Analysis of Single-Step Pretreatments for Lignocellulosic Platform Isolation as the Basis of Biorefinery Design

Biorefinery feasibility is highly influenced by the early design of the best feedstock transformation pathway to obtain value-added products. Pretreatment has been identified as the critical stage in biorefinery design since proper pretreatment influences subsequent reaction, separation, and purification processes. However, many pretreatment analyses have focused on preserving and valorizing six-carbon sugars for future use in bioconversion processes, leaving aside fractions such as hemicellulose and lignin. To date, there has been no pretreatment systematization for the removal of lignocellulosic fractions. This work defines pretreatment efficacy through operational, economic, environmental, and social indicators. Thus, using the data reported in the literature, as well as the results of the simulation schemes, a multi-criteria weighting of the best-performing schemes for the isolation or removal of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin was carried out. As a main result, it was concluded that dilute acid is the most effective for cellulose isolation and hemicellulose removal for producing platform products based on six- and five-carbon sugars, respectively. Additionally, the kraft process is the best methodology for lignin removal and its future use in biorefineries. The results of this work help to elucidate a methodological systematization of the pretreatment efficacy in the design of biorefineries as an early feasibility stage considering sustainability aspects.

Correlations between the EMG Structure of Movement Patterns and Activity of Postural Muscles in Able-Bodied and Wheelchair Fencers

The study involved Paralympic wheelchair fencers (N = 7) in two disability categories, and able-bodied female epee fencers (N = 7), members of the polish paralympic fencing teams. The performance of postural muscles and sword arm muscles in both groups of fencers, and of the front and rear leg muscles in the able-bodied fencers, was examined using surface electromyography with an accelerometer and the OptiTrack motion analysis system, as well as ground force reaction platforms. The activation sequence of individual muscles was determined and the structure of movement patterns in able-bodied and wheelchair fencers was formulated. A statistically significant correlation was found between the complex motor reaction time and latissimus dorsi muscle activation (p = 0.039, Z = -2.062) in wheelchair fencers. High correlations between the vertical force and EMG signal values of the gastrocnemius caput laterale muscle (0.85 for p = 0.022) were found in able-bodied fencers. A heuristic analysis indicated the significance of postural muscles in the movement patterns of wheelchair and able-bodied fencers. These muscles play a crucial role in the anticipatory postural adjustment of the trunk during technical fencing actions, including attacks on the opponent's body.