Optimizing soybean biofuel blends for sustainable urban medium-duty commercial vehicles in India: an AI-driven approach

This article presents the outcomes of a research study focused on optimizing the performance of soybean biofuel blends derived from soybean seeds specifically for urban medium-duty commercial vehicles. The study took into consideration elements such as production capacity, economics and assumed engine characteristics. For the purpose of predicting performance, combustion and emission characteristics, an artificial intelligence approach that has been trained using experimental data is used. At full load, the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) dropped as engine speed increased for biofuel and diesel fuel mixes, but brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased. The BSFC increased by 11.9% when diesel compared to using biofuel with diesel blends. The mixes cut both maximum cylinder pressure and NOx emissions. The biofuel-diesel fuel proved more successful, with maximum reduction of 9.8% and 22.2 at rpm, respectively. The biofuel and diesel blend significantly improved carbon dioxide (CO2) and smoke emissions. The biofuel blends offer significant advantages by decreeing exhaust pollutants and enhancing engine performance. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Optimizing soybean biofuel blends for sustainable urban medium-duty commercial vehicles in India: an AI-driven approach

This article presents the outcomes of a research study focused on optimizing the performance of soybean biofuel blends derived from soybean seeds specifically for urban medium-duty commercial vehicles. The study took into consideration elements such as production capacity, economics and assumed engine characteristics. For the purpose of predicting performance, combustion and emission characteristics, an artificial intelligence approach that has been trained using experimental data is used. At full load, the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) dropped as engine speed increased for biofuel and diesel fuel mixes, but brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased. The BSFC increased by 11.9% when diesel compared to using biofuel with diesel blends. The mixes cut both maximum cylinder pressure and NOx emissions. The biofuel-diesel fuel proved more successful, with maximum reduction of 9.8% and 22.2 at rpm, respectively. The biofuel and diesel blend significantly improved carbon dioxide (CO2) and smoke emissions. The biofuel blends offer significant advantages by decreeing exhaust pollutants and enhancing engine performance

Computational study unravels inhibitory potential of epicatechin gallate against inflammatory and pyroptosis‐associated mediators in COVID‐19

Abstract Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) is the global health emergency caused by SARS‐CoV‐2. Upon infection, antigenic determinants of the virus trigger massive production of proinflammatory/pyroptosis‐associated proteins, resulting in cytokine storm, tissue damage, and multiorgan failure. Therefore, these proinflammatory/pyroptosis‐associated mediators are promising therapeutic targets to combat COVID‐19. Epicatechin gallate (ECG) is a polyphenol found in green tea. It has antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. Hence, in the present study, ECG was selected to explore its binding potential for inflammatory mediators such as interleukins, interferon‐γ (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), along with their native receptors. In addition, the interacting potential of ECG with pyroptosis‐associated proteins, viz. caspases and BAX has also been investigated. Molecular docking analysis has revealed that ECG interacts with interleukins, IFNγ, TNF‐α, cytokine receptors, caspase‐1/4/11, and BAX with significant binding affinity. Several amino acid residues of these mediators were blocked by ECG through stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. ECG interacted with caspase‐11, BAX, and TNF‐R1 with better binding affinities. Therefore, the present in silico study indicates that ECG could be a potential drug to subvert cytokine storm and pyroptosis during COVID‐19

Bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in seafood: A comprehensive overview of mobilization, interactive effects in eutrophic environments, and implications for public health risks

This article delves into the intricate dynamics of metals and metalloids (MEs and MLOIDs) bioaccumulation in seafood, with a focus on mobilization processes and interactive effects in eutrophic environments. It unveils critical insights into the mechanisms influencing contaminant concentration in marine organisms, and thoroughly examines the implications for public health risks. The study emphasizes the multifaceted challenges posed by MEs and MLOIDs bioaccumulation in seafood, highlighting the necessity of understanding these complexities to develop effective strategies for mitigating environmental impact and safeguarding public health. The overview comprehensively explores the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MEs and MLOIDs within aquatic ecosystems, covering sources, entry mechanisms, speciation, and transformation. It investigates the gradual buildup of substances in marine species tissue, emphasizing the use of environmental biomonitoring for metal pollution and assessing risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood. Key considerations include dietary exposure, the effects of processing on toxic MEs and MLOIDs contents, and the bioavailability of these elements in seafood products. The study examines constructive biomarkers as crucial indicators of MEs and MLOIDs contamination, ranging from metallothioneins (MTs) to DNA damage biomarkers. It evaluates their role in environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and regulatory measures, emphasizing the integration of exposure and effect biomarkers for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the quality and safety of seafood products. The article advocates ongoing research for refining biomarkers, exploring isotopic ratios, and understanding the effects of processing methods. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among scientists, regulatory bodies, and the seafood industry to tailor measures to regional contexts. The study envisions a proactive and informed strategy to foster environmental conservation and public well-being in response to MEs and MLOIDs contamination in seafood

Toxicological Evaluation of a New Lepidopteran Insecticide, Flubendiamide, in Non-Target Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Background: Flubendiamide, comparatively a new pesticide designed to eradicate lepidopteran insect pests is known to have low risk to birds, mammals, fish, algae, honey bees, non-target arthropods, earthworms, soil macro- and micro-organisms, non-target plants as well as sewage treatment organisms; however, the risk assessment for aquatic invertebrates from metabolite could not be finalized with available data. Methods: Different concentrations of flubendiamide (TATA TAKUMI®, Rallis, India) were introduced to larvae, pupae, and adult flies. A wide range of comparatively higher concentrations was selected for acute LC50 than chronic LC50 due to their exposure duration. Furthermore, relatively lower concentrations were introduced to larvae for assessment of emergence. Results: At chronic exposure, the effect-concentration relationship exhibited a linear response when adult emergence was considered in Drosophila melanogaster. When acute LC50 of flubendiamide in 3rd instar larvae was compared with the chronic LC50 then it was seen to be approximately 21 fold higher whereas chronic LC50 for adult flies was nearly 19 times less than the adult acute LC50. Similarly, adult emergence was seen to lower by 91.95% at 1500 µg/mL concentration. The chronic LC50 of the flubendiamide in Drosophila was approximately 170303 times more than the reported No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC). Conclusion: Hence, the chemical, flubendiamide can induce its effects at very low concentration, far below the lethal ones. Thus, the study is of relevance for the non-target insects as well as the insect dependent organisms

Internet of Things and smart sensors in agriculture: Scopes and challenges

Agriculture is an essential sector needed for survival of the human community. Several measures have been taken to enhance the crop production. However harsh environmental conditions and frequent pest infestation lead to the agricultural loss. In such scenario, integration of advanced technologies such as advanced sensors coupled with Internet of Things (IoT) could escalate the agricultural production and minimize the economic loss. Studies have been conducted across the world that satisfactorily demonstrated the implication of integrated IoT-smart sensors in monitoring environmental factors such as moisture, humidity, temperature, and soil composition that are critical for crop growth. Green house gases such as Carbon dioxide, Methane, etc., are also measured through automated sensors. Smart farming also enables measurement of nitrogen contents in soil that helps farmers to determine the amount of fertilizers to be used in farm lands. Some IoT-enabled equipments and unmanned aerial vehicles are useful in accurate surveillance of pest attack and associated diseases in farm vegetation. Though the smart farming has great scopes in future, it faces certain limitations related to high implementation cost, data security, and lack of sufficient digital knowledge in farmers. Special economic policies, data encryption, and digital literacy could ease IoT-enabled smart farming in future

In silico targeting of lipoxygenase, CYP2C9, and NAD(P)H oxidase by major green tea polyphenols to subvert oxidative stress

Oxidative stress (OS) is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between free-radical production and antioxidant activity within the body. Status of endogenous antioxidants is not always sufficient to mitigate the oxidative damage. In this case, exogenous antioxidants could help to minimize free-radical production and subsequent OS. Green tea is rich in several phenolic compounds that have strong antioxidant properties. However, their mechanism of action is still unclear. Hence, the present study aims to investigate binding affinities of six green tea polyphenols such as catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin for common ROS producers such as Lipoxygenase (LOX), CYP2C9, and NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX). Results indicated that polyphenols interacted with binding pockets of these enzymes through hydrogen bonds and other stable interactions such as van der waals, Pi-Pi, Pi-alkyl, and alkyl. All polyphenols showed varied binding affinities. Among them, epigallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin showed the highest binding affinities for the ROS producers. Findings of the present study suggest that, apart from free radical scavenging activity, green tea polyphenols may directly interact with binding pockets of LOX, CYP2C9, and NOX to dampen ROS production and OS. However, studies involving animal models are required for additional validation of results