Optimal Proportion Research Articles

Estimation of optimal adherence threshold for tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis

IntroductionOptimal adherence thresholds can vary across medications and disease states. The objective of the study was to determine the optimal threshold of the proportion of days covered (PDC) for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPatients with RA initiating self-administered TNF inhibitors were identified using 2012–18 Medicare fee-for-service claims. Time-varying PDC was calculated every day for the preceding 90 days during follow-up. Oral and injected glucocorticoid use, hospitalizations, emergency room (ER) visits, serious infections, and a composite of these were measured as outcomes. Time to first occurrence of each outcome as a function of time-varying PDC for TNF inhibitors was evaluated using Cox regression. Incident/dynamic time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and Youden’s J index were used to obtain the optimal PDC threshold for outcomes at 365 days.ResultsOf the 1190 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, almost 75% (865 patients) experienced at least one of the outcomes. Increasing PDC by 10% was significantly associated with decreased risks of the composite outcome (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00), oral glucocorticoid use (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.96), and hospitalization (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99) but an increased risk of ER visits (HR 1.04, 95% 1.01–1.07). Optimal PDC thresholds for the composite outcome, oral glucocorticoid use, and hospitalization were 0.64, 0.59, and 0.56, respectively.ConclusionsIncreased PDC was associated with a decreased risk of adverse outcomes, except ER visits. The optimal PDC for TNF inhibitors in Medicare patients with RA based on clinical outcomes was about 60%.Key Points• The optimal proportion of days covered threshold for tumor necrosis factor inhibitors at 365 days based on clinical outcomes was found to be about 60%, which is lower than the traditional 80% used to define adherence.• Increased adherence was associated with decreased risks of oral glucocorticoid use, hospitalization, and the composite outcome. However, it was also associated with an increased risk of emergency room visits.• The mean time-varying 90-day proportion of days covered decreased throughout the study starting 92% at day 1 of follow-up to 62% at day 365.

Theory and experimental discussion of synchronous backfilling self-compacting concrete technology behind the segment wall of double-shield TBM

The conventional method of urban subway tunnel excavation using a double-shield tunnel boring machine (DS-TBM) typically involves a two-stage backfilling process behind the segment wall using pea gravel and grouting. However, this method has inherent drawbacks such as uneven backfilling of pea gravel and delayed grouting, which can lead to structural issues such as segment dislocation, damage, and groundwater leakage during tunnel excavation. To address these problems, this study proposes a technical theory of synchronous backfilling self-compacting concrete backfilling material (SCCBM), considering the limitations of the conventional DS-TBM backfill method. This theory uses a specially designed wear-resistant seal plate suitable for a DS-TBM shield tail. The optimal proportion of SCCBM for backfilling the segment wall was determined based on Okamura's empirical method using anti-dispersion powder, fine stones (1–5 mm particle size), and coarse stones (5–10 mm particle size) as the basic materials. The SCCBM was designed and evaluated using various test methods, including the mini-slump, standard slump flow, standard L-box, and improved L-box tests. The engineering characteristics of the backfill material, such as initial setting time, blocking ability ratio, stone rate, and axial compressive strength, were considered during the evaluation. The results demonstrate that all indicators meet the standards for backfilling behind subway tunnel segment walls. Furthermore, an on-site synchronous backfilling SCCBM experiment was conducted to validate the feasibility and advantages of the new synchronous backfilling technology. The experiment involved observing the complete backfill process and monitoring the vertical displacement of the segment. Through these observations, the practicality and benefits of the proposed synchronous backfilling technology were confirmed.

Sex-specific relationship patterns between body morphology and maturity status with change of direction and agility in elite adolescent volleyball players

This study explored sex-specific patterns in the relationship between maturity, body morphology, and change of direction (COD) and agility (AG) in adolescent volleyball players. The sample comprised 22 males and 24 females aged 15–17 with at least 4 years of sports experience. Measurements included body height, weight, muscle and fat mass, leg length, and center of mass. The study determined the Age of Peak Height Velocity (APHV) and evaluated sensorimotor ability through pre-planned COD and not-planned AG five-time shuttle runs, measuring the time difference as the index of reactivity. Positive correlations were found between COD and AG with fat mass index (FMI) in boys, while negative relative lower limb length (rLL) correlated with COD. In females, age of peak height velocity (APHV) showed a significant negative relationship with sensorimotor ability. Linear and polynomial regressions confirmed predictive and curvilinear relationships, respectively. Cluster analysis identified different associations in boys and girls, emphasizing sex-specific patterns. Body fat percentage had a negative impact on COD-AG in boys, while the optimal lower limb length proportion positively influenced COD due to enhanced maneuverability. Maturation affected sensorimotor abilities in girls. The findings suggest a need for a tailored approach to COD-AG development based on sex-specific considerations in adolescent volleyball players.

Optimal impulsive control in RNA interference mediated by exogenous dsRNA with physiological delays

Therapeutic agents acting on RNA, including RNA modification, RNA editing and RNA interference (RNAi), play a vital role in gene function study, signaling pathway, drug discovery, disease treatment, vaccine development and so on. Therein, RNAi as an emerging gene therapy has been widely applied in many cancer studies by silencing oncogenes or specific mRNA in malignant tumor cells. Mechanism and efficiency of RNAi are the key issues of RNAi technology. RNA silencing involves dynamic modeling, analyses and optimal control of RNAi gene system. Physiological delay and Hill response describing off-target are considerable elements involving RNAi efficiency. In this paper, we first formulate a four-dimensional RNAi model with time delays and Hill functions, and then investigate the complex dynamic behaviors including the number, existence and stability of internal equilibria and Hopf bifurcations of single delay and two delays. Furthermore, based on the specific mRNA degradation adopted in impulsive patterns, we build an optimal problem by adding exogenous dsRNA at alterable time points in variable dosages in a treatment session. By the method of gradient formula, we can find the optimal impulsive time and proportion of dsRNA. Finally, simulation indicates that (1) physiological lags not only raise the oscillations of mRNA but also cut down the levels of cost; (2) smaller delays and larger rates of siRNA–mRNA complex formation and dsRNA synthesis imply the rapid composition of RISC and fast synthesis of dsRNA leading to more desirable therapeutic schedule, which affords evidence for gene regulation and RNAi; (3) a larger half-saturation coefficient characterizes a unique and stable higher targeted mRNA, whereas a smaller half-saturation coefficient generates bistability in which the higher and lower targeted mRNAs simultaneously emerge; and (4) the bistability will provide a good guidance to control, suppress and degrade targeted mRNA.

Modeling and Control of a Two-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Based on Kane Method.

A two-axis stabilizing gimbal is a device that ensures a sensor is working properly on a moving platform. When classical mechanics (Newton-Euler and Lagrange) is employed to model a two-axis stable gimbal, its limitations can complicate the modeling process. To address this issue, a method for establishing a dynamic model for a two-axis stabilizing platform based on the Kane method is proposed in this paper. The Kane method offers the advantage of a simple model structure and computational efficiency. Initially, utilizing a generalized coordinate system, expressions of the generalized velocities, deflection velocities and angular velocities are derived. Subsequently, the generalized active forces and inertial forces acting on the two-axis stabilized gimbal are analyzed. Finally, by combining force and velocity with the Kane equation, the dynamic model of the two-axis stable platform is obtained, demonstrating the validity of the Kane method for establishing the two-axis stable platform model. To ensure the pointing accuracy stability of the two-axis stabilizing platform, a Novel Particle Swarm Optimization Proportion Integration Differentiation (NPSO-PID) controller is designed using the PSO algorithm. It is then simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and compared with a classical PID controller. Simulation results demonstrate that NPSO-PID exhibits superior object tracking performance compared to classical PID controllers and better optimization of control parameters compared to traditional PSO-PID controllers.

Resveratrol and lipoic acid: A promising combination for treating dry eye disease

The purpose of this study was to develop an ophthalmic preparation (LA/Res/HP-β-CD) containing alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and resveratrol (Res)/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complex and to investigate the effect of LA/Res/HP-β-CD on medicating the dry eye disease. The inclusion complex of Res/HP-β-CD was prepared by solvent evaporation method to solve the poor water-solubility of Res, and the optimal proportion of resveratrol and lipoic acid in formulation was screened by hydroxyl radical scavenging test in vitro. Comparing with Res/HP-β-CD, the preparations of LA/Res/HP-β-CD had longer t1/2 and larger AUC in tears, had more advantages in increasing Res concentration in cornea, conjunctiva and sclera, improving tear secretion and tear film stability, repairing the corneal epithelial and conjunctiva injury, improving mucin and inorganic salt components of tears, reducing pro-inflammatory factor IL-1β in the cornea, enhancing Vitamin D level of eyes. These results showed that LA improved the therapeutic effect of Res, and the combined preparations would exhibit a potential application prospect in treating dry eye disease.

Multi-objective optimization of glass/carbon hybrid composites for small wind turbine blades using extreme mixture design response surface methodology

Small wind turbines (SWTs) are a prominent renewable energy technology for decentralized power generation. Blade material and its profile are vital parameters for the aerodynamic performance of SWTs. Traditionally E-glass fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) are the widely accepted material for developing SWT blades. However, its application is limited by moderate tensile and fatigue properties. Alternatively, other FRC materials such as carbon, basalt and natural fiber composites are proposed as future materials for SWT blades. However, individual materials are observed to satisfy the requirements partially. Therefore, the hybridization of these materials, particularly Glass/Carbon composites is foreseen as a prospective solution for developing cost-competitive and high-strength SWT blades. There are various studies performed to obtain optimized glass/carbon hybrid composites. However, overall material properties required for SWT blades such as low cost, lightweight, moderate flexural strength and higher tensile and fatigue strengths have not been considered simultaneously during the optimization process. This work presents multi-objective optimization of Glass/Carbon hybrid composites using extreme mixture design response surface methodology (RSM) for SWT applications. The weight percentages of glass and carbon fibers are optimized to achieve desired material properties for SWT blades. The experiments are planned using extreme mixture design RSM and the regression models for desired material properties are developed with a 95% confidence level. RSM-based desirability function is employed to perform multi-objective optimization. Maximum composite desirability of 93.5% is achieved with optimal proportions of 37.9% and 27.1% for glass and carbon fibers respectively. An adequate tensile, flexural and fatigue strengths of 486.02, 435.41 and 316.27 MPa respectively are obtained for optimized glass/carbon hybrid composite at an optimum cost of 2228.76 Rs Kg−1 and density of 3.39 g cm−3. The regression models and optimization results are validated through a confirmation experiment with an error of less than 6.1%.

Exploring alkali-source, pore-filling and cementation damage effects in cemented clay with typical industrial waste binders

Various industrial waste binders (IWBs) are being recycled in soil stabilization to save cement consumption. However, the coupled effects brought out by combined IWBs on stabilized soils are still unclear. IWBs are categorized into two typical categories (IWB-A and IWB-B) referring to their chemical role in this study. The alkali-source effect, pore-filling effect and cementation damage effect by IWBs in soil stabilization are explored. A series of mechanical and microscopic tests is performed on stabilized clay with different proportions of IWB-A and IWB-B. Moreover, initial water contents and cement contents of cement-stabilized clay are varied to examine the evolution of coupled effect with void ratio and cementation level. The results indicate that the alkali-source effect strengthens the cementation bonds and increases the early strength by 0.5–1.3 times, whereas the pore-filling effect improves the microfabric especially for the specimen with a large void ratio. The alkali-source effect increases soil cohesion cu at the pre-yield stage, and the pore-filling effect increases frictional angle φu at the post-yield stage. The cementation damage effect is remarkable at a low void ratio, which may result in many extruded pores among soil aggregates. The strength evolution with IWB proportions can be well stimulated by considering the coupled alkali-source effect, pore-filling effect and cementation damage effect. The optimal proportion of IWBs corresponds to an optimal combination of coupled effect.

Optimal range of gestational weight gain for singleton pregnant women: a cohort study based on Chinese specific body mass index categories

BackgroundThe purpose was to explore the optimal proportion of GWG in Chinese singleton pregnant women according to Chinese specific body mass index (BMI) categories.MethodsA retrospective cohort study with 16,977 singleton pregnant women was conducted. Among the including subjects, 2/3 of which were randomly imported into the training set for calculating the optimal GWG ranges using the percentile method, the Odd Ratio (OR) method, and the combined risk curve method. And another third of the subjects were used to evaluate the GWG ranges obtained. The detection rate of adverse outcomes of pregnant women was used to evaluate the applicability of GWG obtained. The range corresponding to the lowest detection rate is the recommended GWG range in this study.ResultsAccording to the percentile method, the suitable GWG of pregnant women with underweight, normal weight, overweight or obesity before pregnancy were 12.0 ∼ 17.5 kg, 11.0 ∼ 17.0 kg, and 9.0 ∼ 15.5 kg, respectively. According to the OR method, the suitable GWG range were 11 ∼ 18 kg, 7 ∼ 11 kg, and 6 ∼ 8 kg, respectively. According to the combined risk curve method, the suitable GWG range were 11.2 ∼ 17.2 kg, 3.6 ∼ 11.5 kg, and − 5.2 ∼ 7.0 kg, respectively. When the GWG for different BMI categories were 11 ∼ 18 kg, 7 ∼ 11 kg, and 6 ∼ 8 kg, the pregnant women have the lowest detection rate of adverse maternal and infant outcomes.ConclusionsThe recommended GWG based on this study for underweight, normal, overweight or obese pregnant women were 11 ∼ 18 kg, 7 ∼ 11 kg, and 6 ∼ 8 kg, respectively.

Proportioning of Oil Shale Ash for Sustainable 3D Printable Mortars

To achieve optimal strength and printability, mortars used in 3D printing typically contain high proportions of cement and other fine-grained powders. Consequently, the majority of mixtures used in 3D printing have high carbon footprint. Hence, there arises a critical need to study alternative supplementary cementitious materials aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mortars used in 3D printing. The use of oil shale ash as a partial substitute for cement not only addresses this issue but also presents an opportunity to repurpose waste from power plants in the Baltic states, where oil shale is intensively utilized.In this study, the influence on mechanical properties and durability of cement-based mortars was evaluated by substituting cement with oil shale ash in varying quantities. Specifically, 0% to 40% of cement mass was replaced with oil shale ash. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed for each mixture. By analyzing the material properties alongside the environmental impact for each mixture, the optimal percentage of substitute was determined.For the determination of the mechanical properties of each mixture, compressive and flexural strength tests were conducted on 3D printed samples in various directions, as well as on cast samples. To assess the durability of each mixture, freeze-thaw tests were performed on both 3D printed and cast samples.From the obtained results, we developed an algorithm that chooses the optimal mixture proportioning. Depending on material performance requirements set in the beginning, this algorithm gives the exact proportions of oil-shale ash and cement for the mixture, by taking into account both desired material properties and carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, an environmentally friendly cement-based mixture is obtained without losing the desired properties. By using this algorithm, it is possible to create a mortar with properties comparable to concrete with strength class C30/37 while reducing carbon emissions by 15% to 30%.

A Preliminary Evaluation of Alternative Raw Materials for Pellet Production

The study focuses on alternative raw materials available in Latvia and their possible use in pellet production. Laboratory testing to determine the main quality parameters – the moisture content, the ash content, the calorific value and ash melting temperature – was carried out for 13 alternative biomass sources: pine mix pellets (PMP); pellets of wood shavings, synthetic and textile waste mix (SSK); hogweed (Heracleum sosnowsky, HW); the full plant of Solidago canadensis L. (SC); the full plant of Solidago canadensis L. outgrown (SCO); mowed grass from the municipality (MGM); mowed grass from the garden (MGG); chamomile full plant without stems (CF); hemp without roots (Cannabis sativa L., HWR); hemp stems (Cannabis sativa L., HS); hemp leaves with seeds (Cannabis sativa L., HLS); spent grain (SG); damaged spent grain (DSG). The testing and determination of results were carried out according to the methodology set out in ISO standards regarding solid biofuels. The obtained results were compared to the quality parameters defined in ENplus certification for B-class wood pellets in requirements for producers. Additional analysis of chemical composition was carried out using XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) for the ash of two selected materials - SC and HLS - to gain an insight into possible combustion issues that can occur during the use of these materials. The main issue highlighted by the results is the ash content of alternative materials, which ranges from 1.34% to 11.27%. The other significant issue is the necessity to improve the ash deformation temperature, which was below 1100°C for 5 of the studied materials. Considering this, an algorithm was developed to determine the optimal proportion of alternative material and wood in pellets to achieve a quality comparable to at least B-class wood pellets. The study offers a direction for further research to successfully develop new pellets that could be later used in existing boiler systems, reducing the dependence on wood in pellet production. A discussion on the use, quality and development of alternative material pellets is offered to promote the significance of the topic.

Nano-SiO2/polyurethane modified unsaturated polyester resin mortar for thin layer repairing on airport pavement

This paper introduces a novel toughened polymer mortar designed for runway repair, featuring outstanding impact resistance, high strength, and cost-effectiveness. To augment the toughness of unsaturated polyester (UP) polymer mortar, nano-SiO2 and polyurethane (PU) were incorporated. Firstly, the optimal dosages of nano-SiO2 and PU were determined through tensile test and impact test. Then, the modification mechanism of nano-SiO2/PU on UP resin was explored by microscopic image technology. In addition, the compression, flexural, fluidity, flexural bond strength and construction time tests were carried out to determine the optimal formula of nano-SiO2/PU modified UP resin mortar. Finally, the durability, impact resistance, impermeability resistance, skid resistance, and interlayer bond strength of modified UP resin mortar were studied and compared with those of pure UP resin mortar and epoxy (EP) resin mortar. Results show that the optimum proportion by mass for nano-SiO2/polyurethane modified UP resin is, UP resin: PU: dibutyltin dilaurate: nano-SiO2: initiator: accelerator: diluent: plasticizer = 1: 0.1: 0.002: 0.01: 0.01: 0.01:0.15:0.01. Furthermore, the mass proportion of modified UP resin to aggregate is 1: 1.2. In nano-SiO2/PU modification of UP resin, the -NCO groups of PU have been involved in chemical interaction with the -OH group of UP, while nano-SiO2 and UP resin are blended physically only. Compared with pure UP resin mortar, the nano-SiO2/PU modified UP resin mortar exhibited a 44% reduction in shrinkage rate, approximately 20% less corrosion loss, a 32% decrease in freeze-thaw loss, a 37% improvement in impact resistance, and increased shear bonding strength, flexural bonding strength, and tensile bonding strength by 44%, 33%, and 47%, respectively. Although the modified UP resin mortar demonstrated slightly lower performance in terms of dry shrinkage, corrosion resistance, skid resistance, and tensile bond strength compared to EP resin mortar, its freeze-thaw durability, impact resistance, flexural bond strength, and shear bond strength surpassed those of EP resin mortar. All three materials exhibited excellent impermeability. Leveraging the advantages of PU and nano-SiO2, the modified UP resin presents a promising repair material for airport pavement with enhanced toughness, high stability, and reduced cost.

Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructure Assessment of Wastepaper Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Containing Metakaolin.

This study evaluates the potential use of discarded plasterboard paper as fibers from buildings to reinforce concrete. Various concentrations of wastepaper fibers (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% by weight of the binder) were investigated in this research. To mitigate the water absorption effect of the paper fibers, metakaolin was employed as a partial cement replacement. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the wastepaper fiber enhances the mechanical and durability performance of the concrete. The optimal fiber proportion was identified as 1%, leading to a 29% increase in the compressive strength, a 38% increase in the splitting tensile strength, a 12% decrease in the water absorption, and a 23% decrease in the drying shrinkage with respect to the concrete containing 20% metakaolin. However, exceeding this optimal fiber content results in decreased mechanical and durability properties due to the fiber agglomeration and non-uniform fiber distribution within the concrete matrix. Based on the microstructural analysis, the improved performance of the concrete is ascribed to decreased porosity, more refined pore structure, and reduced propagation of microcracks within the concrete matrix in the presence of wastepaper fiber. According to the results, concrete containing 20% metakaolin and 1% wastepaper fiber exhibits durability and mechanical properties comparable to those of the traditional concrete. This finding highlights the significant promise of reducing dependency on conventional cement and incorporating suitable recycled materials, such as discarded plasterboard, and secondary by-products like metakaolin. Such a strategy encourages the preservation of resources, reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and a decrease in the ecological footprint resulting from concrete production.

Enhancing M30 Grade Concrete: A Comparative Study of Hooked vs. Crimped Steel Fibers in Fly Ash Mixes

The realm of concrete offers vast opportunities for inventive applications, design, and construction methodologies, given its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. Its versatility in meeting diverse requirements has established it as a highly competitive building material. To address escalating structural demands and harsh environmental factors, new cementitious materials and concrete composites are continually being developed, followed by the need for enhanced durability and performance, as well as pressure to utilize industrial waste materials. The research explores the impact of incorporating fly ash and steel fiber into M30-grade concrete, alongside cement, coarse, and fine aggregate, through experimental methods, with the primary aim of determining optimal ingredient proportions for achieving desired strength. The study evaluates compressive strength variations with fly ash ranging from [10%] to [30%] while hooked and crimped steel fibers [ranging from 0% to 1.5%] in concrete, alongside cement, fine and coarse aggregate. Environmental considerations and the imperative to utilize industrial waste have significantly contributed to advancements in concrete technology and sustainability. Through meticulous analysis of results, meaningful inferences are made in relation to the strength attributes of fly ash fiber-reinforced concrete. Two sets of experiments were conducted, one altering fly ash content while maintaining fixed steel fiber content, and the other varying steel fiber content while keeping other parameters constant. The study aims to provide practical insights for engineers seeking cost-effective and sustainable building construction methods, adhering to specified norms (IS Code: 456-2000).

APPLICATION OF QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING ON PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION USING WOLFE’S METHOD AND PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM

Stock portfolios can be modeled into quadratic programming problems using the Markowitz mean-variance model. Quadratic programming problems can be solved using two methods, namely classical and heuristic methods. In this research, the classical method uses Wolfe’s method, while the heuristic method uses the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. This research aims to determine optimal results in portfolio problems using two methods, namely Wolfe’s method and the PSO algorithm. The data used in this research is data from 10 stock companies that distribute the highest dividends in the IDX High Dividend 20 category for the 2022 period. The research results discuss the portfolios of PT Astra International Tbk and PT. Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk. Based on the result, using Wolfe’s method, the ASII and ITMG stock portfolios are obtained, namely the optimal proportion of ASII shares = 0.76401 or 76.401% and ITMG shares = 0.23598 or 23.598%, while the PSO algorithm obtains a portfolio of ASII and ITMG shares, namely ASII shares = 75.02% and ITMG shares = 24.98%. Compared to Wolfe’s method, the PSO algorithm has a smaller Z value 5.7.

Development and Characterization of a Microemulsion Containing a Cannabidiol Oil and a Hydrophilic Extract from Sambucus ebulus for Topical Administration.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a safe and non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid with a wide range of potential therapeutic anti-inflamatory and antioxidant activities. Due to its lipophilicity, it is normally available dissolved in oily phases. The main aim of this work was to develop and characterize a new formulation of a microemulsion with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. The microemulsion system was composed of a 20% CBD oil, which served as the hydrophobic phase; Labrasol/Plurol Oleique (1:1), which served as surfactant and cosurfactant (S/CoS), respectively; and an aqueous vegetal extract obtained from Sambucus ebulus L. (S. ebulus) ripe fruits, which has potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and which served as the aqueous phase. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was generated, leading to the selection of an optimal proportion of 62% (S/CoS), 27% CBD oil and 11% water and, after its reproducibility was tested, the aqueous phases were replaced by the vegetal hydrophilic extract. The defined systems were characterized in terms of conductivity, droplet size (by laser scattering), compatibility of components (by differential scanning calorimetry) and rheological properties (using a rotational rheometer). The designed microemulsion showed good stability and slight pseudo-plastic behavior. The release properties of CBD from the oil phase and caffeic acid from the aqueous phase of the microemulsion were studied via in vitro diffusion experiments using flow-through diffusion cells and were compared to those of a CBD oil and a microemulsion containing only CBD as an active substance. It was found that the inclusion of the original oil in microemulsions did not result in a significant modification of the release of CBD, suggesting the possibility of including hydrophilic active compounds in the formulation and establishing an interesting strategy for the development of future formulations.

A Bulk Oxygen Vacancy Dominating WO3-x Photocatalyst for Carbamazepine Degradation.

Creating oxygen vacancy in tungsten trioxide (WO3) has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance for degrading organic pollutants. In this study, oxygen vacancies were introduced into WO3 by thermal treatment under Ar atmosphere and their proportion was changed by setting different treatment times. WO3-x samples show better photoelectric properties and photocatalytic degradation performance for carbamazepine (CBZ) than an oxygen-vacancy-free sample, and WO3-x with the optimal proportion of oxygen vacancies is obtained by thermal treatment for 3 h in 550 °C. Furthermore, it discovers that the surface oxygen vacancies on WO3-x would be recovered when it is exposed to air, resulting in a bulk oxygen vacancy dominating WO3-x (bulk-WO3-x). The bulk-WO3-x exhibited much higher degradation efficiency for CBZ than WO3-x with both surface and bulk oxygen vacancies. The mechanism study shows bulk-WO3-x mainly degrades the CBZ by producing OH radicals and superoxide radicals, while oxygen-vacancy-free sample mainly oxidizes the CBZ by the photoexcited hole, which requires the CBZ to be adsorbed on the surface for degradation. The radical generated by bulk-WO3-x exhibits stronger oxidizing capacity by migrating to the solution for CBZ degradation. In summary, the influence of oxygen vacancy on photocatalytic degradation performance depends on both the proportion and location distribution and could lie in the optimization of the photodegradation mechanism. The results of this study could potentially broaden our understanding of the role of oxygen vacancies and provide optimal directions and methods for oxygen vacancy regulation for photocatalysts.

Evaluation of the Potential of a Biocoagulant Produced from Prickly Pear Peel Waste Valorization for Wastewater Treatment

This study evaluated the potential of a biocoagulant produced from prickly pear peel waste valorization and its use as a biocoagulant aid mixed with aluminum sulfate to remove turbidity in domestic wastewater. A central composite design (CCD) and a simplex lattice design (SLD) of two components (biocoagulant and aluminum sulfate) were developed to determine the optimal doses and pH of the biocoagulant and optimal mixing proportions. Both designs optimized the coagulation process from an analysis of variance to fit the experimental data to mathematical models and an optimization analysis to obtain the highest percentage of turbidity removal. The results showed that a water pH of 4 and a biocoagulant dose of 100 mg/L are optimal conditions for a turbidity removal of 76.1%. The potential decreases to 51.7% when the wastewater pH is maintained at 7.8 and a dose of 250 mg/L is used. This efficiency could be increased to 58.2% by using a mixture with optimal proportions of 30% biocoagulant and 70% aluminum sulfate. The experimental data were fitted to two quadratic models, estimating model prediction errors of 0.42% and 2.34%, respectively. Therefore, these results support the valorization of prickly pear peel waste to produce a biocoagulant, which could be used in acid and alkaline wastewater or as a biocoagulant aid mixed with aluminum sulfate.

Freeze–thaw damage analysis and life prediction of modified pervious concrete based on Weibull distribution

An assessment of the freeze–thaw durability of pervious concrete was conducted using a rapid freezing method to investigate the durability of modified pervious concrete within a freeze–thaw environment. The optimal proportion of the modified material was determined by evaluating the mass-loss rate and the relative dynamic elastic modulus as indicators of freeze–thaw performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe microcrack propagation and reaction products. A freeze–thaw damage model, based on the Weibull probability distribution, was formulated. Freeze–thaw damage analysis and life prediction assessment were carried out using curves such as freeze–thaw damage velocity curves, freeze–thaw damage acceleration curves, failure rate curves, and reliability life curves. The outcomes revealed that the inclusion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and silica ash had a favourable impact on improving the frost resistance of pervious concrete at later stages. The optimal proportions for PAN fibre and silica ash were determined as 0.6 % and 8 %, respectively. As the number of freeze–thaw cycles approached approximately 52.03 times, the freeze–thaw cycle velocity peaked. Subsequently, the freeze–thaw damage velocity was categorised into three stages based on the freeze–thaw damage acceleration curve. The degradation of pervious concrete due to freeze–thaw cycles followed a typical loss-type failure pattern. Notably, a 50 % increase in PAN fibre content resulted in a 62.92 % reduction in failure rate. Furthermore, a predictive analysis was conducted to estimate the lifespan of pervious concrete in a representative freeze–thaw region in China was performed.

Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Fish Sludge Originating from a Recirculating Aquaculture System

Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of fish sludge (FS) with food waste (FW), and fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) for biogas and methane production was optimised in small-scale bioreactors, and batch and semi-continuous pilot-scale digesters, under mesophilic (37 ℃) conditions. An experimental mixture design was first applied to small-scale biomethane potential (BMP) tests, to determine the optimal mixture proportions of the AcoD of FS, FW, and FVW that maximise the specific methane yield (SMY in NmLCH4 gVS−1). The optimal mixture proportion was 67%FS:18%FW:19%FVW (w/w), producing 401 mLCH4 gVS−1, which was 8 times higher than the SMY when FS was mono-digested (48 mLCH4 gVS−1). The SMY achieved in batch pilot-scale digesters were 70–82% of methane yields obtained in BMP tests under the same operating conditions, with stable biogas production and no apparent inhibition during the batch run. Semi-continuous operation of the pilot-scale digester was undertaken with organic loading rates (OLRs) of 1, 2, and 3 gVSL-1d-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$gVS{L}^{-1}{d}^{-1}$$\\end{document}, provided intermittently. However, the digester did not achieve stable biogas production at all of the evaluated OLRs, due to the intermittent feeding and accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs): Improved process stability was achieved at an OLR of 2 gVSL-1d-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$gVS{L}^{-1}{d}^{-1}$$\\end{document}, compared to OLRs of 1 and 3 gVSL-1d-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$gVS{L}^{-1}{d}^{-1}$$\\end{document}. Optimisation of the AcoD process resulted in attractive biomethane yields from FS with FW and FVW co-feeds, indicating that producing biogas from co-digestion of FS with relevant substrates is a valuable managing tool for FS, while simultaneously providing renewable energy. The work provides novel data that elucidated optimal proportions in which to combine FS, FW and FVW to obtain optimal biogas production, and provided important new information relevant for the scale up and continuous operation of an AD process for treating FS.Graphical