Filtration Zone Research Articles

Microbially mediated rock fine fracture mineralization sealing: Evolution of flow channels and the resulting transmissivity reduction

The sealing of fine aperture fractures in geological repositories is an important consideration for long-term sealing integrity. Common grouting materials have some disadvantages, such as low sealing efficiency, environmental pollution, etc. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been proposed as a potential solution for sealing fine fractures. In this paper, the microbially mediated fine fracture mineralization sealing process was investigated by using a designed visual test device. The flow channel evolution and fracture transmissivity reduction during the sealing process were systematically monitored and analysed. Based on the experimental results, a sealing pattern of microbially mediated rock fracture mineralization was proposed. In addition, the influence of biomineralized floc particles formed by different bacterial concentrations on the critical sealing threshold of fracture was discussed. The results show that the sealing pattern can be divided into four stages: (a) flow channel formation; (b) preferred channel blocking; (c) finer channel blocking; (d) filtration zone formation. The four sealing stages correspond to different fracture transmissivity reduction trends, and the majority of transmissivity reduction occurs in stage III. However, the transmissivity decreases rapidly only after the preferred channels are blocked, which indicates that the critical threshold of sealing fracture is reached. The critical sealing threshold is mainly attributed to two factors: biomineralized floc particle size and fracture aperture. Larger floc particles and finer aperture are more likely to reach the critical sealing threshold, improving the sealing efficiency of fractures. It is crucial to further study the interaction between the biomineralized floc particle sizes and the fracture aperture at the critical sealing threshold to optimize the application of MICP-grouting in rock fine fractures.

Responses of microbial complexes to freezing/thawing in the surface and groundwater interaction zone

This paper presents the research results of the activity of microbial communities (MCs) in relation to humic substances after cyclic freeze-thaw. Groundwater from different aquifer depths from wells at different distances from the riverbank filtration (RBF) zone and river water were used as inoculum. Cyclic freeze-thaw (CFT) was carried out in two stages: the first freezing lasted 30 days at -18°C; then 5 cycles of freezing and thawing were carried out alternately after 7 days. Two types of thawing conditions were created: slow thawing from -18°C to +4°C and fast thawing from -18°C to +23°C. Growth activity on peptone, an easily available substrate, confirmed the survival of the MCs from groundwater and river water after CFT. The maximum activity after CFT with sodium humate (HNa) at a thawing temperature of 4°C was shown by MCs from a depth of 41 m from wells 1,500 m off the bank. It was comparable to the MC activity in river water during the observation period. At a thawing temperature of 23°C, microorganisms in river and groundwater from wells close to the bank were highly active, regardless of the carbon source composition during the CFT period. The growth activity of MCs was affected by the thawing temperature of 23°C in distant wells following CFT, depending on the water sampling depth. Thus, in MCs from depths of 21 m and 41 m, the activity increased with the distribution of easy-to-access co-substrate. The thawing temperature had an impact on the change in the spectral characteristics of HNa after CFT. The distance of the wells from the bank affected the aromatic compound contribution to the composition of the HNa transformation products (λ =275 nm). At a temperature of 23°C, the aromatic compound values were higher in the MCs of river water and wells located in the RBF zone compared to those at 4°C. Slow thawing at 4°C had a positive effect on the transformation of humic substances by microorganisms from distant wells due to their natural adaptation potential.

The Effect of Slickwater on Shale Properties and Main Influencing Factors in Hydraulic Fracturing

As shale gas reservoirs have low porosity and low permeability, hydraulic fracturing is a necessary means for industrial exploitation of shale gas. In this study, aiming at the problem of reservoir damage in the process of hydraulic fracturing of shale gas reservoir, a physical simulation method of slickwater fracturing fluid flow in shale core has been established. The change laws of physical parameters of the shale were quantified after slickwater fracturing fluid filtrating into it. The main factors affecting physical parameters of shale matrix around fractures were found out in the process of fracturing, shut-in, and flowback of slickwater fracturing fluid. The results show that after treated by slickwater fracturing fluid, the wettability of shale becomes more uniform in distribution (the water contact angles from 43° to 48°). In the fracturing filtration zone, the damage rate of fracturing fluid to shale porosity is 6.4%-42.0%. Low differential pressure flowback can reduce the damage of the shale, and prolonging the time of shut-in has no obvious effect on the damage to porosity. After 0.3 d (imbibition stability time), the damage of fracturing fluid to shale permeability is basically stable (55.9%). Permeability damage is mainly caused by residue of the fracturing fluid in large pores and bound water in small pores. Analysis of weights of all fracturing parameters shows that flowback differential pressure has the largest influence weight on shale porosity (51.4%), and well shut-in time has the largest influence weight on shale permeability (62.7%). Therefore, in the production process, it is suggested to properly reduce the backflow differential pressure and moderately shorten the well shut-in time.

High expression of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the peritumoral zone of renal cancer as a factor of unfavorable prognosis

AIM: To evaluate the prognostic value of quantitative CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts in the peritumorotic zone of renal cell cancer.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material of 74 patients after operative treatment for renal cell carcinoma with complete 5-year follow-up was retrospectively analyzed. Of the 74 patients, 56 were alive by the 5-year follow-up, and 18 had died of cancer. After immunohistochemical staining, CD8+ T-lymphocyte distribution density in the peritumorotic zone of carcinomas was determined in 3 representative fields of view at 400 magnification and correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of neoplasms and overall 5-year patient survival rate.
 RESULTS: The high level of CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration in the peritumoral zone of carcinomas was seen in stages IIIIV of the disease (p=0.0000001), in tumors 7 cm (p=0.0000001), in Fuhrman grade IIIIV anaplasia (p=0.001), in metastases (p=0.0000001) and in the shorter total survival rate of patients (p=0.0003). High CD8+ T-lymphocyte count was also observed in men (p=0.001) and in cases of unclassified cancer.
 CONCLUSION: In the light of the need to search for new prognostic criteria in renal cancer, we conclude that a high level of peritumorous zone infiltration by CD8+ T-lymphocytes is an unfavorable prognostic factor. Assessment of peritumorous zone infiltration by CD8+ T-lymphocytes may serve as an additional prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma.

The Development of a Coupled Soil Water Assessment Tool-MODFLOW Model for Studying the Impact of Irrigation on a Regional Water Cycle

In regions with arid and semi-arid climates, water consumption for agricultural irrigation is much higher than that used for urban and industrial purposes. Intensive irrigation plays a vital role in influencing the interaction between groundwater and surface water. Understanding the impact of irrigation on the local hydrological cycle is of great significance for maintaining regional food production and -security. In order to study the impact of irrigation on the regional hydrological cycle, the present study employed the SWAT-MODFLOW coupled model to analyze the Weigan River Basin from 2002 to 2016. In the modeling process, detailed agricultural management measures were considered, including the zoning of crop types, amount of irrigation water for different crops, irrigation methods, and different sources of irrigation water. Before coupling, each model was set, calibrated, and validated separately. After coupling, the irrigation pumps and drainage units were mapped with the SWAT automatic irrigation and subbasins. Calibration and validation studies showed that the SWAT-MODFLOW coupled model could simulate the river flow and groundwater levels in the Weigan River Basin well. The model simulation results showed that the sources of water in the soil included groundwater irrigation (1147.5 mm) and surface water irrigation (68.4 mm), as well as precipitation and snowmelt recharge (97.62 mm). The groundwater balance was influenced by the river leakage (75.6 mm), lateral inflow from surrounding areas (3.6 mm), unsaturated zone infiltration (197.7 mm), and irrigation pumping (1275 mm). When compared with the scenario without irrigation, the surface runoff, groundwater infiltration, soil moisture content, and evapotranspiration increased by 7.9%, 3.2%, 4.1%, and 2.3%, respectively. Irrigation activities increased the soil moisture content and permeability, resulting in more groundwater recharge and evaporation, as well as a higher surface runoff. This model provides guidance for evaluating drought irrigation systems in future sustainable water resource management.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WASTEWATER

Wastewater is the result of many human activities, and its volume is growing more and more every year. Usually the issue of wastewater treatment is solved in municipal wastewater treatment plants. These facilities have been operated in our country for many years, the degree of their consumption is very high, it is more than 60%, and this has a bad effect on the environment. Poor quality of wastewater treatment leads to problems such as degradation of aquatic ecosystems and various diseases that will be transmitted by water from contaminated sources, Wells, freshwater wells. The Problem is significant not only in our country, but all over the world. For example, according to a UN World Report, the amount of wastewater transported worldwide, with the exception of highly developed countries (to which Kazakhstan does not yet belong), their total pollution is growing at a steady pace. At the same time, as noted in the article, the amount of wastewater is discharged into the environment without proper treatment [1]. In our Republic of Kazakhstan, the first urban wastewater treatment plants appeared in the 1950s.In the 20th century, at a time when mechanical sewage treatment plants (MOS) were built and put into operation in large cities. Urban wastewater was discharged into filtration fields or water tanks without adequate treatment. Currently, there are many used sewers. Consumption was over 90%. In our city of Taraz, there is absolutely no scythe, urban outflows through temporary wells are immediately discharged to filter fields, this was in 2010. During this time, the picture has not changed. Urban sewerage is associated not only with residential buildings, but also with industrial plants. This causes an excessive hydraulic load on filtration zones that pollute groundwater. City leaders promised to solve this problem 10 years ago, but the problem still exists and is current.

Prediction on Filtration Period of Granular Bed Filter Used in Purifying Produced Water in Oil Field

Summary The granular bed filter can purify the water produced in the crude oil production process by adsorbing oil droplets and suspended solids. A regeneration operation is needed to clean the granular media and recover filtration capacity after a certain operation duration. Currently, filtration models are mainly used for one type of particle removal, with few applications in the filtration system of produced water containing oil droplets and suspended solids. However, the different deposition morphologies of oil droplets and suspended solids in the filter bed can affect the prediction of the filtration process. In this work, we develop a transient filtration model based on the multiphase system transport equations coupled with the filtration rate and momentum exchange equations to predict simultaneously the effluent concentration and the pressure drop buildup, which considers the effect of deposition morphologies of oil droplets and suspended solids on filtration behaviors. The model hypothesizes that particle removal occurs through deep bed filtration mechanisms, and initial filtration coefficients are predicted by trajectory analysis without relying on experimental data. After that, we propose a method for predicting the filtration period, and analyze the effect of particle size and water temperature on the filtration process. Results show that the filtration process can be divided into two major stages—the main filtration zone migration, followed by the saturation front migration. With an S-shape increase in the effluent concentration, the pressure drop of the filter bed increases in a parabolic shape. When the diameter median of suspended solids is 5 μm, and the water temperature is 20°C, the filtration period was determined to be 24 hours to meet both water quality and maximum usable pressure drop of 20 kPa. With the increase in non-Brownian suspended solid size, the interception and gravitational forces increase the removal efficiency of suspended solids, which results in a slight decrease in the removal efficiency of oil droplets and an increase in the pressure drop of the filter bed. As the water temperature increases, the viscosity of the produced water decreases, and the oil droplets and suspended solids are more easily removed, but the pressure drop of the filter bed increases. In this work, we provide new ideas and methods to properly design, operate, and manage filters in a sustainable and energy-efficient way.

Engineering and Geophysical Research of the Tailing Dump under the Conditions of Growing Soils of the Base

The relevance of the work is due to the risks of an uncontrolled increase in circulating water leaks through sides and bed of the dam, caused by thawing of permafrost soils in the Far North. The main aim of the work is to scientifically substantiate a set of engineering measures to reduce filtration consumption and restore and maintain the waterproofing of the tailing dump. The object of the study was the tailing dump of the concentration plant, with adjoining filter walls. The tailing dump has been exploited since 1996; for the last 20 years, circulating water leaks into the shunting tank located below were recorded. Within the water area of the tailing dump and at the landfalls, geophysical surveys were carried out from ice by the TEM (transient electromagnetic) method. The obtained geoelectric sections made it possible to form a holistic view of the structure of the filtration zones in the right and left bank junctions. The data obtained will be used for planning anti-filtration arrangement.

Uncertainty quantification of borehole heat exchanger design length based on a global sensitivity analysis

Ground heat exchangers are essential components of ground-source heat pump systems. One of the most-used ground heat exchanger types is a borehole heat exchanger (BHE). Many parameters, such as the building thermal loads, ground thermal properties, and BHE components, influence the required BHE length. Therefore, understanding how individual parameter uncertainties are propagated to the output is counterintuitive. In this study, a global sensitivity analysis (GSA) was performed using the framework of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) BHE design method. The GSA was conducted to identify the subparameters behind the input parameters of ASHRAE design method, which indirectly determine the BHE lengths by impacting the direct input parameters in the ASHRAE formula. The results reveal that the zone infiltration, heat pump efficiency, ground temperature, effective borehole thermal resistance, and electric equipment heat gain are the most influential parameters on the BHE design length.

Proven Impact of an Advanced Air Purification System in the Reduction of Infectious Airborne and Surface Pathogens, Concomitant Reduction of Hospital-acquired Infections and Length of Stay, and Improvement in Health-care Economics.

Proven Impact of an Advanced Air Purification System in the Reduction of Infectious Airborne and Surface Pathogens, Concomitant Reduction of Hospital-acquired Infections and Length of Stay, and Improvement in Health-care Economics.

Acute Panmyelosis with Myelofibrosis in an Elderly Patient- an Uncommon Cause of Pancytopenia

Introduction: Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis (APMF) is rare yet a fatal hematological malignancy. It had been classified as a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under the category "AML, not otherwise specified" in the WHO classification of hematological tumors. APMF usually presents with cytopenia without any marked splenomegaly. We report a case of an 80-year-old female who presented with generalized weakness. An extensive workup unmasked the presence of acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis. Case Report: An 80-year-old female patient with history of epilepsy, essential hypertension, and hyperlipidemia presented to the clinic for generalized weakness and confusion for two weeks. She was also having dyspnea, initially on exertion, which progressed to even at rest for the last one week and was unable to ambulate without assistance. The patient also reported easy bruising with minor trauma and bruises on the upper extremity. The patient denied having any fever, chills, chest pain, orthopnea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, history of bleeding, or weight loss. On physical examination, the patient did not have enlarged lymph nodes or hepatosplenomegaly. Initial labs showed hemoglobin of 4.8 g/dL, platelets 5K/uL, a white blood count of 1.8 K/uL with differentials of 49% segmented neutrophils, 0.85 K/uL absolute neutrophils, 4% band cells, 44% lymphocytes, 1% myelocytes, 1% nucleated RBC's, 0.09 K/uL absolute monocytes, and 3% monocytes. Her absolute reticulocyte count was 0. Red blood cells were hypochromic with anisopoikilocytosis. The coagulation profile showed PT 16.5 seconds, INR 1.4, and aPTT 37 seconds. She also underwent a CT head for the confusion which was unremarkable. Chest x-ray revealed left mid & lower zone infiltrates consistent with pneumonia and the patient was given ceftriaxone. The patient was transfused irradiated packed red blood cells. There was a concern for bone marrow disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia, so the patient underwent a bone marrow biopsy. Flow cytometry of bone marrow aspirate revealed no significant blast cells; however, it showed myeloid neoplasm with myelofibrosis and proliferation of the atypical megakaryocytes with variable hypercellularity and diffusely marked reticulin fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for E-cadherin on megaloblastic erythroid, myeloperoxidase (highlighted patchy foci of maturing myeloid cells), CD34 (widespread positive in the atypical megakaryocyte, but not blast cells), and CD61 (GPIIIA). These findings along with the absence of splenomegaly were consistent with Panmyelosis with myelofibrosis. After the family discussion about chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, a combined decision was made for hospice with comfort measures and the patient died within a week. Discussion: Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis is not thoroughly studied. Although WHO has classified it as a type of AML, some still consider it equivalent to AMKL or an acute kind of MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). APMF comprises less than 1% of the cases of AML. The disease typically presents with an acute onset of pancytopenia without any splenomegaly and is rapidly fatal with mean survival of less than a year. Significant differential diagnoses include acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AML) and acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). AML and APMF share multiple features like fibrotic un-aspirable bone marrow and the presence of megakaryoblasts. However, in AML, most of the blast population comprises megakaryoblasts, while in APMF, non-megakaryocytic cells are predominant. Compared to AML-MRC, abrupt clinical onset and worse survival rate point towards APMF. In addition, multilineage dysplasia led by myelodysplastic syndrome is also characteristic of AML-MRC. Similarly, exposure to leukemogenic therapeutic agents should also be ruled out, as such cases should be categorized as MDS or AML therapy-related diseases. Due to the disease being extremely rare, there are no established management protocols. The most commonly used treatment is with 3 + 7 induction chemotherapy. A retrospective study showed a poor outcome of hematopoietic cell transplantation due to a high relapse rate. Another case showed remission by 3+7 induction with idarubicin and cytarabine followed by cytosine arabinoside. In our case, hospice care was preferred considering the age and comorbidities

Current State of the Gold Mining Waste from the Ores of the Ursk Deposit (Western Siberia, Russia)

The article presents the original results of the investigation of sulfide-bearing mine tailings dumps (Ursk, Western Siberia, Russia), the adjacent territory, and acid mine drainage flows. The novelty of this study is related to integration of geophysical and geochemical data. The geoelectrical structure of the dump and the drainage valley was determined using the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method. Magnetic anomalies above the surface of the site were identified using ground magnetic surveys. The orthophotomap and a digital elevation model were obtained on the basis of aerial photography from an unmanned aircraft. The model of thermal imaging allows us to identify a number of temperature anomalies in the upper part of the dump slope and filtration zone in the drainage valley, caused by exothermic reactions. The digital relief model was constructed comprising three zones: (1) oxidation, (2) leaching, and (3) mixing and dilution. The oxidation zone is marked by low electrical resistivity (1–10 Ω·m), low pH values of the drainage waters (pH 3.61), low values of the modulus of the magnetic induction vector, and heating by +5 °C compared to the solid dump material that is not actively exposed to water. The oxidative conditions and low pH values favor the dilution of the Fe2+ compounds in the drainage solutions, which also contain Cu (3000 μg/L), Pb (1200 μg/L), As (1300 μg/L), and Hg (34 μg/L). The zone of the primary geochemical barrier is formed within the first 400 m, where the major proportion of dissolved elements if deposited. The second iron–aluminum sorption geochemical barrier is formed at a distance of 1000 m at the mixing zone with the Ur River. The stable geochemistry of surface waters, formed due to the inflow of drainage waters into the Ur River and further into the reservoir, persists at a distance of up to 7.7 km from the dump.

Surgical treatment of glaucoma with filtration bleb activation of a patient with Sturge — Weber syndrome: a clinical case

Purpose:to describe surgical treatment of glaucoma of a patient with Sturge — Weber — Krabbe syndrome. We present a clinical case of a patient with Sturge — Weber — Krabbe syndrome who sought assistance with us due to secondary stage III glaucoma with moderately elevated intraocular pressure. The examination revealed a cutaneous hemangioma of the frontal, and zygomatic area of the left half of the face, the upper and the lower eyelids, and conjunctival and episcleral hemangioma of the left eye. Since local hypotensive drug therapy produced no effect, the patient was offered a surgical treatment: sinus trabeculectomy. A pronounced hemorrhage from the conjunctival vessels, the episclera and choroidal vessels that occurred during the operation increased its duration, but severe complications could be avoided. A hyphema that appeared during the operation was almost completely washed out and dissolved within 5 days. Since scarring processes of the filtration zone were activated in the postoperative period, we resorted to an active tactics of the patient’s management, namely the needling of the filtration zone with the use of antimetabolites and corticosteroids.Conclusion. Sinus trabeculectomy is an effective method of IOP normalization in glaucoma patients with Sturge — Weber — Krabbe syndrome. Active management of the patient in the postoperative period of the case described allowed us to avoid severe intra- and postoperative complications and to achieve stable clinical and functional results.

Study on Influence of Numerical Simulation Accuracy on High Core Wall Rockfill Dam Deformation and Crack Analysis

With the increasing height of rockfill dams, detailed and effective numerical simulation for the dam design and construction has become increasingly important. This paper develops a detailed and effective finite element simulation program for the construction and impoundment process of high large-scale earth rockfill dams and studies the influence of numerical simulation accuracy on dam deformation and crack analysis. By establishing the subdivision mode of conventional elements, the mesh generation of detailed finite element simulation is realized. Using the row compression storage method and the MPI parallel method, the calculation program of the total stiffness matrix is developed on the Linux operating system. On the basis of the detailed simulation program above, the filling and impoundment process of Pubugou high core wall rockfill dam is simulated, and it is found that the influence of simulation accuracy on the core wall zone is greater than that on the rockfill zone. Compared with the dam construction process, the detailed simulation of the impoundment process is more necessary. When simulating the impoundment process, there is a significant effect of simulation accuracy on the simulation result of the upstream side of the core wall and the upstream filtration zone. So, it is necessary to simulate the impoundment process of the earth rockfill dam in detail. Moreover, using the detailed method to simulate the impoundment process of earth rockfill dams can more accurately predict dam cracks.

Irrigation Method and Volume for Korla Fragrant Pear: Impact on Soil Water and Salinity, Yield, and Fruit Quality

A field study in an orchard of Korla fragrant pear tested three levels of irrigation (as varying proportions of evapotranspiration; namely, W1: 70% ETC, W2: 85% ETC, and W3: 100% ETC) and four methods of applying such irrigation; namely, F1: surface drip, F2: subsurface, F3: root zone infiltration, and CK: flood irrigation (as the control or check). The effects of the different treatments were evaluated in terms of plant growth (shoot length and leaf area), fruit yield and quality, and the distribution of water and salt in soil. For a given method of irrigation, soil moisture content, wet-front displacement, the length of new shoots, and leaf area under W3 were significantly higher than those under W1 and W2. The salt content under W3 was also significantly lower than that under W1 and W2, whereas the yield was significantly higher—by 5.89–13.85% compared to that under W2 and by 4.08–13.13% compared to that under W1. For a given volume of irrigation, yield, water-use efficiency, and fruit quality were significantly higher under F3 and F2 than those under F1. Soil water was more uniformly distributed and its content was significantly higher under F3 than the corresponding values under F1 or F2. The salt content of the root zone was the lowest under F3, and most of the soil salt was in soil layers deeper than 80 cm, but there was no significant difference between F3 and F2 (p < 0.05). There were also no significant differences in shoot length and leaf area among the three irrigation methods (F1, F2, and F3) (p < 0.05). Compared to that under F1, root zone infiltration under W1 was 3.61% greater, that under W2 was 6.58% greater, and that under W3 was 5.43% greater. The irrigation water-use efficiency and production factor efficiency for nitrogen under F3 and F2 were significantly higher than those under F1 (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis showed that the comprehensive score for fruit quality under different volumes of irrigation was the highest under W3, was intermediate under W2, and was the lowest under W1. The corresponding ranking of different irrigation methods was F2, F3, F1, and CK. Comprehensive analysis showed that yield, quality, and the efficiency of utilization of water and fertilizer were higher under the combination W3F3 than under any other combination—therefore, irrigation at 100% of evapotranspiration applied through root zone infiltration is recommended for Korla fragrant pear. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the optimal use of water and for salt control in pear in Korla, Xinjiang.

Microbe capture by splenic macrophages triggers sepsis via T cell-death-dependent neutrophil lifespan shortening

The mechanisms linking systemic infection to hyperinflammation and immune dysfunction in sepsis are poorly understood. Extracellular histones promote sepsis pathology, but their source and mechanism of action remain unclear. Here, we show that by controlling fungi and bacteria captured by splenic macrophages, neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase attenuates sepsis by suppressing histone release. In systemic candidiasis, microbial capture via the phagocytic receptor SIGNR1 neutralizes myeloperoxidase by facilitating marginal zone infiltration and T cell death-dependent histone release. Histones and hyphae induce cytokines in adjacent CD169 macrophages including G-CSF that selectively depletes mature Ly6Ghigh neutrophils by shortening their lifespan in favour of immature Ly6Glow neutrophils with a defective oxidative burst. In sepsis patient plasma, these mediators shorten mature neutrophil lifespan and correlate with neutrophil mortality markers. Consequently, high G-CSF levels and neutrophil lifespan shortening activity are associated with sepsis patient mortality. Hence, by exploiting phagocytic receptors, pathogens degrade innate and adaptive immunity through the detrimental impact of downstream effectors on neutrophil lifespan.

POTENTIAL ANTIMICROBIAL IN WHEY AND LACTIC ACID BACTERIA IN SUMBA MARE'S MILK

Sumba mare’s milk is rich in whey protein, fat, and lactic acid bacteria known to boost antimicrobial activities required in the prevention of diarrhea and inflammation. This study is, therefore, aimed at determining the antibacterial properties of whey and lactic acid bacteria as therapeutic compounds against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus, SalmonellaTyphimurium, and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. The investigations were conducted at the Veterinary Public Health Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nusa Cendana University. Whey antimicrobial test was performed using Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC® 19585 ™ and Staphylococcus aureus, while for lactic acid bacteria, SalmonellaEnteritidis ATCC® 13076 ™ obtained from the Veterinary Public Health Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, was applied. However, mare colostrum was acquired from East Sumba, East Indonesia. The results showed the average penicillin inhibitory zones of whey protein were estimated at 20 mm and 17 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. This also revealed the average diameter of the penicillin inhibitory zone and whey protein were equally evaluated at 2.1 mm, although the latter demonstrated sufficient antimicrobial activity against SalmonellaTyphimurium. Furthermore, the lactic acid bacteria inhibitory zone in filtrate and non-filtrates are strongly characterized using the agar method against Salmonella Enteritidis. In conclusion, whey protein and lactic acid bacteria from Sumba mare’s milk have significant antimicrobial potentials during the treatment of Salmonellosis and Staphylococcus aureusinfections.

Influence of pressure in RO filtration of crude biodiesel

Considering the virtue of the environment, the usage of biofuel blended fossil fuels for transportation has speeded across the globe. The quality of biodiesel plays an important role in the efficiency of a diesel engine. The biodiesel by transesterification method produces crude biodiesel. The crude biodiesel contains impurities like glycerol, alcohol, catalyst, and water molecules that are suspended in the Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) molecule. These impurities in the crude biodiesel affect the performance of the engine with improper spray pattern, corrosion, nozzle blockage, affecting autoignition temperature and increase the NOx emission in exhaust gas. The shelf life of the stored biodiesel also gets affected by these left-over impurities. In order to overcome and refine it, a novel filtration of crude biodiesel using reverse osmosis membrane has been discussed. ANSYS Finite Element Analysis has been carried out for this investigation. Pressure in an increasing sequence of 100 kPa to 1500 kPa has been varied for the analysis of this multiphase flow through porous medium. The changes in velocity, pressure, density, and viscosity have been observed through the obtained contours. The results include the variation of velocity, density, and viscosity with reference to pressure. The study also indicated that the minimum pressure required for the filtration is 500 kPa. Further, the increase in viscosity and density after the filtration zone, represents the increase in the volume fraction of the impurities.

Drainage glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma is a chronic disease characterized by optical neuropathy, progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and nerve fiber layer, and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Currently, the most reliable way to achieve stable normalization of intraocular pressure is surgical treatment, and its success is measured by the duration of the hypotensive effect. However, surgical interventions do not always have a prolonged effect. One of the most drastic and effective ways of treating patients with glaucoma is surgery involving installation of a drainage implant. The use of implants in the area of surgical intervention is the most effective way to preserve the outflow routes of intraocular fluid created during antiglaucoma interventions. The use of implants is aimed at reducing excessive scarring in the filtration zone and at creating ways of resorption of intraocular fluid. In the history of glaucoma surgery, numerous designs for drainage implants have been proposed, differing from each other in material, drainage structure, implantation technique, and results. This literature review describes the types of anti-glaucoma drainage devices and their latest modifications, and presents the statistics of postoperative complications and long-term results of the use of foreign- and Russian-made implants in the treatment of glaucoma.

Filtration efficiency of particle-laden flows for thermal plug and abandonment of oil wells using turbulence modeling in porous media

In this work, the process of filtration of particles carried out by turbulent flows is investigated. The applied mathematical framework considers turbulent flow regime in the clear region and within the filter. The motivation for this work is to get insight on possible use of filters to separate thermite mixtures from a carrier phase and their use in thermal plug and abandonment of oil wells. Axisymmetric simulations are performed using the finite volume method. A macroscopic k-ε model is applied to handle turbulence. Pressure drop, stream function and turbulence field are computed. Using correlations in the literature, filter efficiencies are estimated based on calculated flow and pressure fields. Reynolds numbers varied from 2.3 × 103 to 4.6 × 104 for different permeabilities K ranging from 3.47 × 10−9 m2 to 8.89 × 10−9 m2, corresponding to filter particle diameters dp = 1.0 × 10−2 m and 1.0 × 10−3 m and different porosities (0.5 to 0.8). The results showed that pressure drop is strongly affected by porosity, permeability and Reynolds number; the stream function maps indicated wider stagnant zones for filters with larger particle diameters (higher permeabilities); turbulence fields showed slight generation of turbulence inside the filtration zone. The results for efficiency illustrated that, in case of filtrating thermite, higher inlet velocities, filters with particles of size 1.0 × 10−3 m and lower porosity filters favor the collection mechanism.