Aerobic composting of tobacco industry solid waste—simulation of the process

Solid waste accumulated during the processing of tobacco for cigarette manufacture mostly contains tobacco particles and flavoring agents. Its main characteristics are a high content of nicotine (2,000 mg per kg of total solids), which is a toxic compound, and high value of total organic carbon of the aqueous extract (12,620.0 mg l^–1). Because of this fact tobacco waste cannot be disposed of with urban waste.The aim of this work was to stabilize tobacco solid waste by aerobic composting. The experiments were carried out in closed thermally insulated column reactors (1.0 l and 25 l) under adiabatic conditions and at an airflow rate of 0.9 l min^–1 kg^–1 of volatile solids for 16 days. During the process, temperature changes in the reactor, CO₂ production and the numbers of mesophilic and thermophilic organisms in the mixed microbial culture were closely monitored. Nicotine concentration in the samples was analyzed at the start and at the end of process. It was estimated that at the end of composting the volume and mass of total solids in the tobacco waste were reduced by about 50% and those of nicotine by 80%. A simple empirical model was used to simulate the biodegradation rate of the organic fraction of the solid waste. It was found that the selected model describes aerobic composting fairly well, although only two kinetic parameters (k₀ and n) were estimated.List of symbols c_pS specific heat capacity of the substrate, kJ kg^–1 K^–1 - c_pz specific heat capacity of air, kJ kg^–1 K^–1 - F_Ku and F_Ki molar airflow at the reactor inlet and outlet, mol h^–1 - H_r reaction enthalpy, kJ kg^–1 of dry substrate - k specific rate, Eqs. (5) and (9), h^–1 - k_o constant in Eq. (9), day^–1 - m_o initial mass of the substrate, kg - m_S mass of dry substrate, kg - n order of the reaction in Eq. (5) - n_K molar amount of oxygen, mol - Q_v airflow volume, m³ h^–1 - r_K oxygen depletion rate, mol kg^–1 h^–1 - r_S degradation rate, kg kg^–1 h^–1 - _z air density, kg m^–3 - SD mean square deviation - t time, h - T temperature in reactor, °C - T_o temperature of substrate at the beginning of reaction, °C - T_K temperature of compost at the end of reaction, °C - T_u temperature of air at the reactor inlet - space time, day - w_S mass fraction of compost, m_sm_o^–1, kg kg^–1     

Tissue biocompatibility of new biodegradable drug-eluting stent materials

Drug-eluting stents are a recent innovation for endovascular and endourethral purposes. The aim of this study was to assess the biocompatibility of new biodegradable drug-eluting stent materials in vivo. Rods made of SR-PLDLA (self-reinforced poly-96l,4d-lactic acid) covered with P(50l/50d)LA and rods made of 96l/4D SR-PLA and covered with P(50l/50d)LA including indomethacin 3.3 μg/mm² or dexamethasone 1.5 μg/mm², were inserted into the dorsal muscles of 20 rabbits serving as test animals. Rods made of silicone and organotin-positive polyvinylchloride were used as negative and positive controls. The animals were sacrificed after 1 week, 1 month, 2 months or 4 months. Histological changes attributable to the operative trauma were seen in all specimens at 1 week and 1 month. At 2 months both dexamethasone and indomethacin induced less fibrosis than the plain SR-PLDLA covered with P(50l/50d)LA without drug. At 4 months dexamethasone induced both chronic inflammatory changes and foreign body reaction, whereas the reactions in the indomethacin and drug-free plain SR-PLDLA groups were insignificant. The new biodegradable drug-eluting stent materials are highly biocompatible. Drug-eluting biodegradable stents may offer a promising new treatment modality for vascular and urethral diseases. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate their feasibility and efficacy.     

Feasibility of poly (ε-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) as a biodegradable material for in situ forming implants: evaluation of drug release and in vivo degradation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of poly (ε-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide), P (CL/DL-LA), for injectable in situ forming implants (ISFI). The ISFI was prepared by dissolving P (CL/DL-LA) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and Testosterone undecanoate (TU) was used as model drug. The effect of various polymer concentrations, molecular weights (Mws) and drug loads on the drug release from the TU-loaded ISFI systems was investigated in vitro. The release of TU-loaded ISFI was also evaluated in rats. In addition, a subcutaneous rabbit model was used to evaluate the degradation and foreign-body reaction of P (CL/DL-LA) ISFI. The use of higher concentration of P (CL/DL-LA) with higher molecule weight and larger CL:DL-LA monomer ratio for the TU-loaded ISFI gave a slower drug release. The ISFI of 80/20 P (CL/DL-LA) (Mw 61?753):NMP 20:80 with 16% TU formulation increased serum testosterone levels in rats over a period of three months. The in vivo degradation and biocompatibility study of ISFI shows that P (CL/DL-LA) degrades by a process of bulk degradation and that the foreign-body reaction of this biomaterial is relatively mild. In summary, our investigations demonstrate that in situ parenteral drug delivery systems can be obtained from P (CL/DL-LA) solutions.     

Effect of Vitamin E Dialyzer Membrane on Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients

Red blood cell (RBC) survival in patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis (HD) has been reported to be shortened due to the oxidative damage of RBC membrane. The use of antioxidants might help in the control of anemia and reduce the erythropoietin (EPO) dose needed. Objective: The objective was to determine the effects of vitamin E‐bonded dialyzer membrane (VEM) on anemia and EPO requirements in chronic HD patients. Patients and methods: We prospectively studied 19 stable patients on HD (8 males, age 58.47, range 31–76 years) who were shifted from other dialyzer membranes to VEM for 6 months. At baseline they were given a mean dose of EPO of 90.6 ± 51 U kg^–1 BW^–1 week^–1. Clinical data, dry body weight corrected pre‐dialysis RBC, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, serum iron and ferritin, complete biochemistry, iPTH, and CRP were studied at 3 and 6 months, while therapy scheme was reevaluated monthly. Results: A significant rise, compared to the baseline, was found in hemoglobin and in RBC at 3 months of treatment (12.44 ± 1.16 g/dL vs. 11.2 ± 1.2 g/dL, p = 0.002; and 4.01 ± 0.53 × 10⁶/μL vs. 3.64 ± 0.5 × 10⁶/μL, p < 0.05) and at the end of follow‐up (12.17 ± 1.33 g/dL vs. 11.2 ± 1.2 g/dL, p < 0.05; and 4.03 ± 0.53 × 10⁶/μL vs. 3.64 ± 0.5 × 106/μL, p < 0.05). No significant change in serum iron and ferritin, reticulocytes, EPO dose used, iPTH, Kt/V, or CRP was found at the end of follow‐up compared to the baseline (68.8 ± 17 mg/dL vs. 67.9 ± 18 mg/dL, p = NS; 421 ± 296 mg/dL vs. 478 ± 359 mg/dL, p = NS; 3.76 ± 0.89 × 10⁴/μL vs. 3.82 ± 0.78 × 10⁴/μL, p = NS; 90.2 ± 53 U kg^–1 BW^–1 week^–1 vs. 90.6 ± 51 U kg^–1 BW^–1 week^–1, p = NS; 157 ± 43 pg/dL vs. 148 ± 56 pg/dL, p = NS; 1.21 ± 0.22 vs. 1.2 ± 0.17, p = NS; 7.15 ± 5.42 mg/L vs. 15.38 ± 29.8 mg/L, p = NS, respectively). Conclusions: Despite the small number of patients and the short time interval of treatment, an antioxidant effect of VEM apparently achieved early a better control of anemia in HD patients.     

Oxidation behaviour of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy in oxygen

Abstract

The isothermal oxidation behaviour of two phase (α + β) titanium base alloy Ti6Al4V (coupons) has been studied at 1050, 1150, 1250, and 1340 K in O₂ gas at atmospheric pressure for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h. Investigations on kinetic behaviour followed by the metallographic examination of oxidised scale morphology was carried out. Thermogravimetric data (weight gain v time) exhibited parabolic behaviour. Below 1250 K, the rate of oxidation substantially decreased after 8 h exposure, however, at 1340 K the oxidation rate was markedly high over the whole 12 h period. Parabolic rate constants were 0.234×10^-7, 3.67×10^-7, 10.72×10 ^-7, and 31.17×10^-7 kg² m^-4 s^-1 at 1050, 1150, 1250, and 1340 K respectively. The effective activation energy of oxidation was 88 kJ mol^-1. The instantaneous rate constant k _i exhibited a marked deviation from parabolic behaviour at high temperatures e.g. 1150, 1250, and 1340 K, however, k _i at lower temperature (1050 K) remained broadly unchanged with time exhibiting no deviation from parabolic behaviour. Metallographic observation of the sample coupons treated at 1340 K revealed an identical oxide scale morphology with increased thickness over the time.     

Effects of Ceria Nanoparticles and CeCl3 on Plant Growth,Biological and Physiological Parameters,and Nutritional Value of Soil Grown Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The release of metal ions may play an important role in toxicity of metal‐based nanoparticles. In this report, a life cycle study is carried out in a greenhouse, to compare the effects of ceria nanoparticles (NPs) and Ce³⁺ ions at 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg Ce kg^?1 on plant growth, biological and physiological parameters, and nutritional value of soil‐grown common bean plants. Ceria NPs have a tendency to negatively affect photosynthesis, but the effect is not statistically significant. Ce³⁺ ionic treatments at 50, 100, and 200 mg Ce kg^?1 result in increases of 1.25‐, 0.66‐, and 1.20‐fold in stomatal conductance, respectively, relative to control plants. Both ceria NPs and Ce³⁺ ions disturb the homeostasis of antioxidant defense system in the plants, but only 200 mg Ce kg^?1 ceria NPs significantly induce lipid peroxidation in the roots. Ceria NP treatments tend to reduced fresh weight and to increase mineral contents of the green pods, but have no effect on the organic nutrient contents. On the contrary, Ce³⁺ ion treatments modify the organic compositions and thus alter the nutritional quality and flavor of the green pods. These results suggest that the two Ce forms may have different mechanisms on common bean plants.     

Graphene-nickel cobaltite nanocomposite asymmetrical supercapacitor with commercial level mass loading

A high performance asymmetric electrochemical supercapacitor with a mass loading of 10 mg·cm^?2 on each planar electrode has been fabricated by using a graphene-nickel cobaltite nanocomposite (GNCC) as a positive electrode and commercial activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode. Due to the rich number of faradaic reactions on the nickel cobaltite, the GNCC positive electrode shows significantly higher capacitance (618 F·g^?1) than graphene-Co₃O₄ (340 F·g^?1) and graphene-NiO (375 F·g^?1) nanocomposites synthesized under identical conditions. More importantly, graphene greatly enhances the conductivity of nickel cobaltite and allows the positive electrode to charge/discharge at scan rates similar to commercial AC negative electrodes. This improves both the energy density and power density of the asymmetric cell. The asymmetric cell composed of 10 mg GNCC and 30 mg AC displayed an energy density in the range of 19.5 Wh·kg^?1 with an operational voltage of 1.4 V. At high sweep rate, the system is capable of delivering an energy density of 7.6 Wh·kg^?1 at a power density of about 5600 W·kg^?1. Cycling results demonstrate that the capacitance of the cell increases to 116% of the original value after the first 1600 cycles due to a progressive activation of the electrode, and maintains 102% of the initial value after 10000 cycles.      

The rotating disc as a device to study the adhesive properties of endothelial cells under differential shear stresses

Hemocompatibility can be conferred on a biomaterial by covering this material with a monolayer of endothelial cells. The endothelial cell is an epithelial cell of mesenchymal origin, that features a specific phenotype with homotypic intercellular interactions and with specialized cell-matrix interactions. These interactions are mandatory to the normal barrier function and the non-thrombogenicity of the endothelial monolayer and are maintained in vivo at shear stresses ranging from 10^-5 to 10^-3 N cm^-2. The endothelial monolayer grafted on a biomaterial should meet similar requirements. We have constructed a rotating disc device to investigate the effects of differential shear stresses on cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in a monolayer of endothelial cells grafted on a disc-shaped biomaterial. The range of shear stresses that are being applied by the device vary from 0–10^-4 N cm^-2 to 0–2×10^-3 N cm^-2. In a series of experiments with discs of plasma discharge treated polycarbonate (PC) that are coated with fibronectin, it has been shown that a monolayer of endothelial cells grafted on these discs starts to lose intercellular contacts and cell-fibronectin interactions at shear stresses of 10^-4 N cm^-2. Coating of the PC discs with a complex extracellular matrix, synthesized by arterial smooth muscle cells in culture, prior to endothelial cell seeding results in the formation of a monolayer, which retains its integrity at shear stresses up to 2×10^-3 N cm^-2.     

Temperature-enthalpy approach to the modelling of self-propagating combustion synthesis of materials

A new temperature-enthalpy approach has been proposed to model self-propagating combustion synthesis of advanced materials. This approach includes the effect of phase change which might take place during a combustion process. The effect of compact porosity is also modelled based on the conduction, convection and radiation in the local scale. Various parametric studies are made to analyse numerically the effects of activation energy, non-reacting phase content, porosity, Biot number, etc. The model predictions of the combustion pattern are in close agreement with those observed in experiments.Nomenclature c Concentration (wt %) - B _i Biot number =hL/k - f Fractional value - c _p Specific heat (J kg^–1 K) - h Heat-transfer coefficient (W m^–2 K) - L Height of material,m - Q Heat of reaction (J kg^–1) - H _SL ^* Latent heat of fusion (J kg^–1) - H _SE ^* Latent heat of fusion at eutectic (J kg^–1) - k Thermal conductivity (W m^–1 K) - k Equilibrium partition coefficient - Reaction kinetic function - t Time (s) - Non-dimensional time - T Temperature (K) - T ₀ Initial temperature (K) - Non-dimensional temperature - H Enthalpy (J kg^–1) - Kinetic function - Non-dimensional enthalpy - v _f Volume fraction of non-reactive phase - V Volume (m₃) - k ₀ Pre-exponential constant to reaction rate (s^–1) - z Cartesian co-ordinate - z^* Non-dimensional co-ordinate - Non-dimensional reacted fraction - Density (kg m^–3) - A non-dimensional temperature - Pore surface emissivity - Planck's constant - i Initial state - r Reacted state - l, L Liquid state - s Solid state - E Eutectic - M Melting point of pure material - P Centre of control volume - s Southern side of central volume - S Southern control volume - n Northern side of central volume - N Northern control volume - * Non-dimensional term - n New time level - o Old time level - m Iteration level     

Toward the High-Performance Lithium Primary Batteries by Chemically Modified Fluorinate Carbon with δ-MnO2

Li/CF_x battery is one of the most promising lithium primary batteries (LPBs) which yields the highest energy density but with poor rate capability. This Achilles'’ heel hinders the large-scale applications of Li/CF_x batteries. This work first reports a facile chemical modification method of CF_x with δ-MnO₂. Having benefited from the chemical bonding, the electrochemical performance at high-rate discharge is remarkably enhanced without compromising the specific capacity. The coin cells exhibit an energy density of 1.94 × 10³ Wh kg⁻¹ at 0.2 C, which is approaching the theoretical energy density of commercial fluorinated graphite (2.07 × 10³ Wh kg⁻¹). A power density of 5.49 × 10⁴ W kg⁻¹ at 40 C associated with an energy density of 4.39 × 10² Wh kg⁻¹, which is among the highest value of Li/CF_x batteries, are obtained. Besides, the punch batteries achieve an ultrahigh power density of 4.39 × 10⁴ W kg⁻¹ with an energy density of 7.60 × 10² Wh kg⁻¹ at 30 C. The intrinsic reasons for this outstanding electrochemical performance, which are known as the fast Li⁺ diffusion kinetics guided by thin δ-MnO₂ flakes and the low formation energy barrier caused by chemical bonding, are explored by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and theoretical calculations.     

Boron-Doping Induced Electron Delocalization in Fluorophosphate Cathode: Enhanced Na-Ion Diffusivity and Sodium-Ion Full Cell Performance

Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂O₂F (NVPOF) is widely accepted as advanced cathode material for sodium-ion batteries with high application prospects ascribing to its considerable specific capacity and high working voltage. However, challenges in the full realization of its theoretical potential lie in the novel structural design to accelerate its Na⁺ diffusivity. Herein, considering the important role of polyanion groups in constituting Na⁺ diffusion tunnels, boron (B) is doped at the P-site to obtain Na₃V₂(P_2−xB_xO₈)O₂F (NVP_2−xB_xOF). As evidenced by density functional theory modeling, B-doping induces a dramatic decrease in the bandgap. Delocalization of electrons on the O anions in BO₄ tetrahedra is observed in NVP_2−xB_xOF, which dramatically lowers the electrostatic resistance experienced by Na⁺. As a result, the Na⁺ diffusivity in the NVP_2−xB_xOF cathode has accelerated up to 11 times higher, which secures a high rate property (67.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 60 C) and long cycle stability (95.9% capacity retention at 108.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C after 1000 cycles). The assembled NVP_1.90B_0.10OF//Se-C full cell demonstrates exceptional power/energy density (213.3 W kg⁻¹ @ 426.4 Wh kg⁻¹ and 17970 W kg⁻¹ @ 119.8 Wh kg⁻¹) and outstanding capability to withstand long cycles (90.1% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 105.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C).     

Pseudocapacitance of TiO2−x/CNT Anodes for High‐Performance Quasi‐Solid‐State Li‐Ion and Na‐Ion Capacitors

It is challenging for flexible solid‐state hybrid capacitors to achieve high‐energy‐high‐power densities in both Li‐ion and Na‐ion systems, and the kinetics discrepancy between the sluggish faradaic anode and the rapid capacitive cathode is the most critical issue needs to be addressed. To improve Li‐ion/Na‐ion diffusion kinetics, flexible oxygen‐deficient TiO_2?x/CNT composite film with ultrafast electron/ion transport network is constructed as self‐supported and light‐weight anode for a quasi‐solid‐state hybrid capacitor. It is found that the designed porous yolk–shell structure endows large surface area and provides short diffusion length, the oxygen‐deficient composite film can improve electrical conductivity, and enhance ion diffusion kinetic by introducing intercalation pseudocapacitance, therefore resulting in advance electrochemical properties. It exhibits high capacity, excellent rate performance, and long cycle life when utilized as self‐supported anodes for Li‐ion and Na‐ion batteries. When assembled with activated carbon/carbon nanotube (AC/CNT) flexible cathode, using ion conducting gel polymer as the electrolyte, high energy densities of 104 and 109 Wh kg^?1 are achieved at 250 W kg^?1 in quasi‐solid‐state Li‐ion and Na‐ion capacitors (LICs and SICs), respectively. Still, energy densities of 32 and 36 Wh kg^?1 can be maintained at high power densities of 5000 W kg^?1 in LICs and SICs.     

In vitro biocompatibility testing of polylactides

Four high-molecular weight polylactides, three poly-l-lactides of 100, 250 and 500 kDa and a poly-dl-lactide of 400 kDa, were tested qualitatively in vitro. Cells were cultured on polylactide films and with media based on the artificially aged polylactides, as well as with different concentrations of the final degradation products (monomers). Implant site-related cell types were selected. Three kinds of epithelial cells (middle ear, ear canal and nasal septum) as well as fibroblasts and osteosarcoma cells were used. Characteristic of all four polylactides was the normal morphology of cells when cultured on polylactide films and with the artificially ageing media. Although the polylactide films revealed still uncovered spots after 14 days culture, the control cultures were already confluent. The different concentrations of monomers revealed normal cell morphologies except for the 10 mg ml^-1 concentration, which showed larger fibroblasts, and the nasal septum epithelium showed more signs of terminal differentiation for the 10 mg ml^-1 d-monomer than was seen for the l-monomer even if the osmolarity was adjusted. The degradation products of polylactide are not expected to cause adverse reactions when implanted, since cell cultures with monomer concentrations up to 1 mg ml^-1 resulted in normal morphologies. In the present study the cells were not able to cover the polylactide films completely.     

Effect of amorphization on isolation properties of actinide pyrochlore matrix

The effect of ²⁴⁴Cm decay (T _1/2 = 18 years) on the radiation and chemical stability of the pyrochlore Gd_1.935Cm_0.065TiZrO₇ was examined. Irradiation leads to degradation of its structure. The amorphization dose at room temperature is 4.60 × 10¹⁸ α-decay g⁻¹ (or 0.60 displacements per atom, dpa). It is close to the corresponding value at ion irradiation of phases of similar composition and three times higher as compared to titanium pyrochlores with ²³⁸Pu or ²⁴⁴Cm. The rate of Cm leaching from the initial ceramics is 1.7 × 10⁻² g m⁻² day⁻¹, and after amorphization it increases to 4.7 × 10⁻² g m⁻² day⁻¹. The critical temperature (330 K) corresponds to probable conditions in sites of underground waste disposal. Therefore, such matrix will not undergo amorphization at any irradiation doses and will preserve its isolation properties in a repository.     

Jatropha curcas: A potential crop for phytoremediation of coal fly ash

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to test the heavy metal phytoremediation capacity of Jatropha curcas from fly ash. Both natural accumulation by J. curcas and chemically enhanced phytoextraction was investigated. Plants were grown on FA and FA amended with fertile garden soil, in presence and absence of chemical chelating agent EDTA at 0.1 g kg⁻¹ and 0.3 g kg⁻¹ of soil. EDTA enhanced the uptake of all five elements (Fe, Al, Cr, Cu and Mn) tested. Fe and Mn were retained more in roots while Cu, Al and Cr were translocated more to the shoot. Metal accumulation index indicates that the effect of EDTA at 0.3 g kg⁻¹ was more pronounced than EDTA at 0.1 g kg⁻¹ in terms of metal accumulation. Biomass was enhanced up to 37% when FA was amended with GS. Heavy metal uptake was enhanced by 117% in root, 62% in stem, 86% in leaves when EDTA was applied at 0.3 g kg⁻¹ to FA amended with GS. Study suggest that J. curcas has potential of establishing itself on FA when provided with basic plant nutrients and can also accumulate heavy metals many folds from FA without attenuating plant growth.     

In situ fabrication and wettability of Ca2SiO4/CaTiO3 biocoating by laser cladding technology on Ti–6Al–4V alloy

Abstract

Wetting is the first and foremost event when a biomaterial is implanted into the biological system. Hence, it is very essential to investigate the wettability of a biomaterial before further biological studies. A textured coating with different relative amounts of Ca₂SiO₄ and CaTiO₃ was in situ fabricated by varying laser scan speed. The wettability of different coatings was investigated. The results indicate that the relative amount of Ca₂SiO₄ phase increased with decreasing laser scan speeds and reached the highest value of 48·17±2·10 mJ mm^?2, and the geometrically textured topography with a surface roughness of 9·17 μm was obtained at a laser scan speed of 2 mm s^?1. The microstructure in the coating can be characterised as fine dendrites. Surface energy values varied with the relative amount of Ca₂SiO₄ phase. The coating obtained at the laser scan speed of 2 mm s^?1, which contains more relative amount of Ca₂SiO₄, presents the highest surface energy, indicating most desirable wettability. This resulted in an increase in contact angle in simulated body fluid solution for improved wettability. The microhardness presented a gradient distribution from the coating surface (1072 HV) to the substrate (260 HV).     

Pharmacokinetics of Ketoprofen After Intravenous and Intramuscular Administrations to Rabbits

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen was studied in rabbits following intravenous and intramuscular administrations of ketoprofen, both at a dose of 4.0 mg.Kg^-1. Plasma levels of ketoprofen, as a function of time, were determined by a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The disposition of ketoprofen was described by a two-compartment open model with elimination from the central compartment. A model-independent method using the statistical moment theory was also applied. Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen was characterized as a drug with terminal half-life of 3.15 hr, low apparent volumes of distribution (V = 0.031 L.Kg^-1, Vd_ss = 0.070 L.Kg^-1 and Vd_β = 0.130 L.Kg^c-1). The mean residence time (MRT) was found to be 1.44 hr for i.v. injection and 2.86 hr for i.m. injection. The clearance (CL) and apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vd_ss) after i.v. injection was determined to be 0.027 L.Kg^-1.hr^-1 and 0.03 9 L.Kg^-1, respectively. The absorption rate constant from the limb muscle site into systemic circulation was calculated to be 2.19 hr^-1 and peak plasma concentration after i.m. injection was observed to be at 0.31 ± 0.11 hr. The systemic availability of ketoprofen after intramuscular administration was determined to be 0.38, relative to the equal i.v dose.     

Polyhedral‐Like NiMn‐Layered Double Hydroxide/Porous Carbon as Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance Supercapacitors

Polyhedral‐like NiMn‐layered double hydroxide/porous carbon (NiMn‐LDH/PC‐x ) composites are successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method (x = 1, 2 means different mass percent of porous carbon (PC) in composites). The NiMn‐LDH/PC‐1 composites possess specific capacitance 1634 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, and it is much better than that of pure LDH (1095 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹). Besides, the sample can retain 84.58% of original capacitance after 3000 cycles at 15 A g⁻¹. An asymmetric supercapacitor with NiMn‐LDH/PC‐1 as anode and activated carbon as cathode is fabricated, and the supercapacitor can achieve an energy density of 18.60 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 225.03 W kg⁻¹. The enhanced electrochemical performance attributes to the high faradaic pseudocapacitance of NiMn‐LDH, the introduction of PC, and the 3D porous structure of LDH/PC‐1 composites. The introduction of PC hinders serious agglomeration of LDH and further accelerates ions transport. The encouraging results indicate that these materials are one of the most potential candidates for energy storage devices.     

Performance evaluation of full-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating distillery spentwash

Performance of full-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors treating distillery spentwash was evaluated. The plant was designed to handle 650 m³ day⁻¹ of distillery spentwash having an average chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of 112,400 mg l⁻¹ with a HRT of 6 days. In the plant, the pH level of the influent varied from 3.50 to 4.40 but the pH of the treated effluent stabilized to a range of 7.36 to 7.68 during the study period. The operation of the reactors during study period revealed the stable conditions of the reactors, which is evident from the low COD, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total solids (TS) contents in treated effluent. In the plant, the COD, BOD₅ and TS removal efficiencies were stabilized to the range of 62.19–66.59, 72.42–77.11, and 58.47–60.46%, respectively at an organic loading rate of 2.15–4.60 kg COD m⁻³ day⁻¹. The biogas production was stabilized to the range of 48,290–135,115 m³ week⁻¹ with 60% methane content. The total quantity of biogas produced ranged from 0.40 to 0.57, 1.04 to 1.71 and 0.40 to 0.56 m³ kg⁻¹ removals of COD, BOD and TS, respectively. This study concluded that the treatment of distillery spentwash using UASB reactors contributed significantly for pollution load reduction besides generating renewable in-house bio-energy.     

Multicomponent Hybridization Transition Metal Oxide Electrode Enriched with Oxygen Vacancy for Ultralong-Life Supercapacitor

Transition metal oxide electrode materials for supercapacitors suffer from poor electrical conductivity and stability, which are the research focus of the energy storage field. Herein, multicomponent hybridization Ni-Cu oxide (NCO-Ar/H₂-10) electrode enriched with oxygen vacancy and high electrical conductivity including the Cu_0.2Ni_0.8O, Cu₂O and CuO is prepared by introducing Cu element into Ni metal oxide with hydrothermal, annealing, and plasma treatment. The NCO-Ar/H₂-10 electrode exhibits high specific capacity (1524 F g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹), good rate performance (72%) and outstanding cyclic stability (109% after 40,000 cycles). The NCO-Ar/H₂-10//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) achieves high energy density of 48.6 Wh kg⁻¹ at 799.6 W kg⁻¹ while exhibiting good cycle life (117.5% after 10,000 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performance mainly comes from the round-trip valence change of Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ in the multicomponent hybridization enhance the surface capacitance during the redox process, and the change of electronic microstructure triggered by a large number of oxygen vacancies reduce the adsorption energy of OH⁻ ions of thin nanosheet with crack of surface edge, ensuring electron and ion-transport processes and remitting the structural collapse of material. This work provides a new strategy for improving the cycling stability of transition metal oxide electrode materials.