Faculty Of Engineering Research Paper
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Item Techno-economic insights into one-pot bacterial astaxanthin extraction and sustainable therapeutic product development using natural solvent mixtures(Elsevier B.V, 2025-01-01) Cassamo U. Mussagy; Nataly F. Ramos; Angie V. Caicedo-Paz; Fabiane O. Farias; Ana Luísa R. Gini; Cau ˆ e B. Scarim; Paulo E. L. L. Filho; Rondinelli D. Herculano; M. Shaaban Sadek; Mushtaq Ahmad; Ahmad Mustafa; Laurent DufosséThe increasing demand for sustainable and safe products is driving the replacement of synthetic pigments with natural alternatives in the cosmetics industry. Additionally, the use of green solvents, such as natural solvent mixtures (NaSoMix), is essential to minimize the environmental impact of extraction processes. This study explores the innovative application of NaSoMix for extracting astaxanthin-rich extracts (ARE) from the bacterium Paracoccus carotinifaciens, a promising source of natural colorants and antioxidants. By employing menthol-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) combined with bio-based solvents, viz., ethyl acetate and ethanol, the research achieved remarkable ARE extraction yields of up to 1.3 mg/mL using conventional procedures. Notably, process intensification through microwave-assisted extraction resulted in a 400 % increase in ARE recovery yields compared to traditional methods. The therapeutic soaps formulated with these ARE extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity, achieving a 75 % reduction in DPPH• free radical signals, and maintained excellent color stability over a month, with minimal perceptual changes. Safety assessments confirmed the non-irritating properties of the therapeutic soaps, with an irritation score of 0 at low ARE concentrations. Furthermore, an economic analysis revealed a highly favorable Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 183 % and a Return on Investment (ROI) of 2890 %, underscoring the commercial viability of this sustainable approach. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness and safety of utilizing NaSoMix for extracting high-value compounds and formulating innovative therapeutic cosmetic products, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients while promoting environmental sustainability and economic feasibility.Item Promoting User Well-being in Central Business District: The Role of Sustainable Open Spaces(Academy Publishing Center, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, 2024-05-01) Shereen Hussein; Suzette Aziz; Rania NasreldinSustainable Open spaces are the heart of every community. They play a great role in connecting people with places. This connection should be considered by every urban designer and architect, especially in the Central Business District (CBD), which is the core of this study. CBDs often face several challenges such as high-density usage and limited open spaces that can serve people. This research aims to define how the design of sustainable open spaces can contribute to the physical, social, and environmental well-being of users and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 3 – ''Good Health and Well-being" and 11 – "Sustainable Cities and Communities". In addition to highlighting the main aspects of sustainable urban design elements and user needs for enhancing well-being. Exploring the relation between these two domains as well as identifying their elements and indicators to define the most suitable sustainable design considerations exclusively for open spaces in CBD. The research’s methodology adopts a detailed analysis of both international and national case studies, which offers a comparative and contextual understanding of open spaces in different urban settings. In addition to validating the effectiveness of this strategy through urban analysis and questionnaire for users of CBD. Together, they are all used to develop an evaluation matrix to identify the relationship between design elements and their role in transforming open spaces in CBDs to places that can enhance users’ wellbeing and achieve sustainability goals. The research proves that well-designed sustainable open spaces can serve as vital components in healthy urban environments, significantly contributing to the overall quality of life and satisfaction of individuals in CBDs.Item Converting lignocellulosic biomass into valuable end products for decentralized energy solutions: A comprehensive overview(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-11-01) Ahmad Mustafa; Shah Faisal; Jaswinder Singh; Boutaina Rezki; Karan Kumar; Vijayanand S. Moholkar; Ozben Kutlu; Ahmed Aboulmagd; Hamdy Khamees Thabet; Zeinhom M. El-Bahy; Oguzhan Der; Cassamo Ussemane Mussagy; Luigi di Bitonto; Mushtaq Ahmad; Carlo PastoreThis review manuscript delves into lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) as a sustainable energy source, addressing the global demand for renewable alternatives amidst increasing oil and gas consumption and solid waste production. LCB, consisting of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, is versatile for biochemical and thermochemical conversions like anaerobic digestion, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis. Recent advancements have led to a 25 % increase in bioethanol yields through alkali pre-treatment and optimized fermentation, a 20 % enhancement in microbial delignification efficiency, and a 35 % improvement in enzyme efficiency via nanobiotechnology. These innovations enhance biofuel production sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Decentralized energy systems utilizing locally produced biomass can reduce transmission losses and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 %, fostering community energy independence. These developments significantly contribute to global sustainability and socio-economic development by converting waste into valuable energy, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting economic resilience. Furthermore, this review also discusses innovative strategies to address technological, economic, and environmental challenges and highlights the role of decentralized solutions in promoting sustainable energy production.Item A Comprehensive Review and Mapping Citrus Supply Chains from a Sustainability Perspective across the European Union, Middle East, and Africa(MDPI, 2024-10) Sherin Beshara; Ahmed Kassem; Hadi Fors; Nermine HarrazCitrus fruits are among the most produced and traded agricultural products worldwide, with significant economic and social importance. Despite their importance in the European Union, Middle East, and Africa, the existing literature is limited. Several studies have reviewed different aspects of general agri-food supply chains, but a product-based literature review on citrus supply chains has not been conducted. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the citrus supply chain in these regions, identifying the key research topics, methodologies, and supply chain echelons addressed in the literature. The study employed a systematic review, real-world case studies, and supply chain stakeholders’ interviews. This multi-faceted approach allows researchers to highlight research gaps, map a complete citrus supply chain, and provide a detailed material flow and sustainability-oriented overview of potential inputs and outputs at different stages. By incorporating real-world case studies and stakeholder interviews, this paper offers a nuanced and practical perspective on the operational and sustainability challenges unique to the citrus supply chain. This study serves as a guide for future research and enables practitioners to pinpoint areas and strategies for operational improvement across the supply chain.Item Eco-friendly production of biodiesel from Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds using bismuth oxide nanocatalysts derived from Cannabis sativa L. Leaf extract(Institution of Chemical Engineers, 2024-08) Abbasi, Tehreem Usman; Ahmad, Mushtaq; Alsahli, Abdulaziz Abdullah; Asma, Maliha; b, Rozina; Mussagy, Cassamo Ussemane; Abdellatief, Tamer M.M; Pastore, Carlo; Mustafa, AhmadGlobal challenges in environmental protection, social welfare, and economic growth necessitate increased energy production and related services. Biofuel production from waste biomass presents a promising solution, given its widespread availability. This study focuses on converting highly potent Carthamus tinctorius L. seed oil (51 % w/w) into sustainable biofuel using a novel, highly reactive, recyclable, and eco-friendly bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nano-catalyst derived from Cannabis sativa L. leaf extract. The physio-chemical properties of the synthesized biodiesel were analyzed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the green Bi2O3 nanoparticles were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Diffraction X-Ray (EDX), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Optimal conditions for biodiesel production were determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in combination with Central Composite Design (CCD), focusing on molar ratio, catalyst loading, and reaction duration. The highest output (94 %) of C. tinctorius-derived biodiesel (CTBD) was achieved under the following conditions: a temperature (75 °C) for time duration (100 min), a methanol to oil ratio (6:1), and a catalyst loading (0.69 wt%). The resulting biodiesel met international standards, with a sulphur content of 0.00097 wt%, and an acid value of (0.34 mg KOH/g). This study demonstrates that converting C. tinctorius waste seed oil into clean bioenergy is an effective waste management strategy that minimizes environmental impact.Item Optimizing the magnetic field strength and concentration of silica coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia(Elsevier B.V, 2024-09) Iqbal, Yousaf; Shah, Waqar Hussain; Khan, Muhammad Yaqoob; Ahmed, Pervaiz; Qureshi, Muhammad Tauseef; Khaled, Azza Mohamed; Salem, Marwa SyedA therapeutic breakthrough in cancer treatment has recently been made by using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for heating in hyperthermia therapy. Unapproachable tumors are being effectively destroyed by focused heat produced by MNPs. The major challenges regarding practical application of this therapy include the control and improvement of induction heating ability of MNPs and hyperthermia temperature range between 42–47 °C, for secure treatment at targeted area. Here, in this study, we have reported the synthesis and characterization of core–shell structured silica-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 MNPs), which are potential candidates for use as heat source in magnetic hyperthermia therapy. The SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 MNPs were synthesized using the reverse micelle method, with the SiO2 coating performed simultaneously during MNP synthesis. Various analytical tools were utilized for the characterization. The structural measurements were probed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Monodisperse MNPs with nearly spherical core–shell structure was revealed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results. The average diameter of MNPs obtained from TEM analysis was 15 nm. The surface coating of cobalt ferrite MNPs with silica was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The saturation magnetization values obtained using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements were 45.74 emu/g, revealing the superparamagnetic nature of the nanoparticles. The heating efficiency of different concentrations of synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated in an aqueous solution under an alternating magnetic field of strength 5.5 kA/m at a frequency of 260 kHz. A saturation temperature of 42 °C was attained at an optimum concentration of 1.7 mg/mL, while a magnetic field strength of 3.9 kA/m achieved 42 °C at a fixed concentration of 3.5 mg/ml. The obtained specific absorption rate (SAR) values for all the samples were between 56.23 to 100.1 W/g. The correlation between SAR values, MNP concentration, and applied magnetic field strength was also examined. The high saturation magnetization, efficient heating rates, and high SAR values make our synthesized silica-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles promising candidates for magnetic hyperthermia treatments, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients.Item Self-Creation Gravity Versus General Relativity: a Cosmological Comparison(Pleiades Publishing, 2024-09) Hegazy, E. A; Kahil, Magd EAbstract: In the context of the self-creation theory of gravitation and its counterpart, the relativity theory, we examine their associated Bianchi-type cosmological models by considering the existence of electromagnetic fields. The solution of the Einstein equations is presented by assuming that the cosmological model leads to a constant deceleration parameter (). There is no restriction on the pressure and density for the solution derived (i.e., the equation of state is not used). The technique of obtaining the scalar field is different from that used in the previous investigation. A law that shows the effect of the electromagnetic field on the entropy of the universe is derived. The entropy introduced in the two theories is a consequence of the second law of thermodynamics. Consequently, the well-known thermodynamic functions of the universe are revisited. The scalar field introduced in the self-creation theory give a good explanation for the entropy and other thermodynamics functions of the universe as compared to general relativity. Moreover, in the absence of the electromagnetic field, the solution obtained in the self-creation theory and in general relativity indicate a radiation model, provided that the obtained models, whether expressed geometrically or physically are displayed.Item Investigating the performance of photovoltaic panels using optical water spectral splitting filter: An experimental and computational analysis(American Institute of Physics, 2024-08) Safan, Yasser M.; Abdelrazik, A.S.; Elmohlawy, Ashraf E; Abdel-Moneim, S. A; Salem, Mohamed RThis study addresses the thermal stress issues caused by conventional cooling methods on photovoltaic (PV) cells, which reduce their efficiency and lifespan. Recently, the water-based spectral splitting filter (SSF) system was introduced as a solution to optimize solar energy conversion. The research fills a significant gap by focusing on the practical application of water-based SSFs under actual high-temperature conditions in Cairo (latitude of 30.1°N). The study evaluates the effects of radiation intensity (200-1000 W/m2), optical fluid flow rate (0.001-0.01 kg/s), and filter thickness (2-10 mm) on the system's performance. According to the data, the SSF system is a superior cooling technique as it can lower the PV temperature by 93% over a range of radiation intensities. The system's performance is also found to be positively influenced by increasing the SSF's thickness and flow rate, achieving 15% and 29.4% maximum increases in the fill factor and electrical efficiency, respectively, over the conventional PV panel at a thickness of 10 mm and a flow rate of 0.01 kg/s. Additionally, experimental data support the modeling findings, with a maximum variation of ±4.7% in the efficiency of the PV panel.Item Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Monolaurin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Wound Infections(Wiley, 2024-08) Abd El-Ghany, Shimaa Salah Hassan; Azmy, Ahmed Farag; EL-Gendy, Ahmed Osama; Abd El-Baky, Rehab Mahmoud; Mustafa, Ahmad; Abourehab, Mohammed A. S; El-Beeh, Mohamed E; Ibrahem, Reham AliBackground. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major pathogens associated with life-threatening infections, showing resistance to various antibiotics. Tis study aimed to assess the infuence of monolaurin on bioflm-forming MRSA. Methods. Te agar dilution method determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of monolaurin against MRSA isolates and explored its impact on the resistance profle of selected antibiotics. Te assessment of combined therapy involving monolaurin and antibiotics was conducted using fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC). Te tissue culture plate strategy appraised monolaurin’s antibioflm activity and its inhibitory concentration (IC50), with assessment via scanning electron microscopy. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) discerned a monolaurin efect on the expression of the icaD gene. Results. Monolaurin exhibited MIC values ranging from 500 to 2000 μg/mL. FIC index showed a synergistic efect of monolaurin with β-lactam antibiotics ranging from 0.0039 to 0.25 (p < 0.001). Among the 103 investigated MRSA isolates, 44 (44.7%) displayed moderate bioflm formation, while 59 (55.3%) were strong bioflm producers. Antibioflm activity demonstrated concentration dependence, confrming monolaurin’s capacity to inhibit bioflm formation and exhibited strong eradicating efects against preformed MRSA bioflms with IC50 values of 203.6 μg/mL and 379.3 μg/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed reduced cell attachments and diminished bioflm formation compared to the control. Te expression levels of the icaD gene were remarkably reduced at monolaurin concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/mL. Conclusion. Monolaurin had signifcant inhibitory efects on MRSA pre-existing bioflms as well as bioflm development. So, it can be employed in the treatment of severe infections, particularly those associated with bioflm formation including catheter-associated infections.Item Synthesis of benzoic acid from catalytic co-pyrolysis of waste wind turbine blades and biomass and their kinetic analysis(Elsevier B.V., 2024-08) Yousef, Samy; Eimontas, Justas; Striugas, Nerijus; Abdelnaby, Mohammed AliThis work aims to study the catalytic co-pyrolysis of waste wind turbine blades (WTB: consists of fiberglass/unsaturated polyester resin) and woody biomass (WB) over ZSM-5 and Y-type zeolite catalysts for the production of benzoic acid. The experiments were performed on an equal combination of WTB and WB (WTB/WB) and a fixed amount of catalyst (50 wt%) using a thermogravimetric (TG) analyser at 10, 20 and 30 °C/min. The evolved products from the catalytic co-pyrolysis process were recognized using TG-FTIR and GC/MS. The kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of catalytic co-pyrolysis was studied using various linear and nonlinear approaches. Also, the decomposition curves were predicted mathematically using an artificial neural network algorithm. The results revealed that the mixture was decomposed in the presence of both catalysts in the form of dual decomposition peaks at 361–374 °C and 428–443 °C, respectively. Based on TG-FTIR results, the C[dbnd]O stretching and carbon dioxide clusters were their main functional groups. While the GC-MS analysis revealed that the released vapours were completely free of toxic styrene (the main compound of resin) and the catalytic co-pyrolysis treatment succeeded in converting it into highly abundant benzoic acid, especially at 10 °C/ min, with an estimated 71.4 % (ZSM-5) and 64 % (Y-type). Whereas the activation energy was estimated at 262–295 kJ/mol (ZSM-5) and 319–357 kJ/mol (Y-type) with almost similar reaction complexity when compared to the case of absence of catalysts. Finally, the developed ANN algorithm showed high efficiency in predicting TG decomposition zones for both WTB/WB mixtures over zeolite catalysts with R2 more than 0.99. These results demonstrate that WB and zeolite catalysts can be used for upgrading the pyrolysis oil of WTB and eliminate its toxic styrene and convert it into benzoic acid and other aromatic hydrocarbons compounds (such as benzene, alanine, and 2-Propanamine).Item Novel Compact Reconfigurable Metamaterial Diplexer-Based on RF Switches for Wireless Applications(Semarak Ilmu Publishing, 2025-02) Tolba, Youssef Khaled; Daw, Ahmed Fawzy; Esia, Saleh MohamedThis paper proposes a novel reconfigurable diplexer design based on metamaterial DCRLH transformer. The D-CRLH concept provides duality in the overall response of the diplexer achieving several bands and reducing the overall size of the diplexer, the novel reconfigurable diplexer size is 39x15mm!. The system achieves reconfigurability by utilizing a PIN-diode RF switching circuit in the D-CRLH load line, allowing for seamless connection and disconnection using a biasing circuit. The novel reconfigurable diplexer offers a wide band of operation of 1GHz to 4GHz with notches to cantered at bands 1.8GHz and 2.6GHz with both notches having suppression band of 300MHz. The reconfigurable diplexer covers commercially used wireless bands, making it suitable for diverse wireless communication applications.Item Design considerations of CdSe solar cells for indoor applications under white LED illumination(Elsevier B.V, 2024-07) Salem, Marwa S; Shaker, Ahmed; Okil, Mohamed; Li, Luying; Chen, Chao; Aledaily, Arwa N; Al-Dhlan, Kawther A; Zekry, AbdelhalimThis work sheds light on the potential of Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) solar cells for indoor applications. CdSe boasts a wide direct bandgap, high carrier mobility, and a high absorption coefficient, making it an attractive candidate for harnessing ambient indoor light. Our study centers around an experimental solar cell architecture composed of FTO/CdSe/PEDOT:PSS/CuI/ITO, which exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.00 %. Through a meticulous analysis of the core technological aspects of this cell, we successfully replicate the measured current-voltage characteristics and other experimental data, affirming the validity of our simulation modeling approach. Moving forward, we delve into the design and optimization of CdSe-based solar cells under white LED illumination. We emphasize the pivotal role of a double-hole transport layer (HTL) configuration over a single HTL, with a focus on optimizing the alignment between the HTL/back contact and HTL/absorber interfaces. The strategic incorporation of a heavily doped p-type HTL material, boasting both a deep valence band maximum (VBM) and a shallow conduction band minimum (CBM), is identified as paramount, especially for a deep VBM absorber like CdSe. Adding double HTL materials also facilitates efficient hole collection within the CdSe thin film while mitigating undesirable electron-hole recombination at the critical interface between the hole collection layer and the electrode. The implementation of a double HTL configuration based on CuI/ZnTe:Cu or CuI/BCS significantly enhances performance, resulting in a PCE in the order of 20 % under 200 lux and 2900 K LED illumination. Moreover, we introduce the single HTL design to provide other alternatives for efficiency boosting. Upon increasing the work function of the front contact, it is found that the valence band offset between the HTL and the absorber can be engineered, resulting in a PCE above 21.5 %.Item A unifying methodology for gasoline-grade biofuel from several renewable and sustainable gasoline additives(Institution of Chemical Engineers, 2024-08) Abdellatief, Tamer M.M; Ershov, Mikhail A; Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali; Mustafa, Ahmad; Jamil, Farrukh; Kapustin, Vladimir M; Makhova, Ulyana A; Chernysheva, Elena A; Savelenko, Vsevolod D; Klimov, Nikita A; Olabi, Abdul GhaniTo increase thermal efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the research of fuel formulation and combustion processes for internal combustion engines has drawn attention from all across the world. The aim of the current study is divided into two subsections. The first of this section's two subsections is to thoroughly assess the impacts of physical and chemical properties of different mixtures of several gasoline octane boosters on low petroleum hydrocarbon products. Additionally, the creation of bio-gasoline fuels with high environmental octane ratings using various combinations of specific gasoline octane boosters is covered in the second of this section's two subsections. The gasoline additives included di-isobutylene (DIB), methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), and isopropanol (IP). Furthermore, low petroleum gasoline fractions involved naphtha from natural gas condensate (N), light straight-run naphtha (LSRN), and hydrocracked gasoline (HG). In the current study, those renewable and sustainable gasoline additives and low petroleum hydrocarbon gasoline fractions were blended and examined as an innovative gasoline biofuel for gasoline engines for the first time. The experimental findings indicated that the octane number might be used to vary the antidetonation performance in the following order: ethanol> MTBE > Di-isobutylene > isopropanol > dimate > light straight-run naphtha > hydrocracked gasoline > naphtha from natural gas condensate > heavy straight run naphtha. Five different blends were applied and the physical and chemical characterizations of each blend separately in detail were investigated. The experimental results reported that octane numbers by research method for samples one, two, three, four, and five were 90.3, 92, 95.3, 98, and 100.2, respectively.Item Treatment for Facade Building (Opaque Part) due to Climate Change in Various Regions of Egypt: Environmental Assessment of Office Spaces(Trans Tech Publications Ltd, 2024-07) Abd El-Razik, Mahmoud M; Al-Desouqi, Abeer; Bahgat, Nour K; Imam, Tasneem A; El-Shazly, Toaa MIn recent years, the whole world has been hailed by the change in climate with global warming and its negative effects on Earth’s climate system. Increased emissions and amplified energy consumption have resulted in a remarkable rise across the various climatic regions of Egypt, intensifying the thermal stresses on building facades. So, to address this matter through a quantitative study, how climate change influences energy consumption rates will be analysed by referring back to the Egyptian Code for Enhancing Energy Efficiency (ECEEE) records and Egypt's weather data files. The weather data files follow the seven climate regions and the different cities, starting with Alexandria, then Cairo, Minya, Asyut, Hurghada, Kharga, and finally Aswan. Based on the ECEEE records, each climate region has a particular thermal resistance (R-value) regulated by its zone location and weather conditions, thereby regulating consumption and reducing energy consumption. The simulations will also compare the most recent weather data files for 2021 with the original from 2006 to determine whether they are still applicable to today's energy depletion rates. The Design Builder program will be used to examine and compare R-values for an air-conditioned office space (6x4)m with a southwest orientation between 2006 and 2021. The results show an increase in Delta and Cairo Regions (2) by 50%, South Upper Egypt Regions (4) by 57%, and East Coast Regions (5) by 43% that were treated with Extruded polystyrene Insulation (XPS)-CO2 Blowing as an insulation material addition, with its thickness adjusted according to the different regions.Item Sustainable synthesis of 2-ethyl hexyl oleate via lipase-catalyzed esterification: A holistic simulation and cost analysis study(Elsevier B.V., 2024-07) Faisal, Shah; Sadek, M. Shaaban; Pastore, Carlo; di Bitonto, Luigi; Alshammari, Saud O; Mussagy, Cassamo U; El-Bahy, Salah M; Abdellatief, Tamer M.M; El-Bahy, Zeinhom M; Mustafa, AhmadLipase catalyzed synthesis of fatty acid esters has recently attracted much attention as it represents a cleaner production route compared to the conventional energy intensive chemical method. In this study, the technical and economic viability of 2-ethyl hexyl oleate (2-EHO) synthesis by the catalytic esterification of oleic acid (OA) and 2-ethyl hexyl alcohol (2-EHA) in a stirred tank reactor using Novozym 435 (Candida antarctica lipase B) was investigated. A conversion rate of 91% was obtained by adopting the subsequent optimized parameters: 4% enzyme amount, 2 h reaction time, 4:1 M ratio of alcohol to fatty acid, 150 rpm stirring speed, and 60 °C temperature. The lipase operational stability study showed that enzymes can be used for 30 successive cycles without significant lose in activity. The use of Aspen Plus simulator enabled the development of a detailed process flow diagram, which significantly improved the understanding of this clean production method and assessed the overall costs. A holistic cost analysis revealed a production cost of $2109 per ton of 2-EHO, thereby yielding an approximate 28% profit margin relative to prevailing market rates. Rigorous financial assessments corroborated the project's viability, substantiating a net present value (NPV) of $14.7 MM, a return on investment (ROI) of 583.91% (plant life time = 15 years), projected Payback Period stands at 6 years, and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 23%. These results confirm the technical and economic feasibility of lipase catalyzed production of 2-EHO, highlighting its potential as an environmentally and profitable approach in the synthesis of fatty acid esters.Item Extraction by ionic liquids for the case of detoxification of lignocellulosic hydrolysates(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024-07) Tonova, Konstantza; Zhivkova, Svetlana; Lazarova, Madlena; Mustafa, AhmadThis study deals with hydrophobic phosphonium ionic liquids (ILs), phosphinate and neodecanoate, used in liquid-liquid extraction for the purpose of complex detoxification of lignocellulosic hydrolysates from inhibitors, whilst preserving the sugar content. The topic is considered from two aspects, a theoretical one in which extraction from a model multicomponent solution composed of acids, furan, phenolics, and sugars is investigated, and practically by employing a real rice straw hydrolysate. Using the model solution in cross-current extraction mode, the main process parameters, pH and concentration of the ILs, are studied. The extraction mechanisms of acids (sulfuric, gallic, acetic and levulinic acids) and aldehydes (vanillin and furfural) are established. Extraction of the acids in both ILs proceeds by a competitive mechanism until the two reactive H-bonding sites located at the two oxygen atoms in the IL's anion are occupied. In addition to H-bonding, extraction of the phenolic acid is substantially assisted by hydrophobic interactions, while the sulfuric acid is readily extracted by protonation of the IL's anion. An above-stoichiometric extraction of acids by phosphonium phosphinate has been found, which occurs by acid-acid H-bonds between phenolic and organic acids. Co-extraction between phenolic acid and phenolic and furanic aldehydes is observed which is based on the H-bonds that exist in acidic media and the staking interactions of the aromatic rings. The extraction of real rice straw hydrolysate carried out in three runs reaches a high removal of organic acids (over 63%), furans (over 80%) and phenolic compounds (over 97%) in each run.Item A hybrid Model for The Detection of Retinal Disorders Using Artifi cial Intelligence Techniques(Institute of Physics, 2023-08) Salaheldin, Ahmed M ; Abdel Wahed , Manal; Saleh, NevenThe prevalence of vision impairment is rising at an alarming rate. The goal of the study is to create an automated method that uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to classify retinal disorders into four categories, namely, Choroidal Neovascularization, Diabetic Macular Edema, Drusen, and normal cases. The study proposed a new framework that combines machine learning and deep learning-based techniques. The utilized classifi ers were Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN), Decision Tree (DT), and Ensemble Model (EM). A feature extractor was also employed, which was the InceptionV3 convolutional neural network. The performance of the models has been measured over nine criteria using a dataset of 18000 OCT images. For the SVM, K-NN, DT, and EM, the analysis exhibited state-of-the-art performance with classifi cation accuracies of 99.43%, 99.54%, 97.98%, and 99.31%, respectively. A promising methodology has been introduced for the automatic identifi cation and classifi cation of retinal disorders leading to reducing human error and saving time alike.Item Halochromic properties of carotenoid-based films for smart food packaging(Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 2024-07) Mussagy, Cassamo U; Oliveira, Grazielle; Ahmad, Mushtaq; Mustafa, Ahmad; Herculano, Rondinelli D; Farias, Fabiane OCarotenoids are fat-soluble natural pigments with potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and their colors are sensitive to environmental pH changes (halochromic properties). Currently, natural carotenoids are utilized in the preparation of active packaging films, drawing significant attention in the field of food engineering for their potential application in smart packaging films. The use of carotenoids-based active films has shown promise in prolonging shelf life, but their application as pH-sensitive pigments in smart packaging for monitoring food freshness remains less established due to the several drawbacks (i.e., visual changes and others) discussed in this work. This critical review primarily summarizes the most used smart packaging materials, the halochromic properties of carotenoids and other pigments, and the applications of carotenoids-based films/bioplastics as pH-sensitive smart packaging for monitoring food freshness. Finally, we present to the readers our expert overview of the advantages and disadvantages associated with these natural pigments in the packaging sector.Item Livable Cities Urban Heat Islands Mitigation for Climate Change Adaptation Through Urban Greening(Springer, 2024-07) Aboulnaga, Mohsen; Trombadore, Antonella; Mostafa, Mona; Abouaiana, AhmedLivable Cities: Urban Heat Islands Mitigation for Climate Change Adaptation Through Urban Greening elucidates on livability in urban areas, providing readers with definitions and indicators of what makes a city livable. It comprehensively introduces the urban heat island effect (UHIE) and offers strategies for mitigating high surface temperatures in metropolitan areas and adapting to climate change (CC). The coverage highlights the linkage between UHIE and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the socio-economic impacts of urban heat islands (UHIs), their effect on livability for citizens, and the costs and benefits of mitigating UHI. In addition, it encompasses background information about the problems and challenges that megacities face in the 21st century, followed by the cooling benefits that can be achieved from the different types of urban green coverage (UGC), whether conventional or innovative. The book presents case studies on six cities that have successfully applied UGC: Chicago (United States), Curitiba (Brazil), Stuttgart (Germany), Tokyo (Asia), Melbourne (Australia), and Johannesburg (South Africa). Additional case studies illustrate UHIE mapping in greater Cairo, Egypt, and Rome, Italy, to determine hot spot areas that need interventions and prioritization of UGC. Highlights also include the role of blue and green infrastructures in creating livable cities in the post-COVID-19 world, trends of bi-correlation between urban green spaces (UGSs), UGC, and COVID-19, and global patterns of UGSs to shape better healthy, sustainable, and resilient cities.Item Deep Learning-Based Automated Detection and Grading of Papilledema From OCT Images: A Promising Approach for Improved Clinical Diagnosis and Management(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024-06) Salaheldin, Ahmed M; Abdel Wahed, Manal; Talaat, Manar; Saleh, NevenPapilledema is a prevalent neuro-ophthalmic condition characterized by optic disk swelling. It is known to pose a significant risk of vision loss in its advanced stages. To address the pressing need for accurate detection and grading of papilledema, this study introduces a novel approach utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. A cascaded model that combines four transfer learning models—SqueezeNet, AlexNet, GoogleNet, and ResNet-50—for both the detection and grading phases was proposed. Additionally, a specialized convolutional neural network (CNN) model is meticulously designed to cater specifically to the complexities of papilledema analysis. Unlike the fundus camera-based models, this study integrates deep learning models for the diagnosis of papilledema from OCT scans. A new dataset of OCT scans was collected to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the models. It encompasses a wide range of papilledema, pseudopapilledema, and normal cases. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for training and testing of the proposed models. In addition, two validation strategies have been adopted to ensure the model's generalizability and robustness. Furthermore, it enhances the model's accuracy and reliability. The results are highly promising; remarkable accuracy rates have been achieved. Specifically, the SqueezeNet, AlexNet, GoogleNet, ResNet-50, and customized CNN models achieved accuracy levels of 98.44%, 98.50%, 98.28%, 98.30%, and 96.26%, respectively, for the handout validation strategy. These findings not only demonstrate the efficacy of using deep learning in papilledema detection and grading but also establish the superiority of the proposed models when compared with other relevant studies. By addressing the challenges associated with papilledema, the study significantly contributes to the advancement of neuro-ophthalmic diagnostics. The accurate and efficient detection of papilledema from OCT scans holds immense potential for guiding timely interventions and preserving patients' visual health.