Green Circle

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are major energy consumers, accounting for 3–4 % of total energy consumption in the United States. Aeration tanks are particularly energy-intensive, constituting 45–75 % of the energy footprint. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach by merging Photovoltaic (PV) technology with WWTP infrastructure. It provides a detailed model that simulates and validates the integration of PV systems within WWTPs using real-world data, aiming to enhance system efficiency and reduce operational expenses. The research modeled this integration in WWTPs across four scenarios, focusing on improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. In the first scenario, assessing the baseline power flow without PV systems, a peak summer power demand of approximately 1600 kW was observed, emphasizing the plant's significant seasonal energy consumption variation. The second scenario, examining the power system's response to a sudden generation loss, revealed a spike in voltage to 1.10 p.u. and frequency fluctuations up to 80 Hz during a short circuit, highlighting the system's vulnerability to disturbances. The third scenario, introducing PV systems, showed a balanced voltage level across all busbars, approximately one p.u., indicating improved power distribution and efficiency with PV system integration. The fourth scenario demonstrated that voltage levels remained stable at about 1.02 p.u during a fault event with PV integration. Furthermore, the frequency was maintained at 60 Hz, showcasing the ability of the PV system to enhance grid resilience and operational reliability.

Background and aims Shellfish are an important source of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients, contributing to nutrition and livelihoods in Pakistan's coastal communities. Despite their importance, limited data exist on the biochemical composition and nutritional quality of indigenous species. This study examined the biochemical composition and nutritional value of selected indigenous shellfish species originating from Pakistan's coastal waters to assess their potential contribution to sustainable nutrition and food security. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on commercial shellfish species collected from the central landing site. Standard biochemical procedures were used to determine proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and mineral content. Results This study found that Black tiger shrimp ( Penaeus monodon ) and cuttlefish ( Sepia pharaonis ) showed superior protein quality, with >99% pepsin digestibility and DIAAS >80%. Both species are rich in umami amino acids and EAAs. Cat tiger shrimp ( Penaeus pulchricaudatus ) had the highest PUFA (n-3 and n-6) content. Phosphorus was the most abundant macro mineral across species, followed by magnesium. Methanol extracts revealed >50% Radical scavenging activity (RSA) in all samples, peaking at 68.10% in spiny lobster ( Panulirus ornatus ). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear species differentiation driven by protein and lipid composition. Conclusion Pakistan's indigenous shellfish species have significant nutritional potential to support sustainable diets and responsible use of marine resources. Promoting their consumption and integrating them into local nutrition strategies could enhance dietary diversity and address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in coastal and low-income communities.

Rhodora, which began publication in 1899, publishes work relating to the botany of North America and covers topics such as biogeography, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, floristics, paleobotany, population genetics and systematics.

Mpox may rarely present with acute peritonitis, as illustrated in this adolescent girl.In endemic or outbreak settings, clinicians should include Mpox in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are crucial to prevent morbidity and improve outcomes.

Scientific humanism is the formula by which Rudolf Carnap positions science as the best tool for improving life. Science allows us to maximize the rational character of human decisions on the basis of meta-values that include epistemic values and values for rational decision making. These values are politically neutral in that they are not tied to any partisan political position, but deeply political because they allow us to avoid irrational reasoning and to make the right use of science for our political and moral decisions. Maximizing rationality does not mean, for Carnap, that we must think and calculate before every action. Rather, the overall noncognitive character of values and decisions leads to a decisionist momentum, which means that we must find the right balance, both personally and politically, between sharp thinking and following our attitudes, because science is a signpost, not a leader, in life. Carnap’s views are rooted in the intellectual currents of early twentieth-century Central Europe, including Max Weber’s scientific value-neutrality, the German Life Reform and Youth Movement, Lebensphilosophie, the decisionism of the 1920s, and the empiriocriticist branch of Austrian social democracy.