Micro-scale pollution mechanism of dust diffusion in a blasting driving face based on CFD-DEM coupled model

Abstract

In order to investigate the diffuse pollution mechanisms of high-concentration dusts in the blasting driving face, the airflow-dust coupled model was constructed based on CFD-DEM coupled model; the diffusion rules of the dusts with different diameters at microscopic scale were analyzed in combination with the field measured results. The simulation results demonstrate that single-exhaust ventilation exhibited more favorable dust suppression performance than single-forced ventilation. Under single-exhaust ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm were close to the airflow streamline and these dusts were mainly distributed near the footway walls; by contrast, under single-forced ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dust particles with a diameter range of 20~40 μm were close to the airflow streamlines, and a large number of dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm accumulated in the regions 5 m and 17~25 m away from the head-on section. Moreover, under the single-exhaust ventilation, the relationship between dust diameter D and negative-pressured-induced dust emission ratio P can be expressed as P = − 25.03ln(D) + 110.39, and the dust emission ratio was up to 74.36% for 7-μm dusts, and the path-dependent settling behaviors of the dusts mainly occurred around the head-on section; under single-forced ventilation condition, the z value of the dusts with the diameter over 20 μm decreased and the dusts with a diameter smaller than 7 μm are particularly harmful to human health, but their settling ratios were below 22.36%.

Graphical abstract

The airflow-dust CFD-DEM coupling model was established. The numerical simulation results were verified. The migration laws of airflow field were obtained in a blasting driving face. The diffusion laws of dusts were obtained after blasting.

Innovative sludge pretreatment technology for impurity separation using micromesh

Abstract

In order to reduce the impacts on sludge treatment facilities caused by impurities such as fibers, hairs, plastic debris, and coarse sand, an innovative primary sludge pretreatment technology, sludge impurity separator (SIS), was proposed in this study. Non-woven micromesh with pore size of 0.40 mm was used to remove the impurities from primary sludge. Results of lab-scale tests showed that impurity concentration, aeration intensity, and channel gap were the key operation parameters, of which the optimized values were below 25 g/L, 0.8 m³/(m² min), and 2.5 cm, respectively. In the full-scale SIS with treatment capacity of 300 m³/day, over 88% of impurities could be removed from influent and the cleaning cycle of micromesh was more than 16 days. Economic analysis revealed that the average energy consumption was 1.06 kWh/m³ treated sludge and operation cost was 0.6 yuan/m³ treated sludge.

Removal of cobalt and lead ions from wastewater samples using an insoluble nanosponge biopolymer composite: adsorption isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies

Abstract

In this study, an insoluble nanosponge biopolymer composite was synthesized, using a combined process of amidation reaction, cross-linking polymerization, and sol-gel method to obtain a phosphorylated multiwalled carbon nanotube-cyclodextrin/silver-doped titania (pMWCNT-βCD/TiO₂-Ag). This work mainly emphasized on the removal of lead (Pb²⁺) and cobalt (Co²⁺) metal ions from synthetic and real wastewater samples using the synthesized pMWCNT-βCD/TiO₂-Ag as a biosorbent. The new material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption studies for the model pollutants were performed in batch mode. The effect of the solution pH, adsorbent dosage and the presence of competiting ions were investigated. The isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies were also undertaken. The ability of the new material to effectively remove Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺ from synthetic wastewater and mine effluent samples was tested. The maximum removal capacities achieved for the removal of Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺ from mine effluent sample were 35.86 and 7.812 mg/g, respectively.

Plastic surgeons’ opinions and practices regarding compatibility of MRI and breast tissue expanders

As more women undergo breast reconstruction with tissue expanders, the situation where a patient with ferromagnetic port-containing breast tissue expanders (FPCBTE) develops a need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also become more frequent. Such indications include the new symptoms suggestive of neurologic or osseous metastases, trauma, and perforator mapping if the patient transitions to autologous reconstruction.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: Impact of drain free donor abdominal site on long term patient outcomes and duration of inpatient stay

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely regarded as the Gold Standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Although drain-free abdominoplasty is performed in many centres, there is a paucity of evidence comparing outcomes when applied to DIEP breast reconstruction.

Managing aesthetic referrals in NHS Scotland: Outcomes from 1,122 patients in the East of Scotland

The Adult Exceptional Aesthetic Referral Protocol (AEARP) encompasses a series of aesthetic procedures which, as they do not treat an underlying disease process, are not routinely available within the National Health Service. Provision of these services can only be provided on an exceptional basis.In this prospective study, we evaluated the referral process and outcomes of 1,122 patients referred under the AEARP over a 3.5-year period. Referrals were screened by a vetting panel comprising of a plastic surgeon, clinical nurse specialist, and clinical psychologist.

Long-term Results of Bacterial Septic Arthritis of the Wrist

Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination.Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations.

Response to letter commenting on Upgrading the BREAST-Q questionnaire

We read with interest the reply from Klassen and colleagues1 to our publication2 and we fully agree about the lack of methodological validity related to our suggestion of a BREAST-Q expansion. In fact, our aim was meant to focus the attention on the need for an update of the already existing autologous BREAST-Q, according to the evolution in breast reconstruction and flap choice. This was the reason why we wanted to highlight and in parallel put the accent on this topic.

Adding Scales to BREAST-Q Must Follow the Same Rigor as Original Scales

Dear Editor,

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: which hot nodes should be harvested and is blue dye really necessary?,,✯✯✯

The '10% rule' has become widely accepted by surgeons performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the '10% rule' with alternative node harvesting criteria. In particular, we were interested to see whether the use of blue dye had any impact on the sensitivity of the test and whether it is necessary to remove all hot nodes.

A Survey Analysis on the Management of Moderately Dysplastic Nevi Among Academic Dermatologists Across the United States

The Potential of Narrow Band UVB to Induce Sustained Durable Complete Remission off-Therapy in Stage I Mycosis Fungoides

Narrow Band UVB (NB UVB) produces high rates of complete response (CR) for patients with stage I mycosis fungoides (MF). Data on long-term remission off therapy are lacking. NB UVB induced >5 years disease and therapy free survival in ∼ 60% of CR patients. NB UVB can be considered a disease modifying and potentially curative therapy for patients with stage I MF..

Financial burden of emergency department visits for atopic dermatitis in the United States

Patients with atopic dermatitis have multiple risk factors for utilizing the emergency department.; The prevalence and cost of emergency department visits for atopic dermatitis was high and increased between 2006 and 2012.; Interventions are needed to decrease ED visits for AD.

Atopic dermatitis is associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia in older adults

Acid and alkaline solubilization (pH shift) process: a better approach for the utilization of fish processing waste and by-products

Abstract

Several technologies and methods have been developed over the years to address the environmental pollution and nutritional losses associated with the dumping of fish processing waste and low-cost fish and by-products. Despite the continuous efforts put in this field, none of the developed technologies was successful in addressing the issues due to various technical problems. To solve the problems associated with the fish processing waste and low-value fish and by-products, a process called pH shift/acid and alkaline solubilization process was developed. In this process, proteins are first solubilized using acid and alkali followed by precipitating them at their isoelectric pH to recover functional and stable protein isolates from underutilized fish species and by-products. Many studies were conducted using pH shift process to recover proteins from fish and fish by-products and found to be most successful in recovering proteins with increased yields than conventional surimi (three cycle washing) process and with good functional properties. In this paper, problems associated with conventional processing, advantages and principle of pH shift processing, effect of pH shift process on the quality and storage stability of recovered isolates, applications protein isolates, etc. are discussed in detail for better understanding.

Response to letter commenting on Upgrading the BREAST-Q questionnaire

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Chiara Stocco, Andrea Figus, Sergio Razzano

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: which hot nodes should be harvested and is blue dye really necessary?,,✯✯✯

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): JM Ranson, NM Pantelides, D Gharpuray Pandit, JKG Laitung
OBJECTIVESThe '10% rule' has become widely accepted by surgeons performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the '10% rule' with alternative node harvesting criteria. In particular, we were interested to see whether the use of blue dye had any impact on the sensitivity of the test and whether it is necessary to remove all hot nodes.METHODSWe reviewed 537 SLNBs performed for primary melanoma from 2009-2015. SLNB was offered to all patients with 1- 4mm Breslow thickness melanoma and sentinel nodes were harvested according to the '10% rule'.RESULTS116 patients (22%) had at least one positive sentinel node and there were 45 positive nodal basins from which more than one sentinel node had been harvested. Excluding blue dye and sampling only hot nodes would have enabled a 5% reduction in nodes harvested, without any compromise in the sensitivity of the test. However, applying harvesting criteria whereby not all hot nodes are taken was associated with a loss of sensitivity, with positive sentinel nodes being missed and patients understaged.CONCLUSIONSOur data does not support the continued use of blue dye in SLNB for melanoma, as it does not improve the sensitivity of the test. This series adds to growing evidence to suggest that the '10% rule' with the inclusion of blue nodes should be reconsidered and that radiocolloid tracer alone is sufficient for sentinel node localisation.

Plastic surgeons’ opinions and practices regarding compatibility of MRI and breast tissue expanders

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Brielle Weinstein, Peter W. Henderson, Jessica J. Means, Andrew L. Weinstein, Martin R. Prince, Christine H. Rohde

Long-term Results of Bacterial Septic Arthritis of the Wrist

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Mehran Dadras, Christian Böhm, Christoph Wallner, Johannes Maximilian Wagner, Björn Behr, Marcus Lehnhardt, Adrien Daigeler
Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination.Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations. The range of motion of the wrist and grip strength of the affected side was 49% (SD 20%) and 70% (SD 28%) of the contralateral side, respectively. In conclusion, septic arthritis of the wrist leads to long-term functional restrictions with a strong correlation with the stage of the disease. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are paramount.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: Impact of drain free donor abdominal site on long term patient outcomes and duration of inpatient stay

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Mr Amitabh Thacoor, Mr Muholan Kanapathy, Miss Jana Torres-Grau, Mr Jagdeep Chana
BackgroundThe deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely regarded as the Gold Standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Although drain-free abdominoplasty is performed in many centres, there is a paucity of evidence comparing outcomes when applied to DIEP breast reconstruction.MethodA retrospective review of patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction without abdominal drain insertion at Royal Free Hospital between Jan 2012-Nov 2016 was undertaken. Results were compared to previously published data from our centre on patients undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction with abdominal drains between Jan 2011-Jul 2012.ResultsThirty-five patients underwent abdominal drain-free reconstruction(GroupA). Of 74 patients who previously underwent reconstruction with abdominal drains, 33 patients underwent drain removal by postoperative day (POD)3 regardless of output (GroupB) and 41 underwent drain removal after POD3 following instructions on drainage volume/24h (GroupC). There was no significant difference in the length of stay between patients in Group A and B (3.6 vs 3.9 days; p=0.204). Length of stay in Group C was significantly higher than Group A and B (p=0.001, p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in total (11.43% vs 12.12% vs 17.07%, p=0.780) or specific complications: Seroma: 2.86% vs 0% vs 4.88% (p= 0.774); Wound dehiscence: 8.57% vs 9.09% vs 4.88% (p=0.728); Haematoma: 0% vs 3.00% vs 7.32% (p=0.316) between Groups A, B and C respectively.ConclusionOur data suggests that drain-free abdominal closure in DIEP reconstruction can be safely achieved without increased postoperative complications. These conclusions support existing evidence on the use of a drain-free approach in cosmetic abdominoplasty.