Cumulative Volume Research Articles

Hydrological drought assessment of the Sava River basin in South-Eastern Europe

ABSTRACT Hydrological drought poses significant challenges to water resources, ecosystems, and human activities, necessitating comprehensive investigation. Monthly streamflow data from 12 monitoring stations across the Sava River basin were utilized to compute the streamflow drought index (SDI). The Mann–Kendall test evaluated trends, and the SDI's hydrological states were classified based on cumulative streamflow volumes. The study identified an alarming 83.3% of stations exhibiting statistically significant decreases in summer streamflow, indicating a widespread and concerning trend of declining water availability in the Sava River basin. Drought severity was particularly pronounced in tributaries such as the Vrbas and Bosna rivers, emphasizing the heterogeneous nature of hydrological changes. These findings underscore the urgent need for adaptive water resource management strategies in the face of escalating hydrological drought risks, especially given the far-reaching consequences on agriculture, industry, ecosystems, and social well-being. The study provides crucial insights for developing targeted resilience measures tailored to the specific challenges presented by the diverse hydrological conditions in the Sava River basin.

Optimizing binders with maximum using of industrial waste to develop low carbon ultra-high performance concrete

Optimizing binders by using industrial waste and then adjusting microstructure has potential to develop low production cost and low carbon emission ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) to meet different practical engineering requirements. This study first investigates the influence of silica fume, cenosphere and fly ash on paste mixing time, flowability, flexural and compressive strength of UHPC by using three-factor and four-level orthogonal test. Moreover, the effect of fly ash and slag content were further discussed, and the modification mechanisms of binders were revealed by analyzing pore structure, interface and characteristics of hydration products. The results show that silica fume and cenosphere are the most sensitive factors affecting paste mixing time and flowability of UHPC, respectively. The sensitivity of binders on compressive and flexural strength of UHPC can be ranked according to silica fume > fly ash > cenosphere and cenosphere > fly ash > silica fume, respectively. The binders’ composition for low-carbon UHPC with compressive strength grade of 120 MPa is that cement: cenosphere: silica fume: fly ash equals to 1:0.33:0.33:0.56, and the total amount of fly ash reaches 40%. Meanwhile, the 28d compressive/flexural strength decreases and the flowability increases with the increase of fly ash content, resulting from pore volume with size of 5–50 nm and Ca/Si ratio on the interface between steel fiber and matrix increase. The flowability of UHPC with slag is reduced and the cumulative pore volume with size of 50 nm–5 um pores is increased due to the influence of slag morphology, but the porosity and interfacial Ca/Si ratio is reduced because of the high pozzolanic activity of slag, leading to similar compressive and flexural strength with that of UHPC with fly ash.

Research on the industry sequence for the expansion of China's carbon market: From the perspectives of stabilizing economic growth and employment

Since the national carbon market in China started trading in 2021, only over 2000 enterprises in the power generation industry have participated in the trading, with a small cumulative trading volume. There is an urgent demand for market expansion. Currently, the Chinese economy is still in the recovery stage, facing significant employment pressure. In order to avoid a large negative impact of the expansion of the Chinese carbon market on the economy, key industries should be systematically included in the national carbon market. We developed a social accounting matrix (SAM) multiplier analysis based on industry grouping and consider two scenarios: first, each key industry reduces CO2 emissions by 1 ton, and second, each key industry reduces CO2 emissions by 1 %. For the first scenario, we calculate the marginal value added and employment impacts of carbon reduction. For the second scenario, the impact of carbon reduction on the elasticity of value added and the elasticity of employment are calculated. Industries with the higher added value and employment losses per unit of carbon reduction should be included later in China's national carbon market. The sorting results of the two scenarios can mutually corroborate each other. Our order of inclusion is different from the market's expectations, and the results are also different from previous relevant studies. On the one hand, we not only calculates the direct economic impact of key industries included in the national carbon market but also calculates the indirect and induced economic impacts. On the other hand, we used a “from the outside to the inside” planning method rather than “from the inside to the outside.” We recommend sequentially including the remaining seven key industries in the national carbon market according to the order in this article.

Deep Learning and Histogram-Based Grain Size Analysis of Images.

Grain size analysis is used to study grain size and distribution. It is a critical indicator in sedimentary simulation experiments (SSEs), which aids in understanding hydrodynamic conditions and identifying the features of sedimentary environments. Existing methods for grain size analysis based on images primarily focus on scenarios where grain edges are distinct or grain arrangements are regular. However, these methods are not suitable for images from SSEs. We proposed a deep learning model incorporating histogram layers for the analysis of SSE images with fuzzy grain edges and irregular arrangements. Firstly, ResNet18 was used to extract features from SSE images. These features were then input into the histogram layer to obtain local histogram features, which were concatenated to form comprehensive histogram features for the entire image. Finally, the histogram features were connected to a fully connected layer to estimate the grain size corresponding to the cumulative volume percentage. In addition, an applied workflow was developed. The results demonstrate that the proposed method achieved higher accuracy than the eight other models and was highly consistent with manual results in practice. The proposed method enhances the efficiency and accuracy of grain size analysis for images with irregular grain distribution and improves the quantification and automation of grain size analysis in SSEs. It can also be applied for grain size analysis in fields such as soil and geotechnical engineering.

Assessment and optimization of maximum magnitude forecasting models for induced seismicity in enhanced geothermal systems: The Gonghe EGS project in Qinghai, China

Seismic activity induced during the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) is frequent and poses significant hazards. This study aims to accurately forecast the maximum magnitude (Mmax) of induced earthquakes to effectively manage seismic risks. Focusing on the EGS project in Gonghe County, Qinghai Province, we evaluated and optimized various widely-applied Mmax forecasting models, while also endeavoring to directly forecast maximum magnitudes in the post-closure phase. Initially, advanced deep learning models (such as PhaseNet and GaMMA) were employed to process seismic data, coupled with VELEST and HypoDD methods for earthquake relocation. Subsequently, four currently widely recognized maximum magnitude (Mmax) forecasting models (H14, NRBE, V16, and G17) were utilized to forecast and assess Mmax during nine hydraulic fracturing stages, six post-closure stages exhibiting tailing effects, and the entirety of the 2019–2021 period in the Gonghe EGS project. The findings indicate significant disparities in the efficacy of different forecasting models during hydraulic fracturing stages, with no model fully aligning with the complex physical mechanisms of induced seismicity. NRBE and G17 models tend to overestimate Mmax forecasting, potentially escalating production costs, whereas H14 and V16 models yield results closer to actual values but are susceptible to the influence of real seismic breakthroughs. Furthermore, distinct discrepancies were observed in the Mmax forecasting performance of the same model between hydraulic fracturing and post-closure stages. Attempts to directly forecast Mmax post-closure achieved certain efficacy, likely due to the cumulative injection volume exerting a degree of control over induced seismic activity in both stages. Lastly, to overcome limitations in current Mmax forecasting models, a hybrid model Y24, integrating the advantages of four forecasting models, was proposed, demonstrating higher accuracy and reliability in forecasting during both hydraulic fracturing and post-closure stages. The study's findings provide crucial technical support and decision-making basis for the seismic risk management of EGS projects or shale gas development projects employing hydraulic fracturing, underscoring their significance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of new energy and resource development endeavors.

Understanding the synergistic geopolymerization mechanism of multiple solid wastes in ternary geopolymers

The use of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), fly ash (FA) and steel slag (SS) to form ternary geopolymers consumes several industrial solid wastes and produces high-performance construction materials. However, the unexplored synergistic geopolymerization mechanism of multiple solid wastes limits the design of high-performance ternary geopolymers. This study investigated the synergistic mechanism through testing the macroscopic performances such as unconfined compressive strength (UCS), final setting time (FST) and fluidity, and characterizing the microscopic structure of ternary geopolymers with different mixture proportions. In addition, the influence of variables on strength development of ternary geopolymers is analyzed by developing machine learning models. Results reveal that the highest strength of ternary geopolymers was achieved at a ratio of FA to GBFS to SS of 3:5:2, and alkali activator to precursor materials of 0.08. Addition of 20 % SS refines the pore network, reducing cumulative and detrimental pore volumes, thus enhancing compressive strength. In addition, the SS addition extends the heat generation peak during geopolymerization due to its slower reaction kinetics. Material components (Na/Al, Si/Al, Ca/Si) have a significant influence on UCS, with Na/Al ratio being the most sensitive variable. The study provides a new approach for utilization of bulk industrial wastes.

Use of rice straw nano-biochar to slow down water infiltration and reduce nitrogen leaching in a clayey soil

Biochar exhibits numerous advantages in enhancing the soil environment despite a few limitations due to its lower surface energy. Nanomodified biochar combines the advantages of biochar and nanoscale materials. However, its effects on water infiltration and N leaching in a clayey soil remain unclear. Therefore, this study prepared rice straw nano-biochar by a ball milling method, and investigated its physicochemical properties and effects of bulk biochar and nano-biochar at various addition rates (0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, and 5 %) on wetting peak migration, cumulative infiltration, water absorption and retention, and N leaching. The results showed that, compared with bulk biochar, nano-biochar presented a more abundant pore structure with an increase in specific surface area of approximately 1.5 times, accompanied by a 20 % increase in acid functional groups. Compared with those for clayey soil without biochar addition, the wetting front migration time was increased by 10.2 %–123.9 % and 17.0 %–257.9 %, and the cumulative infiltration volume at 60 min was decreased by 26.0 %–48.4 % and 14.1 %–62.4 % for bulk biochar and nano-biochar, respectively. The parameter S of Philip model and the parameter a of Kostiakov model for nano-biochar were lower than those for bulk biochar, whereas the parameter b of Kostiakov model was greater, indicating that nano-biochar decreased initial soil infiltration rate and increased attenuation degree of the infiltration rate. Nano-biochar increased water absorption by 8.03 % and subsequently enhanced water retention capacity relative to bulk biochar. In addition, bulk biochar and nano-biochar reduced NH4+-N leaching by 3.0 %–13.1 % and 5.7 %–39.2 %, respectively, and NO3−-N leaching by 2.7 %–3.6 % and 9.0 %–43.3 %, respectively, by decreasing N concentration and leachate volume relative to those with no biochar addition. This study provides new knowledge for nano-biochar application in a clayey soil.

Small-volume blood sample collection tubes in adult intensive care units: A rapid practice guideline.

This Intensive Care Medicine Rapid Practice Guideline (ICM-RPG) provides an evidence-based recommendation to address the question: in adult patients in intensive care units (ICUs), should we use small-volume or conventional blood collection tubes? We included 23 panelists in 8 countries and assessed and managed financial and intellectual conflicts of interest. Methodological support was provided by the Guidelines in Intensive Care, Development, and Evaluation (GUIDE) group. We conducted a systematic review, including evidence from observational and randomized studies. Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, we evaluated the certainty of evidence and developed recommendations using the Evidence-to-Decision framework. We identified 8 studies (1 cluster and 2 patient-level randomized trials; 5 observational studies) comparing small-volume to conventional tubes. We had high certainty evidence that small-volume tubes reduce daily and cumulative blood sampling volume; and moderate certainty evidence that they reduce the risk of transfusion and mean number of red blood cell units transfused, but these estimates were limited by imprecision. We had high certainty that small-volume tubes have a similar rate of specimens with insufficient quantity. The panel considered that the desirable effects of small-volume tubes outweigh the undesirable effects, are less wasteful of resources, and are feasible, as demonstrated by successful implementation across multiple countries, although there are upfront implementation costs to validate small-volume tubes on laboratory instrumentation. This ICM-RPG panel made a strong recommendation for the use of small-volume sample collection tubes in adult ICUs based on overall moderate certainty evidence.

Effects of gravel on the water infiltration process and hydraulic parameters of stony soil in the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain, China

The investigation into the impact of gravel on water infiltration process and hydraulic parameters in stony soil could offer a theoretical basis to enhance water availability in rocky mountain area. A one-dimensional vertical infiltration experiment was used in this study. Six groups of gravel content of 0% (CK), 10% (W1), 20% (W2), 30% (W3), 40% (W4) and 50% (W5) were established to explore the changes in the wetting front, cumulative infiltration volume and infiltration rate. Then the accuracy of four infiltration models in simulating soil water infiltration processes was evaluated. Finally, Hydrus-1D was used to perform numerical inversion of the soil water content after infiltration. The findings revealed that: (1) When the infiltration time reached 300 min, the wetting front of the W1, W2, W3, W4 and W5 treatments was 11.00%, 17.00%, 32.25%, 38.75% and 54.50% lower than CK, the cumulative infiltration volume was 29.80%, 38.97%, 45.62%, 54.74% and 73.17% lower than CK, and the stable infiltration rate was 50.98%, 52.94%, 66.67%, 68.63% and 86.27% lower than CK. (2) The soil–water infiltration processes were accurately described by the Horton model, the coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.935. (3) The simulation results of Hydrus-1D showed that with the increase of gravel content, the values of the retention water content (θr), saturated water content (θs), shape coefficient (n) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) were decreased, the values of the reciprocal of air-entry (α) were increased. The value of R2 was more than 0.894, the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were less than 2%, which demonstrated that the Hydrus-1D model exhibited superior capability in simulating the changes of water content in stony soil in rocky mountain area. The findings of this study demonstrated that gravel could decrease the water infiltration process and affect the water availability. It could provide data support for the water movement process of stony soil and rational utilization of limited water resources in mountainous area.

Effects of Muddy Water Infiltration on the Hydraulic Conductivity of Soils

Despite the high sand content of Yellow River water in arid Northwest China, locals in the region opt to use muddy water to meet the demand for agricultural irrigation. Muddy water irrigation is a complex process and is still poorly understood. In this study, six sets of saturated soil column infiltration tests were designed, considering soil texture (silt loam, sandy loam, and sand) and muddy water sand content (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) as the influencing factors, with two sets of validation tests. Change in hydraulic conductivity (Kh), the average change rate of hydraulic conductivity (ΔK), and cumulative infiltration volume (I) were experimentally studied in the context of muddy water infiltration to respectively establish the separate functional models and developed to fit their relationship with time. The study results indicated that the hydraulic conductivity (Kh) decreased with increasing muddy water infiltration time. For silt loam and sandy loam, Kh stabilized at 0.0030 and 0.0109 cm/min, respectively, after 70 min of infiltration. In contrast, Kh in the saturated sandy soil column significantly declined throughout the muddy water infiltration, showing a 90.84% reduction after 90 min compared to the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the sandy soil. As the sand content of the muddy water increased from 3% to 12%, Kh decreased by 83.99%, 90.90%, 91.92%, and 92.21% for 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% sand content, respectively, in the saturated sandy soil columns at the end of the infiltration period. The I values were 21.20, 9.29, 7.90, and 6.25 cm for 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% sand content, respectively. The ΔK values were 0.0037, 0.0041, 0.0043, and 0.0044 cm/min2 for the respective sand contents, at an infiltration time of 80 min. The validation test demonstrated that the segmented function model accurately emulated the changes in hydraulic conductivity of sandy soil textures throughout the infiltration period. Results from this study provide a significant basis for understanding the mechanisms to hinder muddy water infiltration and to efficiently utilize muddy water for irrigation.

Исследование пространственно-временных закономерностей развития сейсмичности в подработанной толще массива на Расвумчоррском руднике

Studies of the spatial and temporal patterns of seismic activity development in the undermined rock mass have been performed at the Rasvumchorr Mine. The main cluster associated with generation of rock caving in the overhang part has been identified. It is established that caving was developing gradually from the depth of the rock mass towards the surface. The results are presented of estimating the quantitative parameters of the seismic process in the undermined rock stratum, i.e. the energy index and the cumulative apparent volume, which reflect the stress changes in the rock mass. Ranges of the stable state of the rock mass, when the overhang rocks do not cave, as well as the ranges of active fracturing and caving of the overhang rocks have been identified. Changes in these parameters for the studied area of the deposit reflect the loading and strength degradation stages in the rock mass. The results of this study correlate well with the data on actual caving of the undermined rock strata. This work is a continuation of the authors' research into the problem of identifying spatial and temporal patterns in the development of undermined rock strata cavings in the tectonically stressed Khibiny massif.

Investigation of solid waste generation rate and biogas production

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) of organic waste is one of the most promising processes and is the ideal solution for the disposal of organic waste (OW) and at the same time, the production of methane gas which may be used as a sustainable energy resource. An anaerobic biodigester with a volume of (20) liters has been used to digest organic waste and to trace the changes that occur during the AD process. Operating parameters such as temperature, pH, total solids, and volatile solids (TS, VS) have been measured which have a significant impact on the rate and quality of biogas production. Experiments on anaerobic biodegradation of OW-SS were monitored under mesophilic conditions (temperature 37 °C, retention time 30–31 days). The pH value varied between (4.2–5.8) for OW-SS. During 30 days of the detection period, the maximum methane production (corrected) occurred on day 21 which was equal to 254.3-ml. The cumulative volume of the produced methane was recorded as (3409 ml), OW-SS, and these results were corrected to the standard conditions, where after correction, it became (2929 ml). The highest rate of methane concentration was estimated at (52 %) for OW-SS, while the rate of decrease in the TS and VS was (54 %, and 45 %), respectively. It is recommended to examine the changes that occur if a larger digester is used than the one used in the current study, such as 50 L, 100 L …. Etc. To compare the data obtained in this study with the results of larger digestions to allow for the opportunity to build anaerobic digesters at the plant level with the benefit of renewable energy production. It is also recommended to investigate the impact of some types of pretreatments on biogas production such as the use of alkali, enzymatic, ultrasonic treatment or acid ton the solid waste feed.

CH4 production potential of autotrophic nitrification bacteria produced in the submerged nitrification bioreactor in the laboratory and kinetic analysis

ABSTRACT In this study, CH4 production capacity of nitrification bacteria (NB) obtained from the submerged biofilter in the laboratory was investigated. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) test was carried out with the NB amount of zero (control, CR), 5% (R1), 10% (R2), and 15% (R3) at a temperature of about 37 ± 0.5°C. Compared to the CR, significantly higher cumulative CH4 volume of about 290, 490, and 715 mL were determined in the R1, R2, and R3, respectively. All the applied kinetic models gave good results (R 2 ≥0.97), while the Transference Function and First-order models provided the better R 2 values. The delay phase (λ) was not observed in the AD process, and CH4 production started immediately on the first day of operation. The predicted k value of 0.133 day−1 was high in CR, while it was approximately between 0.078 and 0.112 day−1 for the higher amount of NB containing BMP units, which indicated that the AD required long reaction time.

The only purple-flower species in Actaea L. is pollinated by a hornet

Abstract Examining the pollination biology of plant species is not only crucial for enhancing our understanding of their reproductive biology, but also essential for elucidating their adaptation and evolutionary history. Here, we investigated the breeding system and pollination biology of two closely related species in Actaea. The flower of A. purpurea is unique in the genus with purple and chartaceous (paper-like) sepals, fewer stamens with yellow anthers and purple filaments. Through three seasons of field observation and exclusion experiments, we determined that A. purpurea was primarily pollinated by a hornet species, Vespa bicolor, which also served as the most efficient pollinator. In contrast, A. japonica was primarily pollinated by large flies. Actaea purpurea exhibited a significantly higher cumulative nectar volume than A. japonica, which could be a crucial factor in attracting V. bicolor. A control experiment further demonstrated that removing the nectar leaf (petal) significantly decreased the visiting frequency of V. bicolor. Breeding system studies revealed that both species were self-compatible, yet they primarily underwent outcrossing in natural habitats. Our study presents a compelling case of possible pollinator shift in A. purpurea accompanied by morphological divergence. A more in-depth investigation of this system would offer crucial insights into the extent to which pollinators are involved in the plant speciation process and whether they contribute to reproductive isolation between closely related species.

Assessing survival in non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases after stereotactic radiosurgery: before and after the start of the targetable mutation era.

Targeted treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases (BMs) may be combined with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to optimize survival. We assessed patient outcomes after SRS for NSCLC BMs, identifying survival trajectories associated with targetable mutations. In this retrospective time-dependent analysis, we analyzed median overall survival of patients who received ≥ 1 SRS courses for BM from NSCLC from 2001 to 2021. We compared survival of patients with and without targetable mutations based on clinical variables and treatment. Among the 213 patients included, 87 (40.8%) had targetable mutations-primarily EGFR (22.5%)-and 126 (59.2%) did not. Patients with targetable mutations were more often female (63.2%, p <.001) and nonsmokers (58.6%, p <.001); had higher initial lung-molGPA (2.0 vs. 1.5, p <.001) and lower cumulative tumor volume (3.7 vs. 10.6 cm3, p <.001); and received more concurrent (55.2% vs. 36.5%, p =.007) and total (median 3 vs. 2, p <.001) systemic therapies. These patients had lower mortality rates (74.7% vs. 91.3%, p <.001) and risk (HR 0.298 [95%CI 0.190-0.469], p <.001) and longer median overall survival (20.2 vs. 7.4 months, p <.001), including survival ≥ 3 years (p =.001). Survival was best predicted by SRS with tumor resection in patients with non-targetable mutations (HR 0.491 [95%CI 0.318-757], p =.001) and by systemic therapy with SRS for those with targetable mutations (HR 0.124 [95%CI 0.013-1.153], p =.067). The presence of targetable mutations enhances survival in patients receiving SRS for NSCLC BM, particularly when used with systemic therapies. Survival for patients without targetable mutations was longest with SRS and surgical resection. These results inform best practices for managing patients with NSCLC BM based on driver mutation status.

Study of the methanogenic potential of used grease and bleaching earth by conversion into biogas: The case of a wastewater treatment plant and a refinery

The structure from which this study was carried out is a food processing company specializing in the transformation of crude palm oil into table oil. In order to comply with environmental standards when discharging the refinery's wastewater, it has its own wastewater treatment unit. The aim of this study is to contribute to environmental protection by recovering grease and bleaching earth through biogas production by anaerobic digestion. The characterization provided us with moisture, dry matter and volatile solids contents the values obtained are 32.31%, 67.69% and 97.57% respectively. In the same order, those for bleaching earth are 1.80%, 98.20% and 59.97%. The values obtained during the characterization of the bleaching earth are not conducive to good anaerobic digestion. To optimise biogas production from fat, we used inoculums such as cattle dung and broiler droppings. Biodegradability tests carried out with different proportions of substrates and inoculums led to the conclusion that the presence of a large quantity of microorganisms is necessary for optimum biogas production. In addition, the grease produced a good quantity of biogas when co-digested with the inoculums. The cumulative volume of biogas obtained over 30 days with the grease was 445 ml. The highest quantity of biogas obtained by optimising gas production is 780 ml.

Microstructural analysis of the pore size and volume distribution of bentonite at two different hydraulic states utilizing different drying techniques

Bentonite, which is known as adsorbent expansive clay, is widely used as a nanoparticle in a variety of applications due to its unique microstructure. Analyzing the pore size distribution is crucial for studying its microstructural behavior. Drying techniques and initial moisture content play a significant role in the microstructural changes of clays. This study aimed to investigate how different drying techniques and initial moisture content influence the pore size and volume distribution of bentonite. The results indicate a correlation between drying techniques and hydraulic states with the microstructural changes observed in bentonite. Pore size distribution analysis reveals distinct differences in micro, meso, and macro-pore volumes depending on the employed drying techniques. Conventional drying methods show significant alterations in pore volume distribution for specimens prepared with moisture content from dry and wet of the compaction curve's optimum water content. Conversely, a separate phenomenon is observed for specimens subjected to direct outgassing without prior drying. It is observed that specimens undergoing outgassing at elevated temperatures exhibit almost similar pore volume distributions between dry and wet specimens. Dry specimens exhibit a higher cumulative pore volume and a greater number of macro pores compared to wet specimens when subjected to a specific drying method. Moreover, specimens subjected to outgassed freeze-drying, oven-drying, and air-drying exhibit significant changes in cumulative pore volume distribution compared to those without outgassing treatment. These findings highlight the importance of employing a standardized drying technique to accurately predict the microstructural behavior of bentonite clay and understand its pore-size distribution.

Clinical Effect of the Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine "Goreisan" on Water Balance in Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Since severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) involves inflammatory mediators produced by local inflammation of the pancreas that trigger a systemic inflammatory response, intensive fluid management is required to maintain hemodynamics in the early stages of the onset of SAP. Goreisan is considered to have a diuretic effect in a state of excess water and an antidiuretic effect in a state of dehydration, regulating water balance in both directions. We investigated the clinical effects of Goreisan on water balance in SAP patients. Patients and methods: SAP patients admitted to our ICU within 72 hours of being diagnosed with SAP were divided into two groups: the Rikkunshito group (before October 2015) and theGoreisan group (after November 2015). Cumulative volume of fluid infusion, urine, fluid removal by CHF, nasogastric tube drainage, and water balance from day 1 to day 5 of ICU admission. Thirty patients were included. The median age was 57 (40-69) years, and 21/30 (70%) were male. The prognostic factor score in Japanese criteria for acute pancreatitis was 5.5 (3.3-7). Of the thirty patients, 14 were in the Rikkunshito group, and 16 were in the Goreisan group. There were no differences in the cumulative volume of fluid infusion, urine, fluid removal by CHF, or nasogastric tube drainage from day 1 to day 5 of ICU admission between the two groups. However, the cumulative water balance from day 1 to day 5 of admission was 4,957 ± 6,091 mL in the Rikkunshito group, whereas it was lower in the Goreisan group at 498 ± 3,918 mL (P = 0.023). Our study showed that Goreisan administration in patients with severe acute pancreatitis might improve water balance in the early phase of onset. Early administration of Goreisan at the onset of severe acute pancreatitis may regulate fluid movement between capillaries and interstitium and alleviate fluid overload due to water refill.

Applying taper function models for black locust plantations in Greek post-mining areas

A key process in forest management planning is the estimation of tree volume and, more specifically, merchantable volume. The ability to predict the cumulative stem volume relative to any upper stem diameter on standing trees or stands is essential for forest inventories and the management of forest resources. In the 1980s, the Hellenic Public Power Corporation (HPPC) started the rehabilitation of lignite post-mining areas in Greece by planting mainly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, L.). Today, these plantations occupy an area of approximately 2570 ha, but the stem volume has not yet been estimated. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the over- and under-bark stem volume using taper function models for 30 destructively sampled trees. Of the nineteen calibrated fixed-effects models, Kozak’s (2004) equation performed best for both the over-bark and under-bark datasets, followed by Lee’s (2003) and Muhairwe’s (1999) equations. Two fixed effect models were compared with fitted coefficients from Poland and the United States confirming that the local model fits were better suited, as the foreign model coefficients caused an increase in root mean square error (RMSE) for stem diameter predictions of 13% and 218%, respectively. The addition of random effects on a single-stem basis for two coefficients of Kozak’s (2004) equation improved the model fit significantly at 86% of the over-bark fixed effect RMSE and 69% for the under-bark model. Integrated taper functions were found to slightly outperform three volume equations for predictions of single stem volume over and under bark. Ultimately it was shown that these models can be used to precisely predict stem diameters and total stem volume for the population average as well as for specific trees of the black locust plantations in the study area.

A highly efficient adsorbent adapting to low pH condition for Pb(II) sequestration from aqueous solution − marine diatom: Laboratory and pilot scale tests

Highly efficient, economically feasible and environmentally friendly adsorbents have been a research hotspot for heavy metal sequestration. In the present study, dried marine diatom biomass (mainly composed of Chaetoceros sp.), which possessed high suface area and cumulative pore volume of 5.72 m2/g and 0.028 cm3/g, respectivly, were used to adsorb Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The immoblized marine diatom beads and an adsorption reactor filled with the beads were further investigated for continuous Pb(II) removal. The removal efficiency was evaluated as a function of contact time, initial concentration, pH and co-existing cations. Results indicated that the dried diatom biomass and the immobilized diatom beads effectively adsorbed Pb(II) under pH > 3.0 and pH > 4 0.0 conditions, respectively. The optimal conditions for the immobilized diatom beads preparation were: diatom powder dosage of 5.0 g / 100 mL sodium alginate solution, sodium alginate concentration of 20 g/L, CaCl2 concentration of 2 %, and cross linking time of 1 h. The Pb(II) adsorption on the marine diatom biomass and the immobilized beads were both well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir model. The maximumPb(II) adsorption capacities of the immobilized beads were 919.1 mg/g, which were much higher than that of the most of adsorbents reported elsewhere. Adsorption mechanism analysis demonstrated that Pb(II) was adsorbed onto the diatom biomass mainly through interaction with nitrogen bonds (mainly with pyrrolic nitrogen) and carboxylic groups, and ion exchange with light metals and hydrogen ions in quaternary nitrogen bonds. The diatom beads were used as adsorbents in a continuous Pb(II) treatment reactor, and the Pb(II) removal efficiency of the reactor reached to almost 100 % from the initial concentration of Pb(II) = 50 mg/L.