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Abstract This study aims to investigate the potential of integrating natural biochar (BC) derived from eggshell waste into flexible polyurethane (FPU) foam to enhance its mechanical and acoustic performance. The study explores the impact of incorporating BC at various weight ratios (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 wt. %) on the properties of the FPU foam. Additionally, the effects of modifying the BC with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) at different ratios (10, 20, and 30 wt. %) and the influence of diverse particle sizes of BC on the thermal, mechanical, and acoustic characteristics of the FPU composite are investigated. The functional groups, morphology, and elemental composition of the developed FPU composites are analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Characteristics such as density, gel fraction, and porosity were also assessed. The results reveal that the density of FPU foam increased by 4.32% and 7.83% while the porosity decreased to 50.22% and 47.05% with the addition of 0.1 wt. % of unmodified BC and modified BC with 20 wt. % APTMS, respectively, compared to unfilled FPU. Additionally, the gel fraction of the FPU matrix increases by 1.91% and 3.55% with the inclusion of 0.1 wt. % unmodified BC and modified BC with 20 wt. % APTMS, respectively. Furthermore, TGA analysis revealed that all FPU composites demonstrate improved thermal stability compared to unfilled FPU, reaching a peak value of 312.17°C for the FPU sample incorporating BC modified with 20 wt. % APTMS. Compression strength increased with 0.1 wt. % untreated BC but decreased at higher concentrations. Modifying BC with 20% APTMS resulted in an 8.23% increase in compressive strength compared to unfilled FPU. Acoustic analysis showed that the addition of BC improved absorption, and modified BC enhanced absorption characteristics of FPU, reaching Class D with a 20 mm thickness. BC modified with APTMS further improved acoustic properties compared to the unfilled FPU sample (Class E), with 20% modification showing the best results. These composites present promising materials for sound absorption applications and address environmental issues related to eggshell waste.

Abstract Mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) in the cytosol can trigger the innate immune sensor MDA5, and autoinflammatory disease due to type I IFN. Here, we show that a dominant negative mutation in the gene encoding the mitochondrial exonuclease REXO2 may cause interferonopathy by triggering the MDA5 pathway. A patient characterized by this heterozygous de novo mutation (p.T132A) presented with persistent skin rash featuring hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and acanthosis, with infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils around small blood vessels. In addition, circulating IgE levels and inflammatory cytokines, including IFNα, are found consistently elevated. Transcriptional analysis highlights a type I IFN gene signature in PBMC. Mechanistically, REXO2 (T132A) lacks the ability to cleave RNA and inhibits the activity of wild-type REXO2. This leads to an accumulation of mitochondrial dsRNA in the cytosol, which is recognized by MDA5, leading to the associated type I IFN gene signature. These results demonstrate that in the absence of appropriate regulation by REXO2, aberrant cellular nucleic acids may accumulate and continuously trigger innate sensors, resulting in an inborn error of immunity.

Abstract An experimental study on reinforced concrete one-way slabs strengthened by various methods and materials is introduced in this paper. Innovative anchorage procedures are presented and evaluated to prevent the strengthening elements with FRP system from de-bonding at the initial stages. Externally bonded embedded in concrete cover (EBECC) strengthening technology was proposed to save the fiber strips from being subjected to heat, degradation, and sabotage. Nine RC one-way slabs, including a control slab and eight strengthened slabs, were cast. One RC slab was strengthened using externally bonded embedded in concrete cover (EBECC), whereas the other tested RC slabs were strengthened using either externally bonded (EB) or near-surface mounted (NSM) procedures. The following test variables are used in this study: the proposed anchors, the area of steel, the kind of material utilized in NSM rods (carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and steel), and the strengthening scheme. The ultimate and initial cracking loads, load–deformation response, cracking patterns, and failure behavior were recorded and discussed. Additionally, a comparison of the stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption of the examined slabs was reported. The strengthened slabs by various techniques showed a boost in flexural strength that varied from 67 to 107% compared to the control slab. In addition, RC slabs strengthened by NSM-CFRP bars showed a maximum flexural capacity when compared with slabs strengthened by GFRP and steel bars. Also, the results supported the superiority of a novel end anchorage. The ABAQUS program was employed to conduct a finite element analysis (FEA) employing 3-D geometries to compare and assess the numerical performance of the identical slabs under similar test settings. The results showed good agreement between the experimental and numerical findings.

Abstract A series of benzoquinoline-employing heterocycles was synthesized by treating 3-chlorobenzo[f]quinoline-2-carbaldehyde with N-phenyl-3-methylpyrazolone, 4-aminoacetophenone, 1,2-diaminoethane, and 2-cyanoethanohydrazide. Also, pyridine, chromene, α,β-unsaturated nitrile, thiosemicarbazone, and 1,2-bis-aryl hydrazine derivatives were prepared from the cyanoethanohydrazone obtained. The DFT calculations and experiment outcomes were consistent. In vitro screening of their antiproliferative efficacy was examined against HCT116 and MCF7 cancer cell lines. The pyrazolone 2 and cyanoethanohydrazone 5 derivatives exhibited the most potency, which was demonstrated by their molecular docking towards the CDK-5 enzyme. The binding energies of compounds 2 and 5 were − 6.6320 kcal/mol (with RMSD of 0.9477 Å) and − 6.5696 kcal/mol (with RMSD of 1.4889 Å), respectively, which were near to that of co-crystallized ligand (EFP). This implies a notably strong binding affinity towards the CDK-5 enzyme. Thus, pyrazolone derivative 2 would be considered a promising candidate for further optimization to develop new chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) analyses displayed its desirable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability properties.

Abstract Pediatric cardiomyopathies are mostly attributed to variants in sarcomere-related genes. Unfortunately, the genetic architecture of pediatric cardiomyopathies has never been previously studied in Jordan. We sought to uncover the genetic landscape of 14 patients from nine families with several subtypes of pediatric cardiomyopathies in Jordan using Exome sequencing (ES). Our investigation identified pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in seven out of nine families (77.8%), clustering in sarcomere-related genes. Surprisingly, phenocopies of sarcomere-related hypertrophic cardiomyopathies were evident in probands with glycogen storage disorder and mitochondrial-related disease. Our study underscored the significance of streamlining ES or expanding cardiomyopathy-related gene panels to identify plausible phenocopies of sarcomere-related cardiomyopathies. Our findings also pointed out the need for genetic testing in patients with cardiomyopathy and their at-risk family members. This can potentially lead to better management strategies, enabling early interventions, and ultimately enhancing their prognosis. Finally, our findings provide an initial contribution to the currently absent knowledge about the molecular underpinnings of cardiomyopathies in Jordan.

Background: Birth injuries to the brachial plexus are highly rare; however, they necessitate treatment and follow-up from infancy until skeletal maturity. Many complications may arise as a result of primary nerve surgery. Objectives: To study the long-term complications of nerve repair procedures in patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Patients and methods: This was retrospective research that was performed on 8 cases having obstetric brachial plexus palsy and underwent nerve surgery procedure. The ages ranged from 3 to 20 months. The assessment of the surgical procedure outcomes involves post-operative evaluation of both short and long-term complication. Results: Our study showed that the most frequent long-term complications were decreased innervation (25%), followed by decreased strength and stamina and balanced discoordination (12.50%) while there were no complications encountered in 50% of cases. The short-term complications included wound infection, seroma and hematoma. Conclusion: The nerve surgery procedure is an efficient primary approach in the management of cases with brachial plexus injury. However, a long-term follow-up is usually associated with late squeal such as reduced innervation and decrease in the overall strength and stamina.

In network traffic classification, it is important to understand the correlation between network traffic and its causal application, protocol, or service group, for example, in facilitating lawful interception, ensuring the quality of service, preventing application choke points, and facilitating malicious behavior identification. In this paper, we review existing network classification techniques, such as port-based identification and those based on deep packet inspection, statistical features in conjunction with machine learning, and deep learning algorithms. We also explain the implementations, advantages, and limitations associated with these techniques. Our review also extends to publicly available datasets used in the literature. Finally, we discuss existing and emerging challenges, as well as future research directions.

Abstract Background Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm) in cord blood, are an important biological marker of how external exposures during gestation can influence the in-utero environment and subsequent offspring development. Despite the recognized importance of DNAm during gestation, comparative studies to determine the consistency of these epigenetic signals across different ethnic groups are largely absent. To address this gap, we first performed epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of gestational age (GA) using newborn cord blood DNAm comparatively in a white European (n = 342) and a South Asian (n = 490) birth cohort living in Canada. Then, we capitalized on established cord blood epigenetic GA clocks to examine the associations between maternal exposures, offspring characteristics and epigenetic GA, as well as GA acceleration, defined as the residual difference between epigenetic and chronological GA at birth. Results Individual EWASs confirmed 1,211 and 1,543 differentially methylated CpGs previously reported to be associated with GA, in white European and South Asian cohorts, respectively, with a similar distribution of effects. We confirmed that Bohlin’s cord blood GA clock was robustly correlated with GA in white Europeans (r = 0.71; p = 6.0 × 10–54) and South Asians (r = 0.66; p = 6.9 × 10–64). In both cohorts, Bohlin’s clock was positively associated with newborn weight and length and negatively associated with parity, newborn female sex, and gestational diabetes. Exclusive to South Asians, the GA clock was positively associated with the newborn ponderal index, while pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain were strongly predictive of increased epigenetic GA in white Europeans. Important predictors of GA acceleration included gestational diabetes mellitus, newborn sex, and parity in both cohorts. Conclusions These results demonstrate the consistent DNAm signatures of GA and the utility of Bohlin’s GA clock across the two populations. Although the overall pattern of DNAm is similar, its connections with the mother's environment and the baby's anthropometrics can differ between the two groups. Further research is needed to understand these unique relationships.

ABSTRACT Background The inclusion of synthetic amino acids in poultry nutrition plays a crucial role in both enhancing the synthesis of immunoglobulins and elevating the overall comprehensiveness of the amino acid profile. Objectives This research examined the effects of consuming threonine (Thr) in various forms levels with low or high oil on broiler chickens' growth and immunity. Methods We investigate the growth performance, feed efficiency, immune response, intestinal morphology, absorptive capacity, and expression of some genes related to the feed intake (Pro‐opiomelanocortin [POMC]), fatty acid synthesis (Acetyl‐CoA Carboxylase [ACC]), immunity (lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumour necrosis like alpha factor [LITAF]), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Eight groups of chicks were used, including four dietary Thr levels (100%, 115%, 130%, or 145%) with two oil levels (mixture of sunflower 50% and soybean oils 50%): (control) and high. Results The higher dietary Thr level (145%) with high oil inclusion significantly increased ACC and POMC gene expression, resulting in the lowest feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and liver fat content. Combining high oil with 115% Thr was the optimum for the broilers. The birds have significant (p ≤ .05) growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal health, as well as the lowest expression of ACC, POMC, HSP70, and LITAF, which was reflected in better feed conversion ratio and lower incidence of fatty liver, thermo‐resistance, and immune status of the birds. Conclusions The combination of high oil and 115% Thr levels optimises broiler health and productivity, enhancing growth, immune function, and gut health. This diet lowers the expression of genes associated with fatty liver and stress, leading to better feed efficiency, thermo‐resistance, and overall well‐being. Adopting these dietary adjustments can improve broiler performance and economic viability in poultry farming by enhancing essential productivity metrics.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an exceptionally deadly form of pancreatic cancer with an extremely low survival rate. From diagnosis to treatment, PDAC is highly challenging to manage. Studies have demonstrated that PDAC tumors in distinct regions of the pancreas exhibit unique characteristics, influencing symptoms, treatment responses, and survival rates. Gaining insight into the heterogeneity of PDAC tumors based on their location in the pancreas can significantly enhance overall management of PDAC. Previous studies have explored PDAC tumor heterogeneity across pancreatic subregions based on their genetic and molecular profiles through biopsy-based histologic assessment. However, biopsy examinations are highly invasive and impractical for large populations. Abdominal imaging, such as Computed Tomography (CT) offers a completely non-invasive means to evaluate PDAC tumor heterogeneity across pancreatic subregions and an opportunity to correlate image feature of tumors with treatment outcome and monitoring. In this study, we explored the inter-tumor heterogeneity in PDAC tumors across three primary pancreatic subregions: the head, body, and tail. Utilizing contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans and a thorough radiomic analysis of PDAC tumors, several morphological and textural tumor features were identified to be notably different between tumors in the head and those in the body and tail regions. To validate the significance of the identified features, a machine learning ML model was trained to automatically classify PDAC tumors into their respective regions i.e. head or body/tail subregion using their CT features. The study involved 200 CT abdominal scans, with 100 used for radiomic analysis and model training, and the remaining 100 for model testing. The ML model achieved an average classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 87%, 86%, and 88% on the testing scans respectively. Evaluating the heterogeneity of PDAC tumors across pancreatic subregions provides valuable insights into tumor composition and has the potential to enhance diagnosis and personalize treatment based on tumor characteristics and location.

The use of back-to-back built-up channel beams in cold-formed steel (CFS) structures is steadily rising. The growing demand for CFS sections as a cost-effective design solution has driven the development of these CFS built-up sections. Despite this, there has been limited research on the performance of mild steel (MS) based CFS at high temperatures, particularly regarding its flexural behavior. This study thoroughly explores the behavior of MS-based CFS beams with different spans under high temperatures, followed by cooling with air or water. It assesses the impact of thermal loading and evaluates the effectiveness of these cooling methods. Experimental findings are validated and analyzed in conjunction with Finite Element Modeling (FEM) using ABAQUS and the Direct Strength Method (DSM). The study also conducts a parametric analysis to determine how the varying span that affects flexural capacity of beam. Among beams heated to the same temperature, those cooled with water exhibit slightly lower load capacities than those cooled with air. The maximum load observed is 91.21 kN for the reference specimen, while the minimum load is 39.82 kN for the specimen heated for 90 min and cooled with water, resulting in a 78.45% difference between these values. Additionally, as heating duration increases, ductility of beam also increases. Various failure modes are observed based on different heating and cooling conditions across different beam spans. This study offers valuable insights into the performance of MS-based CFS beams under thermal stress and different cooling conditions, providing important data for structural design and safety in construction.

CWA Power develops, owns, and operates several CSP projects, including the largest one in the world. One of the primary objectives for companies in the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) sector is to lower the electricity costs associated with CSP plants. This goal extends not only to existing operational plants but also to future projects. Enhancing plant performance is a key pathway to achieving this cost reduction. CSP performance models play a pivotal role in this journey by allowing us to analyse different configurations, changes, or modifications without the necessity of their physical implementation. In 2015, ACWA Power made a strategic decision to develop its own CSP performance models. This move aimed to enhance ACWA Power’s competitiveness for upcoming projects while also supporting operational plants by identifying avenues for performance improvement. The decision was made to create models for the two prevailing CSP technologies: Parabolic Trough with thermal oil as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and molten salt storage system, as well as solar tower with molten salts.

Background: Evaluating the effectiveness of a specific quinazoline molecule with antibacterial activity on microorganisms as a potential antibiotic substitution. Methods: A variety of microorganisms were tested with the designated quinazoline molecule. Differences within two groups were analyzed using the two-tailed Student’s t-test,. Results: Susceptibility tests revealed that the chemical has stronger antibacterial action against S. saprophyticus than other isolates, with just a slight effect on E. coli and M. smegmatis. The bacterial cells were subjected to varying concentrations of a certain molecule, and the results showed that the inhibition of bacterial adhesion was not consistent. This suggests that the effect of the molecule on bacterial adhesion is dependent on its concentration. After 24 h of treatment with varying chemical doses, all of the periodontal bacterial strains examined showed considerable inhibition of biofilm formation. Conclusions: According to the findings, the chemical molecule quinazoline could be utilized as an alternative therapeutic approach for microorganism-caused infections.

Chloroquine phosphate with ibuprofen and sulphamethoxazole were used as mixed ligands with Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) to prepare new transition metal complexes. Metal analysis, IR, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum analyzes were used to describe them, with some modifications to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard susceptibility test under laboratory conditions. The biological effects of ligands and new complexes against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae were evaluated at various concentrations. To assess larvicidal efficacy, late third or early fourth instar larvae were exposed to multiple concentrations of the examined compounds, ranging from 50 to 1000 ppm. Cu(II) complexes revealed significant high activity (LC50 = 100 ppm against Ae. Aegypti was compared with the rest of the metal complexes. On the other hand, the Co(II) complex showed no activity against Ae. aegypti. These mixed ligand complexes seemed to be an alternative method for manufactured insecticides to control larvae of this medically important mosquito vector Ae. aegypti. Further research on other metal complex compounds responsible for larvicidal efficacy will be required.

The direct torque control (DTC) strategy was proposed more than 25 years ago. It is one of the most successful and reliable techniques for AC motors. This paper presents the application of DTC using a four-switch inverter, as one of the non-conventional economic topologies suitable for low power ranges. The experimental prototype proves the validity and effectiveness of the investigated configuration. In addition, for comparison purposes, the DTC technique has been implemented using a conventional six-switch inverter. According to the experimental results, the DTC-based four-switch inverter would be competitive with the conventional topology in low power ranges to achieve an economic AC drive with a satisfactory transient and steady-state performance at moderate costs.

Abstract Background The wingless signaling pathway of bone development is inhibited by sclerostin, which may contribute to the etiology of ankylosing spondylitis. Aim The study aimed to evaluate serum sclerostin levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients and investigate how it correlated with radiographic damage using the Spondylo-arthritis Research Consortium of Canada index (SPARCC), disease activity, and functional impairment. Results This cross-sectional case–control study revealed a significantly lower mean serum sclerostin (11.28 ng/ml) in AS patients compared with controls (101.25 ng/ml). Serum sclerostin levels showed a significant negative correlation with each of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) (p = 0.043), sacroiliac joints SPARCC, spine SPARCC, and overall SPARCC scores (p = 0.012, p = 0.036, and p = 0.007). The detection of AS, serum sclerostin levels ≤ 20 ng/ml showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion Serum sclerostin had good discriminating power between ankylosing spondylitis cases and healthy control individuals and was correlated with subclinical activity status on magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Scientists know very little about the mechanisms underlying fish skin mucus, despite the fact that it is a component of the immune system. Fish skin mucus is an important component of defence against invasive infections. Recently, Fish skin and its mucus are gaining interest among immunologists. Characterization was done on the obtained silver nanoparticles Ag combined with Clarias gariepinus catfish epidermal mucus proteins (EMP-Ag-NPs) through UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and SEM. Ag-NPs ranged in size from 4 to 20 nm, spherical in form and the angles were 38.10°, 44.20°, 64.40°, and 77.20°, Where wavelength change after formation of EMP-Ag-NPs as indicate of dark brown, the broad band recorded at wavelength at 391 nm. Additionally, the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anticancer activities of EMP-Ag-NPs was assessed. The present results demonstrate high activity against unicellular fungi C. albicans, followed by E. faecalis. Antibiofilm results showed strong activity against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa pathogens in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting planktonic cell growth. Also, cytotoxicity effect was investigated against normal cells (Vero), breast cancer cells (Mcf7) and hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines at concentrations (200–6.25 µg/mL) and current results showed highly anticancer effect of Ag-NPs at concentrations 100, 5 and 25 µg/mL exhibited rounding, shrinkage, deformation and granulation of Mcf7 and HepG2 with IC50 19.34 and 31.16 µg/mL respectively while Vero cells appeared rounded at concentration 50 µg/mL and normal shape at concentration 25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/ml with IC50 35.85 µg/mL. This study evidence the potential efficacy of biologically generated Ag-NPs as a substitute medicinal agent against harmful microorganisms. Furthermore, it highlights their inhibitory effect on cancer cell lines.

Muzyka bluesowa ściśle związana jest z emocjonalnością. Nie bez powodu ukuto powiedzenie: „czuć bluesa”. Od etymologii słowa, po historię powstania tego gatunku znajdujemy potwierdzenie tego związku. Blues koncentruje się na trudnościach życiowych, wprowadza odbiorcę w świat uczuć, czarnego cierpienia i radości. Dokonania współczesnych badaczy Black Studies podkreślają: by móc odpowiednio zanalizować muzykę bluesową, trzeba „poczuć ducha”, to znaczy, interpretator musi wczuć się w moc czarnej muzyki, reagując zarówno na jej rytm, jak i na wiarę w doświadczenie, które ona potwierdza. Czy zatem emocjonalna płaszczyzna bluesa wyklucza warunek rozumienia go w szerszym kontekście? A może wręcz przeciwnie – by w pełni poczuć bluesa, najpierw należy poznać jego historię i znaczenie? Celami artykułu są wskazanie współzależności aspektów kognitywnego i metafizycznego muzyki bluesowej oraz wyjaśnienie, dlaczego wykonawcy i słuchacze muzyki bluesowej spoza afroamerykańskiego kręgu kulturowego powinni poznać historię, tropy i funkcje bluesa.

Abstract Background The dynamic nature of zoonotic emergence, spillover and spread necessitates multisectoral coordination beyond national borders to encompass cross-boundary and regional cooperation. Designated points of entry (POEs), specifically ground crossings, serve as critical locales for establishing and maintaining robust prevention, detection, notification, coordination, and response mechanisms to transboundary emerging and re-emerging disease threats. In order to better assess One Health capacities for transboundary zoonotic diseases (TZD) prevention, detection and response we adapted an existing tool, One Health Systems Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHSAPZ), for a cross-border, POE setting in North Africa. Methods The One Health Transboundary Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHTAPZ) tool was used to support prioritization of transboundary zoonoses and analyze operational capacities between national and subnational-level human and animal health stakeholders from Libya and Tunisia. Country partners jointly identified and prioritized five TZDs of concern. Case study scenarios for each priority pathogen were used to elicit current disease operations, as well as multisectoral and bilateral engagement networks. Finally, a gap analysis was performed to determine bilateral strengths and weaknesses to TZDs. Results The five priority TZDs jointly confirmed to undergo One Health assessment were avian influenza (low and high pathogenic strains); brucellosis; Rift Valley fever; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever; and rabies. Using the qualitative information collected, a transboundary systems map schematic was developed outlining the movement of human patients, animals, diagnostic samples, and routes of communication and coordination both within and between countries for zoonotic diseases. Conclusions Analysis of current operations (prevention, detection, surveillance, laboratory capacity, quarantine/isolation, and response) and the resulting transboundary systems map schematic helped identify existing capacity strengths for certain priority pathogens, as well as challenges to timely information-sharing and coordination. We developed targeted recommendations to address these limitations for joint action planning between Libya and Tunisia.

This study aims to investigate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of thermophilic bacteria isolated from thermophilic biotopes in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia for the first time. Additionally, the production of thermostable bacterial enzymes (proteases, amylases, cellulases, gelatinases, and lipases) was investigated. Six main bacterial species were identified via 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Twenty water and soil samples were collected from several thermophilic sites in the Dumat Al-Jandal and Al-Qurayyat cities. In total, 28 bacterial strains were isolated and biochemically characterized. Most isolated strains showed high protease and amylase production. 46 and 28% of isolated strains showed the production of cellulase and gelatinase, respectively. However, lipase production was not observed in any isolated bacteria. Four Bacillus licheniformis and two Bacillus subtilis strains exhibited high GC content (55%). Our findings suggest thermophilic bacteria as a source of thermostable enzymes for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

The pyrolysis of biomass leftovers for the creation of bio-char was spotlighted in several investigations. However, the bio-char yield affected by pyrolysis temperatures and the carbonization, therefore, we aimed to present a new unit for bio-char production (multi-cylinder movable based one), with efficient uses, operation, maintenance, and produce bio-char with high quality. The newly developed apparatus consists of two primary components: the condenser and the carbonization unit, which together house the stove and the carbonization cylinders. Olive cake was selected as a raw material to verify the manufactured unit for producing bio-char by studying the impact of some functioning features, different temperatures (300, 450, and 600 ◦C) and different carbonization times (3, 4, and 5 h), on the bio-char production unit’s performance. The efficiency of the bio-char production unit was assessed in terms of the bio-char unit outputs, energy needs for the unit’s operation, and the quality of the generated bio-char. Results revealed that the innovative unit successfully produced bio-char from agricultural byproducts in an economically and environmentally friendly manner. The conditions for producing the highestquality bio-char with the best energy efficiency were: pyrolysis temperature of 600 ◦C and carbonization time of 3 h, where the bio-char yield was 37%, the energy requirements for running the unit were 0.39 KWh/kg, and the quality of the produced bio-char was 8.6, 0.42 dS/m (1:10), 32.2 m2/g, and 233% for pH, electric conductivity (Ec), surface area, and water holding capacity, orderly.