Solid Volumes Research Articles

Replication of soil analogues at the original scale by 3D printing: Quantitative assessment of accuracy and repeatability of the pore structural heterogeneity

The present study investigates the quality of four three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies to accurately reproduce the complex pore structure of a real undisturbed soil sample for laboratory experiments of transport in porous media at a 1:1 scale. Four state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies were evaluated (digital light synthesis, PolyJet with gel support material, low-force stereolithography, and PolyJet with water-soluble support material) using a combination of 3D image analysis from microtomopraphy and flow simulations of the pore structure produced with each 3D printing technique. Accuracy, as determined by matching solid and void volumes, permeability, connected porosity, specific surface area, and pore size distribution of the print against the original digital soil structure, was found to be substantially better for digital light synthesis, as compared to the other tested technologies. Repeatability, as determined by the same metrics but compared between identical prints, was found to be comparable across all printing technologies and did not significantly improve for prints at greater magnification (1.5×). Wettability of the samples was improved by plasma treatment of the prints. The thorough analysis herein presented demonstrates that advanced, yet relatively inexpensive 3D printing approaches can be used to generate real-scale high quality analogs of soils/rocks that are much needed for experimental laboratory work. Such a method can open countless opportunities for studying the coupling of pore-structure and hydrodynamics on reactive mass transport in environmental science and engineering, soil science, and other subsurface related fields.

Assessment and characterization of solid and hazardous waste from inorganic chemical industry: Potential for energy recovery and environmental sustainability

Rapid global urbanization and economic growth have significantly increased solid waste volumes, with hazardous waste posing substantial health and environmental risks. Co-processing strategies for industrial solid and hazardous waste as alternative fuels highlight the importance of integrated waste management for energy and material recovery. This study identifies and characterizes solid and hazardous industrial wastes with high calorific values from various industrial processes at Nirma Industries Limited. Nine types of combustible industrial wastes were analyzed: discarded containers (W1), plastic waste (W2), spent ion exchange resins from RO plants (W3), sludge from effluent treatment in soap plants (W4), glycerine foot from soap plants (W5), rock wool puff material (W6), fiber-reinforced plastic waste (W7), spent activated carbon (W8), and spent cartridges from reverse osmosis plants (W9). Physical characterization, proximate and ultimate analysis, heavy metal concentration evaluation, and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to assess their properties, revealing high calorific values exceeding 2500 kcal/kg. Notably, W1 and W2 exhibited the highest calorific values (∼10,870 kcal/kg), followed by W6 and W8 (∼6000 kcal/kg) and W9 (∼8727 kcal/kg). Safe heavy metal levels are safe, and high calorific values support the prospects of energy recovery and economic and environmental benefits, reducing landfill reliance and enhancing sustainable waste management.

AI-driven Characterization of Solid Pulmonary Nodules on CT Imaging for Enhanced Malignancy Prediction in Small-sized Lung Adenocarcinoma

ObjectivesDistinguishing solid nodules from nodules with ground-glass lesions in lung cancer is a critical diagnostic challenge, especially for tumors ≤2 cm. Human assessment of these nodules is associated with high inter-observer variability, which is why an objective and reliable diagnostic tool is necessary. This study focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically analyze such tumors and to develop prospective AI systems that can independently differentiate highly malignant nodules. Materials and methodsOur retrospective study analyzed 246 patients who were diagnosed with negative clinical lymph node metastases (cN0) using positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging and underwent surgical resection for lung adenocarcinoma. AI detected tumor sizes ≤2 cm in these patients. By utilizing AI to classify these nodules as solid (AI_solid) or non-solid (non-AI_solid) based on confidence scores, we aim to correlate AI determinations with pathological findings, thereby advancing the precision of preoperative assessments. ResultsSolid nodules identified by AI with a confidence score ≥0.87 showed significantly higher solid component volumes and proportions in patients with AI_solid than in those with non-AI_solid, with no differences in overall diameter or total volume of the tumors. Among patients with AI_solid, 16% demonstrated lymph node metastasis, and a significant 94% harbored invasive adenocarcinoma. Additionally, 44% were upstaging postoperatively. These AI_solid nodules represented high-grade malignancies. ConclusionIn small-sized lung cancer diagnosed as cN0, AI automatically identifies tumors as solid nodules ≤2 cm and evaluates their malignancy preoperatively. The AI classification can inform lymph node assessment necessity in sublobar resections, reflecting metastatic potential.

Realizing synergy between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in industrial parks: From model development to tool application

Promoting the synergy between carbon mitigation and pollution reduction (SCMPR) is pivotal for global green and sustainable development. Industrial parks, as crucial economic hubs, require effective SCMPR strategies considering land, economy, and the environment, but present research seldom proposes methods that consider multiple factors and stakeholders together and fit for practical application. Given this, this study establishes a multi-factor industrial structural adjustment model for industrial parks incorporating scenario analysis to unveil optimal adjustment schemes and then develops an efficient spreadsheet tool based on the model. The model results convincingly fulfill SCMPR requirement after applying to a typical industrial park: After adjustments, 50 main industries in the park can achieve SCMPR targets, with carbon intensity and total phosphorous intensity predicted to achieve relative decoupling and other regular pollutant emissions anticipated to absolute decoupling by 2030. The proposed optimal scheme indicates that wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste volumes in the park will rise by 39%–54% by 2025 and 76%–113% from 2025 to 2030, and then translate into a 50% increase in waste treatment costs by 2025 and a subsequent 98% increase by 2030. The carbon intensity of the park will decrease from 154 tonnes of CO2 per million Chinese Yuan in 2020 to 94 in 2030. The results culminate in three strategic recommendations for industrial parks: (1) prioritize reducing total pollutant emissions and carbon intensity, (2) customize carbon mitigation and pollution reduction strategies for each industry, and (3) regulate material and energy flows at multiple levels. This study can provide a pragmatic tool for industrial parks to make science-based decision-making toward dual carbon goals.

Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles generated from peels of Solanum tuberosum (potato) and their antibacterial and wastewater treatment potential

Global food production consumes a large fraction of energy budget, land area, and freshwater; however, a larger fraction of the produce is lost or unutilized, which has potential to produce useful products for human use. The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles from such waste food appears to be a promising strategy. A conservative estimate of 70–140 thousand tons of potato peels is produced annually by food-chain companies globally; however, they are primarily utilized to produce substandard feed for livestock or manure. For the formation of highly profitable compounds, enhancement of value, and the process of extraction, such as nanocomposite, organic antioxidants, and organic meal inclusions, potato peels can be used as a cheap, productive, and readily available source of raw material. In the present research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were extracted from the peels of potato (Solanum tuberosum). The fabrication of potato peel-derived AgNPs was established using UV-visible spectroscopy analysis. Approaches like X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection-infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to determine the characteristics of the AgNPs. Additionally, strains of Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 25922) were used to determine the antibacterial activity of AgNPs via the disc diffusion technique. The antibacterial properties of AgNPs could help protect food from microbial contamination. Furthermore, AgNPs were tested for their potential application in purification of industrial wastewater. The results revealed that AgNPs derived from the potato peels could be used in industrial and biomedical applications and possess excellent antibacterial activity. Our research suggests that AgNPs can be extracted from a safe and ecofriendly fabrication technique from largely unused potato peels that have a great potential for inhibiting the bacterial growth and for the in situ purification of wastewater in the upcoming years. Therefore, besides value addition to the farm produce, such recycling of potato peels is likely to reduce the burden of the solid waste volumes in agro-centers, kitchen wastes, and food industries across the globe.

Pyrolysis of Spherical Wood Particles in a Packed Bed – Comparison between Resolved and Unresolved Discrete Element Method/Computational Fluid Dynamics

AbstractThe combined discrete element method/computational fluid dynamics (DEM/CFD) approach allows for the description of reacting granular assemblies passed by a gas flow. Especially for thermally thick particles, the spatial resolution of the solid object volumes, their surfaces, and of the interstitial flow domain controls the quality of results while at the same time driving computational costs. To evaluate the differences between resolved and unresolved DEM/CFD approaches, pyrolysis of a bulk of spherical wood particles enclosed by a cylindrical heating surface and passed by hot nitrogen is numerically examined. The unresolved simulation is based on the averaged volume method (AVM). For the resolved simulation, the so‐called blocked‐off (BO) method is applied. The results show that the total mass conversion rate of solid particles into gaseous volatiles is faster when employing the resolved BO approach. The better spatial resolution of local flow field and particle surface representation leads to a more detailed prediction of convective and radiative heat transfer to the particles, but is associated with the penalty of a six‐fold computing time.

Understanding ink design and printing dynamics of extrusion-based 3D printing: Defect-free dense piezoelectric ceramics

The formulation and trade-off between a control rheological ink and its printability are significant challenges for designing a defect-free extrusion-based 3D printed feedstock of piezoelectric materials. In this study, we explore different strategies, including ink design, printing dynamics, and densification behaviors, to successfully manufacture a dense 3D-printed lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic using material extrusion. First, PZT inks of different solid volumes (50–55 vol%) were designed using an aqueous binder system, and their rheological behaviors were evaluated. Second, the printing dynamics, that is, extrusion pressure, nozzle size, and printing speed, were optimized for printing an optimal ink without defects. Finally, the printed specimens were sintered at 1100–1300 °C in a lead-rich atmosphere. The specimens achieved a relative density of ∼97.59 %, which is close to conventional die-pressed PZT density ∼ 97.79 %, and exhibited similar piezoelectric behavior. This high-density 3D-printed PZT with tailorable design feasibility has potential applications in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters.

Modified quantitative and volumetric response evaluation criteria for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization.

This study aimed to investigate the cutoff value of quantitative and volumetric response evaluation criteria for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and compare the performance of the modified criteria to one-dimensional criteria in survival prediction. A retrospective single-center study was performed for treatment-naive patients with HCC who underwent initial TACE between June 2015 and June 2019. Treatment response assessment was performed after the first observation by contrast CT or MRI, with the measurement of diameters by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and volumes by quantitative European Association for Study of the Liver (qEASL). Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint of this study. The new cutoff value for volumetric response evaluation criteria was created using restricted cubic splines. The performance of modified qEASL (mqEASL, with the new cutoff value) and mRECIST on survival prediction was compared by Cox regression models in internal and external validation. A total of 129 patients (mean age, 60 years ± 11 [standard deviation]; 111 men) were included and divided into training (n=90) and validation (n=39) cohorts. The cutoff value for the viable volume reduction was set at 57.0%. The mqEASL enabled separation of non-responders and responders in terms of median OS (p<0.001), 11.2 months (95% CI, 8.5-17.2 months) vs. 31.5 months (95% CI, 25.5-44.0 months). Two multivariate models were developed with independent prognostic factors (tumor response, metastasis, portal vein tumor thrombus, and subsequent treatment) to predict OS. Model 2 (for mqEASL) had a greater Harrel's C index, higher time-dependent area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (AUROC), and more precise calibration on 6-month survival rates than Model 1 (for mRECIST). With the modified cutoff value, the quantitative and volumetric response of HCC patients to TACE becomes a precise predictor of overall survival. Further studies are needed to verify this modification before application in clinical practice.

Embolization of Large and Giant Posterior Fossa Hemangioblastomas: The Experience of a Single Tertiary Care Center.

Background Hemangioblastomas pose an inherent surgical risk due to the potential for high intraoperative blood loss, especially in larger tumors. One approach to minimize this risk is to use preoperative embolization. Herein, we present our institutional experience treating large and giant cerebellar hemangioblastomas. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 19 patients with cerebellar hemangioblastomas that had a maximal diameter of >3 cm. We performed a literature review and included individual patient-level data that met our >3 cm diameter cerebellar hemangioblastoma inclusion criteria. Results Our cohort consisted of 19 patients that received a total of 20 resections for their cerebellar hemangioblastomas. Preoperative embolization was utilized in eight cases (38.1%). One patient experienced transient neurological complications after embolization (12.5%). Tumors of patients in the embolization group had larger median total, solid, and cystic volumes and were more likely to involve the cerebellopontine angle than those in the non-embolized group. Compared with non-embolized patients, embolized patients had less decrease in their hemoglobin, lower volumes of estimated blood loss, reduced rates of postoperative complications and permanent deficits, and greater instances of neurological improvement. The larger cohort (obtained from the combining our cohort with patients identified during a literature review) consisted of 99 patients with 39 receiving preoperative embolization. Conclusion It is important to examine individual patient characteristics when determining eligibility for preoperative embolization. However, improvements in endovascular techniques have made preoperative embolization a safe and effective procedure with minimal risks that can be performed in many patients.

Validation and potential forecast use of a debris-flow rainfall threshold calibrated with the Backward Dynamical Approach

The aim of this work is to propose a way of validating a rainfall threshold for stony debris flow calibrated with the Backward Dynamical Approach (BDA), a physical-based approach that combines the debris flows' forcing and dynamics. Given the assumptions underlying the BDA, two different validation approaches are developed and then applied to a suitable study area for which a calibrated BDA threshold and a dataset related to a calibration-independent reference period are available. The first approach assesses the reliability of the threshold by applying the BDA to compute the rainfall conditions related to the debris flows that occurred. Instead, the second approach, thanks to the introduction of the concept of “potential debris flows”, considers all rainfall events, regardless of whether or not they are associated with a debris flow, providing a complete overview of the threshold reliability. In both approaches, the threshold's performances are quantified by employing the contingency table and skill scores. The results of the validations applied to the study area threshold highlight its satisfactory reliability. Moreover, the introduction of the potential debris flows concept has cleared the way to apply a BDA-based threshold in a predictive framework and to roughly estimate the solid volumes we may expect if a debris flow occurs.

Impedance-Based, Multi-Physical DC-Performance-Model for a PEMFC Stack

Performance prediction for large-sized polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks necessitates consideration of spatially deviating operating conditions on the nonlinear electrochemical behaviour. This interaction between operating conditions and electrochemistry is best described by complex CFD-models. But high computing power excludes stack and system modelling in real time applications.We address this challenge by a multi-physical stack model, which couples (i) the non-linear electrochemistry within the cell, (ii) the fluid pressure drop along the gas channels and (iii) the thermal behaviour within the stack. The spatial resolution focusses on the most relevant directions and thus limits the computational effort. Simulation runtime is further reduced by modelling the electrochemical behaviour by a physico-chemically meaningful equivalent circuit model (ECM) [1], which relies on a data set of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements performed on incremental cells [2]. Individual impedance contributions are identified by the distribution of relaxation times (DRT). ECM model parameters are subsequently quantified by a CNLS-fitting procedure [3,4] and transferred to a nonlinear, zero-dimensional DC-performance-model. The magnitude of the modelled pressure depends on the gas flow within the channel and considers the change of gas composition, whereas the local gradients in current density cause gradients in released heat within the cell itself. This effect along the gas flow, the convection between fluids and solid parts of the stack (bipolar plates and cell) and the internal heat conduction between the solid control volumes are considered in the modelled thermal behaviour.In this contribution a multi-physical stack model considering gradients in temperature, pressure and gas composition is presented. The interdisciplinary interactions and dependencies within the different physical domains, especially the influence of pressure and temperature on the non-linear electrochemical model, are shown. A concise validation based on measured data and conclusions for the possibilities of further applications as a system model will be discussed.[1] D. Klotz et. al., ECS Transactions 25, pp. 1331-1340 (2009)[2] M. Heinzmann et al., J. Power Sources 402, pp. 24-33 (2018).[3] H. Schichlein et al., J. Appl. Electrochem. 32, pp. 875-882 (2002).[4] S. Dierickx et al. Electrochimica Acta 355, 136764 (2020)

The Prolactin per Unit Tumor Volume Ratio Accurately Distinguishes Prolactinomas From Secondary Hyperprolactinemia due to Stalk Effect

ObjectiveThe prolactin levels alone are insufficient to distinguish between some cases of prolactinomas and stalk effect. We aimed to formally characterize the relationship between serum prolactin and prolactinoma volume, determine a cutoff for prolactin/mm3 that accurately distinguishes prolactinomas from stalk effect, and validate this cutoff in a cohort selected to include ambiguous prolactin values ranging from 50 to 150 ng/mL. MethodsWe used the Research Patient Data Registry and transsphenoidal surgery database in our institution to retrospectively identify adult patients with clinically nonfunctioning (NF) tumors (primary analysis, n = 279; validation cohort, n = 10) and prolactinomas (primary analysis, n = 94; validation cohort, n = 18). Solid tumor volumes were measured by Visage 7 software, and cystic foci within tumors were excluded. ResultsProlactin levels were significantly correlated with prolactinoma volume (r2 = 0.801) but were not a relevant predictor of NF tumor size (r2 = 0.015). The prolactin/mm3 values did not overlap between NF tumors (median, 0.016; interquartile range, 0.009-0.028) and prolactinomas (median, 0.551; interquartile range, 0.265-0.845) (P < .0001). A cutoff of 0.065 ng/mL)/mm3 correctly discriminated between prolactinomas and NF tumors in all 401 patients in the primary analysis and validation cohort. ConclusionThe prolactin/volume ratio correctly distinguished all prolactinomas from stalk effect in this study, including a validation cohort specifically chosen for potential ambiguity. To our knowledge, this study is the first formal volumetric analysis of prolactin secretion in pituitary adenomas, and our results suggest that the measurement of prolactin/mm3 is a valuable tool to better characterize challenging cases of primary tumoral secretion versus secondary hyperprolactinemia due to stalk effect.

Consistent coupling of positions and rotations for embedding 1D Cosserat beams into 3D solid volumes

The present article proposes a mortar-type finite element formulation for consistently embedding curved, slender beams into 3D solid volumes. Following the fundamental kinematic assumption of undeformable cross-section s, the beams are identified as 1D Cosserat continua with pointwise six (translational and rotational) degrees of freedom describing the cross-section (centroid) position and orientation. A consistent 1D-3D coupling scheme for this problem type is proposed, requiring to enforce both positional and rotational constraints. Since Boltzmann continua exhibit no inherent rotational degrees of freedom, suitable definitions of orthonormal triads are investigated that are representative for the orientation of material directions within the 3D solid. While the rotation tensor defined by the polar decomposition of the deformation gradient appears as a natural choice and will even be demonstrated to represent these material directions in a L_2-optimal manner, several alternative triad definitions are investigated. Such alternatives potentially allow for a more efficient numerical evaluation. Moreover, objective (i.e. frame-invariant) rotational coupling constraints between beam and solid orientations are formulated and enforced in a variationally consistent manner based on either a penalty potential or a Lagrange multiplier potential. Eventually, finite element discretization of the solid domain, the embedded beams, which are modeled on basis of the geometrically exact beam theory, and the Lagrange multiplier field associated with the coupling constraints results in an embedded mortar-type formulation for rotational and translational constraint enforcement denoted as full beam-to-solid volume coupling (BTS-FULL) scheme. Based on elementary numerical test cases, it is demonstrated that a consistent spatial convergence behavior can be achieved and potential locking effects can be avoided, if the proposed BTS-FULL scheme is combined with a suitable solid triad definition. Eventually, real-life engineering applications are considered to illustrate the importance of consistently coupling both translational and rotational degrees of freedom as well as the upscaling potential of the proposed formulation. This allows the investigation of complex mechanical systems such as fiber-reinforced composite materials, containing a large number of curved, slender fibers with arbitrary orientation embedded in a matrix material.

Multiparametric MRI for assessment of early response to neoadjuvant sunitinib in renal cell carcinoma.

To detect early response to sunitinib treatment in metastatic clear cell renal cancer (mRCC) using multiparametric MRI. Participants with mRCC undergoing pre-surgical sunitinib therapy in the prospective NeoSun clinical trial (EudraCtNo: 2005-004502-82) were imaged before starting treatment, and after 12 days of sunitinib therapy using morphological MRI sequences, advanced diffusion-weighted imaging, measurements of R2* (related to hypoxia) and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Following nephrectomy, participants continued treatment and were followed-up with contrast-enhanced CT. Changes in imaging parameters before and after sunitinib were assessed with the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the log-rank test was used to assess effects on survival. 12 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After 12 days, the solid and necrotic tumor volumes decreased by 28% and 17%, respectively (p = 0.04). However, tumor-volume reduction did not correlate with progression-free or overall survival (PFS/OS). Sunitinib therapy resulted in a reduction in median solid tumor diffusivity D from 1298x10-6 to 1200x10-6mm2/s (p = 0.03); a larger decrease was associated with a better RECIST response (p = 0.02) and longer PFS (p = 0.03) on the log-rank test. An increase in R2* from 19 to 28s-1 (p = 0.001) was observed, paralleled by a decrease in Ktrans from 0.415 to 0.305min-1 (p = 0.01) and a decrease in perfusion fraction from 0.34 to 0.19 (p<0.001). Physiological imaging confirmed efficacy of the anti-angiogenic agent 12 days after initiating therapy and demonstrated response to treatment. The change in diffusivity shortly after starting pre-surgical sunitinib correlated to PFS in mRCC undergoing nephrectomy, however, no parameter predicted OS. EudraCtNo: 2005-004502-82.

General Surgery Resident Operative Experiences in Solid Organ Injury: An Examination of Case Logs.

Non-operative management (NOM) of traumatic solid organ injury (SOI) has become commonplace. This paradigm shift, along with reduced resident work hours, has significantly impacted surgical residents' operative trauma experiences. We examined ongoing changes in residents' operative SOI experience since duty hour restriction implementation, and assessed whether missed operative experiences were gained elsewhere in the resident experience. We examined data from American College of Graduate Medical Education case log reports from 2003 to 2018. We collected mean case volumes in the categories of non-operative trauma, trauma laparotomy, and splenic, hepatic, and pancreatic trauma operations; case volumes for comparable non-traumatic solid organ operations were also collected. Solid organ injury operative volumes were compared against non-traumatic cases, and change over time was analyzed. Over the study period, both trauma laparotomies and non-operative traumas increased significantly (P < .001). In contrast, operative volumes for splenic, hepatic, and pancreatic trauma all significantly decreased (P < .001; P = .014; P < .001, respectively). Non-traumatic spleen cases also significantly decreased (P < .001), but liver cases and distal pancreatectomies increased (P < .001; P = .017). Pancreaticoduodenectomies increased, albeit not to a significant degree (P = .052). Continuing increases in NOM of SOI correlate with declining resident experience with operative solid organ trauma. These decreases can adversely affect residents' technical skills and decision-making, although trends in specific non-traumatic areas may help to mitigate such losses. Further work should determine the impact of these trends on resident competence and autonomy.

The state of solid waste management for sustainable development in India: Current state and future potential

India now produces the largest garbage globally, which is projected to grow further by 2050 unless immediate action to be taken. During industrial, mining, municipal, agricultural and other activities, significant solid waste volumes are produced yearly. To protect the environment, different trash is recycled and used in value-added applications. In recent years, advancements in solid waste management have led in the creation of alternative construction materials that may be used to replace traditional building materials such as bricks and blocks; tiles and aggregate; ceramics; cement; lime; soils; wood and paint. It is essential to fully document all of the chemical, physical, technical, thermal, mineralogical, and morphologic properties of these waste materials. As a result, the effort should inspire entrepreneurs and building agencies to create new products and methods that utilise all of these wastes as raw materials for secondary industries, thus reducing greenhouse gases and global warming.The objective of this research is to demonstrate the manner in which non-hazardous and hazardous solid wastes are processed, as well as the capacity for recycling. Also, this research studies India's solid waste management problems and proposes possible solutions. Attempts are being made to recycle different waste materials and utilise them in value-added applications to preserve the environment. In order to do this, the study's objective is to conduct a thorough investigation of India's present supply and demand of non-hazardous and hazardous solid wastes, and the possibility of recycling and environmental impact.

Correlation Analysis and Multilinear Regression Model for Prediction on Solid Waste Generation in Malaysia

Increased volumes of solid waste generation continue unabated due mainly to rapid population increase, urban migration, economic enhancements, and modern lifestyles. Two significant factors contributing directly to the higher volumes of solid waste generation are population and gross domestic product (GDP). In Phase 1 of this study, a correlation analysis with a Pearson coefficient of more than 93% (r &gt; 0.93) shows a strong positive linear relationship between the amount of solid waste generation and population and GDP. Phase 2 provides a multilinear regression analysis and the development of a regression model. They indicate that a 1-unit increment in the amount of solid waste generation is caused by 0.06 of the population and 0.119 of GDP while ßo remains constant at 124.449. Therefore, the multilinear regression model in this study can be applied by solid waste management authorities in Malaysia to accurately forecast future solid waste generation volumes. However, further investigation on other significance factors are suggested for future work in order to develop a holistic model for solid waste management in Malaysia.

Giant slope scars and mass transport deposits across the Rhodes Basin, eastern Mediterranean: Depositional and tectonic processes

High-resolution multichannel seismic reflection profiles and multibeam mosaic maps of the seafloor are used to document the presence of two prominent regions representing major sediment failure(s) and the subsequent gravity-driven mass transport across the southwestern continental margin of Anatolia. These regions are characterized by very sugged morphology (referred to as Scars 1 and 2), where the upper slope regions include several concave, interconnected steep seafloor escarpments marked by semi-circular indentations that link with one another by cusp-like features creating a sharp and very narrow curvilinear zone. The slope face across the rugged region there are numerous sharply irregular pinnacles/protrusions on the seafloor, consisting of exposed older bedrock successions. Scars 1 and 2 occupy seafloor areas of 1947 km2 and 1350 km2, solid volumes of 214–257 km3 and 92–111 km3, and masses of 467–681 Gt and 245–294 Gt, respectively, with a total solid volume of 307–368 km3 and a mass of 812–975 Gt. Mass transport deposits are identified at various stratigraphic levels across the Rhodes Basin characterized by chaotic seismic reflector configurations with zones of contorted and convoluted reflector geometries. The base of this facies is characterized by erosional down-cutting. The thickest and the regionally most extensive such deposits are found at the base of Unit 1, immediately above the upper bounding surface of the Messinian evaporites (the Top Erosional Surface or the former M-reflector). The lower mass transport deposit (L–MTD) is calculated to have a volume 205–171 km3, or a solid mass of 543–452 Gt, assuming that porosities of 40–50% and average grain density of 2.67 t m−3. Comparisons between the total mass of the L–MTD and the estimated masses of sediments mobilized across Scars 1 and 2 (812–975 Gt) indicate that there is ~360–432 Gt deficit in the calculated mass of the L–MTD. The missing sediments represent 17.5–21.0% of the total mass contained within Unit 1 across the present-day Rhodes Basin. This mismatch is remarkably large: it may arise from the uncertainties involved in the estimations of the masses of sediments contained in Scars 1 and 2; however, it is also possible that some of the gravity driven mass transports transitioned into turbidity currents, thus travelled great distances across the Rhodes Basin, and that some of these turbidity currents crossed the basin longitudinally, and exited it at its southwestern deeper regions (i.e., the present-day Strabo Trench). This is particularly plausible because the physiography of the Rhodes Basin was dramatically different during the early Pliocene and the southern and southwestern portions of the basin provided a possible exit route.

Literature for children in the Publishing House of I. P. Ladyzhnikov (Berlin, 1920–1930)

The purpose of the article is to fill the gap in the study of such an aspect of the activities of Russian-language foreign publishing houses as the release of literature for children and youth. Such activity is reflected very poorly in book research. This is primarily due to the fact that there were very few specialized publishing houses for the production of children’s literature in the Russian Diaspora, and their archives were either fragmentarily available for study or were absent altogether. At the same time, the publication of children’s literature in Russian in the first post-revolutionary years was of great demand both in the emigre community and in Soviet Russia, which was unable to satisfy the urgent need for such literature. The article presents the results of a search for information about the release of Russian-language children’s literature in the Russian Diaspora in the first half of the 1920s, using the example of the activities of one of the most notable emigrant enterprises – I. P. Ladyzhnikov, who was in 1906–1932 in Berlin. Being in essence a universal publishing house, it was in the 1920s actively involved in the process of publishing literature for children, having its own unique circle of authors, illustrators (both Russian and foreign), creating a specialized children’s department in its structure, publishing a children’s book in very solid volumes.

Mortar pore pressure prediction during the first hours of cement hydration

During cement hydration, solid, fluid, and total volumes vary as water is consumed by chemical reactions. Those volume variations lead to pore water pressure decrease during the first hours of hydration. The deformations induced by early hydration are quantified in order to understand their consequences on the internal stress state within the hardening material.This paper aims to link pore water pressure with autogenous and chemical shrinkage during the first hours of hydration in the bulk of early setting cement mortar. It is demonstrated that specific volume variations are compensated by an increase of air-entrained volume. The variation of the volume of air is used to predict the air pressure. Using the size of a maximum capillary pore diameter filled with water, the capillary pressure is estimated using the Young-Laplace equation. In order to validate the approach, the pore water pressure is measured and compared to the thermodynamic prediction and air content.