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Carbamazepine is utilized for various indications. Due to its pharmacokinetic profile and drug properties, toxicity can be delayed and persistent despite supportive care. We report a severe case of intentional carbamazepine toxicity in a carbamazepine naive individual mimicking brain death that was not diagnosed until three days after consumption of carbamazepine when the patient was comatose. Symptoms of overdose persisted for several days despite attempted treatment with activated charcoal and whole bowel irrigation, hemodialysis, and plasmapheresis. Symptoms only began to improve with bowel evacuation as a result of administration of neostigmine intravenously plus hemodialysis and plasmapheresis additionally. Despite previous literature that reported success with hemodialysis and/or plasmapheresis we did not find either to be overly effective in our case possibly due to lack of ability to perform multidose activated charcoal and whole bowel irrigation. To our knowledge this is one of the few cases of carbamazepine overdose utilizing both hemodialysis and plasmapheresis but without activated charcoal and the only case report in which neostigmine was administered as an attempt to remove drug via the gastrointestinal tract with success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: During breast cancer surgery, the use of dyes such as indigo carmine, methylene blue, or indocyanine green (ICG) for targeting axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) under ultrasound guidance can result in rapid diffusion, complicated tissue differentiation, and disruption of staining. LuminoMark™, a novel ICG-hyaluronic acid mixture, can provide real-time visualization and minimize dye spread, thereby ensuring a clear surgical field. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of LuminoMark™ for targeting ALNs in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A total of 13 patients with breast cancer (mean age 56.5 years; 92.3% female) and suspicious ALNs underwent targeted axillary surgery (TAS) with activated charcoal and LuminoMark™ injected into the LNs in the surgical field. The clinicopathological variables of the patients and diagnostic performance were assessed. The LNs injected with LuminoMark™ were examined for consistency with sentinel LNs (SLNs) and non-SLNs, as well as with charcoal-tattooed LNs. Results: The identification of SLNs took approximately 15.6 min from the start of skin incision, and it required 25.6 and 17.7 min, for charcoal-tattooed and LuminoMarkTM-illuminated LNs, respectively. The identification rate was 92.3% with charcoal and 100% with LuminoMark™. The concordance rate between LuminoMark™ illumination and SLNs was higher than that between charcoal tattooing and SLNs. The concordance rate between the two methods was 76.9% (n = 10). Three months after surgery, the charcoal tattoo remained visible on the skin; however, LuminoMark™ was not visible. Conclusion: Although both methods demonstrated high detection rates, the rate was higher using LuminoMark™. As LuminoMark™ was administered directly into LNs, this improved the accuracy of identifying LNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of socio-economic factors on the adoption of improved cookstoves (ICSs) and identified barriers to their dissemination in Wereta district, Amhara, Ethiopia. A structured cross-sectional approach was employed, surveying 308 households through questionnaires and interviews. Key socio-economic factors such as income level, family size, education, and age were found to significantly affect ICS adoption (p < 0.05), whereas cooking location, household decision-making, and involvement of societal stakeholders did not show a statistically significant impact (p > 0.05). The primary barriers to ICS adoption included limited awareness, high costs, and age-related factors. Addressing these challenges by targeting the significant socio-economic determinants is crucial for facilitating the transition from traditional to improved cookstoves. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, NGOs, research organizations, and manufacturers, highlighting potential areas for targeted intervention to enhance ICS adoption in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying wood and wood charcoal from sub-tropical to tropical regions is challenging, due to the high floristic diversity. This is especially true for the Horn of Africa, characterized by a high degree of endemism, for which no wood anatomy atlas is available. Yet, there is a strong need for anatomical descriptions and identification tools, in particular concerning archaeobotanical research.Numerous rock shelters in the Ethiopian highlands provide rich charcoal assemblages. Their study is of utmost interest to decipher past human-vegetation relationships. Many of these sites are located in the Afromontane Forest, the potential natural vegetation of the highlands within the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot, hosting 483 dicot woody species.Here, we present the first wood database for the species of the Ethiopian Afromontane Forest. It is set up on the online open-access platform Xper3 and includes an interactive identification key. The anatomical features follow the IAWA nomenclature and include additional ones, to improve the identification process. The database comprises wood anatomical descriptions of (1) 68 species from the wood reference collections of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; (2) 72 species from InsideWood and (3) 92 genera/species from specialized literature. The database also includes original pictures taken on samples from the reference collections. Our original coded descriptions and pictures are also available in InsideWood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest towards a low carbon economy and to achieve the SDG 7 of access to a clean, affordable and modern energy for all has led to numerous studies that seek to examine the determinants of clean energy adoption. Despite the numerous studies previously conducted that have sought to explain the clean energy transition, the role that health facilities play in promoting clean energy use at the household level remains to be explored. This study investigates the effect of health care facilities on households' energy adoption using survey data from Ghana and ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation techniques. The study further examines the different effects of different types of health facilities on clean energy adoption. The results show that the presence of a health facility in a community has positive effects on the likelihood of choosing cleaner energy sources for cooking at the household level. Furthermore, lower-level health facilities tend to have a bigger effect on clean energy adoption compared to higher level facilities such as hospitals and clinics. Robustness analyses confirm these findings. The pathways through which this relationship potentially occurs and the implications for increasing adoption of clean energy fuels are discussed. Article Highlights: The presence of health facilities in communities have a positive effect on clean energy adoption This is potentially achieved through public health education offered by health facilities and their staff in their communities. Providing health facilities, equipped with human and financial resources to carry out public health education, could accelerate the transition to clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The IR pulsed laser ablation of different carbon targets using a Nd:YAG laser is investigated. The produced carbon plasma is characterized in terms of maximum ion energy at a laser intensity of about 3 × 109 W/cm2. The presented study can be applied to the use of carbon ions for their successive acceleration in laser ion sources or for the investigation of carbon-nucleation-generating nanoparticles. This work aimed to understand how the energy released by short laser pulses can produce different effects in carbon targets with different allotropic states. The IR pulse laser ablation, operating at 1064 nm wavelength, 3 ns pulse duration, and 100 mJ pulse energy, has been used to irradiate different types of carbon targets in a high vacuum. Graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, glassy carbon, active carbon, and vegetable carbon have exhibited different mass densities and have been laser irradiated. Time-of-flight (TOF) measurements have permitted the evince of the maximum carbon ion acceleration in the generated plasma (of about 200 eV per charge state) and the maximum yield emission (96 μg/pulse in the case of vegetal carbon) along the direction normal to the irradiated surface. The ion energy analyzer measured the carbon charge states (four) and their energy distributions. Further plasma investigations have been performed using a fast CCD camera image and surface profiles of the generated craters to calculate the angular emission and the ablation yield for each type of target. The effects as a function of the target carbon density and binding energy have been highlighted. Possible applications for the generation of thin films and carbon nanoparticles are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the production of charcoal from a by-product of viticulture such as the vine pruning remains of vine (vine shoots). During this study, several carbonisation tests were carried out in an electric muffle furnace where vine shoot samples were tested at different temperature ranges (150–450 °C) and with test durations of 2 h and 3 h. From these tests, the mass yields and carbon yields were studied, as well as the characterisation of the chemical composition of the resulting charcoals, obtaining the maximum results of the fixed carbon content of up to 80.4%. Subsequently, the tests' energy consumptions were also recorded in order to optimise the amount of grammes of carbon per kWh of energy used. The average value obtained in the trials was 18.55 g of carbon per kWh of energy used in the carbonisation process. Finally, special emphasis was placed on studying the sustainability of this charcoal through the net balance of CO2 eq emissions. To this end, the CO2 eq emissions associated with the energy consumption of the trials and how, through the use of this waste to produce 10–12 g of charcoal, the negative net emission values of up to −522.74 g of CO2 eq were achieved were evaluated. This demonstrates the possibility of charcoal production with a zero-carbon footprint. This acts as evidence of the possibility of zero carbon footprint charcoal production, a key innovative aspect that helps to achieve greater sustainability in industrial sectors with a high impact on the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was dedicated to the chemical-mineralogical characterization of black pigments recovered from the excavation of the Pedra do Cantagalo I archaeological site, located in the municipality of Piripiri, in northern Piauí, Brazil. Representative samples of these pictorial materials were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A magnetic prospection was carried out by bringing the samples close to a small permanent magnet. The iron content in the pigments, as determined by EDXRF, expressed here as Fe2O3, ranges from 8.5(2) mass% to 92.2(9) mass%. The XRD data show that these pictorial materials contain hematite, maghemite, manganese oxide, barium and manganese oxide, quartz, kaolinite, anatase, and feldspar as crystalline mineral phases. By evaluating the chemical composition and XRD data, it can be concluded that the ferruginous species present in some samples have a crystallographic structure with very low crystallinity. The FTIR spectra show the occurrence of charcoal in most of the samples, and the other vibrational signals are compatible with the EDXRF, XRD, and Mössbauer data. In summary, the overall results obtained indicate the occurrence of four different chemical-mineralogical compositions for the black pigments investigated here: (i) one based on ferruginous species with magnetic properties (sample PCI.2021.231), (ii) one composed of charcoal mixed with ferruginous species and without magnetic properties (samples PCI.2021.446 and PCI.2021.484), (iii) one based on species containing manganese and barium mixed with low content of ferruginous species and without magnetic properties (sample PCI.2021.441), and (iv) one consisting of charcoal mixed with ferruginous species, feldspar, anatase, and predominantly quartz, and without magnetic properties (sample PCI.2021.368). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge population of developing and underdeveloped nations are using traditional biomass cookstoves (TCS). This direct combustion-based three-stone/brick stove is the least efficient and generates a large amount of gaseous & particulate emissions. Gasification-based improved biomass cookstove (ICS) has the potential to replace TCS as it has comparatively higher thermal efficiency and fewer emissions. In this stove, air is provided to the stove from primary holes (gasification process) and secondary holes (combustion process). This paper deals with the influence of secondary air flow rate on the performance of natural draft rocket-type ICS operated with wood as a feedstock. Thermophysical properties and chemical analysis are conducted for feedstock. Experiments were conducted to perform a parametric study with five different secondary air openings with ICS. A comparative study is included along with TCS. Parameters such as thermal efficiency, burning rate, firepower, effective firepower, specific fuel consumption, emissions, etc. were investigated. A higher quantity of secondary air offers a higher operating temperature which leads to a higher burning rate and fire power. Higher charcoal generation was observed with lower secondary airflow due to changes in stoichiometric conditions. Higher gaseous and particulate emission was also found with less secondary airflow due to incomplete combustion. Apart from that, thermodynamic analyses such as energy balance, exergy balance, and mass balance were also performed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractoriness of chrome minerals imposes challenges during chrome ore pelletization process. This study is conducted to find suitable additives to improve chrome ore pelletization and pellet properties. Two types of additives (carbonaceous heating additives and binding fluxes) have been explored to improve pellet induration in pre-heating and elevated temperature zone of a shaft furnace. Ten different types of carbonaceous heating additives (rice husk powder, coke fines, anthracite coal, Indian coal, South African coal, Indonesian coal, graphite powder, carbon soot, pet coke, charcoal) were tested and found that rice husk powder and carbon soot are the most effective additives to improve pellet properties in the shaft furnace pre-heating zone. Rice husk dosing improves pellet strength by 31% (31.76 to 41.90 kgf) in the pre-heating zone which helps pellets to maintain their shape and size, this in terms improve the pellet bed permeability and gas flow during sintering. Seven diverse types of binding fluxes (Dolomite, Magnesium-chromite fines, Magnesium-carbon fines, MgCl2, Na3AlF6, MgO powder, and DRI-additive) were studied in the lab. Cryolite dosing between 0.25% to 2% in pellet mix improved pellet compressive strength by 190% (63 to184 kgf) and reduced pellet swelling by 30%. A pellet mix which contained 95% ore fines, 2% bentonite, 2% rice husk powder, 1% cryolite and 14% moisture has been identified as an optimized pellet mix for producing pellets with 197 kgf/pellet compressive strength. The pellets produced using optimized pellet mix also showed superior metallurgical properties during smelting reduction. It can improve the overall plant productivity economically. [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]

The research aims to determine the combustion quality of biochar briquettes mixed with goat dung charcoal, saboak shell, and corn cob with different adhesive levels. The research method used in this study is a Randomized Complete Design (RAL) consisting of 4 treatments and 4 replicates. The treatments were P1 = 25% goat dung charcoal + 37.5% saboak shell + 37.5% corn cob + 8% adhesive, P2 = 25% goat dung charcoal + 37.5% saboak shell + 37.5% corn cob + 10% adhesive, P3 = 25% goat dung charcoal + 37.5% saboak shell + 37.5% corn cob + 12% adhesive, P4 = 25% goat dung charcoal + 37.5% saboak shell + 37.5% corn cob + 14% adhesive. The variables studied were combustion temperature, combustion rate, combustion resistance, combustion color, smoke, and the ability to boil water. The data obtained were combustion temperature 334.3℃, combustion resistance 215 minutes, combustion rate 1.933 g/minute, color 3.5, smoke 5.53 and the ability to boil water 13.39 minutes. The results of variance showed that the treatment had a very significant effect (P < 0.01) on combustion temperature, ability to boil water and no significant effect (P>0.05) on combustion resistance, combustion rate, color and smoke. It is concluded that bio charcoal briquettes mixed with goat dung charcoal, saboak shell, and corn cob with 12% adhesive l evel can improve the best combustion quality compared to other adhesive levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 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]

Seedling establishment is often a critical bottleneck in the revegetation of mine tailings and similar substrates. Biochar and deactivated yeast are potential sustainable materials that could be used in this context as seed coatings to aid in seedling establishment. We conducted a greenhouse study on biochar and deactivated yeast use as seed coatings, assessing germination, establishment, and early growth of white clover (Trifolium repens) and purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea). Coated seeds were applied to a mine tailing, a coarse granitic sand, and potting soil mix substrates; seedling establishment and growth were monitored over 75 days. Biochar coatings enhanced the seedling establishment of Trifolium, with biochar and biochar plus yeast coatings giving the best results. In some cases, these effects persisted throughout the experiment: biochar coatings resulted in a ~fivefold increase in Trifolium biomass at harvest for plants in the potting soil mix but had neutral effects on sand or tailings. Biochar seed coatings also enhanced Dalea germination in some cases, but the benefits did not persist. Our results indicate that biochar-based seed coatings can have lasting effects on plant growth well beyond germination but also emphasize highly species-specific responses that highlight the need for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal shape variations provide insight into past fuel types burned, with charcoal length:width (L:W) being the most popular means of distinguishing fuel types. This paper presents morphometric data (L:W) of charcoal produced from plant taxa (n = 21) native to the southeastern United States of America (USA). These taxa included monocots (n = 3), dicots (n = 12), and gymnosperms (n = 6), which represented a range of growth habits including graminoids, trees, shrubs, and subshrubs. We further divided these taxa into tissues (n = 36 total samples) which included leaves, wood, bark, needles, stems, and a seed pod. Our results show that charcoal produced from plants native to southeastern USA exhibits more variable L:W values than those tested in previous research, but that when aggregated, they broadly agree with published L:W value ranges. Within the dicot group, leaves produced charcoal lower L:W values (median = 1.92, interquartile range (IQR) = 1.33) than wood (median = 2.43, IQR = 3.00), whereas the opposite was true for gymnosperms whose needles produced greater L:W values (median = 2.60, IQR = 3.22) than wood (median = 1.93, IQR = 1.44). The monocot graminoid we tested produced greater L:W values (median = 3.47, IQR = 6.02) than dicot or gymnosperm fuels. Further, our results provide conflicting perspectives on the likelihood of evolutionary relationships as the cause of variations in charcoal L:W values. Last, our results underscore the importance of site-specific experimental charcoal approaches to enable robust paleofire applications of charcoal morphometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxbow lakes are important habitats for many rare and protected wetland organisms and play a role as a storage of pollutants in floodplain. Unfortunately, many oxbows were destroyed due to drainage works and the adaptation of riverbeds to inland transport. Multi-proxy palaeoecological analyses makes it possible to recognise the succession of flora and fauna in the oxbow lakes over centuries and millenia. Insight into the history of the destroyed wetlands ecosystems is especially important for their restoration. We used palaeoecological methods (plant macrofossils, pollen, mollusc, Cladocera, diatoms, macrocharcoal) supported by radiocarbon dating to: (i) reconstruct the succession of the local flora (macrophytes, diatoms) and fauna (molluscs, Cladocera) during the last ca. 3000 years; (ii) provide a background of local to regional vegetation composition and disturbance by fire and human impact in the Drava valleys. (iii) determine natural reference conditions as a basis for the restoration of degraded oxbow ecosystems in the region; Our study revealed that: (i) in the shallow eutrophic oxbow lakes (ca. 2 m deep) occurred numerous submerged (Najas marina, N. minor, Ceratophyllum demersum, Zannichelia palustris) and floating macrophytes (Trapa natans, Nymphaea alba, Nuphar lutea), Cladocera and molluscs species (e.g. Borysthenia naticinata, Bithynia tentaculata, Valvata cristata) and we recommend that these species should be included in the restoration of oxbows in this region; (ii) warm climate phases (Roman Period, Medieval Period) likely enhanced the terrestrialisation process and transformation of water reservoirs into peatlands between 1200 and 800 cal. BP; (iii) human activity has led to changes in overall forest composition, including riparian tree taxa, since the beginning of the record and has intensified since the Medieval Period; (iv) the difference in the time and intensity of fires between the northern and southern part of Drava river valley is most likely due to the different history of human colonisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern agriculture has caused extensive soil pesticide contamination, which is a global concern. This study explored the potential of bamboo charcoal (BC) to alleviate quinclorac-induced stress in tobacco plants. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of BC and vinasse fertilizer (VF) on the growth and physiological parameters of tobacco plants subjected to quinclorac stress. At 30, 60, and 90 d after transplantation, BC and VF exhibited pronounced restorative effects on quinclorac-stressed tobacco plants. The treatments improved plant height, leaf length, and leaf width, and enhanced leaf quality and various biochemical indicators. Treatment with 500 g VF + 4% BC resulted in the lowest residual quinclorac levels in both the soil and leaves. Treatment with 500 g VF + 2% BC resulted in the most significant recovery of agronomic traits, whereas 500 g VF + 0.5% BC was the most effective in enhancing leaf quality. However, the effectiveness of BC decreased with time following application, and furthermore, quinclorac may be released from the BC. In conclusion, BC shows promise in alleviating the adverse effects of quinclorac stress in tobacco plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cenerimod is a sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 1 modulator that reduces tissue availability of circulating lymphocytes. The compound is in Phase 3 development for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Its pharmacokinetic properties are characterized by slow absorption and multiphasic elimination with a long terminal half‐life (t½), potentially caused by enterohepatic circulation (EHC). In this trial in healthy participants, oral cenerimod 0.5 and 4 mg once daily was administered for 50 days, followed by oral administration of activated charcoal (ie, 50 mg every 12 h for 11 days, starting 24 h after the last cenerimod dose), to investigate the potential EHC of cenerimod and assess whether elimination of cenerimod can be accelerated. The multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of cenerimod were also evaluated. For both doses, peak plasma concentrations were reached 6 and 7 h after dosing. Cenerimod accumulated approximately eightfold and (near) steady‐state conditions were reached after 50 doses, resembling clinically meaningful exposure to cenerimod. The t½ following 0.5 and 4 mg of cenerimod was 767 and 799 h (ie, 32 and 33 days) and 720 and 780 h (ie, 30 and 33 days) with or without administration of charcoal, respectively, indicating no statistically significant difference. Therefore, charcoal did not accelerate cenerimod elimination suggesting that there is no EHC of cenerimod. A reversible, dose‐dependent decrease in total lymphocyte count was observed. No safety concerns were identified; administration of charcoal was well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational exposure to charcoal smoke and dust is a threat to workers' respiratory systems. What is the prevalence of COPD in charcoal workers compared with that of farmers in rural areas of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)? This cross-sectional, comparative, and multisite study was performed in the charcoal-producing provinces of southwestern DRC. We randomly included charcoal workers and compared them with farmers (age range, 18-70 years). Air quality indexes, anthropometric features, physical activity, sociodemographic characteristics, and related medical events data were recorded. A lung function questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms and spirometry was performed. COPD was defined as the presence of respiratory symptoms for > 3 months with an FEV 1 to FVC ratio less than the lower limit of normal. The prevalence of COPD was calculated, and logistic regression was used to identify COPD-associated factors. We included 485 participants between August 2020 and July 2021. Charcoal producers (CPs; n = 229) were compared with farmers (n = 118), and charcoal saleswomen (n = 72) were compared with vegetable saleswomen (n = 66). Respective groups were similar in age, job seniority, height, and weight. The air was more polluted at charcoal workplaces. The prevalence of COPD was higher in CPs than in farmers (39.7% vs 14.4%; P <.0001) and higher in charcoal saleswomens compared with vegetable saleswomen (40.3% vs 13.6%; P <.0001). Being a charcoal worker was associated independently with COPD in the CP and farmers groups (adjusted OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.94-6.46) and in the saleswomen group (adjusted OR, 7.85; 95% CI, 2.85-21.5), where it was also associated independently with young age (adjusted OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-0.93) and monthly income (adjusted OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.96). In rural areas of DRC, producing or selling charcoal is associated with a higher risk of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acute paediatric poisoning is a global public health concern. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of acute paediatric intoxication in Hong Kong and to compare the features of intentional and unintentional intoxication. Design, setting, patients, and participants: All paediatric intoxications requiring admission to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements and results: During the study period, 206 children were admitted for acute poisoning. The median age was 15.0 years. A bimodal distribution was observed, with an early peak at 1-2 years and a later peak at 14-16 years. Females were predominant. The vast majority of children were poisoned by ingestion. Therapeutic agents were the most frequent class of agents. The majority of cases were intended for deliberate self-harm, which was more prevalent in middle childhood and early adolescence. Analgesics were the most frequent agents. While the majority of patients were stable with close observation, 29 patients (14%) required antidote treatment for the intoxication. Thirty- . seven patients (18%) were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Four of them (1.9%) required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and one received kidney replacement therapy (continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration). Intentional poisoning was more common in female patients (p<0.001) and older patients (p<0.001). It was associated with therapeutic agents (p=0.009) and the necessity for antidote treatment (p=0.01). They had a higher mean Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) (p<0.001) and required significantly more extended hospital stays (p<0.001). They were also more commonly associated with preexisting psychiatric conditions or newly diagnosed psychiatric conditions (p<0.001). Conclusions: The vast majority of acute paediatric poisoning was intentional for deliberate selfharm. Intentional poisoning was associated with female sex, increasing age, more severe disease, need for an antidote or invasive treatment, and longer length of hospitalisation. The significantly higher proportion of children in this group having preexisting or newly diagnosed psychiatric disorders raised concerns about addressing emotions in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating organic inclusions in mortars such as charcoals is a useful alternative or complementary method to dating mortars themselves, helping to estimate the building age. To assess the limitations of this dating approach, organic inclusions were searched for in surface mortar layers of six early to late medieval buildings in the Czech Republic with relatively well-known age. Altogether, 123 samples were found. About 80% were successfully radiocarbon (14C) dated. However, only 66% originated from wood relatively young when used in lime burning. To judge which samples are relevant to the actual building date, sufficient statistics is crucial. We recommend dating at least 5–10 samples, i.e., collecting 6–12 samples, for a site with uncomplicated building history, or per building phase. Otherwise, unrealistically old or young dates might be obtained. With the recommended statistics, inclusion-based dating provides building ages with uncertainty of 50–100 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to obtain the energy recovery potential of the biogas produced from anaerobic digestion (AD) of the sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), including the use of biochar as an additive for substrate co-digestion and catalyst for methane production. We carried out the following steps: chemical–physical laboratory analyses of sludge samples; the building, operation, and monitoring of an experimental prototype of a batch bioreactor of 2.5 L for the AD of the sludge (with and without the addition of charcoal); qualitative measurements of biogas; the study of charcoal morphology; and the projection of useful energy generation from the AD sludge after treatment. A study on the economic viability and avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was performed based on the experimental results. The substrate showed alterations in all the physicochemical parameters evaluated after AD, such as a reduction of 35% in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) analysis; the experiment carried out using biochar showed positive results regarding the speed of CH4 production and a greater potential for energy recovery. Enterprises from 2000 kW onwards would present an internal rate of return (IRR) equal to or higher than the minimum attractiveness rate (MAR) of 15%. The USD 95.28/MWh tariff presented economic feasibility for the studied scenarios. WWTPs that produce enough sludge to generate power of 2000 kW would need to process the waste of 117,200 inhabitants with charcoal addition and 136,000 without charcoal. It would be possible to avoid the emission of 2307.97 tCO2/year (2000 kW). According to the results obtained, this study revealed that using alternative energies based on anaerobic digestion and biochar can generate positive results regarding methane production, and its application as an energy source in a WWTP proved to be economically viable at a specific level of power production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian peels are biomass waste and can be used as an alternative fuel for briquettes. Therefore, processing organic waste (biomass), especially waste from durian peels into briquettes is a solution to replace traditional coal energy with renewable energy. This article contains guidelines that provide a basis for understanding how to make durian peel biomass briquettes and analyzing the results compared to coconut shell and rice husk materials. The test results showed that the highest density value was obtained for 100% rice husk briquettes with a value of 1324.56 kg/m³, the highest heating value was obtained for 100% coconut shell briquettes at 6479 kcal/kg, the voltage value produced by the voltaic cell Durian peel charcoal is highest when activated with more dilute KOH, in contrast to the durian peel charcoal electrolysis cell, the highest voltage is obtained when activated with more concentrated KOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the produced water treatment methods is adsorption, however, the use of commercial activated carbon as an adsorbent, in industrial scale, makes the process expensive. An alternative for replacing commercial activated carbon is the use of bioadsorbents, which have been gaining emphasis in recent decades, high performance, and low production costs. The objective of this work is to develop an efficient and low cost bioadsorbent by reusing the charcoal from the cashew nutshell (Anarcadium accidentale L.) for the removal of metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cr3+), oil and grease content (OGC). The bioadsorbent was pretreated with NaOH and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), point of zero charge (pHpzc) and Boehm titration. The adsorption tests involved adsorption kinetics and equilibrium experiments in a batch system using metallic solution and in a fixed bed column using multi-element metallic and semi-synthetic OGC solution. The characterization results revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups, as well as an irregular and heterogeneous structure, which are favorable characteristics for the adsorption process. The bioadsorbent was able to remove 98.9; 90.9, 77.1 and 100% for Cu2+, Pb2+, Cr3+ and OGC, respectively, in a fixed bed adsorption column. It is concluded that bioadsorbent developed has high potential for removing metals and OGC, in addition to being an abundant product in nature, renewable, biodegradable and its reuse contributes to reduce environmental pollution, waste production and improves the local circular economy through the recovery of the by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the technological properties of wood is important for its use and the quality of its products. The aim was to assess the quality of charcoal produced from wood grown in the Cerrado biome. Wood samples of Handroanthus roseoalba (ipê branco), Handroanthus heptaphyllus (ipê roxo) and Piptocarpha rotundifolia ('blackheart') were selected. Charcoals from these samples were produced at two charring temperatures (500 and 550 °C). Basic density, total extractives, lignin and holocellulose, gravimetric yield, higher calorific value and immediate chemical properties of the charcoals were determined. Near infrared (NIR) spectra were obtained on the transverse and longitudinal faces of the wood using a DLP® NIRscan™ portable spectrometer. Partial least squares regression was used to adjust predictive models of charcoal properties using the NIR spectra measured in the precursor wood. The coefficients of determination in the cross-validation (R2cv) ranged from 0.49 to 0.87 for volatile materials, from 0.48 to 0.88 for fixed carbon and from 0.49 to 0.85 for higher calorific value of charcoal. The spectra generated better models for properties of charcoals produced at 500 °C. The models generated were satisfactory, indicating that the NIR spectrometry can predict the quality of charcoal before it is produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the technical, economic, and environmental assessment of a developed improved cookstove (ICS) for domestic uses focusing on outperforming the traditional charcoal cookstove by improving technical performance, fuel economy, and environmental savings. A set of experiments were conducted to verify the performance of the ICS. The technical performance involved measuring the cooking time (tc), maximum cooking temperature (Tmax), fuel consumption (fcons), thermal efficiency (ηth), and cooling time (tcool). The economic assessment involved daily and annual fuel cost, and daily and annual fuel cost saving while environmental saving involved annual reduction of CO, CO2, NO, and NOx gases. The Tmax of the ICS reached 1273 K, reducing the tc by 18 mins, a drop of 43%. Furthermore, this reduced the fcons by approximately 50 g, around 30%. The ICS had an enhanced tcool of about 24.53 mins and attained ηth of 43.3%. In five tests, the ICS consumed about 596 g, which costs TZS 870 and TZS 317,550 per year. The reduction in consumption significantly reduces fuel costs by 29.83%. The results showed the ICS reduced the emission of CO, CO2, NO, and NOx concentrations by 258, 650, 2, and 2.5 ppm, respectively, compared to a traditional charcoal cookstove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar derived from the pyrolysis of biomass is recognized for its carbon sequestration capacity. By adding physical or chemical activation steps, its properties can be enhanced, resulting in activated or modified biochar. However, investigating the possible toxic effects for safer application is necessary. In this study, we aimed to assess the ecotoxicological effects of extracts from biochars prepared from sugarcane bagasse activated with zinc chloride and heat treated at temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000 °C. Using Artemia salina as an indicator of toxicity, we observed variation in mortality ranging from 27.5 % to 100 % as the temperature varied between 1000 and 300 °C. The leachate from the sample prepared at 300 °C, which had the highest zinc content, presented an LC50 of 0.53 w/v. Phytotoxicity tests with Lactuca sativa revealed that extracts from biochars prepared at lower temperatures presented greater phytotoxicity, with reductions in relative germination, relative average radicle growth and the germination index. These results highlight the need to assess the ecotoxicological risks of activated biochar with zinc chloride. The sensitivities of Artemia salina and Lactuca sativa are promising for detecting these effects, suggesting that they are effective approaches for assessing environmental safety. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the adverse effects of activated biochar but also guide safe and sustainable practices for its future application.

Abstract The quest towards a low carbon economy and to achieve the SDG 7 of access to a clean, affordable and modern energy for all has led to numerous studies that seek to examine the determinants of clean energy adoption. Despite the numerous studies previously conducted that have sought to explain the clean energy transition, the role that health facilities play in promoting clean energy use at the household level remains to be explored. This study investigates the effect of health care facilities on households’ energy adoption using survey data from Ghana and ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation techniques. The study further examines the different effects of different types of health facilities on clean energy adoption. The results show that the presence of a health facility in a community has positive effects on the likelihood of choosing cleaner energy sources for cooking at the household level. Furthermore, lower-level health facilities tend to have a bigger effect on clean energy adoption compared to higher level facilities such as hospitals and clinics. Robustness analyses confirm these findings. The pathways through which this relationship potentially occurs and the implications for increasing adoption of clean energy fuels are discussed.

This study aimed to obtain the energy recovery potential of the biogas produced from anaerobic digestion (AD) of the sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), including the use of biochar as an additive for substrate co-digestion and catalyst for methane production. We carried out the following steps: chemical–physical laboratory analyses of sludge samples; the building, operation, and monitoring of an experimental prototype of a batch bioreactor of 2.5 L for the AD of the sludge (with and without the addition of charcoal); qualitative measurements of biogas; the study of charcoal morphology; and the projection of useful energy generation from the AD sludge after treatment. A study on the economic viability and avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was performed based on the experimental results. The substrate showed alterations in all the physicochemical parameters evaluated after AD, such as a reduction of 35% in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) analysis; the experiment carried out using biochar showed positive results regarding the speed of CH4 production and a greater potential for energy recovery. Enterprises from 2000 kW onwards would present an internal rate of return (IRR) equal to or higher than the minimum attractiveness rate (MAR) of 15%. The USD 95.28/MWh tariff presented economic feasibility for the studied scenarios. WWTPs that produce enough sludge to generate power of 2000 kW would need to process the waste of 117,200 inhabitants with charcoal addition and 136,000 without charcoal. It would be possible to avoid the emission of 2307.97 tCO2/year (2000 kW). According to the results obtained, this study revealed that using alternative energies based on anaerobic digestion and biochar can generate positive results regarding methane production, and its application as an energy source in a WWTP proved to be economically viable at a specific level of power production.