Recovery Model Research Articles

An optimal schedule recovery model for transportation carriers under uncertain typhoon disruption periods

An optimal schedule recovery model for transportation carriers under uncertain typhoon disruption periods

Cost-benefit analysis of working with recovery in river management using Marxan

With the impact and cost of continued river degradation and climate change-induced extreme rainfall and floods, there is growing urgency to achieve and maintain good river health to meet global sustainable development goals. Up-scaling and working with nature-based solutions at regional, catchment and fluvial corridor scales is critical. One way to achieve this is to work within a recovery-enhanced approach to river rehabilitation, incorporating processes of geomorphic and vegetative recovery to build fluvial corridors in areas where they have become fragmented. Geomorphologically-informed cost-benefit analysis has not previously been applied in a riverine or riparian context, at the catchment or regional scale needed. We applied Marxan in a novel manner to undertake the first cost-benefit analysis for geomorphologically-informed rehabilitation of river systems. We estimated that to rehabilitate 75,500 km of streams in coastal catchments of NSW will cost $8.2 billion, comparing favourably to recent single flood event insurance losses, and projected future losses. We developed Marxan scenarios based on three broad approaches to river management: ad hoc and reactive, working with recovery and corridors, across current and future time periods. We found there are considerable current and flow-on future financial and non-financial benefits, and lower initial total and per-hectare rehabilitation costs, by fully adopting working with recovery or corridors approaches and moving away from the ad hoc and reactive approaches which dominate current practice. Implementing targeted rehabilitation based on a rolling sequence over time of corridors scenarios provides optimal holistic solutions to improve geomorphic condition and enhance recovery potential at landscape-scale. Our study demonstrates the use of Marxan as an accessible tool to address prioritisation complexity, and to run and cost landscape-scale rehabilitation scenarios over time. Our study also demonstrates the positive offsite feedbacks that occur through multiplier effects, as recovery occurs, and corridors are built. Geomorphologically-informed decision making becomes more robust, transparent, cost-effective, consistent across catchments, and adaptive to local situations and evolving river management priorities.

A new approach for extracellular RNA recovery from Rhodovulum sulfidophilum

The development of RNA-based drugs is highly pursued due to the possibility of creating viable and effective therapies. However, their translation to clinical practice strongly depends on efficient technologies to produce substantial levels of these biomolecules, with high purity and high quality. RNAs are commonly produced by chemical or enzymatic methods, displaying these limitations. In this sense, recombinant production arises as a promising, cost-effective method, allowing large-scale production of RNA. Rhodovulum sulfidophilum (R. sulfidophilum), a marine purple bacterium, offers the advantage of RNA secretion into the extracellular medium, which contains low levels of RNases and other impurities. Therefore, RNA recovery can be simplified compared to standard extraction protocols involving cell lysis, resulting in a more clarified sample and an improved downstream process. In this work, R. sulfidophilum was transformed with a plasmid DNA encoding pre-miR-29b-1, which is known to be involved in the Alzheimer's disease pathway. After production, the pre-miR-29b-1 was recovered through different extraction methods to verify the most advantageous one. A protocol for extracellular RNA recovery was then established, revealing to be a simpler and less time-consuming method, reducing around 16 h in execution time and the quantity of reagents needed when compared to other established methods. The new strategy brings the additional advantage of eliminating the toxic organic compounds routinely used in intracellular RNA extractions. Overall, the optimized process described here, using isopropanol as the precipitation agent, offers a greener, safer, and faster alternative for recombinant RNA recovery and concentration, with an extracellular RNA recovery of 7 μg/mL and target pre-miRNA-29b-1 recovery of 0.7 μg/L of medium.

Increasing bio-hydrogen production from microbial electrolysis cell using artificial gorilla troops optimization

BackgroundThe target of this paper is to improve the performance of the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). The performance of MEC including bio-hydrogen production and energy recovery is depending on the values of three controlling parameters including buffer concentration, dilution factor, and applied voltage.ProblemTherefore, defining the optimal values of three controlling parameters is the challenge of the work.MethodologyIn this paper the artificial gorilla troops optimization has been combined with and ANFIS modelling to increase the bio-hydrogen production from MEC. At first, using measured data, a model is created to simulate the MEC in terms of three controlling parameters. Then, for first time, an artificial gorilla troops optimization (AGTO) has been used to determine the optimal values of buffer concentration, dilution factor, and applied voltage to boost simultaneously bio-hydrogen production and energy recovery of MEC. To demonstrate the superiority of integration between ANFIS modelling and AGTO, the obtained results are compared with RSM methodology, and artificial neural network integrated with particle swarm optimization.FindingsFor hydrogen yield model, the RMSE lowered from 67.5 using RSM to 5.562 using ANFIS (decreased by 91.7%) as compared to RSM. The R-square for prediction rises from 0.94 (using RSM) to 0.99 (using ANFIS) by about 5.32%. For the ANFIS model of energy recovery, the RMSE decreased from 31.7 to 2.83 utilising ANFIS, a decrease of 91%. The R-square for prediction rises from 0.95 (using RSM) to 0.986 (using ANFIS) by about 3.8%. Compared with measured data, the integration between ANFIS and AGTO succeed to increase the hydrogen yield from 576.3 mL/g-VS to 843.32 mL/g-VS. in sum, the total performance of the MEC has been increased by 34.74%, 29.9% and 24.38% respectively compared to measured data, RSM and ANN-PSO.

Design Rules for Capillary Force-Induced Clustering and Recovery of Monolithic Microbridges on Microapertured Polymer Membrane.

Microbridge structures have been widely used in microelectromechanical systems. When the devices with microbridges operate in diverse environments, including wet conditions, structural failures such as crumples, clustering, and collapse of micro/nanostructures occur due to the capillary force of liquid in this environment. It is necessary to establish comprehensive design criteria to address this. Herein, we investigate the structural stability of microbridges on microsized apertures in wet conditions. The multiscale structure is fabricated with microbridge width, spacing of 10 μm, and height of 6 μm while varying the supporting micro aperture size. The behavior of the microbridges is observed through an optical microscope during water dispensing on the bridges and evaporation. It is found that the microbridges remain stable on apertures of 100 μm in diameter, while clustering occurs on larger-sized apertures (300, 500 μm). Interestingly, in contrast to the 500 μm-sized aperture, the clustered microbridges on the 300 μm-sized aperture gradually recover to their original configuration after completely evaporating water. A simple theoretical model for capillary force-induced clustering and recovery is proposed to elucidate this phenomenon, which agrees with the experimental results. The microbridges constructed following the design rule can ensure robust and stable operation even in wet conditions. These findings contribute to advancing micro/nanoscale engineering and offer insights for developing innovative microdevices.

Three-month functional training programme improves knee joint function in athletes post-ACL reconstruction surgery.

Rehabilitation and recovery duration following anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery play a pivotal role in restoring optimal knee functionality in athletes. This study aimed to explore the impact of a 3-month functional training programme aligned with enhanced recovery after surgery on recuperation subsequent to anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery. A quasi-experimental study. A cohort of 34 patients aged 14 to 24, who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery and adhered to enhanced recovery after surgery protocols during the perioperative period, were allocated to an experimental group and a control group according to their eligibility, capacity, and willingness to engage in the functional training programme. The participants in the experimental group underwent a 3-month regimen of functional training following anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery, whereas the control group followed a conventional recovery approach. Evaluations were conducted both prior to and following the 3-month recovery interval, utilizing the Y-Balance Test, Functional Movement Screening, and Isokinetic Knee Test. Assessment outcomes of the Y-Balance Test, Isokinetic Knee Test, and Functional Movement Screening exhibited significant enhancement (p < 0.05) within the experimental group, as opposed to the control group. These findings underscore that those athletes who undertook the 3-month functional training regimen within the experimental group exhibited heightened dynamic balance capabilities, increased knee joint mobility, and enhanced stability compared with their counterparts in the control group. Consequently, this underscores the efficacy of the 3-month functional training protocol aligned with enhanced recovery after surgery, as a means to effectively facilitate recuperation subsequent to anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery.

Carbon emission reduction model for sewage heat recovery and utilization in a northern Chinese city

The reduction of carbon emissions from buildings has become crucial in the context of global warming. Sewage heat is gradually becoming valued as a clean energy source; however, its efficient use remains to be studied. This study explored the potential of sewage heat recovery in reducing carbon emissions in an urban built environment and proposed a carbon emission reduction model for sewage heat recovery and utilization. The relationship between various sizes of sub-catchments and different types of heat use buildings was evaluated using detailed geographic and demographic data. The results of this study suggest that the strategic placement of recovery systems can minimize carbon emissions. For instance, when the proportion of residential buildings in an urban sewage pipe network sub-catchment area exceeds 60 %, retail and office buildings are the most ideal heat recovery subjects, achieving carbon reduction rates greater than 0.6. However, when the proportion of residential buildings in a sub-catchment was <30 %, retail buildings showed better results than those of office buildings. Through the proposed method and its application, retail buildings should be considered first in terms of urban sewage heat recovery and utilization, followed by office buildings. The combined simulations and scenario analyses in this study provide a reference for enhancing the sustainability of urban heating practices using underutilized sewage heat.

A larval zebrafish model of cardiac physiological recovery following cardiac arrest and myocardial hypoxic damage.

Contemporary cardiac injury models in zebrafish larvae include cryoinjury, laser ablation, pharmacological treatment and cardiac dysfunction mutations. Although effective in damaging cardiomyocytes, these models lack the important element of myocardial hypoxia, which induces critical molecular cascades within cardiac muscle. We have developed a novel, tractable, high throughput in vivo model of hypoxia-induced cardiac damage that can subsequently be used in screening cardioactive drugs and testing recovery therapies. Our potentially more realistic model for studying cardiac arrest and recovery involves larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) acutely exposed to severe hypoxia (PO2=5-7 mmHg). Such exposure induces loss of mobility quickly followed by cardiac arrest occurring within 120 min in 5 days post fertilization (dpf) and within 40 min at 10 dpf. Approximately 90% of 5 dpf larvae survive acute hypoxic exposure, but survival fell to 30% by 10 dpf. Upon return to air-saturated water, only a subset of larvae resumed heartbeat, occurring within 4 min (5 dpf) and 6-8 min (8-10 dpf). Heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output in control larvae before hypoxic exposure were 188±5 bpm, 0.20±0.001 nL and 35.5±2.2 nL/min (n=35), respectively. After briefly falling to zero upon severe hypoxic exposure, heart rate returned to control values by 24 h of recovery. However, reflecting the severe cardiac damage induced by the hypoxic episode, stroke volume and cardiac output remained depressed by ∼50% from control values at 24 h of recovery, and full restoration of cardiac function ultimately required 72 h post-cardiac arrest. Immunohistological staining showed co-localization of Troponin C (identifying cardiomyocytes) and Capase-3 (identifying cellular apoptosis). As an alternative to models employing mechanical or pharmacological damage to the developing myocardium, the highly reproducible cardiac effects of acute hypoxia-induced cardiac arrest in the larval zebrafish represent an alternative, potentially more realistic model that mimics the cellular and molecular consequences of an infarction for studying cardiac tissue hypoxia injury and recovery of function.

Model and experiment-based evaluation of seawater-based urine phosphorus recovery (SUPR) process

Model and experiment-based evaluation of seawater-based urine phosphorus recovery (SUPR) process

Modeling of Geothermal Energy Recovery from a Depleted Gas Reservoir: A Case Study

Modeling of Geothermal Energy Recovery from a Depleted Gas Reservoir: A Case Study

Action-conditioned contrastive learning for 3D human pose and shape estimation in videos

The aim of this research is to estimate 3D human pose and shape in videos, which is a challenging task due to the complex nature of the human body and the wide range of possible pose and shape variations. This problem also poses difficulty in finding a satisfactory solution due to the trade-off between the accuracy and temporal consistency of the estimated 3D pose and shape. Thus previous researches have prioritized one objective over the other. In contrast, we propose a novel approach called the action-conditioned mesh recovery (ACMR) model, which improves accuracy without compromising temporal consistency by leveraging human action information. Our ACMR model outperforms existing methods that prioritize temporal consistency in terms of accuracy, while also achieving comparable temporal consistency with other state-of-the-art methods. Significantly, the action-conditioned learning process occurs only during training, requiring no additional resources at inference time, thereby enhancing performance without increasing computational demands.

DOA estimation of noncircular signals with direction-dependent mutual coupling

In this paper, a reweighted sparse recovery algorithm based on the optimal weighted subspace fitting (WSF) for non-circular signals in direction-dependent mutual coupling (MC) is proposed. Firstly, a new augmented model is constructed by leveraging the characteristics of non-circular signals. Next, a new direction matrix without mutual coupling coefficients is obtained by a novel transformation method. Then, two sparse recovery models are constructed by utilizing the WSF technique, and the sparsity of the solution is increased by constructing a weighted matrix. Finally, the direction of arrival (DOA) is achieved by a sparse recovery approach. For both coherent and incoherent signals, the developed approach can achieve precise DOA estimation in the case of direction-dependent MC. The robustness and advantage of the developed approach are testified by various experiments.

High-temperature structural drivers immobilizing alkaline substances in red mud-derived mineral wool

Smelting and fiberization of red mud (RM) is an attractive approach for rapid recovery of metal resources, production of mineral wool, and immobilization of hazardous alkalis. However, an enormous challenge remains in understanding alkali immobilization behavior in mineral wool over a broad A/S (Al2O3 to SiO2 mass ratio) range. Here we addressed the challenge through molecular dynamics, thermodynamic and experimental analyses. Increasing A/S ratio caused an increasing degree of structural order and the remarkable micro-phase separation occurred at A/S > 0.9. The role of Na+ and Ca2+ changed from the network-modifying cations to the charge-compensating cations. Melt viscosity decreased and then increased significantly with an intensified temperature sensitivity, identified by the increasing viscous flow activation energy from 211.5 to 377.03 kJ/mol in the temperature region from 1500 to 1570 °C. The transformation of thermodynamic properties (real mixed/excess molar Gibbs free energies, and entropy increment) corresponded to the structural changes. Thermal, mechanical and leaching tests confirmed the negative effect of this structural transformation on alkali immobilization. The A/S ratios controlled below 0.9 were proposed for environmental benefits and product stability. The investigation of immobilization mechanism provides valuable information for tuning the vitrification chemistry and developing safe and green mineral wool from RM.

Magnesium-modified starch cryogels for the recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and its potential as a fertilizer substitute: A novel nutrient recovery approach

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are primary pollutants contributing to water quality degradation and eutrophication but are also indispensable resources for agricultural production. In this study, we synthesized porous MgO/Mg(OH)2-modified starch gels (SC-M/SC-OM) to facilitate the simultaneous removal of N and P from wastewater and address the challenges associated with separating and recycling powdered materials. By immobilizing magnesium powder within the matrix of starch gel, with the addition of 1.7 % w/w of MgO and 2.4 % w/w of Mg(OH)₂, the adsorbent can be efficiently recovered from the liquid phase, minimizing material loss. Due to their inherent pH-regulating capabilities, the modified starch gels exhibited excellent removal performance over a wide pH range. At the appropriate adsorbent dose, the maximum recovery of SC-M was 70.072 mg/g P and 25.517 mg/g N, whereas SC-OM was marginally inferior to SC-M. The pseudo-first kinetic model more accurately represented the adsorption of the two materials, showing that N and P concentrations mainly affected the adsorption efficiency, which benefits nutrient recovery at higher concentrations. Starch gels function as carriers for powdered magnesium and contribute to the synergistic removal of N and P, particularly enhancing P removal. SC-OM primarily facilitates the recovery of N and P by forming struvite. At the same time, the adsorption during the hydration process of MgO also plays a crucial role in the recovery with SC-M. Finally, the pot experiment confirmed the feasibility of using the recovered SC as a sustained release fertilizer. This study reveals the significant potential of SC-M/SC-OM for environmentally friendly nutrient removal and recovery, providing a promising approach for wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling.

Peran Teknologi dalam Meningkatkan Efisiensi Pertanian

Abstracts. This research examines the role of genetic technologies in the conservation of threatened marine species with a focus on the effectiveness of methods and the successful application of advanced techniques. The background of this research is driven by the biodiversity crisis affecting marine species, which requires innovative approaches for protection and recovery. The main objective of the study was to evaluate various genetic methods in improving the conservation of threatened species and determine their success in practice. The methods used included an in-depth literature review of genetic techniques, case studies of field applications, and analysis of results obtained from various sources. Findings suggest that genetic methods, such as CRISPR and DNA barcoding techniques, have significant potential to improve the effectiveness of marine species conservation by providing solutions to specific problems related to threatened species. Implications of this research include recommendations for the application of genetic techniques in conservation programs as well as encouragement for further research to address complex conservation challenges. This research contributes to the development of more effective genetics-based conservation strategies, offering practical guidance for future policies and actions.

Donnan dialytic transport and biological removal of yttrium from multi-element solutions

Yttrium (Y), classified among the rare earth elements (REEs), plays an important role in modern technologies, contributing to the increase in mineral extraction and processing activities. Consequently, this trend leads to an elevated release of economically significant but potentially dangerous elements into the environment. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is recognized as a concern due to the presence of hazardous elements, however, it simultaneously serves as a valuable secondary source of critical elements.This study explores the recovery of Y(III) from multi-element solutions that simulate real AMD in terms of pH, the presence of various divalent cations, and sulfate. It investigates the recovery of Y(III) from multi-element solutions using a two-stage approach: cation exchange membrane (CEM) for Donnan dialytic Y(III) transport followed by biological treatment for Y recovery. The efficiency of Y(III) transport across the acid-resistant CEM, Fumasep FKS-PEP-130, reached 68.6 %, even in the presence of accompanying cations. The addition of strain J19, highly resistant to Y, led to approximately 89 % removal of Y(III) from the feed compartment.The proposed CEM transport/biological treatment concept offers the first efficient Y(III) recovery approach. This method will benefit future assays with real-field AMD, as it minimizes waste generation while effectively separating metals from sulfate, thereby reducing environmental impact.

A Multicenter Validation of a Novel Prediction Model for Elbow Flexion Recovery after Nerve Transfer Surgery in Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Nerve transfer surgery for brachial plexus injuries exhibits variable success rates, potentially resulting in prolonged limb dysfunction for more than 2 years. A proposed prediction model has been developed to predict the unsuccessful recovery of elbow flexion after the surgery. The model consisted of six variables, namely body mass index 23 kg/m2 or more, smoking, total arm type, donor nerve, ipsilateral upper extremity fracture, and ipsilateral vascular injury. This study aimed to assess the external validity of the model for wider applicability. This retrospective analysis examined the medical records of 213 eligible patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries who underwent surgery at two referral centers between July 2008 and June 2022. The prediction model was applied to estimate recovery failure probability, which was compared with the observed outcomes for each patient. Both the original and simplified models were validated for discrimination and calibration using metrics including c-statistic, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, calibration plot, calibration slope, and intercept. Thirty-two percent of patients experienced unsuccessful elbow flexion recovery. Both the original and simplified models demonstrated good discrimination (c-statistics: 0.748 and 0.759, respectively). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test revealed strong agreement between predicted and observed probabilities for both models (P = 0.66 and P = 0.92, respectively). The calibration plot exhibited good agreement, with a calibration slope of 0.928 and an intercept of 0.377. The prediction model showed strong external validation, confirming its clinical value. High-risk patients should be educated on the risks and benefits of nerve transfer surgery and consider alternative treatments such as primary free functioning muscle transfer.

A sustainable approach for water management and nutrient recovery

A sustainable approach for water management and nutrient recovery

Моделі відновлення транспортно-логістичної інфраструктури скотарства на деокупованих територіях україни

In the conditions of de-occupation and restoration of the territories of Ukraine, an important task is the restoration of the transport and logistics infrastructure for the efficient functioning of the livestock industry. The study covers the analysis of existing problems related to the destruction of infrastructure due to military actions and proposes a set of models that contribute to the rapid and efficient recovery of this industry. The proposed models in the article are aimed at restoring production capacities, improving the efficiency of logistics processes, and ensuring the sustainable development of cattle breeding in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine. A comprehensive approach to solving the problems of infrastructure restoration will not only restore economic activity but also contribute to the long-term development of the regions. The de-occupation of the territories of Ukraine affected by military operations creates new challenges for the recovery of various sectors of the economy, including cattle breeding. The transport and logistics infrastructure, which is critical to the functioning of this industry, has suffered significant destruction. Therefore, restoring this infrastructure is critically important for ensuring the region’s food security, economic growth, and stability. Optimizing logistics routes is an essential component of infrastructure recovery. New realities of safety and accessibility must be considered, including alternative delivery routes and the use of local resources. Restoring the transport and logistics infrastructure of cattle breeding in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine is extremely important for the economic revival of the regions. The application of complex recovery models, considering modern technologies and innovative approaches, will ensure the sustainable development of agriculture and raise the standard of living of the local population. In the above-mentioned scientific study, all the main challenges and critical limitations related to the restoration and development of the transport infrastructure of Ukraine are highlighted. Keywords: transport and logistics chains, de-occupied territories, economic management, transport infrastructure, model, technologies, strategy.

A qualitative exploration of harm reduction in practice by street-based peer outreach workers

BackgroundDespite the widespread use of the phrase “harm reduction” and the proliferation of programs based on its principles during the current opioid epidemic, what it means in practice is not universally agreed upon. Harm reduction strategies have expanded from syringe and needle exchange programs that emerged in the mid-1980s primarily in response to the HIV epidemic, to include medication for opioid use disorder, supervised consumption rooms, naloxone distribution, and drug checking technologies such as fentanyl test strips. Harm reduction can often be in tension with abstinence and recovery models to address substance use, and people who use drugs may also hold competing views of what harm reduction means in practice. Street-based outreach workers are increasingly incorporated into harm reduction programs as part of efforts to engage with people more fully in various stages of drug use and nonuse.MethodThis paper explores how peer outreach workers, called “members,” in a street-based naloxone distribution program define and practice harm reduction. We interviewed 15 members of a street-based harm reduction organization in an urban center characterized by an enduring opioid epidemic. Inductive data analysis explored harm reduction as both a set of principles and a set of practices to understand how frontline providers define and enact them.ResultsAnalysis revealed that when members talked about their work, they often conceptualized harm reduction as a collection of ways members and others can “save lives” and support people who use drugs. They also framed harm reduction as part of a “path toward recovery.” This path was complicated and nonlinear but pursued a common goal of life without drug use and its residual effects. These findings suggest the need to develop harm reduction programs that incorporate both harm reduction and recovery to best meet the needs of people who use drugs and align with the value systems of implementers.