scholarly journals Adsorption of indium by waste biomass of brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Pennesi ◽  
Alessia Amato ◽  
Stefano Occhialini ◽  
Alan T. Critchley ◽  
Cecilia Totti ◽  
...  

AbstractThe biosorption capacities of dried meal and a waste product from the processing for biostimulant extract of Ascophyllum nodosum were evaluated as candidates for low-cost, effective biomaterials for the recovery of indium(III). The use of indium has significantly grown in the last decade, because of its utilization in hi-tech. Two formats were evaluated as biosorbents: waste-biomass, a residue derived from the alkaline extraction of a commercial, biostimulant product, and natural-biomass which was harvested, dried and milled as a commercial, “kelp meal” product. Two systems have been evaluated: ideal system with indium only, and double metal-system with indium and iron, where two different levels of iron were investigated. For both systems, the indium biosorption by the brown algal biomass was found to be pH-dependent, with an optimum at pH3. In the ideal system, indium adsorption was higher (maximum adsorptions of 48 mg/g for the processed, waste biomass and 63 mg/g for the natural biomass), than in the double metal-system where the maximum adsorption was with iron at 0.07 g/L. Good values of indium adsorption were demonstrated in both the ideal and double systems: there was competition between the iron and indium ions for the binding sites available in the A. nodosum-derived materials. Data suggested that the processed, waste biomass of the algae, could be a good biosorbent for its indium absorption properties. This had the double advantages of both recovery of indium (high economic importance), and also definition of a virtuous circular economic innovative strategy, whereby a waste becomes a valuable resource.

2013 ◽  
Vol 443 ◽  
pp. 726-729
Author(s):  
Long He ◽  
Jing Fang Wang

This paper gives the definition of configuration rules in the customized production process of mechanical products from two different levels: the activities and parts. In this configuration, different customized production process of customized products will be generated to achieve the purpose of reusing different types of resources; finally, practical example will be given to prove this verification. Customized production is interactive and highly imitative. According to theses two advantages, this paper adopts computer technology to establish geometric model of production figures. In this way, this application can not only simultaneously meet the needs of both machinery manufacturing production and customized production, but also launch various simulation, verification, and contrast and optimization process to a variety of program. Finally, an optimal method for production is used eventually to realize the purpose of low-cost and high quality.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1575
Author(s):  
Paliza Shrestha ◽  
Michael T. Salzl ◽  
Ivan J. Jimenez ◽  
Nelish Pradhan ◽  
Megan Hay ◽  
...  

The composition of bioretention soil media (BSM) is among the most critical design attributes contributing to the water quality performance of bioretention systems, as various amendments may increase the capacity for chemical sorption of certain nutrient pollutants. We investigated the spent lime (a calcium-based water treatment residual) as BSM amendments for nutrient retention. The study was conducted in two parts: the first was a field-based mesocosm experiment in which we assessed the effect of spent lime amendments on leachate nutrient concentration for treatments receiving different levels of phosphorus and nitrogen loading (simulated by different levels of compost added to the substrate). The second was a laboratory study comparing various levels of spent lime and coir on leachate nutrient concentration at two different simulated loading rates. Effluent water was collected and analyzed for PO43−, NH4+ and NO3− concentrations in the field and lab. Spent lime significantly reduced leachate PO43− concentrations (upwards of 50%) in both the field and lab mesocosm studies compared to treatments without spent lime. Reductions in NH4+ concentrations were also observed due to spent lime but with variable significance across the different compost levels, whereas NO3− concentrations were higher in plots with spent lime than plots without spent lime. In the lab, columns with coir had significantly higher leachate PO43− concentrations compared to spent lime-treated columns, however, leachate NH4+ and NO3− concentrations did not significantly differ between treatments at the same compost levels. This study shows that spent lime, which is a waste product, is effective in significantly reducing leachate PO43− concentrations from BSM, while be a cost-effective substitute to engineered proprietary media that is expensive to acquire; however, future studies must also evaluate its potential for clogging.


2013 ◽  
Vol 340 ◽  
pp. 418-421
Author(s):  
Xiao Ming Chang ◽  
Chun Geng Gao

To analyze the causes of common-mode interference from the definition of common-mode voltage, and the combination of graphics using mathematical formula image illustrates the size of common-mode voltage. At the same time, to analyze the method and defects of common-mode interference in the traditional two-line balanced communication line. On this basis, a cost-effective solution circuit is proposed. The results prove that the circuit has the advantages of low cost, simple structure, convenient features.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (14) ◽  
pp. 3899-3908
Author(s):  
Wai Lok Chan ◽  
Albert So

Most lift systems are fed by a 3-Phase-3-Wire (3P3W) supply with unbalanced line currents and slightly unbalanced line voltages, as experienced by the authors. Then, power meters available in the market may not give a consistent total power factor (TPF), one important electrical parameter to describe how well the supply feeds its load for lift systems because existing definitions have not been developed to take care of such situations. The main problem is related to the estimation of the apparent power, S, of an unbalanced 3P3W system. A new definition mainly for 3P3W lift systems was previously proposed from the supply perspective, with a new method to convert the measurable three line voltages into hypothetical 3-phase voltages of such 3P3W system. This definition was recently adopted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in the latest building energy code. In this article, the following contributions are made. The method of conversion was shown to bear a special meaning in geometry, where the sum of magnitudes of the three hypothetical phase voltages is minimum. A new definition of TPF from the load point of view was proposed and compared with that from the supply point of view. For the sake of statutory implementation of the definition in Hong Kong, a new digital power meter specialized for a lift or escalator system was developed. Such power meter is of low cost and optimal design due to the use of only four channels of data sampling versus the six channels of meters commonly available in the market.


2018 ◽  
pp. 396-423
Author(s):  
Luís Pádua ◽  
Telmo Adão ◽  
David Narciso ◽  
António Cunha ◽  
Luís Magalhães ◽  
...  

Augmented Reality (AR) has been widely used in areas such as medicine, education, entertainment and cultural heritage to enhance activities that include (but are not limited to) teaching, training and amusement, through the completion of the real world with viewable and usually interactive virtual data (e.g. 3D models, geo-markers and labels). Despite the already confirmed AR benefits in the referred areas, many of the existing AR systems rely on heavy and obsolete hardware bundles composed of several devices and numerous cables that usually culminate in considerably expensive solutions. This issue is about to be tackled through the recent technological developments which currently enable the production of small-sized boards with remarkable capabilities – such as processing, visualization and storage – at relatively low prices. Following this line of reasoning, this paper proposes and compares five different multi-purpose AR mobile units, running Windows or Android operating systems, having in mind low-cost and lightweight requirements and different levels of immersion: a laptop computer, two tablets, a smartphone and smartglasses. A set of tests was carried out to evaluate the proposed unit performance. Moreover, a set of users' assessments was also conducted, highlighting an overall acceptance regarding the use of the proposed units in AR applications. This paper is an extension of a previous work (Pádua et al., 2015) in which a conceptual architecture for mobile units - complying with AR requirements (including visualization, processing, location and communication) for indoor or outdoor utilization - was presented, along with a shorter set of lightweight and cost-effective AR mobile units and respective performance tests.


Author(s):  
Zoltan Papp

ABSTRACT The result of ultrasound examinations depends heavily on the preparation of the personnel carrying out the examination and the technical capabilities of the equipment they use. Only wellorganized regional or national programs are able to provide high level, cost-effective care based on certification of quality. Such certification must include the training of professionals, the definition of competence levels, accreditation of laboratories and the establishment of professional protocols. The ultrasound examinations in Hungary are performed by obstetricians under the recommendation of the Hungarian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and there are well defined levels and protocols of attendance. The different levels of attendance require proficiency at different levels and this requires regular training which is assured by the Society and gives a concern for all doctors and sonographers who perform ultrasound examinations and for all patients who receive them. The well organized quality assurance in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound examinations is an essential dimension of high quality obstetric and gynecologic medical attendance. How to cite this article Belics Z, Papp Z. Quality Control of Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound in Hungary: Education and Expectations. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(4):492-495.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Pádua ◽  
Telmo Adão ◽  
David Narciso ◽  
António Cunha ◽  
Luís Magalhães ◽  
...  

Augmented Reality (AR) has been widely used in areas such as medicine, education, entertainment and cultural heritage to enhance activities that include (but are not limited to) teaching, training and amusement, through the completion of the real world with viewable and usually interactive virtual data (e.g. 3D models, geo-markers and labels). Despite the already confirmed AR benefits in the referred areas, many of the existing AR systems rely on heavy and obsolete hardware bundles composed of several devices and numerous cables that usually culminate in considerably expensive solutions. This issue is about to be tackled through the recent technological developments which currently enable the production of small-sized boards with remarkable capabilities – such as processing, visualization and storage – at relatively low prices. Following this line of reasoning, this paper proposes and compares five different multi-purpose AR mobile units, running Windows or Android operating systems, having in mind low-cost and lightweight requirements and different levels of immersion: a laptop computer, two tablets, a smartphone and smartglasses. A set of tests was carried out to evaluate the proposed unit performance. Moreover, a set of users' assessments was also conducted, highlighting an overall acceptance regarding the use of the proposed units in AR applications. This paper is an extension of a previous work (Pádua et al., 2015) in which a conceptual architecture for mobile units - complying with AR requirements (including visualization, processing, location and communication) for indoor or outdoor utilization - was presented, along with a shorter set of lightweight and cost-effective AR mobile units and respective performance tests.


Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Thanh-Cao Le ◽  
Thi Tuong Vy Phan ◽  
Trung-Hau Nguyen ◽  
Duc-Duy Ho ◽  
Thanh-Canh Huynh

This study proposes a cost-effective prestress monitoring method for post-tensioned reinforced concrete (RC) beams using a smart strand. Firstly, the concept of a piezoelectric-based smart strand and its implementation for prestress force monitoring are developed. The smart strand is prepared by embedding inexpensive and high-sensitivity electromechanical impedance (EMI) sensors in a steel strand. Next, the feasibility of the proposed method is experimentally verified for prestress force monitoring of a simple supported post-tensioned RC beam. A smart strand prototype is fabricated and embedded into a 6.4 m RC beam which is then prestressed with different levels. For each prestress level, the EMI responses of the smart tendon are measured and the EMI features are extracted for prestress force monitoring. The results showed that the EMI signals of the smart strand showed strong resonant peaks that varied sensitively to the prestress level of the beam. The prestress change in the prestressed RC beam was successfully estimated by using linear regression models of the EMI features.


1996 ◽  
Vol 35 (04/05) ◽  
pp. 334-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.-P. Adlassnig ◽  
G. Kolarz ◽  
H. Leitich

Abstract:In 1987, the American Rheumatism Association issued a set of criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to provide a uniform definition of RA patients. Fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic were used to transform this set of criteria into a diagnostic tool that offers diagnoses at different levels of confidence: a definite level, which was consistent with the original criteria definition, as well as several possible and superdefinite levels. Two fuzzy models and a reference model which provided results at a definite level only were applied to 292 clinical cases from a hospital for rheumatic diseases. At the definite level, all models yielded a sensitivity rate of 72.6% and a specificity rate of 87.0%. Sensitivity and specificity rates at the possible levels ranged from 73.3% to 85.6% and from 83.6% to 87.0%. At the superdefinite levels, sensitivity rates ranged from 39.0% to 63.7% and specificity rates from 90.4% to 95.2%. Fuzzy techniques were helpful to add flexibility to preexisting diagnostic criteria in order to obtain diagnoses at the desired level of confidence.


Author(s):  
Tanwi Singh ◽  
Anshuman Sinha

The major risk associated with low platelet count in pregnancy is the increased risk of bleeding during the childbirth or post that. There is an increased blood supply to the uterus during pregnancy and the surgical procedure requires cutting of major blood vessels. Women with thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of losing excessive blood. The risk is more in case of caesarean delivery as compared to vaginal delivery. Hence based on above findings the present study was planned for Assessment of the Platelet Count in the Pregnant Women in IGIMS, Patna, Bihar. The present study was planned in Department of Pathology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India. The present study was planned from duration of January 2019 to June 2019. In the present study 200 pregnant females samples received for the platelet estimation were enrolled in the present study. Clinically platelet indices can be a useful screening test for early identification of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Also platelet indices can assess the prognosis of this disease in pregnant women and can be used as an effective prognostic marker because it correlates with severity of the disease. Platelet count is a simple, low cost, and rapid routine screening test. Hence the data generated from the present study concludes that platelet count can be used as a simple and cost effective tool to monitor the progression of preeclampsia, thereby preventing complications to develop during the gestational period. Keywords: Platelet Count, Pregnant Women, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, etc.


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