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Persistent path homology represents an advanced mathematical approach explicitly tailored for directed systems. With its remarkable ability to characterize unbalanced or asymmetrical relationships within data, this method demonstrates great promise in qualitative analysis of the intrinsic topological features present in materials and molecules. In this work, we introduce persistent path homology at the first time for carborane analysis. Intrinsic path topological features are used to predict the stability of closo-carboranes. We qualitatively explain the connection between path topological features and properties on o-C2B 1 0 H 1 2 , m-C2B 1 0 H 1 2 and p-C2B 1 0 H 1 2 . The correlation coefficients between linear predictions based on persistent path homology and thermodynamic stability are higher than 0.95, and that for chemical stability are about 0.85. While the correlation coefficients based on nonlinear models are increased to 0.99 and 0.95, respectively. These results indicate that persistent path homology shows excellent capabilities in structural and stability analysis of multi-element cluster physics. This work demonstrates the ability of persistent path homology (PPH) for quantitative analysis of multi-elemental structures. Intrinsic path topological features are used to distinguish these three multi-element structures and successfully predict the stability of closo-carboranes with guaranteed accuracy. These results indicate that persistent path homology shows excellent capabilities in the structural and stability analysis of multi-element cluster physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dewatering fine-grained materials is a common procedure in various industries. Nevertheless, the theory regarding the dewatering of fine-grained materials is largely confined to laboratory studies and some empirical and semi-empirical formulas. Most studies primarily concentrate on describing macroscopic phenomena. A positive pressure filtration device is introduced, and the effect of particle size during the process of filtration and dehydration is analyzed. The results show that the positive pressure horizontal filtration process is accompanied by interfering sedimentation, which results in the characteristic of a coarse filter cake at the lower part and a fine filter cake at the upper part. In the case of dewatering flotation coal filtration, high pressure assists in overcoming the adhesive force and surface tension of water, facilitating water discharge. The "air drainage" effect leads to variations in moisture levels in different parts. This study theoretically analyzes the positive pressure filtration sedimentation and its impact on particle size, the retention mechanism of capillary dewatering and coarse and heavy particles, as well as the air pressure dewatering mechanism. This study is of great significance for the design and development of new equipment for dewatering fine-grained materials with independent intellectual property rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Science & Technology (2008-8787) is the property of Tarbiat Modares University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this research, we synthesized a series of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with varying lateral dimensions and conducted a thorough investigation into the profound relationship between the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx materials and their lateral sizes. This study innovatively incorporates a clever combination of small-sized and large-sized Ti3C2Tx nanosheets in the electrode preparation process. This strategy yields excellent results at low scan rates, with the fabricated electrode achieving a high volumetric capacitance of approximately 658 F/g. Even more remarkable is the fact that, even under extreme testing conditions where the scan rate surges to 10 V s−1, the electrode retains its capacitive characteristics robustly without any significant performance degradation. These outstanding characteristics underscore the exceptional ability of Ti3C2Tx electrode materials to maintain high energy storage capacity during rapid charge–discharge cycles, holding significant importance for advancing the development of electrochemical energy storage devices with fast response times and high power densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a mathematical model of the process of changing the hardness of water in the course of its filtration in a porous medium whose skeleton is formed by ion-exchange resins (kainites) or crushed zeolites. For the obtained equations of the model, we formulate the corresponding problems of mathematical physics and perform qualitative analysis of their solutions corresponding to various physical conditions of convective diffusion of ions of impurity particles. Approximate solutions are obtained by using special functions. The estimates for the values of the diffusion coefficients and Henry's constant are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture content in the final cake should be 10~11% for optimum ball formation in the iron ore pellet making. The situation arises from the beneficiation plants, where the moisture percentage of the final cake varies due to several factors. The findings of this comprehensive study are of significant importance to the iron ore processing industry. The study meticulously investigated the impact of essential filtration parameters like feed density, hold time, and filtration pressure on the final cake moisture. Experiments were conducted on industrial VPA filters at the ore beneficiation plant, a unit of JSW Steels Toranagallu, Sandur Karnataka, India. A response surface experiment was developed using the Minitab statistical tool for a vertical pressure filter to examine the influence of selected variables on the moisture content of the iron ore concentrate. The results show that increased pressure and feed density led to a reduction in cake moisture. The optimum moisture content of 9.52% was achieved with a feed density of 1.6 g/cc, filtration pressure of 12 bar, and a hold time of 4minutes. Major Findings: Optimised industrial VPA filter performance using MINITAB response optimiser to minimise moisture percentage. Achieved minimum moisture content of 9% by optimizing feed density (1.6g/cc), filtration pressure (12bar), and hold time (4min). Composite desirability value of 0.96 confirms optimal process variable settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new graphene-based materials necessitates the application of suitable material imaging techniques, especially for the identification of defects in the graphene structure and its continuity. For this purpose, it is natural to use one of the main properties of graphene—electrical conductivity. In this work, we prepare a 9 cm2 large-area monolayer graphene membrane on porous scaffolding sealed with either GO or rGO. Then, we use electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) AFM mode along with SE and AEE SEM modes to characterize the as-prepared graphene membranes thoroughly. The combination of SEM-AEE and AFM-EFM techniques not only assesses the quality of graphene itself but also characterizes the selectivity and effectiveness of masking graphene layer defects by applying GO or rGO. This makes these methods valuable in optimizing the production of advanced graphene nanocomposites such as semipermeable membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The species composition of terrestrial plant ecosystems has traditionally been assessed through field surveys, but the need for specialized knowledge in morphological identification and the considerable effort involved raise concerns about the sustainability of large-scale and long-term monitoring. In this study, we explored the potential of using pond water eDNA to serve as an indicator of the surrounding terrestrial plant ecosystem's species composition. The results indicated that the plant composition detected from the pond water eDNA closely reflected that of the surrounding terrestrial plant ecosystem, suggesting this method's potential application as an alternative monitoring tool. This study evaluates the potential of using pond water eDNA to reflect the surrounding terrestrial plant communities, aiming to develop a sustainable, large-scale, and long-term monitoring method for plant diversity in forest ecosystems. Water samples were collected four times from two ponds with different vegetation types during the late spring to autumn seasons in Japan. eDNA was extracted from dissolved particles fractionated by sequential filtration through pore sizes of 200 µm, 5 µm, and 0.45 µm, followed by high-throughput amplicon sequencing targeting the plant rbcL gene. By comparing field surveys with the eDNA data, we identified 79% and 63% of plant families and genera, respectively, suggesting that pond water eDNA may reflect the surrounding terrestrial plant ecosystem. Additionally, different trends were observed in the seasonal variation of plant taxa and their composition detected in eDNA, based on particle size. This study highlights the potential of pond water eDNA to provide valuable insights into forest plant richness and seasonal dynamics, offering a novel approach for ecological monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research has been conducted in the last decade on the use of natural fibers to clean up oil pollution. This study aims to examine the potential of milkweed fibers in treating kitchen wastewater. The main focus will be on evaluating the dynamic function of these fibers in terms of absorbing oil and water from waste, in order to determine their effectiveness for this particular application. To study the oil–water separation dynamics in milkweed filters, the density of the milkweed pack was varied at 0.07, 0.09, and 0.1 g/cm3. Additionally, the fiber placement within the filtration system (regular and random) and the liquid flow rates of 0.04 and 0.02 m3/h were considered. The findings of the oil sorption capacity tests indicate that the milkweed fiber sorbent kit can absorb more oil at lower flow rates compared to higher flow rates. Moreover, the packing density of the fibers also affects the oil sorption capability of the kit, with higher packing densities reducing its efficiency. The placement of the fibers within the adsorption kit is also significant, as regular placement results in better oil sorption compared to tangled or randomly placed fibers. The water wettability of milkweed floss fibers was evaluated, revealing their hydrophobic nature with a water contact angle of approximately 147°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dokuz Eylul University Muhendislik Faculty of Engineering Journal of Science & Engineering / Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Fen ve Mühendislik Dergisi is the property of Dokuz Eylul Universitesi Muhendislik Fakultesi Fen ve Muhendislik Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The airborne particulate matter (PM) poses a severe risk to human health worldwide, and developing high-temperature resistant material with high filtration performance is crucial for the effective removal of industrially generated PM. In this study, a novel double-layered composite nonwoven (CN) constructed with one layer of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) needle-punching felt (NF) and one layer of polysulfone-amide (PSA) nanofiber mat (NM) was designed and implemented for potential high-temperature filtration application. In details, an electrospinning strategy was first employed to fabricate PSA NMs with adjustable fiber diameters. Then, a thermal-pressing post-treatment was utilized to realize the combination of PSA NM and commercial PPS NF, to generate a PSA/PPS CN. The electrospun PSA nanofibers were found to be uniformly covered on the PPS microfibers after the thermal-press process, resulting in a stable micro-/nano-fibrous structure. It was found that the PSA/PPS CN with the 120 μm thickness of nanofiber mat possessed 100% filtration efficiency to both of the DEHS PM and NaCl PM with the particle sizes ranging from 0.225 to 7.25 μm. In addition, the CN also presented high thermal stability. In all, this study provides a simple and easily-handling strategy for fabricating a high-temperature resistant nano-/micro-fibrous CN with high filtration performance, which shows huge potential for high-temperature air filtration application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the efficiency of a coconut adsorbent (CSZAC and CSB) based filter system for textile dye effluent treatment. The coconut shell zinc chloride-activated carbon (CSZAC) is effectively used as a filter media in wastewater treatment due to its wider surface area (590.80 m2 g−1), good porosity and higher adsorption capacity. The TEM micrograph revealed that the activated carbon (CSZAC) appeared as black particles with pores in white areas and showed microsphere formation in their internal structure (60.4–91.25 nm). The fabricated coconut-based adsorbent filter system has a dimension of 90 × 60 × 30 cm with a holding tank of 50 litres capacity, a filtration tank and a storage tank with the optimised inlet and outlet flow rate of 5 × 10−4 m3 min−1. The Colour, pH, EC, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, cations and anions of textile dyeing wastewater were significantly reduced, after the treatment through the CSZAC filtration system. The initial colour concentration of textile dye effluent was 7021 HU and after treatment, the colour was fully reduced within a few days of treatment and became colourless. CSZAC treatment reduced the BOD from 600 mg L−1 to 89.7 mg L−1 (80.6%) and COD from 2500 mg L−1 to 205 mg L−1 (90.5%). The cations and anions of raw textile water were reduced with CSZAC treatment which recorded a 50–80% reduction. Therefore, CSZAC can be used as an effective adsorbent material to remove different dye compounds and pollutants from textile wastewater compared to coconut shell biochar due to their activation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for suspension filtration in a porous medium is developed with the formation of a consolidating sediment. A system of equations including the equation for determining the pressure and the equations for determining the saturation of the medium by different phases is derived based on various hypothetical considerations and assumptions regarding the mass exchange between phases and the consolidation of the sediment. The model is solved numerically, and the influence of sediment consolidation on the filtration characteristics of the suspension is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of the hydrosphere is largely determined by human anthropogenic activities. Discharge of polluted waste waters into surface water bodies significantly worsens their quality and limits the possibility of safe consumption. One of the biggest sources of increasing surface waters mineralization and hardness is the discharge of spent regeneration solutions of natural waters ion-exchange softening processes, which creates a closed circulation cycle of sodium, calcium and magnesium chlorides. The necessity to reduce the intensity of this cycle and decrease environmental pollution is very actually today. The research of traditional soda-sodium softening technology has shown its low suitability for low and medium capacity systems due to necessity of water heating and subsequently pH adjusting. More acceptable solution was found in using phosphate anions as a precipitant, which ensures high efficiency in removing calcium and magnesium ions at a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. It was found that the solid phase formed during such treatment was difficult to separate from the liquid phase. Using of anionic flocculants was proposed as one of the solutions of this problem, which ensure high efficiency in separating the formed solid particles from water. Proposed technological scheme was designed for implementation as a pre-treatment stage in reverse osmosis systems of low and medium capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The deposition of submicron aerosol particles in model filters consisting of micron-sized fibers containing radial nanowhiskers (needles) on their surfaces is considered. Numerical simulation has been performed for the transverse 3D Stokes flow field in a model filter—an isolated row of whisker-coated parallel fibers taking into account the gas slip effect on their surface. The fiber drag force and the fiber collection efficiency have been calculated as functions of the length and packing density of the whiskers and the distance between the fibers. The dependence of the fiber collection efficiency on the particle radius has been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling in membrane filtration systems poses significant operational challenges, leading to decreased permeate flux. The aim of this work was to study the anti-biofilm properties of new nanofiltration membranes produced via layer-by-layer, LBL, assembly by coating a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) support with a polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid)/graphene oxide (PAA-GO) mixture. The membranes were characterized according to contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy and their Z-potential. Biofilm quantification and characterization were carried out using crystal violet staining and SEM, while bacterial viability was assessed by using colony-forming units. The membrane with three bilayers ((PAA-PEI)3/PVDF) showed a roughness of 77.78 nm. The incorporation of GO ((GO/PAA-PEI)3/PVDF) produced a membrane with a smoother surface (roughness of 26.92 nm) and showed salt rejections of 16% and 68% for NaCl and Na2SO4, respectively. A significant reduction, ranging from 82.37 to 77.30%, in biofilm formation produced by S. aureus and E. coli were observed on modified membranes. Additionally, the bacterial viability on the modified membranes was markedly reduced (67.42–99.98%). Our results show that the modified membranes exhibited both antibiofilm and antimicrobial capacities, suggesting that these properties mainly depend on the properties of the modifying agents, as the initial adherence on the membrane surface was not totally suppressed, but the proliferation and formation of EPSs were prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solid particles (SP) suspended in water represent a common contamination that degrades the water quality, not only in drinking water sources. Particles differ in size, nature, and related features like surface charge. Thus, various methods can be utilized for their removal—physical approaches including settling or filtration, chemical coagulation/flocculation, biological microbial degradation, and others. This paper aims to summarize currently available methods for SP removal with special attention devoted to alternative, cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly approaches with low energetic demands where the power of renewable energy sources can be utilized. Besides SP properties, the selection of the proper method (or a sequence of methods) for their separation also depends on the purpose of water treatment. Drinking water production demands technologies with immediate effect and high throughputs, like conventional filtration and coagulation/flocculation (electro- or chemical with alternative coagulant/flocculant agents) or some hybrid approaches to ensure quick and cost-effective decontamination. Such technologies usually imply heavy machinery with high electricity consumption, but current progress allows the construction of smaller facilities powered by solar or wind power plant systems. On the other hand, water decontamination in rivers or ponds can include slower processes based on phytoremediation, being long-term sustainable with minimal energy and cost investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Larhyss Journal is the property of Biskra University, Research Laboratory in Subterranean & Surface Hydraulics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water pollution affects life sustainability; hence, several efforts have been exerted to overcome this problem. For example, nanofiber membrane technology is introduced to retain solutes while allowing only water molecules to pass through the system. Therefore, this study aimed to maximize the technology for water filtration using the electrospinning method by combining Styrofoam waste-based polymer with activated carbon from coconut shell waste (ACCS). The nanofiber diameter produced ranged from 590 nm to 610 nm with porous characteristics and without beads. The carbon content varied from 68.04% to 69.84%, according to the energy dispersive X-ray measurement, demonstrating the composite's effectiveness. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results also indicated carbonization and activation, along with water removal, associated with O-H stretching vibrations of alcohol and phenol, as well as N-H stretching vibrations of amino bonds. Moreover, the mechanical properties were measured using a single-fiber tensile test on X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis, and Young's modulus was successfully maintained at 3,209.15 ± 632.877 and 1,839.12 ± 212.637 kPa due to the material amorphous nature. The contact angles were 126.5° and 131°, demonstrating ultra-hydrophobic properties. The addition of ACCS has led to a superior porosity structure for waste filtration. The clean water permeability test also showed that the membrane can withstand a 1-4 bar pressure for 15-60 seconds, demonstrating its strength in resisting water resistance. The trend shows the capacity of the material to potentially function as a superior candidate for water filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of highly specific particle systems in the nano- and micrometer size range is a challenging task. The demand for particle systems with narrowly distributed properties is increasing in many applications, especially for use in high-tech products. Conventional separation techniques often reach their limits in the micrometer size range or become (labor-)intensive, which makes them economically or ecologically unsustainable. In addition, sorting based on several properties is rarely feasible in just one separator. Dielectrophoretic processes can be a viable option for complex sorting tasks like this, given their ability to address several particle properties and their high degree of selectivity. In this paper, we summarize the progress of a project in which the capability of dielectrophoretic methods for multidimensional sorting of microparticles was investigated. We were able to develop an operation mode for multidimensional sorting of microparticles using dielectrophoresis as well as a scalable electrically switchable filter. This creates a basis for high-throughput and multi-target sorting of technical microparticles using dielectrophoretic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While microparticles can be removed by a filtration step at a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP), engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), which are widely used in industry, commerce and households, pose a major problem due to their special properties, e.g., size, reactivity and polarity. In addition, many ENPs exhibit toxic potential, which makes their presence in drinking water undesirable. Therefore, this study investigated the removal of ENPs in the laboratory and at a pilot-scale DWTP. Eight ENPs were synthesized and tested for stability in different types of water. Only three of them were stable in natural water: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-coated gold (CTAB/AuNPs), polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles (PVP/AuNPs, PVP/AgNPs). Their retention on quartz sand, silica gel and fresh anthracite was low, but CTAB/AuNPs could be retained on fresh river sand and thus should not overcome riverbank filtration, while PVP/AuNPs and PVP/AgNPs showed no retention and may be present in raw water. During ozonation, PVP/AuNPs remained stable while PVP/AgNPs were partially degraded. The advanced oxidation process (AOP) was less effective than ozone. PVP/AgNPs were almost completely retained on the pilot plant anthracite sand filter coated with manganese(IV) oxide and ferrihydrite from raw water treatment. PVP/AuNPs passed the filter with no retention. In contrast to PVP/AuNPs, PVP/AgNPs and CTAB/AuNPs were also retained on activated carbon. The integration of a flocculation step with iron(III) salts can improve ENP removal, with PVP/AuNPs requiring higher flocculant doses than PVP/AgNPs. PVP/AuNPs, in particular, are well-suited for testing the effectiveness of water treatment. Further data on the occurrence of stable ENPs in raw water and their behavior during water treatment are needed to perform a risk assessment and derive the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, the removal performances of a multi-pollutant elimination cartridge system (MPECS) composed of palm shell waste-based activated carbon (PSAC), magnesium (Mg)/silicon (Si)-doped PSAC (Mg/Si-PSAC), and silver (Ag)-doped PSAC (Ag-PSAC) for heavy metals, organic pollutants, and Escherichia coli were investigated. Mg/Si impregnation significantly improved heavy metal removal using PSAC by increasing the surface area and adding more sorption sites to the magnesium silicate nanolayer. Fixed-bed column experiments showed that the MPECS column outperformed PSAC and commercial activated carbon (DJAC), with a 1.5 to 2.0 times higher E. coli removal and a higher removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals. The MPECS column, with its disinfection ability and adsorption of heavy metals and organic matter, is a promising system for removing multiple pollutants from rainwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes often suffer from fouling by microorganisms or biomolecules, causing reduced permeability, shorter life spans, and enhanced operating costs. This research aims to develop naturally derived and antifouling UF membranes for wastewater filtration using bacterial nanocellulose (BNC or BC) and its chemically modified derivatives, namely, oxidized BC (OBC), quaternary ammonium-containing BC (QABC), mixed zwitterionic BC (MZBC) and zwitterionic BC (ZBC) with various charge characteristics. A thin layer of the derivatized BC nanofibers with varied area density (90–1080 mg/m2) was deposited on commercial poly-(vinylidene fluoride) microfiltration (PVDF-MF) membranes by vacuum filtration followed by oven drying, and chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The chemical functionality, zeta potential, surface morphology, and surface wettability of the fabricated membranes were characterized. The asymmetric membrane fabricated from the OBC had an area density of 1080 mg/m2 (OBC1080) and exhibited filtration characteristics in terms of water permeability (0.70 ± 0.27 Lm–2 h–1 kPa–1), bovine serum albumin (BSA) permeability (0.50 ± 0.11 Lm–2 h–1 kPa–1), flux reduction (25 ± 13%), BSA rejection (98 ± 2%), and flux recovery (68 ± 16%) upon 3-cycled filtration equivalent to those of a commercial poly-(ether sulfone) (PES) UF membrane. Its superior antiadhesion of both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli , E. coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus , S. aureus), bacteria to the PES-UF membrane was also demonstrated. It is strongly believed that the BC derivatives can potentially be further developed into naturally derived and antifouling materials for the fabrication of effective antifouling UF membranes for wastewater filtration in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Polytechnic is the property of Journal of Polytechnic and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polymer-based wastewater disinfection, which is typically performed using chemical oxidation or irradiation, can result in various toxic byproducts and corrosion under harsh environments. This study introduces a robust bio-adsorbent prepared from naturally abundant polydopamine-modified medical stone (MS@PDA) for the high-efficiency removal of bacteria from water. The PDA nanocoating can be easily applied through an in situ self-polymerization process, resulting in a considerably high bacterial adsorption capacity of 6.6 k pcs mm−2 for Staphylococcus aureus. A cyclic flow-through dynamic filtration and a disinfection system was implemented using an MS@PDA porous filter with an average pore size of 21.8 ± 1.4 µm and porosity of ~83%, achieving a 5.2–6.0-fold enhancement in the cumulative removal efficiency for MS@PDA2. The underlying mechanisms were elucidated through the synergistic effects of interfacial bio-adsorption and size-dependent interception. Notably, the bacteria captured on the surface could be killed using the enhanced photothermal effects of the PDA nanocoating and the inherent antimicrobial properties of the mineral stone. Thus, this study not only provides a new type of advanced bio-adsorbent but also provides new perspectives on an efficient and cost-effective approach for sustainable wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the inherent demand for hydrophobic materials in processes such as membrane distillation and unidirectional moisture conduction, the preparation and application development of profiles such as modified cellulose acetate membranes that have both hydrophobic functions and biological properties have become a research hotspot. Compared with the petrochemical polymer materials used in conventional hydrophobic membrane preparation, cellulose acetate, as the most important cellulose derivative, exhibits many advantages, such as a high natural abundance, good film forming, and easy modification and biodegradability, and it is a promising polymer raw material for environmental purification. This paper focuses on the research progress of the hydrophobic cellulose acetate preparation process and its current application in the water-treatment and resource-utilization fields. It provides a detailed introduction and comparison of the technical characteristics, existing problems, and development trends of micro- and nanostructure and chemical functional surface construction in the hydrophobic modification of cellulose acetate. Further review was conducted and elaborated on the applications of hydrophobic cellulose acetate membranes and other profiles in oil–water separation, brine desalination, water-repellent protective materials, and other separation/filtration fields. Based on the analysis of the technological and performance advantages of profile products such as hydrophobic cellulose acetate membranes, it is noted that key issues need to be addressed and urgently resolved for the further development of hydrophobic cellulose acetate membranes. This will provide a reference basis for the expansion and application of high-performance cellulose acetate membrane products in the environmental field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effectiveness of the use of coagulants Al2(SO4)3·18H2O and RM-1 in reducing the level of turbidity and colour (reduction in colour) of natural water was investigated. The object of the study is natural water, namely water from the Dnipro River. The results showed that the optimal dose of coagulant Al2(SO4)3-18H2O was 10.0 mg dm-3. The optimal dose of coagulant RM-1 was also 10.0 mg dm-3. Residual turbidity and colour are reduced to 0.0 mg dm-3, 12.50, 190, when using Al2(SO4)3·18H2O and RM-1, respectively. Since the residual concentration of aluminium in purified water in all samples after purification with coagulants was less than 0.05 mg dm-3, it is reasonable to use these coagulants, as they do not have a negative effect on the health of consumers. The efficiency of using the RM-1 coagulant to remove turbidity and reduce the colour of the natural water of the Dnipro is high, so this coagulant has the potential to be chosen as a new coagulant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of particle shape on the void space morphology and topology in granular materials. Numerical samples with spherical and ellipsoidal particle shapes were generated using the discrete element method. A segmentation algorithm was used to extract the pore space characteristics. The results reveal that particle shape significantly affects both constriction and pore sizes, with distinctive features according to flatness index or elongation ratio, the former being more significant than the latter. The obtained results were validated by conducting numerical filtration tests, which illustrated a direct correlation between the constriction properties derived from the pore space extraction and the blockage rate of fine particles in the filtration tests. The study revealed the importance of considering particle shape in filter design, emphasising its significant impact on pore space characteristics and filtration performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest is growing in direct potable reuse where advanced‐treated water and raw water are blended and fed directly to a water treatment plant (WTP). However, the impacts of raw water augmentation on treatability at drinking water treatment plants have not been studied extensively. A pilot‐scale treatment system, consisting of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration, was set up at a WTP to treat potential future blends of advanced‐treated water and current raw water. The pilot plant was run with blends from 20% to 100% advanced‐treated water at a range of filtration rates (2–9 gpm/sf) and coagulant doses. Under all conditions, filterable water was produced, achieving acceptable turbidity removal. Turbidity removal by sedimentation was variable (30%–90%). Filtration performance was more consistent, exceeding 90% turbidity reduction under all conditions and achieving lower headloss accumulation rates at higher advanced‐treated water share. These results are optimistic for potable reuse schemes featuring raw water augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafine particulate matter and airborne microorganisms present in the atmosphere significantly affect human health, leading to serious respiratory diseases. Among these particulates are bioaerosols, which include viruses, bacteria, and fungi. When inhaled, these microorganisms can cause diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Therefore, the development of bifunctional membranes that can simultaneously filter particulate matter (PM) and inhibit microorganism growth is essential. Electrospun filters, known for their high surface area, are effective in capturing these airborne particles. This study presents a novel approach by incorporating various surfactants into electrospun filters made from 8% polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The surfactants used include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), widely cited in the literature for bactericidal filtering applications, as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), which are rarely used in electrospun filters for this purpose. The addition of surfactants enhanced the filter performance, capturing particles smaller than 250 nm with over 99% efficiency for particles between 6.38 and 242 nm. The pressure drop across the filters ranged from 111.4 ± 1.2 to 204.4 ± 1.1 Pa. Moreover, the incorporation of surfactants not only improved hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties—where hydrophobic nanofibers performed better for filtration—but also significantly increased antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (97.25 ± 0.95%) and Escherichia coli (94.52 ± 2.37%). These filters not only capture particles but also inactivate pathogens, contributing to a healthier environment. Filters with biocidal properties are particularly useful in hospitals, laboratories, and other settings where air sterility is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the demand for filter media has increased dramatically, driven by the need to manufacture personal protective equipment and for various applications in the industrial and civil sectors. Nanofiber‐based membranes are proposed as potential alternatives to commercial filtration devices. This study presents the design and implementation of an innovative pre‐industrial electrospinning setup, combining a negatively charged spinneret and a positively charged counter‐electrode, capable of producing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers with an average diameter of 410 nm and electrostatic surface potential values 3.7 times higher compared to a conventional electrospinning process, eliminating the need for further post‐treatment. These properties are essential for improving mechanical and electrostatic filtration of small particles, including infectious droplets. The surface potential of the membranes is also long‐lasting, as evidenced by tests one year after manufacture. As a case‐study, these filters are used to manufacture surgical masks, reporting excellent performance in terms of bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) up to 99.9%, and breathability (29.8±4.5 Pa cm−2) when compared to commercially available meltblown polypropylene (PP) face masks, and also complied with the stringent European standard (EN14683:2019) for type‐II surgical masks. Furthermore, the pre‐industrial setup allows for increased production capacity of up to 42 000 m2 per year, suitable for large‐scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the application of the finite element method for solving a fractional differential filtration problem in heterogeneous fractured porous media with variable orders of fractional derivatives. A numerical method for the initial-boundary value problem was constructed, and a theoretical study of the stability and convergence of the method was carried out using the method of a priori estimates. The results were confirmed through a comparative analysis of the empirical and theoretical orders of convergence based on computational experiments. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of variable-order functions of fractional derivatives on the process of fluid flow in a heterogeneous medium, presenting new practical results in the field of modeling the fluid flow in complex media. This work is an important contribution to the numerical modeling of filtration in porous media with variable orders of fractional derivatives and may be useful for specialists in the field of hydrogeology, the oil and gas industry, and other related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of an appropriate fabric for technical applications, such as protective masks, hinges on a thorough understanding of the fabric's physical and mechanical properties. This study addresses the challenge of selecting the optimal material structure for the upper layer of a protective mask, aiming to ensure adequate breathability while providing effective filtration against airborne particles and contaminants. We assessed and compared the physical–mechanical properties of five polymer spun-bond nonwoven fabrics from different suppliers. Our comprehensive evaluation included, as follows: a visual inspection; light permeability analysis; mass and thickness measurements; elongation and tensile strength tests; breathing resistance assessments; and filter penetration tests with paraffin oil. The results revealed significant variations in performance among the samples, with one fabric consistently outperforming the others across multiple parameters. Notably, this top-performing fabric met or exceeded the EN 149:2001+A1:2009 standard for breathing resistance and filtration efficiency and, in combination with additional filter layers, met the requirements or exceeded class FFP2 (filtering face piece). This study underscores the importance of meticulous material selection and quality control in optimizing PPE (personal protective equipment) performance and user safety, providing valuable insights for mask manufacturers and healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuum preloading technique is extensively employed for ground improvement, particularly for slurry ground characterized by high‐water content and low strength. Such ground frequently exhibits a delay in pore water pressure dissipation when treated with prefabricated vertical drains. To clarify the drainage and consolidation behaviour of high‐water content slurry ground under vacuum preloading, this study proposed a two‐stage combined model that integrates both filtration and consolidation processes. Initially, an axisymmetric filtration model was used to describe the formation of the soil column through the radial migration and compaction of the particles. The end‐of‐filtration radial distributions of void ratio, permeability coefficient, and effective pressure served as initial conditions for the consolidation stage analysis. This stage was depicted using a large strain consolidation model based on the free strain condition. The results showed the necessity of incorporating the filtration stage to capture the overall drainage mechanism and characteristics of slurry ground with vacuum preloading treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Technology (EIJEST) is the property of Egyptian International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the increase in air pollutants and bacteria hazards, conventional melt-blown cloth of polypropylene (PP), which is widely used as the filtering medium, can no longer meet people's needs due to its insufficient filtration efficiency, lack of antibacterial function, etc. In this study, the nanoparticles of the zinc and cobalt imidazolate framework (ZnCo-ZIF) were synthesized and directly incorporated into polylactide (PLA) to prepare PLA/ZnCo-ZIF fibrous membranes through electrospinning methodology. The addition of ZnCo-ZIF resulted in a decrease in the average diameter of fiber from 1.01 μm of pure PLA membrane to 0.72 μm of PLA/ZnCo-ZIF (3 wt%) membrane. The PM filtration and antimicrobial properties of PLA/ZnCo-ZIF fibrous membranes were tested. The PLA/ZnCo-ZIF (2 wt%) membrane displayed great filtration ability, and the filtration efficiencies for PM2.5 and PM10 were 90.88% and 93.00%, compared to 75.76% and 79.37% of PP melt-blown cloth. In addition, the antibacterial rates of the PLA/ZnCo-ZIF (3 wt%) membrane reached 100% and 93.24% against E. coli and S. aureus, which were higher than 85.80% and 90.59% of the PLA/ZIF-8 (3 wt%) membrane. The prepared membranes could be used in the field of masks instead of PP melt-blown fabric, and they solved the problem of the non-degradability and non-functionalization of melt-blown fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The US government allocated over $2.5 billion in "Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)" funds to Washington State for COVID‐19 response and ventilation improvements. Despite available funding, gaps persist in supporting schools to successfully use portable air cleaners (PACs). We evaluated PAC needs within King County, Washington and characterized factors influencing schools' purchase and use of PACs. METHODS: Public Health—Seattle & King County (PHSKC) assessed school's ventilation systems and IAQ improvements through a survey (N = 17). Separately, semi‐structured interviews (N = 13) based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) were conducted with school personnel. A thematic analysis using inductive and deductive coding was conducted and logistic regression models assessed the predictive capability of the TAM. RESULTS: The PHSKC survey findings informed our recommendations. Positive attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs in ease of use and effectiveness of PACs were facilitators to PAC use. While barriers included a lack of training, education, and concerns about PAC maintenance and sustainability. TAM constructs of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU) were predictive of having the intention to use PACs in schools. CONCLUSIONS: There is a critical need for solutions to circumvent challenges to implementing PACs in schools. This characterization provides insight for promoting PAC use in IAQ‐impacted schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different composition of mixed matrix membranes comprising Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as base polymer, Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Montmorillonite clay as additive was fabricated by phase inversion technique using N, N-Dimethylacetamide as a solvent. Furnished membrane samples were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for phase identification, functional group analysis, thermal stability, determination of surface morphology and textural features which show that PVP and MMT successfully modified PVDF membrane and resulted in PVDF/PVP/MMT mixed matrix membrane. Different membrane characteristics such as pure water flux, water content, porosity, shrinkage ratio, fouling recovery ratio and solute rejection were studied and calculated. The contemporary membrane (PPM5) having 5 wt. % of MMT represented the increase in pure water flux, porosity, and fouling recovery ratio from 13.8 Lm−2h−1, 33% and 52% to 19.8 Lm−2h−1, 85%, and 87%, respectively. The PPM5 also shows a reduction in shrinkage ratio from 19% to 7% and improved hydrophilicity which results in a solute rejection factor of 83% and 87% for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively, in comparison to other fabricated membranes. These membranes provide an economical and effective solution for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief hydrographic description of the Techa River and main radionuclide-contaminated water bodies (WBs) located in the surveillance zone of the Mayak Production Association is made. Along with the Mayak Production Association, two other independent institutions monitor the radioactive contamination of these WBs. The results of monitoring the contamination of surface WBs, obtained by all the participating institutions in 2023, are presented in comparison with the results obtained in 2021–2022. With respect to the majority of the parameters monitored, the radioactive contamination of WBs is considerably lower than the interference level. In 2023, the discharge of radionuclides (90Sr) into the open hydrographic network of the Techa River was 0.24% of the established limit of permissible discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image denoising is crucial for enhancing image quality, especially in medical applications where noise can significantly impact the accuracy of analysis and interpretation. This paper presents the development of an adaptive Gaussian filter-based denoising technique that effectively enhances images corrupted by various types of noise. By incorporating the adaptive adjustment of filter parameters based on local image characteristics, the proposed method achieves superior denoising performance. The algorithm analyzes the noisy image to estimate the noise characteristics, dynamically adjusting the Gaussian filter parameters to ensure optimal preservation of image details while effectively suppressing noise artifacts. Optimized strategies for parameter selection and filtering operations are employed to ensure computational efficiency. A comparative analysis demonstrates that the adaptive Gaussian filter outperforms traditional methods, achieving a higher Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and a lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The technique also exhibits robustness against different noise distributions, making it a versatile solution for various image enhancement applications. These findings highlight the potential of the adaptive Gaussian filter to significantly improve image quality, facilitating more accurate and reliable analysis across diverse domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease with a long disease course and frequent relapse characteristics. It is now recognised to be associated with epidermal environments of inflammatory cytokines. However, its pathogenesis is still not completely clear. We found the haemorheology of psoriatic patients to be abnormal, and ageing and deformed erythrocytes increased in the blood. The abnormal erythrocytes were more likely to induce psoriasis, which was confirmed in a mouse model induced by different blood components of psoriatic patients/healthy volunteers. Spleen filtration dysfunction, which caused abnormal erythrocytes, was also more likely to induce psoriasis, which was confirmed in a mouse model induced by splenectomy. The mechanism was the weakening of the 'eat me' function of spleen macrophages phagocytizing ageing and deformed erythrocytes, resulting in the dysfunction of spleen filtration and the increase of ageing and deformed erythrocytes in the body. Additionally, the decreased oxygen‐carrying capacity and the declined antioxidant capacity of those erythrocytes led to the hypoxia environment, making psoriasis more likely to be induced. These findings demonstrate that spleen filtration dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis and suggest that improving it may be an effective therapy for psoriasis and control its relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filter use in experiments is often unspecified, potentially affecting results. In this study, six different filters were investigated for technetium and iodine. Technetium was evaluated at pH 2.5, 6, and 11 for two concentrations. Three oxidation states of iodine (iodide, molecular iodine, and iodate) were evaluated at pH 7 for two concentration levels. The results obtained were analyzed using a t-test to determine if it was statistically different than an unfiltered sample. The experimental results are combined with a literature review highlighting the inconsistency of filter reporting in manuscripts, as well as not accounting for analyte loss on filters used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Aquatic Biology (IJAB) is the property of Iranian Society of Ichthyology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The issue of the occurrence of seismicity induced by injection of fluid into the subsurface is considered. A model of nested fractures is presented, which allows simulating the process of fluid filtration in a rock containing fractures or faults, taking into account the change in the filtration properties of the latter during the change in pore pressure. The process of fault deformation is described using the displacement discontinuity method. The model is used to analyze the effect of fluid injection in the immediate vicinity of a fault on its subsequent deformation. The transition of fault slip from aseismic to seismic is investigated when the parameters of the friction law or fluid injection parameters change. Conditions have been found under which seismic slip may occur within the framework of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil pollution and the energy crisis make oil-water separation an urgent for human need. The widespread use of materials with a single emulsion separation capability is limited. Multifunctional on-demand separation materials can adapt to a wide range of application scenarios, thus having a wider range of applications. The underoil superhydrophilic surface is of great significance for realizing the on-demand separation of oil/water emulsions through the removal of water in the oil and oil in the water. A 3D porous emulsion separation material based on the superhydrophilic principle of sphagnum moss was designed. The material was prepared in a simple step by taking advantage of the adhesion of polydopamine and the introduction of the as-prepared superhydrophilic BaSO4 nanoparticles to achieve superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of 0° and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 157.3°, resulting in excellent separation performance for both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions. Underoil superhydrophilic porous composite (OSPC) can complete two kinds of emulsion separations by filtration or adsorption. It adsorbs water from water-in-oil emulsion to achieve separation, with a good adsorption capacity of 74.38 g/g and efficiency up to 99%. It can also filter oil-in-water emulsions with an efficiency of 99.92%. The separation efficiencies are all almost unchanged after ten separation cycles. Furthermore, the material has excellent flame retardancy, which reduces the possibility of secondary disasters. The three-dimensional porous sponge has excellent on-demand separation performance for multiple emulsions. It provides a new preparation strategy for underoil superhydrophilic materials and a new idea for the design direction of special wetting materials for the on-demand separation of oil/water emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An October, 2021 review of Public Health Ontario's COVID-19 guidance for congregate settings such as shelters and long-term care homes demonstrated that this guidance did not include references to ventilation or filtration. In April 2022, an interdisciplinary team with expertise in indoor air quality (IAQ), engineering, epidemiology, community programming and knowledge translation launched a virtual ventilation and filtration consultation program for community spaces in Toronto, Ontario. The program gives people working in community spaces direct access to IAQ experts through 25-min online appointments. The program aims to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in community spaces, and was designed to help compensate for gaps in public health guidance and action. Methods: Representatives from participating organizations (n. 27) received a link to an online survey via email in April 2023. Survey questions explored the impacts of the program on topics such as: purchase and use of portable air filters; maintenance and use of bathroom fans; and, maintenance and modification of HVAC systems. Survey participation was anonymous, and no demographic information was collected from participants. Results: Representatives from 11 organizations completed the survey (40%). Of those who responded, nine (82%) made changes as a result of the program, with eight (73%) making two or more changes such as purchasing portable air filters and increasing routine maintenance of HVAC systems. Conclusions: When presented with brief access to expert support and tailored plain language guidance, people working in community spaces increased their use of ventilation and filtration strategies for COVID-19 infection prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a successful application of the Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method (CFD–DEM) for simulating the complex phenomenon of multi-particle arch formation within high-concentration packed-bed environments. We investigate the roles of physical forces in this phenomenon, shedding light on aspects that are challenging to explore through experimentation. Our research is motivated by the desire to comprehend the conditions and parameters influencing the formation, stability, disruption, and reformation of multi-particle sand arches within filter openings. This arching phenomenon serves as an efficient particle retention mechanism, particularly in heavy oil production wells. We delve into factors like particle size, shape, and particle size distribution that may impact multi-particle arch performance. Additionally, we explore the physics behind multi-particle arching by examining the effects of various physical forces on arch performance. Utilizing a Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Model, we investigate the multi-particle arching phenomenon under steady-state flow conditions in packed-bed environments. Our approach employs the unresolved coupling method in STAR-CCM+ (Siemens PLM). We test various filter slot geometries, including straight slots, keystone slots, wire-wrapped screens (WWS), and seamed slots, all under laminar flow conditions. Our findings highlight the significance of gravity, inter-particle forces, and interactions between the filter wall and the particles in multi-particle arch formation at both the slot opening and microscale levels. We confirm that a multi-particle arch can be formed within a specific slot width. Interestingly, while maintaining a constant slot width, we observe that the slot length has an insignificant effect on multi-particle arch formation and stability. In summary, our CFD–DEM model successfully simulates and predicts multi-particle arch formation, stabilization, breakage, and reformation, allowing for comprehensive testing of the effects of various parameters. This research offers valuable insights into a complex phenomenon that is crucial in packed-bed filtration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]