium and well-done) on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation in beef doner kebabs. Liquid– liquid extraction and solid- phase extraction (SPE) were used to determine the PAH levels in doner kebabs. In addition, PAHs were determined and identified via HPLC/UV–Vis method. Among the 16 PAHs analyzed, only seven common PAHs were detected in doner samples (Benzo[c]fluorene (BcFE), Cyclopenta[cd]pyrene (CPcdP), Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), Benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A), Chrysene (Chry), Benzo [ghi] perylene (B[ghi]P) and Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (DB[a,h]A). The two most abundant PAHs were BaA and CPcdP, with concentrations ranging from 43.05-143.10 μg/kg and 13.90-80.44 μg/kg, respectively. BaP, one of the main indicators for the presence of PAHs in food, was observed in all samples concentrations ranging from nd-7.38 μg/kg. Other PAHs were found in particularly well-done and high-fat doner samples. Additionally, the total PAH4 and total PAH8 concentrations were in the range of 43.05-150.40 μg/kg and 43.05-198.10 μg/kg, respectively. The results revealed that in both types of doner samples (low-fat/LF or high-fat/HF), the highest PAH concentration was noted when the charcoal cooking method was used, while the lowest PAH concentration was detected when the electric cooking method was employed. In addition, PAH compounds were found to be more abundant in high-fat doner samples (HF) than in low-fat groups (LF) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the diversity and amount of each PAH compound in beef doner kebab samples varied depending on doneness degree, doner kebab type (low- fat/LF or high- fat/HF), and cooking methods (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corymbia maculata stands out for its resistance to biotic and abiotic stress and for its high-density wood, which is ideal for sawmills, sleepers, posts, firewood and charcoal. In vitro culture techniques can be used for large-scale clonal microplant production, given the difficulty in adventitious rooting via cutting or mini-cutting techniques. The aim of the work was to evaluate the in vitro multiplication, elongation and adventitious rooting stages of Corymbia maculata based on chemical sterilisation of the culture medium, plant growth regulators, gaseous exchange, activated charcoal and growth room lighting. Supplementation of active chlorine in culture medium reduced fungal and bacterial contamination. The best result for the in vitro multiplication stage was observed in the absence of active chlorine and 0.5 mg l−1 benzylaminopurine (BAP). In vitro shoot elongation in culture medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 0.001% or 0.003% active chlorine, and vessels sealed with a rigid polypropylene lid with one or three membranes was the most suitable. Glass flasks with porous membrane lids allowed gaseous exchange and favoured elongation and adventitious rooting. Microshoots treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 48 h (pulse effect) in the absence of light and activated charcoal in the culture medium is recommended for in vitro adventitious rooting of Corymbia maculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this interview, Dominic Woolf, a senior research associate at Cornell University, describes a potential method for removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere: converting biomass into a long-lived, charcoal-like material that would be added to soil. Called biochar, this material could not only sequester some of the carbon fixed by plants during photosynthesis – and prevent it from returning to the atmosphere – but could also improve soil fertility. Woolf explains some of the tradeoffs and uncertainties associated with biochar and other methods of soil carbon sequestration, and the challenges to scaling up these approaches for global climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ninety-seven percent of Sierra Leonean households prepare food over wood or charcoal, a practice that leads to adverse health and environmental consequences. In this pilot study, we introduced ethanol cookstoves to households in Bo, Sierra Leone. We assessed their potential as an alternative to biomass fuels and the only existing improved cookstove, butane gas. Ethanol cookstoves were economically competitive with butane stoves, but could not outcompete biomass fuel (wood and charcoal). The cookstoves displayed significant benefits to women in time savings and comfort, but raised concerns around alcoholism, unequal access to technologies, and other gendered constraints in the cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal production from woody species from fast-growth plantations has gained importance in a variety of uses. The objective of the present work is to determine the density, compression resistance, moisture content (MC), gross calorific value (GCV), ash and volatile content, chemical modification by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum and thermogravimetric degradation of charcoal produced by pyrolysis at 450°C from sixteen tropical woods from fast-growth plantations in Costa Rica. The results showed values of MC of 2.65–7.72%, density of 0.15–0.39 g/cm3, compression strength of 19.07–82.92 kg/cm2, ash content of 0.26–7.98%, GCV of 32.10–24.29 MJ/kg, volatile matter of 22.45–33.34%, fixed carbon of 60.36–68.91%, carbon of 78.51–69.43%, hydrogen of 4.15–3.55%, oxygen of 17.25–26.56%, O/C ratio of 0.17–0.29 and H/C ratio of 0.56–0.64. FTIR spectrum evidenced the presence of OH, CH2, C = O, C-O-C groups, common in pyrolyzed biomass. TGA analysis showed two types of behavior, which differ in that one group presents two peaks between 200°C and 800°C. The multivariate analysis by principal components (PC) applied to charcoal characteristics measured in sixteen species showed that the variations of these characteristics can be explained up to 99% and four groups were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Double-layer banana leaves-based absorber is designed and can be treated as a potential alternative to conventional MAM. The dielectric relaxation parameters of the dry banana leaves in powder form and the composites of dry banana leaves and charcoal powder have are measured by OCP method using vector network analyzer in the frequency range of 1–16 GHz. Further, the return loss of two single-layers and a double-layer with a thickness of 4 and 8.02 mm, respectively, is investigated in the frequency range of 1–20 GHz. Results show that the electromagnetic properties along with absorption performance of the double layer absorber are appreciably ameliorated as compared to its single-layer counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its relatively large specific surface area and microporous structure, bamboo charcoal is widely employed in a variety of industries, including the textile sector. In this investigation, bamboo charcoal powder was formulated as a natural colorant in the pigment print paste and then applied to cotton fabric by screen printing. Colorimetric values were assessed and color fastness to washing, light, and crocking as well as mechanical properties was performed according to related standards. By varying the amount of bamboo charcoal, the printed fabric had a light to dark gray color with good to excellent wash, light, and crock fastness. The combination of binder and fixing agent in the print paste increased fabric tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, and more pronounced stiffness. Besides, the bamboo charcoal printed cotton exhibited a deodorizing rate of 80.3–87.8% against ammonia gas after 40 min and was maintained at 54.8–73.1% after 10 washing cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal is a brittle, black carbon residue produced from the carbonization of cellulosic materials for energy. Its properties vary per the timber carbonized. It is often used regardless the intended purpose and the timber carbonized. However, for objective utilization, the proximate and strength properties of carbonized woods from six widely-used timbers in the Afram Plains, Ghana, were investigated. Moisture content for the carbonized woods met the recommended Standards. Hence, would be hardly alterable under normal atmospheric conditions. Their bulk densities ranged from 497.39 ± 3.13 kgm−3 (Azadirachta indica) to 680.50 ± 8.58 kgm−3 (V. paradoxa). E. ivorense charcoal produced the least volatile matter (VM) (18.66 ± 0.73%), ash (1.94 ± 0.04%), much great Calorific value (28208.45 ± 743.72 kJkg−1), the greatest Fixed Carbon Content (73.13 ± 0.69%), Impact Resistance Index (325 ± 23.07), and compressive strength (29.39 ± 1.82 Nmm−2). It would generate much heat and fracture less and could be suitable for use in the Metallurgical Industry. The great VM from all the carbonized woods (18.66 ± 0.73% to 51.91 ± 0.49%) also makes them best suited for outdoor use (e.g. barbecue-making). As they possess varied properties, their intended uses should be guided by their properties for improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over half of the population in Dar es Salaam (DSM), Tanzania, predominately relies on wood charcoal as a cooking fuel, and this is expected to rise to meet future demands. Drawing on the energy justice framework, this article contextualises the current charcoal supply chain of DSM and discusses the possibility of using faecal sludge-derived briquettes (FS briquettes) as a future alternative. This article demonstrates how current injustices in the charcoal supply chain pose challenges related to availability, reliability, affordability and sustainability and concludes that the future energy system of DSM must become more robust and diversified. This article also concludes that while FS briquettes hold the potential to become a viable and energy just cooking fuel alternative, future adoption may be hindered by limited consumer acceptability, inadequate sanitation management and lack of financial investments and government support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FePO4 active material has a single-phase response with a significant number of charge carriers, to attain the optimum kinetics and three-dimensional ion migration. The Pyrolysis method was used for the preparation and activation of the Bamboo Charcoal (BCC). The surface properties like wettability, adhesion and conductivity were enhanced by the exposure of DC glow discharge plasma. FePO4 was prepared by hydrothermal method and the composite of FePO4/plasma treated BCC was made using pestle mortar. This work discusses the electrochemical behaviour of pure FePO4 and composite of FePO4/plasma-treated BCC was analysed with different electrolytes at different scan rates. If compared, the FePO4/plasma-treated BCC material was seen to have high specific capacitance/capacity and b-value was shifted from capacitive to diffusive. These findings suggested that FePO4/plasma exposed BCC could be a potential cathode material for energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to beneficiate the clay deposits abundant in the Al Baha district to produce ceramic filters for "point-of-use" household water treatment technology to remove dissolved solids from water that is no longer valid for drinking purposes to meet the needs of the community through a safe household and industrial water supply after further treatment purposes. In addition, it helps to reduce the expenses of citizens earmarked to buy drinking water. A sample of laterite, clay, and kaolin from Al Baha district was thermally treated at 800 °C, acid treated with HCl, analyzed by XRD, FTIR, and SEM, and tested for treatment of household water. The temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured. In the application step for point-of-use water treatment of household water, the treated materials were introduced in calcined kaolin filters and commercial polypropylene filters. Based on the results of household water treatment with raw and treated clay materials, the raw clay materials, has poor adsorption capacity. The thermal treatment of clay samples dehydrates the clay minerals into sintered aluminosilicates and enhances the conversion of poorly crystallized iron oxide to α-Fe2O3 without improving the adsorption capacity of clay materials. However, the acid treatment of the clay samples removes iron-bearing minerals leaving behind amorphous aluminosilicate matter characterized with improved adsorption capacity. It was concluded that the acid treatment of clay material by concentrated HCl acid completely leaches iron oxide phases and broke down and disintegrated the clay minerals into the amorphous matter with enhanced the adsorption capacity. The combination of selected acid-treated laterite, clay, and charcoal for the household water treatment filter at the point of use in the calcined kaolin filter and the polypropylene filter reduced the TDS content by 40–42%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the charcoal obtained after the gasification of wood residues was tested in a pilot adsorption unit to evaluate the feasibility of treating real textile wastewater on a semi-industrial scale. The aims were to evaluate the global performance of the adsorption column in the pilot system using a methylene blue (MB) solution, and then a real sample of textile wastewater. Two charcoal samples, which were a by-product of the gasification process, were obtained, characterized, and tested with a MB dye solution. The experimental adsorption capacity of the fixed-bed was near 34 mg.g−1 in both cases, and the overall removal efficiency of the column was >91%. Experimental data were fitted according to the Thomas and Adams-Bohart models. The pilot plant proved to be effective for improving the treatment of real textile wastewater, regarding the removal of color and part of organic matter, verified by the evolution of chemical oxygen demand over time. The cost to operate the pilot plant was calculated, and the contribution to the circular economy was considered. The pilot unit was promising for improving the wastewater treatment process, adding value, and giving a new purpose to a waste that normally would be disposed in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present-day agriculture is challenged to fulfill with twin objectives of achieving food, fodder, fiber and fuel security as well as restoring soil resources for long-term use. Efficient use of crop residues and other farm wastes by converting them to a useful source of soil amendment is a beneficial way to improve soil fertility. The biochar amendment improves soil moisture retention, aggregate stability, pH, cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), nutrient retention, microbial growth and enzymatic activities.It has been observed in several studies that biochar application improves soil fertility and thus increases crop yields on agricultural lands. Therefore, the use of biochar produced from different organic residues is an effective approach for long-term improvement of soil fertility and crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After its useful life, treated wood residues can be toxic, and its disposal, often incorrect, and several countries have researched measures to reuse or recycle it. This study evaluated the potential for pre-extraction of chromated copper arsenate (CCA-C) treated wood for combustion, either direct landfilling or agricultural use (organic compost or biochar). Treated wood residues were transformed into 0.5 × 3 × 3 cm chips (tangential × radial × longitudinal). A portion of these were crushed in a Wiley mill and the other, charred. Charcoal, charring by-products, and sawdust were evaluated for the amount of CCA-C present in them. Sawdust and crushed charcoal were extracted by 0.1 mol L−1 sulfuric and acetic acid, and sodium and potassium hydroxide solutions for two, four, or six hours. The material was, then, washed and the amount of CCA-C analyzed. Sulfuric acid extraction for six-hour obtained the best results. The methodology used extracted more preservative from wood than charcoal and part of the oxides were released into the atmosphere during the carbonization of treated wood, since the wood tar obtained CCA-C. The results obtained for both wood and charcoal were insufficient to render the residues safe, after removing the CCA-C components. After extraction, we considered the resultant wood and charcoal effluents hazardous, demanding greater attention in their disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cachaça is a typical Brazilian distilled beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice. The copper levels in alembic cachaça are of great concern among producers, and the removal of this contaminant is important for the quality of the product. The present study aimed to remove copper ions from alembic cachaça by adsorption. Sugarcane bagasse, okara, Moringa oleifera Lam., three different types of zeolites, and two types of commercial charcoal were tested as biosorbents. The heat-treated sugarcane bagasse removed 100% of the copper present in a cachaça sample, while other low-cost natural adsorbents had close to 50% removal as was observed for M. oleifera seeds and okara. All adsorbents had porous and fibrous structures, favorable to adsorption. A kinetic study showed that a pseudo-second-order model was appropriate, with equilibrium times of 15 h for heat-treated sugarcane bagasse, okara, and M. oleifera seeds used as adsorbents. The Langmuir model better fitted the experimental data, indicating monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity was 17.00, 0.77, and 5.33 mg of Cu g−1 for the heat-treated sugarcane bagasse, M. oleifera seeds, and okara, respectively. The results presented here are promising indicating three agro-industrial residues were favorable to the adsorption of copper ions from alembic cachaça. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbonization of bamboo at 400 °C–700 °C resulted in the formation of graphite crystals embedded in amorphous carbon. The high dielectric constants (≈103 at 1 Hz) of these carbon materials were attributed to the presence of polar groups such as -OH, -NH2 and -COOH with marginal contribution from interfacial polarization. The dielectric constants were observed to be frequency-dependent and found to be decreased with increasing frequency. The measured dielectric loss was also found to be decreasing with increasing frequency. Conductance dominant dielectric loss observed in 400 °C–600 °C annealed samples was further supported by the Cole-Cole plot. Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization relaxation along with conduction loss was observed only for the 700 °C annealed sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple low-temperature method for the deposition of apatite on porous charcoal from rice husk is proposed. The deposition was carried out by impregnation and subsequent treatment of porous charcoal with inorganic compounds of phosphorus and calcium, followed by hydrothermal treatment at 120° C. The composites obtained in this way were investigated by XRD, electron microscopy, nitrogen porosimetry and ion-exchange adsorption of copper and cadmium ions. XRD of the synthesized composites showed the formation of hydroxyapatites with different degrees of crystallization. Electron microscopy showed the presence in the composites of pore-channels with a diameter of up to 10 microns in which apatite grains up to 300 nanometers in length are deposited. The study of the kinetics of ion exchange shows that the diffusion of ions into the grains of hydroxyapatite occurs slowly and does not end during 60 days. Adsorption of cadmium and copper ions during 24 hours occurs mainly on the surface of grains and is characterized by a high degree of ion adsorption and solution purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to historical terrorism scholarship, terrorist groups can strategically diversify into a variety of criminal activities without losing their core ideology or support among the civilian population. This pattern is demonstrated by the evolutionary arc of al-Shabaab, which grew from a small subset of Somalia's Islamic Courts Union to the most violent political actor in the Horn of Africa, able to conduct terrorist attacks as far afield as Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. Al-Shabaab has been highly successful in creating a narrative of truth and justice provision while simultaneously exploiting the Somali population and engaging in criminal activity. For the group, criminal activity and crime networks serve two primary purposes: as a funding mechanism and as an avenue for recruitment. Using ethnographic fieldwork and process tracing, I find that the group's criminal activities throughout the Horn of Africa have made the group significantly more resilient to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns, extending both its lifespan and operational capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]