Efficient Treatment Research Articles

Enhancement of PFAS stress tolerance and wastewater treatment efficiency by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in constructed wetlands

This study aims to explore the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth of Iris pseudacorus L. and treatment efficacy in constructed wetlands (CWs) subjected to stress from per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The findings reveal that PFASs exposure induces oxidative damage and inhibits the growth of I. pseudacorus. However, AMF symbiosis enhances plant tolerance to PFAS stress by modulating oxidative responses. AMF treatment not only promoted plant growth but also improved photosynthetic efficiency under PFAS exposure. Compared to non-AMF treatment, those with AMF treatment exhibited significantly increased levels of peroxidases and antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, along with a notable reduction in lipid peroxidation. Additionally, AM symbiosis markedly enhanced the efficacy of CWs in the remediation of wastewater under PFASs-induced stress, with removal efficiencies for COD, TP, TN, and NH4+-N increasing by 19–34%, 67–180%, 106–137%, and 25–95%, respectively, compared to the AMF- treatments. In addition, the metabolic pathways of PFASs appeared to be influenced by their carbon chain length, with long-chain PFASs like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro anionic acid (PFNA) exhibiting more complex pathways compared to short-chain PFASs such as perfluoro acetic acid (PFPeA), and perfluoro hexanoic acid (PFHpA). These results suggest that AMF-plant symbiosis can enhance plant resilience against PFAS-induced stress and improve the pollutant removal efficiency of CWs. This study highlights the significant potential of AMF in enhancing environmental remediation strategies, providing new insights for the more effective management of PFAS-contaminated ecosystems.

Power production characteristics of binary particles pulsed anaerobic fluidized bed microbial fuel cell

A novel binary particulate pulsating anaerobic fluidized bed microbial fuel cell (BPFB-MFC) was designed and constructed in order to improve the efficiency of low-grade energy conversion in sewage. The effects of pulsed liquid flow rate and bed filling rate on the electricity production performance and effluent treatment characteristics of the BPFB-MFC were investigated experimentally. The results showed that when the pulsed liquid flow was u=1.95sin(π/3)t cm·s-1 and when the bed materials in the anode chamber consisted of 10% bed height activated carbon particles and 10% bed height ceramic particles, the highest voltage produced was 519.7mV, the highest power density was 587.5mW·m-2, and the lowest internal resistance was 171.2Ω, which was the optimal experimental working condition. It was found that the electricity production performance and effluent treatment efficiency of the mixed particles system were better than those of a system with single particles. This work held promise of promoting the industrialization of MFC.

Unexpected increase in microalgal removal of doxylamine induced by bicarbonate addition: synergistic chem-/bio-degradation mechanisms

Microalgae-based approaches serves as promising methods for remediation of pharmaceutical contaminants (PCs) compare to conventional wastewater treatment processes. However, how to decrease hydraulic retention times of the microalgal system currently has been one of the main bottlenecks. This study constructed an unexpected synergistic extra-chem-/intra-bio-degradation system by addition of 5.95 mM bicarbonate in the microalgal system, which achieved complete removal (100%) of a representative PC, doxylamine (DOX) in 96 h compare to that 192 h in the control. Removal capacities and mass balance analyses demonstrated that biodegradation rate per unit microalgal density was significantly increased by 207%. Further analyses using transcriptomic, enzymatic inhibitory test, and high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that after addition of bicarbonate for metabolism of DOX, a hydrolase (CYP97C1) and a primary amine oxidase (TynA) can catalyze DOX into doxylamine N-oxide and an intermediate (C15H17NO2) with a m/z of 244.1335. Meanwhile, bicarbonate reacted with microalgae-excreted hydrogen peroxide to form more oxidative radicals including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals extracellularly, which promised the extracellular degradation of DOX according to the oxidative radical inhibiting tests. Further investigation showed addition of bicarbonate in microalgal system improved the removal rate of 17 PCs by up to 500.8%. Therefore, this study not only developed an approach to enhance treatment efficiencies of diverse PCs by microalgae within a shorter time, but also carried unique mechanistic insights into the underlying principles.

Solids retention time (SRT) control in the co-treatment of leachate with domestic sewage in aerobic granular sludge systems: Impacts on system performance, operational stability, and bioresource production

This study investigates the co-treatment of leachate and domestic sewage in municipal wastewater treatment plants using aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems, focusing on granule formation, system stability, and resource production in two units (R1 and R2). In R2, solids retention time (SRT) was controlled between 10 and 25 days, while R1 maintained approximately 9 days. The results show that low leachate proportions (5 %) did not affect system performance or stability. However, increasing the leachate to 10 % reduced the structural stability of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to a significant decrease in alginate-like exopolysaccharides (ALE) production in R1 (216 mgALE/gVSS) and R2 (125 mgALE/gVSS). Principal component analysis revealed that SRT was crucial for optimizing biopolymer synthesis. Furthermore, SRT control in R2 improved filamentous control, biomass retention, and total nitrogen removal. Thus, selective biomass discharge is essential for maintaining granule stability, enhancing treatment efficiency, and supporting resource production.

Development of a novel energy efficient integrated system for concurrent waste water treatment, hydrogen production and carbon capture- A sustainable approach

Microbial Electrochemical Cells (MECs) technology offer a promising, integrated solution for wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. The present research aims to optimize the operation of a hybrid system for achieving high-efficiency wastewater treatment, carbon capture, and hydrogen production. Multi-criteria decision methods are used to identify optimal conditions for maximum performance. Wastewater Flow Rate (WFR), Energy Consumption (EC), Nanocomposites Concentration (NC), and Temperature (T) are chosen as input parameters. Utilizing the Entropy-TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method, the optimal outputs were determined for specific input settings. The proposed system exhibited optimal input settings at 1100 m³/day (WFR), 95 kW (EC), 34 mg/L (NC), and 36 °C (T). NC emerged as the most influential parameter, holding a significance weightage of 32%, followed closely by temperature. Under these optimized conditions, the system demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a Wastewater Treatment Efficiency of 98.1%, Carbon Capture Efficiency of 97%, and a Hydrogen production flow rate of 17.76 m³/hr. This research lays a foundation for sustainable and versatile wastewater management practices, emphasizing the potential of MEC systems in contributing to cleaner and resource-efficient industrial ecosystems.

Municipal wastewater treatment using an innovative two-stage sequential microalgal co-cultivation system with different hydraulic retention time: A sustainable approach to circular economy

The present study proposes a sustainable circular bioeconomy approach for municipal wastewater (MWW) treatment, employing a sub-pilot two-stage sequential microalgal co-cultivation system (TSSCS), and evaluates the impact of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on MWW treatment efficiency, as well as biomass and biomolecule productivity. In the first stage of TSSCS, 2 ratios of Tetraselmis indica and one ratio of Picochlorum sp. (2TS:1PC) were used for the treatment of 75% raw MWW + 25% ASN-III, while in the second stage, 2PC:1TS was employed for the treatment of 50% 2TS:1PC effluent+ 50% ASN-III. At the end of the first and second stages of TSSCS, nutrient removal efficiencies were as follows: total nitrate (TN) was <80% and 90% on HRT-10 and HRT-12; total phosphate (TP) was <85% and 95% on HRT-16, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was <75% and <85% on HRT-14 and HRT-10, respectively. In the TSSCS, 2TS:1PC (S1) and 2PC:1TS (S2) showed maximum biomass productivity of 2.65 and 2.78g/L on /L on HRT-14 and HRT-12, respectively. Additionally, biomass of 2TS:1PC (S1) and 2PC:1TS (S2) contains lipid content (38.67 and 40.67%), β-carotene (4.09 and 3.00mg/g), and astaxanthin (0.69 and 0.31mg/g), respectively.

Dosimetry study comparing single-isocenter high-definition dynamic radiosurgery with multiple-isocenter cone-based stereotactic radiosurgery in treating multiple brain metastases

PurposeWe sought to compare two radiotherapeutic strategies for treating multiple brain metastases (MBM), assessing delivery efficiency, plan quality, and dosimetry of planning target volume (PTV) and normal tissue. MethodsOur study population included 21 patients treated for MBM, each reliant on high-definition dynamic radiosurgery (Monaco-HDRS) or cone-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment plans. Monaco-HDRS plans called for one isocenter for all targets. In cone-based plans, each target corresponded with one isocenter. To compare these modalities, we assessed: monitor units (MU); new conformity index (nCI); dose gradient index (GI); homogeneity index (HI); PTV minimum/maximum (Dmax/Dmin) and mean (Dmean) doses; maximum doses to lenses, optic nerves, and brainstem; and brain dose volumes at 3, 6, 10, 12, and 22 Gy (V3Gy-V22Gy). ResultsThe Monaco-HDRS treatment plan proved more efficient, displaying lower MU, HI, and nCI values and better dosimetry (Dmax/Dmin and Dmean) for PTV. The cone-based plan yielded a lower GI value and dose volumes at 3 Gy and 22 Gy (V3Gy, V22Gy) for brain. There were no significant differences among other parameters. ConclusionsThe Monaco-HDRS plan improved treatment efficiency, conformity, and homogeneity, although dose fall-off was worse. The cone-based plan reduced normal brain dose volumes at 3 Gy and 22 Gy.

Dihuangzicao Granules Regulate the AGE/RAGE/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Inflammation in Psoriatic Mice via Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease that occurs worldwide and is characterized by high prevalence and chronicity. Psoriasis has a complex pathogenesis and is difficult to cure. Therefore, continuous exploration of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the search for new drug treatment methods are crucial for improving treatment efficiency and reducing psychological damage to psoriasis patients. The active ingredients in Dihuang Zicao granules (DHZCG) can effectively treat psoriasis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the active ingredients of DHZCG and their potential mechanisms for treating psoriasis. The effective components of DHZCG were screened via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Genetic information for psoriasis was retrieved from the GeneCards, OMIM and DisGENET databases. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis was performed, and component‒target‒disease networks were constructed. Important molecular biological processes and signaling pathways were screened via GO and KEGG analyses. Molecular docking of the active ingredients and key targets was performed via AutoDock Vina (1.1.2). A mouse model of psoriasis was established and divided into a control group, model group, low-dose DHZCG group (L-DHZCG), medium-dose DHZCG group (M-DHZCG), and high-dose DHZCG group (H-DHZCG). Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed to determine the pathological changes in the skin of each group of mice, and the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was used to assess skin damage. ELISA and RT‒ PCR were used to measure the levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-a, IL-17A, and IL-23 in the serum and skin tissue of the mice, respectively. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of proteins related to the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence was used to examine the expression of the inflammatory factor NF-kB. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure IL-1β and TNF-a expression in skin tissues. Sixty genes associated with psoriasis treatment by DHZCG, including core genes encoding IL-6, TNF-a, AKT1, IL-1β, TP53, NFKB1, BCL2, and MAPK3, were identified. Through the construction of a psoriasis mouse model, DHZCG treatment effectively reduced skin damage and significantly decreased the levels of the validated factors TNF-a, IL-17A, IL- 23, IL-1b, and NF-kB in the serum and damaged skin. Furthermore, the reduction in the levels of these inflammatory factors by DHZCG is associated with the downregulation of the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway. DHZCG reduces inflammation and alleviates psoriasis by downregulating the AGE/RAGE/NF-kB signaling pathway. This study is beneficial for providing a theoretical basis for the development of drugs for psoriasis and for offering personalized treatment strategies for the clinical management of psoriasis.

A Novel Algal–Algal Microbial Fuel Cell for Enhanced Chemical Oxygen Demand Removal

To enhance the removal of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) by microalgae, this study constructed a novel microalgae–microalgae microbial fuel cell system (AA-MFC). It investigated the coupling relationship between the COD treatment efficiency at the anode and the production of high-value microalgal products at the cathode, as well as explored the effects of different initial inoculum densities and light–dark cycles. The experiment first measured the operational performance of the newly constructed AA-MFC in open-circuit and closed-circuit modes, demonstrating that this novel AA-MFC could start up rapidly within 32 h and operate stably. The results showed that the AA-MFC enhanced the removal of COD and the growth of microalgae biomass at the anode while maintaining stable power generation. When the initial inoculation density of the anode was 1.2 × 108 cell/cm2 and the light–dark cycle time was 18:6 h, the AA-MFC had the most obvious promoting effect on the COD removal of the anode. Compared with normal culture conditions, the COD removal rate increased by 26.0% to 96.1%. These results indicate that the AA-MFC can not only effectively remove pollutants, but also promote the accumulation of high-value microalgae biomass.

Evaluation of the quality of treated wastewater from the Fez wastewater treatment plant using wastewater quality index

Abstract The increasing urbanization of Fez, with its daily discharge of wastewater, raises environmental concerns. Therefore, this study assesses the quality of water treated by the Fez wastewater treatment plant, focusing on the summer and autumn seasons, preserving the Oued Sebou from pollution and evaluating treatment efficiency. Key parameters, including on-site measurements and laboratory analyses, indicate average efficiencies of 89.88% (BOD5), 88.41% (COD), and 94.47% (TSS), in compliance with discharge standards. In addition, the results of the principal component analysis (PCA) facilitated understanding of the physico-chemical analyses, underlining the global approach of the study.

Thionation of conjugated porphyrin with enhanced photodynamic and photothermal effects for cancer therapy

Phototherapy has emerged as a promising modality for cancer treatment in recent years, owing to its precise temporal control and minimally invasive nature. Here, two new organic porphyrin molecules, denoted as ONP and SNP, were designed and synthesized with an acceptor–donor–acceptor (A-D-A) architecture. The donor–acceptor (D-A) pairs in molecules facilitated the intermolecular charge transfer (ICT), thereby amplifying near-infrared (NIR) absorbance and promoting nonradiative heat generation. Notably, the substitution of oxygen atoms with sulfur in naphthalimides (NI) led to significant change of their photophysical and photochemical properties. Specifically, the sulfur atoms exhibited pronounced spin–orbit coupling (SOC) effect, leading to efficient photoinduced intersystem crossing (ISC) processes, thus facilitating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Upon self-assembly, the formed nanomaterials (ONP NPs and SNP NPs) exhibited spherical morphology with average size about 150 nm. The biocompatibility and photocytotoxicity of nanoparticles against Hepa1-6 cells were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Additionally, the synergistic effects (photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy) of SNP NPs were confirmed through diverse in vitro experiment under 690 nm laser irradiation. The generation of intracellular ROS by SNP NPs was confirmed with DCFH-DA as probe. This study provides an ingenious strategy for developing organic nanomaterials with high treatment efficiency through synergistic photodynamic/photothermal effects.

Creating and validating a neurosurgical intervention rule-out tool for patients with mild traumatic brain injury and isolated subdural hematoma: a 5-year, six-center retrospective cohort study.

Because there is no reliable method on admission to predict whether a patient will require neurosurgical intervention in the future, the general approach remains to treat each patient with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and subdural hematoma (SDH) as if they will require such an intervention. Consequently, there is a growing population of patients with mTBI and SDH that is overtriaged despite having a low probability of needing neurosurgical intervention. This study aimed to train and validate a predictive rule-out tool for neurosurgical intervention in patients with mTBI and SDH. This was a retrospective cohort study of all trauma patients admitted to six level I trauma centers in three states. Patients were included if they met the following criteria: admitted between 2016 and 2020, ≥ 18 years of age, ICD-10 diagnosis of isolated SDH, initial head imaging available, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13-15, and arrived within 48 hours of injury. Exclusion criteria included skull fracture, intracranial hemorrhage other than an SDH, and no neurosurgical consultation. Prediction variables included 34 demographic, clinical, and radiographic variables. The study outcome was neurosurgical intervention within 48 hours of hospital admission. Seventy-five percent of the data were used for training, and 25% for testing. Multivariable logistic regression with fivefold cross-validation was used on the training set to identify covariates with the highest specificity while holding sensitivity at 100%. Results were validated on the testing set. In total, 1000 patients were in the training set and 333 in the testing set. The overall neurosurgical intervention rate was 8.8%. For the fivefold cross-validation process, three variables were selected that maximized specificity while holding sensitivity at 100%: maximum hematoma thickness, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, and preinjury antithrombotic use (sensitivity 100%, specificity 56%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.94). With a cutoff probability of neurosurgical intervention set at 1.88%, the final model was validated to predict neurosurgical intervention with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 88.4%-100%) and specificity of 55.1% (95% CI 49.3%-60.8%). In this study, the largest of its kind to date, the authors successfully developed and validated a new tool for ruling out the necessity of neurosurgical intervention in patients with mTBI and isolated SDH. By successfully identifying more than half of patients who are unlikely to require neurosurgery within the first 2 days of admission, this tool can be used to improve treatment efficiency and provide patients and clinicians with valuable prognostic information.

Highly efficient radium removal from mine wastewater with fly ash NaP1 zeolite

This study investigates the application of NaP1 zeolite, synthesized hydrothermally from F-class fly ash, for treating radium-contaminated mine water. The objective was to assess the efficiency of NaP1 zeolite in removing radium ions from real mine water samples. Three samples with high concentrations of 226Ra and 228Ra and total dissolved cation contents ranging from 48.9 to 89.0 g/L were treated using sequential batch and fixed bed experiments. The NaP1 zeolite demonstrated high treatment efficiency for radium-sulfate and radium-strontium water, with removal rates of 97 % and 82 % for the 1st liter, and 54 % for the 53th and 9th liters, respectively. However, for radium-barium water, the maximum treatment efficiency was 45 % for the 1st liter, dropping to 0 % after 4th liter. This decline was attributed to the competitive adsorption of barium ions, which reduced the radium removal efficiency more rapidly than in the other water types. An additional experiment with synthetic barium water confirmed that 10 g of NaP1 zeolite adsorbed 1 g of Ba from one liter of distilled water. These results highlight the potential of NaP1 zeolite for radium removal in certain contexts, although its efficiency may be hindered by the presence of competing ions such as barium.

Innovations in the comprehensive management of orofacial defects - Combined strategies of maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics and Implants for the optimization of clinical results: A Narrative Review

Orofacial defects caused by congenital anomalies, trauma, or surgical procedures present complex challenges that affect physical function and psychological well-being. Maxillofacial rehabilitation, incorporating surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and implants, aims to restore form, function, and aesthetics. This review evaluates innovative multidisciplinary strategies for orofacial defect management. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Search terms included "management of orofacial defects," "maxillofacial surgery," "endodontics in complex cases," "orthodontics in facial surgery," and "dental implants." Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were reviewed, focusing on human studies demonstrating integrated treatment strategies. The interdisciplinary approach to managing orofacial defects, integrating maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and implants, has demonstrated significant improvements in both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Combined surgical techniques, such as the use of iliac and fibula grafts, offer enhanced graft success through improved vascularization. Technological advancements in endodontics, including CBCT and regenerative procedures, optimize treatment precision. Orthodontic innovations, like clear aligners and mini-implants, enhance patient comfort and treatment efficiency, while digital implant planning reduces complications. The incorporation of growth factors, bioactive materials, and AI further boosts clinical success in treating complex orofacial defects.

Investigation of cockleshell waste as a natural biocarrier and its performance efficiency for blackwater treatment in a free-floating plant-constructed wetland

ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential of using waste cockleshell (CS) as a natural biocarrier for blackwater treatment. The CS were analysed for surface porosity, area, volume, elements, and crystal structure. Then, the pilot-scale study confirmed biofilm growth on the CS surface after 29 days, using a crystal violet assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The free-floating plant-constructed wetland (FFP-CW) was optimally designed with a redox gradient: an aerobic-aquatic zone for nitrification and an anoxic gravel-filled zone for denitrification. The effect of integrating CS biocarriers and active aeration in FFP-CW (aquatic zone) treatment efficiency was investigated. The FFP-CW treatment efficiency for nitrate, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) increased by 9.62%, 6.8%, and 4.83%, respectively, after integrating CS biocarriers of 0.55% filling ratio. Furthermore, the optimal dosage of 192.51 mol of oxygen in FFP-CW increased in TAN and COD removal by 31.11% and 16.54%, respectively. The X-ray diffractometry of CS unravelled aragonite and calcite crystalline forms at 2θ range from 10 to 70°C. The stability of CS biocarriers during 427 days of treatment was monitored using SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to assess the physical and chemical changes. Thus, CS holds the potential to be a sustainable biocarrier.

Comparative Analysis of NiTi Instruments with Different Alloy Treatments.

This study aims to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments, focusing on the impact of various alloy treatments and manufacturing processes across different generations of these instruments; Twenty instrumentation systems from different generations, comprising both continuous and reciprocating motion designs, were tested. Four hundred instruments underwent cyclic fatigue testing using an INSTRON machine, with the time and number of cycles to fracture (NCF) recorded for each instrument. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the fatigue resistance between systems, generations, and motion types; Instruments treated with advanced thermal processing, such as Excalibur, Reciproc Blue, and TruNatomy, demonstrated superior resistance to fracture, whereas systems like Protaper Universal, K3XF, and 2Shape showed the lowest resistance. Reciprocating instruments generally exhibited higher cyclic fatigue resistance than continuously rotating instruments; Technological advancements in NiTi instrument design, especially the implementation of heat-treated alloys, have improved cyclic fatigue resistance, enhancing the safety and efficiency of endodontic treatments. Reciprocating systems, in particular, exhibit superior fracture resistance, suggesting their greater utility in challenging clinical conditions.

Oilfields produced water and constructed wetlands technology: a comprehensive review

ABSTRACT Produced water has elevated levels of salts, metals, and organic constituents and is seen as a waste byproduct in the oil and gas industry. This comprehensive review summarizes (1) the potential impact, (2) produced water management, and (3) identifies current research thrust areas in future efforts. Complementary treatment systems involving chemical and biological techniques offer significant advantages. The review emphasizes the application of these technologies and their performance in meeting regulatory standards. Cost, energy consumption, chemical use, and operational complexity are recognized challenges in both the water treatment industry and the oil and gas industry. It highlights the need for further research and for the optimization of processes to enhance their efficiency. The integration of conventional methods with advanced treatment processes is also explored, with a vision toward developing hybrid systems for improved treatment efficiency. Overall, complementary systems show great promise for the treatment of produced water, but further advancements, sustainability considerations, and integration with other technologies are essential for their successful implementation in large-scale applications. Maintaining expertise and awareness of water treatment issues in the oil and gas industry can help reclamation identify new technologies and solutions to technical challenges that may benefit the oilfield water treatment industry.

Porous polylactide membranes with high piezo-catalytic efficiency for organic wastewater treatment

Piezo-catalysis has been emerged as a green and promising wastewater treatment technology for efficient removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). However, it remains challenging to achieve advanced materials with combined advantages of high piezo-catalytic efficiency, good hydrophilicity, and environmental friendliness. In this work, highly crystalline porous polylactide (PLA) membranes possessing such exceptional advantages have been successfully prepared from biodegradable poly(L-lactide)/poly(D-lactide)/polyethylene glycol/polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer (PLLA/PDLA/PEG/PEO-PPO-PEO) blends by melt processing and subsequent water etching. During the melt-processing, the two PLA enantiomers co-crystallize into stereocomplex (SC) crystals and simultaneously the PEG used as a porogen is expelled from the crystalline regions. The results show that the prepared PLA membranes have not only abundant micro-porous structures but also good hydrophilicity due to the preferential localization of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymer on the pore walls, thus giving rise to an extremely high water flux of 2400 L/m2h. More interestingly, the PLA membranes exhibit remarkable piezoelectric activity and the piezo-catalytic degradation efficiency of 4-NP can reach as high as 96 % under the triggering of water flow involved in vacuum filtration. In addition, the membranes show excellent reusability and the high catalytic efficiency can be well-maintained after five repeated uses. These findings suggest broad application prospects of our porous SC-PLA membranes in organic wastewater treatment.

Modeling and forecasting biogas production from anaerobic digestion process for sustainable resource energy recovery

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most extensively accepted processes for organic waste cleanup, and production of both bioenergy and organic fertilizer. Numerous mathematical models have been conceived for modeling the anaerobic process.In this study, a new modified dynamic mathematical model for the simulation of the biochemical and physicochemical processes involved in the AD process for biogas production was proposed. The model was validated, and a sensitivity analysis based on the OAT approach (one-at-a-time) was carried out as a screening technique to identify the most sensitive parameters. The model was developed by updating the bio-chemical framework and including more details concerning the physico-chemical process. The fraction XP was incorporated into the model as a particulate inert product arising from biomass decay (inoculum). New components were included to distinguish between the substrate and inoculum, and a surface-based kinetics was used to model the substrate disintegration. Additionally, the sulfate reduction process and hydrogen sulfide production have been included. The model was validated using data extracted from the literature. The model's ability to generate accurate predictions was testified using statistical metrics. The model exhibited excellent performance in forecasting the parameters related to the biogas process, with measurements falling within a reasonable error margin. The relative absolute error (rAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were both less than 5 %, indicating a high ability of the current model in comparison with the literature. Additionally, the scatter index (SI) was below 10 %, and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NES) approached one, which affirms the model's accuracy and reliability. Finally, the model was applied to investigate the performances of the AD of food waste (FW). The findings of this study support the robustness of the developed model and its applicability as a virtual platform to evaluate the efficiency of the AD treatment and to forecast biogas production and its quality, CO2 emission, and energy potential across various organic solid waste types.

Effect of using bolus on the efficiency of the 3DCRT of the breast cancer after mastectomy.

To assess the effect of using bolus on the efficiency of three-dimensional conformation radiation treatment of breast cancer post-mastectomy. The prospective, clinical study was conducted at Al-Amal Center for Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine, Iraq, from November 2020 to April 2021, and comprised patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancer with regional lymph nodes who underwent mastectomy. The three-diensional conformation radiation treatment technique was used to evaluate the dose received by the planning target volume and the organs at risk. The plans were generated using a treatment planning system, the plans were then fed into a linear accelerator. The plans had one isocenter for both breasts to avoid the errors that may cause the overlapping of the radiation fields with and without the use of bolus. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. There were 23 female patients with mean age 49.28±8.79 years (range: 35-62 years). There were 7(30.4%) females residing in rural areas, while 16(69.6%) lived in urban areas. The use of bolus increased the radiation dose coverage percentage of the planning target volume of the right (p=0.0002) and left (p=0.0164) breasts, while the right (p=0.3977) and left (p=0.7940) supraclavicular nodes were not significantly covered by the radiotherapy dose. The use of bolus showed a strong significant decrease of the mean dose that was received by the left lung (p=0.00001). Also, the use of bolus caused significant reduction in the amount of the mean scattered dose that reached the heart (p=0.00001) and larynx (p=0.00004). The use of bolus provided a complete radiotherapy dose coverage for the right and left breasts, as well as an excellent protection for the left lung, heart and larynx.