High Initial Load Research Articles

High Somatization Rates, Frequent Spontaneous Recovery, and a Lack of Organic Biomarkers in Post-Covid-19 Condition.

Many patients report neuropsychiatric symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) vary due to the lack of specific diagnostic criteria, the report of unspecific symptoms, and reliable biomarkers. PCC patients seen in a neurological outpatient department were followed for up to 18 months. Neurological examination, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, Epstein-Barr virus antibodies, and cortisol levels as possible biomarkers, questionnaires to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms and somatization (Patient Health Questionnaires D [PHQ-D]), cognition deficits (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]), sleep disorders (ISS, Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), and fatigue (FSS) were included. A total of 175 consecutive patients (78% females, median age 42 years) were seen between May 2021 and February 2023. Fatigue, subjective stress intolerance, and subjective cognitive deficits were the most common symptoms. Specific scores were positive for fatigue, insomnia, and sleepiness and were present in 95%, 62.1%, and 44.0%, respectively. Cognitive deficits were found in 2.3%. Signs of somatization were identified in 61%, who also had an average of two symptoms more than patients without somatization. Overall, 28% had a psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. At the second visit (n=92), fatigue (67.3%) and insomnia (45.5%) had decreased. At visit three (n=43), symptom load had decreased in 76.8%; overall, 51.2% of patients were symptom-free. Biomarker testing did not confirm an anti-EBV response. SARS-CoV-2-specific immune reactions increased over time, and cortisol levels were within the physiological range. Despite high initial symptom load, 76.8% improved over time. The prevalence of somatization and psychiatric disorders was high. Our data do not confirm the role of previously suggested biomarkers in PCC patients.

Evaluation of physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of waste stabilization ponds, Giza, Egypt

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contain a diverse array of microbes, underscoring the need for regular monitoring to ensure treatment efficacy and protect health. However, detailed studies on waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) are scarce. This study evaluates a full-scale WSP, located in Giza Governorate, Egypt, including anaerobic, facultative, and maturation ponds, examining an array of parameters such as enteric viruses, microeukaryotes (protozoa and algae), bacterial indicators, bacterial pathogens, and physicochemical characteristics. Utilizing multivariate statistical models, we identified significant distinctions in physicochemical parameters and microbial communities, primarily driven by treatment stages rather than temporal variations. In addition, seven viruses (human rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A virus, polyomavirus, and papillomavirus) were detected during the different stages (inlet, anaerobic, facultative, and outlet) of the WSP, except norovirus and papillomavirus were absent in the outlet stage. The viral log means reductions ranged from 1.24 to 5.94, depending on the stage and virus type. The removal efficiency of bacterial pathogens was more than 99%. High throughput 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing indicated the dominance of animal parasitic Apicomplexa species and Vermamoeba spp. in the WSP. Network analysis indicated significant roles for Ciliophora in virus reduction. Notably, the maturation pond's outlet was dominated by Spirulina maxima, whose mat-forming tendencies may inhibit pathogen removal by providing protective shelters. Although the WSP effectively reduced pathogen levels, the high initial loads resulted in considerable concentrations in the final effluent, posing ongoing public health concerns. This study highlights the imperative of including pathogen standards in national regulations for wastewater reuse.

Freshwater microalgae Nannochloropsis limnetica for the production of β-galactosidase from whey powder

This study investigated the first-ever reported use of freshwater Nannochloropsis for the bioremediation of dairy processing side streams and co-generation of valuable products, such as β-galactosidase enzyme. In this study, N. limnetica was found to grow rapidly on both autoclaved and non-autoclaved whey-powder media (referred to dairy processing by-product or DPBP) without the need of salinity adjustment or nutrient additions, achieving a biomass concentration of 1.05–1.36 g L−1 after 8 days. The species secreted extracellular β-galactosidase (up to 40.84 ± 0.23 U L−1) in order to hydrolyse lactose in DPBP media into monosaccharides prior to absorption into biomass, demonstrating a mixotrophic pathway for lactose assimilation. The species was highly effective as a bioremediation agent, being able to remove > 80% of total nitrogen and phosphate in the DPBP medium within two days across all cultures. Population analysis using flow cytometry and multi-channel/multi-staining methods revealed that the culture grown on non-autoclaved medium contained a high initial bacterial load, comprising both contaminating bacteria in the medium and phycosphere bacteria associated with the microalgae. In both autoclaved and non-autoclaved DPBP media, Nannochloropsis cells were able to establish a stable microalgae–bacteria interaction, suppressing bacterial takeover and emerging as dominant population (53–80% of total cells) in the cultures. The extent of microalgal dominance, however, was less prominent in the non-autoclaved media. High initial bacterial loads in these cultures had mixed effects on microalgal performance, promoting β-galactosidase synthesis on the one hand while competing for nutrients and retarding microalgal growth on the other. These results alluded to the need of effective pre-treatment step to manage bacterial population in microalgal cultures on DPBP. Overall, N. limnetica cultures displayed competitive β-galactosidase productivity and propensity for efficient nutrient removal on DPBP medium, demonstrating their promising nature for use in the valorisation of dairy side streams.

High-Pressure Processing Effects on Microbiological Stability, Physicochemical Properties, and Volatile Profile of a Fruit Salad.

Nowadays, consumers are more aware of the effects of their diet on their health, and thus demand natural or minimally processed food products. Therefore, research has focused on processes that assure safe products without jeopardizing their nutritional properties. In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of high-pressure processing (550 MPa/3 min/15 °C, HPP) on a fruit salad (composed of melon juice and pieces of Golden apple and Rocha pear) throughout 35 days of storage at 4 °C. For the physicochemical properties analysed (browning degree, polyphenol oxidase activity, antioxidant activity (ABTS assay), and volatile profile), a freshly made fruit salad was used, while for the microbiological tests (total aerobic mesophiles, and yeast and moulds) spoiled melon juice was added to the fruit salad to increase the microbial load and mimic a challenge test with a high initial microbial load. It was determined that processed samples were more microbiologically stable than raw samples, as HPP enabled a reduction of almost 4-log units of both total aerobic mesophiles and yeasts and moulds, as well as an almost 1.5-fold increase in titratable acidity of the unprocessed samples compared to HPP samples. Regarding browning degree, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in processed versus unprocessed samples (roughly/maximum 68%), while the addition of ascorbic acid decreased the browning of the samples by 29%. For antioxidant activity, there were no significant differences between raw and processed samples during the 35 days of storage. An increase in the activity of polyphenol oxidase immediately after processing (about 150%) was confirmed, which was generally similar or higher during storage compared with the raw samples. Regarding the volatile profile of the product, it was seen that the compounds associated with melon represented the biggest relative percentage and processed samples revealed a decrease in the relative quantity of these compounds compared to unprocessed. Broadly speaking, HPP was shown to be efficient in maintaining the stability and overall quality of the product while assuring microbial safety (by inactivating purposely inoculated microorganisms), which allows for longer shelf life (7 versus 28 days for unprocessed and processed fruit salad, respectively).

Quantification and Potential Viability of Human Noroviruses in Final Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Works in Pretoria, South Africa

Growing global concerns over water scarcity, worsened by climate change, drive wastewater reclamation efforts. Inadequately treated wastewater presents significant public health risks. Previous studies in South Africa (SA) have reported high norovirus levels in final effluent and sewage-polluted surface water, indicating pathogen removal inefficiency. However, the viability of these virions was not explored. This study assessed human norovirus viability in final effluent from wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) in Pretoria, SA. Between June 2018 and August 2020, 200 samples were collected from two WWTWs, including raw sewage and final effluent. Norovirus concentrations were determined using in-house RNA standards. Viability of noroviruses in final effluent was assessed using viability RT-qPCR (vPCR) with PMAxx™-Triton X-100. There was no significant difference in GI concentrations between raw sewage (p = 0.5663) and final effluent (p = 0.4035) samples at WWTW1 and WWTW2. WWTW1 had significantly higher GII concentrations in raw sewage (p < 0.001) compared to WWTW2. No clear seasonal pattern was observed in norovirus concentrations. At WWTW1, 50% (7/14) of GI- and 64.9% (24/37) of GII-positive final effluent samples had no quantifiable RNA after vPCR. At WWTW2, the majority (92.6%, 25/27) of GII-positive final effluent samples showed a 100% RNA reduction post vPCR. PMAxx™-Triton X-100 vPCR provides a more accurate reflection of discharge of potentially viable noroviruses in the environment than standard RT-qPCR. Despite significant reductions in potentially viable noroviruses after wastewater treatment, the levels of potentially viable viruses in final effluent are still of concern due to the high initial load and low infectious dose of noroviruses.

Utility of an in-house real-time PCR in whole blood samples as a minimally invasive method for early and accurate diagnosis of invasive mould infections.

Invasive mould infections (IMIs) are a leading cause of death in patients with compromised immune systems. Proven invasive mould infection requires detection of a fungus by histopathological analysis of a biopsied specimen, sterile culture, or fungal DNA amplification by PCR in tissue. However, the clinical performance of a PCR assay on blood samples taken from patients suspected of invasive mould disease has not been fully evaluated, particularly for the differential diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive Mucormycosis (IM). To assess the diagnostic utility of our previously validated in-house real-time PCR in blood samples for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in patients with suspected invasive mould infection. All patients with suspected invasive mould infection were prospectively enrolled from May 2021 to July 2021. Conventional fungal diagnosis was performed using tissue and respiratory samples. In-house PCR was performed on blood samples and its diagnostic performance evaluated. A total of 158 cases of suspected invasive mould infection were enrolled in the study. The sensitivity and specificity of in-house PCR performed on blood samples was found to be 92.5% and 81.4% respectively for diagnosis of probable IA, and 65% and 84.62% respectively for diagnosis of proven and probable IM. It was also able to detect 3 out of 5 cases of possible IM where no other microbiological evidence of IM was obtained. This assay could be helpful in minimally invasive diagnosis of IMIs for patients in whom invasive sampling is not feasible, especially as a preliminary or screening test. It can help in early diagnosis, anticipating conventional laboratory confirmation by days or weeks. Possible correlation between fungal load and mortality can help in initiating aggressive treatment for patients with high initial fungal load.

Enhancing Raw Bovine Milk Quality using Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Irradiation: A Microbial and Lipid Peroxidation Study.

This study investigated the efficacy of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation in enhancing the quality of raw bovine milk by targeting microbial populations and lipid peroxidation, both of which are key factors in milk spoilage. We categorized the raw milk samples into three groups based on initial bacterial load: low (<3 Log 10 CFU/mL), medium (3-4 Log 10 CFU/mL), and high (>4 Log 10 CFU/mL). Using a 144 W thin-film UV-C reactor, we treated the milk with a flow rate of 3 L/min. We measured the bacterial count including standard plate count, coliform count, coagulase-negative staphylococci count, and lactic acid bacteria count and lipid peroxidation (via thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay) pre- and post-treatment. Our results show that UV-C treatment significantly reduced bacterial counts, with the most notable reductions observed in high and medium initial load samples (>4 and 3-4 Log 10 CFU/mL, respectively). The treatment was particularly effective against coliforms, showing higher reduction efficiency compared to coagulase-negative staphylococci and lactic acid bacteria. Notably, lipid peroxidation in UV-C treated milk was significantly lower than in pasteurized or untreated milk, even after 72 hours. These findings demonstrate the potential of UV-C irradiation as a pre-treatment method for raw milk, offering substantial reduction in microbial content and prevention of lipid peroxidation, thereby enhancing milk quality.

Preventing Microbial Growth in Game Meat by Applying Polyphenolic Extracts from Olive Mill Vegetation Water.

We studied the efficacy of different formulations of polyphenol extracts (mainly containing hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) from olive mill vegetation water on the microflora on the surfaces of game meat cuts with high or low initial bacterial loads. Meat with a high microbial load (>5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 6.83 ± 0.45 standard deviation) was immersed for 10 or 60 sec into 25% and 10% solutions of microencapsulated freeze-dried and non-encapsulated polyphenolic extracts. Aerobic colony, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and lactic acid bacteria counts were determined on treated samples compared to controls after 7 days of storage (in vacuum-packed conditions at +3 °C). Significant differences were registered only for aerobic colony count for a 10% liquid extract treatment (0.64 log reduction). In contrast, the dipping or immersion of game meat with low initial microbial loads (<5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 3.58 ± 0.72 standard deviation) in 10% solutions of the polyphenol extracts effectuated significant reductions in all bacteria counts (p < 0.002) at 7 and 14 days of storage for different extracts, independently from the application methods. The use of the extracts to inhibit bacterial growth in game meat should only be considered if a good hygienic baseline is guaranteed.

Polymer elution and hydraulic conductivity of polymer-bentonite geosynthetic clay liners to bauxite liquors

This study investigated the influences of polymer types (Super Absorbent Polymer, SAP and Polyanionic Cellulose, PAC), preparation methods (dry-mixed, dry-sprinkled, or wet-mixed), initial polymer loadings (1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 10.0%, and 15.0%), and bauxite liquors (synthetic bauxite liquor, BLS and actual bauxite liquor, BLA) on the polymer elution and the hydraulic conductivity of polymer-bentonite geosynthetic clay liners (PB GCLs). Hydraulic conductivity, total organic carbon analysis, viscosity, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction tests were combined to investigate the mechanisms controlling the polymer elution and hydraulic conductivity of PB GCLs. The results demonstrated that PB GCLs with high initial polymer loading (10.0%, 15.0%) or prepared using the dry-sprinkled method had low hydraulic conductivities (< 1.0 × 10−10 m/s) and polymer eluting rates (< 10.0 mg/d). PAC-enhanced GCLs had a higher polymer eluting rate than SAP-enhanced GCLs due to the complete water solubility of linear polymer (PAC). When PB GCLs were permeated by BLS (higher ionic strength than BLA), polymer hydrogels had lower viscosity because of coiled or contracted conformation, resulting in a higher polymer eluting rate (> 50.0 mg/d) and hydraulic conductivity (> 1.0 × 10−11 m/s).

Effect of characteristics on the clinical course at the initiation of treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection using dimensionality reduction

The beginning of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection treatment depends on various factors, which are significantly correlated with the initial CD4 cell number. However, a covariate correlation between these factors may not reflect the correct outcome variable. Thus, we evaluated the effects of a combination of fixed factors (reduced dimensions), which determine when to start treatment for the first time, on short-term outcome, long-term outcome, and survival, considering correlations between factors. Multiple correspondence analysis was performed on variables obtained from 925 patients who participated in a Korean HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cohort study (2006–2017). Five reduced dimension groups were derived according to clinical data, viral load, CD4 cell count at diagnosis, initial antiretroviral therapy, and others. The dimension group with high initial viral loads (55,000 copies/mL) and low CD4 cell counts (< 200 cells/mm3) should start treatment promptly after diagnosis. Groups with high initial CD4 cell counts (> 350 cells/mm3) that did not require immediate treatment according to previous guidelines had a higher failure rate for long-term relative CD4 recovery. Our results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to positively influence long-term disease outcomes, even if the initial immune status is poor, given the patient’s combination of early diagnostic symptoms.

Изучение процесса очистки сточных вод при работе биофильтра в периодическом режиме

The article presents the study results of the performance of the experimental unit with a plastic film load working in a periodic mode of wastewater supply at high initial loads. The kinetics of the process and changes in the efficiency of wastewater treatment over time are considered. As it was revealed, an increase in the load on the bio-filter caused a corresponding increase in the rate of contaminants` removal over the entire range of tested loads, while biomass saturation with the substrate was not observed. This characterizes a high adaptive capacity of the attached biomass to high salvo loads. It is shown that the process of organic contaminants` removal on bio-filter under the conditions of periodic tests has a staged character, indicating the possibility of bio-filter operation in the modes of incomplete and complete biological treatment of wastewater, as well as for nitrification processes. The beginning of the nitrification process and its speed depended on the load on the bio-filter for organic pollution and the degree of wastewater treatment, and the change in the rate of nitrification was autocatalytic. An indicator of the non-oxidizable part of organic pollutants in wastewater is taken into consideration, which can be used in the evaluation of the bio-filter performance.

Effect of pepper and salt blends on microbial quality of quanta: Ethiopian dried red meat

This study was conducted to assess the effect of spice blends varying in salt and pepper concentrations on the microbial quality of Quanta: Ethiopian dried red meat. The experiment had seven treatments: 25% spices, 25% salt, and 50% pepper (T1); 25% spices, 20% salt, and 55% pepper (T2); 25% spices, 15% salt, and 60% pepper (T3); 25% spices, 10% salt, and 65% pepper (T4); 25% spices, 5% salt, and 70% pepper (T5); 100% spices (without salt and pepper), a positive control (T6); a negative control without any added ingredient (T7). Microbiological analyses were performed initially on the raw sliced meat and spice blends, and after application of the treatments on the 10thand 20thdays of drying. High initial loads of total bacteria (APC) and Enterobacteriaceae (EC) were observed in the raw meat samples and spice blends and increased over the drying periods (10 and 20 days) in all treatments. No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed among the treatments (T1-T7) for APC and EC at a given drying period and between the drying periods. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the seven treatments either on the 10th and 20th days of drying. However, Escherichia coli was detected in six (T1-T6) of the dry meat samples except in T7 both on the 10thand 20thdays of drying suggesting that the spice blends served as a source of contamination of the dried meat samples with E. coli. However, the spice blends used in combination with drying were effective in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella species in the dry meat samples. Spices as well as the raw meat used for Quanta preparation should be produced and handled under hygienic conditions to minimize the microorganisms that they harbor.

Photo-thermally enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoplates against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacterial and fungal pathogens.

This paper aims to investigate the photo-thermally enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of triangular silver nanoplates for a broad range of harmful pathogens viz., Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and fungus (Candida albicans). Triangular silver nanoplates were synthesized using the chemical method and were characterized for optical absorption, size and morphology, surface charge and concentration via UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Furthermore, the photo-thermally enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the triangular silver nanoplates (10μg/ml concentration) was evaluated on broadband near-infrared irradiation. The photothermal response shows that for the fixed concentration of silver nanoplates, the smaller-sized nanoplates (~52 nm) lead to higher temperature rise than larger-sized nanoplates (~68 nm). It is demonstrated that within a short exposure duration of 15 min, the photothermal activation of silver nanoplates led to ~5 log10 CFU/ml reduction for E. coli and C. albicans, and ~7 log10 CFU/ml reduction for S. aureus from a considerably high initial load of 5× 108 CFU/ml. The present study demonstrates that photo-thermally enhanced triangular silver nanoplates possess much stronger antimicrobial efficacy over a short exposure duration of few minutes and exhibits the applicability for a broad range of pathogens. The study is highly significant and explains the eradication of broad-spectrum of microbial pathogens by photo-thermally enhanced silver nanoplates in short exposure duration with low nanoparticle concentration, which is useful for diverse antibacterial and antifungal applications.

Experimental Detection of Particle Structures Detachment from a Stretchable Single Fiber during Multiple Consecutive Stretching Cycles

The deposited particulate material within a fibrous filter affects the pressure drop which develops through three different stages. The implementation of a time-adjustable matrix is intended to cause detachment of particle structures from fibers within the upstream layers at low flow velocities. The deposited particle structures are transported further within the filter and clear up void space for an extension of filter service life. As in previous studies observed fiber stretching initiate cracks and following detachment of particle structures with a simultaneously applied airflow. For complete detachment of the particle structure, five consecutive stretching cycles are performed in this study. The elongation velocity, the flow velocity and the particle loading are varied. Using an image analysis technique and a laser-light measurement technique simultaneously, the cumulative fraction of detached particle structures and the size of detached particle structures are determined. A high initial particle loading on the fiber induces early detachment of larger structures from the fiber. The size of detached structures is increased by the increase of the elongation velocity. The mean value remains almost constant whether the elongation velocity or superficial velocity are increased. For small initial structures on the fiber, a decrease in superficial velocity causes detachment of larger particle fragments.

Effect of different angulation of forces on mini implant and abutment at various levels

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of varying loads of forces at different angulation at various levels of orthodontic mini implant system by using finite element analysis. A 3-dimensional model of the mini implant was constructed to simulate force magnitudes and directions, screw diameters and lengths, and implanted depths of mini implants. Finite element study was conducted with horizontal forces of 100, 150, and 200 g were applied to the mini implant and abutment at angulations 90° and 120. Von Mises stress, strain and displacement values were then evaluated using the ANSYS software. Both stress and displacement increased with increasing the amount of loading force. These 2 indexes were linearly proportional to the force magnitude and produced the highest values when the force was 200 g applied at 120° to the long axis of the miniimplant. The peak deformation and von Mises stress was concentrated on the miniscrew at the cervical level under 200 g at 120°. A wider screw diameter provided superior mechanical advantages. No remarkable differences in the strain distribution were observed at both angulations. However, the stress distribution of the abutment models showed a remarkable difference as compared with the models of mini implant. The high-level area (shown in orange) was localized to the head of the implant and the abutment (cervical part). Compared with 90° group, the orange coloured area was easily observed more in the cervical part of abutment. The von Mises stress values in the MI, were found to be lowest under 100 g force at 90°. Higher initial loading on the mini implant should be avoided and horizontal force on the cervical level of MI should be prevented or minimized for better stability. The abutment has maximum stress concentration which is significantly useful in decreasing the stress concentration on the bone, and has a buffering action on MI. Force range used is within clinically recommended levels; however, the increase in load causes a proportional increase in the stress values.

Development of Active Packaging Based on Agar-Agar Incorporated with Bacteriocin of Lactobacillus sakei

In the search for new biodegradable materials and greater microbiological safety and stability of perishable food products, this study aimed to develop a bioplastic antibacterial film incorporating bacteriocin for application in commercial curd cheese and monitoring of microbiological stability. Films with good handling characteristics as well as physical, barrier, and mechanical properties were obtained. Regarding the antibacterial activity, the microbial reduction was demonstrated in a food matrix, obtaining a reduction of 3 logarithmic cycles for the group of coagulase positive staphylococci and from 1100 to <3.00 MPN/g in the analysis of thermotolerant coliforms. Therefore, the film presented food barrier characteristics with the external environment and adequate migration of the antibacterial compound to the product, contributing to the reduction of contamination of a food with high initial microbial load.

Thermomechanical stability and inelastic energy dissipation as durability criteria for fuel cell gas diffusion media with pre-assembly effects

In this article, pre-assembly hot-press pressure and thermal expansion effects in gas-diffusion layers (GDLs) are addressed to explore the practicalities of the constitutive model reported in the companion article. A facile technique is proposed to include deformation history dependent residual strain effects. The model is implemented in the numerical environment and compared with widely followed conventional models such as isotropic and orthotropic material models. With the normal and accelerated thermal expansion effects no significant variation in stresses or strains is reported with the compressible GDL model in contrast to the conventional incompressible form of the GDL model. The present work identifies the critical differences with advanced and extended variants of the model along with conventional GDL material models in terms of planar stress/strain distribution and the membrane response. Finally, the model is simulated for micro-cyclic stress loads of varying amplitudes that imitate the real working conditions of fuel cell. The inelastic energy dissipation in GDLs is predicted using the proposed model, which is utilized further to distinguish the safe (elastic) and unsafe (inelastic shakedown) operating limits. The inelastic collapse of GDLs is shown to be a active function of high amplitude micro-cyclic load with high initial clamping load.

Reversed-Torsion-Type Crush Energy Absorption Structure and Its Inexpensive Partial-Heating Torsion Manufacturing Method Based on Origami Engineering

Abstract Current vehicle energy absorbers face two problems during a collision in that there is only a 70% collapse in length and there is a high initial peak load. These problems arise because the presently used energy-absorbing column has no deployment shrinkage function. It has been shown that a column called the Reversed Spiral Origami Structure (RSO) developed by Nojima solves the above two problems. However, in the case of the existing technology of the RSO, the forming cost of hydroforming is too expensive for application to a real vehicle structure. Therefore, a new structure imitating RSO, named the Reversed Torsion Origami Structure (RTO), has been developed, which has excellent energy absorption in simulation. Here, a manufacturing system is developed for the RTO cheaply. Excellent results are obtained also in a physical experiment. The RTO can replace conventional energy absorbers and is expected to be widely used in not only automobile structures but also building structures.

Leech removal is not the primary driver of basking behavior in a freshwater turtle.

Leaving the water to bask (usually in the sun) is a common behavior for many freshwater turtles, with some species also engaging in “nocturnal basking.” Ectoparasite removal is an obvious hypothesis to explain nocturnal basking and has also been proposed as a key driver of diurnal basking. However, the efficacy of basking, day or night, to remove leeches has not been experimentally tested. Therefore, we examined the number of leeches that were removed from Krefft's river turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii) after experimentally making turtles bask at a range of times of day, durations, and temperatures. Turtles had high initial leech loads, with a mean of 32.1 leeches per turtle. Diurnal basking under a heat lamp for 3 hr at ~28°C significantly reduced numbers of leeches relative to controls. In diurnal trials, 90.9% of turtles lost leeches (mean loss of 7.1 leeches per turtle), whereas basking for 30 min under the same conditions was not effective (no turtles lost leeches, and all turtles were still visibly wet). Similarly, “nocturnal basking” at ~23°C for 3 hr was not effective at removing leeches. Only 18% of turtles lost leeches (one turtle lost one leech and another lost four leeches). Diurnal basking outdoors under direct sunlight for 20 min (mean temp = 34.5°C) resulted in a small reduction in leeches, with 50% of turtles losing leeches and an average loss of 0.7 leeches per turtle. These results indicate basking can remove leeches if temperatures are high or basking durations are long. However, it was only effective at unusually long basking durations in this system. Our data showed even the 20‐min period was longer than 70.1% of natural diurnal basking events, many of which took place at cooler temperatures. Therefore, leech removal does not appear to be the purpose of the majority of basking events.

Treatment of sugar industry wastewater in continuous electrochemical process followed by low-cost adsorbent bed: Performance evaluation and economic analysis

This study demonstrates the successful treatment of sugar industry wastewater (SIW) in a series of continuous electrochemical (EC) setup and adsorption bed along with economical assessment of the process. Batch study of EC process was performed to optimize the process parameter and the batch adsorption was also carried out to understand the adsorption capacity of the adsorbents. In continuous operation, SIW was passed through an EC reactor followed by a fixed low-cost adsorbent bed. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) are considered as characteristic parameters. The experimental findings suggest that single operational process is not efficient in the treatment of high initial organic load containing SIW. Only EC process removes over 60% of the COD at the normal conditions in continuous operation (initial COD 3000 mg/L, 1.5 cm electrode gap, pH 7, 8.92 mA/cm2 current density, and flowrate 8 ml/min). While coupling of EC and adsorbent processes was found more efficient and removed ~92% COD from the SIW. Further, the EC treatment enhances the biodegradability Index (BI) of treated SIW, and adsorption process using bagasse-based fly ash (BBFA) efficiently removes excess BOD of EC treated SIW. At optimum conditions (8 ml/min) in continuous flow process, the treatment cost was found to be 1.23 $/kg CODR and 0.85 $/kg CODR for EC and EC+ adsorption process, respectively.