Waste Products Research Articles

TECHNOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES OF PLANTS FOR PLASMA-CHEMICAL PYROLYSISOF MEDICAL WASTE

The protection of the environment and human health from the negative impact of waste, in particular medical and pharmaceutical waste, is a priority in the field of waste management. The term "medical waste" defines the full range of all categories and types of medical waste (MW) that are classified as hazardous in Ukraine. The unrestrained growth of the amount and rate of production of hazardous medical waste in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war (MW) critically exacerbates the environmental situation in Ukraine. However, existing methods and technological means are not able to ensure their complete environmentally safe processing and utilization. The article analyzes the peculiarities of the method of incineration of medical, pharmaceutical and hospital waste. It is demonstrated that plasma arc technologies and plasma-chemical pyrolysis technologies are well-proven and commercially attractive for their application on an industrial scale, including in the medical field, for the disposal, recycling and destruction of hazardous waste. The incineration of medical waste in the open air or in incinerators has temperature limits of no more than 500 oC. The paper considers the technology of plasma-chemical pyrolysis at 1100-1250 oC as a high-temperature alternative to medical waste incineration, which is implemented in the form of a mobile plasma pyrolysis unit "Plazmon-3 , developed and created on the basis of the domestic plasma generator PUN-1. The advantages of using high-temperature plasma-chemical pyrolysis are shown, which make it, in terms of environmental safety, beyond the competition and, unlike smoke-emitting analogues, plasma-chemical pyrolysis technologies destroy medical waste without forming environmentally hazardous residues

Evaluating the Efficiency of Dust Stone as an Improvement Material for Cement Gravel Column

This research explores the feasibility of incorporating dust stone into cement gravel columns to enhance their mechanical properties and sustainability profile. A series of laboratory experiments including unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and permeability tests were carried out. 15 mixture designs were prepared to investigate the effect of stone dust (5-20% of cement and 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight of highest porous sample) on volume fractions of CG samples on engineering and physical properties of cemented gravel samples, at 7 and 28 days. The findings indicate that the ideal proportion of stone dust is 10%, which significantly enhances the compressibility of the CG mixture while preserving satisfactory permeability. The finding indicates that stone dust is a feasible and efficient additive for improving the performance of cement gravel columns in civil engineering applications. Moreover, stone dust provides sustainability advantages by minimizing waste production and contributing to a circular economy.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) removal from aqueous solution through N-doped porous copper-carbon composite derived from recycled copper obtained from fly ash incinerator: Water decontamination via municipal waste remnants.

Invincible growth in waste production is the consequence of overpopulation, which should be addressed to reduce the occupied landfill surface needed for their disposal and to alleviate the leachate of extremely hazardous material into the soil and water bodies. In this study, copper (Cu) was extracted from fly ash of a municipal solid waste incinerator by an electro-chemical method, which was optimized to recover the highest amount of Cu, and then it was chelated with 4-aminobenzoic acid (AM) and terephthalic acid (TM) in an aqueous phase. The obtained composites were then heated to form a porous calcinated copper-carbon composite and utilized to adsorb the forever contaminant of PFOS from aqueous solutions. As the calcinated composite of Cu/AM with a ratio of 1:1 removed a greater amount of PFOS from the aqueous solution than Cu/TA, it was utilized as the ultimate adsorbent. The platform adsorbent was subjected to multiple characterizations, including XRD, FESEM, elemental mapping, TEM, BET, EDS, ICP-OES, FTIR, DLS, and point of zero charges, as well as optimization of several operational parameters involving pH, adsorbent dosage, initial PFOS concentration, and contact time. At the neutral pH, under the optimal conditions (adsorbent dosage of 1 g L-1 and 5 h), 97.23% of PFOS was eliminated from the solution spiked with 5 mg L-1 of PFOS. The equilibrium data were best fitted with Frundlich isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacity of 402 mg g-1 was achieved. The optimal conditions were also applied to PFOA, demonstrating high adsorption of different types of PFAS. The recovery tests of the adsorbent conducted 5 times on the solution spiked with 10 mg L-1 of PFOS showed a slight decrease in PFOS removal at least for 5 regeneration cycles, demonstrating the high adsorption capacity and its reusability, thereby validating its feasibility for large-scale applications.

Development of complex wastewater treatment of galvanizing lines

The prospective of increasing of environmental safety level for industrial enterprises as a result of the implementation of new complex wastewater treatment technology are considered. An analysis of literary sources was carried out regarding the effectiveness of the existing methods of wastewater treatment that contain compounds of heavy metals. The efficiency of iron ion extraction was investigated by processing of steel pickling solutions using the ferritization with various activation methods of the reaction mixture. X-ray phase analysis of the obtained ferritization sediments confirmed the presence of highly dispersed ferromagnetic phases of iron oxides and oxyhydroxides. The sorption capacity of magnetite sediment obtained by ferritization on the efficiency of zinc ion extraction from the wastewater of the galvanic line was studied. The influence of pH value and ultrasound on sorption treatment of washing wastewater by magnetite sediment was determined. When using ultrasound for sorbent treatment and raising the pH to 10, the residual concentration of zinc ions in the washing wastewater decreases to 0.31 mg/dm3, the degree of purification is 98.9%. Such water meets the standards for its use in the operations of washing parts at electroplating facilities or discharge into the city's central sewage system. The prospects for the utilization of spent sorbents in powder paint and varnish materials as a result of the inclusion in their composition of ferritization products obtained from electroplating waste are considered. The use of ferromagnetic waste from sorption treatment improves the corrosion resistance of the resulting coatings compared to traditional ones. The implementation of research results at enterprises will prevent environmental pollution by toxic substances, change outdated production technologies and obtain from production waste materials for corrosion protection of metal construction.

Merging holography, fluorescence, and machine learning for in situ continuous characterization and classification of airborne microplastics

Abstract. The continued increase in global plastic production and poor waste management ensures that plastic pollution will be a serious environmental concern for years to come. Because of their size, shape, and relatively low density, plastic particles between 1 and 1000 µm in size (known as microplastics or MPs) emitted directly into the environment (“primary”) or created due to degradation (“secondary”) may be transported through the atmosphere, similarly to other coarse-mode particles such as mineral dust. MPs can thus be advected over great distances, reaching even the most pristine and remote areas of Earth, and may have significant negative consequences for humans and the environment. The detection and analysis of MPs once airborne, however, remains a challenge because most observational methods are offline and resource-intensive and, therefore, not capable of providing continuous quantitative information. In this study, we present results using an online in situ airflow cytometer (SwisensPoleno Jupiter; Swisens AG; Emmen, Switzerland) – coupled with machine learning – to detect, analyze, and classify airborne single-particle MPs in near real time. The performance of the instrument in differentiating between single-particle MPs of five common polymer types (including polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyethylene terephthalate) was investigated under laboratory conditions using combined information about their size and shape (determined using holographic imaging) and fluorescence measured using three excitation wavelengths and five emission detection windows. The classification capability using these methods was determined alongside other coarse-mode aerosol particles with similar morphology or fluorescence characteristics, such as a mineral dust and several pollen taxa. The tested MPs exhibit a measurable fluorescence signal that not only allows them to be distinguished from other fluorescent particles, such as pollen, but also differentiated from each other, with high (> 90 %) classification accuracy based on their multispectral fluorescence signatures. The classification accuracies of machine learning models using only holographic images of particles, only the fluorescence response, and combined information from holography and fluorescence to predict particle types are presented and compared. The last model, using both the holographic images and fluorescence information for each particle, was the most optimal model used, providing the highest classification accuracy compared to employing models using only the holography or fluorescence response separately. The results provide a foundation for significantly improving the understanding of the properties and types of MPs present in the atmosphere.

Comparing the Waste and Environmental Impact of Blepharoplasty at an Office-based Operating Room Versus an Ambulatory Surgery Center in the United States.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the environmental impact of a blepharoplasty as performed by a single surgeon at an office-based operating room (OR) versus at an ambulatory surgery center. We employed life cycle analyses on routine, uncomplicated bilateral upper lid blepharoplasties as performed by a single surgeon. Life cycle phases of production, use, and end-of-life treatment were included. Study boundaries encompassed all waste products exiting the OR in addition to utility energy and water use. We conducted waste audits to collect data on surgical waste by item, material, and weight. Building energy and water use were approximated using data obtained from utility companies. Environmental impact is reported as global warming potential (GW100a; kg carbon dioxide equivalents). The office-based OR generated 784 g of physical waste per blepharoplasty as compared to 1323 g at the ambulatory surgery center. The life cycle analyses found that a blepharoplasty contributed a total of 6.42 kg carbon dioxide equivalents at the office-based OR and 7.78 at the ambulatory surgery center. The production phase contributed the majority of these carbon dioxide equivalents. Plastic supplies contributed the most waste by weight and emissions associated with production. Nonwoven polypropylene contributed the largest waste and emissions by material. The ambulatory surgery center produces more waste and carbon dioxide equivalents per blepharoplasty than the office-based OR. Use of supplies including drapes and gowns made of nonwoven polypropylene can be reduced to increase the environmental sustainability of blepharoplasty.

Upcycled cosmetic ingredients: extraction process optimization via green solvents by the means of I-optimal and Box–Behnken designs

Current trends are shifting attention to the sustainable valorization of food bio-waste management and by-product utilization, as they are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and peptides. Upcycled ingredients and green cosmetics are becoming more and more appealing concepts in the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries encouraging them to invest and develop sustainable products aligning with the green concept of circular economy. In this research, we focused on the waste products (peels) of super exotic fruits Litchi chinensis and Selenicereus undatus, which are packed with antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Extraction of the peels with green solvent (propylene glycol) was performed and optimized by the means of an I-optimal and box-behnken designs with different independent variables for each design and total phenolic content (TPC) as a response. The resulted optimized extract of lychee peels propylene glycol extract (LPPG) was evaluated in terms of anti-tyrosinase activity, resulting in an (IC50 = 264.1 ± 16.9 µg/mL) with an average inhibition percentage of (92.33%), DPPH assay was performed, revealing antioxidant activity of (2666.7 ± 68.71 µmol ascorbic acid/mL) and (24,774.68 ± 834.67 µmol ascorbic acid/mL) using ABTS assay. As for dried dragonfruit propylene glycol extract (DDPG), the antioxidant activity was found to be (1299.82 ± 20.80 µmol Ascorbic acid/mL) using DPPH assay and (1510.506 ± 12.93 µmol Ascorbic acid/mL) using ABTS assay. In conclusion, optimization of the extraction process of food by-products using propylene glycol as a solvent may offer a valuable sustainable cosmetic ingredient.

РОЗРОБКА ТА ВИРОБНИЦТВО ЛЕГКИХ ЛІТАЛЬНИХ АПАРАТІВ СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ

Issues of protecting plants from diseases and pests are becoming more and more urgent. Climate change causes an increase in the activity of weedy plants and insects harmful to agriculture. Because of this, the chemical treatment of fields by aviation in modern agriculture should serve the purpose of preserving the future harvest in both a qualitative and quantitative sense. An important role in this is played by the biological method of plant protection, which is quite effective and environmentally friendly. It is based on the use of living organisms, their waste products and biologically active substances that regulate the development and reproduction of harmful plant organisms. Scientists have developed technologies for the breeding of such zoophages to protect plants from plant pests: Trichogramma, predatory mite Phytoseiulus, encarzia, Aphidimyza gallica, etc., as well as the production of microbiological preparations to protect plants from diseases and pests, the high efficiency of their use has been proven. Aircraft (planes, helicopters, ultralight aircraft) that are registered in the State Register of Civil Aviation Aircraft of Ukraine and have a certificate for the right to perform aerochemical work are allowed to carry out aerial work on the application of pesticides during agrochemical activities on agricultural and forest crops. The requirements for the characteristics of the aircraft, directive requirements for the technology of production, operation and maintenance of airworthiness were formulated. The evaluation of the manufacturability of the considered products (agricultural LA) cannot be evaluated without taking into account the operational manufacturability, which largely determines the costs when performing work in the field. Along with the requirements for the manufacturability of the aircraft design, the so-called operational requirements are of great importance. These requirements determine the suitability of the structure and equipment for its maintenance and repair during the operation of the aircraft, taking into account the high quality of work, the least consumption of time, labor and materials. Satisfying operational requirements ensures reliability, durability of the aircraft, high labor productivity during maintenance, reduction of operational costs and efficiency of use of the aircraft fleet. The appearance of the trichogram required the development of special means for its introduction. An attempt to use existing means showed their unsuitability due to their low functional efficiency and high cost of work. The task was solved by increasing the manufacturability of agricultural aircraft during their production and operation. This made it possible to organize its serial production and operation in many farms of the country.

Outlook for Sustainable Utilization of Agricultural Waste and Biomass Fuel and Materials Production

The reasonable and effective treatment and utilization of agricultural production waste is an effective way to deal with energy depletion and climate change. Agricultural waste, including crop straw, livestock manure, agricultural film, pesticide packaging, the waste if improperly handled, can lead to soil, water and air pollution, like remains in agricultural land contains various chemical elements of crop straw and livestock manure, if improperly handled will cause irreversible of soil erosion and pollution. Through resource utilization, these wastes can be converted into organic fertilizers, bioenergy, feed or other valuable products, thus reducing environmental pollution, improving the efficiency of resource utilization, and promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. This study will discuss the technical progress of the treatment mode of agricultural waste in the current technical field, and find out the shortcomings and challenges of the existing technology. China, India, America, Japan, Thailand and many other countries are stepping up their research on biomass energy. The development and utilization of agricultural biomass have a strong competitiveness in the energy market.

From Waste to Taste: Coffee By-Products as Starter Cultures for Sustainable Fermentation and Improved Coffee Quality

Utilizing coffee by-products in the fermentation process of coffee offers a sustainable strategy by repurposing agricultural waste and enhancing product quality. This study evaluates the effect of applying a starter culture, derived from coffee residues, on the dynamics of reducing and total sugars during coffee fermentation, as well as the composition of aromatic compounds, organic acids, and the sensory profile of coffee inoculated with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus), in comparison to a spontaneously fermented sample. Volatile compounds were identified and quantified using dynamic headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS), with predominant detection of 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-methyl; 2-furanmethanol; and furfural—compounds associated with caramel, nut, and sweet aromas from the roasting process. A reduction in sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) occurred over the 36 h fermentation period. Lactic acid (2.79 g/L) was the predominant organic acid, followed by acetic acid (0.69 g/L). The application of the inoculum improved the sensory quality of the coffee, achieving a score of 86.6 in evaluations by Q-graders, compared to 84 for the control sample. Additionally, descriptors such as red apple, honey, and citrus were prominent, contributing to a uniform and balanced flavor profile. These findings indicate that controlled fermentation with starter cultures derived from coffee by-products enhances sustainability in coffee production. It achieves this by supporting a circular economy, reducing reliance on chemical additives, and improving product quality. This approach aligns with sustainable development goals by promoting environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social well-being within the coffee industry.

A Closed-Loop Economy in the Meat Industry for Generating Alternative Energy from Biogas Plants

This study deals with the concept of a closed-loop economy in the meat industry through the use of animal by-products in biogas plants for electricity generation processes. The purpose of the study was to identify the volume of by-products from the slaughter of cattle and pigs, how the by-products are managed, and the efficiency of their use in biogas plants for electricity production processes. The analyses used data from the Central Statistical Office, the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, and information obtained from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Studies from the literature on closed-loop economies and bioeconomies were also a valuable source of information. Based on case studies, this paper also presents examples of a closed-loop economy in meat companies. In the area of pork, poultry, and beef livestock production, the analysis covered the years 2004–2022, while in the area of the production and use of meat industry by-products, the data came from 2017–2022. The study shows that reducing the production of waste in the meat industry and the reuse and recycling of waste are important parts of a closed-loop economy. In meat companies, waste from slaughtering animals can be properly managed, either by processing it into animal feed or by using it in biogas plants to generate electricity or heat. Taking into account the number of by-products from cattle and pig slaughter in the country, biogas plants could produce approximately 95,232 MW of electricity per year, which constitutes approximately 4.3% of the energy intensity of the meat industry in Poland.

Smarter Repair 2053

In 2023 the European Union enacted the right-to-repair for European citizens which was undoubtedly a step forward in tackling planned obsolescence and the deluge of electronic product waste being produced at that time. An expansion of the right-to-repair to include smart devices occurred in 2035 acknowledging their increased proliferation as everyday products and services. However, these rights-to-repair did not result in creating a capacity for repair such that consumers were both willing and able to avail themselves of this right. To address this challenge technologists extended the infusion of datafication and Artificial Intelligence within smart products – resulting in the Right-to-Repair being granted to the devices themselves in 2045. This paper reviews this transition which resulted in both decreasing electronic product waste, increased device longevity, and extending the development of an aesthetic of repair into more products and services.

Choroid plexus aging: structural and vascular insights from the HCP-aging dataset

BackgroundThe choroid plexus (ChP), a highly vascularized structure within the ventricles, is essential for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and metabolic waste clearance, crucial for neurofluid homeostasis and cognitive function. ChP enlargement is seen in normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite its key role of in the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB), detailed studies on age-related changes in its perfusion and microstructure remain limited.MethodsWe analyzed data from 641 healthy individuals aged between 36 and 90, using the Human Connectome Project Aging (HCP-A) dataset. Volumetric, perfusion, and diffusion metrics of the ChP were derived from structural MRI, arterial spin labeling (ASL), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), respectively. Partial correlations were used to explore age-related ChP changes, and independent t-tests to examine sex differences across age decades. One-way ANOVA was employed to compare perfusion characteristics among ChP, gray matter (GM), and white matter (WM). Relationships between volume, perfusion, and diffusion were investigated, adjusting for age and sex. Additionally, the distribution of cyst-like structures within the ChP and their diffusion/perfusion MRI characteristics were analyzed across different age groups.ResultsThe ChP undergoes notable changes with age, including an increase in volume (r2 = 0.2, P < 0.001), a decrease in blood flow (r2 = 0.17, P < 0.001), and elevated mean diffusivity (MD) values (r2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). Perfusion characteristics showed significant differences between the ChP, GM, and WM (P < 0.001). Both the ChP and GM exhibited age-related declines in CBF, with a more pronounced decline in the ChP. A negative correlation was observed between the age-related increase in ChP volume and the decrease in CBF, suggesting compensatory dystrophic hyperplasia in response to perfusion decline. Cyst-like structures in ChP, characterized by lower MD and reduced CBF, were found to be more prevalent in older individuals.ConclusionsOur findings provide a detailed quantitative assessment of age-related changes in ChP perfusion and diffusion, which may affect CSF production and circulation, potentially leading to waste solute accumulation and cognitive impairment.Grant supportThis work was supported in part by the NIH U01AG052564, P30AG066512, P01AG060882, RF1 NS110041, R01 NS108491, U24 NS135568.

Enhanced prediction of Cs removal by CST from Hanford tank waste with K accountability

AbstractThe treatment of Hanford tank waste is one of the most challenging environmental cleanup activities to date. To expedite the processing of liquid waste stored in underground tanks in Washington State it is necessary to remove the significant dose contributor, 137Cs. Crystalline silicotitanate ion exchanger is currently used to remove 137Cs from the aqueous phase of Hanford tank wastes in preparation for vitrification at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). Improving the understanding of potassium impacts on ion exchange behavior of Cs will help in the operation of a critical component of one of the most complex treatment processes in the world today. Optimization of this process can result in significant cost savings and less waste production. Toward this effort, a series of batch contact tests varied in potassium concentration were conducted to look at the impact of potassium concentration on Cs distribution. Experimental distribution ratios (Kd) were compared to the distribution ratios predicted using the ZAM model. A significant underprediction of Cs capacity in the presence of potassium was seen with the existing model. A revision of the equilibrium constants was determined and provided a statistically better fit for determining the Cs Kd values in tank waste matrices.

Fortified bread with encapsulated ingredients: impacts and potential applications.

Waste production is a major challenge in the food industry. The use of 'functional food' by adding bioactive compounds is a promising solution to reduce it. However, many bioactive compounds are unstable when subjected to industrial and environmental conditions. Microencapsulation technology is a useful method to preserve these molecules. This review categorizes microencapsulated functional bread additives, including enzymes, salts, alcohols, oils, herbal compounds, probiotics, and acids, and demonstrates various beneficial effects of these additives. Suitable wall materials and encapsulating techniques - including freeze drying, spray drying, the emulsion-congealing method, fluidized bed coating, and thin-film hydration methods - are discussed in terms of their effect on bread quality. The encapsulated bread ingredients and their impact on bread characteristics are investigated by examining relevant original and review studies from various electronic databases, irrespective of publication date. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Processing Horse and Cow Manure Waste in the Production of Fertilizer and Biogas at Flores Bajawa Agricultural College

Horses and cows have long been domesticated animals in Indonesia, one of which is at the Flores Bajawa Agricultural College. Horse and cow manure, which are solid waste products generated from metabolism, can generally pollute the environment, so they need to be processed. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on the utilization of horse and cow manure waste in the production of manure fertilizer and biogas. Manure is usually made from liquid or solid livestock waste mixed with food scraps, which will later function as humus. Biogas is a gas produced from organic waste such as animal and human manure stored in an airtight environment. The purpose of this research is to understand the utilization and processing of horse and cow manure waste into fertilizer and biogas. The methods used in this research are observation and experimentation. Fertilizer is made from a mixture of horse and cow manure. Meanwhile, biogas from horse and cow manure is produced with three treatments and various fermentation periods of 7, 14, and 21 days. One way to process horse and cow manure waste is to convert it into organic fertilizer and biogas. The fertilizer and biogas that have been produced are used to enrich agriculture and also as a source of fuel. The longer the fermentation time of the fertilizer and biogas, the better the nutrient content of the fertilizer and the greater the volume of gas produced in the biogas production process.

Comprehensive Blood Metabolome and Exposome Analysis, Annotation, and Interpretation in E-Waste Workers

Background: Electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) production has emerged to be of global environmental public health concern. E-waste workers, who are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals through occupational activities, face considerable health risks. Methods: To investigate the metabolic and exposomic changes in these workers, we analyzed whole blood samples from 100 male e-waste workers and 49 controls from the GEOHealth II project (2017–2018 in Accra, Ghana) using LC-MS/MS. A specialized computational workflow was established for exposomics data analysis, incorporating two curated reference libraries for metabolome and exposome profiling. Two feature detection algorithms, asari and centWave, were applied. Results: In comparison to centWave, asari showed better sensitivity in detecting MS features, particularly at trace levels. Principal component analysis demonstrated distinct metabolic profiles between e-waste workers and controls, revealing significant disruptions in key metabolic pathways, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, drug metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, vitamin metabolism, and prostaglandin biosynthesis. Correlation analyses linked metal exposures to alterations in hundreds to thousands of metabolic features. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted significant perturbations in pathways related to liver function, vitamin metabolism, linoleate metabolism, and dynorphin signaling, with the latter being observed for the first time in e-waste workers. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the biological impact of prolonged metal exposure in e-waste workers.

Materials approaches for next-generation encapsulated cell therapies

AbstractTransplanted cells can act as living drug factories capable of secreting therapeutic proteins in vivo, with applications in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), blood borne disease, vision disorders, and degenerative neural disease, potentially representing functional cures for chronic conditions. However, attack from the host immune system represents a major challenge, requiring chronic immunosuppression to enable long-lived cell transplantation in vivo. Encapsulating cells in engineered biomaterials capable of excluding components of the host immune system while allowing for the transport of therapeutic proteins, oxygen, nutrients, metabolites, and waste products represents a potential solution. However, the foreign-body response can lead to isolation from native vasculature and hypoxia leading to cell death. In this prospective article, we highlight materials-based solutions to three important challenges in the field: (i) improving biocompatibility and reducing fibrosis; (ii) enhancing transport of secreted protein drugs and key nutrients and oxygen via engineered, semipermeable membranes; and (iii) improving oxygenation. These efforts draw on several disciplines in materials’ research, including polymer science, surfaces, membranes, biomaterials’ microfabrication, and flexible electronics. If successful, these efforts could lead to new therapies for chronic disease and are a rich space for both fundamental materials’ discovery and applied translational science. Graphical Abstract

Plastic Waste Management Strategies to Reduce Negative Impacts on the Environment and Human Health in Padang City

Plastic waste has become one of the major problems threatening the environment and human healthIn Indonesia, the use of plastics in daily life, such as shopping bags, water bottles, and food packaging, contributes greatly to the increasing amount of plastic waste (Ditjen PPKL, 2018). This research aims to analyse effective plastic waste management strategies to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The research uses a mixed-method approach, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition of plastic waste and identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of such management. This method is relevant for evaluating waste management policies, the role of the community, and the application of environmentally friendly technologies. This study will be conducted in several areas that have high plastic waste production rates, such as urban, coastal, and areas with community-based waste management initiatives. The results show that community awareness level participation in recycling high 60% p = 0.001 This shows that environmental education is very important to increase community participation. Community-based education is needed to raise this awareness. A massive education campaign is needed, involving community leaders to strengthen positive social norms.

Environmental impact of pediatric ENT surgery: A STROBE analysis

IntroductionIncreasing emissions of greenhouse gases contribute to climate change. The healthcare sector, and particularly the operating room, is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases. In head-and-neck surgery, pediatric procedures are very common, but few studies have assessed their ecological impact. Our objective was to quantify the carbon footprint of common pediatric head-and-neck surgeries (tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and transtympanic tube placement). MethodsAn eco-epidemiological study was conducted in December 2022 in a tertiary hospital center. The carbon footprint of 10 pediatric head-and-neck surgeries (tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, transtympanic tube placements) was calculated, as the sum of carbon dioxide (CO2eq) emissions generated by patient and medical staff transport, waste production, energy consumption in operating rooms, manufacturing and transport of disposable and reusable medical devices (MDs), medication production, and sterilization of reusable MDs. ResultsThe carbon footprint of 1 pediatric head-and-neck surgery was 57.86kgCO2eq. Disposable MDs were the most polluting item with 30.82kgCO2eq (53.3%). Patient transport accounted for 27.4%, medication for 12.6% and reusable MDs for 2.9%. ConclusionsPediatric head-and-neck surgeries generate a significant quantity of CO2, mostly due to the production and delivery of disposable MDs. These observations could serve as a starting point for ecological actions consistent with an environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient health system.