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Blade cutters are a component in paddy field pulping machines that perform mud splashing, and the design of their structural and motion parameters will directly affect the splashed-mud volume and pulping-machine efficiency. Therefore, the optimization of the blade cutter's structural and motion parameters is an important approach for improving the operating performance of paddy field pulping machines. In this study, based on the central-composite-design (CCD) method and a response-surface-method-based variance analysis, a regression-forecast model for the relationship between the splashing performance of the blade cutter and the blade's structural and motion parameters was constructed to determine the influence of these parameters on the multi-dimensional splashing performance of blade cutters. Additionally, with the construction of a multi-objective performance-optimization model for pulping-machine blade cutters, the predicted optimal structural and motion parameters could be obtained based on the genetic algorithm. The ideal operating performance could be achieved when the blade turning radius was 180 mm, with a bending angle of 125°, a sub-cutter dip angle of 63°, a forward velocity of 0.15 m/s, and a rotating speed of 158 r/min. Verification of the optimization results in a bench test showed that the mean relative errors between the theoretical and experimental values of the mud volume and power consumption were 9.13% and 8.86%, respectively, revealing the high accuracy of the mud-volume and power-consumption models. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in blade-cutter unit power consumption of 19.13%. These research results can provide a theoretical reference and technical support for blade-cutter optimization and improving pulping-machine performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A red mud suspension of ~700,000 m3 was accidentally released from the alumina plant in Ajka, Hungary, on the 4th of October 2010, flooding several buildings in the nearby towns. As there is no information in the literature on the effects of red mud on indoor mold growth, we conducted studies to answer the following question: does the heavy metal content of red mud inhibit fungal colonization in flooded houses? In order to gain knowledge on fungal spectra colonizing surfaces soaked with red mud and on the ability of fungi to grow on them, swabs, tape lifts, and air samples were collected from three case study buildings. A total of 43 fungal taxa were detected. The dominant species were Penicillium spp. on plaster/brick walls, but Aspergillus series Versicolores, Cladosporium, Acremonium, and Scopulariopsis spp. were also present. The level of airborne penicillia was high in all indoor samples. Selected fungal strains were subcultured on 2% MEA with 10−1 and 10−4 dilutions of red mud. The growth rate of most of the strains was not significantly reduced by red mud on the artificial media. The consequences of similar industrial flooding on indoor molds are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents in-situ observations of fluid mud in the Yangtze Estuary via a bottom tripod. Six occurrences of periodic fluid muds (F1-F6) were observed at high slack water, with suspended sediment concentration (SSC) exceeding 10 kg/m³. The thickness of the fluid mud varied across the six occurrences, reaching a maximum of 0.32m. Notably, temperature and salinity anomalies were observed within the fluid mud. The formation of fluid mud was found to be influenced by turbulence, with turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) below 5×10-4 m²/s² favoring settling as the primary cause of formation. The critical shear stress (τcw) for fluid mud formation was estimated to be approximately 0.09 Pa. The formation of fluid muds during early tidal cycles was attributed to liquefaction and bed erosion resulting from strong waves. However, in most cases, the wave energy was insufficient for erosion, suggesting that advection played a role in sediment supply during the subsequent tide cycles. The increased cross-channel current velocity during flood facilitated the lateral transport of a significant amount of eroded sediment from shallow water into the channel. Due to its short duration, the fluid mud layer was entrained by the current before consolidation. Enhanced turbulence led to the breakdown of fluid mud at the early ebb. The critical τcw for fluid mud breakdown depended on the density and duration of the fluid mud, with a maximum value of up to 0.70 Pa. The absence of the fluid mud layer during low slack water and neap tide was associated with a reduction in advection and tidal pumping, disrupting the original sediment balance between supply and demand. These data provide valuable insights into the formation and breakdown of fluid mud, contributing to estuarine hydrodynamic modeling studies and enhancing the understanding of estuary dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive landfilling of red mud (alumina residue, RM) has posed a great challenge to the sustainable development of the alumina industry. To consume such vast industrial wastes, it is of great benefits to promote reuse of RM in land reclamation to replace partial traditional cementitious materials. This study investigates the potential use of the RM in stabilizing marine dredged clay (MDC) with a low dosage of cement, where sodium silicate is used as an alkali-activator. A series of laboratory tests are performed to characterize positive role of alkali-activated RM in improving mechanical and microstructural properties of cement-treated MDC. The variation of strength, permeability and micro characteristics are examined with different RM contents, sodium silicate contents and curing time. The results indicate an optimal content of sodium silicate regardless of curing time, which grows from 10% to 20% when RM content increases from 5% to 15%. Both hydration and polymerization reactions occur in the mixture of MDC, cement and alkali-activated RM, generating products including hydration gels (C–S–H and N–A–S–H) and geopolymer (analcime, faujasite and unnamed zelites). With optimal content of alkali, the stacked structure combining quadrate crystal clusters and gels can be observed, which contributes to significant strength improvement of stabilized MDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilisation of seawater (SW) for making concrete appears to be a reasonable alternative to conserve freshwater. This paper investigates the possibility of making seawater mixed concrete (SMC) using cementitious replacement of fly ash (FA) and red mud (RM) to offset the adverse effects of SW in concrete. FA was added by replacing from 10% to 40% by weight of cement and RM from 5% to 20% and compressive strength, split tensile strength and electrochemical properties of concrete were evaluated for different mixes for 7, 28 and 90 days of testing. Analysis of variance method was used to identify the influences of FA, RM and concrete testing age on the SMC properties. The best mix was then finalised using the response surface method (RSM). It was observed that RM and especially FA were very effective in improving SW concrete properties, that is, increasing mechanical strength and controlling corrosion of steel in concrete. The results showed that to successfully utilise SW for making concrete, the best results at the testing age of 90 days were obtained on replacing cement with approximately 40% FA. The novel mix showed approximately 23% increase in compressive strength and 12% increase in tensile strength compared to SWM concrete. In addition, the novel mix electrical resistivity is around 60 kΩcm showing it to be in low corrosion zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A manganese dioxide-modified red mud (Mn-RM) was developed as an adsorbent for the effective removal of lead ions (Pb2+) from wastewater. Various methods were used to characterize the prepared Mn-RM, analyze its adsorption performance, and evaluate the associated environmental risks post-adsorption. The results revealed that Mn-RM has a large surface area (38.91 m2/g) and a developed porous structure (0.02 cm3/g). The adsorption process exhibited good agreement with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, showcasing a theoretical maximum saturation adsorption capacity of 721.35 mg/g. The adsorption mechanism primarily involves electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, and chemical precipitation. The optimal treatment conditions were determined by utilizing a response surface model, resulting in a maximum Pb2+ removal efficiency of 87.45% at pH 5.21, a dosage of 0.83 g/L, and an initial concentration of 301.04 mg/L. The risk assessment code (RAC) for each heavy metal in Mn-RM was less than 1%, indicating low environmental risk. Furthermore, the synthetic toxicity index (STI) values showed a significant decrease post-treatment. This study introduces the concept of "controlling waste with waste", offering a cost-effective approach to both utilizing red mud and removing aqueous Pb2+ while ensuring environmental safety and minimal ecological impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the consolidation period of vacuum preloading drainage of dredged mud slurry, the clogging behaviors of the filter drainage structural layers and the core boards of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) determine the drainage capacities of PVD. However, currently, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the evaluation criteria for these two clogging behaviors. Therefore, based on typical dredged mud slurry, typical geomembranes, and raw material core boards with different bending forms, relevant macro and micro-scale experimental studies have been carried out in this study. The research results show that (1) with the application of the gradient ratio test method, the clogging behaviors of filter membranes of PVD under graded vacuum preloading can be effectively simulated. Also, in the design of graded vacuum preloading, characteristics of equivalent pore sizes and pore structures should be emphasized to investigate the suitability of filtration and drainage performance of PVD filter membranes. (2) The compressive yield strength of core board grooves is a key factor influencing the reduction rate of flow capacity. The reduction rate of flow capacity and well resistance increment can be used as comprehensive indicators reflecting the clogging behaviors of core boards, while the bending angles and bending rates of core boards can be used as specific technical indicators. (3) The proposed clogging evaluation criteria for PVD are as follows: a filter membrane gradient ratio (GR) > 4.0, a core board bending rate >60% and a core board bending angle < 45°, or a reduction rate of flow capacity of bending drainage board > 90% or well-resistance increment > 9. Also, these criteria can be incorporated into the control indicators for drainage performance of PVD used in such types of foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mud volcanoes (MVs) are surface structures typically created by episodic discharge of fluids and solids, often associated to onshore and offshore accretionary prisms on convergent plate boundaries. Detailed investigations of ongoing activity and its associated morphological changes, as well as a better understanding of the temporal evolution of these highly dynamic systems, may improve the estimations of material fluxes from MVs drastically. Until today, approximately 70 individual MVs were discovered in the northern Ionian Sea in the Calabrian Arc (Central Mediterranean Sea), but only a few have been analyzed and described in detail. In this study, new evidence for recent recurring eruptive activity of the ~45 m-high and 1 km-wide Sartori MV situated in the clastic wedge of the Calabrian Arc is presented. High-resolution seafloor mapping as well as sediment temperature, geochemical, and sedimentological data received from two research cruises in 2016 and 2020 are used. Bathymetric and seafloor backscatter data (1 m scale) indicate the presence of two active eruption centers at the flat-topped Sartori MV. Elevated sediment temperature gradients at both eruption centers show that currently heat is transferred to the surface sediments. Pore water analyses indicate that fluids rising below the eruption centers are CH4-rich, Cl--poor, and SO42--free. Stable C and H isotopic compositions of methane suggest that it originates from a mix of primary microbial, secondary microbial, and/or thermogenic sources. A relatively shallow position of the sulfate-methane interface at both eruption centers also indicates the presence of upward fluid migration in recent times. Pore water modeling suggests that seawater has penetrated the surface sediments to a greater extent within the last few years. In contrast, centimeter-thick layers of hemipelagic sediments overlying mud breccia in sediment cores taken from both eruption centers show that no solid material has been ejected in recent times. Sediment core analyses combined with high-resolution seafloor mapping show an absence of rim-passing mudflows over the past ~10 ka. It is concluded that Sartori MV is an episodically active MV from which fluids with a comparatively low flux were released into the bottom water in recent times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient protocols have been developed for epoxidation of chalcones and hydration of nitriles to amides using "water extract of red mud (WERM)/H2O2" system at room temperature. As red mud is produced abundantly as wastes in aluminum industries, this present simple and cost-effective method is an alternative way of waste management which demands eco-friendly, greener and sustainable development. It has also been noticed that high yields of epoxides and amides could be obtained without any chromatographic separation. Further important characteristics of this protocol are its clean reaction profile, applicability for large-scale synthesis and high functional group tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early embryos of the caenogastropod snail Ilyanassa obsoleta, cytoplasmic segregation of a polar lobe is required for establishment of the D quadrant founder cell, empowering its great-granddaughter macromere 3D to act as a single-celled organizer that induces ectodermal pattern along the secondary body axis of the embryo. We present evidence that polar lobe inheritance is not sufficient to specify 3D potential, but rather makes the D macromere lineage responsive to some intercellular signal(s) required for normal expression of 3D-specific phenotypes. Experimental removal of multiple micromeres resulted in loss of organizer-linked MAPK activation, complete and specific defects of organizer-dependent larval organs, and progressive cell cycle retardation, leading to equalization of the normally accelerated division schedule of 3D (relative to the third-order macromeres of the A, B and C quadrants). Ablation of the second-quartet micromere 2d greatly potentiated the effects of first micromere quartet ablation. Our findings link organizer activation in I. obsoleta to the putative ancestral spiralian mechanism in which a signal from micromeres leads to specification of 3D among four initially equivalent macromeres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory-based storytelling may contribute to co-productive planning approaches based on endogenous epistemologies and ways of being. Specifically, ambivalent memory performances, emerging from the embodied and emplaced memory of the speaker, reveal contested community histories, serve as a source of critical learning, and foster diverse forms of claims-making. By drawing on the case of a stormwater development project in the informal settlement of Los Platanitos, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this article considers the production of dissonant memory landscapes through ambivalent testimonies of community histories, illuminating the implications of such memory work for storytelling in community-based planning practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For signal transmission of mud pressure waves in logging-while-drilling systems, as more measurement parameters are adopted, the conventional signal transmission rate of approximately 1 bps cannot meet the requirements of parameter uploading. Transmission rates greater than 10 bps are widely used by current Chinese and international enterprises in their continuous wave transmission systems. Due to the increasing transmission rates, a conventional single-channel pressure sensor cannot effectively identify the key features of an original signal with a low signal-to-noise ratio at a high transmission rate. This issue results in a low success rate for pressure wave recognition and decoding. This paper addresses a method for the collection of pressure wave signals using multi-channel pressure sensors through the analysis of the signal transmission changes of mud pressure waves with well depths and echo interference caused by drilling rod reflection. In this research, numerical simulation and experimental verification were used to calculate the cross-correlations of the multi-channel signals to effectively remove interference noises such as reflective waves and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the original signal. The results showed that this method could effectively improve the SNR after the wave filtering of the original pressure wave. The characteristics of the continuous mud pressure wave signals were analysed using a circulation test. A corresponding band-pass filter was designed to remove pump noises to restore the sinusoidal pressure wave signal required by the original transmission rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surface tensiometry consented to characterize the surface free energy of geomaterials in an integrated and non-destructive way. A new surface tensiometry tool, based on the contact angle measurement of Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether (TVS mud index?), has thus developed in the early 2000s. The TVS mud index? was for the first time employed from 2005 to 2010 for surface tensiometry characterization of peloids for pelotherapy from Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Pa-dova, Italy). We aim to report the surface tensiometry application in the thermal field, and show the potentialities of TVS mud index as a marker for the non invasive quality control of the peloids and their maturation process. Methods The determination of the typical chemical-mineralogical characteristics of a Euganean Thermal Mud (ETM) and their surface tensiometry allowed us to demonstrate the link between the chemical data from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and they performed using a tensiometer to assess the quality of the peloid and its biological maturation process. Results The liquid test Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether-based demonstrated the link between variations in volume elements and surface free energy of muddy matrices. The research results here showed that the TVS mud index? is linked to the chemical pattern of peloids. Conclusions The research work implemented in the period 2005-2010 showed the potentialities of surface tensiometry in the assessment of peloids for pelotherapy using Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether as a liquid test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathodic reduction is a green and promising remediation strategy for reducing the antibacterial activity of antibiotic contaminants and increasing their biodegradability. However, the lack of cost-effective electrocatalysts has restricted its application. In this study, we upcycled textile white mud by separating 1,4-dicarboxybenzene (BDC) and fabricating MIL-125(Ti)-derived amorphous TiO2@C (TiO2@C-W) as a functional electrocatalyst. The separated BDC from white mud shows lower crystallinity than BDC chemicals, but the resulting TiO2@C-W features a much higher degree of oxygen vacancies and a 25-fold higher specific surface area than that of TiO2@C derived from BDC chemicals. With florfenicol (FLO) as a probe, TiO2@C-W exhibits similar cathodic reductive activity (0.017 min−1) as commercial Pd(3 wt.%)/C (0.018 min−1) does, which was 1.4 and 3.7 times higher than that of oxygen vacancy-engineered TiO2 and TiO2@C, respectively. The as-fabricated TiO2@C-W could not easily remove FLO via the oxygen reduction reaction-based pathway with the applied bias for cathodic reduction. Though the activity of TiO2@C-W undergoes a slight decline with continuous running, more than 80% of 20 mg L−1 FLO can still be reduced in the eighth run. Water chemistry studies suggest that a lower initial solution pH boosts the cathodic reduction process, while common co-existing anions such as Cl−, NO3−, HCO3−, and SO32− show a limited negative impact. Finally, TiO2@C-W shows reductive activity against several representative antibiotics, including nitrofurazone, metronidazole, and levofloxacin, clarifying its potential scope of application for antibiotics (e.g., molecules with structures like furan rings, nitro groups, and halogens). This study couples the upcycling of textile white mud with the remediation of antibiotics by developing functional electrocatalysts, and offers new insights for converting wastes from the printing and dyeing industry into value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-based mud is one of the primary wastes produced in oil industries that may contain elevated amounts of naturally occurring radioactive material. In this study, MCNPX simulations and gamma-ray spectrometry measurements were combined and a quick and sensitive method was developed for the non-destructive radiological characterization of spent oil-based mud originating from the oil industry by using a 3.81 cm x 3.81 cm LaBr3(Ce) scintillator. By this method, one cubic meter of packaged oil-based mud can be radiologically characterized in less than 20 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new data on mud volcanism accompanied by gas emissions in Lake Baikal. Rupture deformations of the bottom with traces of erupted liquefied sediments were found at depths of 105.0–163.6 m in Malaya Kosa Bay and Goryachinskaya Bay in the North Baikal depression. The deposits, outcropped in the extended scarps and mud craters, are mainly represented by highly porous clays. Scarps of boulder–pebble sediments are occasionally encountered. The areas of mud volcanism are attributed to the zone of the North Baikal fault, indicating its current activity. Clays and the soft sediments covering them are disturbed, which indicates the recent eruption of gas-saturated fluid and mud. Cone-shaped edifices about 5 × 5 cm in size with a crater in a top were found in sediments at depths of 157–162 m in Goryachinskaya Bay. Similar gas plumes were revealed in Solontsovaya Bay along straight-line faults opposite the paleoseismic dislocation of the same name. It is necessary to continue studying the revealed shallow-water manifestations of mud volcanism and rupture deformations of the bottom by integrated geological and geophysical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of the constant sedimentation—CS premise on sedimentation rates, mass accumulation rates and age-depth results obtained from unsupported 210Pb models. The investigation is based on vertical profiles of 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 137Cs measured through gamma spectrometry from seven sediment cores collected from the coastal region of southern Brazil. This region is known for harboring mud shelf depocenters. The mean sedimentation rate in the study area was estimated to be between 0.33 and 0.58 cm yr−1. The geographical disposition of the sampling sites allowed the identification of distinct sedimentological features, including a northernmost, middle shelf depocenter, a more coastal depocenter, and a region with sandy sediments deposited by wave-driven dynamics. The findings of this study have revealed that the decision to consider or exclude the CS premise can be made through a thorough examination of the vertical profiles of activities and the application of robust statistical analysis to identify outliers in the vertical profiles of mass accumulation rates. These important considerations play a crucial role in guiding researchers toward selecting the most appropriate approach to investigate sediment cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red mud produced from the Bayer process was used for the high temperature metallurgical processing of ilmenite. The major components of the red mud were Fe2O3, Al2O3, Na2O, and TiO2, which play important roles in the flux material. The process temperature of ilmenite slag was lowered from 1794 K (1521°C) to 1687 K (1414°C), as a preliminary study by a high-temperature microscope. Thermochemical calculations using FactSageTM 7.0 confirmed the effect of red mud on the lowered melting temperature of ilmenite slag. The discrepancy between the observed results of the microscope and the calculated phase diagram was due to the slag viscosity, which was significantly affected by Al2O3 in red mud. The reduction of ilmenite at lower temperatures by the addition of red mud was investigated at 1723 K (1450°C). Ilmenite, pseudobrookite, and associated clay minerals were the major phases in the reduced ilmenites which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (×RD) analysis. Microscopic images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed variations in the pseudobrookite phases according to the amount of fluxed red mud. The benefits of red mud utilization are discussed with regard to the lower energy consumption and recovery of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, tartaric acid (TA) was used as a binder to prepare red mud pellets. The effect of TA on the compressive strength and induration mechanism of the pellets containing TA was analyzed via the changes in crystal structure, functional groups, and valence states of the constituent elements. The induration mechanism of TAPE is likely the chemical reaction between TA and partial calcite along with complexation of TA with minerals containing Ca(II), Al(III), and Fe(III). The density functional theory calculation results revealed that the TA-Ca(II) complexation products in red mud were more stable than those of Al(III) and Fe(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1951, the Organization of American States established the Centro Interamericano de Vivienda y Planeamiento (CINVA) to provide specialized training to tackle the housing problem. Based on archival documentation examined at the Rockefeller Archive Center and the Central and Historical Archive of the National University of Colombia, this article explores two significant episodes in which the story of one of the Center's most successful outputs connects to the history of the Cold War. It thus contributes to the literature investigating the architecture and related technologies of development aid in the historical context of the Cold War with a precise focus on the role of non-governmental actors. After detailing the history of the CINVA-Ram machine, the pressing machine to produce rammed-earth blocks developed at the Center and later exported to America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, the article explores its deployment in two different fronts of the Cold War: Ghana and South Vietnam. As highlighted in the conclusions, the significance of CINVA-Ram use in these contexts is manyfold. Firstly, its diffusion, although appearing as a successful case of south-to-south cooperation, was in fact possible because of the Rockefeller family-controlled IBEC's involvement. Secondly, it shows the global outreach of the intertwined action of governmental agencies, private companies, and NGOs, when fighting poverty and housing shortage via aided self-help initiatives were complementary strategies to the armed containment of Communism. Finally, it discusses the role played by US governmental and non-governmental actors in advancing US interests through technoscience, highlighting how the battle against poverty in the so-called "Third World" was in this case fought with one of the oldest and simplest construction techniques in the ideological framework of self-help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of iron from high-iron red mud is an important method for the large-scale utilization of red mud. Traditional fossil energy sources such as coking coal are usually used as reducing agents in the smelt reduction process of high-iron red mud, but they are not conducive to the early achievement of carbon neutrality in China. Straw carbon is a clean energy source with over 65% carbon content. Thus, the feasibility of straw carbon as a reducing agent to recover iron from high-iron red mud was investigated. Pig iron was obtained under the optimal reduction conditions of experimental temperature of 1400°C, alkalinity of 0.8, reduction duration of 20 min, MCaF2/MCaO of 4%, and carbon matching ratio of 1.1. More than 99% of the iron was recovered, and the results showed that straw carbon, which could effectively replace coking coal, achieved good results in the recovery of iron from high-iron red mud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote the comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste and reduce the environmental pollution caused by granite scrap mud, this paper explores a method of preparing ceramic bodies by high temperature sintering using granite scrap mud, high alumina clay and a small amount of additives. The effects of raw material ratio and additive content on the mechanical properties and microstructure of sintered ceramic tiles were studied. The results show that the plasticity of the granulation powder can be improved by adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to the ball milling raw material, and the proportion of the granite scrap mud in the body greatly increases. High alumina clay can improve the sintering characteristics of granite scrap mud and the comprehensive mechanical properties of finished products. Among them, the sintering temperature of the finished product with granite scrap mud content of 80% (mass fraction) and clay content of 20% (mass fraction) is about (1 160 ± 30) °C, the bulk density of the finished product is 2.43 g/cm³, the water absorption rate is 1%, the bending strength is 54 MPa, and the compressive strength is 341 MPa. The comprehensive utilization rate of granite scrap mud is high, and the comprehensive cost is low, which provides an efficient and feasible scheme for the comprehensive utilization of saw mud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are too much iron and alkaline in red mud, which hinders its utilization in cement. In order to enhance the reusing rate of red mud in cement material, this research paid adequate attention on reduction methods for iron recovery from red mud, water heated ion-exchanging methods using calcium carbide slags and oxalic methods for dealkalization of red mud, eventually used refactored red mud after iron recovery and dealkalization to prepare cement clinker. The results show that under the optimized condition that the sintering temperature is 1 400 °C, lasting time is 1 h, rice husk ash adding content is 9.08% (mass fraction), cooling method is water cooling, the iron recovery rate of red mud is 77.24% while the content of iron declines to 9.39% (mass fraction) after iron recovery. Under the condition that reacting temperature is 90 °C, deironed red mud and calcium carbide slags mass ratio is 1: 1, liquid to solid rate (mL/g) is 6, reacting time is 7 h, the dealkalizaiton rate of ion exchanging methods using calcium carbide slags is 89.30%, meanwhile, the content of Na2 O in refactored red mud drops to 0.592% (mass fraction), which meets the requirement for cement ingredients that alkaline content must be lower than 1%. When the rate value of cement raw material, namely the lime saturation factor is 0.88, silicon rate factor is 2.4, aluminum rate factor is 1.4, cement raw materials prepared using refactored red mud possess good burnability under the sintering temperature ranging from 1 300 °C to 1 450 °C. When the sintering temperature is 1 350 °C, grains in cement clinkers show as irregular polygons with normal morphology. Accordingly, the optimum sintering temperature for cement clinker preparation adding refactored red mud is 1 350 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population parameters of the ecologically important mud shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) were analyzed from 2012 to 2015 in tidal flats in Seonjaedo and Jugyo on the west coast of Korea. The shrimp density averaged 265/m2 in Seonjaedo and 118/m2 in Jugyo. The sex ratio varied monthly, often male-biased, and, by size, males were significantly dominant, with a carapace length (CL) over 30 mm. Although the shrimp settled almost annually, only a single size-group was observed from 2012 to 2014. The recruitment in Jugyo in 2014 was notably successful, resulting in two cohorts persisting until 2015. Many shrimp were parasitized at varying local rates: 6.0% in Seonjaedo and 37.1% in Jugyo. The growth curves revealed that the shrimp grew annually after settlement, reaching CLs of 11.90, 18.24, and 23.02 mm in Seonjaedo and 13.73, 20.86, and 25.82 mm in Jugyo. Annual mortality was 77.2% in Seonjaedo and 67.4% in Jugyo. The estimated lifespan (tmax) was 10 years in Seonjaedo and 8 years in Jugyo, whereas the 2010 cohort in Jugyo largely disappeared in 5 years. Ovigerous females appeared from November to June and benthic juveniles between June and September. The shrimps' growth was slower relative to other East Asian populations, likely due to colder sea water temperatures and altered food conditions from a higher shrimp density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the massive quantities and negative impacts of dredged mud slurry, its disposal and utilization have become one of the most noticeable issues in the world. In this paper, the flocculation-solidification-high pressure filtration combined method is proposed to effectively dispose of marine mud slurries. The advantages of this method are demonstrated herein in the following three aspects: dewatering performance, material savings, and the shear strength of the treated marine mud slurry. Then, the effects of the anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) dose, composite solidification agent dose, initial water content of marine mud slurries, and initial thickness of geo-bags on the mechanical properties of the marine mud slurry treated by the flocculation-solidification-high pressure filtration combined method are studied. Experimental results show that with increasing doses of APAM, the structures of mud slurries become more stable, and the optimal dose of APAM is determined as 0.16%. Moreover, the increase in the composite solidification agent dose and initial water content of the marine mud slurry, and the decrease in the initial thickness of geo-bags both contribute to the increase in the shear strength of the marine mud slurry treated by the flocculation-solidification-high pressure filtration combined method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although royal absolutism was abolished on 24 June 1932, much infrastructure, including many roads and public facilities in the capital, Bangkok, is said to be the products of royal initiatives of his majesty the king. Ostensibly, the construction of such infrastructure was delivered, especially from the 1970s onwards, by a constitutional rather than an executive monarch and even against the presence of democratization and the Western-style urban planning regime. Such construction was put into operation by either the royal institution, a State organ, or individual royalist elites in honour of the king. As a result, these structures become visible symbols of public loyalty to the sacred throne as well as the king's graciousness and altruism towards the people. I call this royal-initiated form of urban development 'the monarchy-led urban development' (MUD). In this paper, I argue that to implement the MUD in democratizing Thailand, the monarchy must move away from operating blatantly outside the law and instead seek recourse to it. Written constitutions, planning law instruments, and non-planning law instruments are integral for turning the abstract constitutional ideology of royal nationalism into concrete reality, while also lending a veneer of legality to royal prerogative in urban planning. Two main consequences of the legal implementation of the MUD are to be analysed: its legal accountability and the effectuation of town planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flash floods in Algeria, this paper discusses the characteristics of these new floods. In reality, these floods are of Saharan origin and are caused by torrential rainfall, the equivalent of 3 to 12 months falling between 24 hours and 72 hours. In recent years, these floods have moved toward northern Algeria and even in certain countries of the Mediterranean basin. In addition to the brutality and aggressiveness, these flash floods are characterized by the significant quantities of fine particles transported, which reflect the resizing of the hydrographic network and the digging of new gullies in the watershed to evacuate the large masses of water transported. by these floods. Rainwater evacuation systems (sanitation networks and flood spillways) are currently undersized in the face of these new floods. Flash floods are a little-known subject that requires in-depth studies to predict them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subtle mounds have been discovered in the source areas of Martian kilometer‐sized flows and on top of summit areas of domes. These features have been suggested to be related to subsurface sediment mobilization, opening questions regarding their formation mechanisms. Previous studies hypothesized that they mark the position of feeder vents through which mud was brought to the surface. Two theories have been proposed: (a) ascent of more viscous mud during the late stage of eruption and (b) expansion of mud within the conduit due to the instability of water under Martian conditions. Here, we present experiments performed inside a low‐pressure chamber designed to investigate whether the volume of mud changes when exposed to a Martian atmospheric pressure. Depending on the mud viscosity, we observe a volumetric increase of up to 30% at the Martian average pressure of ∼6 mbar. The reason is that the low pressure causes instability of the water within the mud, leading to the bubble formation that increases the volume of the mixture. This mechanism bears resemblance to the volumetric changes associated with the degassing of terrestrial lava or mud volcano eruptions caused by a rapid pressure drop. We conclude that the mounds associated with putative Martian sedimentary volcanoes might indeed be explained by volumetric changes in the mud. We also show that mud flows on Mars and elsewhere in the Solar System could behave differently to those found on Earth because mud dynamics are affected by the formation of bubbles in response to the different atmospheric pressures. Plain Language Summary: Mars is a planet whose surface atmospheric pressure is ∼160 times weaker than that on Earth. This means that water cannot be present on the Mars surface since in these conditions, lit should boil and evaporate. At the same time, many edifices previously observed on the planet's surface are believed to be the result of mud movement over the Martian surface. Many authors proposed that these structures are the result of a process of sedimentary volcanism during which the sediment was mobilized by liquid water. However, until now, it remained unclear how muds of various viscosities would behave under current Martian conditions. Here, we show that depending on the mud viscosity, a volumetric increase in up to 30% might occur. The reason is that the low pressure causes instability of the water within the mud, leading to the formation of bubbles that increase the volume of the mud mixture. This shows that mud flows on Mars and elsewhere in the Solar System could behave differently to those found on Earth and therefore we might encounter different shapes of edifices formed on Mars by sedimentary volcanism than on Earth. Key Points: High viscosity muds are able to prevent the easy escape of water vapor bubbles leading to the increase in the volume of such mixturesDepending on the thickness of the mudflow, the volumetric increase can reach up to 30% and thus change the resulting shape of the mudflowPresence of small mounds associated with putative Martian sedimentary volcanoes might be explained by volumetric changes in the mud [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony pollution and sewage sludge disposal have become global environmental protection issues. In this study, through the resource utilization of iron manganese mud (IMM) generated during the backwash of water supply plants, a new type of composite gel ball adsorbent for antimony removal (CAAR) was prepared. The characterization results demonstrated that CAAR's adsorption effect was mainly through ion exchange between -OH and Sb(III). The chemical adsorption of functional group exchange and the physical adsorption of electrostatic gravity were jointly controlled. The adsorption process could be described by the quasi-secondary kinetic model and the Freundlich model. Through the exploration of the influencing factors, we found that CAAR has a wide range of pH applications and can maintain a removal rate of over 92% in the range of pH 2.0 to 8.0. When the pH is 4.0, the dosage is 3.0 g/L, at 30 ℃ and 12 h, the removal rate of CAAR to Sb(III) is 95.95%, and the adsorption amount is 6.36 mg/g. The CAAR regeneration research experiments have shown that after four regenerations, the removal rate of Sb(III) could be maintained at more than 50%, and the mechanical strength of the regenerated CAAR is preferable. In summary, CAAR is an adsorbent for removing Sb(III) from water, which has broad application prospects and further research value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Venezuelan red mud (RM) is an environmental hazard material which was recycled and modified as support of Mo catalysts for the reaction of thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The catalysts were prepared using a dry RM impregnated with ammonium heptamolybdate. An non-replicated 32 factorial design was used with two factors: sulfuric acid concentration and MoO3 w/w percentage and three levels: 2, 3 and 4 mol/L of sulfuric acid and 5, 10 and 15% w/w MoO3, respectively. The supports and catalytic precursors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET surface measurements and chemical analysis by atomic absorption to determine the Fe concentration. The highest conversions of thiophene were obtained for catalysts prepared with a low sulfuric acid concentration (2 mol/L) and a medium MoO3 concentration (10 w/w%) being superior to those obtained with a commercial CoMo/Al2O3 catalyst. Acid concentration was statistically significant compared to MoO3 loading. These results could be related to the Fe presence from RM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the distribution and composition of foraminiferal assemblages and granulometric properties of sediment in transitional environments along the eastern Adriatic coast. Another objective was to compare the results and establish correlations (similarities and differences) between these sensitive environments. Materials and methods: Sediments from transitional environments were collected in December 2019 at three geographically separate sites: the Mirna salt marsh, the Soline mud plain, and the Nin intertidal plain. A total of 18 sediment samples (top 2 cm) were collected along the land-sea transect. Micropaleontological and granulometric analyses were performed. Identification of foraminiferal genera and species, absolute and relative abundance, and ecological (biodiversity) indices were determined on standardized samples. Particle size distribution was determined, which allowed classification of the sediment. Carbonate content and organic content anaylses were performed as well. Results: At the northernmost site, at the Mirna salt marsh, muddy sediments with low species diversity predominate. The Soline mud plain was characterized by greater species diversity and a uniform proportion of sandy and silty components in sediment. At the Nin intertidal plain, sediment was primarily sand with the greatest foraminiferal species diversity compared to the other two sites. The genus Ammonia dominated in all foraminiferal assemblages. Conclusions: A different distribution pattern of benthic foraminifera in each environment was associated with variations in the grain size of sediment and was also influenced by the supply of freshwater from the river and karstic springs. Considering the lack of research on the transitional environments of the eastern Adriatic coast, this work provides more detailed data and emphasizes the importance of these environments and their biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the leaching kinetics of magnesium of boron mud (BM) is evaluated using NH4HSO4 solution. The effects of leaching temperature, leaching time, ammonium bisulphate solution concentration and liquid–solid ratio on the extraction ratio of magnesium are investigated. Optimum leaching parameters are determined through an orthogonal test based on single factor experiments. Under the optimum leaching temperature (333 K), leaching time (40 min), NH4HSO4 concentration (2.8 mol · L−1), and liquid–solid ratio (9:1 mL · g−1), the extraction ratio of magnesium was 76.73%. In addition, the leaching kinetics data of magnesium from BM are analyzed through graphical and statistical approaches, which reveal that the leaching process conforms to the grain model. The leaching process is diffusion‐controlled with an activation energy of 41.67 kJ · mol−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of high-quality inorganic fibers by centrifugation from modified melting-separated red mud, which is the product of the efficient recovery of pig iron from red mud, is a new approach to achieve large-scale production of high value-added materials from red mud. This method has a wide range of application prospects and could contribute substantially to the comprehensive utilization of bulk industrial solid waste and the development of a circular economy. In this study, melting-separated red mud was modified with water-quenched blast furnace slag, quartz sand, and quicklime. The effect of the CaO/Na2O mass ratio on the viscosity, fluidity, and crystallization performance of the melting-separated red mud was investigated; slag wool was prepared by centrifugation under laboratory conditions; and the effect of the CaO/Na2O mass ratio on the morphology and properties of the slag wool was investigated. The viscosity of modified melting-separated red mud with different CaO/Na2O mass ratios shows a decreasing trend with increasing temperature, and the fluidity increases with increasing temperature, indicating that the melt fluidity is improved. The suitable fiber-forming temperature of the melting-separated red mud shows a trend of increasing–decreasing–increasing with an increasing CaO/Na2O mass ratio, and at a CaO/Na2O ratio of 3.0, the maximum suitable fiber-forming temperature is 81 °C. Considering the feasibility of slag wool preparation from modified melting-separated red mud, the CaO/Na2O of the modified raw material system should not be higher than 3.0. The crystallization temperature of modified melting-separated red mud with different CaO/Na2O mass ratios first increases and then decreases, with a peak of 1450 °C at a CaO/Na2O ratio of 4.0. Slag wool prepared from modified melting-separated red mud with different CaO/Na2O mass ratios exhibits good properties, with a diameter of 5.47–6.67 µm and a slag ball content of 2.7–8.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of Experiments method was utilized to study the tensile strength of red mud polymer composites. A full 23 factorial design with two replications and utilising analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of the control factors, namely, red mud wt.%, pH value, and red mud particle size on the response variable, tensile strength. In addition, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio was employed to optimize the control factors affecting the tensile strength of the composite. The red mud/HDPE composites used in the study were produced in a manually operating injection-moulding machine. The results show that the multivariable regression model, fitted for tensile strength, is adequate. At a confidence level of 95%, the intercept (mean) was the only significant source, but there were strong interactions between the amount (wt.%) and particle size and between the pH and particle size of the red mud. Tests for goodness of fit were performed and these indicated that the model has adequate prediction potential. The S/N ratio analysis showed that for maximising strength, optimum mix within the experimental level ranges was found to be 10 wt.% red mud of 7.65 pH and particle size 150 µm, giving a predicted tensile strength of 21.44 MPa with a standard error of 0.47 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balneotherapy, treating diseases by bathing in mineral-rich waters and mud, has a long historical application across various cultures. Despite its widespread use, comprehensive studies on its biological impacts are scant, particularly in quantifying effects at the cellular and systemic levels. This study aims to rigorously investigate the biological effects of therapeutic mud and mineral waters, providing a scientific basis for their clinical application. We focused on elucidating the mechanisms behind the observed therapeutic effects and determining these natural resources' safety profiles. Employing a dual approach, we conducted both in vitro and in vivo studies. For the in vitro experiments, human fibroblast cells were treated with different concentrations of mud extracts to assess cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis pathways. For the in vivo assessments, Wistar rats were exposed to mud and mineral water treatments, with subsequent evaluations of biochemical markers in blood and urine indicative of systemic physiological changes. Our findings reveal that mud extracts exert a dose-dependent influence on cell viability, with low concentrations promoting cellular proliferation while higher concentrations induce apoptosis. In vivo treatments demonstrated significant modulation of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters without evident systemic toxicity. The therapeutic mud and mineral waters demonstrate pronounced biological effects, enhancing cellular health and modulating systemic physiological responses without adverse side effects.

Abstract The riverine transport and deposition of mud is the primary agent of landscape construction and evolution in many fluvial and coastal environments. Previous efforts exploring this process have raised uncertainty regarding the effects of hydrodynamic and chemical controls on the transport and deposition of mud, and thus the constructions of muddy coastal and upstream environments. As such, direct measurements are necessary to constrain the deposition of mud by river systems. Here, we combine laboratory evidence and a field investigation in the Mississippi River delta to explore the controls on the riverine transport and deposition of mud. We show that the flocculation of mud, with floc diameters greater than 10 μm, in freshwater is a ubiquitous phenomenon, causing the sedimentation of mud to be driven by changes in local hydrodynamics, and thus providing an explanation for how river systems construct landscapes through the deposition of mud in both coastal and upstream environments.

Muddy sediment constitutes a major fraction of the suspended sediment mass carried by the Mississippi River. Thus, adequate knowledge of the transport dynamics of suspended mud in this region is critical in devising efficient management plans for coastal Louisiana. We conducted laboratory tank experiments on the sediment suspended in the lower reaches of the Mississippi River to provide insight into the flocculation behavior of the mud. In particular, we measure how the floc size distribution responds to changing environmental factors of turbulent energy, sediment concentration, and changes in base water composition and salinity during summer and winter. We also compare observations from the tank experiments to in situ observations. Turbulence shear rate, a measure of river hydrodynamic energy, was found to be the most influential factor in determining mud floc size. All flocs produced at a given shear rate could be kept in suspension down to shear rates of approximately 20 s−1. At this shear rate, flocs on the order of 150–200 μm and larger can settle out. Equilibrium floc size was not found to depend on sediment concentration; flocs larger than 100 μm formed in sediment concentrations as low as 20 mgL−1. An increase in salinity generated by adding salts to river water suspensions did not increase the flocculation rate or equilibrium size. However, the addition of water collected from the Gulf of Mexico to river-water suspensions did enhance the flocculation rate and the equilibrium sizes. We speculate that the effects of Gulf of Mexico water originate from its biomatter content rather than its ion composition. Floc sizes in the mixing tanks were comparable to those from the field for similar estimated turbulent energy. Flocs were found to break within minutes under increased turbulence but can take hours to grow under conditions of reduced shear in freshwater settings. Growth was faster with the addition of Gulf of Mexico water. Overall, the experiments provide information on how suspended mud in the lower reaches of the Mississippi might respond to changes in turbulence and salinity moving from the fluvial to marine setting through natural distributary channels or man-made diversions.

IntroductionSolar urticaria (SU), a relatively rare skin inflammatory and photosensitivity disease, is often resistant to standard urticaria treatment. Quality of life (QOL) among SU patients has not been extensively explored. This study was performed to clarify the clinical features and effectiveness of therapies (e.g., hardening therapy) for SU and to determine QOL among SU patients.MethodsThe authors examined the characteristics, treatments, and QOL statuses of 29 Japanese SU patients using medical records and a questionnaire approach.ResultsAmong 29 patients, H1 antihistamine therapy (H1) was effective in 22 (75.8%) patients. H2 antihistamine therapy (H2) was effective in three of seven (42.9%) patients. Ultraviolet radiation A (UVA) hardening therapy was effective in eight of nine (88.9%) patients. Visible light (VL) hardening therapy was ineffective in three of three patients. In one patient who underwent both UVA and VL hardening therapy, only UVA hardening therapy was effective. In the questionnaire, 18 patients (90%) reported some improvement compared with disease onset (four had complete remission, six had completed treatment although mild symptoms persisted, and eight were receiving treatment with moderate symptoms), whereas two patients reported exacerbation. Patients in complete remission had a mean disease duration of 4 years, whereas patients not in remission had a mean disease duration of 8.8 years. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score for the current status was 7.4. There was a correlation between DLQI and symptom/treatment status. However, neither DLQI and action spectra nor DLQI and treatments exhibited significant differences.DiscussionThe questionnaire revealed current QOL status and long-term prognosis in SU patients. Compared with disease onset, most patients showed improvement when assessed for this study. Both H1 and H2 should be attempted for all SU patients. UVA hardening therapy may be an option for SU patients with an action spectrum that includes UVA.