bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Conventional Aerator and Microbubble Generator in Aerobic Reactors for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Marbelia Lisendra , Wan Noor Athina , Paramesti Asa , Damarjati Bimo A. , Widyaparaga Adhika , Deendarlianto  , Bilad Muhammad R. , Budhijanto Wiratni
Published: May 2020

Aeration in aerobic reactor for wastewater treatment has an important role in determining its performance. In this case, sufficient oxygen supply with good mixing is necessary to guarantee a good pollutant biodegradation. However, biodegradation is not the only parameter to consider when designing an aerator, energy consumption and cost also have important roles. In this study, a conventional air diffuser (CAD) and a low-cost microbubble generator (MBG) were compared in a 400-L reactor for two aerobic wastewater treatment process configurations, i.e. suspended culture and attached culture (with pumice stones). Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration throughout the reactor was initially investigated with tap water. Results indicated that the maximum DO which could be obtained for the two type of aerators were almost similar, in the range of 7.7 to 7.9 mg/L. But the lowest values are different, i.e. 5.6 mg/L for CAD and 6.8 mg/L for MBG, showing that homogeneity was better for MBG. This might be due to smaller bubble sizes produced by MBG which were able to stay inside the liquid for a longer time. Afterward, comparison of the two aerators were performed for aerating activated aerobic sludge. Without pumice stones, DO concentration for MBG and CAD was almost similar, but for MBG, lower values were found in the bottom of the tank indicating the higher activated sludge concentration. When using pumice stones, MBG again shows its superiority indicated by a higher DO values reaching 6.4 mg/L, compared to 5.6 mg/L for the CAD. These results revealed the promising potential of MBG as a low-cost aerator to be used in aerobic reactor for wastewater treatment with attached culture.
Nitrate removal from aqueous solution by adsorption using municipal solid waste-derived activated biochar
Authors: Revilla Patricia Nadine D. , Concepcion Maguyon-Detras Monet , Migo Veronica P. , Alfafara Catalino G.
Published: May 2020

Nitrate is considered as a major groundwater pollutant causing serious health and environmental effects. In this study, the removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions using municipal solid waste-derived activated biochar (MSWAB) via adsorption was explored. Initially, municipal solid waste (MSW), another prominent source of environmental pollution, was used as feedstock to produce biochar, which was chemically activated using potassium hydroxide, producing MSWAB. Activation of MSWAB resulted to an increase in surface area from 2.5 to 6.5 m2/g. The effect of initial nitrate concentration (A), pH (B), and adsorbent dosage (C) on nitrate removal were then evaluated using a 2k factorial experimental design. Results show that initial nitrate concentration, pH, and two-way interactions AB and AC have significant effects on % nitrate removal. Nitrate removal was found to increase as the initial nitrate concentration and pH decreases. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the local optimum conditions for maximum nitrate removal of 66.97 % were determined to be at 30 mg/L initial nitrate concentration and pH 2 at 10 mg/mL adsorbent dosage. The appropriate isotherm for nitrate adsorption onto MSWAB was the Freundlich isotherm. Comparison with commercial activated carbon (CAC) in terms of nitrate removal efficiency at local optimum conditions showed that MSWAB is inferior to CAC. However, it is still notable that MSWAB was able to reduce the nitrate concentration from 30 mg/L to 11.27 mg/L which satisfies the 14 mg/L DENR effluent standard for Class C water bodies, showing its potential as an alternative adsorbent for treatment of nitrate-laden wastewaters.
The Effect of Flow Rate and NaCl Concentration on the Corrosion Behavior of Carbon Steel in NaCl Solutions Containing H2S
Authors: Dwi Rachmawati Indah , Nurdin Isdiriayani , Widiatmoko Pramujo , Devianto Hary , Irmayanti Festi , Saptohadi Samuel
Published: May 2020

Most of components in industry are made of carbon steel which has low corrosion resistance. Therefore, the industry’s equipment is highly susceptible to corrosion. This study is focused on the characterization of carbon steel corrosion in flowing NaCl solutions with H2S impurities. The corrosion rate was measured by using potentiostat. H2S gas was generated from the Kipp apparatus to produce a concentration of 600 ppm. The NaCl concentration was varied at 50, 40, 000, and 60, 000 ppm. The flow rate was varied at 0.5, 2.3 and 4.1 ft/s by utilizing a Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE). Corrosion mechanism was predicted by utilizing Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and confirmed by analysing the composition of the corrosion product using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The experimental results indicate that the breakaway velocity for NaCl solutions containing H2S of 600 ppm are around 4, 500 rpm. At low level conductivity, corrosion rate increases as NaCl concentration increases. Then, after reaching 40, 000 ppm, NaCl corrosion rate decreases along with the increase of NaCl concentration. The flow rate, NaCl concentration, and interaction between both variables are influential variable for corrosion rate. There is antagonistic influent to corrosion rate at 1000 rpm flow rate, 50 ppm NaCl, and 60, 000 ppm NaCl.
Phosphorus recovery from septage treatment plant sludge by struvite formation with alkaline hydrolysis as pre-treatment
Authors: Nochefranca C K L , Oyson Z K C , San Pedro A B , Pausta C M , Damalerio R , Promentilla M B , Beltran A B , Saroj D , Orbecido A H
Published: May 2020

Insufficiency of phosphorus due to the limited availability of phosphate rocks is predicted within the next decades. Phosphorus recovery from wastewater sludge was found to be one of the possible alternative sources of phosphorus. Moreover, stringent effluent standards, including that of phosphorus levels, have been newly implemented in the Philippines. Due to these factors, phosphorus recovery from wastewater in Philippine settings was deemed as an important topic to be further studied. In this paper, the feasibility of recovering phosphorus from septage sludge in Metro Manila by the precipitation of struvite crystals was studied. Septage sludge is seen as one of the potential sources and was characterized in terms of the concentration of Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4+ and PO4-3 ions. In the lab-scale experiments conducted, alkaline hydrolysis using sodium hydroxide was performed as a sludge pretreatment before the precipitation proper. Alkaline hydrolysis was done to release the remaining PO4-3 ions from the solids present in the sludge, thereby promoting precipitation after hydrolysis without the need for additional phosphate source. Furthermore, alkaline hydrolysis can effectively release phosphorus without inducing the dissolution of interfering ions such as Ca2+ and other heavy metals. Results show that PO4-3 ions increased by 267.37 mg/L and the total amount of phosphate ions increased from 17.05% to 46.88%, showing the effectivity of the hydrolysis. For the precipitation of struvite, three parameters were controlled: pH, residence time, and Mg:P ratio. After precipitation, the phosphorus recovery efficiency for the runs were each evaluated and analyzed in order to determine the effects of the parameters on phosphorus recovery. The precipitate of the run with the highest phosphorus recovery obtained was then evaluated using XRD analysis. It was found that the sample with the highest phosphorus recovery is 53.12%, which was achieved at pH 9, a residence time of 1 hour, and an Mg:P ratio of 1.5:1. Therefore, it can be concluded that precipitation subjected at pH 9 has the highest potential for higher phosphorus recovery. Further, the residence time has a minimal effect on phosphorus recovery and higher phosphorus recovery can be achieved at a higher Mg:P ratio with increasing potential for struvite recovery.
Simulation of Natural Gas Dispersion and Explosion in Vented Enclosure using 3D CFD FLACS Software
Authors: Juwari  , Handogo Renanto , Cahyono Teguh , Safarudin Mochamad , Panca Anugraha Rendra , Aulia Fadhilatul , Dwi Kurniaty Nuvies , Reza Habibi Muhamad , Nuur Kharisma Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Natural gas is used as fuel in industries, power plants, commercial installations, and households. In its application, natural gas leaks can be considered as a major hazard because of its flammable and explosive nature. In addition to fuel, heat and oxygen sources, fires and explosions can occur if the concentration of natural gas in the air is between Low Flammable Limit (LFL) and Upper Flammable Limit (UFL). If the release of natural gas is not ignited, it will immediately form a Vapor Cloud Explosion (VCE) that can cause an explosion if it meets ignition point. Therefore, a research on dispersion patterns in a particular area or space is needed to minimize hazards and to develop safety procedures and regulations. This research aims to determine the external parameters that affect the dispersion and explosion caused by natural gas by using FLACS software from PT. Gexcon Indonesia. This software can display overpressure graphs of time and 3D visuals of simulations. The external parameters consist of vent size (5.4 m2 and 2.7 m2), wind direction, lighter position (center and back), day and night condition, and the presence of a obstacle (with and without obstacle). From the research results by the simulations, it is obtained that the highest overpressure value when there is an obstacle with a vent size of 2.7 m2; wind direction from the north; night condition, and back ignition point is 0.503 bars at 40, 835 s which can cause most buildings to collapse and the death rate to increase.
Integrated life cycle assessment-analytic hierarchy process (LCA-AHP) with sensitivity analysis of phosphorus recovery from wastewater in Metro Manila
Authors: Pausta Carla Mae J. , Razon Luis F. , Orbecido Aileen H. , Saroj Devendra P. , Promentilla Michael Angelo B.
Published: May 2020

The adverse environmental impact caused by eutrophication has recently prompted the Philippine government to issue stringent regulatory standards for wastewater effluent quality. The involved stakeholders and industries are assessing the integration of biological nutrient removal (BNR) technologies in the current sewage treatment plant (STP) scenario. Moreover, efforts are being done to utilize wastewater as a resource such us recovery of nutrients as struvite fertilizer from the wastewater sludge. Since BNR and nutrient recovery systems are not yet integrated in STPs, the magnitude of the environmental impacts are yet to be evaluated in the Philippine setting. This study covers the holistic evaluation of the overall environmental performance scores of the following scenarios using a consequential Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework integrated with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the context of Water-Energy-Food Nexus: 1) current STP scenario; 2) BNR technology; and 3) nutrient recovery system. The environmental impact assessment was done using IMPACT 2002+ methodology in terms of the following impact indicators: human health, ecosystem quality, climate change, resources, aquatic acidification, and aquatic eutrophication. Value judgments from relevant stakeholders were elicited to rank the relative importance of the impact indicators in the evaluation of the overall environmental performance score. The LCA-AHP results show that the integration of a nutrient recovery system is the most preferred scenario. Sensitivity analysis was also done to evaluate the effects of changes in diet and utilization of alternative energy.
Dynamic simulation of insulin-glucose interaction in type 1 diabetes with MATLAB Simulink®
Authors: Mufti Azis Muhammad , Kristanto Jonas , Sarto
Published: May 2020

Diabetes is a complex multifactorial disease where a person endures hyperglycemia in a long period. There have been large interest to perform dynamic simulation of insulin-glucose interaction to obtain a new insight of glucose homeostasis in a diabetic patient. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the inability of β-cell in the pancreas to produce insulin and hence type 1 diabetes patient needs continuous insulin injection throughout their lives. Here, an educational module for process control in chemical engineering education has been developed to describe the insulin-glucose interaction. The model used an extended version of the minimal model (Bergman model) to simulate the interaction of insulin-glucose using state-space and SIMULINK. The state-space model development through classic linearization method followed by open-loop as well as a closed-loop simulation in SIMULINK was presented. The model was then used to simulate the meal disturbance over 24 h of simulation time. Various PI parameters were compared based on ITAE tuning methods in order to evaluate the dynamics of insulin-glucose interaction.
Adsorption of Ammonium Ions Using Activated Carbon Derived from Artocarpus odoratissimus Skin
Authors: Anisuzzaman S M , Zahrim A Y , Rajin M , Saalah S , Ismail N M , Duraim R , Krishnaiah D
Published: May 2020

Wastewater consists of various contaminants including ammonium ions, which are toxic to aquatic life if the concentration exceeds the standard limit. The need for finding an effective treatment to remove the pollutant is crucial, as it is difficult to remove it due to its resistance and tenacity to the environment. In this study, Artocarpus odoratissimus or commonly known as “Tarap” skin (TS) was used as a precursor for the preparation of activated carbon (AC) by two-step KOH activation. The TS was pyrolysed first at 350°C prior to KOH activation at 1:1 of impregnation ratio and 800oC of activation temperature under nitrogen gas flow in a tubular furnace. Percentage of yield, surface area, and porosity, morphology structure, surface functionalities and as well as the ability of TS based AC to adsorb ammonium ions were investigated and analysed. The properties of carbon showed that the carbon yield produced was 18.5% with a 1372.51 m2/g of surface area, 0.6756 cm3/g of pore volume and 2.1453 nm of average pore radius. The adsorption capacity of carbon at equilibrium was 1.858 mg/g. The isotherm model and kinetic study for adsorption of ammonium ions were studied using Langmuir and Freundlich, Pseudo-first order and Pseudo-second order, respectively. The equilibrium data obey the Langmuir isotherm model with the highest correlation (R
2 = 0.9373). As for the kinetic study, the adsorption process follows Pseudo-second order, which has R
2 value of 0.9964 and adsorption capacity, qe
of 1.737 mg/g.
Attitude and Perception on The Disposal of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products In Malaysia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Binti Muhamad Marina , Binti Mohamed Zuki Fathiah
Published: May 2020

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are common products being used widely and easily accessible to everyone. While it is beneficial for human use, the adverse effects once introduced to the ecosystem are alarming. Studies also show that PPCPs penetrated the surface water bodies. Numerous studies have proven that the occurrences of PPCPs especially in the water bodies have given substantial effects towards animals especially those associated with water. This trace has changed the physical features of the animals and has significantly reduced the amount of the species at the area. Even though the amount of PPCPs being introduced to the environment increasing based on the usage by consumers, a lot of studies have been carried out to remove the PPCPs from the environment using advanced technologies. Considering the feasibility of the technologies to be implemented, most of these novelties are yet to be installed in the water treatment plant due to its installation cost, maintenance fees and shortage of skilled operators to operate the machinery. Although the advanced technologies are highly reliable to remove the PPCPs, it is golden to tackle the issue from the grassroots level which will be the preventive measures rather than treatment actions. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the level of attitude and practice among the general public towards the PPCPs handling and disposal. This will later be translated into a baseline study so to have a guided database for future outreach programs and policy-making purposes. The method used in this study was a self-administered survey questionnaire which was distributed randomly among 44 respondents. University Malaya students were selected as the sample of this study for its feasibility and diversified characteristics demographically and socio-demographically. The data were then analysed by classifying it and studying the trends of each class to identify the gap of current practices. The study findings demonstrated that although most of the respondents do not have knowledge (77.3%; n=34) on PPCPs, their attitude toward the disposal of PPCPs is highly positive. However, even though the attitude perceived is positive toward the PPCPs waste handling techniques, the actual practice is showing otherwise. The lack of knowledge, proper facilities for disposal and guidelines found to be the main contributing factors to such practices. Finally, this study found that knowledge and attitude per se will not be enough to achieve good practices in handling the disposal of PPCPs to control the penetration of the traces into the environment. Unless there are enough designated facilities for the disposal and proper guidelines on the disposal manners to facilitate for the general public is being introduced, only then the good attitude that was shown can be delivered to prevent more PPCPs being introduced to the environment.
Development of recovery technology of valuable metals from sea water
Authors: San J. , Onoe K.
Published: May 2020

From the viewpoint of resource recovery, the characteristics of seawater can be expressed as “a multicomponent aqueous solution with a wide range of concentration distribution”. In salt production and desalination processes, production rates of recovery target components are calculated according to needs, and separation engineering of components based on membrane separation and crystallization operations are developed cleverly. The purpose of this study is to apply for changes in needs of valuable metals expected in the future. In order to recover valuable resources from brines, applied technologies considering for environmental conservation should be required. In this paper, we set up bivalent metal ions of Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ as the components to be recovered from seawater, and the systematic recovery method of bivalent metal ions using isothermal reactive crystallization of carbonate is proposed.
Isobaric vapor-liquid equilibrium of methanol + glycerol binary mixture at 31.3 kPa
Authors: Batutah M A , Kuswandi K , Wibawa G
Published: May 2020

In this study the binary vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data of methanol + glycerol system were determined experimentally of using modified Glass Otmher - Still. The equilibrium compositions of liquid and vapor phases were analysis using refractometer index type Bausch and Lomb ABBE. The experimental data obtained in this work were thermodynamically consistent based on the area test. The experimental data were correlated well with the Wilson and Non Random Two Liquid (NRTL) and Universal Quasi-Chemical (UNIQUAC) models. The performance of Universal Chemical Functional Group Activity Coefficients (UNIFAC) in predicting VLE of the system studied were evaluated as well.
Capacitive deionization utilizing Activated Biochar – Manganese Dioxide (AB - MD) nanocomposites for desalination applications
Authors: Adorna Jr J , Borines M G , Doong R-A
Published: May 2020

Faradaic electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) nanocomposites for desalination were synthesized using coconut-shell derived activated biochar (AB) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) for capacitive deionization (CDI). Three different co-precipitation methods were explored to produce the composite such as: (1) indirect liquid-phase combination (ILC) method; (2) direct liquid-phase combination (DLC) method; and (3) acid-assisted grafting oxidation combination (AGO) method. Surface characterization confirmed the presence of α-MnO2 incorporated on the mesoporous activated biochar surface (485.92 m2 g−1) for all the nanocomposites developed. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests show that the three methods yielded a quasi-rectangular and symmetric CV plot indicating good EDLC behavior and a steep EIS plot. The highest specific capacitance of 522.7 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 was observed using AGO method. CDI tests under 1.2 V at varying NaCl concentrations show high capacitive performance of the synthesized electrodes. The ILC method nanocomposite exhibited superior electrosorptive performance with an electrosorption capacity of 114.11 mg g−1 at 500 ppm NaCl concentration. Due to the synergistic effects of the pseudocapacitive redox reaction of MnO2 and the outstanding double-layer charging of AB on the composite, it serves as a suitable CDI electrode for desalination.
An Overview: Analysis of ultrasonic-assisted extraction’s parameters and its process
Authors: Syahir Ahmad , Sulaiman Sarina , Mel Maizirwan , Othman Maizatulnisa , Zubaidah Sulaiman Siti
Published: May 2020

Previously, there were many extraction methods that had been done on extracting the oil such as centrifugation, chilling and thawing, hot and cold extraction, on seeds, waste products and plants. Based on those oil extraction methods (OEM), further study is needed to develop more effective processes as most of the methods were having many disadvantages in term of time, cost, quality and safety. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is used in this project as it is a rapid and effective extraction technique that uses ultrasound to generate rapid movement of solvents, resulting in a higher mass transfer speed as well as acceleration of extraction. Compared to other advanced extraction techniques, UAE is more economic, eco-friendly, and convenient by the reduction of time consumption, higher oil quality and cost reduction. The principle of acoustic cavitation ultrasound which is explained by a series of compression and rarefaction waves induced in the molecules of the medium and the collapse of the bubble during the process of UAE may be discussed. Parameters involved also play the important role in the extraction such as extraction time (ET), extraction temperature (ETem), solvent to material ratio (S/M Ratio) and type of solvent selected. Thus, the paper discusses the application of UAE on oil extraction.
Comparative Study of Total Phenolic Content and Total Flavonoid Content Extraction from Guava Juices by Progressive Freeze Concentration and Evaporation
Authors: Ahmad M. A. , Ghazali N. S. M. , Samsuri S. , Ruslan M. S. H.
Published: May 2020

The guava fruit is rich with high valuable nutrients that have health-promoting features. It has been used over the centuries across various cultures in the world. Nowadays, people enjoy a simpler way to ensure a healthy diet by consuming supplements and juices. Guava juice was concentrated through progressive freeze concentration (PFC) or evaporation techniques. Total phenolic (TPC) content and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined after these processes. TPC was analysed by folin-ciocalteu test and TFC was determined through Dowd method. Temperature and stirring rate were manipulated during the process. It was observed that TPC and TFC were higher for PFC than evaporation techniques, with TPC value of 8.1050 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g guava and TFC value of 0.8296 mg Quercetin/g guava, respectively. It was observed that the increase of temperature will enhance the TPC extraction due to higher mass transfer for extraction but reduce the TFC extraction due to the conversion of flavonoids into monomers.
Effect of addition of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant toward recovery of bitumen from asbuton with modified hot water process method
Authors: Ariq Y N , Rahmatika F A , Susanto M F , Susianto  , Altway A , Rinanda Z L
Published: May 2020

Asbuton is a natural asphalt that contained in rock deposits in Buton Island, South East Sulawesi. Asbuton used as an alternative of oil asphalt by separating bitumen from its minerals. The study was conducted to measure bitumen to improve bitumen with the addition of surfactant. In this study, the surfactant used is Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (DTAB), which acts as a wetting agent to decrease the surface tension between bitumen and minerals. Bitumen was separated from asbuton using a modified hot water process that involved mixing and digesting process. Both of these processes performed on a stirred disc turbine tank and four baffles. The process of mixing preheating by stirring asbuton with diesel oil at 250 rpm for 30 minutes. Then the diesel-asbuton mixture was digested with surfactant Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (DTAB) and Sodium Hydroxide and mixed at 1500 rpm for 30 minutes. The surfactant concentration used are 0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.375% and the temperature of 70°C, 80°C. The highest result obtained when the surfactant concentration is 0.25% and temperature of 80°C with 56, 46% recovery.
Assessment of patterned membrane in a tilted panel filtration system for fouling control in activated sludge filtration
Authors: Nur Aisyah Wan Osman Wan , Bilad MR , Samsuri Shafirah
Published: May 2020

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a combination between advanced membrane filtration system and activated sludge biological treatment for sewage effluents treatment. Despite demonstrating a remarkable advantage over the conventional activated sludge process, MBR is still limited by the occurrence of membrane fouling problem, which reduces the performance and lifespan of the membrane causing higher maintenance and operation costs. Finding sustainable membrane fouling mitigation strategies has become the main concern in MBR operation. Hence, air bubbling method had been proven as one of the membrane fouling mitigation strategies. Ineffective air bubbling contributes to higher energy consumption for MBR operation. It must be pumped at high rates as low rates air bubbles only show poor contacts with the membrane surface in which limits its efficacy to scour-off the foulant. In this study, the performance of a patterned membrane in a tilted panel system was systematically evaluated to enhance air bubble effectiveness for membrane fouling control in activated sludge filtration. The patterned surface topography in a combination of the tilted panel is expected to enhance air bubbles contacts and increase their fouling control roles. An imprinting step was included into the fabrication procedure in order to create membrane with patterned surface. Results showed that the patterned outperform flat membrane in both tilted and vertical systems. Such an advantage can be ascribed by both the difference in membrane properties (effective surface area and pore size) and the nature of the surface (flat vs patterned). The patterned membrane yields higher permeance in the tilted panel over the vertical one in all tests, being the highest at shortest filtration/relaxation cycle of 5 min, shortest switching period of 2.5 min and highest aeration rate of 1.5 L/min corresponding to permeances of 465 vs 409, 369 vs 318 and 447 vs 381 L/(m2h.bar), respectively. However, since operation with tilting only allows one-sided membrane, the patterned membrane offers better panel productivity when operated in a vertical panel. Operation with switching (intermittent aeration) only offers the slight advantage of panel productivity over the vertical one (546-738 vs 440-632 L/m2h.bar).
Retention of Bioactive Compound in the Concentration of Centella Asiatica Extract through Progressive Freezing
Authors: Amran N. A. , Mohd Rafee N. H. , Samsuri S.
Published: May 2020

Phenolics and flavonoids were the two major bioactive compounds in C.asiatica that contributes to its therapeutic values. However, concentration by evaporation resulted in denaturation of the compounds due to their heat sensitivity nature. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce progressive freezing (PF) process as a new concentration method for the C.asiatica. PF separates two liquid compounds based on their freezing point difference. One with a higher freezing point would solidify first while another one would remain as a liquid. Low temperature involved in this process could minimize the heat abuse to the volatile compounds of C.asiatica. In this study, maceration was done to get the C.asiatica extract by preparing 1:80 ratio of solute to solvent and stirred at 1200 rpm for 24 hours. On the other hand, the PF was conducted in a cylindrical stirred crystallizer. For PF process, two operating parameters which are coolant temperature ranging from −6°C to −12°C, and stirring rate ranging from 100 rpm to 250 rpm have been tested for their effects towards the process performance. Two determinant parameters which were effective partition constant, K and retention efficiency (Reff) of bioactive compounds (flavonoid and phenolic) in the concentrated solution had been used to portray the process efficiency. On completing the experimental work, it was found that lower coolant temperature, and a moderate stirring rate resulted in the higher concentration efficiency of the bioactive compounds. The highest concentration efficiency of 69% and the smallest effective partition constant (K) of 0.51 were achieved at −10°C, 150 rpm and 30 minutes.
A critical review on microwave, fluidised-bed and convective air-drying of low rank coals: The water diffusivity on coals
Authors: Chan Jasper J X , Chong C H
Published: May 2020

A critical review on drying of low rank coal drying using conventional air-drying, fluidised bed drying and microwave drying methods. The parameters of different drying methods that affected the water effective diffusivity values were identified and critically discussed in details including hot air temperatures, flow rates, particle sizes, particle weights, and microwave powers. The microwave and fluidised bed drying methods are more effective in drying of low rank coal compared to the conventional hot air drying method. This is because the microwave drying method can heat up the internal part of the coal, thus leads to a higher drying rate and effective diffusivity values whereas the fluidised bed causes an uniform distribution of heating medium to heat up the low rank coal and the fluidisation resulted in a better mixing performance and a higher heat and mass transfer compared to the conventional hot air drying. Moreover, Midilli-Kucuk model was the best and most commonly used drying model for drying of the low rank coal. In the fluidised bed drying, the Midilli-Kucuk was the best-fitted drying model to dry the low rank coal whereas Wang & Singh model was the best drying model in the fixed-bed drying for the coarse particle of low rank coal. The microwave drying kinetics can be modeled using either the Page Model or Midilli-Kucuk model. Further to this, it was found that few parameters that significantly affected the effective diffusivity of the low rank coal are increasing temperature and flow rates of the convective air-drying meanwhile increasing the particle size and particle weight results in a decrease in effective diffusivity value for the fluidized-bed drying.
Study of the in-situ growth of carbon nanofibers on cement clinker
Authors: Cao Xiaoyin , Li Xiaodong , Ma Suhua , Shen Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

Because fibres are difficult to disperse evenly in cement-based materials, we attempted to grow carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in situ on Portland cement clinker particles using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The results show that the phase compositions and alite polymorph didn’t change for the Portland cement clinker treated at 600 °C in the atmosphere of blended gas containing argon (Ar), hydrogen (H2) and acetylene (C2H2). The CNFs was successfully grown in situ on the Portland cement clinker due to the reaction of C2H2 in the presence of H2. The diameter and length of the CNFs were 20–30 nm and 0.6–0.9 μm respectively. C3S is the main component of cement clinker. The hydration of C3S plays a crucial role in the performance of cementitious composites. The hydration of C3S was significantly delayed and reduced due to the incorporation of CNFs.
Targeting mitochondrial fission as a potential therapeutic for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Cooper Hannah A , Cicalese Stephanie , Preston Kyle J , Kawai Tatsuo , Okuno Keisuke , Choi Eric T , Kasahara Shingo , Uchida Haruhito A , Otaka Nozomu , Scalia Rosario , Rizzo Victor , Eguchi Satoru
Published: May 2020

Aims

Angiotensin II (AngII) is a potential contributor to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). In aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), exposure to AngII induces mitochondrial fission via dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). However, pathophysiological relevance of mitochondrial morphology in AngII-associated AAA remains unexplored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial fission is involved in the development of AAA.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry was performed on human AAA samples and revealed enhanced expression of Drp1. In C57BL6 mice treated with AngII plus β-aminopropionitrile, AAA tissue also showed an increase in Drp1 expression. A mitochondrial fission inhibitor, mdivi1, attenuated AAA size, associated aortic pathology, Drp1 protein induction, and mitochondrial fission but not hypertension in these mice. Moreover, western-blot analysis showed that induction of matrix metalloproteinase-2, which precedes the development of AAA, was blocked by mdivi1. Mdivi1 also reduced the development of AAA in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice infused with AngII. As with mdivi1, Drp1+/− mice treated with AngII plus β-aminopropionitrile showed a decrease in AAA compared to control Drp1+/+ mice. In abdominal aortic VSMCs, AngII induced phosphorylation of Drp1 and mitochondrial fission, the latter of which was attenuated with Drp1 silencing as well as mdivi1. AngII also induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and enhanced leucocyte adhesion and mitochondrial oxygen consumption in smooth muscle cells, which were attenuated with mdivi1.

Conclusion

These data indicate that Drp1 and mitochondrial fission play salient roles in AAA development, which likely involves mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory activation of VSMCs.
Deleterious effect of right ventricular pacing in patients with cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis: potential clinical benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Aouate David , Menet Aymeric , Bellevre Dimitri , Damy Thibaud , Marechaux Sylvestre
Published: May 2020

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis involvement is associated with a detrimental outcome including frequent arrhythmias, heart failure, and conduction disturbances which may need permanent pacing.

Cases summary

We report two cases of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) who developed heart failure and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following permanent right ventricular (RV) pacing but highly responded to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Discussion

The impact of RV pacing and CRT in cardiac amyloidosis is not known. In our cases, the detrimental effect of permanent RV pacing on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and heart failure symptoms was suggested by both permanent RV pacing mediated functional and LV function decline and LV systolic dysfunction reversal following CRT along with QRS width reduction. Whether cardiac resynchronization should be readily recommended in ATTR patients who need ventricular pacing whatever the LVEF deserves further investigation.
Late atrioventricular groove disruption presenting 7 years after mitral valve replacement: a case report
Authors: Murad Ciro Mancilha , Ferreira Letícia Braga , Rausch Rochelle Coppo Militão , Gelape Cláudio Léo
Published: May 2020

Background

Left ventricular rupture is the most feared complication in mitral valve surgery. Despite its low incidence, mortality rates can reach up to 75%. It usually presents on the operating room with a dissecting haematoma followed by massive bleeding after discontinuing cardiopulmomary bypass. However, cardiac rupture may be contained by adherent pericardium or scar tissue leading to chronic formation of a pseudoaneurysm (PSA).

Case summary

A 44-year-old man came to our institution with acute heart failure triggered by community-acquired pneumonia. He underwent mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis 7 years before and reported suffering from chronic worsening dyspnoea for 18 months. He underwent chest computed tomography scan and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), which showed two extensive left ventricular (LV) multilobulated PSAs. An operative approach was chosen and a tear was found on the posterior atrioventricular groove (AVG), communicating left ventricle with the PSA, which was closed with bovine pericardium patch. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, he presented a diffuse life-threatening bleeding. The surgeons packed his chest with compresses before closing the sternum and he was operatively revised after 48 h. Post-operative CMRI showed that one of the PSAs remained connected with the LV. Despite of all, 1 year after hospital discharge, he remains asymptomatic without signs of heart failure.

Discussion

This case illustrates PSAs' potential to grow for a long period before causing symptoms, the complexity and risks of chronic AVG disruption surgery and the importance of careful annular manipulation and debridement as preventive measures in mitral valve surgery.
Thrombolysis as first-line therapy for Medtronic/HeartWare HVAD left ventricular assist device thrombosis
Authors: Dimitrov Kamen , Maier Julian , Sandner Sigrid , Riebandt Julia , Wiedemann Dominik , Moayedifar Roxana , Schlöglhofer Thomas , Angleitner Philipp , Niederdöckl Jan , Schima Heinrich , Tschernko Edda , Laufer Guenther , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES

We reviewed our institutional experience with intravenous thrombolysis (TL) as first-line therapy in patients with Medtronic/HeartWare HVAD left ventricular assist device pump thrombosis (PT).

METHODS

From March 2006 to November 2018, 30 Medtronic/HeartWare HVAD left ventricular assist device patients had 48 PT events. We analysed outcomes with intravenous Alteplase as a first-line therapy for PT. Pump exchange or urgent heart transplantation was only considered after the failure of TL or existing contraindications to TL.

RESULTS

TL was used as the first-line therapy in 44 PT events in 28 patients without a contraindication to TL. TL was successful in 61.4% of PT events. More than 1 cycle of TL was necessary in 55.6% of events. The combined success of TL and heart transplantation or device exchange was 81.8%. In 15.9% of events, PT was fatal. Causes of death were severe complications (9.1%) related to TL or discontinuation of therapy for multi-organ failure (6.8%). Intracranial bleeding and arterial thromboembolism were observed in 4.5% and 11.5% of the PT events after TL.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous TL as a first-line therapy for PT in Medtronic/HeartWare HVAD patients can be a reasonable treatment option and does not preclude subsequent heart transplantation or device exchange. However, thromboembolic and bleeding complications are common. The decision to perform TL or device exchange should, therefore, be made on an individual basis after balancing the risks and benefits of different treatment approaches.
Schermers’ Dilemma
Authors: Klabbers Jan
Published: May 2020

This article, part of the symposium on ‘theorizing international organizations law’, discusses the work (and a little of the life and influence) of Henry G. (Hein) Schermers, arguably the leading functionalist international organizations lawyer of the post-war era. The article discusses how Schermers’ work solidified and consolidated functionalism and unwittingly laid bare its ‘Achilles heel’. Confronted with the growing popularity of human rights and keenly devoted to human rights, Schermers faced a dilemma when the possible responsibility of international organizations for human rights violations came up – a dilemma his functionalism was unable to solve. Therewith, zooming in on Schermers’ handling of the dilemma confirms that functionalist international organizations law is unable to address the responsibility of international organizations towards third parties. International organizations law will need to find different theoretical resources in order to come to terms with responsibility.
Distribution of phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from cultivated oysters and estuarine water
Authors: Jeamsripong Saharuetai , Khant Winn , Chuanchuen Rungtip
Published: May 2020

A total of 594 Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from cultivated oysters (n = 361) and estuarine water (n = 233) were examined for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotype and genotype and virulence genes. Four hundred forty isolates (74.1%) exhibited resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent and 13.5% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant strains. Most of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates were resistant to erythromycin (54.2%), followed by sulfamethoxazole (34.7%) and trimethoprim (27.9%). The most common resistance genes were qnr (77.8%), strB (27.4%) and tet(A) (22.1%), whereas blaTEM (0.8%) was rarely found. Four isolates (0.7%) from oysters (n = 2) and estuarine water (n = 2) were positive to tdh, whereas no trh-positive isolates were observed. Significantly positive associations among AMR genes were observed. The SXT elements and class 1, 2 and 3 integrons were absent in all isolates. The results indicated that V. parahaemolyticus isolates from oysters and estuarine water were potential reservoirs of resistance determinants in the environment. This increasing threat of resistant bacteria in the environment potentially affects human health. A ‘One Health’ approach involved in multidisciplinary collaborations must be implemented to effectively manage antimicrobial resistance.
Data Mining Under the Directive on Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market: Are European Database Protection Rules Still Threatening the Development of Artificial Intelligence?
Authors: Meys Romain
Published: May 2020

This paper explores how the existing European rules on the legal and contractual protection of databases limit the re-use of non-personal data by start-ups and SMEs for the purpose of developing artificial intelligence in the European Union. This analysis aims to determine whether the recent initiatives on data mining and data sharing are adequate to ensure an appropriate level of data re-usability for that purpose. In turn, this paper argues that additional reforms are needed to establish a more balanced European framework on the legal and contractual protection of databases. Therefore, it contemplates the introduction of data user rights, which would facilitate the access and re-use of non-personal data by the enterprises in question.
Tracking Atlantic bluefin tuna from foraging grounds off the west coast of Ireland
Authors: Horton Thomas W , Block Barbara A , Drumm Alan , Hawkes Lucy A , O’Cuaig Macdara , Maoiléidigh Niall Ó , O’Neill Ross , Schallert Robert J , Stokesbury Michael J W , Witt Matthew J
Published: May 2020

Pop-up archival tags (n = 16) were deployed on Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) off the west coast of Ireland in October and November 2016 (199–246 cm curved fork length), yielding 2799 d of location data and 990 and 989 d of depth and temperature time-series data, respectively. Most daily locations (96%, n = 2651) occurred east of 45°W, the current stock management boundary for ABT. Key habitats occupied were the Bay of Biscay and the Central North Atlantic, with two migratory patterns evident: an east-west group and an eastern resident group. Five out of six tags that remained attached until July 2017 returned to the northeast Atlantic after having migrated as far as the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean Sea (MEDI) and the Central North Atlantic. Tracked bluefin tuna exhibited a diel depth-use pattern occupying shallower depths at night and deeper depths during the day. Four bluefin tuna visited known spawning grounds in the central and western MEDI, and one may have spawned, based on the recovered data showing oscillatory dives transecting the thermocline on 15 nights. These findings demonstrate the complexity of the aggregation of ABT off Ireland and, more broadly in the northeast Atlantic, highlighting the need for dedicated future research to conserve this important aggregation.
Still Taboo? Citizens’ Attitudes toward the Use of Nuclear Weapons
Authors: Koch Lisa Langdon , Wells Matthew
Published: May 2020

How robust is the “nuclear taboo”—the belief that it is wrong to use nuclear weapons—and can it be strengthened? In a series of experimental surveys, we investigate two mechanisms theorized to support the nuclear nonuse norm. First, we examine the moral foundation of the norm by testing whether respondents who receive descriptions of the aftermath of a nuclear blast will be less supportive of nuclear weapons use. Second, we assess the mechanism of self-interest by raising a sense of nuclear risk, and test whether varying the likelihood of nuclear retaliation affects support for a strike. We find that vivid information about the consequences of a nuclear strike, either in moral or self-interested terms, reduces support for nuclear use. These findings indicate that each of the two mechanisms may support the nuclear nonuse tradition, but that the strength of each mechanism is affected by exposure to vivid information.
High-Definition 4K 3D Exoscope (ORBEYETM) in Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Surgery: A Preliminary, Explorative, Pilot Study
Authors: Vetrano Ignazio G , Acerbi Francesco , Falco Jacopo , D’Ammando Antonio , Devigili Grazia , Nazzi Vittoria
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Surgery for peripheral nerve sheath tumors aims to preserve functional fascicles achieving gross-total resection. Increasing the visualization of anatomic details helps to identify the different layers and the tumor-nerve interface. The traditional microscope can present some limitations in this type of surgery, such as its physical obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

To present a proof-of-concept study about exoscope-guided surgery for schwannomas of the lower limbs, to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the 4K, high-quality, 3-dimensional (3D) imaging.

METHODS

We analyzed 2 consecutive surgical cases of suspected schwannomas of the lower limbs using the ORBEYE™ exoscope (Olympus). A standard operative microscope was also available in the operating room. All procedures were performed with neurophysiological monitoring, to identify functioning nerves and to localize the tumor capsule safest entry point. The cases are reported according to the PROCESS guidelines.

RESULTS

In both cases, we achieved a gross total resection of the schwannomas; the exoscope provided an excellent view of the anatomic details at tumor-nerve interface, as visible in intraoperative images and in the 3D-4K video supporting these findings. The surgeon's position was comfortable in both cases, although if the co-surgeon positioned himself in front of the first surgeon, the comfort was slightly reduced. The 4K monitor allowed a realistic, nontiring 3D vision for all the team.

CONCLUSION

The ORBEYETM, after an adequate learning curve, can represent a feasible and comfortable instrument for nerve tumor surgery, which is usually performed in a single horizontal plane. Further and wider clinical series are necessary to confirm this first impression.