Search Results (1,396)

The European Union promotes decarbonization in energy-intensive industries like glass manufacturing. Collaboration between industry and researchers focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions through hydrogen (H₂) integration as a natural gas substitute. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no updated real-world case studies are available in the literature that consider the on-site implementation of an electrolyzer for autonomous hydrogen production capable of meeting the needs of a glass manufacturing plant within current technological constraints. This study examines a representative hollow glass plant and develops various decarbonization scenarios through detailed process simulations in Aspen Plus. The models provide consistent mass and energy balances, enabling the quantification of energy demand and key cost drivers associated with H₂ integration. These results form the basis for a scenario-specific techno-economic assessment, including both on-grid and off-grid configurations. Subsequently, the analysis estimates the levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH) for each scenario and compares them to current and projected benchmarks. The study also highlights ongoing research projects and technological advancements in the transition from natural gas to H₂ in the glass sector. Finally, potential barriers to large-scale implementation are discussed, along with policy and infrastructure recommendations to foster industrial adoption. These findings suggest that hybrid configurations represent the most promising path toward industrial H₂ adoption in glass manufacturing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutraceuticals containing milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are purported to abate age-related metabolic dysfunction due to their richness in milk sphingolipids. As such, nutraceuticals offer a compelling strategy to improve metabolic health through dietary means, especially for elderly persons who are unable to adhere to common therapeutic interventions. To address this, we examined the effects of supplementing aged sedentary rats with an MFGM/EV-rich concentrate. Methods/Results: In a 25-week study, 89-week-old male rats received either a milk sphingolipid-rich MFGM/EV concentrate or a control supplement. Analysis of metabolic health using a battery of tests, including MS^ALL lipidomics of plasma, liver, and other peripheral tissues, revealed that MFGM/EV supplementation promotes accretion of unique sphingolipid signatures, ameliorates ceramide biomarkers predictive of cardiovascular death, and has a general lipid-lowering effect. At the functional level, we find that these health-promoting effects are linked to increased lipoprotein particle turnover, showcased by reduced levels of triglyceride-rich particles, as well as a metabolically healthier liver, assessed using whole-body lipidomic flux analysis. Conclusions: Altogether, our work unveils that MFGM/EV-containing food holds a potential for ameliorating age-related metabolic dysfunction in elderly individuals. Full article

Cardiac devices have transformed the management of heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease. Technologies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), conduction system pacing, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have contributed to abated global cardiovascular risk through action onto pathophysiological processes such as mechanical unloading, electrical resynchronization, or hemodynamic optimization, respectively. While their clinical benefits are well established, their long-term molecular and structural effects on the myocardium remain under investigation. Cardiac devices dynamically interact with myocardial and vascular biology, inducing molecular and extracellular matrix adaptations that vary by pathology. CRT enhances calcium cycling and reduces fibrosis, but chronic pacing may lead to pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. LVADs and Impella relieve ventricular workload yet alter sarcomeric integrity and mitochondrial function. Transcatheter valve therapies influence ventricular remodeling, conduction, and coronary flow. Understanding these remodeling processes is crucial for optimizing patient selection, device programming, and therapeutic strategies. This narrative review integrates the current knowledge on the molecular and structural effects of cardiac devices, highlighting their impact across different disease settings. Full article

The maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increasingly stringent international regulations targeting air pollution. While newly built vessels integrate advanced technologies for compliance, the global fleet averages 21.8 years of age and must meet emission requirements through retrofitting or operational changes. This study evaluates, at environmental and economic levels, two key sulphur abatement strategies for a 1998-built cruise vessel nearing the end of its service life: (i) the installation of open-loop scrubbers with fuel enhancement devices, and (ii) a switch to marine diesel oil as main fuel. The analysis was based on real operational data from a cruise vessel. For the environmental assessment, a Tier III hybrid emissions model was used. The results show that scrubbers reduce SO_x emissions by approximately 97% but increase fuel consumption by 3.6%, raising both CO₂ and NO_x emissions, while particulate matter decreases by only 6.7%. In contrast, switching to MDO achieves over 99% SO_x reduction, an 89% drop in particulate matter, and a nearly 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions. At an economic level, it was found that, despite a CAPEX of nearly USD 1.9 million, scrubber installation provides an average annual net saving exceeding USD 8.2 million. From the deterministic and probabilistic analyses performed, including Monte Carlo simulations under various fuel price correlation scenarios, scrubber installation consistently shows high profitability, with NPVs surpassing USD 70 million and payback periods under four months. Full article

The recovery and abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have received increasing attention due to their significant environmental and health impacts. Supported sulfonic acid materials have shown great potential in converting aromatic VOCs into their non-volatile derivatives through reactive adsorption. However, the anchoring state of sulfonic acid groups, which is closely related to the properties of the support, greatly affects their performance. In this study, two supported sulfonic acid materials, SZO and SMO, were prepared by treating ZrO₂ and MgO with chlorosulfonic acid, respectively, to investigate the influence of the support properties on the anchoring state of sulfonic acid groups and their reactive adsorption performance for o-xylene. The supports, adsorbents, and adsorption products were extensively characterized, and the reactivity of SZO and SMO towards o-xylene was systematically compared. The results showed that sulfonic acid groups are anchored on the ZrO₂ surface through covalent bonding, forming positively charged sulfonic acid sites ([O_1.5Zr-O]^δ−-SO3H^δ+) with a loading of 3.6 mmol/g. As a result, SZO exhibited excellent removal efficiency (≥91.3%) and high breakthrough adsorption capacity (ranging from 38.59 to 82.07 mg/g) for o-xylene in the temperature range of 130 –150 °C. In contrast, sulfonic acid groups are anchored on the MgO surface via ion-paired bonding, leading to the formation of negatively charged sulfonic acid sites ([O_0.5Mg]⁺:OSO₃H⁻), which prevents their participation in the electrophilic sulfonation reaction with o-xylene molecules. This work provides new insights into tuning and enhancing the performance of supported sulfonic acid materials for the resource-oriented treatment of aromatic VOCs. Full article

This study examines the use of a mass-abatement scalable system with managed aquifer recharge (MAR-MASS) as a sustainable solution for restoring salinized aquifers and improving water quality by removing dissolved salts. It offers a practical remediation approach for aquifers affected by salinization in coastal regions, agricultural areas, and contaminated sites, where variable-density flow poses a challenge. Numerical simulations assessed hydrogeological properties such as hydraulic conductivity, anisotropy, specific yield, mechanical dispersion, and molecular diffusion. A conceptual model integrated hydraulic conditions with spatial and temporal discretization using the FLOPY API for MODFLOW 6 and the IFM API for FEFLOW 10. Python algorithms were run within the high-performance computing (HPC) server, executing simulations in parallel to efficiently process a large number of scenarios, including both preprocessing input data and post-processing results. The study simulated 6950 scenarios, each modeling flow and transport processes over 3000 days of method implementation and focusing on mass extraction efficiency under different initial salinity conditions (3.5 to 35 kg/m³). The results show that the MAR-MASS effectively removed salts from aquifers, with higher hydraulic conductivity prolonging mass removal efficiency. Of the scenarios, 88% achieved potability (0.5 kg/m³) in under five years; among these, 79% achieved potability within two years, and 92% of cases with initial concentrations of 3.5–17.5 kg/m³ reached potability within 480 days. This study advances scientific knowledge by providing a robust model for optimizing managed aquifer recharge, with practical applications in rehabilitating salinized aquifers and improving water quality. Future research may explore MAR-MASS adaptation for diverse hydrogeological contexts and its long-term performance. Full article

A mass abatement scalable system through managed aquifer recharge (MAR-MASS) improves mass extraction from groundwater with a variable-density flow. This method is superior to conventional injection systems because it promotes uniform mass displacement, reduces density gradients, and increases mass extraction efficiency over time. Simulations of various scenarios involving hydrogeologic variables, including hydraulic conductivity, vertical anisotropy, specific yield, mechanical dispersion, molecular diffusion, and mass concentration in aquifers, have identified critical variables and parameters influencing mass transport interactions to optimize the system. MAR-MASS is adaptable across hydrogeologic conditions in aquifers that are 25–75 m thick, comprising unconsolidated materials with hydraulic conductivities between 5 and 100 m/d. It is effective in scenarios near coastal areas or in aquifers with variable-density flows within the continent, with mass concentrations of salts or solutes ranging from 3.5 to 35 kg/m³. This system employs a modular approach that offers scalable and adaptable solutions for mass extraction at specific locations. The integration of programming tools, such as Python 3.13.2, along with technological strategies utilizing parallelization techniques and high-performance computing, has facilitated the development and validation of MAR-MASS in mass extraction with remarkable efficiency. This study confirmed the utility of these tools for performing calculations, analyzing information, and managing databases in hydrogeologic models. Combining these technologies is critical for achieving precise and efficient results that would not be achievable without them, emphasizing the importance of an advanced technological approach in high-level hydrogeologic research. By enhancing groundwater quality within a comparatively short time frame, expanding freshwater availability, and supporting sustainable aquifer recharge practices, MAR-MASS is essential for improving water resource management. Full article

Catalysts are ubiquitous in manufacturing industries and gas phase pollutant abatement but are not widely used in wastewater treatment, as high temperatures and concentrated waste streams are needed to achieve the reaction degradation rates required. Heating water is energy intensive, and alternative, low temperature solutions have been investigated, collectively known as advanced oxidation processes. However, many of these advanced oxidation processes use expensive oxidants such as perchlorate, hydroxy radicals or ozone to react with contaminants, and therefore have high running costs. This study has investigated microwave catalysis as a low-energy, low-cost technology for water treatment using NiO catalysts that can be heated in the microwave field to drive the decomposition of azo-dye contaminants. Using this methodology for the microwave-assisted degradation of two azo dyes (azorubine and methyl orange), conversions of >95% were achieved in only 10 s with 100 W microwave power. Full article

Background: Aquatic therapy (AT), immersion in hot water, and supported standing are frequently used to manage spasticity, contractures, and joint retractions in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Recently, the use of exoskeletons has been offering a new treatment option for severe CP. This study aimed to compare the post-immediate effects of four treatments on spasticity, range of motion, and the heart rate of children with severe CP. Methods: Three children with spastic CP (levels IV and V GMFCS) received a single 30-min session in consecutive weeks of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT), AT, supported standing, and immersion in hot water. Post-immediate assessments included knee flexor spasticity (modified Ashworth scale, MAS, and modified Tardieu scale, MTS); knee range of motion (ROM, in degrees (°)); and heart rate (HR). Results: AT and supported standing induced greater reductions in spasticity based on MAS scores. RAGT demonstrated superior spasticity reduction using MTS and yielded the greatest improvement in popliteal angle (mean increase: 27°). AT and RAGT induced a 14 beats-per-minute change in HR, indicating moderate cardiovascular engagement. Conclusions: RAGT appears particularly effective in improving spasticity and ROM in children with severe CP. Nonetheless, conventional treatments still offer an effective option when addressing spasticity. Full article

The construction sector makes a major contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, in which cement alone produces approximately 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions. To abate environmental impact and promote sustainable construction, alternative low-carbon cementitious materials are gaining attention. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material obtained from biomass sources through the process of pyrolysis, has surfaced as a capable supplementary cementitious material due to its carbon capture capabilities and positive impact on the characteristics of cement composites. This review investigates the role of BC in cement composites, including its effects on hydration kinetics, microstructural development, fresh-state properties, and its optimal utilisation. The study also highlights the internal curing capabilities of BC when used in cement composites, its role in promoting hydration product formation, and its dual function in enhancing mechanical performance while facilitating carbon capture. Despite the benefits, there are some challenges such as variable BC properties, optimal dosage, and scalability. The review highlights the need for standardisation and further research to fully harness BC’s potential as a sustainable component in low-carbon construction technologies. Full article

Agriculture and animal feeding operations are responsible for 87% of ammonia emissions in the UK. Controlling NH₃ concentrations below 20 ppm is crucial to preserve workers’ and livestock’s well-being. Therefore, ammonia control systems are required for maintaining adequate air quality in livestock facilities. This study assessed the ammonia reduction efficiency of a novel air pollution abatement (APA) system used in a pig farm building. The monitoring duration was 11 weeks. The results were compared with the baseline from a previous pig cycle during the same time of year in 2023. A ventilation-controlled room was monitored during a two-phase campaign, and the actual ammonia concentrations were measured at different locations within the site and at the inlet/outlet of the APA system. A 98% ammonia reduction was achieved at the APA outlet through NH₃ absorption in tap water. Ion chromatography analyses of farm water samples revealed NH₃ concentrations of up to 530 ppm within 83 days of APA operation. Further scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray inspections revealed the presence of salts and organic/inorganic matter in the solid residues. This research can contribute to meeting current ammonia regulations (NECRs), also by reusing the process water as a potential nitrogen fertiliser in agriculture. Full article

Against the backdrop of increasing extreme weather events associated with global climate change, regulating carbon dioxide emissions, a primary contributor to atmospheric warming, has emerged as a pressing global challenge. Focusing on China as a representative case study of major developing economies, this research examines industrial carbon emission patterns during 2001–2022. Methodologically, it introduces an innovative analytical framework that integrates the Generalized Divisia Index Method (GDIM) with the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) to both decompose industrial emission drivers and project future trajectories through 2040. Key findings reveal that:the following: (1) Carbon intensity in China’s industrial sector has been substantially decreasing under green technological advancements and policy interventions. (2) Industrial restructuring demonstrates constraining effects on carbon output, while productivity gains show untapped potential for emission abatement. Notably, the dual mechanisms of enhanced energy efficiency and cleaner energy transitions emerge as pivotal mitigation levers. (3) Scenario analyses indicate that coordinated policies addressing energy mix optimization, efficiency gains, and economic restructuring could facilitate achieving industrial carbon peaking before 2030. These results offer substantive insights for designing phased decarbonization roadmaps, while contributing empirical evidence to international climate policy discourse. The integrated methodology also presents a transferable analytical paradigm for emission studies in other industrializing economies. Full article

Livestock farming is a vital component of global food security, yet it remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄), which has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂). This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge surrounding the sources, biological mechanisms, and mitigation strategies related to CH₄ emissions from ruminant livestock. We first explore the process of methanogenesis within the rumen, detailing the role of methanogenic archaea and the environmental factors influencing CH₄ production. A thorough assessment of both direct and indirect methods used to quantify CH₄ emissions is presented, including in vitro techniques (e.g., syringe method, batch culture, RUSITEC), in vivo techniques (e.g., respiration chambers, Greenfeed, laser CH₄ detectors), and statistical modeling approaches. The advantages and limitations of each method are critically analyzed in terms of accuracy, cost, feasibility, and applicability to different farming systems. We then examine a wide range of mitigation strategies, organized into four core pillars: (1) animal and feed management (e.g., genetic selection, pasture quality improvement), (2) diet formulation (e.g., feed additives such as oils, tannins, saponins, and seaweed), (3) rumen manipulation (e.g., probiotics, ionophores, defaunation, vaccination), and (4) manure management practices and policy-level interventions. These strategies are evaluated not only for their environmental impact but also for their economic and practical viability in diverse livestock systems. By integrating technological innovations with sustainable agricultural practices, this review highlights pathways to reduce CH₄ emissions while maintaining animal productivity. It aims to support decision-makers, researchers, and livestock producers in the global effort to transition toward climate-smart, low-emission livestock farming. Full article

This work deals with the catalytic steam reforming of raw syngas to increase the efficiency of coupling gasification with downstream processes (such as fuel cells and catalytic chemical syntheses) by producing high-temperature, ready-to-use syngas without cooling it for cleaning and conditioning. Such a combination is considered a key point for the future exploitation of syngas produced by steam gasification of biogenic solid fuel. The design and construction of an integrated gasification and gas conditioning system were proposed approximately 20 years ago; however, they still require further in-depth study for practical applications. A 3D model of the freeboard of a pilot-scale, fluidized bed gasification plant equipped with catalytic ceramic candles was used to investigate the optimal operating conditions for in situ syngas upgrading. The global kinetic parameters for methane and tar reforming reactions were determined experimentally. A fluidized bed gasification reactor (~5 kWth) equipped with a 45 cm long segment of a fully commercial filter candle in its freeboard was used for a series of tests at different temperatures. Using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) description, the relevant parameters for apparent kinetic equations were obtained in the frame of a first-order reaction model to describe the steam reforming of key tar species. As a further step, a CFD model of the freeboard of a 100 kWth gasification plant, equipped with six catalytic ceramic candles, was developed in ANSYS FLUENT^®. The composition of the syngas input into the gasifier freeboard was obtained from experimental results based on the pilot-scale plant. Simulations showed tar catalytic conversions of 80% for toluene and 41% for naphthalene, still insufficient compared to the threshold limits required for operating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). An overly low freeboard temperature level was identified as the bottleneck for enhancing gas catalytic conversions, so further simulations were performed by injecting an auxiliary stream of O₂/steam (50/50 wt.%) through a series of nozzles at different heights. The best simulation results were obtained when the O₂/steam stream was fed entirely at the bottom of the freeboard, achieving temperatures high enough to achieve a tar content below the safe operating conditions for SOFCs, with minimal loss of hydrogen content or LHV in the fuel gas. Full article

The efficient simultaneous removal of NO_x and CO from sintering flue gas under low-temperature conditions (110–180 °C) in iron and steel enterprises remains a significant challenge in the field of environmental catalysis. In this study, we present an innovative strategy to enhance the performance of CuSmTi catalysts through silver modification, yielding a bifunctional system capable of oxygen structure regulation and demonstrating superior activity for the combined NH₃-SCR and CO oxidation reactions under low-temperature, oxygen-rich conditions. The modified AgCuSmTi catalyst achieves complete NO conversion at 150 °C, representing a 50 °C reduction compared to the unmodified CuSmTi catalyst (T_100% = 200 °C). Moreover, the catalyst exhibits over 90% N₂ selectivity across a broad temperature range of 150–300 °C, while achieving full CO oxidation at 175 °C. A series of characterization techniques, including XRD, Raman spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption, XPS, and O₂-TPD, were employed to elucidate the Ag-Cu interaction. These modifications effectively optimize the surface physical structure, modulate the distribution of acid sites, increase the proportion of Lewis acid sites, and enhance the activity of lattice oxygen species. As a result, they effectively promote the adsorption and activation of reactants, as well as electron transfer between active species, thereby significantly enhancing the low-temperature performance of the catalyst. Furthermore, in situ DRIFTS investigations reveal the reaction mechanisms involved in NH₃-SCR and CO oxidation over the Ag-modified CuSmTi catalyst. The NH₃-SCR process predominantly follows the L-H mechanism, with partial contribution from the E-R mechanism, whereas CO oxidation proceeds via the MvK mechanism. This work demonstrates that Ag modification is an effective approach for enhancing the low-temperature performance of CuSmTi-based catalysts, offering a promising technical solution for the simultaneous control of NO_x and CO emissions in industrial flue gases. Full article