Economic Feasibility Research Articles

A critical Review on Advanced Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment: Fouling Reduction and Energy Demand

Objectives:Rapid industrialization has highlighted the importance of addressing environmental issues and the increasing demand for water supply. As a result, innovative solutions to improve water circulation management in both public and industrial sectors have been proposed, one of which is the introduction of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology. This study aims to understand the mechanisms and characteristics of membrane fouling in MBR processes and compare the associated energy consumption, with the goal of improving process efficiency and energy performance.Methods:In this study, various factors influencing the MBR process were considered to analyze the mechanisms and characteristics of membrane fouling. The impact of fouling on the process was assessed, and energy consumption was compared. Specifically, the power consumption of flat-sheet and hollow-fiber MBRs was analyzed, focusing on the proportion of energy used for microbial treatment and membrane cleaning. The Specific Energy Demand (SED) was calculated to evaluate the energy consumption efficiency of different fouling control methods in MBRs.Results and Discussion:In typical MBR processes, 68.0% (flat-sheet) and 53.0% (hollow-fiber) of the power consumption is attributed to air scouring for microbial treatment and membrane cleaning. Notably, 57.0% (flat-sheet) and 36.0% (hollow-fiber) of the power is consumed to supply air for detaching adhered foulants to maintain filtration performance. These results indicate that aeration is a major energy consumer in MBR processes. SED is a critical indicator for assessing the energy consumption of specific fouling control methods, with typical MBR processes having an SED of 0.2-0.3kWh/m3. In contrast, using a non-aerated membrane module with reciprocating inertial force for fouling control reduces SED to 0.005-0.01 kWh/m3, representing a 20-60 fold decrease in energy consumption, highlighting the need for energy reduction.Conclusion:This study provides insights into fouling reduction characteristics in MBR processes, suggesting a new paradigm for enhancing the economic feasibility of MBR technology. Applying non-aerated membrane modules to reduce energy consumption can significantly improve MBR efficiency, contributing to energy reduction and environmentally friendly technology development. Therefore, strategies to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact in MBR processes are essential.

Techno-economic analysis of nutrient recovery from urine: Centralized treatment of hydrolyzed urine vs. decentralized treatment of fresh urine

The centralized process integrating “Thermal NH3 stripping → Na-chabazite adsorption → Struvite precipitation” has been proposed for nutrient recovery from hydrolyzed urine. Meanwhile, a decentralized approach involving Na-chabazite and biochar adsorption has been suggested for fresh urine, followed by urea hydrolysis and the subsequent centralized integration of struvite precipitation and thermal stripping. However, a systematic comparison of nutrient recovery processes for fresh and hydrolyzed urine, evaluating both technical viability and financial feasibility, is lacking. This study addresses the gap by thoroughly examining both scenarios over a 30-year project, using Université Laval as a case study. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for techno-economic assessment, offering guidance for evaluating nutrient recovery processes prior to scaling up. The decentralized process achieved higher recovery efficiencies for nitrogen and phosphorus, at 89.4 % and 98.7 %, respectively. Financially, the decentralized scenario demonstrated its advantage in the lower initial investment requirement, thereby generating higher gross profits compared to the centralized scenario. As a result, it is projected to reach the break-even point in the 21st year, demonstrating its potential economic feasibility. Sensitivity analysis indicated that a 20 % increase in urine inflow rate and the price of urea-enriched biochar could further enhance the economic viability of both processes. Beyond financial considerations, both scenarios have the potential to reducing the contaminant loading rate in the downstream wastewater treatment plants and promote nutrient recovery and recycling.

Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Needle-Retractable Safety Syringes (NRSS) Adoption in Indian Healthcare Facilities

Description: Globally, sixteen billion injections are given each year, 95.00% of which are for medicinal purposes. This global injection burden is accounted for by India between 24.5% and 31.0%, and alarmingly, over 62.50% of these injections are performed improperly or are repeated. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the increased costs incurred by transitioning from traditional disposable syringes to Needle-Retractable Safety Syringes (NRSS) for beneficial usage in India. Methods: Utilizing a decision tree model, we evaluated the occurrence of needle-stick injuries and syringe reuse among healthcare personnel and patients. We calculated the lifetime costs associated with HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HBV - Hepatitis B Virus, and HCV - Hepatitis C Virus infections using three Markov models. Results: NRSS offer substantial benefits by reducing needle-stick injuries and preventing blood-borne infections. Among the options analyzed, Reuse Prevention (RUP) syringes emerged as the most cost-effective choice. In contrast, Single-Use Prevention (SIP) and NRSS syringes are currently not deemed cost-effective at their prevailing prices. We recommend prioritizing RUP syringes and exploring strategies to make them more affordable for broader accessibility. Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that, in the Indian context, RUP syringes present an economically viable solution. However, SIP and NRSS syringes do not currently offer cost-effectiveness. To enhance the cost-effectiveness of NRSS, concerted efforts should be directed towards reducing their price. Abbreviations: NRSS, Needle-Retractable Safety Syringes; RUP, Reuse Prevention; SIP, Single-Use Prevention; NSI, Needle Stick Injuries; BBI, Blood-borne Infections; QOL, Quality-of-life; BCC, Behavior Change Communication.

Upcycling PET wastes into high value-added 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) via tandem reactions

Upcycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes into high value-added oxygenated chemicals is desirable, yet it remains challenging. Herein, we develop a novel strategy to convert PET into 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) via two steps, the conversion of PET to dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DMCD) over Ni-based catalysts, followed by the hydrogenolysis of DMCD to CHDM over a CuMgAl catalyst. The key step is the production of DMCD from PET in one-pot reaction and an unprecedent yield of 86.5% DMCD yield is achieved over Pd-modified Ni/CeO2 catalyst, which to the best of our knowledge is the highest yield reported to date. Comprehensive characterizations demonstrate that the addition of Pd enhances hydrogen dissociation, but weakens the adsorption activation ability for C–O bond in esters, thus DMCD selectivity is improved. Over CuMgAl catalyst, DMCD is directly converted into CHDM with 83.8% yield. Furthermore, the techno-economic analysis proves the economic feasibility of converting PET into CHDM via our proposed strategy. The study provides a promising and effective approach to upcycle PET wastes into high value-added products.

An Empirical Study of the Economic Net-Zero Energy Mix in Industrial Complexes

This study examines the optimal energy mix for industrial complexes by incorporating renewable energy systems, decarbonization strategies, and sector coupling technologies. Using data from the Balan Industrial Complex in Korea, five energy scenarios were evaluated, ranging from conventional systems (Scenario 1) to advanced renewable configurations (Scenario 5). The results show that Scenario 5, which integrates sector coupling systems and decarbonization technologies, is the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Scenario 5 achieves the lowest Net Present Cost (NPC), and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Furthermore, an analysis of electricity prices and CO2 costs from Korea, the United States, and Germany highlights the critical role of regional electricity tariffs and carbon pricing in determining the economic feasibility of energy systems. While renewable setups require higher initial investments, Scenario 5 proves to be the most economically viable over time, offering both cost savings and environmental benefits. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders, emphasizing the importance of customized strategies to optimize energy systems in industrial applications.

Printing the Future Layer by Layer: A Comprehensive Exploration of Additive Manufacturing in the Era of Industry 4.0

In the era of Industry 4.0, 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), has revolutionized product design and manufacturing across various sectors. This review explores the evolution of 3D printing technology and its impact on industrial innovation, highlighting advancements in aeronautics, the automotive industry, and biomedicine. Various AM processes, such as binder jetting, direct energy deposition, and powder bed fusion, and materials like metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, are discussed. Innovations like high-speed sintering, continuous liquid interface production, and bioprinting demonstrate ongoing advancements. The potential of 3D printing in personalized medical applications is emphasized due to its flexibility in geometry and materials. Despite progress, challenges like standardization, material quality, recycling, sustainability, and economic feasibility hinder widespread adoption. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for optimizing 3D printing technologies, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and affordable production. The review also addresses the future prospects of 4D and 5D printing technologies and their potential applications in various industries. This overview underscores 3D printing’s role in shaping the future of manufacturing within the context of Industry 5.0, emphasizing human–machine collaboration and sustainability.

N, S-Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots with High Inhibition Efficiency: Implications for Corrosion Mitigation of Carbon Steel in Acidic Environments.

The environmental friendliness, economic feasibility, and high efficiency of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) render them as highly promising candidates for corrosion inhibitors. The present study proposed the fabrication of nitrogen- and sulfur-codoped CQDs via an one-step hydrothermal method using l-cysteine and 4-aminosalicylic acid as precursors. The structure, particle size, and surface ligands of the prepared CQDs were determined through spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterization. Subsequently, the inhibition performance of the CQDs on carbon steel in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid solution was evaluated through weight loss measurement, electrochemical methods, and surface analysis. The CQDs exhibited remarkable inhibition efficiencies of 97.9% at 293 K and 98.9% at 313 K, with a concentration of 150 ppm. In addition, the obtained CQDs demonstrated a combined physisorption and chemisorption adsorption behavior, which complied with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. These findings provide insight into the inhibition mechanism and highlight the potential of codoped CQDs for corrosion mitigation applications in acidic environments.

Nanostructured Magnetite Coated with BiOI Semiconductor: Readiness Level in Advanced Solar Photocatalytic Applications for the Remediation of Phenolic Compounds in Wastewater from the Wine and Pisco Industry

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an advanced, efficient oxidation process that uses solar energy to be sustainable and low-cost compared to conventional wastewater treatments. This study synthesized BiOI/Fe3O4 using the solvothermal technique, evaluating stoichiometric ratios of Bi/Fe (2:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 7:1) under simulated solar irradiation to optimize the degradation of caffeic acid, a pollutant found in wastewater from the wine and pisco industry. The nanomaterial with a 5:1 ratio (BF-5) was the most effective, achieving a degradation of 77.2% in 180 min. Characterization by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) showed that BF-5 has a porous three-dimensional structure with BiOI nanosheets coating the Fe3O4 surface, while retaining the pristine BiOI properties. The magnetite provided magnetic properties that facilitated the recovery of the photocatalyst, reaching 89.4% recovery. These findings highlight the potential of BF-5 as an efficient and recoverable photocatalyst for industrial applications. The technical, economic, and environmental feasibility were also evaluated at the technological readiness level (TRL) to project solar photocatalysis in real applications.

Removal of contaminants in paper dyeing wastewater by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes with biological treatment

Due to the production of huge quantity of potentially toxic and recalcitrant pollutants, which cannot be completely decomposed with conventional biological wastewater treatment processes, in the paper industry, reliable treatment processes are highly required. This study conducted effective experiments of different series of processes to decompose persistent contaminants in the paper wastewater under controlled conditions of the used processes to meet the effluent quality standards of Korea Ministry of Environment in terms of CODMn (< 130 mg/L). For Biological treatment, Fenton, and photo-Fenton processes, various operational parameters were adjusted to determine the optimal conditions for CODMn value. Due to large quantity of refractory contaminants in the wastewater, single treatment process was not enough to meet the requirement of CODMn. Herein, we achieved the goal with two approaches: (1) secondary Fenton oxidation after biological and primary Fenton treatments, and (2) photo-Fenton treatment after biological treatment alone. The secondary Fenton oxidation process is an additional process operated under the same condition of the primary Fenton treatment to treat the effluent from the primary Fenton treatment. Ultimately, the residual CODMn concentrations of the secondary Fenton and single photo-Fenton treatment were 62.7 and 85.3 mg/L, respectively. However, the secondary Fenton required larger amounts of reagents and produced significant amounts of sludge, which require post-treatment, compared to single photo-Fenton treatment. Therefore, it suggests that the application of photo-Fenton was more efficient than the secondary Fenton in terms of economic feasibility and post-treatment requirement.

Unveiling BaTiO3-SrTiO3 as Anodes for Highly Efficient and Stable Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Amidst the swift expansion of the electric vehicle industry, the imperative for alternative battery technologies that balance economic feasibility with sustainability has reached unprecedented importance. Herein, we utilized Perovskite-based oxide compounds barium titanate (BaTiO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanoparticles as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries from straightforward and standard carbonate-based electrolyte with 10% fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive [1M LiPF6 (1:1 EC: DEC) + 10% FEC]. SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 electrodes can deliver a high specific capacity of 80 mA h g-1 at a safe and low average working potential of ≈0.6 V vs. Li/Li+ with excellent high-rate performance with specific capacity of ~90 mA h g-1 at low current density of 20 mA g-1 and specific capacity of ~80 mA h g-1 for over 500 cycles at high current density of 100 mA g-1. Our findings pave the way for the direct utilization of perovskite-type materials as anode materials in Li-ion batteries due to their promising potential for Li+ ion storage. This investigation addresses the escalating market demands in a sustainable manner and opens avenues for the investigation of diverse perovskite oxides as advanced anodes for next-generation metal-ion batteries.

Sustainable Concrete Technology in the Field of Transmission Infrastructure: A Review

The increasing demand for energy and the imperative shift towards sustainable infrastructure have propelled research efforts towards developing eco - friendly materials for critical applications such as power transmission projects. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainable concrete technologies tailored specifically for power transmission infrastructure. The study delves into the environmental impact of conventional concrete used in such projects and explores innovative approaches to enhance sustainability. The review encompasses various aspects, including the incorporation of alternative binders such as fly ash, slag, and silica fumes, as well as the optimization of mix designs to reduce carbon footprint. Special attention is given to the performance, durability, and long - term resilience of sustainable concrete in comparison to traditional counterparts. Moreover, the document discusses the economic feasibility of implementing sustainable concrete in power transmission projects, considering factors such as material cost, construction practices, and life - cycle analysis. The abstract concludes with insights into ongoing research trends and potential future developments in sustainable concrete technologies, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and policymakers to promote environmentally conscious practices in the realm of power transmission infrastructure, taking into account desired power transmission best performance.

Recycling of Plastics in the Automotive Sector and Methods of Removing Paint for Its Revalorization: A Critical Review.

The presence of plastics in the automotive industry is increasingly significant due to their lightweight nature, which contributes to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while improving versatility and mechanical properties. Polypropylene (PP) and other polyolefins are among the most commonly used materials, especially for components such as bumpers. The use of composite materials, i.e., a combination of different polymers, improves the properties through synergistic effects, thereby also improving the performance of the final product. In the automotive industry, PP reinforced with 20% talc or CaCO3 is commonly used. The mechanical recycling of polypropylene bumpers is the most common type of recycling. However, challenges arise during this process, such as the presence of impurities like paint, chemical contaminants from previous use, and polymeric impurities from different polymers mixed into the polymer matrix, among others. Paint affects both the aesthetic quality and the mechanical and intrinsic properties of the recycled material. This review aims to analyze the main methods reported in the literature, focusing on those with low environmental impact. Furthermore, these methods are classified according to their capacity, effectiveness, substrate damage, environmental hazards, and economic feasibility. It also aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the mechanical recycling of plastic waste in the automotive industry.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment: Synergistic Integration of Reverse Electrodialysis with Electrochemical Degradation Driven by Low-Grade Heat

The reverse electrodialysis heat engine (REDHE) represents a transformative innovation that converts low-grade thermal energy into salinity gradient energy (SGE). This crucial form of energy powers reverse electrodialysis (RED) reactors, significantly changing wastewater treatment paradigms. This comprehensive review explores the forefront of this emerging field, offering a critical synthesis of key discoveries and theoretical foundations. This review begins with a summary of various oxidation degradation methods, including cathodic and anodic degradation processes, that can be integrated with RED technology. The degradation principles and characteristics of different RED wastewater treatment systems are also discussed. Then, this review examines the impact of several key operational parameters, degradation circulation modes, and multi-stage series systems on wastewater degradation performance and energy conversion efficiency in RED reactors. The analysis highlights the economic feasibility of using SGE derived from low-grade heat to power RED technology for wastewater treatment, offering the dual benefits of waste heat recovery and effective wastewater processing.

Ocean Wave Energy Conversion: A Review

The globally increasing demand for energy has encouraged many countries to search for alternative renewable sources of energy. To this end, the use of energy from ocean waves is of great interest to coastal countries. Hence, an assessment of the available resources is required to determine the appropriate locations where the higher amount of wave energy can be generated. The current paper presents a review of the resource characterizations for wave energy deployment. The paper gives, at first, a brief introduction and background to wave energy. Afterward, a detailed description of formulations and metrics used for resource characterization is introduced. Then, a classification of WECs (wave energy converters) according to their working principle, as well as PTO (power take off) mechanisms used for these WECs are introduced. Moreover, different sources for the long-term characterization of wave climate conditions are reviewed, including in situ measurements, satellite altimeters, and data reanalysis on one hand, and numerical simulations based on spectral wave models on the other hand. Finally, the review concludes by illustrating the economic feasibility of wave farms based on the use of the levelized cost of the energy index.

Mechanical Analysis and Optimization of Concrete Structures Based on Advanced Finite Element Method

This article explores the mechanical analysis and optimization problems of concrete structures based on the Advanced Finite Element Method. By integrating advanced numerical techniques with practical engineering cases, this study aims to improve the safety and economy of concrete structure design. Firstly, the paper outlines the limitations of traditional finite element methods in concrete structure analysis, such as insufficient computational accuracy and low computational efficiency. Subsequently, by introducing AFEM, we significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of the analysis. For example, when simulating a complex bridge structure, AFEM not only reduces the calculation time by about 25%, but also improves the accuracy of stress distribution prediction by more than 10%. In the optimization stage, we utilized the analysis results of AFEM and optimized the material consumption, cross-sectional dimensions, and reinforcement parameters of concrete structures through multi-objective optimization algorithms. A comprehensive data analysis underscores that the optimized concrete structure triumphantly meets all safety performance criteria while achieving a remarkable 12% reduction in material usage. This substantial material savings translates into a substantial 8% decrease in overall construction costs, significantly bolstering the project’s economic feasibility. Moreover, these cost savings not only amplify the project’s profitability but also play a pivotal role in enhancing the structure’s longevity and durability, thereby contributing to its sustainable performance over its entire service life. Furthermore, we delved into the capability of AFEM in simulating intricate phenomena such as the nonlinear behavior of concrete materials, crack propagation patterns, and the intricate interactions between steel reinforcements and concrete. These complex mechanical behaviors are crucial for the safety and stability of structures, and AFEM provides more comprehensive and accurate references for structural design by accurately simulating these behaviors. This article conducts in-depth research on the mechanical analysis and optimization of concrete structures based on AFEM, and demonstrates the significant advantages of AFEM in improving structural safety and economy through specific data. These research results not only provide new theoretical support and practical tools for concrete structure design, but also provide valuable references for future research and application in related fields.

Optimizing the Migratory Environment of Wildebeests in the Maasai Mara Reserve with a New Ecological Corridor and Customized Buffer Zone Model

Conflicts between wildlife and humans are a major ecological issue. During migration, wildlife, especially wildebeest, often encounter significant environmental pressures from human activities. However, relatively few studies have been conducted to provide a concise, quantitative description of wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). In this study, we identified changes in the location of the wildebeest population over time in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. We then used a K-means algorithm (R2 = 0.926) to fit coordinates representing the changes in the location of the wildebeests to enable a quantitative representation of their migration routes. Subsequently, we developed an environmental stress model to assess the changes in environmental stresses faced by wildebeests along their migration routes. We proposed a model of “migratory ecological corridors and customized buffer zones” and determined the response coefficient T_res. We used the response coefficients T_res = 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 as the critical values to categorize the areas along the routes into weak, medium, and strong response regions. Then, we set the width of the buffer zones on both sides of the routes as 5 km, 7 km, and 9 km, respectively, and evaluated the buffer effect. This type of model achieved a good effect of reducing the environmental pressure by 54.06%. The “Migratory Ecological Corridor and Customized Buffer Zone” model demonstrated a high degree of economic feasibility while showing good practicality in mitigating the environmental conflicts between humans and migratory wildlife. The variability in the environmental pressures across the region indicates that the Nairobi and Nakuru districts may be undergoing a particular stage of urbanization that unleashes potential threats to the migration of wildebeests. Further research is essential to assess the feasibility of larger buffer zones.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SMART FACTORY USING INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES

This systematic literature review examines the operational and organizational impacts of Industry 4.0 technologies on smart factories, drawing on insights from 120 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024. The study follows the PRISMA guidelines to ensure a transparent and rigorous review process, focusing on the key enablers of smart manufacturing, including cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The findings reveal that smart factories offer significant benefits, including enhanced flexibility and customization, predictive maintenance that reduces downtime by up to 50%, and improved supply chain integration through real-time data sharing. Big data analytics plays a crucial role in optimizing operations by allowing factories to perform continuous real-time adjustments, improving efficiency and reducing resource waste. The review also highlights the evolving role of the workforce, with a growing need for technical skills and increased human-machine collaboration in smart manufacturing environments. However, challenges such as interoperability, cybersecurity, and the economic feasibility of large-scale smart factory implementations remain underexplored in the literature. Emerging technologies like blockchain and 5G offer promising solutions, but further research is required to assess their full potential. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of smart factory technologies and outlines key areas for future research, particularly in addressing gaps related to standards, workforce adaptation, and security concerns.

Design of photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems through load demand characterization: A case study in Thailand

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) system at behind the meter has gained popularity due to the growing trend toward environmentally friendly energy solutions. Coupling PV systems with battery energy storage systems (BESS) addresses the uncertainties of PV energy production while enhancing energy management. Load characteristics have influence on PV and BESS design both in technical and economic aspects. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of load demand characterization methodologies tailored for the design of PV and BESS. The fundamental load properties such as daily maximum power, minimum power, and load energy, categorizing loads based on their daily and annual variation degrees are investigated. The techno-economic performance of PV-only and PV+BESS systems is analyzed, focusing on metrics such as excess energy, peak limiting performance, and economic feasibility using the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The findings of this study reveal three distinct load characteristics based on daily variation: moderate (50–70 %), moderate to high (70–80 %), and high (80–90 %). Load profiles with moderate variation (50–70 %) demonstrate economic feasibility when sized with a PV-only system matching maximum power demand. With BESS prices reduced to less than 140 USD/kWh, these loads could also integrate a 1C-BESS sized at half capacity under the same control strategy, resulting in lower excess energy and LCOE. Conversely, loads with higher variation (>70 %) and lower self-consumption rates (<70 %) face fewer viable options for both PV-only and PV+BESS configurations, especially if BESS costs remain high. These loads require custom-designed solutions and more extensive load analysis. Through analysis, this study establishes the relationship between load characteristics and system design suitability for the loads studied. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating load demand characterization techniques in the design systems, highlighting the need for tailored approaches based on specific load characteristics and economic viability.

Recycling Fly Ash into Lightweight Aggregate: Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Evaluation of Waste Disposal

This study analyzed environmental impacts and economic feasibility to evaluate whether recycling fly ash, which has rarely been addressed in previous studies, as a raw material for lightweight aggregates can be a sustainable waste management alternative. This study presents a comparative analysis of three disposal scenarios: landfill disposal, recycling as cement raw material, and recycling as lightweight aggregate raw material. Nine environmental impacts were assessed through life cycle assessment (LCA): acidification, global warming, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. The results showed that the landfill disposal scenario posed the greatest threat to global warming, eutrophication, and marine aquatic ecotoxicity, while the cement scenario had the greatest impact on stratospheric ozone depletion, human toxicity, and other ecotoxicity items while recycling as lightweight aggregate showed the lowest environmental impacts in most items except acidification and photochemical oxidation. Life cycle costing (LCC) analysis was also performed to compare the economic aspects of each scenario. The lightweight aggregate scenario is more energy-intensive and costly, but it has significant economic benefits due to the significant revenues from the products produced. Therefore, even though the cost is high, this scenario is considered economically advantageous. This study highlights that recycling fly ash into lightweight aggregate reduces environmental impacts, provides economic benefits, and is a better alternative to landfilling and recycling cement raw materials. It will also contribute to promoting sustainable practices of fly ash recycling.

Фармакоэкономический анализ различных методов лечения акне у детей и подростков

Acne is a widespread dermatological disease affecting children and adolescents that requires the use of innovative approaches to its treatment with the purpose of not only improving the patient's condition but also to minimize the treatment costs. The purpose of this research was to analyze the clinical efficacy, safety and economic feasibility of the use of the cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in the acne therapy. Materials and methods used: the study included 176 pediatric patients aged 10 to 18 y/o (ME 16 y/o, M:F gender ratio 1:1.2) who were divided into groups depending on the severity of acne as follows: G1 with mild acne, G2 with moderate acne, and randomized into subgroups depending on the treatment methods (TM) as follows: TM1 for monotherapy with a combined external drug containing 0.1% adapalene with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the form of a gel, TM2 for CAP monotherapy and TM3 for combined therapy consisting of external therapy with a gel containing 0.1% adapalene with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and the CAP treatment. The severity of acne was assessed using the acne dermatological index (ADI) and the clinical efficacy was assessed by achieving ADI0, ADI75, and ADI50. Skin moisture and pH were measured in all patients both prior to and immediately after the treatment using the PH98110 pH meter (by Kelilong, China). Adverse events (AE) were assessed during the study. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used in the pharmacoeconomic analysis. Results: during treatment in the TM1 subgroups, the full clinical effect (DIA0) was achieved in 88.89% of cases with mild acne and in 61.76% of cases with moderate acne, in the TM2 s/g, the full clinical effect was achieved in 95.24% and 68.57% of cases and in the TM3 s/g in 100% and 88.24% of cases, respectively. After the treatment, the skin pH values in patients of the TM1 s/g, G1 and G2 became lower than the reference values, TM2 and TM3 s/gs of both groups returned to normal. Skin moisture after treatment decreased in the TM1 s/g of both groups, remained the same in the TM2 s/g and the TM3 s/g of G1 and approached to normal in the TM2, TM3 s/gs of G2. AEs (lichenification, erythema and/or burning sensation of the skin) were observed in patients of s/gs TM1 and TM3 and were mild (n=24) or moderate (n=25) in severity. The ICER coefficient for the TM1 v TM3 pairwise comparison was 324,254.55 Russian rubles for G1, 184,060.00 Russian rubles for G2, and for the TM2 v TM3 comparison 25,333.33 Russian rubles for G1, 12,800.00 Russian rubles for G2, which is statistically significant (p=0.001 and p=0.04, respectively) and indicates high economic feasibility of using the TM3. Conclusion: the use of CAP in the treatment of mild to moderate acne is effective, safe and cost-effective as well.