The present study focuses on the valorisation of winery industry wastes through slow pyrolysis of exhausted grape marc (EGM). The optimal pyrolysis parameters were firstly identified by small scale experiments carried out using thermogravimetric analysis. Nine pyrolysis temperatures were tested and their influence on the decomposition of the EGM residue and biochar yield was evaluated. Then, biochar production was conducted in a pilot plant at three chosen temperatures (450, 500 and 550 °C) at which the biochar was shown to be stable. The effects of biochar application to soil with respect to plant (ryegrass) growth was also evaluated. Pyrolysis of EGM at the 450–550 °C temperature range has been shown to generate thermally stable and nutrient-rich biochars, but only the biochar produced at 450 °C showed a marked benefit effect of ryegrass growth.

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between Depression, Social Support and Quality of life in patients with Diabetes admitted in District Headquarter Hospital Sheikhupura using a representative population sample. The study used a cross sectional research design and sampling technique was purposive sampling strategy. The sample size of the study was 200 in the age range of 25 to 50 years of age. Depression was assessed throughy Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Urdu version while Social Supoort was assessed by Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Urdu version. Quality of Life was assessed through the WHO Quality of Life Measure. Results showed that social support significantly mediated the association between depression and quality of life. Moreover, significant gender differences were seen with regard to depression, social support and quality of life for diabetic patients. Social support also significantly mediated the association between depression and quality of life.