Systemic Pressure Research Articles

An analytical framework based on social-ecological systems for identifying priority areas for ecological restoration in coastal regions

Owing to rapid urbanization, coastal regions worldwide are experiencing immense resource and environmental stress. Ecological restoration is vital for maintaining and sustainably developing coastal regions. This study proposed a method for delineating priority areas for ecological restoration based on the social-ecological systems (SES) theory. First, an analytical model was established based on three dimensions: ecosystem function, social system pressure, and SES evolution, for analyzing the social and natural systems of coastal regions. Second, based on the modes of land–sea interaction relevant to ecological restoration, auxiliary marine factors were incorporated to aid the delineation of priority areas for ecological restoration. A case study was conducted on the Dapeng New District of Shenzhen City to validate our method. The marine areas of the Dapeng New District have significantly poorer ecosystem function than its terrestrial areas because of the natural geography of this area and human activities. A total of 43.4% of marine areas require artificially assisted ecological restoration, and inland areas 1.5 km from the shoreline are significant for ecological conservation and restoration. Additionally, estuaries and artificial shorelines should be the focus of ecological restoration work in the study area. This case study proved the efficacy of our method. The findings will serve as a reference for the planning and implementation of ecological restoration plans in coastal regions.

Correlation between portal hypertension and somatic constitution: rationale behind the concept

This review summarizes recent data on the correlation of somatic constitution and portal hypertension.Somatotype reflects the constitutional composition of the human body. Excess endomorphic component (i.e. obesity) increases the risk of portal hypertension (PH - elevated pressure in the portal system above 12 mmHg) development. Among the prehepatic and posthepatic PH causes only congestive hepatopathy, a consequence of heart failure, is connected with obesity. A number of pathways connect the hepatic PH causes with obesity. Firstly, the action of proinflammatory cytokines produced by adipose tissue in greater amount in obesity promotes fatty acid uptake and storage by hepatocytes, leading to elevated oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunctions, activation of stellate cells, that differentiate into myofibroblasts and produce components of the intercellular matrix such as collagen into the perisinusoidal space resulting in fibrosis. Secondly, insulin resistance associated with obesity promotes dysfunction of the hepatic microcirculatory blood vessels, hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis. Thirdly, AMISS (Absence of Meal-induced Insulin Sensitization Syndrome), caused by regular high-carbohydrate and low-protein food consumption, manifested in decreased postprandial secretion of hepatic hormone hepatalin, which increases glucose uptake by skeletal and cardiac muscle, results in prolonged postprandial hyperglycemia, compensatory hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia, leading to increased insulin resistance and a prediabetic state, associated with steatohepatosis. Thus, excess endomorphic component is to be regarded as a prognostic factor for portal hypertension.

Outcomes of fenestration versus none in extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection.

Fenestrated total cavopulmonary connection has gained popularity due to its capacity to reduce systemic venous pressure and enhance cardiac output. However, there is ongoing debate about the immediate and long-term advantages of fenestration in this context. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 97 patients who underwent extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1999 and December 2019. The patients were initially categorized into two groups: fenestrated (n = 71) and nonfenestrated (n = 26). After exclusion and reassignment, the long-term outcomes were analyzed for the fenestrated (n = 68) and nonfenestrated (n = 25) groups. To address potential confounding factors between the two groups, propensity scores were computed using logistic regression analysis. The study found no significant differences in preoperative and operative data. Immediate postoperative outcomes showed no significant variations in major complications, intensive care unit stay, oxygen saturation, and posttotal cavopulmonary connection pressure. In the long-term assessment, the fenestrated group demonstrated significantly lower rates of mortality, protein-losing enteropathy, liver mass, and cirrhosis. However, after employing a multilevel model stratified by propensity score analysis, only long-term mortality rate was significantly lower in the fenestrated group (hazard ratio = 0.12, 95% confidence interval = 0.02-0.97). Fenestration patency closed gradually through spontaneous closure and device intervention. The study found no major differences in immediate postoperative outcomes. In the fenestrated cohort, significantly lower incidences of protein-losing enteropathy, liver mass, cirrhosis, and long-term mortality were observed. However, multilevel model stratified by propensity score analysis indicated that only the lower long-term mortality demonstrated a major effect.

Intracavernosal mesenchymal stem cell therapy in ischaemic priapism: an experimental study.

The most common form of priapism is ischaemic and its prevalence in men has increased in recent years as a result of intracavernosal drug use. Currently, there is no approved specific treatment for ischaemic priapism other than cavernosal aspiration, which can only provide detumescence. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intracavernosal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in an ischaemic priapism model. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham (n = 6), priapism (n = 12) and priapism + MSC treatment (n = 12). The experimental groups were also divided into 1 and 12h subgroups of ischaemic priapism. The experimental model was created using a vacuum erection device and constrictive tape technique, and intracavernosal MSC were applied immediately after the tape was removed. After 4weeks, intracavernosal pressures (ICPs) and systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. Penectomy was then performed to assess histopathological and molecular changes in the rats' penile tissues. In the ischaemic priapism model, MSC therapy showed significant improvements in peak and mean ICPs and mean ICP/MAP ratio. Histopathological analysis showed significant increases in smooth-muscle/collagen ratio and e-NOS and n-NOS expression. Although there was a decrease in fibrosis, it was not significant. At the molecular level, there were significant decreases in TGF-beta and VEGF mRNA expression, whilst NGF and BDNF mRNA-expression levels showed significant increases with MSC therapy. In terms of ICPs, the therapy showed more significant improvements in short-term priapism. However, when looking at histopathological and molecular parameters, the therapy had positive effects on a wider range of parameters in the long-term priapism. MSC treatment improved cavernosal physiology and had positive effects at the histopathological and molecular level in the ischaemic priapism model.

Real-Time Analysis and Digital Twin Modeling for CFD-Based Air Valve Control During Filling Procedures

Air exchange in pressurized water pipelines is an essential but complex aspect of pipeline modeling and operation. Implementing effective air management strategies can yield numerous benefits, enhancing the system’s energy efficiency, reliability, and safety. This paper comprehensively evaluates an irregular profile pipeline filling procedure involving air-release through an air valve. The analysis includes real-time data tests and numerical simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A Digital Twin model was proposed and applied to filling maneuvers in water installations. In particular, this research considers an often-overlooked aspect, such as filling a pipe with an irregular profile rather than a simple straight pipe. CFD simulations have proven to capture the main features of the transient event, which are suitable for tracking the air-water interface, the unsteady water flow, and the evolution of the trapped air pocket. Thus, they provide thorough and reliable information for real-time operational processes in the industry, focusing on the filling pressure and geometry of the air-valve hydraulic system. Additionally, this study provides details regarding the application of an efficient Digital Twin CFD approach, demonstrating its feasibility in optimizing the filling procedure in pipes with irregular profiles.

STATE OF HAEMODYNAMICS AND OXYGEN BUDGET IN THE PERIOPERATIVE PERIOD IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CONCOMITANT CARDIAC PATHOLOGY DURING TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY SURGERY DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF SURGICAL ACCESS

Summary. Aim. To compare the hemodynamic status and oxygen budget in patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid cardiac pathology during total hip arthroplasty, based on the type of surgical approach used. Materials and Methods. The study analyzed the treatment outcomes of 90 patients with stage 3-4 osteoarthritis of the hip who underwent total cemented hip arthroplasty. All patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical approach (traditional posterior or modified posterior). The study was conducted at the following stages: before surgery, immediately after surgery, 24 hours post-surgery, and one week after surgery. The following parameters were recorded: hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and central venous pressure) and oxygen budget parameters (hemoglobin (Hb), lactate, hematocrit (Ht), oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial and venous blood (SaO2 and SvO2), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial and venous blood (paO2 and pvO2)). Based on these data, the following indices were calculated: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac index (CI); oxygen content in arterial and venous blood (CaO2 and CvO2), arteriovenous oxygen content difference (C(a-v)O2), oxygen transport (TO2), oxygen consumption (VO2); systemic perfusion pressure (SPP), blood flow power (BFP), oxygen reserve (OR), and circulatory reserve (CR). Results. The use of the modified posterior approach positively influenced hemodynamic parameters. After the surgery and on the 7th day post-surgery, SPP was significantly lower with the modified posterior approach. The CI was also significantly affected by the modified posterior approach. Throughout the study, except for the first stage, CI was significantly higher when using the modified posterior approach. LVEF increased significantly with both approaches, but on the 7th day post-surgery, it was significantly higher in the second group. BFP did not statistically differ between the two groups throughout the study, but its energy efficiency was lower, primarily due to the arteriovenous oxygen content difference (C(a-v)O2). C(a-v)O2 was the same before surgery for both approaches. At subsequent stages of the study, the differences between the groups increased, and on the 7th day, they were the most significant, with C(a-v)O2 being lower after using the modified posterior approach. The energy efficiency of blood flow was assessed by calculating OR and CR. Both indicators were significantly higher during the study, except at the preoperative stage, when using the modified posterior approach. Conclusions. Our study clearly demonstrates the benefits of implementing the modified posterior approach in total hip arthroplasty for patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid cardiac pathology. This approach improves hemodynamic and oxygen budget parameters compared to the traditional approach, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes for patients with cardiac comorbidity and reduce the number of postoperative complications.

Consolidated Description of Explosion Limits and Ignition Delays: Hydrogen and C1-C7 N-Alkanes

ABSTRACT This study computationally investigates the auto-ignition delay times and explosion limits of H2/O2 and C1-C7 n-alkanes/O2 mixtures based on detailed chemical kinetics. Comprehensive ignition responses are consolidated through three-dimensional response surfaces of the ignition delay time as function of the system temperature and pressure, yielding the essential kinetic characteristics governing ignition. The intersection curves of the ignition surface with the cross-section perpendicular to the three coordinate axes are the characteristic response curves of the ignition delay time and explosion limit. Therefore, the ignition delay time and explosion limit are the changing characteristics of the three-dimensional ignition surface observed from different perspectives. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that while the significant variations of the reaction pathways among different fuels are the primary reason of the wide spreading of the explosion limits curves for the various fuels in the low-temperature regime, their chain branching reactions tend to be similar in the intermediate temperature regime such that the explosion limit curves of different fuels are closely coalesced. Furthermore, in the high-temperature regime, the chain branching reactions of alkanes are primarily governed by small radicals, such as CH3, while it is still dominated by the H+O2=OH+O for H2.

Collagenous enteritis as a rare cause of exudative enteropathy in a child. Case report

Exudative enteropathy (EE) syndrome can be associated with various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is manifested by edematous syndrome, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, lymphocytopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and an increase in the level of α-1-antitrypsin in the feces. More than 60 medical conditions are associated with loss of protein through the gastrointestinal tract, including erosive-ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, non-erosive lesions of the mucous membrane causing an increase in the permeability of the intestinal wall, as well as disorders with an increase in pressure in the lymphatic system. Correct diagnosis and timely replacement and pathogenetic therapy are essential for the rapid cessation of pathological losses, the recovery of the proteinogram, and the prevention of life-threatening complications. Collagenous enteritis is one of the rare diseases of the small intestine associated with EE syndrome. The article presents a clinical case of a young child with EE and collagenous enteritis. The stages of the diagnostic workup in detecting EE syndrome in the child are discussed, and the pathogenetic factors that determined the development of this disorder are considered.

Recognizing Teachers as Health Workers in the Philippines

As we celebrate the 42nd UP Manila Day and the 45th Anniversary of the Health Sciences Center Autonomy, we find ourselves at a crucial intersection of education and public health. This year’s theme, “Pagdiriwang ng Kaalaman Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kalusugan” (Celebrating Knowledge for Universal Health), highlights the essential role that knowledge plays in fostering a healthier society. The recent study, “Teachers as Health Workers in the Philippines,” serves as a compelling reminder that educators are not only disseminators of knowledge but also vital contributors to the health and well-being of our youth. This editorial reflects on the implications of this study, advocating for policy changes that recognize and support the healthrelated roles teachers play, while ensuring their well-being is not sacrificed in the process. The findings from this study reveal the extensive health-related responsibilities that public school teachers undertake, often without sufficient recognition or support. From administering vaccinations to addressing mental health concerns and providing first aid, teachers are on the front lines of health promotion within their communities. The World Health Organization underscores the transformative potential of educational institutions in promoting health and well-being, noting their significant influence on children’s or student’s health behaviors and outcomes. However, this potential remains largely unrealized when teachers are overwhelmed and unsupported. Historically, the systemic pressures placed on educators have gone unaddressed, resulting in chronic overwork and stress. As we reflect on these findings, it is imperative to advocate for changes that acknowledge and support teachers in their dual roles as educators and health workers. The Role of Teachers in Health Promotion The study illustrates that teachers regularly engage in health-related tasks, such as monitoring students’ health metrics and facilitating government health programs. These roles, while crucial, often come at a personal cost. Teachers reported feeling unqualified for these responsibilities and frequently sacrificed their own well-being to care for their students. This scenario is not unique to the Philippines; similar findings have emerged globally, indicating that teachers in various contexts are thrust into roles beyond their training. As we celebrate the achievements of UP Manila and its commitment to health sciences, we must also reflect on the challenges facing educators. The well-being of teachers directly impacts educational outcomes, and a healthier workforce contributes to a more effective learning environment. Policy Implications: Towards Sustainable Support for Educators In light of the study’s findings and the overarching theme of this year’s UP Manila celebration, it is imperative that we advocate for systemic reforms that recognize teachers as vital and transformative health workers. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as well as the Department of Education (DepEd) should consider developing a framework that outlines the health-related responsibilities of teachers while ensuring they receive the necessary training and resources. Integrating school health professionals, such as nurses and counselors, into the educational framework can alleviate the burdens placed on teachers. A study from the UK demonstrated that the presence of school nurses significantly improved health outcomes and reduced workloads for educators. Implementing similar models in the Philippines could enhance both teacher and student well-being, aligning with the principles of comprehensive health promotion championed by UP Manila. Celebrating Knowledge and Teacher Well-being The celebration of UP Manila’s milestones serves as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the health and wellbeing of both educators and students. As we gather to honor these achievements, let us also champion the need for policies that prioritize the mental and physical health of teachers. Research consistently shows that healthier teachers contribute to better student performance and overall school success. By creating a supportive environment, we acknowledge that the well-being of educators is integral to achieving universal health—a key tenet of this year’s theme. The call for action is clear: we must advocate for educational policies that not only recognize teachers’ health-related roles but also equip them with the resources to fulfill these responsibilities without compromising their own well-being. By fostering an environment where educators are supported, we can ensure a healthier future for our students and, by extension, for our society as a whole. Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility for Health As we reflect on the 42nd UP Manila Day and the 45th Anniversary of the Health Sciences Center Autonomy, let us embrace the opportunity to reshape our approach to education and health. Recognizing teachers as vital and transformative health workers is a critical step toward creating a healthier educational environment. It is our shared responsibility— policymakers, educational leaders, and the community—to ensure that teachers are equipped and supported in their dual roles. Together, we can celebrate knowledge as a powerful tool for universal health and well-being, ultimately building a brighter future for all.

Vapor-liquid equilibria for the CO2 + trimethoxymethylsilane and CO2 + triethoxymethylsilane systems under high-pressure conditions

New binary isotherms are crucial for designing chemical separation processes within supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) + trialkoxysilane systems. Vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE) were investigated for two-component systems, trimethoxymethylsilane + CO2 and triethoxymethylsilane + CO2, at five temperatures (313.2, 333.2, 353.2, 373.2, and 393.2 K) and pressures up to 14.07 MPa using a synthetic high-pressure phase equilibria apparatus. The pressure-temperature (P-T) plot indicates that the critical mixture curve lies between the critical points of CO2 and the trialkoxysilane compounds. The solubility of trimethoxymethylsilane and triethoxymethylsilane in CO2 increased with increasing temperature at constant pressure, following a type-I phase behavior characteristic. The experimentally observed VLE values of the CO2 + trialkoxysilane systems were correlated using the Peng-Robinson equation of state with binary parameters (kij and ηij) in the conventional mixing rule. The model accuracy was validated by calculating the average relative deviation percentage for the pressure of the binary systems, resulting in values of 4.98% for the trimethoxymethylsilane + CO2 system and 3.64% for the triethoxymethylsilane + CO2 system. The estimated variables fell within reasonable limits and showed no significant differences between the predicted and observed VLE data for both systems.

Relationship Between Sodium Intake, Physical Activity and Stress with the Incidence of Hypertension in Pregnant Women at the Gununghalu Health Center 2023

Hypertension or high blood pressure refers to a condition where blood pressure in the blood vessel system continues to increase (World Health Organization, 2018). Gestational hypertension can have detrimental effects on the mother and fetus, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future. Women who have experienced preeclampsia or hypertension have higher health risks, including a 7- to 8-fold increased risk of death from coronary artery disease (Subki & et al, 2018). This study aims to investigate the correlation between factors that influence the incidence of hypertension in pregnant women in the area served by the Gununghalu Community Health Center. The research design used was case control, with a population of 1,473 people, where the sample consisted of pregnant women, including 63 of whom had hypertension. Data analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square method and multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors that influence the incidence of hypertension. The research results show that there is a relationship between sodium consumption and hypertension in pregnant women showing a significance value of 0.007, indicating that there is a significant correlation between stress and the incidence of hypertension in pregnant women with a p value of 0.028. However, no significant relationship was found between physical activity and the incidence of hypertension in pregnant women, with a p value of 0.084. Multivariate analysis shows that sodium consumption is a risk factor for hypertension in pregnant women (p=0.004). It is hoped that all pregnant women will always have a pregnancy check-up with a health worker to avoid risks during pregnancy.

Effects of pressure depletion rate, solvent, and surfactant on non‐equilibrium reactions in foamy oil

AbstractThis research employed a visual method to explore the behaviour of foamy oil in heavy oil systems. A Hele‐Shaw cell was designed for observing the volumetric expansion of foamy oil as the system pressure decreased. This approach facilitated an examination of foamy oil's interface evolution under pressure depletion and an analysis of bubble sizes and their distribution. Using Minitab, 15 experiments were strategized, aimed at observing the distribution of bubbles and their stability during the foamy oil process. The investigation also extended to studying the influence of surfactants, solvent type, and pressure reduction rate on foamy oil. The findings suggest that a high concentration of surfactant, a high percentage of CO2 solvent, and a rapid pressure drop rate all contributed to the generation of microbubbles and enhanced volumetric expansion and stability of foamy oil. However, in light of the conducted energy analysis, a lower rate of pressure reduction is recommended. Finally, the conditions of the 15 experiments were applied to the CMG to derive two non‐equilibrium reactions for bubble generation and collapsing. The reaction rates are such that they relate bubble generation to the pressure reduction rate of the process and bubble resistance to collapsing to the surfactant concentration of the foamy oil.

The Impact of Healthcare Pressures on the COVID-19 Hospitalisation Fatality Risk in England.

As the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic extends into 2023 and beyond, the treatment and outcomes of infected patients continues to evolve. Unlike earlier in the pandemic there are now further infectious disease pressures placed on hospitals, which influence patient care and triage decisions. The manuscript uses individual patient records linked with associated hospital management information of system pressure characteristics to attribute COVID-19 hospitalisation fatality risks (HFR) to patients and hospitals, using generalised additive mixed effects models. Between 01 September 2022 and 09 October 2023, the COVID-19 hospitalisation fatality risk in England was estimated as 12.71% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.53%, 12.88%). Staff absences had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.038 (95% CI 1.017, 1.060) associatedwith the HFR when accounting for patient and hospital characteristics. This observational research presents evidence that a range of local hospital effects can have a meaningful impact on the risk of death from COVID-19 once hospitalised and should be accounted for when reporting estimates. We show that both the patient case mix and hospital pressures impact estimates of patient outcomes.

Conjunctive optimal operation of water and power networks

Water distribution systems (WDSs) are designed to convey water from sources to consumers. Their operation is a main concern for engineers, researchers, and practitioners and is subject to demand, pressure, and quality constraints. Pumping stations require power to pump water and keep system pressure at a desired level. On the other hand, power is generally supplied through power grids (PGs), which require optimal operation while satisfying operational constraints, such as generation limits, power consumption, and voltage constraints. Since the two infrastructure systems are interconnected, decision-makers could benefit from a holistic approach that would allow solving the two operational optimization problems together as one conjunctive problem. This paper presents the full mathematical formulation of the conjunctive optimization problem, including a novel modelling approach for the operation of a variable speed pump, which does not include integer variables for pump status, thus allowing to solve the model as a non-linear programming (NLP) problem. The formulation is applied to two illustrative case studies, and the results are compared to the optimal operation of the independent WDS. The inclusion of the PG in the optimization problem is observed clearly in the results and influences them quite significantly. WDS operation is shown adjust to the PG constraints, and the application of the conjunctive model results in a cost reduction rate of more than 10 % for both case studies.

Optimization Analysis of Water Supply Mode for Fire Protection System of Super High Rise Building

Abstract In order to improve the applicability and reliability of the fire water supply capacity of super high-rise buildings, the fluid analysis software Flomaster was used for simulation. Through the existing pumps, valves, pipelines, pressure reducing valves and newly developed fire hydrants and other components, the fire water supply system of super high-rise buildings is modeled. The pressure distribution of the system pipe network under a given fire water supply mode is studied. The research shows that the simulation can analyze whether there is excessive pressure in the fire hydrant system under different flow conditions in the actual fire extinguishing process. This paper simulates the actual fire extinguishing process of the fire hydrant system through a specific engineering case. The pressure distribution and flow distribution under different flow conditions are obtained. The excessive pressure position of the fire pipe network system under the given fire pump model is obtained. It provides a method for guiding the selection of fire pump and the design of fire hydrant system pipe network. It has certain guiding significance for the subsequent optimization of the design scheme of the fire water supply network and the prediction of the performance of the R&D equipment.

Supercritical carbon dioxide chelation extraction of heavy metal ions from drilling fluid waste: Experiment and simulation

This study evaluates the application of supercritical carbon dioxide chelation extraction technology for treating heavy metal ions (Zn2+ and Cr3+) in drilling fluid waste. Through a combination of experimental and molecular dynamics simulation methods, the influence of extraction parameters (temperature, pressure, duration, and chelating agents) on the extraction efficiency are investigated. Findings show that increased duration and pressure significantly improve extraction efficiency, while temperature has a complex effect, initially increasing efficiency but plateauing and slightly decreasing at higher temperatures. The optimum extraction condition with pressure of 220 bar, temperature 348.15 K and an extraction duration of 70 min using ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the chelating agent has been determined. Importantly, molecular simulation analysis revealed that citric acid outperforms EDTA in terms of Zn2+ and Cr3+ aggregation by forming larger aggregates with greater numbers of molecules while reducing overall aggregate count. Furthermore, optimization of extraction pressure in the EDTA system shows potential benefits. These results suggest that supercritical carbon dioxide chelation extraction technology has strong potential for environmentally friendly and reliable waste management in the drilling industry. This study represents a significant step forward in developing sustainable solutions for heavy metal removal from drilling fluid waste.

Impact of CO2 as an oxidant on the decarburization and chromium retention and an approach for CO2 recycling

This study explores the unique role of CO2 as an oxidant in stainless steel smelting, focusing on its effectiveness in decarbonization and chromium retention. The research begins by theoretically demonstrating that although the introduction of CO2 increases the CO partial pressure in the reaction system, the decarburization and chromium (Cr) retention capabilities of CO2 can still be stably maintained through the rational adjustment of the molten steel composition, temperature, and inert gas proportions. Further experimental findings indicate that chromium does not exhibit significant oxidation losses when the carbon (C) content exceeds 1.0% (mass). Finally, a novel CO2 recovery and utilization approach is proposed, integrating CO2 capture from smelting flue gas and recycling it for smelting, reducing O2 consumption and energy costs. This innovative process, compatible with existing smelting plants, presents a promising pathway towards carbon neutrality in the iron and steel industry, bridging theoretical insights with practical applications.

Combined high-rate contact stabilization and chemically enhanced primary treatment for enhanced recovery of organic matter and biogas from sewage

This study examined integrating high-rate contact stabilization (HRCS) and chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) for wastewater to improve the carbon recovery rate (CRR). Enhancing chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was hypothesized to improve the CRR. The evaluation covered serial HRCS-CEPT, serial CEPT-HRCS, and single-stage carbon recovery (Single-CR). The COD removal efficiencies for individual HRCS and CEPT were 50.3 % and 56.2 %, respectively. The serial CEPT-HRCS system failed in the HRCS process due to poor settling, resulting in microbial washout. However, the serial HRCS-CEPT system achieved the highest COD removal efficiency (84.5 %). The Single-CR system exhibited the highest CRR of 0.780 ± 0.083 g-CODCH4/g-CODinf, identifying it as the most promising process for energy-positive wastewater treatment. The selective pressure in the high-rate system resulted in a simplified and specialized bacterial community, mainly comprising microorganisms with high polyhydroxyalkanoate storage capacity, such as Lactococcus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Acinetobacter sp.

Heat Pump-Assisted extractive Pressure-Swing distillation with integrated feed Preconcentration/Solvent recovery for Isopropanol-Benzene-Water separation

Recently, heat-integrated pressure-swing distillation (HIPSD) has been explored for recovering isopropanol and benzene from wastewater, but the process remains highly energy-intensive. Given the dilute nature of the feed, intensified extractive distillation with an integrated preconcentration column (IEDP) is more suitable. However, previous research has often overlooked the critical role of pressure and lacked rigorous optimization of operating pressure in such systems. In this article, we developed novel extractive pressure-swing distillation with integrated feed preconcentration/solvent recovery column (IEPSD) by introducing a pressure-swing configuration and incorporate energy-saving technologies to achieve more sustainable and cost-effective separation processes. First, thermodynamic analysis is conducted to explore the effect of pressure on extractive pressure-swing distillation. Then, a parallel genetic algorithm is applied for rigorous optimization, followed by the application of heat integration and heat pump. The IEPSD is superior to IED in terms of total annual cost (TAC) and CO2 emission. With the inclusion of energy-saving technologies, IEDPHI and IEPSDHI further reduced TAC by 5.29% and 7.40%, and cut CO2 emissions by 25.18% and 24.03%, respectively, compared to their base processes. The use of a heat pump is particularly advantageous for IEPSD due to its lower boiling temperatures under vacuum pressure, leading to the development of IEPSDHIHP, which offered an additional 22.36% CO2 reduction and marginally lower TAC than IEPSDHI. Ultimately, IEPSDHIHP proves to be the best option, offering a 51.15% TAC reduction and 68.42% CO2 emissions reduction compared to HIPSD. In summary, the developed IED and IEPSD processes, especially with heat integration and heat pump technologies, offer significant economic and environmental advantages over conventional HIPSD.

Outbursts Upon Cooling of Low‐Temperature Binary Mixtures: Experiments and Their Planetary Implications

AbstractFor many binary mixtures, the three‐phase solid‐liquid‐vapor equilibrium curve has intermediate pressures that are higher than the pressure at the two pure triple points. This curve shape results in a negative slope in the high‐temperature region near the triple point of the less volatile component. When freezing mixtures in the negative slope regime, fluid trapped below confined ice has latent heat released with more vapor upon cooling, and thus increases in pressure. If the rising pressure of the confined fluid overcomes the strength of the confining solid, which may be its own ice, it can produce an abrupt outburst of material and an increase in the system's overall pressure. Here, we report experimental results of freezing‐induced outbursts occurring in the N2/CH4, CO/CH4, and N2/C2H6 systems, and provide insight into the phenomenon through a thermodynamics perspective. We also propose other binary systems that may experience outbursts and explore the geological implications for icy worlds such as Titan, Triton, Pluto and Eris as well as rocky bodies, specifically Earth and Mars.