Search

The increasing demand for cement, which is being driven by global urbanization and infrastructure expansion, necessitates sustainable alternatives to be used as construction materials. Cement-based composites, a prevalent construction material, are known for their high carbon footprint. Consequently, exploring sustainable alternatives is urgently needed to curb the environmental impact of the construction sector by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2). Thus, utilizing biochar (BC) in cement-based composites, either as additive or cement, and in aggregate replacement could be a green approach, by producing enhanced composites with the capabilities of CO2 sequestration. This review investigates the BC-modified cement composites by performing a scientometric assessment of the Scopus database and a thorough manual review. A scientometric assessment of Scopus-indexed publications retrieved from 2010–2024 was conducted to highlight key research trends, including influential authors, frequently cited works, countries, and institutions. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation of BC research and applications in cement-based composites for sustainable construction. The assessment revealed that the Construction and Building Materials journal was the most prolific source of publications (n = 34), followed by Gupta, with S as the most prolific author (n = 11), and China as the leading country in the field (n = 56). It also highlights the emerging areas for the use of BC in the construction sector for sequestering CO2 and potential future directions. Additionally, the review discusses BC sources and BC production technologies and characteristics. It also discusses the influence of BC inclusion on the fresh properties, its mechanical properties, durability characteristics, carbon capture capabilities, and the environmental impacts of modified cement-based composites. It has been noted that BC addition to cement-based composites from 1% to 2% can increase its mechanical performance, whereas, beyond a 5% to 6% replacement, they experienced a decline compared to non-modified composites. BC addition has reduced the flow characteristics of the modified composites due to its porous morphology and hydrophobic nature but has shown improved internal curing and reduced shrinkage. It also improved the microstructure of the cement-based composite through pore refinement, due to the filling ability of the BC particles attributed to its specific surface area and size. Additionally, the carbon sequestration potential of BC can be exploited in cement-based composites to create low carbon or carbon-negative building materials with improved mechanical and durability characteristics. The study also highlights the future directions for further studies and implementation strategies of BC as a sustainable construction material at a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal management of a driving motor is related to the performance and economy of the vehicle. The lumped-parameter thermal network (LPTN) method can provide a model basis for motor temperature-rise control and effectively shorten the development cycle of motor thermal performance design. In this study, an 80 kw water-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor was used and the accurate thermal model of a motor was built using the LPTN. On the basis of the accurate thermal model, the simplified thermal model of a motor was obtained by reducing the complexity of the model. The temperature-rise test of the end winding and magnetic steel of the motor was carried out under some working conditions. The test conditions were selected according to continuous external characteristics and operating characteristics of the motor. Compared with the experimental results, the temperature-rise error of the two thermal models was less than 5%. The temperature-rise error of the simplified thermal model was less than 3% compared with the accurate thermal model. Therefore, the simplified thermal model can be used to quickly predict the temperature rise of the motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to zinc oxide-based cements, resin-based materials are also available for temporary cementation. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the influence of the different material compositions on temporary bonds. In nine test series (n = 30), temporary bis-acrylate single-tooth crowns were bonded onto prefabricated titanium abutments with nine different temporary luting materials. After simulating an initial (24 h, distilled water, 37 °C), a short-term (7 days, distilled water, 37 °C) and a long-term provisional restoration period (12h, distilled water, 37 °C; thermocycling: 5000 cycles) in subgroups (n = 10), the bond strength was examined using a combined tensile–shear test. Statistical analysis was performed by univariate analysis of variance or a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by post hoc tests. Of the three resin-based materials, two showed significantly higher bond strength values compared to all other materials (p < 0.001), regardless of the storage procedure. The resin-based materials were followed by eugenol-free and eugenol-containing zinc oxide materials. Significant intragroup differences were observed between the composite-based materials after all storage periods. This was only observed for some of the zinc oxide-based materials. The results show that under in vitro conditions, not only the composition of the temporary luting materials but also the different storage conditions have a significant influence on temporary bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry litter was converted to biochar by torrefaction and to hydrochar by hydrothermal carbonisation. Many parameters were measured for the resulting chars, to investigate the effects of the production method and production temperature. SEM showed the presence of large quantities of crystalline material on the surface of the biochars. The elemental composition of some crystals was determined as 35% K and 31% Cl. This was confirmed as sylvite (KCl) crystals, which explains the high levels of water-extractable potassium in the biochar and may also be important in germination inhibition. Biochars almost totally inhibited germination, whilst hydrochars decreased germination. Although germination occurred on hydrochar, root growth was severely inhibited. Consequently, the germination index may be better to determine total phytotoxicity as it measures both effects and could be used as a bioassay for chars used as soil amendments. Washing removed germination inhibition in a low-temperature char (350 °C), possibly by removing KCl; however, root toxicity remained. There were very low levels of heavy metals, suggesting they are not the source of toxicity. In biochars, pore mean size decreased with temperature from 350 °C to 600 °C, due to changes in pore size distribution. The mean pore size was measured directly using SEM. The merits of this method are discussed. Low-temperature biochars seem best suited for fuel as they have a high calorific value, high hydrophobicity, a low ash content and a high yield. Higher temperatures are better for soil amendment and sequestration applications with a smaller mean pore size, higher surface area, and higher pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC) is emerging as a promising material for the adsorption and photodegradation of environmental contaminants. However, the chemical and structural properties of HTCC derived from different lignocellulose biomass have obvious impacts on adsorption and photodegradation. This work employed three different lignocellulose components, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin to synthesize HTCC within a hydrothermal temperature range of 210~290 °C. In comparison to HTCC derived from cellulose and hemicellulose, HTCC derived from lignin (HTCC-L) demonstrated the optimal synergistic adsorption and photodegradation ability for TC degradation, achieving a 63.5% removal efficiency within 120 min. Characterization highlighted the crucial involvement of oxygenated functional groups, especially carboxyl groups, presented on the surface of HTCC-L in TC adsorption. Moreover, the photodegradation of HTCC-L was found to follow a non-radical mechanism, characterized by the charge transformation occurring between the excited unpaired electrons of HTCC-L and TC adsorbed on its surface. This work clarified the differences in HTCC derived from different lignocellulose components on the adsorption and photodegradation of organic pollutants, and provided a novel perspective on the application of HTCC in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To face the ongoing issues related to global warming, a circular economy approach should be pursued, rethinking the waste management system and the recovery of organic waste. The main organic waste streams are Food Waste (FW) and municipal Sewage Sludge (SS). In the spirit of circularity, a commingled treatment of FW and SS could be a viable solution. To this end, the present work aims to review the technical and environmental aspects of the co-treatment of FW and SS through biological and thermal processes. Firstly, a detailed characterization of the two substrates is presented as well as the current and future treatment technologies. Then, the technical feasibility and the environmental impacts of conventional biological co-treatments of FW and SS (i.e., composting, anaerobic digestion, and a combination of them), as well as innovative thermal ones (i.e., incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization), is summarized. The outcomes of this work could contribute to achieving a more sustainable way to approach organic waste treatment and to help policy-making authorities move toward sustainable planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal process conditions concerning the hydrothermal carbonization of digested sewage sludge are crucial to the economically effective technology needed to produce a solid product, hydrochar, for energy purposes. Accordingly, different residence times, 0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h, were investigated in order to understand the effect of residence time on the process. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of hydrochar were investigated and compared to the raw material. For these reasons, analyses describing fuel properties were performed, including ultimate and proximate analyses, HHV, and TGA analysis. The latter method was employed to study the combustion process of solid samples. In addition, the oxide content of different elements within the ash of solid samples was determined using the XRF method to calculate indices related to operational problems during the combustion process. The results confirmed that time did not matter significantly and the physical and chemical properties of hydrochar were very similar to each other. However, the contact angle for 2 h of residence time confirmed that a longer processing time resulted in a more hydrophobic character of hydrochar and enabled more effective dewaterability of hydrothermal slurry. It was also noted that the hydrothermal carbonization process affected the sewage sludge in a positive way. In brief, the results confirmed that the hydrochar was a brittle, moderately hydrophilic, solid carbon-containing product that provided a different combustion performance than the raw sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the mechanical behavior of five designs of Morse taper (MT) connections with and without the application of loads. For this, the detorque of the fixing screw and the traction force required to disconnect the abutment from the implant were assessed. A total of 100 sets of implants/abutments (IAs) with MT-type connections were used, comprising five groups (n = 20/group): (1) Group Imp 11.5: IA sets with a cone angulation of 11.5°; (2) Group SIN 11.5: with a cone angulation of 11.5°; (3) Group SIN 16: with a cone angulation of 16°; (4) Group Neo 16: with a cone angulation of 16°; and (5) Group Str 15: with a cone angulation of 15°. All sets received the torque recommended by the manufacturer. After applying the torque, the counter torque of the fixing screws was measured in ten IA sets of each group without the application of cyclic loads (frequencies ≤ 2 Hz, 360,000 cycles, and force at 150 Ncm). The other ten sets of each group were subjected to cyclic loads, after which the detorque was measured. Afterwards, the force for disconnection between the implant and the abutment was measured by traction on all the samples. The untwisting of the abutment fixation screws showed a decrease in relation to the initial torque applied in all groups. In the unloaded samples, it was found to be −25.7% in Group 1, −30.4% in Group 2, −36.8% in Group 3, −29.6% in Group 4, and −25.7% in Group 5. After the applied loads, it was found to be −44% in Group 1, −43.5% in Group 2, −48.5% in Group 3, −47.2% in Group 4, and −49.8% in Group 5. The values for the IA sets were zero for SIN 16 (Group 3) and Neo16 (Group 4), both without and with loads. In the other three groups, without loads, the disconnection value was 56.3 ± 2.21 N (Group 1), 30.7 ± 2.00 N (Group 2), and 26.0 ± 2.52 N (Group 5). After applying loads, the values were 63.5 ± 3.06 N for Group 1, 34.2 ± 2.45 N in Group 2, and 23.1 ± 1.29 N in Group 5. It was concluded that in terms of the mechanical behavior of the five designs of MT IA sets, with and without the application of loads, the Imp 11.5, SIN 11.5, and Srt 15 groups showed better results compared to the SIN 16 and Neo 16 groups, showing that lower values of cone angulation increase the friction between the parts (IA), thus avoiding the need to maintain the torque of the fixing screw to maintain the union of the sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance our understanding of teleost reproductive physiology, we identified six Sichuan bream (Sinibrama taeniatus) vitellogenin genes (vtg1-6) and characterized their sequence structures. We categorized them into type Ⅰ (vtg1,4,5 and 6), type Ⅱ (vtg2) and type Ⅲ (vtg3) based on differences in their subdomain structure. The promoter sequence of vtgs has multiple estrogen response elements, and their abundance appears to correlate with the responsiveness of vtg gene expression to estrogen. Gene expression analyses revealed that the vitellogenesis of Sichuan bream involves both heterosynthesis and autosynthesis pathways, with the dominant pathway originating from the liver. The drug treatment experiments revealed that 17β-estradiol (E2) tightly regulated the level of vtg mRNA in the liver. Feeding fish with a diet containing 100 μg/g E2 for three weeks significantly induced vtg gene expression and ovarian development, leading to an earlier onset of vitellogenesis. Additionally, it was observed that the initiation of vtg transcription required E2 binding to its receptor, a process primarily mediated by estrogen receptor alpha in Sichuan bream. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the molecular information of the vitellogenin gene family in teleosts, thereby contributing to the regulation of gonadal development in farmed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochar, a carbonaceous material produced through hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass, has gained significant attention due to its versatile applications in agriculture, energy, and environmental protection. This review extensively explores hydrochar production by hydrothermal carbonization, specifically microwave and supercritical water treatment. These innovative approaches hold substantial promises in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of hydrochar synthesis. The review commences with an in-depth analysis of the fundamental principles governing hydrochar production, emphasizing the distinct mechanisms of microwave and supercritical water treatment. Insightful discussions on the influence of critical process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and residence time, underscore these factors' pivotal role in tailoring hydrochar characteristics. Drawing on a wide array of research findings, the review evaluates the impact of different lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks on hydrochar properties, which is crucial for optimizing hydrochar production. The comparative assessment of microwave and supercritical water treatment sheds light on their unique advantages and challenges, guiding researchers toward informed decision-making in selection of methods. Furthermore, the review delves into the myriad applications of hydrochar, spanning soil amendment, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy. Environmental considerations and life cycle assessments associated with microwave and supercritical water treatment are also explored, providing a holistic perspective on the sustainability of hydrochar production. In conclusion, this comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on hydrochar production from diverse lignocellulosic biomass sources, emphasizing the efficacy of microwave and supercritical water methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorbent materials have long been used for remediating environmental contaminants. There is an increasing focus on developing sustainable adsorbent materials for long-term use in environmentally friendly and cost-effective remediation. "Green" or "eco-friendly" sorbent materials are generally prepared from renewable or recycled resources, have minimal toxic effects, involve synthesis processes with minor chemical or energy footprints, have high reusability, and do not contribute to additional waste or contamination. Thus, it is essential for materials to have high sorption capacity, high stability, and reusability. The literature focuses on using low-cost or waste materials to produce sorbent materials for the immobilization of contaminants from soil and water systems. The regeneration possibilities of adsorbents are used to evaluate their cost effectiveness and long-term environmental impact once they are applied at field-scale. This review evaluates sustainable sorbent materials, highlighting their green and eco-friendly qualities for a circular economy, and their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The synthesis techniques, ecotoxicity, and prospect of reusing adsorbents are highlighted. Further, the review provides insights for researchers and practitioners interested in developing and applying green adsorbents, including bio-based carbon, char, and fibrous materials for soil and water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has emerged as a pivotal technology in the battle against climate change and fosters circular economies. Operating within a unique reaction environment characterized by water as a solvent and moderate temperatures at self-generated pressures, HTC efficiently converts biomass residues into valuable bio-based products. Despite HTC's potential—from the management of challenging biomass wastes to the synthesis of advanced carbons and the implementation of biorefineries—it encounters hurdles transitioning from academic exploration to industrial implementation. Gaps persist, from a general comprehension of reaction intricacies to the difficulty of large-scale integration with wastewater treatments, to the management of process water, to the absence of standardized assessment techniques for HTC products. Addressing these challenges demands collaboration to bridge the many scientific sectors touched by HTC. Thus, this article reviews the current state of some hot topics considered crucial for HTC development: It emphasizes the role of HTC as a cornerstone for waste management and biorefineries, highlighting potentialities and challenges for its development. In particular, it surveys fundamental research aspects, delving into reaction pathways, predictive models, analytical techniques, and HTC modifications while exploring HTC's crucial technological applications and challenges, with a peculiar focus on combined HTC, wastewater integration, and plant energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a large number of harmful chemicals flowing into the water source in production and life, the water quality deteriorates, and the use value of water is reduced or lost. Biochar has a strong physical adsorption effect, but it can only separate pollutants from water and cannot eliminate pollutants fundamentally. Photocatalytic degradation technology using photocatalysts uses chemical methods to degrade or mineralize organic pollutants, but it is difficult to recover and reuse. Woody biomass has the advantages of huge reserves, convenient access and a low price. Processing woody biomass into biochar and then combining it with photocatalysts has played a complementary role. In this paper, the shortcomings of a photocatalyst and biochar in water treatment are introduced, respectively, and the advantages of a woody biochar-based photocatalyst made by combining them are summarized. The preparation and assembly methods of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst starting from the preparation of biochar are listed, and the water treatment efficiency of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst using different photocatalysts is listed. Finally, the future development of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst is summarized and prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: obtention of biofuels and platform molecules from agricultural waste. Pea pod cultivation spans various regions and climates, with a global production of around 20 million tons. The pea peel wastes, which make up 30–40% of the total weight of the peas, are freely available in large quantities. The biomass used was characterized via ultimate, proximate, and structural analysis, obtaining 20.2%w of cellulose and 17.4%w of hemicellulose, which, via valorization processes, can be transformed into platform chemicals. Hydrothermal valorization presents itself as a clean form of treatment for these wastes, ranging from 120 to 180 °C (LHW) and from 180 to 260 °C (HTC). The use of LHW can lead to the production of sugars (up to 70%w yield) and levulinic acid (4%w yield), while the use of HTC leads to formic acid (40%w yield) and levulinic acid (4%w yield). The use of LHW for longer periods favors the production of HMF and furfural. The use of homogeneous catalysts (H2SO4, CH3COOH, KOH, and NaHCO3) was implemented, and their selectivity was described. Solid fractions of LHW and HTC were characterized via FTIR and elemental analysis, and the change in their structure was described as they shifted from biomass to biochar. Optimal conditions for each platform chemical were reported to best utilize the pea pod waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorisation of sewage sludge for sustainable agricultural use and biofuel production proposes an effective and beneficial management of sewage sludge in a closed-loop cycle. The management of sewage sludge biowaste is a rising problem due to increasing waste storage expenses. In this sense, the use of circular economy principles in sewage sludge management creates opportunities to develop new technologies for processing. The biorefinery model allows the application of wasteless technologies via sewage sludge valorisation in terms of agricultural use and biofuel production, especially with the hydrothermal carbonisation method. Applying hydrothermal carbonisation in the treatment of biosolid sewage sludge has numerous benefits due to processing highly hydrated organic waste into carbon hydro char, a high-quality solid biofuel. The direct use of sewage sludge in the soil does not allow for full use of its functional properties. However, the hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge results in biocarbon pellets, making it a viable approach. This work also discusses the barriers (legal, chemical, biological, and technical) and possibilities related to sewage sludge biorefining processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the status of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology and identifies barriers hindering its commercial viability. Conducting a global survey among HTC companies (with a total of 24 surveys sent), the research evaluates the current landscape, challenges, and future prospects of large-scale HTC operations. Furthermore, it presents a detailed global inventory of existing HTC facilities, illustrating geographical distribution and trends in application. Most of the companies are located in Europe, followed by Asia and North America. With substantial participation from HTC companies, exceeding 62% in the survey (15 companies), the study provides a comprehensive overview of diverse companies, their business models, regulatory challenges, and the overall state of HTC technology. The majority of companies in this study, approximately 80%, offer services in the field of waste management. This paper also explores the potential of HTC in transforming waste management practices, carbon sequestration methodologies, and the development of new materials. Employing a thorough SWOT analysis, the paper advocates for a broader adoption of HTC, emphasizing its transformative capacity in fostering sustainable management of urban, industrial, and agricultural residues, promoting circular economy principles, mitigating climate change, and offering a robust foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory disease with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. This study investigated the recurrence rate and risk factors predicting recurrence in patients subjected to Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) for CRSwNP. Methods: Patients affected by CRSwNP who underwent FESS between January 2015 and March 2020 were enrolled. The recurrence rate and the influence of risk factors were assessed. Results: A total of 154 patients were included, 100 males and 54 females, aged 14–82 years (mean age 51.96 ± 16.27; median 52 years). Of 154 patients, 28 presented CRSwNP recurrence in a follow-up period ranging from 6 months to 69 months, with a recurrence rate of 18.2%. The recurrence rate was higher in patients aged between 31 and 50 years and between 51 and 70 years at the time of surgery than in those aged between 14 and 30 years and over 70 years. Furthermore, most patients with recurrence were men (61%), while 39% were women. A higher recurrence rate was observed between non-smokers (50%) and ex-smokers (36%), while only 14% declared themselves habitual smokers. Only four subjects (14%) had a positive family history of CRSwNP. Conclusion: To date, no specific biomarkers have been identified in order to determine the appropriate therapy for the patients affected by CRSwNP. Based on our results, we suggest that it is necessary for an accurate assessment of the CRSwNP patients to identify which phenotype/endotype each subject manifests based on medical history, endoscopy, computed tomography, and a laboratory evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses. In this study, nasal swabs from control donors (N = 128) and patients with CRS (N = 246) were analysed. Culture methods and metagenomics revealed no obvious differences in the composition of the bacterial communities between the two groups. However, at the functional level, several metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in the CRS group compared to the control group. Pathways such as carbohydrate transport metabolism, ATP synthesis, cofactors and vitamins, photosynthesis and transcription were highly enriched in CRS. In contrast, pathways related to lipid metabolism were more representative in the control microbiome. As S. aureus is one of the main species found in the nasal cavity, staphylococcal isolates from control and CRS samples were analysed by microarray and functional assays. Although no significant genetic differences were detected by microarray, S. aureus from CRS induced less cytotoxicity to lung cells and lower rates of glycolysis in host cells than control isolates. These results suggest the differential modulation of staphylococcal virulence by the environment created by other microorganisms and their interactions with host cells in control and CRS samples. These changes were reflected in the differential expression of cytokines and in the expression of Agr, the most important quorum-sensing regulator of virulence in S. aureus. In addition, the CRS isolates remained stable in their cytotoxicity, whereas the cytotoxic activity of S. aureus isolated from control subjects decreased over time during in vitro passage. These results suggest that host factors influence the virulence of S. aureus and promote its adaptation to the nasal environment during CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has the potential to be a sustainable and environmentally beneficial approach for organic waste treatment. It is likely that HTC product use will dictate the viability of large-scale HTC facilities; therefore, understanding the viability and environmental implications associated with HTC product valorization pathways is critical. The overall goal of this review is to gain an understanding of how HTC product valorization is currently being modeled in life cycle assessment studies, and to use such information to assess current research and/or data needs associated with product valorization. To accomplish this, a review of existing HTC literature was conducted and used to assess the current state of knowledge surrounding the environmental implications of HTC product use. From this review of the literature, it is clear that potential exists for HTC product valorization. To realize this potential in a full-scale application, research gaps and data needs were identified that included a system-level integration to evaluate location-specific information as well as more extensive characterization of the impact of HTC product properties on valorization impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestate is produced in large quantities by the anaerobic digestion process, which is recognized to be a promising technology for producing bioenergy from biological waste. Digestate is a highly humid by-product containing organic and inorganic substances, including nutrients that make it suitable for soil applications. However, it can be considered a high-risk environmental contaminant if it is not correctly treated. For these reasons, thermochemical treatment is one of the alternatives for valorizing the digestate, leading to a high ash quantity. This review aims to investigate the formation of ash derived from thermochemical valorization treatments of digestate. Furthermore, considering the compositions of the elements present in these ashes, an additional objective is to identify possible prospects for the reuse of these ashes following a circular economy approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This literature review summarizes recent knowledge on uterine diseases in dairy cows. Metritis and endometritis are major problems in intensive dairy farming at present and cause significant long-term economic losses. Therefore, the efficient treatment and prevention of uterine diseases in the peri- and postpuerperal periods are essential. The use of antibiotics in these disease conditions is limited, either due to their limited effectiveness or due to recent legislation intended to reduce the use of antimicrobials. Therefore, finding efficient alternatives to antibiotics is necessary. This literature review provides an overview of the current and future possibilities for the non-antibiotic-based control of metritis and endometritis in dairy cows. Uterine disease is an intensely studied part of dairy cattle health management as it heavily affects many commercial dairy farms and has serious economic consequences. Forms of the disease, pathophysiology, pathogens involved and the effects of uterine disease on the health and performance of cows have already been well described by various authors. Lately, researchers' attention has shifted towards the healthy microbiome of the uterus and the vagina to put emphasis on prevention rather than treatment. This aligns with the growing demand to reduce the use of antibiotics or—whenever possible—replace them with alternative treatment options in farm animal medicine. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the last 20 years of uterine disease research and highlights promising new areas for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the challenge of resource recycling, this review investigates the removal of phytotoxicity from agricultural waste for its application as a growing media component. Agricultural waste typically exhibits high phytotoxicity due to the presence of substances such as phenols, organic acids, ammonia, nitrogen, and heavy metals. These substances hinder seed germination and plant growth, posing a significant barrier to the use of agricultural waste as a growing media component. Thus, it is imperative to mitigate or eliminate phytotoxicity before effectively utilizing agricultural waste. This review rigorously analyzes an extensive array of recent studies, scrutinizing diverse technologies for the mitigation of phytotoxicity in agricultural wastes. The methods investigated include the four most common methods—composting, heat treatment, washing, and aging, and a recently introduced method, ammonium incubation. Each method was assessed considering its underlying principles, effects in application, and respective advantages and disadvantages. This review suggests that successful phytotoxicity mitigation in agricultural waste hinges on reducing the content or activity of phytotoxic substances. Moreover, this study emphasizes that future phytotoxicity mitigation efforts should aim for economic efficiency while maximizing the preservation of the original material volume and weight. This study offers insightful guidance for technical professionals aiming to mitigate the phytotoxicity of agricultural waste, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse potential for the large annual production of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) is underexploited in most world regions. Hydrochars from SCGs produced via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) have been recognized as a promising solid fuel alternative. To increase demand, optimization of the HTC and two post-treatment processes, washing and agglomeration, were studied to improve hydrochar in terms of energetic properties, minimizing unwanted substances, and better handling. HTC experiments at three scales (1–18.75 L) and varying process conditions (temperature T (160–250 °C), reaction time t (1–5 h), and solid content %So (6–20%) showed that the higher heating value (HHV) can be improved by up to 46%, and most potential emissions of trace elements from combustion reduced (up to 90%). The HTC outputs (solid yield—SY, HHV, energy yield—EY) were modeled and compared to published genetic programming (GP) models. Both model types predicted the three outputs with low error (<15%) and can be used for process optimization. The efficiency of water washing depended on the HTC process temperature and type of aromatics produced. The furanic compounds were removed (69–100%; 160 °C), while only 34% of the phenolic compounds (240 °C) were washed out. Agglomeration of both wet SCG and its hydrochar is feasible; however, the finer particles of washed hydrochar (240 °C) resulted in larger-sized spherical pellets (85% > 2000–4000 µm) compared to SCGs (only 4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic biofilm formation within food processing industries raises a serious public health and safety concern, and places burdens on the economy. Biofilm formation on equipment surfaces is a rather complex phenomenon, wherein multiple steps are involved in bacterial biofilm formation. In this review we discuss the stages of biofilm formation, the existing literature on the impact of surface properties and shear stress on biofilms, types of bioreactors, and antimicrobial coatings. The review underscores the significance of prioritizing biofilm prevention strategies as a first line of defense, followed by control measures. Utilizing specific biofilm eradication strategies as opposed to a uniform approach is crucial because biofilms exhibit different behavioral outcomes even amongst the same species when the environmental conditions change. This review is geared towards biofilm researchers and food safety experts, and seeks to derive insights into the scope of biofilm formation, prevention, and control. The use of suitable bioreactors is paramount to understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation. The findings provide useful information to researchers involved in bioreactor selection for biofilm investigation, and food processors in surfaces with novel antimicrobial coatings, which provide minimal bacterial attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of hybrid abutment crowns bonded extraorally to a titanium bonding base has aesthetic and biological benefits for the prosthetic rehabilitation of oral implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of luting agents between a zirconium dioxide crown and the titanium bonding base on crown/abutment retention and the subsequent durability of the prosthetic superstructure. Fifty-six implant abutment samples, all restored with a lower first premolar zirconium dioxide crown, were used and divided into seven groups (n = 8/group) according to the type of luting agent used: group 1, SpeedCEM Plus; group 2, Panavia SA Cement Universal; group 3, Panavia V5; group 4, RelyX Unicem 2 Automix; group 5, VITA ADIVA IA-Cem; group 6, Ketac CEM; and group 7, Hoffmann's Phosphate Cement. All specimens were subjected to thermomechanical loading (load of 49 N, 5 million chewing cycles and 54.825 thermocycles in water with temperatures of 5 °C and 55 °C). The surviving samples were exposed to a pull-off force until crown debonding from the bonding base. Overall, 55 samples survived the thermomechanical load. Group 2 showed the highest mean pull-off force value (762 N), whereas group 6 showed the lowest mean value (55 N). The differences between the seven groups were statistically significant (ANOVA, p < 0.001). The debonding failure pattern was mainly adhesive and was noticed predominantly at the zirconium dioxide–luting agent interface. Within the scope of the present investigation, it was shown that most of the luting agents are suitable for "cementation" of a zirconium dioxide crown onto a titanium base since the debonding forces are above a recommended value (159 N). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Napier grass is a herbaceous biomass that can be used as biofuel; however, its high ash, potassium, sulfur and chlorine content may cause problems when combusted. Napier grass was submitted to vapothermal carbonization (VTC) and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) processes at 190 and 220 °C to compare their ability to enhance its fuel properties. The different water distribution between phases in the two processes was verified: up to 14.5% of the water vaporized to steam in the VTC ran at 220 °C, while over 99% of the water remained in the liquid state and in contact with the solids during all HTC runs. Both processes improved the calorific value of the Napier grass (up to 20.6% for VTC220 and up to 29.8% for HTC220) due to the higher C content in the chars. Both processes reduced the sulfur content, removing up to 15.3% of it with VTC190 and 28.5% of it with HTC190 compared to that of Napier grass. In contrast, the two processes had different effects on the ash and chlorine content. While HTC removed both ash and Cl from the Napier grass, VTC concentrated it in the chars (ash: 5.6%wt. Napier grass, 3.3%wt. HTC chars, 7.1%wt. VTC; chlorine: 1.08%wt. Napier grass, 0.19%wt. HTC chars, 1.24%wt. VTC). Only the HTC process leached high percentages of Cl (up to 80%), S (up to 70%), sodium (Na, up to 80%) and potassium (K, up to 90%) into the process water. This may prevent fouling and slagging problems when burning HTC char. The biofuel qualities of the raw Napier grass, VTC, and HTC chars were evaluated using two standards: the international standard for solid biofuels, EN ISO 17225, and the Korean regulation for biomass solid recovered fuels (Bio-SRF). Napier grass and VTC chars presented problems regarding Cl content thresholds for both EN ISO 17225 and Bio-SRF. Both VTC and HTC chars along with the Napier grass fulfilled the requirements for heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) except for copper. The choice of process in practical applications will depend on the goal; HTC improves fuel quality and VTC has higher high solid, carbon and energy yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-agent collaborative target search is one of the main challenges in the multi-agent field, and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is a good way to learn such a task. However, DRL always faces the problem of sparse reward, which to some extent reduces its efficiency in task learning. Introducing intrinsic motivation has proved to be a useful way to make the sparse reward in DRL. So, based on the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) structure, a new MADDPG algorithm with the emotional intrinsic motivation name MADDPG-E is proposed in this paper for the multi-agent collaborative target search. In MADDPG-E, a new emotional intrinsic motivation module with three emotions, joy, sadness, and fear, is designed. The three emotions are defined by corresponding psychological knowledge to the multi-agent embodied situations in an environment. An emotional steady-state variable function H is then designed to help judge the goodness of the emotions. Based on H, an emotion-based intrinsic reward function is finally proposed. With the designed emotional intrinsic motivation module, the multi-agent system always tries to make itself joy, which means it always learns to search the target. To show the effectiveness of the proposed MADDPG-E algorithm, two kinds of simulation experiments with a determined initial position and random initial position, respectively, are carried out, and comparisons are performed with MADDPG as well as MADDPG-ICM (MADDPG with an intrinsic curiosity module). The results show that with the designed emotional intrinsic motivation module, MADDPG-E has a higher learning speed and better learning stability, and the advantage is more obvious when facing complex situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemsex is understood as "the intentional use of stimulant drugs to have sex for an extended time among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men". It is a public health problem because of the increased incidence of cases and because of the consequences on the physical and mental health of those who practice it. Aim: This study aimed to analyze, with the help of the Delphi method, the content validity of a new instrument to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the chemsex phenomenon. Method: First, a bank of items identified from the literature was elaborated. Secondly, 50 experts with knowledge of the chemsex phenomenon at the national level were contacted. A Delphi group was formed with them to carry out two rounds of item evaluation. The linguistic evaluation (comprehension and appropriateness) was assessed using a Likert scale from 1 to 5 for each item. Items that did not reach a mean score of 4 were eliminated. Content assessment was calculated using each item's content validity index (CVI) and Aiken's V (VdA). A minimum CVI and VdA value of 0.6 was established to include the items in the questionnaire. Results: A total of 114 items were identified in the literature. In the first round of Delphi evaluation, 36 experts evaluated the items. A total of 58 items were eliminated for obtaining a CVI or VdA of less than 0.6, leaving 56 items. In a second Delphi round, 30 experts re-evaluated the 56 selected items, where 4 items were eliminated for being similar, and 10 items were also eliminated for not being relevant to the topic even though they had values higher than 0.6, leaving the scale finally composed of 52 items. Conclusion: A questionnaire has been designed to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the chemsex phenomenon. The items that make up the questionnaire have shown adequate content and linguistic validity. The Delphi method proved to be a helpful technique for the proposed objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rehabilitation with dental implants is not always possible due to the lack of bone quality or quantity, in many cases due to bone atrophy or the morbidity of regenerative treatments. We find ourselves in situations of performing dental prostheses with cantilevers in order to rehabilitate our patients, thus simplifying the treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanical behavior of four types of fixed partial dentures with posterior cantilevers on two dental implants (convergent collar and transmucosal internal connection) through an in vitro study (compressive loading and cyclic loading). This study comprised four groups (n = 76): in Group 1, the prosthesis was screwed directly to the implant platform (DS; n = 19); in Group 2, the prosthesis was screwed to the telescopic interface on the implant head (INS; n = 19); in Group 3, the prosthesis was cemented to the telescopic abutment (INC; n = 19); and in Group 4, the prosthesis was cemented to the abutment (DC; n = 19). The sets were subjected to a cyclic loading test (80 N load for 240,000 cycles) and compressive loading test (100 KN load at a displacement rate of 0.5 mm/min), applying the load until failure occurred to any of the components at the abutment–prosthesis–implant interface. Subsequently, an optical microscopy analysis was performed to obtain more data on what had occurred in each group. Results: Group 1 (direct screw-retained prosthesis, DS) obtained the highest mean strength value of 663.5 ± 196.0 N. The other three groups were very homogeneous: 428.4 ± 63.1 N for Group 2 (INS), 486.7 ± 67.8 N for Group 3 (INC), and 458.9 ± 38.9 N for Group 4 (DC). The mean strength was significantly dependent on the type of connection (p < 0.001), and this difference was similar for all of the test conditions (cyclic and compressive loading) (p = 0.689). Implant-borne prostheses with convergent collars and transmucosal internal connections with posterior cantilevers screwed directly to the implant connection are a good solution in cases where implant placement cannot avoid extensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-pressure plasma on the contact angle, shear bond strength (SBS), and the failure mode of zirconia ceramic. Zirconia specimens were divided into three groups according to the surface treatment methods as follows: sandblasting with aluminum oxide (ZR-C), sandblasting with aluminum oxide and oxygen plasma (ZR-CP), and argon plasma (ZR-P). The contact angle, SBS, and surface characteristics were tested after thermocycling. Data analysis was made using the Kruskal–Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance. Plasma treatment significantly reduced the contact angle (p < 0.001) with the lowest value for the Zr-P group. An increase in oxygen and a decrease in carbon was observed on the zirconia surface in both plasma groups. For the SBS, there were significant differences among the groups (p < 0.018), the Zr-CP group showing the highest bond strength. Mixed failures were the most frequent. Plasma treatment was effective in increasing the wettability, increasing the oxygen/carbon ratio without changing zirconia surface morphology. The sandblasting plus plasma with oxygen group exhibited the highest bond strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a carbon-rich solid produced during the thermochemical processes of various biomass feedstocks. As a low-cost and environmentally friendly material, biochar has multiple significant advantages and potentials, and it can replace more expensive synthetic carbon materials for many applications in nanocomposites, energy storage, sensors, and biosensors. Due to biomass feedstock species, reactor types, operating conditions, and the interaction between different factors, the compositions, structure and function, and physicochemical properties of the biochar may vary greatly, traditional trial-and-error experimental approaches are time consuming, expensive, and sometimes impossible. Computer simulations, such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, are an alternative and powerful method for characterizing materials. Biomass pyrolysis is one of the most common processes to produce biochar. Since pyrolysis of decomposing biomass into biochar is based on the bond-order chemical reactions (the breakage and formation of bonds during carbonization reactions), an advanced reactive force field (ReaxFF)-based MD method is especially effective in simulating and/or analyzing the biomass pyrolysis process. This paper reviewed the fundamentals of the ReaxFF method and previous research on the characterization of biochar physicochemical properties and the biomass pyrolysis process via MD simulations based on ReaxFF. ReaxFF implicitly describes chemical bonds without requiring quantum mechanics calculations to disclose the complex reaction mechanisms at the nano/micro scale, thereby gaining insight into the carbonization reactions during the biomass pyrolysis process. The biomass pyrolysis and its carbonization reactions, including the reactivity of the major components of biomass, such as cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose, were discussed. Potential applications of ReaxFF MD were also briefly discussed. MD simulations based on ReaxFF can be an effective method to understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions and to predict and/or improve the structure, functionality, and physicochemical properties of the products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot path planning is an important component of ensuring the robots complete work tasks effectively. Nowadays, most maps used for robot path planning obtain relevant coordinate information through sensor measurement, establish a map model based on coordinate information, and then carry out path planning for the robot, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To solve this problem, a method of robot path planning based on ant colony algorithms after the standardized design of non-standard map grids such as photos was studied. This method combines the robot grid map modeling with image processing, bringing in calibration objects. By converting non-standard actual environment maps into standard grid maps, this method was made suitable for robot motion path planning on non-standard maps of different types and sizes. After obtaining the planned path and pose, the robot motion path planning map under the non-standard map was obtained by combining the planned path and pose with the non-standard real environment map. The experimental results showed that this method has a high adaptability to robot non-standard map motion planning, can realize robot path planning under non-standard real environment maps, and can make the obtained robot motion path display more intuitive and convenient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of cow and pig manure in an acidic environment and compares the results with HTC performed without acid. HTC experiments were carried out at 170 °C for 10 min. The presence of an acid increased the extent of carbonization and energy densification for both types of manure. The heating value of the hydrochar was increased by an amount ranging from 9–21%, with sulfuric acid having a greater impact than acetic acid. The increased fuel densification may provide for more economic use as a fuel. Both acids increased the leaching of ionic species including PO4, Ca, K, Mg, and Fe. The results demonstrated conversion greater than 90% of total phosphorous to phosphate in hydrothermal conditions. HTC with sulfuric acid resulted in increased nitrogen leaching for both types of manure and resulted in the generation of ammonia. Further analysis of the aqueous products signified the formation of acetic acid, furfural, and 3-aminopyrazine 1-oxide compounds for the sulfuric acid-catalyzed hydrothermal treatment. Analysis of the residual gas confirmed the presence of a trace amount of H2S, NO2, and SO2 formation. The addition of sulfuric acid increased NO2 significantly. Finally, detailed mass balances are presented for carbon and macronutrients (NPK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odontogenic sinusitis is a common maxillary sinus disease. It develops due to the violation of the Schneiderian membrane due to pathological, iatrogenic, or traumatic causes from dental and dentoalveolar structures. The aim of this cohort study was to investigate local and systemic factors associated with Schneiderian mucosal thickening (MT) in patients referred for evaluation of apical periodontitis (AP) and examine their relationship with chronic sinonasal symptoms. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 197 patients referred for evaluation of endodontic diseases were reviewed. Mucosal thickening in relation to the affected tooth was measured in the coronal section in millimeters at the maximum area perpendicular to the bone. Based on this measurement, the sinus floor was categorized for MT as present (>1 mm) or absent (<1 mm). The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were assessed and compared according to the presence or absence of MT. Furthermore, the relationship between odontogenic sinusitis and chronic sinonasal symptoms was assessed using a chronic sinusitis survey. Male patients had a higher MT than female patients. The presence of periapical lesions and inadequate endodontic treatment were significantly associated with MT. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the presence of AP increased the odds of MT by approximately 2.5 times (p = 0.028), and nasal obstruction was significantly higher in patients diagnosed with mucosal thickness at different times of their follow-up period (p = 0.018). MT was 2.5 times more likely in the presence of apical periodontitis, and nasal obstruction was the most significant factor associated with the presence of MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have attributed both phytotoxicity and the capacity to mobilize nutrient elements to the presence of polyphenols and melanoidins in spent coffee grounds (SCG) and SCG-hydrochars obtained through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This work aimed to evaluate SCG and two SCG-hydrochars obtained at 160 and 200 °C that were functionalized with Zn salts (bio-chelates), to achieve the in vitro biofortification of lettuce. Two application modes were established: (1) a fixed Zn concentration of 10 mg kg−1 of soil and (2) a fixed dose of 0.5% bio-product. Soil alone (control A) and commercial chelates (control B) were used as controls. Outcomes showed that SCG-hydrochars retain the capacity to mobilize Zn compared to SCG. However, the chelating capacity was reduced (Zn: 94%) and the toxicity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) with higher temperatures of HTC (200 °C). Both fresh and dry lettuce weights were less affected at doses of 0.5% of bio-product and registered a maximum increase of 136% of Zn in the plant content. The present study approaches the possibility of using these by-products as bioinorganic fertilizers at subtoxic doses, although more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark-based biorefineries are estimated to become a trending topic in the coming years, particularly with their adsorbent applications and antioxidant production. While the potential benefits of bark-based biorefineries are well-recognized, it is not known how to develop a bark-based biorefinery considering different unit operations and the potential end products. The characterization and screening of different barks for chemical composition is the initial step in biorefinery development, along with the selection of the relevant conversion processes. This state-of-the-art review provides background knowledge on the pyrolysis and extraction studies of bark as the key conversion operations. The results of recent (2010–2022) bark pyrolysis and extraction studies were critically analyzed for process conditions, product properties, and product yields, as well as a discussion of energy-saving possibilities. A biorefinery scheme was proposed based on these data. The current knowledge gaps were identified and future directions were evaluated, which include the production of charcoals, platform chemicals, and extract profiling for specific applications. The results indicate that barks are particularly rich in hydrophilic extractives with potential antioxidant properties and pyrolysis operations, resulting in functional chars that may be used in value-added applications as adsorbent materials. A biorefinery scheme allows for the production of platform chemicals, antioxidant extracts and biochars from barks while contributing to the reduction of waste and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to examine the mechanical behavior of two-piece abutments (Morse taper with 16° internal angulation and Morse taper with 11.5° internal angulation) before and after cyclic fatigue testing, following ISO 14801:2016 guidelines. The specimens were divided into three groups: a modified Morse taper with a taper angle of 16° (GM group), a conventional Morse taper (taper angle of 11.5° deg) with a two-piece (CMt group), and one-piece abutments (CMo group). Each experimental group was formed by ten implants and ten abutments (n = 10) for a total of 30 specimens (n = 30). The abutments were tightened and loosened, and a fatigue test was applied with 15 Hz and 5 × 106 cycles. Subsequently, the abutments were loosened, and a pull-out test was performed on the CMt group. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted on stress concentration regions. The statistical analysis of the loosening test was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05) to compare screw loosening within each group and between the groups with and without mechanical fatigue. Significant differences were found among the three groups in the loosening test when analyzing the values with and without fatigue (p < 0.001) within each group. When the groups were compared with each other, there was also a significant difference between them (p < 0.001), except between groups GM and CMt without fatigue (p = 0.840). In the pull-out test of the CMt group, the sample exhibited frictional locking only after fatigue (mean = 94.2 N). The FEA demonstrated a varied stress distribution in all groups. The stress was found to be more concentrated in the upper third and middle third regions of the implant, as well as in the opposite region of the load application for all three groups. Although the CMo group showed lower rates of loosening, it displayed a poorer stress distribution in comparison to the GM and CMt groups. On the other hand, the CMt group exhibited a satisfactory frictional lock after undergoing the fatigue tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the increased use of disposable face masks worldwide, resulting in a surge of potentially infectious waste. This waste must be safely managed and disposed of to prevent the spread of the virus. To address this issue, a preliminary study explored the use of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a potential method for converting surgical mask waste into value-added carbonaceous materials. The HTC treatments were conducted at 220 °C for 3 h with or without the addition of acetic acid. The resulting hydrochar was characterized using several techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2-physisorption analyzers. The study found that the masks formed a melt with reduced mass (−15%) and volume (up to −75%) under the applied conditions. The carbon content and higher heating value (HHV) of the produced hydrochars were higher than those of the original masks (+5%). Furthermore, when acetic acid was added during the HTC experiment, a new crystal phase, terephthalic acid, was produced. This acid is a precursor in surgical mask production. The study suggests that hydrothermal carbonization could potentially achieve sanitization and volume reduction in non-renewable and non-biodegradable surgical masks while also producing a solid fuel or a raw material for terephthalic acid production. This approach offers an innovative and sustainable solution to manage the waste generated by the increased use of disposable face masks during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biowaste management is at the center of attention in recent years due to the increased focus on Circular Economy practices. Lesvos has numerous food processing facilities and olive mills, and therefore Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) is a wastewater stream that requires attention. In this study, a holistic experimental set-up that combines aerobic and anaerobic treatment strategies was developed taking into consideration the hydrothermal carbonization of AD digestate along with locally available OMWW. The study focuses on the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of anaerobic residues from biogas production, and food waste was co-utilized with spent coffee grounds (SCG). The reduced volatile solids of SCG have some effects on the final products. AD produced methane yields of 54.7% for the food waste and 52.4%. for the feedstock with added SCG. At the same time, the feedstock that contained SCG produced more hydrochar that reached up to 50% of the yield. Hydrothermal carbonization in a water medium produced liquids with basic pH values around 8 and conductivities of 4–5 mS/cm, while the samples that were treated in OMWW medium had pH values close to 5.5 and conductivities of around 12 mS/cm. The produced hydrochars have significant calorific values that exceeded 20 MJ/kg for almost all the samples. Overall, HTC with OMWW as a medium was able significantly reduce the COD of OMWW while resulting in hydrochars with increased heating values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar was prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of palm leaves, characterized, and utilized as an adsorbent for Malachite Green dye (MG). The Higher Heating Value (HHV) of biochar depends on the carbonization temperature and has a maximum value of 24.81 MJ/kg. Activation using H2O2 oxidation of HTC biochar prepared at 208 °C produced AHTC with improved capacity. The optimum pH was found to be in the range 7–8. Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherms were used to study MG adsorption data. The Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit for experimental data. Experiments conducted using activated biochar AHTC at 25 °C resulted in an adsorption capacity of 62.80 mg/g, far greater than what was observed for HTC biochar (45.59 mg/g). The maximum adsorption capacity was 88% when the concentration of MG solution was 66 ppm. The free energy change in adsorption DG° indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Fixed-column adsorptions models, namely, Thomas, Yan et al. and Yoon–Nelson models, were investigated for AHTC. The column adsorption capacity determined by the Thomas model was 33.57 mg/g. In addition, a computational investigation has been carried out to determine the structural and electronic features, as well as the quantum chemical parameters of HTC and MG. Moreover, the interaction between the HTC and MG is investigated, which is further elaborated by performing non-covalent interaction (NCI) through the reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis. Thus, the easily prepared hydrochar from abundant waste palm leaves can be used as a high-value biocoal and efficient adsorbent of the cationic dye malachite green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge management at wastewater treatment plants is becoming a more and more challenging task. Here, an innovative integrated modeling approach is developed to investigate the optimization of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) by the inclusion of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). To this aim, two alternative plant layouts have been considered: (i) a conventional activated sludge-based treatment plant, i.e., based on thickening, stabilization, conditioning, and dewatering; (ii) additional hydrothermal carbonization and integrated treatment of the spent liquor in the sludge line. An Italian MWWTP has been selected as a case study, and three different scenarios have been implemented in the process simulation software World Wide Engine for Simulation Training and Automation (WEST) by considering the effect of the different digestion times in the aerobic reactor. Then, according to the Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology applied both on simulated and experimental data, and by the use of a Python code, the desired models have been developed and compared. Finally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study has been carried out to estimate the impacts on human health, ecosystems, and resources. The integration of HTC corresponds to the generation of a valuable product (the hydrochar), whereas the conventional layout is associated with high disposal costs of the sewage sludge. According to LCA results, a sludge age of 40 days is recommended due to the lowest impacts estimated, both with and without a HTC section. This has been ascribed mainly to the electricity demand of the sludge line, which increases with the excess sludge flow rate, i.e., as the sludge age decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algal biomass is a prospective feedstock for the eco-sustainable production of many different products with added value, such as meals, feeds, and fuels. The remaining biomass from the algae can be used as raw material and can be transformed into useful secondary products after the important macromolecules have been removed. By optimizing algal biomass hydrolysate utilizing microbial fermentation, several studies demonstrated the generation of bioenergy (bioalcohol, biogas, and biohydrogen) and biochemicals (organic acids and biopolymers). Since the harvest and maintenance of sustainable algal cultivation incur considerable energy and economical prowess, developing products from algae remains a challenge to be countered in commercial applications. This is a typical bottleneck issue when processing algae for fuels or chemicals at the pilot scale. Implementation of integrated algae biorefinery methods can substantially reduce the cost of production and energy consumption. An algae-based green economy can be financially more viable and utilizable, especially for countries with weaker economies. This review's goal is to examine the implementation of integrated biorefineries for the recovery of bioproducts generated from algae and potential applications. In this context, the life cycle analysis and business elements of a unified algal biorefinery are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochar derived from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been recognized as a potential absorbent and horticultural substrate. However, its practical application has been limited due to its low adsorption capacity and negative effects on plant growth. To address these issues, three pre-treatment methods (water washing, microbial aging, and freezing-thawing aging) were employed to further improve the physical structure and chemical properties of hydrochar. A seed germination test with kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C) was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxicity of modified hydrochars. The results showed that microbial aging considerably enhanced the physicochemical properties of the hydrochar. Specifically, under microbial aging, the bulk density of microbial-aged hydrochar (MHC) decreased by 8.1%, the porosity increased by 24.8%, and the water-holding capacity increased by 36.54% compared to fresh hydrochar (FHC). Moreover, the surfaces of MHC and freezing-thawing aged hydrochar (FTHC) were observed with rough and cracked surfaces and macro pore structures. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that the functional group's intensities of the four hydrochar materials varied, and that MHC and FTHC had more oxygen-containing groups than the others. Additionally, the surface areas of MHC and FTHC increased by 318.64% and 238.98% compared to FHC, respectively. The seed germination test indicated the strong inhibitory effect of FHC, while MHC significantly (p < 0.05) improved the seed germination rate and root development. These findings suggest that among the different pre-treatment methods, microbial aging demonstrated the greatest potential for practical application in improving the physicochemical properties of hydrochar and promoting seed germination. This study opens up new avenues for further research on improving hydrochar and suggests that future studies should focus on optimizing the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a widely available carbon-based material that has been used for soil remediation and sewage treatment. However, in recent years, biochar has received more attention as a conditioning agent to improve the dewatering performance of sewage sludge. The sludge from the secondary sedimentation tank of wastewater treatment plants has high microbial activity and poor dewatering performance, which poses a challenge to sludge dehydration. Biochar and modified biochar can be injected into sludge as a skeleton to effectively reduce sludge compressibility, increase permeability, and release bound water, thus improving the dewatering performance of sludge. In this review, the preparation and characteristics of biochar are described, the current methods of sludge dewatering and the properties of sludge are introduced, and the research on the application of biochar in sludge conditioning is summarized. In addition, the existing problems and future development directions of biochar in sludge conditioning are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Intraoperative stimulation mapping is a technique used to identify and preserve functional tissue during the surgical resection of gliomas. This form of functional brain mapping allows neurosurgeons to remove the most tumor tissue possible while minimizing the risk of a neurological deficit after surgery. The data supporting brain mapping and the technical nuances of performing these operations safely are described in this review. Gliomas are infiltrative primary brain tumors that often invade functional cortical and subcortical regions, and they mandate individualized brain mapping strategies to avoid postoperative neurological deficits. It is well known that maximal safe resection significantly improves survival, while postoperative deficits minimize the benefits associated with aggressive resections and diminish patients' quality of life. Although non-invasive imaging tools serve as useful adjuncts, intraoperative stimulation mapping (ISM) is the gold standard for identifying functional cortical and subcortical regions and minimizing morbidity during these challenging resections. Current mapping methods rely on the use of low-frequency and high-frequency stimulation, delivered with monopolar or bipolar probes either directly to the cortical surface or to the subcortical white matter structures. Stimulation effects can be monitored through patient responses during awake mapping procedures and/or with motor-evoked and somatosensory-evoked potentials in patients who are asleep. Depending on the patient's preoperative status and tumor location and size, neurosurgeons may choose to employ these mapping methods during awake or asleep craniotomies, both of which have their own benefits and challenges. Regardless of which method is used, the goal of intraoperative stimulation is to identify areas of non-functional tissue that can be safely removed to facilitate an approach trajectory to the equator, or center, of the tumor. Recent technological advances have improved ISM's utility in identifying subcortical structures and minimized the seizure risk associated with cortical stimulation. In this review, we summarize the salient technical aspects of which neurosurgeons should be aware in order to implement intraoperative stimulation mapping effectively and safely during glioma surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal processing of biomass may be able to overcome a series of problems associated with the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic material into energy and fuels. Investigating the process parameters and an adequate process description is one of the first steps to being able to design and optimize a certain treatment concept. In the present article, we studied process evolution with respect to reaction time in order to evaluate structure changes and kinetics of corn stover decomposition in a hydrothermal reactor. The effect of the biomass-to-H2O ratio was also investigated. A pilot-scale reactor of 18.75 L was used to conduct hydrothermal processing runs at 250 °C at different reaction times (60, 120 and 240 min) and biomass-to-H2O ratios (1:10, 1:15 and 1:20). Solid phase products were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental composition (EDX), crystalline phases by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface area (BET). For the experiments with a constant reaction time, the yields of hydro-char, aqueous and gaseous phases varied between 31.08 and 35.82% (wt.), 54.59 and 60.83% (wt.) and 8.08 and 9.58% (wt.), respectively. The yields of hydro-char and gases tend to increase with higher biomass-to-H2O ratios, while aqueous phase yields are lower when using lower ratios. As expected, the yields of liquid and gases are higher when using higher reaction times, but there is a reduction in hydro-char yields. TG showed that 60 min was not enough to completely degrade the corn stover, while 120 and 240 min presented similar results, indicating an optimized time of reaction between 120 and 240 min. SEM images, elemental composition and XRD of hydro-char showed that higher biomass-to-H2O ratios increase the carbonization of corn stover. The surface area analysis of hydro-char obtained at 250 °C, 2.0 °C/min, a biomass-to-H2O ratio of 1:10 and 240 min showed a surface area of 4.35 m2/g, a pore volume of 18.6 mm3/g and an average pore width of 17.08 μm. The kinetic of corn stover degradation or bio-char formation was correlated with a pseudo-first-order exponential model, exhibiting a root-mean-square error (r2) of 1.000, demonstrating that degradation kinetics of corn stover with hot-compressed H2O, expressed as hydro-char formation, is well described by an exponential decay kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land degradation and the release of contaminants such as heavy metals into the environment due to mining activities is a concerning issue worldwide. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the environmental matrix can severely damage flora and fauna and negatively impact human health. The poor physicochemical properties of mine spoil generated through mining operations make restoration of such contaminated and degraded lands challenging. In recent years, an exponential growth in the development and applications of biochar and its composites for the remediation of heavy metal-polluted environmental matrices such as soil and water has been observed. The literature review found that 95 review papers were published in the last five years reviewing the utility of biochar for heavy metals removal from the aqueous environment. However, no paper was published focusing on the application of biochar and its composites for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated coal mine soil. The objective of the present review is to critically review the impact of mining activities on the environment and the role of biochar and its composites in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated mine soil. This review presented a detailed discussion and sufficient data on the impact of mining practices in India on the environment. In addition, it critically discussed the methods of the production of biochar from various wastes and methods of modifying the pristine biochar to develop functionalized biochar composites. The detailed mechanism through which biochar and its composites remove and immobilize the heavy metals in the soil was discussed. The efficacy of biochar for the remediation of contaminated mine soil was also critically evaluated using various case studies and data from previously published articles. Thus, the major conclusion drawn from the review is that the application of various functionalized biochar composites could effectively manage and remediate heavy metal-contaminated mine soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cementation of indirect restoration is one of the most important steps in prosthetic and restorative dentistry. Cementation aims to bond the prosthetic restoration to the prepared enamel or enamel and dentine. Successful cementation protocols prevent biofilm formation at the margin between tooth and restoration and minimize mechanical and biological complications. With the advancements in dental cements, they have been modified to be versatile in terms of handling, curing, and bond strengths. This review presents updates on dental cements, focusing on the composition, properties, advantages, limitations, and indications of the various cements available. Currently, dental restorations are made from various biomaterials, and depending on each clinical case, an appropriate luting material will be selected. There is no luting material that can be universally used. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of luting materials in order to identify the best options for each case. Nowadays, the most commonly used dental cements are glass-ionomer and resin cement. The type, shade, thickness of resin cement and the shade of the ceramic, all together, have a tangible influence on the final restoration color. Surface treatments of the restoration increase the microtensile bond strength. Hence, the proper surface treatment protocol of both the substrate and restoration surfaces is needed before cementation. Additionally, the manufacturer's instructions for the thin cement-layer thickness are important for the long-term success of the restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]