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• Fe-loaded hydrochar catalyst was prepared from ferric sludge with one-pot method. • Hydrothermal one-pot method promoted dispersion of active sites on catalyst. • Fe mainly existed in the form of Fe0, Fe 2 O 3 , and Fe 3 O 4 in the catalyst. • Catalyst prepared by one-pot method exhibit superior catalytic efficiency (>70 %) • Amorphous carbon generated from CH 3 was the main source of carbon deposition. Effective treatment of ferric sludge in an eco-friendly method is key to the feasibility of Fenton technology in pollution treatment, contributing to the realization of the "dual-carbon" strategic objectives. In this study, Fe-loaded pyrolyzed-hydrochar catalysts were prepared using simple one-pot hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) method with ferric sludge as the precursor, which greatly reduced the energy and time consumption on the preparation of the sludge derived catalyst. At 800 °C with a reaction time of 20 min, all catalysts showed high toluene removal performance (>60 %) and produced H 2 -rich syngas (H 2 > 90 %). In particular, the catalyst prepared by HNO 3 -assisted HTC (HNC) presented the highest toluene removal efficiency and H 2 yield, 77.52 ± 3.36 % and 11.12 ± 0.66 mol%, respectively. Additionally, the sources of carbon deposits and the interaction between the active site and carbon deposits were analyzed in detail by DFT to reveal the catalytic activity and deactivation mechanism of catalyst. The results showed that the adsorption energy of C generated from methyl on different Fe phases was lowest (the adsorption energy of C was −8.79 eV for Fe, −5.28 eV for Fe 2 O 3 , and −4.70 eV for Fe 3 O 4), suggesting that the adsorption of C on catalyst was the main reason for the formation of carbon deposits. The lowest adsorption energy of the metallic Fe phase for C indicated that Fe0 was coated by carbon deposits during toluene catalytic cracking, which hampered catalytic activity. These results are of great significance for optimizing the preparation of Fe-loaded carbonaceous catalysts and the regulation of Fe active phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive numerical modeling approach to analyze and evaluate the performance of a throat biomass updraft fixed bed gasification reactor through computational fluid dynamic simulations. The numerical model uses detailed kinetics to capture the complex thermochemical processes within the gasifier. The influence of key parameters such as reactor design on the gasification efficiency and producer gas composition are systematically investigated. Also, performance metrics, including cold gas efficiency, hydrogen-carbon monoxide ratio, and producer gas heating value, are employed to quantitatively quantify the effectiveness of the throat updraft fixed bed gasification reactor to assess the reactors performance under varying configurations. The hydrogen and carbon monoxide concentrations increased by 6.5 % and 5.2 % by changing the throat diameter ratio from 0.14 to 0.33, respectively. Increased gasification efficiency is also observed, from 65.5 % to 77.84 %, within the same ratio range increase. Similarly, a 2.6 % increase is observed in the lower heating valve between the models with throat-to-diameter ratio of 0.14 and 0.33. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the gasification process in throat reactors, offering insights into optimization opportunities for enhanced producer gas quality and overall efficiency. • Gasification of biomass in an updraft gasifier using CFD modeling. • Throat updraft gasifiers have the high tendency of stable gasification temperature. • Gasification temperature improved as the throat ratio is increase. • High throat ratios increase the carbon conversion and cold gas efficiency. • Lower heating value increases as the throat ratio increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current human health risk assessments of soil arsenic (As) contamination rarely consider bioaccessibility (IVBA), which may overestimate the health risks of soil As. The IVBA of As (As-IVBA) may differ among various soil types. This investigation of As-IVBA focused As from geological origin in a typical subtropical soil, lateritic red soil, and its risk control values. The study used the SBRC gastric phase in vitro digestion method and As speciation sequential extraction based upon phosphorus speciation extraction method. Two construction land sites (CH and HD sites) in the Pearl River Delta region were surveyed. The results revealed a high content of residual As (including scorodite, mansfieldite, orpiment, realgar, and aluminum arsenite) in the lateritic red soils at both sites (CH: 84.9%, HD: 91.7%). The content of adsorbed aluminum arsenate (CH: 3.24%, HD: 0.228%), adsorbed ferrum arsenate (CH: 8.55%, HD: 5.01%), and calcium arsenate (CH: 7.33%, HD: 3.01%) were found to be low. The bioaccessible As content was significantly positively correlated with the As content in adsorbed aluminum arsenate, adsorbed ferrum arsenate, and calcium arsenate. A small portion of these sequential extractable As speciation could be absorbed by the human body (CH: 14.9%, HD: 3.16%), posing a certain health risk. Adsorbed aluminum arsenate had the highest IVBA, followed by calcium arsenate, and adsorbed ferrum arsenate had the lowest IVBA. The aforementioned speciation characteristics of As from geological origin in lateritic red soil contributed to its lower IVBA compared to other soils. The oxidation state of As did not significantly affect As-IVBA. Based on As-IVBA, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of soil As in the CH and HD sites decreased greatly in human health risk assessment. The results suggest that As-IVBA in lateritic red soil should be considered when assessing human health risks on construction land. [Display omitted] • In lateritic red soil, As from geological origin has low bioaccessibility. • SBET can mainly extract the adsorbed arsenate on Al, Fe and Ca arsenate. • The bioaccessibility of soil As is not related to its oxidation state. • The occurrence of As in Lateritic red soil is dominated by low solubility minerals. • Soil remediation target values can be significantly promoted based on As-IVBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cerium vanadate nanorods (CVNRs) with outstanding superoxide dismutase-like activity were designed and constructed. • CVNRs were used as an efficient reactive oxygen species scavenger for treating myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in hyperhomocysteinemic rat. • CVNRs could effectively protect the microvascular, reduce the myocardial infarction and improve the heart function after IRI. • CVNRs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. The combination of homocysteine (Hcy) and copper ion (Cu2+) induces cardiac microvascular ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) by causing oxidative stress in the reperfusion treatment of ischemic cardiopathy. Therefore, antioxidant elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) shows great potential in the treatment of IRI. Herein, cerium vanadate nanorods (CVNRs) were designed and developed as an efficient ROS scavenger for the treatment of myocardial IRI in hyperhomocysteinemic rat (HHcyR) model. Thanks to its outstanding superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, the CVNRs showed a significant antioxidant effect in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells treated with Hcy and Cu2+ under hypoxia/reperfusion condition and greatly preserved the morphology and function of mitochondria. Further intravenous administration of CVNRs significantly maintained the integrity and perfusion of microvasculature, minimized the microcirculation malfunction, and finally reduced the myocardial infarction and maintained the heart function after IRI. Moreover, the administration of CVNRs in HHcyR exhibited negligible organ toxicity and inflammation response, indicating their excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. Collectively, the SOD-mimicking CVNRs can serve as a promising antioxidant nanozyme to treat cardiac microvascular IRI complicated with hyperhomocysteinemia, providing a new prospect for the development of antioxidant nanozyme in IRI treatment even with other risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary catalyst composed of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal was widely used to overcome the shortcoming of single-metal catalyst. However, the synergistic mechanism between components remains unclear. In present work, sodium and calcium were loaded into the coal char individually or together. TGA gasification was used to investigate catalytic effect. In order to evaluate catalytic mechanism, Raman spectra of gasification residue, Raman spectra of quenched slag and phase composition at thermodynamic equilibrium were obtained. Loading of sodium or calcium significantly increased gasification rate of coal char and catalytic effect of sodium was better than calcium. Above 900 °C, catalytic effect of sodium-calcium binary catalyst was better than that of single catalyst, and gasification residue of binary catalyst loaded char had more calcium silicate and less sodium silicate than gasification residue of single-metal catalyst loaded char. It was speculated that calcium reacted first with silica in coal to inhibit sodium inactivation. Raman spectra of quenched slag and theoretical calculation showed that silica preferentially reacted with calcium oxide to form calcium silicate in calcium oxide-sodium carbonate-silica system, which proved above speculation. Furthermore, the significant catalytic activity of binary catalysts inhibited the graphitization evolution of carbon structure during char gasification, which is conducive to the improvement of gasification rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G231V and F198S mutations in surfactant protein A2 (SP-A2) are associated with familial pulmonary fibrosis. These mutations cause defects in dimer/trimer assembly, trafficking, and secretion, as well as cause mutant protein aggregation. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of chemical chaperones on the cellular and biochemical properties of mutant SP-A2. Chemical chaperones, including 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA), could enhance secretion and decrease intracellular aggregation of mutant SP-A2 in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, increased levels of aggregated mutant SP-A2, resulting from MG-132-mediated proteasome inhibition, could also be alleviated by 4-PBA. 4-PBA treatment reduced the degradation of mutant SP-A2 to chymotrypsin digestion in CHO-K1 cells and up-regulated GRP78 (BiP) expression. Overexpression of GRP78 in SP-A2 G231V- or F198S-expressing cells reduced, whereas shRNA-mediated knockdown of GRP78 enhanced aggregation of mutant SP-A2, suggesting that GRP78 regulates aggregation of mutant SP-A2. Together, these data indicate chemical chaperone 4-PBA and upregulation of GRP78 can alleviate aggregation to stabilize and facilitate secretion of mutant SP-A2. The up-regulation expression of GRP78 might partially contribute to the aggregate-alleviating effect of 4-PBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) from the entrained-flow coal gasification process mainly contains ash and residual carbon. Currently, the CGFS is normally stacked and landfilled in slag yards, resulting in huge resources waste and potential environmental risks. This study aims to review the research advances of the characterizations, carbon-ash separation and resource utilization of CGFS, so as to reveal the guiding role of CGFS characterizations on the process of separation and resource utilization. In this paper, the characterizations of CGFS are summarized from compositions, structures and dehydration. Methods for separating carbon-ash from CGFS are compared and analyzed. The resource utilization methods of CGFS are reviewed from direct utilization and high-value utilization. Moreover, the future research directions of carbon-ash separation and resource utilization are briefly discussed. Accordingly, this review identifies that particle size is a key factor determining the structure and composition of CGFS. Based on the analysis of the CGFS characterizations, froth flotation shows great application potential for carbon-ash separation from CGFS under the premise of reagent recycling. Blending combustion as the main direction of CGFS resource utilization should be considered. Although the synthesis of porous materials from CGFS is conducive to improving the environmental benefits of coal gasification plants, the optimization research on the preparation methods of CGFS-based porous materials is urgently needed. [Display omitted] • CGFS is a complex mixture composed of inorganic minerals and unburned carbon. • The structure and composition of CGFS are closely related to particle size. • Froth flotation shows great application potential for carbon-ash separation of CGFS. • Blending combustion as the utilization main direction of CGFS should be considered. • Optimization of CGFS-based porous materials preparation methods is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To close the loop for the circular economy (CE) transition in the construction industry, forward logistics (FL) and reverse logistics (RL), as enabling operations for CE, are important topics to be addressed. However, current research mainly focuses on either FL or RL, with a lack of synthesis that presents an overview of the bi-directional logistics system integrating FL and RL and related mechanisms to close the loop. This review, therefore, explores the current cases of FL and RL in the construction arena through a systematic literature review (SLR) process. A review framework to synthesize and compare both FL and RL operations in various phases of the construction project life cycle (CPLC) has been established for this purpose. The phases include - in FL: design, manufacturing, construction, and operations; and in RL: deconstruction, product reuse, waste distribution, and material reprocessing. The review concludes that while similar methods and CE strategies are used in FL and RL, RL operations require more integration between supply chain actors to close the loop for CE in construction. The findings also indicate that more lateral integration between FL and RL phases beyond the life cycle and industrial boundaries is necessary for CE-driven construction projects, instead of only direct vertical integration with up- and down-stream partners. This review proposes a new conceptual framework of circular logistics integration (CLI) that consists of channel creation, network integration, and inventory management to guide and inspire future research in tackling the systematic barriers that hinder materials and resource flow from RL to FL in construction life cycles. • An analytical framework is developed to understand forward and reverse logistics activities in building life cycles. • Logistic activities are analyzed using case studies to provide operational insights. • The results show that logistics operations in the circular life cycle are interrelated and could potentially be integrated. • Circular logistics integration is proposed, aiming to improve the management of channels, networks, and inventories. • Logistics may play a key role in circular construction to connect inventories of deconstruction to new distribution channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory diseases mainly include asthma, influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer. Given their high prevalence and poor prognosis, the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases are increasingly essential. In particular, the development for the novel strategies of drug treatment has been a hot topic in the research field. Ginsenosides are the major component of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng), a food homology and well-known medicinal herb. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of ginsenosides in respiratory diseases. The reviewed studies were retrieved via a thorough analysis of numerous articles using electronic search tools including Sci-Finder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science. The following keywords were used for the online search: ginsenosides, asthma, influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), lung fibrosis, lung cancer, and clinical trials. We summarized the findings and the conclusions from 176 manuscripts on ginsenosides, including research articles and reviews. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, and CK, which are the most commonly reported ginsenosides for treating of respiratory diseases, and other ginsenosides such as Rh1, Rk1, Rg5, Rd and Re, all primarily reduce pneumonia, fibrosis, and inhibit tumor progression by targeting NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JNK pathways, thereby ameliorating respiratory diseases. This review provides novel ideas and important aspects for the future research of ginsenosides for treating respiratory diseases. [Display omitted] • 176 papers were reviewed for ginsenosides in the treatment of respiratory diseases. • Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, and CK are commonly for treating respiratory diseases. • The NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JNK pathways are molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a heating stage microscope and a thermogravimetric analyzer were adopted to explore behaviors of char-slag/ash transition during CO 2 gasification of rice straw (RS) and Neimeng lignite (NM). Effects of demineralized treatment and various gasification temperatures on the char-slag/ash evolution process were studied. Both RS and NM particles exhibited shrinkage particle form at a moderate reaction temperature (1000 °C). The variation of the existential state of K with char-slag/ash transition could well explain the reactivity differences between RS raw char and demineralized char. Compared to RS raw char, NM raw char showed a more significant flow of molten slag at 1350 °C, which accounted for the high inhibitory effects at the late stage of NM raw char gasification. There is a threshold conversion (x = 0.9) during the evolution processes of NM char samples to NM slag/ash at 1200 °C and 1350 °C, while this threshold value is only existing at 1000 °C for RS char gasification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of water on the pyrolysis and gasification characteristics of coal water slurry (CWS) and pulverized coals with different ranks have been studied in the present work. Rapid pyrolysis characteristics (i.e. char yield, char structure evolution) of raw carbonaceous materials with varied water contents were investigated by using a high frequency furnace at 800–1200 °C. Moreover, gasification characteristics of the pyrolysis char were studied by using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results indicate that at the pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, the char yield of Wu-ran-cha-bu (WRCB) lignite slightly decreased with increasing the water content from 2.1 wt.% to 13.98 wt.%, while that of Yun-nan (YN) lignite showed a more significant decrease with increasing water content from 2.2 wt.% to 11.54 wt.%. This could be attributed to a higher coal reactivity of YN lignite than that of WRCB lignite. When the pyrolysis temperature was at or above 1000 °C, due to more significant in-situ coal-steam interactions, a lower char yield of both the pulverized lignites were observed with increasing water content from 2 wt.% to above 10 wt.%. CWS char presented a higher graphitization degree than pulverized coal char. The carbon microcrystalline structure factors (i.e. L 002 /d 002 value) of pyrolysis char increased with coal rank, which might reflect the variation trend of the graphitization degree from low rank coal to high rank coal. During the rapid heat treatment processes, the water evaporation and the in-situ steam-char gasification were favorable for void formation for both pulverized coals with high water contents and CWS. Notably, during the gasification processes of three different rank coals at 1200 °C, a more significant inhibition effect of residual ash on CWS char was observed compared to the pulverized parent coal char with high carbon conversion (x > 0.9). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The q -deformation of the infinite-dimensional n -algebras is investigated. Based on the structure of the q -deformed Virasoro–Witt algebra, we derive a nontrivial q -deformed Virasoro–Witt n -algebra which is nothing but a sh- n -Lie algebra. Furthermore in terms of the pseud-differential operators, we construct the (co)sine n -algebra and the q -deformed S Diff ( T 2 ) n -algebra. We find that they are the sh- n -Lie algebras for the n even case. In terms of the magnetic translation operators, an explicit physical realization of the (co)sine n -algebra is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis behaviors of two lignite coals with different drying conditions were determined by a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with mass spectrometer (TG-MS) and a high-frequency furnace. An in-situ heating stage microscope was adopted to observe the morphological changes during char-CO 2 gasification process. It is concluded that the effects of moisture contents in coals on the gaseous release process during coal pyrolysis mainly depend on coal type, final pyrolysis temperature and heating method. The in-situ heating stage experiments indicate that the shrinking particle mode is suitable to illustrate the gasification reaction mechanism in the initial and midterm reaction stages of all the lignite char samples. Although drying conditions have significant effects on coal pyrolysis process under rapid heating, these dewatering conditions result in little noticeable reactivity loss of the char during the subsequent char-CO 2 gasification reaction. The measuring results of catalytic active sites can well explain the similar reactivity of lignite coals with different drying conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The effects of HTC on coconut shell fuel properties were quantitatively studied. • The composition of hydrochar is similar in condition of 200 °C–0 h and 180 °C–3 h. • The migration behavior of different forms potassium was studied after HTC process. • Kinetic models were adopted to predict products yield during HTC. Hydrothermal carbonization is a promising renewable technology to produce high quality solid biofuel with characters of sterilization, micronization, and homogeneous. In this work, coconut shell was used as feedstock to investigate the products distribution, reaction kinetics and the migration of potassium during HTC process. Experiments were carried out in 180–240 °C with residence time of 0–5 h. The results showed that the content of fixed carbon increased from 20.76 wt% to 49.80 wt%, and HHV increased from 20.75 MJ/kg to 31.77 MJ/kg at 240 °C with the holding time of 3 h. The ratio of H/C dropped from 1.78 to 0.86 and O/C dropped from 0.68 to 0.16 which all indicated the improvement of fuel performance. The effects of increasing temperature and prolonging residence time on the products were in the same direction but different in severity. The properties of the products changed little after the residence time was more than 1 h. In addition, chemical fractionation method was used to investigate migration behavior of potassium. The best removal temperature of potassium was 200 °C which decreased potassium concentration from 2.7 mg/g to 0.6 mg/g specifically. Due to the increase of specific surface and porosity caused by high temperature, the content of potassium rose slightly at 220 and 240 °C. A kinetic model was adopted to predict the products distribution and yield of solid phase and gas phase. The activation energies (Ea) of different reaction paths were calculated and the results showed that Ea of gas formation is greater than that of solid. Migration behavior of potassium and modeling of HTC process is of great significance for design, optimization of industrial HTC reactor and selecting the best time for discharging and feeding to achieve better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Isothermal prediction based on model-free method was established. • Kinetic parameters form model-free and model-fitting method were compared. • Gasification mechanism was revealed from carbon and pore structure evolution. • The fractal dimension D 1 was related with amorphous structure. • Mesopore SSA increased by hundred times whereas active sites changed insignificantly. Biomass gasification integrated with leaching pretreatment can be conducive to the sustainable energy system. In this work, the biochar gasification was studied from structure to reactivity with the consideration of leaching pretreatment. The biochar was prepared from raw and leached corn straw (CS) and corncob (CC) in a fixed bed reactor. The gasification was performed in thermogravimetric analyzer with the emphasis on kinetic parameters comparison and reactivity prediction. The carbon and pore structure were investigated to reveal gasification mechanism. The prediction procedure based on model-free method was proposed. From the results, compared with CS, leaching pretreatment reduced gasification reactivity of CC considerably according to reactivity index and reactivity prediction. The random pore model showed the best fitting performance. Furthermore, the leaching pretreatment reduced inorganics (mainly K) in CS and CC, and removed water-soluble organics (pectin) in CC. The active sites and surface roughness in leached biochar decreased accordingly. The CO 2 gasification can activate initial biochar after pyrolysis. Specifically, the specific surface area of mesopore increased by hundred times and more active sites were also generated. However, as the gasification proceeding, the active sites and the fractional dimensions changed insignificantly for both raw and leached biochar. The leaching pretreatment mainly promoted the micropore development during gasification. The pore structure evolution was consistent with the carbon structure, which appeared to be correlated with the kinetic analysis. The research gives new insight into structure-performance correlation of biomass gasification and provides the implication for sustainable energy system based on gasification technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a previous paper [Ding et al., J. Membr. Sci. 276 (2006) 232], we have investigated the performance in microfiltration of mineral suspensions of a novel filtration pilot consisting in overlapping ceramic membranes disks rotating at same speed on two parallel shafts. In this paper, we investigate a modification of this concept in which the ceramic disks of one shaft were replaced by non-permeating metal disks of same size rotating at a speed different from that of membranes. We also operated the pilot without disks on the 2nd shaft in order to eliminate membrane overlapping. When using metal disks with radial vanes, permeate fluxes were found to be 50–60% higher than those obtained in the same conditions with the previous design using only ceramic disks. By comparing permeate fluxes in different configurations, membranes on both shafts, membranes on the 1st shaft with and without metal disks on the 2nd shaft, we showed that, at a feed concentration of 200gL−1, the effect on permeate flux J, of shear rate increment due to membrane overlapping, could be completely offset by the high concentration increase between two adjacent and overlapping membranes. Raising the ceramic disks rotation speed N c had a larger effect on J than increasing the metal disks speed N m. For N c =32.16Hz (1930rpm) and N m =2.4Hz (144rpm), J reached 1790Lh−1 m−2 at 310kPa, versus 1100Lh−1 m−2 for N c =12.3Hz (738rpm) and N m =22.26Hz (1336rpm) (for the same total sum N c + N m). Measurements of electrical power consumed by friction on rotating disks showed that the energy spent per m3 of permeate was lowest when using metal disk with vanes rotating at low speed and ceramic disks rotating at high speed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates a new design of dynamic filtration system which has become recently available. The pilot unit tested contains 12 ceramic membrane disks with 0.2μm pores, 9.0cm in diameter, mounted on two parallel shafts rotating in the same direction at the same speed and surrounded by a steel housing. The fluid is sheared between overlapping disks. The differential speed (DVn) between two adjacent disks has been shown to be uniform in the overlapping region and 51% higher than the azimuthal rim speed of a disk. Test fluids were CaCO3 suspensions at various concentrations ranging from 100 to 280gL−1 and 24°C. Permeate fluxes obtained at 1930rpm (DVn =13.47ms−1) and 200kPa were very high, ranging from 880Lh−1 m−2 at 100gL−1 to 720Lh−1 m−2 at 280gL−1. At 738rpm (DVn =5.25ms−1), these fluxes were respectively, 690 and 430Lh−1 m−2. When a system with rotating membranes is operated at a fixed inlet pressure, its permeate flux rises with increasing speed until it reaches a maximum and decreases at higher speed, due to build-up of permeate pressure caused by centrifugal forces, which reduces the transmembrane pressure. In our pilot, this phenomenon was only observed at low inlet pressures. Rotation speeds at which a maximum flux occurred were 800rpm at 40kPa and 1600rpm at 75kPa. A comparison with a single rotating disk module, using an identical stationary ceramic membrane and the same test fluids, has shown that, for the same disk azimuthal rim velocity, permeate fluxes in this case were about half of those with the two-shaft pilot. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this work is to compare the effects of various hydrodynamic parameters (transmembrane pressure, shear rate, fluid viscosity and solute concentration) on the permeate flux provided by two different dynamic filtration systems using same membrane material and same fluids. Tested systems were two rotating disk modules designed in our laboratory and a VSEP pilot with a circular vibrating membrane. Tests fluids consisted of baker’s yeast microfiltration (MF) at 0.2 μm and of UHT skim milk ultrafiltration (UF) at 50 kDa. The characteristic shear rate was taken to be the maximum one (γm) at the membrane outer rim in each module. It was varied by changing the rotation speed of the disk or by changing the vibration frequency of the VSEP. The highest permeate fluxes were obtained with rotating disks equipped with vanes because they generated the largest shear rates. But in MF, when the disk speed was adjusted to produce the same maximum shear rate as in the VSEP, permeate fluxes variations with time in both modules were identical at the same TMP and yeast concentration. Flux variations with TMP were also very close in this case. In concentration tests by MF at constant speed or frequency, permeate fluxes (J) in L h-1 m-2 provided by the two rotating disks (with and without vanes) and the VSEP were well correlated by a single equation, J = 4.3 × 10-6γm1.46, where the shear rate was varied by the concentration change. Permeate fluxes were also similar in UF of milk for the VSEP and rotating disk when shear rates were matched. The variation of permeate flux with shear rate at constant concentration for the two rotating disks systems with and without vanes was correlated by a single equation J = 0.136γm0.594, while the corresponding equation for the VSEP was J = 0.110γm0.587. Our data suggest that, in these devices, the flux is mainly governed by the maximum shear rate and not by details of internal flow and can be increased to very high levels by increasing rotation speed or vibration amplitude or by equipping the disk with large vanes. This information can be used for scaling up industrial systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates the influence of freeze-thaw (FT) cycles on the (i) microstructure, (ii) soil water characteristics, and (iii) sensitivity of the volumetric strain and mechanical properties to moisture content for a compacted clay. The mechanical properties herein include resilient modulus (M R), unconfined compression strength (q u), and reloading modulus (E 1%) and stress (S u1%) at 1% strain. Specimens were compacted at optimum moisture content and subjected to different FT cycles (i.e. 0, 1, 3, and 10 cycles). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were performed to reveal the evolution of the microstructure during FT cycles. Specimens were then wetted or dried to different suction (s) and degree of saturation (S r) values to obtain the (i) soil water characteristics using filter paper method and (ii) M R , q u , E 1% , and S u1% using cyclic and static triaxial tests. Experimental results demonstrate that FT cycles induce cracks that are tens of microns in dimension, which reduce specimens' water retention capacity and the volumetric strain upon wetting and drying. Mechanical properties also reduce significantly and become less sensitive to the s and S r after FT cycles. A model was used to predict the variation of the M R , q u , E 1% and S u1% with s and S r for specimens subjected to different FT cycles. An attenuation coefficient χ FT was proposed to describe the FT-induced degradation in the q u , E 1% , S u1% , and M R. It was found that the χ FT for different mechanical properties are consistent. The evolution of their χ FT with FT cycles can be described by a uniform empirical equation. The study presented in this paper is useful for the rational understanding and prediction of the hydromechanical behaviors of compacted clay taking account of the influence of FT cycles. • Freeze-thaw (FT) cycles generate cracks that are tens of microns in dimension. • FT cycles reduce soils' water retention capacity and mechanical properties. • Mechanical properties are less sensitive to moisture changes after FT cycles. • Models were proposed to predict mechanical properties considering FT influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut shell (CS) can be efficiently utilized by coupling hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) pretreatment with pyrolysis to meet the goal of global green development. In-situ Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) were adopted to investigate the structural evolutions and reaction kinetics characteristics of hydrochar during the pyrolysis process. According to the results, the intensity of peak D and peak G in Raman spectrum decreased with increasing hydrothermal degree. Mild HTC treatment (≤200 °C) led to an increase in I D /I G , indicating the formation of large aromatic rings through small ring condensation. In contrast, severe HTC treatment (≥220 °C) reduced the I D /I G ratio, indicating an increased polycondensation of aromatic compounds and a higher degree of aromatization, resulting in larger molecules sizes. The spectral area below 400 °C reduced with increasing pyrolysis temperature due to the reduction of oxygen-containing functional groups and thermal radiation. Above 400 °C, the total area remains stable as the Raman spectrum scattering ability increases due to char formation and aromatization reactions. HTC-200 exhibited an increase in I D /I G from 0.54 to 0.72 and I D /I (Me + Ke + GL) from 0.58 to 0.68 with increasing pyrolysis temperatures. The activation energy during pyrolysis ranged from 194.50 to 238.34 kJ/mol for CS and 217.51–259.51 kJ/mol for HTC-200. Hydrothermal carbonization had a significant effect on pyrolysis behavior of hydrochar, as it was found that the mild HTC hydrochar followed D-type diffusion models when conversion rate was less than 0.65, and transitioned to higher reaction order in the late-stage of pyrolysis. [Display omitted] • Carbon structure in pyrolysis of coconut shell hydrochar is characterized in-situ. • A thorough evaluation of the pyrolysis kinetic was performed by model-free method. • Mild hydrochar changed from diffusion to higher reaction order model in pyrolysis. • Improved hydrochar properties showed high potential of HTC for alternative energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A soot formation mechanism of the NC-POX process is proposed. • The O 2 /CH 4 ratio should be greater than 0.6 to reduce soot generation. • The evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in precursor was analyzed in detail. • The increase in the O 2 /CH 4 ratio reduces the graphitization degree of soot. Non-catalytic partial oxidation (NC-POX) process is a promising technology for hydrogen and syngas production, but the generation of soot hinders its development. In this study, the yields of soot and its precursors under different working conditions are quantified by experiments. When the O 2 /CH 4 ratio is more than 0.6, the soot yield can be controlled below 1.07% from 2.53%. The soot precursor evolution mechanism in NC-POX is analyzed through the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds. It is found that hydrogen abstraction vinyl radical addition (HAVA*) and methyl addition cyclization (MAC) are the main growth pathways of PAHs. The concentrations of H 2 O, CO 2 , and oxygenated hydrocarbons increase with O 2 /CH 4 , which further inhibit the soot generation reactions and reduce the degree of graphitization of soot particles through surface reactions. A soot formation mechanism is proposed. This study provides a quantified reference for soot modeling and the elimination of soot in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new approach of response stability based for visual object tracking is developed. This approach proposes a response stability criterion to measure the tracking quality and fuse tracking results of multiple layers of a convolutional neural network (CNN). Inspired by recent detection based methods for visual tracking, the detection capability of EdgeBoxes is investigated, and proposes to re-detect target when tracking failure occurs. In addition, 3D locally adaptive regression kernels (LARK) feature is employed in correlation filter based tracking framework. Extensive experimental results and performance compared with state-of-the-art tracking algorithms on challenging benchmark datasets show that our method is more accurate and robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influences of the gasification temperatures (1000–1150 °C) and blended ratios (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) on the co-gasification reactivity and synergy of petroleum coke (PC) and municipal solid waste (MSW)-derived hydrochar (HTC) were studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Chemical fractionation analysis (CFA) coupled with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was adopted for quantitatively investigating the active alkali/alkaline earth metal (AAEM) transformation (i.e., active AAEM content variation) during co-gasification in order to correlate the synergy mechanism of co-gasification. The results indicated that the co-gasification reactivity of the blended chars was enhanced with increasing gasification temperatures and HTC char proportions. The variations of the synergy behaviour on co-gasification reactivity at different conversions showed continuously enhanced synergistic effect at early co-gasification stage and decreased synergistic effect with further co-gasification. Moreover, higher gasification temperatures and HTC char proportions were more favourable for the continuous enhancement of the synergistic effect as co-gasification conversions increased. The overall synergistic effect on co-gasification reactivity was more obvious at higher HTC char proportions and lower gasification temperatures. The relative transformation ratio ( P ) was proposed to characterize the active AAEM content variation during co-gasification. P was negative when more active AAEM remained in blended chars, meaning that there was inhibition effect on the active AAEM transformation. It was found that the inhibition effect on the active Ca/K transformation was first enhanced and then weakened whereas the promotion effect on the active Na transformation showed an opposite trend with increasing conversion of co-gasification, which well correlated the synergy behaviour variations during PC-HTC blended char co-gasification. This work not only revealed synergy mechanism of petroleum coke and MSW-based hydrochar co-gasification but also provided reference data for the design and operation of industrial gasification units consuming mixture of petroleum coke and waste biomasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze-thaw (FT) cycles are considered to be a potential threat to the hydro-mechanical behavior of subgrade soils in seasonal frozen regions. Enhancing the resistance of the soils to FT cycles therefore becomes a pressing problem that needs to be solved. This paper developed a durable polyacrylate intercalated bentonite superabsorbent polymer (BT-SAP) employing the solution polymerization method, which is a novel hybrid polymer material with the function of reducing the sensitivity of subgrade soils to FT cycles. To evaluate the effects of BT-SAPs on the hydro-mechanical behavior of subgrade silts experiencing FT cycles, the 3D pore structure, volumetric strain (ε v), soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), and resilient modulus (M R) of the soil modified with BT-SAPs were determined using a series of laboratory tests. Specimens with three BT-SAP contents (BC) compacted at their respective optimum moisture content and maximum dry density were first subjected to different numbers of FT cycles (N FT). Then, they were dried or wetted to specific moisture contents (w) before the determination of (i) SWCCs using the filter paper method and (ii) M R from cyclic triaxial tests. Finally, the 3D pore structure of specimens after FT cycles was measured by X-ray μ-CT. Experimental results show that the viscous and micro-swelling effects of the generated BT-SAP-water-gels can inhibit the emergence and development of larger pores and cracks inside the soil after FT cycles. The addition of BT-SAPs significantly reduces the sensitivity of the soil's volume and water retention capacity to FT cycles. The M R decreases with N FT but increases with BC. The important finding is that an optimal BT-SAP content of 0.25% was determined suitable for fine-grained subgrade soils. In addition, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed using 1200 sets of the M R measurements obtained in this study and well predicts the M R considering several factors such as BC, N FT , w , dry density, and stress levels. This study provides useful guidelines for the application of BT-SAP materials in subgrade engineering in seasonal frozen regions. • Developed a novel hybrid polymer (BT-SAP), which has the function of reducing the sensitivity of soils to FT cycles. • The mechanism of BT-SAP-water-gels inhibiting the development of large pores in the soil after FT cycling was studied. • The effect of BT-SAPs on the soil's volumetric and water retention capacity after FT cycles was evaluated. • Established an ANN model to predict the M R considering the influences of BC, N FT , w , ρ d , σ c , and σ d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CCD-RSM was used to determine the effects of parameters during HTC process. • A thorough evaluation of the optimize process was based on overall desirability. • 200 ℃-0 min was determined to be the optimal processing condition in HTC of CS. • Improved hydrochar properties showed high potential of HTC for upgrading biomass. The utilization of biomass energy is desirable to achieve carbon neutrality in the world. Hydrothermal carbonization of coconut shell was performed using center composite design with an aid of response surface methodology to determine the individual effects and combined effects of parameters on responses. The experimental design incorporates two variables and three responses. More specifically, the effects of temperature (180–220 °C) and hold time (0–60 min) on hydrochar yield, higher heating value (HHV) and energy yield were investigated. According to the results, hydrochar yield varies monotonically with temperature and hold time. With increasing temperature and hold time, hydrochar yield was dropped gradually. The highest hydrochar yield of 75.67 % was obtained at 180 °C-0 min and the lowest hydrochar yield of 63.13 % was achieved at 220 °C-60 min. HHV showed opposite trend to hydrochar yield, reaching a maximum value of 29.39 MJ/kg at 220 °C-60 min. The change in energy yield was influenced by the variation of hydrochar yield and HHV and does not change monotonically with temperature or time. It reaches the maximum value 90.83 % at 200 °C-0 min. Furthermore, to select best operating conditions, a comprehensive evaluation of the experiments was conducted based on the overall desirability. A series of characterization experiments were conducted on selected hydrochar samples. The results of functional group and pore structure changes showed that raw biomass has converted into value-added products with stable structure properties. In conclusion, hydrothermal carbonization as a pretreatment for upgrading coconut shells is a feasible process and can be used for biofuels production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread and multifactorial disorder, and the study of its pathogenesis and treatment remains challenging. Autophagy, an intracellular degradation system that maintains cellular renewal and homeostasis, is essential for maintaining antimicrobial defense, preserving epithelial barrier integrity, promoting mucosal immune response, maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and regulating gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. Dysfunctional autophagy is implicated in the pathological mechanisms of MetS, involving insulin resistance (IR), chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with IR being a predominant feature. The study of autophagy represents a valuable field of research with significant clinical implications for identifying autophagy-related signals, pathways, mechanisms, and treatment options for MetS. Given the multifactorial etiology and various potential risk factors, it is imperative to explore the interplay between autophagy and gut microbiota in MetS more thoroughly. This will facilitate the elucidation of new mechanisms underlying the crosstalk among autophagy, gut microbiota, and MetS, thereby providing new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of MetS. [Display omitted] • Autophagy is intricately linked to intestinal homeostasis, gut microbiota, and microbial metabolites. • Dysfunctional autophagy is implicated in MetS, involving IR, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and ER stress. • A deeper insight of the crosstalk mechanism among autophagy, gut microbiota, and MetS is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chemical looping hydrogen production based SNG production route was proposed; • The insights of oxygen carrier splitting was elucidated; • Co-feeding biomass and municipal solid waste improved the yields of hydrogen and SNG; • The levelized cost of SNG faced challenges in competing with fossil natural gas. Synthetic natural gas (SNG) is a promising alternative to conventional fossil natural gas. This study proposes a chemical looping hydrogen production (CLHP)-based route for SNG synthesis and elucidates the insights and necessities of appropriately co-feeding different types of feedstocks to maximize the yields of hydrogen and subsequent SNG. A study employing microalgae (MA) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as biomass and municipal solid waste representatives demonstrates that blending MA with RDF in a proportion of 40 %:60 % (0.4MA-0.6RDF) eradicates oxygen carrier splitting. This boosts fuel-to-hydrogen efficiency from 74.1 % to 77.8 %, as well as subsequent thermal and exergy efficiencies of SNG production from 59.07 % and 55.8 % to 61.3 % and 57.92 %, respectively, compared to the use of MA alone. Nonetheless, blending fuels does not yield substantial economic advantages, as evidenced by the levelized cost of SNG production using pure MA and the 0.4MA-0.6RDF blend remaining at approximately 0.63 USD/Nm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, corn straw and rice husk were hydrothermally carbonized at 180 °C and 240 °C. The effect of hydrothermal carbonization on the biomass/hydrochar characteristics, fate of heavy metals such as As, Cr, Pb, Ti, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ni, global reactivity of the pyrolysis and gasification of biomass and hydrochar were investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer, followed by kinetic modeling and reactivity prediction. Results showed that hydrothermal carbonization temperature 180 °C is more suitable for producing solid fuel in terms of low heavy metals content. Higher hydrothermal carbonization temperature (240 °C) decreased O/C content and improved various characteristics of the hydrochar such as coalification degree, carbon content, higher heating value and the specific surface area. While hydrothermal carbonization conducted at lower temperature of 180 °C, was advantageous for obtaining higher energy yield efficiency and hydrochar yield. The gasification reactivity of hydrochar was more sensitive to the heating rate than the pyrolysis process. The activation energy (E a) of the pyrolysis process varied significantly with conversion, whereas the gasification activation energy changes were insignificant. Based on the reactivity prediction, the hydrothermal carbonization effect on corn straw and rice husk was almost similar. The hydrochar generated under severe hydrothermal carbonization temperature (240 °C) showed higher thermal stability during pyrolysis in comparison with gasification. Compared with the gasification of rice husk hydrochar, hydrochar gasification of corn straw had lower E a , hence requires less energy to produce syngas. The results of this research imply that biomass hydrochar is a suitable alternative option to produce pulverized solid fuel. [Display omitted] • Gasification and pyrolysis of Agriculture residues-derived hydrochars were performed. • HTC improved coalification degree and carbon content and higher heating value. • 180 °C provided a higher hydrochar and energy yields with lower HMs content. • Changes of E a variation during pyrolysis and gasification by HTC were compared. • Gasification reactivity of CS was more sensitive to HTC temperature than that of RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gasification phenomena of raw PKS, torrefied PKS, and steam-CO 2 are studied. • Euler-Lagrangian two-dimensional CFD model is used to investigate tar formation by modeling all components in tar together. • The gasification efficiency of torrefied-PKS is up by 29.1 % as compare to the raw-PKS. • The S-CO 2 -R and gasification temperature reduced tar concentration by 21.4 % and 20.5 % respectively. Experimental and numerical evaluation of steam and carbon dioxide gasification on torrefied palm kernel shell in an updraft fixed bed gasifier is studied. Euler-Lagrangian two-dimensional model with 15 kinetic reactions is developed to investigate tar formation in relation to torrefaction temperature, gasification temperature, and steam-to-carbon-dioxide ratio (S-CO 2 -R). The combination of steam and CO 2 had considerable effect on the tar reduction and also influenced the gaseous composition significantly when the varying parameters were compared. The results show that increasing both gasification temperature and S-CO 2 -R do enhance the H 2 production whiles drastically reducing the tar formation. The tar concentration reduced by 21.4 % and 20.5 % by changing the S-CO 2 -R from 0.4 to 2.0 and gasification process temperature from 973 and 1173 K respectively. An increase in hydrogen is also observed, from 55.5 % to 60.84 %, when the S-CO 2 -R is increased to 1.2. Similarly, 29.1 % increase is observed in gasification efficiency as compared to the raw-PKS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carbon structure in thermochemical conversion of coal is characterized in-situ. • Transition mechanism between amorphous carbon and aromatic carbon is clarified. • Oxygen-containing functional groups are active sites for low temperature oxidation reactions. Thermal conversion is pivotal for clean and efficient coal utilization. Evolution of solid structure profoundly affects the gasification mechanism. However, in-situ study on coal structure evolution during gasification is limited. In this study, in-situ Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the carbon structure evolution during thermal conversion. Results revealed two stages in coal pyrolysis: polycondensation and aromatic ring fusion. During polycondensation, numerous side chain groups break, while aromatic compounds condensed and rings fused in the aromatic ring fusion stage, increasing molecular size. In char gasification, larger particles required more time to achieve stable shrinkage, thus delaying coal char graphitization process. Low temperature oxidation led to decreased order due to oxygen-containing structure formation, evolving into a graphite-like structure as disordered carbon diminished. In addition, oxygen-containing groups acted as active oxidation sites. The insights into real-time structure evolution enhance understanding of the particle behavior during thermal conversion of coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most challenging clinical issues. It is characterized by the disruption of neural circuitry and connectivity, resulting in neurological disability. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) serve as a promising source of therapeutic cells for SCI treatment. However, the therapeutic outcomes of direct ADSCs transplantation are limited in the presence of an inflammatory microenvironment. Herein, a cell-adaptable neurogenic (CaNeu) hydrogel was developed as a delivery vehicle for ADSCs to promote neuronal regeneration after SCI. The dynamic network of CaNeu hydrogel loaded with ADSCs provides a cell-infiltratable matrix that enhances axonal growth and eventually leads to improved motor evoked potential, hindlimb strength, and coordination of complete spinal cord transection in rats. Furthermore, the CaNeu hydrogel also establishes an anti-inflammatory microenvironment by inducing a shift in the polarization of the recruited macrophages toward the pro-regeneration (M2) phenotype. Our study showed that the CaNeu-hydrogel‒mediated ADSCs delivery resulted in significantly suppressed neuroinflammation and apoptosis, and that this phenomenon involved the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that the CaNeu hydrogel is a valuable delivery vehicle to assist stem cell therapy for SCI, providing a promising strategy for central nervous system diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have investigated the recovery by nanofiltration of lactose and milk proteins as well as carbon oxygen demand (COD) and ionic concentration reduction in dairy process waters simulated by UHT skim milk diluted 1:2 with an initial COD of 36,000mgO2 L−1. The filtration system consisted in a 14.5cm diameter metal disk (smooth or equipped with vanes) rotating near a circular Desal 5 DK membrane. At initial concentration, the permeate fluxes at a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 4000kPa and 45°C ranged from 130Lh−1 m−2 for a smooth disk at 1000rpm to 230Lh−1 m−2 using a disk with vanes at 2000rpm. Permeate COD was minimum for this last case which gave the highest shear rates and decreased with increasing TMP from 60mgO2 L−1 at 1400kPa to 22 at 4000kPa. In concentration tests at a TMP of 4000kPa, at 2000rpm with vanes, the permeate flux decayed with increasing volume reduction ratio (VRR) but was still 100Lh−1 m−2 at VRR=7.5. The maximum VRR, reached using a disk with 6mm vanes rotating at 2000rpm, was 14.3, corresponding to 38% of dry matter. Permeate COD remained quasi independent of shear rate (rotation speed and disk type) until VRR=5 but increased more rapidly at lower shear rates for higher VRR, to reach 350mgO2 L−1 at 2000rpm with vanes. Comparison with recent data using same fluid, and same membrane, but installed in a vibrating system (VSEP), showed that the rotating disk yields better performance than the VSEP, due to its higher membrane shear rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the concentration of total milk proteins from a reconstituted low heat skim milk with a composition close to that of fresh milk using a vibratory shear-enhanced process (VSEP) pilot. This pilot was equipped with a 500cm210kDa polyethersulfone membrane ensuring satisfactory whey protein rejection. Due to concentration polarization reduction by very high shear rates, the permeate flux keeps increasing with transmembrane pressure until at least 1500kPa and exceeds 80Lh-1m-2 at initial concentration, resonant frequency and 45°C. In concentration tests, the theoretical maximum volume reduction ratio (VRR) corresponding to zero flux was found to be 17.6 for reconstituted milk versus 9 for UHT (sterilized at ultra high temperature) skim milk in same conditions. This difference can be explained by the higher viscosity of UHT milk at VRRs above 5 due to a faster increase in dry matter with VRR. However, when permeate fluxes from both milks are plotted versus the percentage of dry matter they follow the same pattern with a theoretical maximum percentage of 38%. Energetic calculations based on these results show that large VSEP units, which are available up to 151m2 of membrane area will consume significantly less energy per m3 of permeate than cross-flow filtration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The permeate flux and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction were investigated in dairy process waters using a vibratory shear-enhanced filtration system (VSEP) and various nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Dairy process waters were simulated by UHT skim milk diluted 1:3 to obtain an initial COD of 36 000 mg O2 l−1. In NF the highest permeate flux (270 l h−1 m−2 at 4 MPa, 45 °C and initial concentration) was obtained with a Filmtec membrane which yielded also the highest permeate COD (94 mg O2 l−1). The best compromise was obtained with a Desal 5 DK membrane which yielded a COD of 36 mg O2 l−1 and a flux of 240 l h−1 m−2 under same conditions. In concentration tests, the permeate flux decreased with increasing volume reduction ratio (VRR) to reach 25 l h−1 m−2 for the 5 DK membrane at VRR=7 while permeate COD soared to 1050 mg O2 l−1.A comparison with published data collected using a spiral module and same test fluid at 25 °C and 1.9 MPa showed a definite advantage for the VSEP equipped with the same 5 DL membrane and operated at same pressure and temperature. The VSEP yielded a permeate COD of 24 mg O2 l−1 versus 128 mg O2 l−1 for the spiral module together with a higher flux 71 l h−1 m−2 versus 24 l h−1 m−2. The better performance of the VSEP can be attributed to its higher membrane shear rate which reduces lactose concentration at membrane and its transmission. As expected, permeate COD was further reduced to less than 22 mg O2 l−1 at a VRR of 5.6 by using an RO membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on a bench-scale impinging entrained-flow gasifier and visualization system, the conversion of particle group and a single coal particle in the impinging-flow zone below the burner plane is investigated in-situ. The axial evolution of particle group including particle size, particle concentration, velocity field and spatial distribution is characterized with image processing algorithm and statistical method. The particle fragmentation, single particle conversion process and volatile oxidation behavior are discussed. The results indicate that the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) is distributed in 560–720 µm in all statistical regions, and the particle concentration is distributed in 20,000–360,000. With the axial downward movement of the particle group, the SMD, particle concentration and spatial distribution frequency show an overall decreasing trend. The proportion of particles ranging in the velocity interval of 0–4 m/s increases in the three impinging-flow zones, which are 85.76 %, 92.33 % and 97.88 %, respectively. The fragmentation mode of a single coal particle can be classified into central fragmentation and peripheral fragmentation. The occurrence probabilities of the two modes in the upper impinging-flow zone are more than one-third, indicating that the particles tend to be fragmented near the burner plane. The conversion of a single coal particle can be divided into heat up and pyrolysis, volatile oxidation, volatile/char oxidation and char oxidation. In the upper impinging-flow zone, less than 30 % of the particles are in volatile oxidation stage, while about 50 % of the particles are in char oxidation stage. With the axial downward movement of the particle group, the proportion of particles in char oxidation stage decreases, while the proportion of particles in volatile oxidation stage shows an opposite trend. A macroscopic description of ignition and propagation of particle volatile flame is proposed. The propagation of volatile flame between singles particles can be extended to the propagation of volatile flame within particle groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impinging flame of multiple diesel jet in gasifier was investigated. • Dynamic Mode Decomposition was applied to high-speed image sequences. • The dominant oscillation structure in the impinging zone was determined. • Two different combustion patterns caused by impinging effect were revealed. • A significant large-scale entrainment behavior occurs in the impinging zone. Impinging can improve the combustion efficiency of industrial processes. However, studies on the impinging characteristics of multiple jet flames are lacking. In this study, based on an opposing multi-burner gasifier with diesel fuel, the combustion oscillation characteristics in the impinging zone of a four-burner impinging flame were investigated. The dominant oscillation structure in the impinging zone was obtained by applying the Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) algorithm, and the DMD mode and frequency spectral distribution was compared with those under the two-burner impinging condition. Differences in combustion patterns were determined between the two- and four-burner impinging flames. The most intense oscillation was not in the impinging center of the four-burner impinging flame but in the outer annular zone. This study provides valuable information for the structural characterization and impinging enhancement effects of turbulent flames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wet and dry carbonization of food wastes were detailed compared for bio-fuel production. • Dry carbonization showed superior fuel properties while led to N-relating issue. • Key factors for evaluating the solid biofuel qualities were provided. In this research, three categories of food waste (dried cabbage, chicken, and rice) were separately subjected to hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) under 180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C and pyrolytic carbonization (PC) under 200 °C, 250 °C, 300 °C, 350 °C, and 400 °C for solid biofuel production, respectively. Carbonization pathways, solid yield, high heating value (HHV), the transformation of nitrogen and ash, and char reactivity were detailly compared. After both pre-treatments, the ratio of fixed carbon (FC) to volatile matter (VM) of solid increased with the increase of the temperature, except for HTC of chicken. HTC of chicken led to more VM in solid product with very low solid yield and significantly lower N content. HTC-chars showed higher VM even at the same temperature as PC despite more severe carbonization (higher C content). Even though the N content can be reduced by both HTC and PC, HTC showed superiority than PC in regards to reducing the N content, indicating the potential to mitigate the N-related emission. Even though the HHV of HTC char was higher than that of PC char at the same pretreatment temperature, the product yield of the former one was much lower, resulting in lower energy yield in HTC char. The alkaline index (AI) can be used as the main factor for comparisons of gasification reactivity between (1) HTC and PC-chars and (2) Among HTC-chars from different temperatures. PC-chars presented higher reactivity than HTC-chars for all types of feedstock when considering at the same pre-treatment temperature at 200 °C. In conclusion, the key parameters including VM, the solid yield, HHV, the N content reduction, and char reactivity can be adopted to well evaluate the solid biofuel qualities production from different processes of HTC and PC, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of biomass hydrothermal treatment on co-gasification reactivity and synergy was studied. • Co-gasification synergistic effect was weakened at higher hydrothermal treatment temperature. • Chemical structure evolution of coal char in co-gasification well correlated with co-gasification synergy. This work investigated the influence of biomass hydrothermal treatment (HT) on co-gasification reactivity and synergy of anthracite coal and banana residue hydrochar (HTC) prepared at varying HT temperatures (180 °C, 200 °C and 220 °C). In addition, the effect of HTC char on chemical structure evolution of coal char in co-gasification process was studied to correlate the co-gasification synergy. The results revealed that the co-gasification reactivity of the blended chars was enhanced with decreasing HT temperature. Moreover, the differences in synergistic effect on co-gasification reactivity was greatly influenced by HT temperature, and a more pronounced synergistic effect was achieved at the lowest HT temperature (180 °C). This phenomenon could be well explained by the chemical structure variations of coal char during co-gasification. Active AAEM contained in HTC char showed positive effect on the chemical structure evolution of coal char, specifically on the decrease in the order degree of carbon structure as well as increase in the amount of amorphous carbon structure of coal char; furthermore, this positive effect was weakened as HT temperature increased, being more evident for HT temperature of 180 °C than 200 °C and 220 °C. The findings in this work would be useful in revealing the co-gasification synergy mechanism of biomass hydrochar and coal blends, and may provide valuable information on the relevance of HT to industrial-scale gasification systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Structure of pyrolytic coal–biomass blends were not additive function of composition. • Co-pyrolysis enhanced the transformation of ion-exchanged AAEMs in residue char. • Synergy of isothermal co-gasification changed from inhibition to promotion. • Maximum reaction rate of non-isothermal co-gasification was increased. This work investigated the structural evolution of rapid co-pyrolysis char and its influence on co-gasification characteristics. The chars were prepared in a high frequency furnace at 900 °C with the heating rate of 300 °C/min, using Xinjiang lignite and cotton straw as raw materials. Blends of coal and biomass were prepared in proportions of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 wt.%. Compared to the individual pyrolysis, co-pyrolysis enhanced the transformation of ion-exchanged alkali and alkaline-earth metals (AAEMs). Moreover, the surface area of co-pyrolysis chars were enhanced, and the carbon structure of biomass char in mixtures became more ordered. The gasification reactivity of co-pyrolysis char was evaluated by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), including isothermal (800, 850 and 900 °C) and non-isothermal (5 °C/min) gasification using CO 2 as agent. For isothermal gasification, the synergistic effect of reactivity changed from inhibition to promotion with the increasing conversion. The synergy index changed obviously at 800 °C. For non-isothermal gasification, the maximum reaction rate was increased. The blends with 75% biomass had the minimum activation energy. The co-gasification reactivity varied with the temperatures, biomass blending ratios and conversions, which were well related to the char structural evolution caused by rapid co-pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The era of Big Data has given rise to a massive amount of data containing spatio-temporal information, such as video data, traffic data, and social media data. Current research on spatio-temporal data mainly focuses on the spatial information, while temporal information is usually processed in an auxiliary manner using simple approaches. In order to solve the existing problems in the current time coding schemes, this paper proposed a new type of integer coding method for the time segments called Multi-scale Time Segment Integer Coding (MTSIC). Based on the tree structures and the sorting of the integers, this method is able to describe various temporal relationships among different scales of time segments, such as the start and end, containment/inclusion, which makes it a uniform integer coding scheme for multiple scales of time information. Furthermore, this paper has studied on the MTSIC-based calculations and conversions, including the hierarchical calculations, the hierarchical regression calculations, the conversion between the conventional time coding schemes, the calculations on temporal relationships, and the conversion of arbitrary time spans. These efforts support highly efficient calculations and queries based on the time segments. Preliminary investigations have also been conducted on the potential applications and prospects of the MTSIC method. The results of experiments demonstrated that the implementation of MTSIC is simple and reliable, and MTSICs are easily converted into conventional expressions of time. Additionally, the MTSIC method also exhibits a very high level of efficiency in terms of the time needed to query and perform computations on time values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The flow uniformity of large-sized PEMFC was improved with an optimized distribution zone. • Partially dotted matrix can achieve both improved uniformity and reduced manufacturing cost. • Positional and size effects of partially dotted matrix were clarified. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an important device to convert clean-fuel hydrogen into electricity, which has the potential to reduce pollutant emission and our dependence on fossil fuels. Of the many development and manufacturing challenges that need to overcome before large-scale commercialization can be realized, one of the most pivotal ones is flow distribution uniformity. To this end, a distribution zone with partially dotted matrix was proposed, and showed much more effectiveness when compared with the un-optimized distribution zone with an empty chamber. The positional and size effect of the dotted matrix was investigated, and results showed that flow uniformity was maximized when the dotted matrix was placed near the gas inlet. Interestingly, less dotted matrix size could achieve better performance, indicating the potential of this approach to reduce manufacturing cost. The optimized system could achieve more uniform flow with standard deviation of 1.808 × 10-8, maldistribution factor of 3.967 × 10-3 and variable coefficient of 0.4143%, more superior to other similar models reported. Furthermore, a full cell-level simulation was also conducted, affirming the superiority of the proposed model with increased power densities and water distribution uniformities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) is a data-driven analysis method for plenty of snapshots, which has good application prospects in the combustion diagnostics base on optical methods. In this study, the self-pulsation combustion instability of four-burner impinging diesel flame was explored based on a bench-scale opposed multi-burner entrained-flow gasifier. The spatiotemporal evolution of the flame structure in the jet zone was studied by DMD analysis. The vortex evolution of the central reaction stream was divided into four stages, and the period of each stage was determined. The boundary streams also have periodic oscillations in the reaction intensity. The modes with high growth factor can accurately identify the oscillation components in different structures of the flame. The corresponding feature DMD modes were in good agreement with the flame structure obtained from the grayscale image, but the local components in the DMD mode may belong to different time scales. [Display omitted] • Jet structure of impinging diesel flames in an entrained-flow gasifier was studied. • Dynamic Mode Decomposition was applied in high-speed flame image sequences. • Self-pulsation oscillation behavior in flame jet zone was revealed. • Development process of the burning vortex was divided into four stages. • DMD modes can accurately identify oscillation components in combustion field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex balanced autosomal translocation is rare and can lead to impaired spermatogenesis in males; however, its effects on oligozoospermia have rarely been reported. We report here two cases of rare complex balanced translocation in men with infertility. The karyotype of the first case was 46,XY,der(1)t(1;12)(p22;p11.2)ins(9;1)(p24;q25q23),der(9)ins(9;1),der(12)t(1;12)·ish der(1)t(1;12)(RP11-636B1+;RP11-659D23+)ins(9;1)(RP11-118P13+),der(9)ins(9;1),der(12)t(1;12). And the patient showed severe oligozoospermia with adult schizophrenia without other abnormalities. The karyotype of the second patient was 46,XY,der(5)t(5;11)(q14;p11.2),der(11)t(11;18)(p11.2;q11.2),der(18)t(5,18)(q14;p11.3)add(18)(q11.2?)·ish der(5)t(5;11)(RP11-846K3+,RP11-89B9+),der(11)t(11;18)(RP11-89B9-,RP11-170L12+,RP11-469N6+),der(18)t(5;18)(RP11-125L2+,RP11-29M13+)add(18)(q11.2?), and the patient displayed severe oligozoospermia without other abnormalities. The two cases were verified by fluorescent in situ hybridization, and no abnormalities were found by genome-wide copy number variation analysis. To our knowledge, these two cases of complex autosomal karyotypes have not been reported previously. Although rare, these cases suggest that complex balanced translocations may be important causes of oligozoospermia. We speculate that the balanced translocation hinders germ cell meiosis and causes impaired spermatogenesis. Accordingly, the two reported patients have very low probabilities of giving birth to a normal child; therefore, we suggest choosing donor semen or adopting a child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal effect of nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine from the excavated waste utilizing the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method was investigated in this work. Speciation changes of nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine in hydrochars with different treatment times were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that 90% chlorine, 65% nitrogen and 63% sulfur were removed from the excavated waste after treatment at 230 °C for 100 min, while 82% energy and 85% carbon element were recovered at the same time. The conversion of organic nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine into the corresponding water-soluble inorganic forms was enhanced by the combined microwave irradiation and hydrothermal reaction, which promoted the migration of Cl, S, N into the liquid phase. However, some original and generated species of nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine remained in the hydrochars due to the polymerization of organic forms and the adsorption of inorganic forms. These findings suggested that the efficient purification of nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine in excavated waste could be obtained using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment without additives, which provided a reference for the recycling and cleaning utilization of excavated waste. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fractal dimension was performed to quantify the structure complexity of soot. • The gasification reactivity is highly dependent on the graphitization degree. • Natural gas-derived soot has a potential replacement of N330. • Coal/Biomass-derived soot has better gasification reactivity than natural gas-derived soot. Soot formation has been a hurdle to the development of entrained flow gasification (EFG) technology, as it damages the apparatus and remains a pollutant. Soot has a poor gasification reactivity in the multiphase flow in furnace. In this study, differences in physicochemical properties and their relationship with gasification reactivity were revealed for natural gas-derived soot (NGS), coal-derived soot (CS), and biomass-derived soot (BS) from EFG process. A comparative study was also conducted between the gasifier soot and a commercial carbon black (CB), N330. The thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) results showed the descending order of the activation energy (E a) of gasifier soot was NGS > BS > CS, in both CO 2 and H 2 O gasification process. Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and Raman spectrum further determined that the gasification reactivity was highly dependent on the carbon content, carbon type, and graphitization degree but less dependent on soot microstructure. This study also investigated the potential replacement of commercial N330 as a rubber reinforcement additive with soot as a pollutant. This replacement was based on the microstructure similarities between soot and CB, as determined using fractal dimension (D p) as an indicator on a statistical level from TEM. The D p of NGS was 1.35, 1.06 times larger than that of CS, and 1.22 times larger than of BS. It was highly feasible that NGS would have the close physical property of N330 and could potentially replace the expensive N330 as a rubber reinforcement material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most extensively utilized plasticizers in the plastic manufacturing process. It is widely used in various fields due to its low cost and excellent effect. Although there is evidence that DEHP is harmful to animal and human health, DEHP-induced gill toxicity in aquatic organisms is inconclusive, and its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of DEHP acute exposure on crucian carp gills at environmentally relevant concentrations of 20, 100, and 500 μg/L. Multi-omics profiling and biochemical assays were employed to characterize the potential toxicological mechanisms. The results showed that acute exposure to 100 and 500 μg/L of DEHP leads to oxidative stress in gills, as evidenced by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and the transformation of glutathione from reduced to oxidized form, resulting in lipid peroxidation. Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics indicated that increased purine metabolism was the potential source of increased ROS. Moreover, lipid metabolism disorder, including arachidonic acid metabolism, induces inflammation. Further, DEHP causes the imbalance of the CYP enzyme system in the gill, and DEHP-induced gill toxicity in crucian carp was associated with interference with CYP450 homeostasis. Taken together, this study broadens the molecular understanding of the DEHP-induced gill toxicity in aquatic organisms and provides novel perspectives for assessing the effects of DEHP on target and non-target aquatic organisms in the environment. [Display omitted] • DEHP activates protective responses in the antioxidant system of the gill. • ROS overproduction is related to the increase of purine metabolism. • Dysregulation of lipid metabolism contributes to increased pro-inflammatory effects. • DEHP-induced gill toxicity is associated with disrupting the CYP450 homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of carbonaceous waste is an important way of energy recovery to obtain renewable fuels. Here, cow manure (CM) and industrial sludge (IS), two kinds of wastes with different properties, were pretreated by HTC at different temperatures. The elements migration and the physicochemical structural characteristics of hydrochar during HTC were evaluated. The pyrolysis and gasification performance of hydrochar was also studied. The results show that HTC treatment can significantly increase the carbon content and reduce the oxygen content of feedstocks, so as to obtain clean solid fuels with high energy densification and realize energy recovery from low value wastes. The distribution of pyrolysis products of co-hydrochar is close to that of IS due to the interaction between the components of CM and IS. The co-hydrochar has good gasification reactivity, showing obvious synergistic effect. There is multi-component interaction in the process of co-HTC due to the difference of feedstocks composition and properties between CM and IS. The abundant aliphatic and oxidized aliphatic hydrocarbons in IS may inhibit the polycondensation and aromatization of cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolysates in CM due to hydrogen supply or steric hindrance. Therefore, co-hydrochar has carbon structure and fuel properties close to that of IS hydrochar. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two novel chlorobenzene cored UFAs were designed and synthesized. • The steric effect drawbacks of Cl-atoms were successfully overcome. • The PCE of Cl-4F is significantly higher than 2Cl-4F-based device. • Central-core chlorine engineering has been proved an effective approach for UFAs. The chlorination strategy has been proven an effective approach for designing efficient conjugated electron donor (ED) or acceptor (EA) units for organic solar cells (OSCs). However, up to now, the chlorination strategy has only been used in the design of unfused electron acceptors (UFAs) by modifying the terminal 2-(3-oxo-2,3-dihydroinden-1-ylidene (IC) groups. Due to the steric hindrance of Cl atom, the chlorobenzene (CB)-centered UFAs have not been reported. Herein, two novel CB cored UFAs named 2Cl-4F and Cl-4F were designed and synthesized, the steric effect drawbacks of Cl-atoms was successfully overcome by involving S···O noncovalent interaction. The C-shape Cl-4F based OSCs with PM6 as donor, yields a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.71%, significantly higher than that of the S-shape 2Cl-4F-based device (3.95%). This work reveals that appropriate central-core chlorine engineering is a simple and effective approach to develop novel efficient UFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An integration of pilot-scale HTC, gasification, and anaerobic digestion for EFB conversion was investigated. • Inherent AAEMs have significant effects on gasification products. • CO and H 2 were enhanced under CO 2 /O 2 gasification. • Liquid products from HTC can be utilized for methane production via anaerobic digestion. • The mass and energy balance revealed that the whole process could be feasible. In the context of evolving a circular economy for the palm-oil industry, this article presents a study of oil-palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) conversion and utilization within a palm-oil mill. Pilot-scale hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), washing and gasification processes, as well as anaerobic digestion of the HTC liquid product were investigated. Results showed that the fuel properties of hydrochars had improved. In terms of air gasification, char and tar products accounted for 22.7–33.8 % and 17.3–28.8 %, respectively while CO 2 /O 2 gasification resulted in 31.3–36.6 % for char and 8.5–30.8 % for tar. In general, hydrochar (HT-EFB) gave the lower tar content compared to washed hydrochar (HTW-EFB) due to the catalytic effects of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Major tar components from HT-EFB and HTW-EFB were aliphatic and monoaromatic hydrocarbons, respectively. Syngas products from air gasification of hydrochars were 39.9–56.5 %, 11.4–21.4 %, and 9.0–14.4 % for CO, H 2 and CH 4 , respectively while CO 2 /O 2 gasification products yielded 45.1–56.6 %, 11.6–24.3 %, and 9.4–14.0 % for CO, H 2 and CH 4 , respectively. The lower heating value of syngas was in the range of 4.7–6.6 MJ/Nm3 and cold gas efficiency was approximately 39.1–55.1 %. The cumulative methane from the liquid products amounted to 213.8 and 154.5 L/kg COD for food/microorganism ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, respectively. The mass and energy balance showed that the whole process is promising for future commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]