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Background: Since last decade, a device called PAKDAM (means clean inspiration) was invented in Iran which has been used in some cafe to prepare N2O and O2 as a new instrument instead of using water pipe. This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory and health effects of Pakdam and investigate its short and midterm side effects in users. Materials and Methods: In a case-control pilot study between September 2021 and March 2022, 152 individuals were divided into two groups: 76 consumers (case) and 76 non-consumers (control). Both groups were divided into two groups of 36 smokers and 36 non-smokers. Participants signed the participation form and filled out the demographic data questionnaire, and then their vital signs, O2 saturation, expiratory CO, and spirometry tests were recorded. Results: The subjects who used the device had a mean blood pressure of 123.71±16.11 mmHg, oxygen saturation of 97.2±1.9, exhaled carbon monoxide of 9.8±5.5, and an FVC / FEV1 ratio of 88.5±7.9. These figures in control group were (137.79±18.15) - (94.1±4.2) - (14.3 ± 9.3) and (83.9 ± 10.4), respectively. In addition to the effects on the respiratory system, consumers had lower heart rates and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Conclusion: The blood oxygen level and FEV1/FVC ratio were higher in subjects using Pakdam and the amount of exhaled carbon monoxide and blood pressure were lower. This condition was more common in smokers and less in non-smokers. It is possible to see the favorable effects of using Pakdam device on people especially in smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most problems in developing countries is the integrated waste management and the effects on Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used in this paper as a decision supporting tool in planning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) managements. Methods: In this paper the EPA's Waste Reduction Model (WARM) that provide GHG emission factors for waste stream components that are based on life Cycle Inventory (LCI) framework were used and The MSW management methods comprised in seven scenarios. Results: The amount of GHG which was generated from Iran's waste sector estimated about 17836079 Metric Tons of Carbon dioxide Equivalents (MT CO2e) in this study. The lowest amount of GHG was generated by LFG capture system with energy recovery (557635 MT CO2e), while Incineration of materials being sent to landfill (1756823 MT CO2e), Landfill Gas (LFG) capture system with flaring (2929150 MT CO2e) and Improved source reduction and recycling (4780278 MT CO2e) emitted fewer GHG than the other scenarios. Lowest levels of gross energy consumption occur in source reduction with recycling and composting (-89356240 Mega British Thermal Unit, M BTU), recycling and composting (-86772060 M BTU) as well as Improved source reduction with recycling and composting (-54794888 M BTU). Conclusions: It appears that recycling and composting each offer significant GHG emissions and energy consumption reductions (scenarios 4, 5 and 6). Upon of the GHG emission and energy consumption results concluded that improved source reduction and recycling scenario has been the Balanced and appropriate technology for handling the solid waste streams in municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pervasive generation of sewage sludge (SES) and deficiencies in its disposal methods have resulted in several significant environmental and human health challenges. This study explored the catalytic effect of nickel (Ni)-based CeO 2 , ZrO 2 , Zr 0 . 8 Ce 0 . 2 O 2 , Zr 0 . 4 Ce 0 . 6 O 2 , and γ-Al 2 O 3 supports in fixed beds and foam reactors in the steam gasification of SES. A comparison of the hydrogen selectivity and gas yield of the synthesized catalysts confirmed that the metal composite support, especially Zr 0 . 8 Ce 0 . 2 O 2 , had a positive effect on the catalytic activity and stability. This can be attributed to the enhanced oxygen vacancies and oxygen mobility, resistance to coke deposition, uniform morphology, improved dispersion, and increased number of Ni sites on the Zr 0 . 8 Ce 0 . 2 O 2 support. Furthermore, foam reactors offer unique advantages in improving hydrogen production. This study provides an advanced strategy for SES valorization that fulfills the requirements of an economically and environmentally sustainable technology., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)