Native Resources Research Articles

Dynamics for a nonlocal diffusive SIR epidemic model with double free boundaries

In this paper, we study an SIR epidemic model with nonlocal diffusion and double free boundaries, which can be used to describe a class of biological phenomena: the depletion of native resources by all individuals, the infected individuals do not lose their fertility completely, the recovered individuals are immune and no longer infected, the infected and recovered individuals spread along the same free boundary. We first investigate the existence and uniqueness of global solution, long time behaviors and some sufficient conditions for spreading and vanishing. Then we estimate the spreading speed and derive that accelerated spreading could happen when the kernel function does not satisfy a threshold condition.

Selective extraction of chromium from chromium-bearing electroplating sludge by pressure oxidation alkaline leaching

The selective extraction of chromium (Cr) from Chromium-bearing electroplating sludge (CES) has positive significance for harmless disposal and reducing dependence on native resources. Herein, the process of pressure oxidation alkaline leaching of CES is reported. The leaching ratio of Cr was reached 89.9 % under the optimal conditions, i.e., temperature of 125℃, NaOH concentration of 1.5 mol/L, liquid-solid ratio of 10, oxygen partial pressure of 2Mpa and reaction time of 2 h, while other elements such as Cu, Ni, Fe and Zn were virtually not leached out. In addition, the concentration of NaOH required for the maximum of the leaching ratio of Cr decreased with the increase of temperature, which attributed to the synergistic effect of temperature and NaOH concentration on the solubility and diffusion coefficient of the oxidant. As the oxygen partial pressure was increased to 2 MPa, the liquid-solid ratio was raised to 10, and the reaction time was extended to 2 h, respectively, the leaching ratio of Cr reached maximum and then remained as a constant. Kinetic studies showed the leaching process of chromium was controlled by chemical reaction, and the apparent activation energy was 112.1 kJ/mol. The efficient selective recovery of Cr is of great significance to reduce the difficulty of comprehensive recovery of valuable metal elements in the CES.

Rural Botanical Knowledge in Urbanity: Restructurings and Resignifications in the Peripheries of a Patagonian City in Argentina

The botanical knowledge of Mapuche people settled on the peripheries of Esquel city (Argentine Patagonia) was compared with that of urban residents in order to know their particularities, and to understand how rural–urban (rurban) hybridization resignifies their practices and medicinal plants richness for better adaptation to city life. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 79 patients attending primary health care centers (33 rurban Mapuches, 46 urban), and data were qualitative–quantitatively analyzed. Rurban residents cite similar plant richness to that of urban ones (∼69 species), though they are different in composition. Local medicinal flora provides responses to diseases with a similar incidence in both groups, but each group addresses them based on the resources it recognizes as most effective and accessible. The rurban system is flexible facing the challenge that life in the city implies, evidencing the incorporation and replacement of native resources by exotic ones as an expression of restructuring processes and cultural diversification. These changes allow for recreation of memory about the importance of medicinal plants, and adjustment of therapeutic practices to a present time, having different needs from those of rurality. Urban residents incorporate plants from Mapuche pharmacopoeia, some of which are on visualization, evidencing bidirectional resource and ethnobotanical knowledge transference between groups. As a conclusion, this case study points out the importance of recognizing rurbanity as a starting point for the establishment of public policies that improve governance and access to health for Mapuche migrants in the city.

The influence of exotic and native plants on illnesses with physical and spiritual causes in the semiarid region of Piauí, Northeast of Brazil

BackgroundLocal medical systems (LMS) include native and exotic plants used for the treatment of diseases of physical and spiritual nature. The incorporation of exotic plants into these systems has been the subject of many studies. In this context, an analysis was conducted on the influence of the origin of plants on diseases of physical and spiritual nature in order to evaluate the therapeutic versatility of native and exotic species in these therapeutic targets, to investigate whether exotic plants mainly fill gaps not met by native plants (diversification hypothesis), and identify which species are prioritized in the redundant targets in these two therapeutic groups in the rural community of Morrinhos, Monsenhor Hipólito, Piauí.MethodsData collection took place in 2 stages. First, free lists and semi-structured interviews with local residents (n = 134) were conducted to survey plants used for therapeutic purposes and the associated illnesses. Then, another phase of interviews was carried out to evaluate the prioritization between native and exotic plants in redundant therapeutic targets. To test the diversification hypothesis (DH) in each group of illnesses, data were analyzed using generalized linear models (Poisson and Binomial GLMs); versatility was measured by the number of therapeutic indications and compared between resources using the Mann–Whitney test, and prioritization in each group was verified by comparing the proportions of native and exotic plants with the χ2 test.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-two species of plants were surveyed, being 71 exotic and 61 native, with indications for physical and spiritual illnesses. The results revealed that the diversification hypothesis did not explain the inclusion of exotic plants in the local medical system to treat physical or spiritual illnesses and that the therapeutic versatility of exotic and native resources in the two groups was also similar (p > 0.05). However, exotic plants were prioritized in illnesses with physical causes and native plants in illnesses with spiritual causes.ConclusionsThe local medical system presents similar and distinct patterns in the therapeutic targets, depending on the perspective evaluated. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the patterns of use of medicinal plants in different sociocultural contexts in order to broaden the debate about the role of plant origin in the selection of treatments for illnesses with different causes.

Nutrient profiling of Wild Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) populations in Northeast India: Assessing the potential of this fruit tree for ecological and human health restoration

Assessing the potential of native species like Emblica officinalis (Aonla) is vital for various reasons. It supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, ecological equilibrium, human well-being, and climate resilience. This study, conducted across 30 diverse locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India, unveiled substantial morphological and nutrient variations among Aonla genotypes. Notable findings include G24's high total soluble solids content, G1's maximum acidity, and G13's elevated total carbohydrate content. G29 stood out with increased pectin, vitamin C, and phosphorus, while G19 exhibited higher total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and potassium. Additionally, genotypes displayed differences in crude protein, total starch, crude fibre, and total phenol content. Four promising genotypes (G29, G19, G24, and G1) hold the potential for genetic crop enhancement, offering benefits in local nutrition, health, soil quality, and water retention, not only in Northeast India but also beyond. This research underscores the significance of understanding and utilizing native resources to foster both ecosystems and human communities.

Mayan diet model based on the Mediterranean diet as a nutritional alternative for southeastern Mexico

Nutritional education in Mexico is a necessary strategy to address the serious public health problem that is currently being experienced, since the population is suffering from chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemias, arterial hypertension and pathologies that unfortunately are already present in children thanks to a poor and unbalanced diet. Seeking alternatives for food orientation and for reducing these health problems, the Mediterranean diet was taken as an inspiring model. This healthy pattern, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is characterized by several structural elements, such as the promotion of regional and seasonal food, the respect of the nature, the cooking food at home, the consumption of a moderate amount of food, the promotion of family ties and communication, the practice of daily physical exercise and adequate rest. The proposal for a Mediterranean-based Mayan diet model also aims to integrate the entity’s native resources, promote food security in the southeast region of Mexico nd preserve the ancient recipes that have been inherited from our Mayan ancestors.

The Educational Process in the Aspect of the Study of Circular Economy

Changes in the global economic model for the use of Natural Resources will increase mainly due to reductions on a point scale of about 90 billion USD native resources. It is expected to reach 190 billion USD by 2060. This will lead to a significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions and a reduction in raw materials needed for high technologies. The only way to counter these challenges is to move to a circular economy. Circular economics calls into question the linear system and requires a rethink of the production process, considering the process of recycling goods. It offers significant potential for innovation, employment opportunities, quality of work, and ultimately a more inclusive economy that serves the needs of all people. The role of the educational system in the process of forming a circular economy. The importance of education is emphasized in the transition to a circular economy. The education system is a key player in the transition from a linear to a circular economy, which should begin to guide this transformation. To do this, the education system must first adapt to new requirements by adopting circular economics teaching in classrooms. Secondly, to ensure an effective large-scale transition by developing students’ proper skills and systems thinking. However, circular economics cannot be tied to a single profession or discipline because its success requires dialogue between different actors. This is an inter-social economic model that is needed in the fields of engineering, design, military operations, and business. Therefore, the teaching of circular economics should also be interdisciplinary and cover different areas of Education.

Growth Patterns Analysis of Yellow-Finned Medaka (Oryzias profundicola) as Endemic Fish in Lake Towuti

Lake Towuti has the potential biological resource and a wide diversity of endemic fish with ecological and economic value. Lake Towuti is also known as a biodiversity hotspot that needs attention to conservation because of the number of threads increasing. Fisheries resources in Lake Towuti has a significant role in increasing income, expanding job opportunity, and as a nutritional source for the community. Lake Towuti is also known as rich in endemic fisheries that have economic and ecological value. One of them is known as Yellow-Finned Medaka (Oryzias profundicola). Yellow-Finned Medaka is a biological native resource and endemic fish in Lake Towuti, South Sulawesi. A study about this fish has never been conducted before so it needs research to analyse the growth pattern in Lake Towuti. This study aims to determine the growth pattern of yellow-finned medaka in Lake Towuti. Samples were collected from January to July 2022 every month and measured their length and weight. During the study were found 2949 fish, consisting of 1202 males and 1747 females. The length-weight relationship was W=1.3366L0.0041 for males and 0.9127L0.0187 for females. These results indicate that the growth pattern for yellow-finned Medaka is negative allometric.

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.): Suitability of Traditional Cultivars to a Low-Trellis Farming System in a Semiarid Environment

Humulus lupulus is a dioecious twining herb, with an outstanding vertical development capacity. Hop plants are usually grown on trellises up to 4.5 to 6.0 m high, whose management requires intense use of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor. In semiarid Mediterranean areas, where native resources are often scarce, the adoption of low-trellis farming systems could be a sustainable option for hop cultivation. With the aim of evaluating hop suitability to low-trellis cultivation in a Mediterranean environment, in 2018 and 2019 three traditional hop genotypes (‘Cascade’, ‘Chinook’, and ‘Nugget’) were grown, and their development rate was evaluated and put in relation with the plants’ cone, root, and biomass yield. Moreover, organic (fragmented pine bark) and synthetic [black polyethylene (PE) plastic film] mulches were applied on the same cultivars, and both epigeal and hypogeal development were evaluated. The results showed that the faster the growth in the first two phases of plant elongation (up to 50% of the height of the upper wire), the lower the yield in both cones and total epigeal biomass. A fast growth rate was instead associated with a higher hypogeal biomass production. Mulching was able to significantly affect the hypogeal biomass, specifically for cv. Cascade, where the use of synthetic mulching allowed significant root biomass increases. The analysis of the results obtained showed that hop’s suitability to a low-trellis farming system is highly variable among varieties in the semiarid Mediterranean environment.

Towards QoS-Based Embedded Machine Learning

Due to various breakthroughs and advancements in machine learning and computer architectures, machine learning models are beginning to proliferate through embedded platforms. Some of these machine learning models cover a range of applications including computer vision, speech recognition, healthcare efficiency, industrial IoT, robotics and many more. However, there is a critical limitation in implementing ML algorithms efficiently on embedded platforms: the computational and memory expense of many machine learning models can make them unsuitable in resource-constrained environments. Therefore, to efficiently implement these memory-intensive and computationally expensive algorithms in an embedded computing environment, innovative resource management techniques are required at the hardware, software and system levels. To this end, we present a novel quality-of-service based resource allocation scheme that uses feedback control to adjust compute resources dynamically to cope with the varying and unpredictable workloads of ML applications while still maintaining an acceptable level of service to the user. To evaluate the feasibility of our approach we implemented a feedback control scheduling simulator that was used to analyze our framework under various simulated workloads. We also implemented our framework as a Linux kernel module running on a virtual machine as well as a Raspberry Pi 4 single board computer. Results illustrate that our approach was able to maintain a sufficient level of service without overloading the processor as well as providing an energy savings of almost 20% as compared to the native resource management in Linux.

Predicting invasive consumer impact via the comparative functional response approach: linking application to ecological theory

The Comparative Functional Response Approach (CFRA) was developed to provide a practical methodology by which short-term experiments can be used to forecast the longer-term impacts of a potential invading consumer. The CFRA makes inferences about potential invader impact based on comparisons of the functional responses of invader and native consumers on native resources in a common experimental venue. Application of the CFRA and derivative approaches have proliferated since it was introduced in 2014. Here we examine the conceptual foundations of the CFRA within the context of basic Lotka–Volterra consumer-resource theory. Our goals are to assess whether core predictions of the CFRA hold within this framework, to consider the relative importance of background mortality and consumer assimilation efficiency in determining predator impact, and to leverage this conceptual framework to expand the discussion regarding stability and long term consumer and resource dynamics. The CFRA assertion that consumers with a higher functional response will have larger impacts on resources only holds as long as all other parameters are equal, but basic theory indicates that predator impacts on prey abundance and stability will depend more on variation in conversion efficiency and background mortality. While examination of the CFRA within this framework highlights limitations about its current application, it also points to potential strengths that are only revealed when a theoretical context is identified, in this case the implications for stability and conceptual links to competition theory.

Study of Sustainable Techniques for Effective Risk Management and Control: A Review

Abstract: A geological disturbance is a broader term that refers to a variety of ground motions such as rock falls, slope failure, and shallow debris flows. The study of landslides has fetched a lot of interest recently, owing to a growing awareness of the socioeconomic consequences associated. The land in the mountainous region is especially susceptible to landslides due to its complicated geological context. Landslides are generally caused by the slope changing from a stable to an unstable condition, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as pore water pressure destabilising the slopes, loss or absence of vertical vegetative structure (after a wild fire or fire in forests lasting two or four days), erosion of toe of slopes by river, significant rain falls, earthquakes causing liquefaction of slope, blasting, earth work which alters the slope and imposes new load on it. If the slope is not stable and must support a large soil mass, the entire wedge may slide, resulting in the second type of landslide. Although climate change has also contributed to the occurrence of such disasters like landslides. As we all are aware about the relative causes of landslides, still it is a major concern for governmental organisations, authorities, geotechnical engineers and sub-urban planners for both public and structural safety. Landslides are a major issue in hilly areas especially in Himalayan region of India, where populace is more dependent on native resources and are prone to landslides too.

Time budget and foraging strategies of two provisioned groups of tufted capuchin monkeys, Sapajus libidinosus, in a small, seasonal urban forest fragment.

Studies of urban monkeys provide important insights into the behavioral flexibility of primate species. We studied two provisioned groups of capuchin monkeys that inhabit a small forest fragment in the city of Goiânia, Brazil. One of the groups was dominant and had priority of access to both native and provisioned resources. Anthropic resources were available in two relatively small areas within this forest, but varied in their quality. We hypothesized that intergroup dominance and the seasonality of native resources would have different impacts on the foraging strategies and use of space by the two study groups. Data on the location of the members of the two groups, their behavior, and consumption of different food items were collected during five dry season and five rainy season months. The members of the dominant group spent more time in the provisioned area where anthropic food was less costly to obtain and consumed more provisioned fruit and vegetables than the members of the subordinate group. The differences between groups were exacerbated during the dry season, when sources of native fruit were less abundant. The results of the present study illustrate how capuchins may respond to the variation in proximate factors, such as intergroup dominance and seasonality. These factors were determinants to the variation in the diet and the use of space observed between the two study groups.

Interaction between domestic investment foreign direct investment and economic growth in Nigeria

The most inclusive definitions of economic growth always include the best utilisation of native resources in addition to increasing GDP and integration into the global market. As a result, the impact of domestic investment in an economy is one of the most examined subjects in capital movement and economic development. Flowing this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of domestic investment on the economic growth of Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the growth of the economy of Nigeria from 1981 to 2018, determine the relationship of domestic investment on the Nigerian economy, evaluate the relationship of foreign direct investment on the economy of Nigeria, and determine the association between capital inflow and the Nigerian economy. Using secondary time series data obtained for domestic investment, foreign direct investment, exchange rate, and interest rate – from Nigerian Central Bank Statistical Bulletin and World Development Indicators, Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) technique was employed in estimating the short term and long run dynamics. The results revealed that foreign direct investment (t = 2.2385, p = 0.033) and interest rate (t = -2.5141, p = 0.0177) are the only significant determinants of real GDP in the short term, while the significant long run exponents are domestic investment (t = 139.5577, p = 0.0000), foreign direct investment (t = -3.2445, p = 0.0026) and exchange rate (t = -2.8316, p = 0.0071). Furthermore, the Granger Causality test revealed that both domestic investment and foreign direct investment cause economic growth. Therefore, the study recommended, among others, that policy makers optimise local investment options and normalize exchange rate and trade operations.

Crushed Capsicum chacoense Hunz Fruits: A Food Native Resource of Paraguay with Antioxidant and Anthelmintic Activity.

The nutritional composition and toxicity of native plants with food potential like Capsicum chacoense are important for the safe use of populations and could be used as a source for searching for new drug candidates. Infections produced by parasites such as helminths are a public health concern for many countries. The drugs used for treating these diseases are few, and the emergence of resistance is a risk. In this work, the nutritional composition, acute toxicity, antioxidant activity, and anthelmintic activity of crushed C. chacoense fruits were evaluated. The composition was analyzed by standard procedures. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS radical and the total phenolic compound (TPC) tests. The toxicity was evaluated on Swiss albino mice by the single-DL50-dose procedure. The anthelmintic activity was tested against Eisenia foetida. The samples presented high levels of dietary fiber (47.05-49.19 g/100 g), proteins (14.43-15.60 g/100 g), and potassium (1708-1733 mg/100 g). In the samples, the absence of acute lethal effects in doses lower than 2000 mg/kg was observed. A rich composition of TPC (517.26-543.32 mg GAE/100 g sample), total carotenoids (125.72-239.57 mg/kg), β-carotene (3.29-5.60 mg/kg), and good TAC was observed (154-158 mM TEAC/g SMTC). The methanolic extracts at the doses tested (2.5 to 40 mg/mL) showed good anthelmintic activity. The presence of alkaloids was demonstrated in the methanolic extract, consistent with the levels of capsaicin (131.85 and 98.80 mg/100 g) and dihydrocapsaicin (80.75 and 63.68 mg/100 g), with significant statistical differences between samples (p < 0.05). These results show that through the chemical composition of this underutilized native resource and good fruit processing procedures, the C. chacoense fruits have a great nutraceutical potential of interest for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Changing with the weather: Afghan farmers adapt to drought

Drought is one of the significant impacts of climate change affecting agricultural productivity and subsistence for Afghanistan’s farmers. Producers have applied various adaptation measures making use of their native resources in response to drought. Studying the cases of the Panjab and Waras districts in the south of Bamyan province of Afghanistan, this research aims to analyse Afghan farmers’ drought adaptation strategies. Farmers’ adaptation strategies to drought and the effectiveness of such actions to decrease the effects of this natural hazard were studied. The adaptive strategies were categorised into five groups, including: (i) cropping practices, (ii) soil and water conservation, (iii) animal husbandry management, (iv) wage labour use and (v) financial management. Major adaptive strategies for cropping practices include growing early maturing crops, drought-tolerant crops, inter-cultivation systems, changing cropping patterns, seed treatments, growing non-traditional crops and crop rotation. Soil and water conservation adaptive actions include bund construction, watering at night, levelling land, decreasing irrigated areas, reducing water wastage and small-scale watershed management. Drought responses for livestock included supplementary feed, increased rearing of small animals, fodder cultivation and storage. Non-farm adaptive strategies to augment income include production of handicrafts, additional unpaid family labour, borrowing money, reducing expenditures for non-food and costly food items, migration, selling assets and discontinuing agricultural activities due to drought. Data for this study was collected using a field survey with questionnaires and face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 140 farmers from Panjab and Waras districts in the study area. One of the main issues was the necessity and importance of expanding the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) support programmes for the adaptation strategies.

Mammals of Cajuru State Forest and surroundings: a neglected but important Protected Area for the Cerrado conservation in the São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract: The Cerrado has been severely impacted by anthropogenic disturbances, with a tiny proportion of its original extent remaining in its southern portions. In the state of São Paulo, only 7% of this vegetation remains and relatively little is known about the biodiversity of these fragments. To fill this knowledge gap, we inventoried medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals of a neglected region, including a sustainable use protected area, Cajuru State Forest (CSF), adjacent native vegetation remnants protected by the Native Vegetation Protection Law and owned by a paper and cellulose company (Dois Córregos Farm; DCF), and their surroundings. We recorded 20 native mammal species, five of which are endangered with extinction, including the giant anteater, puma, and maned wolf. We found no significant differences in species richness between CSF and DCF but we found higher estimated species richness for the surrounding areas. Besides encompassing a larger and more heterogeneous area, the surrounding area still has a relatively high proportion (&gt;30%) of native vegetation, providing habitat and resources for many species. The estimated mammal species richness for the entire study area was similar to that found in the largest protected area of the Cerrado in São Paulo State, the Jataí Ecological Station and its surroundings. We conclude that our study area still harbors a relatively rich community of large mammals and is important for the conservation of endangered species. This finding is particularly timing since the current State administration is considering to transfer the economic exploitation of CSF to the private sector. We therefore endorse an existing proposal to uplist this protected area, which still lacks a management plan, to a more restricted management category. Besides actions regarding this governmental PA, we argue that it is also important to involve the private sector in a conservation plan for the region.

Phantom Porcelains: Zhangzhou and Yoshida Polychrome Dishes with Seal Design

Abstract Zhangzhou ceramics, coarsely potted with thick glaze and sandy feet, were mass-produced in southern Fujian during the late Ming and early Qing periods. The rise of the Zhangzhou kiln complex was an outcome of expanding maritime trade since the Jiajing period (1522–1566) and Zhangzhou production reached a climax in the Wanli period (1572–1620). The Fujianese workshops created a whole spectrum of porcelain products, ranging from monochrome pieces to blue-and-white and polychrome ones. Of the decorative vocabulary that is unique to Zhangzhou kilns, the pavilion and seal design (previously known as the “Split Pagoda” motif) is noteworthy for its decorative originality and transnational appeal. Through a close examination of typical Zhangzhou dishes with seal design, the paper points out that the intriguing theme fuses Daoist ideals with Confucian-recluses’ pursuits. The pluralism in the symbolic meanings of the pattern enhances the marketability of this type of Zhangzhou ware. Around the 1650s, Japanese potters in the Yoshida workshops of Ureshino, Hizen province on the Island of Kyushu started to incorporate the Zhangzhou designs into their local decorative repertoire. But instead of faithfully imitating the seal pattern from the Fujianese prototype, Yoshida decorators seamlessly wove Japanese fashion into Chinese-inspired motifs. Popular designs from nearby Arita, the porcelain capital of Japan, further stimulated Yoshida artisans to create affordable fusion-style products for Southeast Asian markets that were yet to be dominated by prestigious Hizen porcelains. However, the efflorescence of Yoshida porcelains with seal design was rather short-lived due to limited native resources and fierce competition in and outside Kyushu.

What’s for dinner? Assessing the value of an edible invasive species and outreach actions to promote its consumption

The consumption of edible aquatic invasive species has gained popularity as a means to minimize their impacts while easing pressure on native resources and ecosystems. Weakfish Cynoscion regalis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is one of the most recent invasive fish species in the Iberian Peninsula (Europe) which once sustained an important fishery in the native range (Northwest Atlantic Ocean). Portugal ranks third in the list of the world’s fish consumers, so promoting a weakfish fishery could at least minimize the impacts upon native species, since weakfish have innate traits that are appreciated by Portuguese fish consumers. However, introducing a new species to consumers is challenging owing to consumers’ habits and unfamiliarity with the species. So, we aimed to (i) evaluate the acceptance of weakfish by a panel of Portuguese fish consumers and (ii) create outreach actions—partnerships with local Chefs and press releases—to explain to a broader audience what invasive species are and promote the consumption of edible aquatic invasive species. We conducted a consumers survey that showed that weakfish has great chances of being well accepted by Portuguese fish consumers– 90% would buy weakfish because they appreciated its appearance, flavor, and texture, besides being a wild fish. The outreach actions reached a few million people because 46 online articles were published, and three news pieces were broadcasted on national television. Our strategy increased the public’s awareness about weakfish as an invasive species, which could be adapted for other non-indigenous marine species elsewhere in the world.

Hybrid inorganic-organic membranes in the service of clean coal technologies

Clean coal technologies (CCT) are all technological solutions that are designed to increase the efficiency of coal combustion, processing and extraction. They are therefore, all the technologies that will help to reduce its environmental nuisance during the production and use of coal and can be introduced at various stages of coal application. Earlier was stated that none of the energy sources (natural gas, crude oil and renewable energy sources), their native resources, the used technologies and the sources of imports are not able to eliminate hard coal from the energy mix of Poland in the near future. That is why the authors began research to create a new clean-coal technology based on the hybrid inorganic-organic membranes, which can be used for elimination of harmful substances generated during coal combustion, especially CO2. This work concerns the study of the inorganic-organic hybrid membranes based on few modified polymer matrices and various inorganic fillers. It was found that incorporation of zeolite 4A into the polymer matrix had significantly changed the gas transport parameters (D, P, S and α). In turn, the mechanical (Rm and E) parameters have increased with the filler content. The application allows the initial selection of ingredients from which the final membrane will be created. The designed technology does not require high financial expenditures, and it is also highly universal. It can be used both in households, heating plants and, above all, in power plants.