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Poor menstrual knowledge and access to sanitary products have been proposed as barriers to menstrual health and school attendance. In response, interventions targeting these needs have seen increasing implementation in public and private sectors. However, there has been limited assessment of their effectiveness. Assess the impact of providing reusable sanitary pads and puberty education on girls' school attendance and psychosocial wellbeing outcomes. A cluster quasi-randomised controlled trial was conducted across 8 schools, including 1124 girls, in rural Uganda. Schools were allocated to one of four conditions: the provision of puberty education alone; reusable sanitary pads alone; puberty education and reusable sanitary pads; and a control (no intervention). The primary outcome was school attendance. Secondary outcomes reflected psychosocial wellbeing. At follow-up, school attendance had worsened for girls across all conditions. Per-protocol analysis revealed that this decline was significantly greater for those in the control condition d = 0.52 (95%CI 0.26-0.77), with those in control schools having a 17.1% (95%CI: 8.7-25.5) greater drop in attendance than those in any intervention school. There were no differences between the intervention conditions. High rates of school drop-out and transfer meant the trial suffered from substantial participant drop-out. Intention-to-treat analyses using two different imputation strategies were consistent with the main results, with mean differences of 5.2% attendance in best-case and 24.5% in worst-case imputations. Results were robust to adjustments for clustering. There was no impact of the interventions on girls' self-reported shame or insecurity during menstruation. Results of the trial support the hypothesised positive impact of providing sanitary pads or puberty education for girls' school attendance in a developing country context. Findings must be interpreted with caution in light of poor participant retention, intervention fidelity, and the attendance measures used. Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201503001044408.

Climate change issues are calling for advanced methods to produce materials and fuels in a carbon–neutral and circular way. For instance, biomass pyrolysis has been intensely investigated during the last years. Here we review the pyrolysis of algal and lignocellulosic biomass with focus on pyrolysis products and mechanisms, oil upgrading, combining pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion, economy, and life cycle assessment. Products include oil, gas, and biochar. Upgrading techniques comprise hot vapor filtration, solvent addition, emulsification, esterification and transesterification, hydrotreatment, steam reforming, and the use of supercritical fluids. We examined the economic viability in terms of profitability, internal rate of return, return on investment, carbon removal service, product pricing, and net present value. We also reviewed 20 recent studies of life cycle assessment. We found that the pyrolysis method highly influenced product yield, ranging from 9.07 to 40.59% for oil, from 10.1 to 41.25% for biochar, and from 11.93 to 28.16% for syngas. Feedstock type, pyrolytic temperature, heating rate, and reaction retention time were the main factors controlling the distribution of pyrolysis products. Pyrolysis mechanisms include bond breaking, cracking, polymerization and re-polymerization, and fragmentation. Biochar from residual forestry could sequester 2.74 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton biochar when applied to the soil and has thus the potential to remove 0.2–2.75 gigatons of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually. The generation of biochar and bio-oil from the pyrolysis process is estimated to be economically feasible.

Ewens's sampling formula exemplifies the harmony of mathematical theory, statistical application, and scientific discovery. The formula not only contributes to the foundations of evolutionary molecular genetics, the neutral theory of biodiversity, Bayesian nonparametrics, combinatorial stochastic processes, and inductive inference but also emerges from fundamental concepts in probability theory, algebra, and number theory. With an emphasis on its far-reaching influence throughout statistics and probability, we highlight these and many other consequences of Ewens's seminal discovery.

The fast pyrolysis connected with gas chromatography/mass spectrometer is used to explore the pyrolysis process of Yichun raw coal, and the influence of different pyrolysis temperatures on the composition and distribution of pyrolysis products under high pressure is investigated. Studies have shown that as the temperature increases, the number of volatile substances gradually decreases, which indicates that high pressure inhibits the production of volatiles. In addition, aromatic hydrocarbons in pyrolysis volatile substances dominate, and as the pyrolysis temperature increases, their content gradually increases. The volatile substances transform towards low carbon number compounds with the increment of temperature.

A huge amount of industrial waste will be generated during the industrialization process and their harmless disposal has always been a headache for reducing carbon emissions. In this study, the combustion behaviors and thermal kinetics of four typical industrial polymeric wastes including rubber, leather, plastic and cloth, were systematically studied by using a Thermogravimetric Analysis. The gas emission and structural evolution was comprehensively analyzed using TG-FTIR, 2D-PCIS, ICP and TEM. The results show that the combustibility of leather and cloth are better than the other two samples, while the rubber and plastic have a wider combustion temperature range for higher content of C-H bonds and, the intermediate oxidation process and the stubborn cracking process of C=C bonds. The surface reaction was considered to be the main reaction of rubber and plastic (pre-exponential factor less than 10−9), while both leather and cloth went through a complex procedure during multiple decomposition. The volatiles products are gases (e.g., CO2, CH4) and small molecules (e.g., H2O). The high levels of basic metals in the industrial waste causes serious slagging and fouling tendency (fouling index higher than 4.0), which have a serious adverse influence on the operation of a waste incineration plant.

Background Despite being integral to women’s well-being, achieving good menstrual health (MH) remains a challenge. This study examined MH services uptake (including information, analgesics, and a choice of MH products - the menstrual cup and reusable pads) and sustained use of MH products within an integrated sexual and reproductive health intervention for young people in Zimbabwe. Methods This mixed-methods study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of integrated sexual and reproductive health services (CHIEDZA) for youth in three provinces (Harare, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo). The study collected qualitative and quantitative data from 27,725 female clients aged 16–24 years, who accessed CHIEDZA from April 2019 – March 2022. Using a biometric (fingerprint recognition) identification system, known as SIMPRINTS, uptake of MH information, products, and analgesics and other services was tracked for each client. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to investigate MH service uptake and product choice and use over time, and the factors associated with these outcomes. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions and interviews were used to further explore providers’ and participants’ experiences of the MH service and CHIEDZA intervention. Results Overall, 36,991 clients accessed CHIEDZA of whom 27,725 (75%) were female. Almost all ( n  = 26,448; 95.4%) took up the MH service at least once: 25433 took up an MH product with the majority (23,346; 92.8%) choosing reusable pads. The uptake of cups varied across province with Bulawayo province having the highest uptake (13.4%). Clients aged 20–24 years old were more likely to choose cups than reusable pads compared with those aged 16–19 years (9.4% vs 6.0%; p  < 0.001). Over the implementation period, 300/1819 (16.5%) of clients swapped from the menstrual cup to reusable pads and 83/23346 (0.4%) swapped from reusable pads to the menstrual cup. Provision of the MH service encouraged uptake of other important SRH services. Qualitative findings highlighted the provision of free integrated SRH and MH services that included a choice of MH products and analgesics in a youth-friendly environment were key to high uptake and overall female engagement with SRH services. Conclusions High uptake demonstrates how the MH service provided much needed access to MH products and information. Integration of MH within an SRH intervention proved central to young women accessing other SRH services.

Background Menstrual cups could be a sustainable menstrual material for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Yathu Yathu was a cluster-randomized trial of community-based delivery of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services to young people in Lusaka, Zambia. Among services available through the intervention were menstrual products, including menstrual cups. We explored knowledge of menstruation and menstrual products, acceptability, and experiences of using cups among AGYW aged 15–24. We share lessons learned on how to distribute cups through community-based strategies to AGYW in urban communities. Methods Through community-based, peer-led spaces (hubs), AGYW could access menstrual products, including pads and menstrual cups. We conducted four focus group discussions, two with AGYW aged 15–19 (n = 9) and 20–21 (n = 8) who had accessed different menstrual products through Yathu Yathu and two with AGYW aged 15–19 (n = 5) and 20–24 (n = 9) who had accessed menstrual cups. Four interviews were conducted with four AGYW (15–19, n = 2; 20–24, n = 2) who had accessed cups, and four with two AGYW who were enrolled in a qualitative cohort. Data were analyzed thematically. Results ‘Surprise’ and ‘fear’ were initial reactions from most AGYW who saw the cups for the first time at Yathu Yathu hubs. Misconceptions that cups cause cancer and fears that they could get stuck in the vagina, cause sore, vagina enlargement, and loss of virginity were raised by AGYW. The desire to try the cup, use an alternative menstrual product and information gained at the hubs facilitated access. Use of the cup was comfortable, and cups were said to be cost-effective and durable. Advantages over pads included: the absence of odor, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly: “ it is hygienic, and it is even easy to maintain” . Challenges included pain, discomfort, and failure to or incorrectly inserting the cup at initial use. When faced with challenges using the cup, AGYW reported going back to the hub for additional information and demonstrations on use. Conclusion Despite concerns, misconceptions and initial challenges, cups were acceptable among AGYW . Free distribution of cups provides an opportunity to address menstrual health challenges among AGYW. However, as a new product, there is need to increase awareness and provide detailed information on use.

Background: The Petroleum Products Distribution Company in Anbar Governorate is responsible for securing and distributing petroleum products to various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, industry, and households, through over 100 gas stations. The company has faced significant challenges due to the destruction of its infrastructure caused by past conflicts. These challenges have necessitated strategic decisions to design an efficient distribution network. Methods: This study aimed to assist the company in selecting the optimal location for a distribution center by evaluating four potential locations. Three of the proposed locations were suggested by the company: Ramadi, Habbaniyah, and Haqlaniyah. The fourth location, referred to as the GFA DC location, was determined through a greenfield analysis (GFA) experiment using AnyLogistix software (version 3.2.1. PLE) ALX. The simulation experiment in ALX was conducted using product data, fuel station locations, order quantities, distribution center data, and transportation and emissions data. Results: The simulation results, taking into account both practical and regulatory constraints, indicated that the Ramadi location was the most suitable for establishing the new distribution center. Conclusions: Based on the analysis, the study concluded that the Ramadi location was the optimal site for building the petroleum products distribution center in Anbar Governorate, offering a solution that aligns with the company’s goals of improving distribution efficiency and overcoming existing logistical challenges.

Background The management of menstruation has come to the fore as a barrier to girls’ education attainment in low income contexts. Interventions have been proposed and piloted, but the emerging nature of the field means limited evidence is available to understand their pathways of effect. Methods This study describes and compares schoolgirls’ experiences of menstruation in rural Uganda at the conclusion of a controlled trial of puberty education and sanitary pad provision to elucidate pathways of effect in the interventions. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with schoolgirls who participated in the Menstruation and the Cycle of Poverty trial concurrent with the final set of quantitative surveys. A framework approach and cross-case analysis were employed to describe and compare the experiences of 27 menstruating girls across the four intervention conditions; education ( n = 8), reusable sanitary pads ( n = 8), education with reusable sanitary pads ( n = 6), and control ( n = 5). Results Themes included: menstrual hygiene, soiling, irritation and infection, physical experience, knowledge of menstruation, psychological, social and cultural factors, and support from others. Those receiving reusable pads experienced improvements in comfort and reliability. This translated into reduced fears around garment soiling and related school absenteeism. Other menstrual hygiene challenges of washing, drying and privacy remained prominent. Puberty education improved girls’ confidence to discuss menstruation and prompted additional support from teachers and peers. Conclusions Findings have important implications for the development and evaluation of future interventions. Results suggest the provision of menstrual absorbents addresses one core barrier to menstrual health, but that interventions addressing broader needs such as privacy may improve effectiveness. Puberty education sessions should increase attention to body awareness and include strategies to address a wider range of practical menstrual challenges, including pain management. Interviews revealed possibilities for improving quantitative surveys in future research. Trial registration Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201503001044408

Easily soluble organic components in Santanghu long flame coal (SLFC) from Hami (Xinjiang, China) were separated by CS2 and acetone mixed solvent (v/v = 1:1) under ultrasonic condition, and the extract residue was stratified by carbon tetrachloride to obtain the light raffinate component (SLFC-L). The effect of solvent treatment on the composition and structure of the coal and its rapid pyrolysis products was analyzed. Solvent treatment can reduce the moisture content in coal from 9.48% to 6.45% and increase the volatile matter from 26.59% to 28.78%, while the macromolecular structure of the coal changed slightly, demonstrating the stability of coal’s complex organic structure. Compared with raw coal, the relative contents of oxygen-containing functional groups and aromatic groups in SLFC-L are higher, and the weight loss rates of both SLFC and SLFC-L reached the maximum at about 450 °C. In contrast, the loss rate of SLFC-L is more obvious, being 33.62% higher than that of SLFC. Pyrolysis products from SLFC at 450 °C by Py-GC/MS are mainly aliphatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds, and the relative contents of aliphatic hydrocarbons decreased from 48.48% to 36.13%, while the contents of oxygenates increased from 39.07% to 44.95%. Overall, the composition and functional group in the coal sample were changed after solvent treatment, resulting in a difference in the composition and distribution of its pyrolysis products.