Hardware Implementations of a Deep Learning Approach to Optimal Configuration of Reconfigurable Intelligence Surfaces

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) offer the potential to customize the radio propagation environment for wireless networks, and will be a key element for 6G communications. However, due to the unique constraints in these systems, the optimization problems associated to RIS configuration are challenging to solve. This paper illustrates a new approach to the RIS configuration problem, based on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) algorithms. Concretely, a custom convolutional neural network (CNN) intended for edge computing is presented, and implementations on different representative edge devices are compared, including the use of commercial AI-oriented devices and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platform. This FPGA option provides the best performance, with ×20 performance increase over the closest FP32, GPU-accelerated option, and almost ×3 performance advantage when compared with the INT8-quantized, TPU-accelerated implementation. More noticeably, this is achieved even when high-level synthesis (HLS) tools are used and no custom accelerators are developed. At the same time, the inherent reconfigurability of FPGAs opens a new field for their use as enabler hardware in RIS applications.

Remote fruit fly detection using computer vision and machine learning-based electronic trap

Introduction

Intelligent monitoring systems must be put in place to practice precision agriculture. In this context, computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques can be applied to monitor and prevent pests, such as that of the olive fly. These techniques are a tool to discover patterns and abnormalities in the data, which helps the early detection of pests and the prompt administration of corrective measures. However, there are significant challenges due to the lack of data to apply state of the art Deep Learning techniques.

Methods

This article examines the detection and classification of the olive fly using the Random Forest and Support Vector Machine algorithms, as well as their application in an electronic trap version based on a Raspberry Pi B+ board.

Results

The combination of the two methods is suggested to increase the accuracy of the classification results while working with a small training data set. Combining both techniques for olive fly detection yields an accuracy of 89.1%, which increases to 94.5% for SVM and 91.9% for RF when comparing all fly species to other insects.

Discussion

This research results reports a successful implementation of ML in an electronic trap system for olive fly detection, providing valuable insights and benefits. The opportunities of using small IoT devices for image classification opens new possibilities, emphasizing the significance of ML in optimizing resource usage and enhancing privacy protection. As the system grows by increasing the number of electronic traps, more data will be available. Therefore, it holds the potential to further enhance accuracy by learning from multiple trap systems, making it a promising tool for effective and sustainable fly population management.

Compact Hardware Synthesis of Stochastic Spiking Neural Networks

Spiking neural networks (SNN) are able to emulate real neural behavior with high confidence due to their bio-inspired nature. Many designs have been proposed for the implementation of SNN in hardware, although the realization of high-density and biologically-inspired SNN is currently a complex challenge of high scientific and technical interest. In this work, we propose a compact digital design for the implementation of high-volume SNN that considers the intrinsic stochastic processes present in biological neurons and enables high-density hardware implementation. The proposed stochastic SNN model (SSNN) is compared with previous SSNN models, achieving a higher processing speed. We also show how the proposed model can be scaled to high-volume neural networks trained by using back propagation and applied to a pattern classification task. The proposed model achieves better results compared with other recently-published SNN models configured with unsupervised STDP learning.

Scaling-up of membraneless microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for domestic wastewater treatment: Bottlenecks and limitations

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) have the potential to become a sustainable domestic wastewater (dWW) treatment system. However, new scale-up experiences are required to gain knowledge of critical issues in MEC designs. In this study we assess the ability of two twin membraneless MEC units (that are part of a modular pilot-scale MEC) to treat dWW. Batch tests yielded COD removal efficiencies as high as 92%, with most of the hydrogen (>80% of the total production) being produced during the first 48h. During the continuous tests, MECs performance deteriorated significantly (energy consumption was relatively high and COD removal efficiencies fell below 10% in many cases), which was attributed to an inadequate configuration of the anodic chamber, insufficient mixing inside this chamber, inefficient hydrogen management on the cathode side and finally to dWW in itself. Some alternatives to the current design are suggested.

Valorisation of used cooking oil sludge by codigestion with swine manure

The addition of lipid wastes to the digestion of swine manure was studied as a means of increasing biogas production. Lipid waste was obtained from a biodiesel plant where used cooking oil is the feedstock. Digestion of this co-substrate was proposed as a way of valorising residual streams from the process of biodiesel production and to integrate the digestion process into the biorefinery concept. Batch digestion tests were performed at different co-digesting proportions obtaining as a result an increase in biogas production with the increase in the amount of co-substrate added to the mixture. Semi-continuous digestion was studied at a 7% (w/w) mass fraction of total solids. Co-digestion was successful at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 50 d but a decrease to 30 d resulted in a decrease in specific gas production and accumulation of volatile and long chain fatty acids. The CH4 yield obtained was 326 ± 46 l/kg VSfeed at an HRT of 50 d, while this value was reduced to 274 ± 43 l/kg VSfeed when evaluated at an HRT of 30 d. However these values were higher than the one obtained under batch conditions (266 ± 40 l/kg VSfeed), thus indicating the need of acclimation to the co-substrate. Despite of operating at low organic loading rate (OLR), measurements from respirometry assays of digestate samples (at an HRT of 50 d) suggested that the effluent could not be directly applied to the soil as fertiliser and might have a negative effect over soil or crops.

Non-toxic plant metabolites regulate Staphylococcus viability and biofilm formation: a natural therapeutic strategy useful in the treatment and prevention of skin infections

In the present study, the efficacy of generally recognised as safe (GRAS) antimicrobial plant metabolites in regulating the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis was investigated. Thymol, carvacrol and eugenol showed the strongest antibacterial action against these microorganisms, at a subinhibitory concentration (SIC) of ≤ 50 μg ml(-1). Genistein, hydroquinone and resveratrol showed antimicrobial effects but with a wide concentration range (SIC = 50-1,000 μg ml(-1)), while catechin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and cranberry extract were the most biologically compatible molecules (SIC ≥ 1000 μg ml(-1)). Genistein, protocatechuic acid, cranberry extract, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and resveratrol also showed anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus, but not against S. epidermidis in which, surprisingly, these metabolites stimulated biofilm formation (between 35% and 1,200%). Binary combinations of cranberry extract and resveratrol with genistein, protocatechuic or p-hydroxibenzoic acid enhanced the stimulatory effect on S. epidermidis biofilm formation and maintained or even increased S. aureus anti-biofilm activity.

Selection of native freshwater microalgae and cyanobacteria for CO2 biofixation

One of the technologies available for coping with problems related to the rise in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide is CO2 biofixation with microalgae or cyanobacteria. The selection of native strains that grow well at the specific site where the technology is to be used will increase the success possibilities of such a technology. Thus, with the aim of finding a suitable local variety for use in a CO2 biofixation system, three recently isolated freshwater strains, Scenedesmus sp., Chlorogonium sp. and Synechocystis sp. were studied. Chlorella sorokiniana was used as a control strain. All the strains were grown under the same culture conditions for seven days of batch culture, and various growth and CO2 biofixation parameters were determined. Synechocystis sp. showed the highest specific growth rate at 1.75 per day (l/d). Results for CO2 biofixation ranged between 0.650 and 0.953 g of carbon dioxide per litre per day (g CO2/l/d), but differences among native strains were noted, although they were not statistically significant. However, Synechocystis sp. was selected as the most suitable strain for CO2 biofixation, owing to its good capacity to use light in dense cultures, an essential requirement for sustainable commercial systems.

Performance of a semi-pilot tubular microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) under several hydraulic retention times and applied voltages

The influence of applied voltage and hydraulic retention time on the performance of a semi-pilot modular tubular wastewater-fed microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with high scalability was investigated. A chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 80%, as well as an energy consumption of 0.3-1.1 Wh g-COD(-1) removed, were achieved. Hydrogen production was limited by the reduced amounts of organic matter fed into the reactor, the poor performance of the cathode, and COD consuming by non electrogenic microorganisms. The presence of COD consuming microorganism that do not contribute to electrogenic metabolism severely affected the MEC performance.

Reduced energy consumption during low strength domestic wastewater treatment in a semi-pilot tubular microbial electrolysis cell

The present study examines the effect of the organic loading rate and the configuration of a semi-pilot modular microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) on the energy consumption during domestic (dWW) wastewater treatment. The MEC reactor consisted of twin tubular units hydraulically connected in series and was able to reduce up to 85% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of the influent dWW at a relatively low energy consumption (1.6 kW h kg-COD(-1)). Hydrogen production was limited by the reduced amounts of organic matter fed into the reactor and the poor performance of the cathode. Overall, the results identified both an organic loading rate (OLR) threshold that makes the use of MECs for dWW treatment feasible in terms of energy consumption and COD removal efficiency and an OLR threshold that justifies the operation of two MECs in series to provide the required degree of COD removal.

Microbial electrolysis cell scale-up for combined wastewater treatment and hydrogen production

This study demonstrates microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) scale-up from a 50mL to a 10L cell. Initially, a 50mL membraneless MEC with a gas diffusion cathode was operated on synthetic wastewater at different organic loads. It was concluded that process scale-up might be best accomplished using a "reactor-in-series" concept. Consequently, 855mL and 10L MECs were built and operated. By optimizing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the 855mL MEC and individually controlling the applied voltages of three anodic compartments with a real-time optimization algorithm, a COD removal of 5.7g L(R)(-1)d(-1) and a hydrogen production of 1.0-2.6L L(R)(-1)d(-1) was achieved. Furthermore, a two MECs in series 10L setup was constructed and operated on municipal wastewater. This test showed a COD removal rate of 0.5g L(R)(-1)d(-1), a removal efficiency of 60-76%, and an energy consumption of 0.9Whperg of COD removed.

Performance of a continuous flow microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) fed with domestic wastewater

In this study, MEC performance was investigated in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, hydrogen production rate and energy consumption during continuous domestic wastewater (dWW) treatment at different organic loading rates (OLR) and applied voltages (Vapp). While the COD removal efficiency was improved at low OLRs, the electrical energy required to remove 1g of COD was significantly increased with decreasing the OLR. Hydrogen production exhibited a Monod-type trend as function of the OLR reaching a maximum production rate of 0.30 L/(Lrd). Optimal Vapp was found to be highly dependent on the strength of the dWW. The results also confirmed the fact that MEC performance can be optimized by setting Vapp at the onset potential of the diffusion control region. Although low columbic efficiencies and the occurrence of hydrogen recycling limited significantly the reactor performance, these results demonstrate that MEC can be successfully used for dWW treatment.

Gasification of rice straw in a fluidized-bed gasifier for syngas application in close-coupled boiler-gasifier systems

The feasibility and operation performance of the gasification of rice straw in an atmospheric fluidized-bed gasifier was studied. The gasification was carried out between 700 and 850 °C. The stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (A/F) for rice straw was 4.28 and air supplied was 7-25% of that necessary for stoichiometric combustion. Mass and power balances, tar concentration, produced gas composition, gas phase ammonia, chloride and potassium concentrations, agglomeration tendencies and gas efficiencies were assessed. Agglomeration was avoided by replacing the normal alumina-silicate bed by a mixture of alumina-silicate sand and MgO. It was shown that it is possible to produce high quality syngas from the gasification of rice straw. Under the experimental conditions used, the higher heating value (HHV) of the produced gas reached 5.1 MJ Nm(-3), the hot gas efficiency 61% and the cold gas efficiency 52%. The obtained results prove that rice straw may be used as fuel for close-coupled boiler-gasifier systems.

Hydrogen production from food wastes and gas post-treatment by CO2 adsorption

The production of H(2) by biological means, although still far from being a commercially viable proposition, offers great promise for the future. Purification of the biogas obtained may lead to the production of highly concentrated H(2) streams appropriate for industrial application. This research work evaluates the dark fermentation of food wastes and assesses the possibility of adsorbing CO(2) from the gas stream by means of a low cost biomass-based adsorbent. The reactor used was a completely stirred tank reactor run at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) while the concentration of solids of the feeding stream was kept constant. The results obtained demonstrate that the H(2) yields from the fermentation of food wastes were affected by modifications in the hydraulic retention time (HRT) due to incomplete hydrolysis. The decrease in the duration of fermentation had a negative effect on the conversion of the substrate into soluble products. This resulted in a lower amount of soluble substrate being available for metabolisation by H(2) producing microflora leading to a reduction in specific H(2) production. Adsorption of CO(2) from a gas stream generated from the dark fermentation process was successfully carried out. The data obtained demonstrate that the column filled with biomass-derived activated carbon resulted in a high degree of hydrogen purification. Co-adsorption of H(2)S onto the activated carbon also took place, there being no evidence of H(2)S present in the bio-H(2) exiting the column. Nevertheless, the concentration of H(2)S was very low, and this co-adsorption did not affect the CO(2) capture capacity of the activated carbon.

Optimizing the electrode size and arrangement in a microbial electrolysis cell

This study investigates the influence of anode and cathode size and arrangement on hydrogen production in a membrane-less flat-plate microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). Protein measurements were used to evaluate microbial density in the carbon felt anode. The protein concentration was observed to significantly decrease with the increase in distance from the anode-cathode interface. Cathode placement on both sides of the carbon felt anode was found to increase the current, but also led to increased losses of hydrogen to hydrogenotrophic activity leading to methane production. Overall, the best performance was obtained in the flat-plate MEC with a two-layer 10 mm thick carbon felt anode and a single gas-diffusion cathode sandwiched between the anode and the hydrogen collection compartments.

Hydrogen production: two stage processes for waste degradation

The dark fermentation process generates hydrogen by biological means. It presents two main advantages: fulfilling requirements for mild operational conditions and gaining benefit from the residual biomass. The process itself may be seen as a pre-treatment step in a complete stabilisation chain, with the aim of attaining the valorisation of residual biomass. However, increasing the yield of H2 production is an imperative task. In this manuscript, a review of recent work in the field of fermentative hydrogen production is presented. As dark fermentation has a maximum yield of 33% (on sugars), a description is also presented of possible second stage processes for the degradation of dark fermentation effluents. Alternatives considered were photofermentation and bioelectrochemical systems (BES) as processes capable of converting fermentation sub-products into H2. Anaerobic digestion as a final stabilisation stage was also considered owing to the wide application of this technology in the treatment of bio-wastes.

Anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of slaughterhouse waste (SHW): influence of heat and pressure pre-treatment in biogas yield

Mesophilic anaerobic digestion (34+/-1 degrees C) of pre-treated (for 20 min at 133 degrees C, >3 bar) slaughterhouse waste and its co-digestion with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) have been assessed. Semi-continuously-fed digesters worked with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 36 d and organic loading rates (OLR) of 1.2 and 2.6 kg VS(feed)/m(3)d for digestion and co-digestion, respectively, with a previous acclimatization period in all cases. It was not possible to carry out an efficient treatment of hygienized waste, even less so when OFMSW was added as co-substrate. These digesters presented volatile fatty acids (VFA), long chain fatty acids (LCFA) and fats accumulation, leading to instability and inhibition of the degradation process. The aim of applying a heat and pressure pre-treatment to promote splitting of complex lipids and nitrogen-rich waste into simpler and more biodegradable constituents and to enhance biogas production was not successful. These results indicate that the temperature and the high pressure of the pre-treatment applied favoured the formation of compounds that are refractory to anaerobic digestion. The pre-treated slaughterhouse wastes and the final products of these systems were analyzed by FTIR and TGA. These tools verified the existence of complex nitrogen-containing polymers in the final effluents, confirming the formation of refractory compounds during pre-treatment.

Thermogravimetric analysis of biowastes during combustion

The combustion of sewage sludge (SS), animal manure (AM) and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was assessed and compared with that of a semianthracite coal (SC) and of a PET waste by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Differences were found in the TG curves obtained for the combustion of these materials accordingly to their respective proximate analysis. Non-isothermal thermogravimetric data were used to assess the kinetics of the combustion of these biowastes. The present paper reports on the application of the Vyazovkin model-free isoconversional method for the evaluation of the activation energy necessary for the combustion of these biowastes. The activation energy related to SS combustion (129.1 kJ/mol) was similar to that corresponding to AM (132.5 kJ/mol) while the OFMSW showed a higher value (159.3 kJ/mol). These values are quite higher than the one determined in the same way for the combustion of SC (49.2 kJ/mol) but lower than that for the combustion of a PET waste (165.6 kJ/mol).

Laboratory appraisal of organic carbon changes in mixtures made with different inorganic wastes

Mixtures of organic and inorganic wastes were incubated to examine the changes in organic C (OC) contents. An anaerobic sludge and a CaO-treated aerobic sludge, with OC concentrations of 235 and 129 gkg(-1), were used. The inorganic wastes used - referred to as "conditioners" - were shot blasting scrap, fettling, Linz-Donawitz slag, foundry sand (FS), and fly ash from wood bark combustion (FA). The total OC (TOC) and KMnO(4)(-) oxidized OC were determined. DTA-TGA profiles and FTIR spectra were also obtained. Mixtures made with the FS contained significantly lower (P<0.05) amounts of TOC (45 gkg(-1)) than the rest of mixtures, which was attributed to the non-existence of reactive surfaces in the conditioner and the increased aeration induced by this material. Those made with FA contained significantly higher (P<0.05) amounts of TOC (170 gkg(-1)), which was attributed to: (i) the addition of an extra source of C - black carbon (BC) - in the FA, and (ii) the inhibition of mineralization from the compounds present in this conditioner (e.g., amorphous aluminosilicates, BC). The results highlight the importance of the characteristics of the conditioners on the fate of the OM originating from the sludges.

Anaerobic co-digestion of poultry blood with OFMSW: FTIR and TG-DTG study of process stabilization

The potential of anaerobic digestion for the treatment of poultry blood has been evaluated in a co-digestion process. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was employed as the co-substrate to avoid digestion inhibition by dilution of nitrogen content and improvement of biodegradability. A semi-continuous mesophilic anaerobic digester was studied with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 36 days and an organic loading (OLR1) of 1.5 kg VSS feed m(-3) d(-1). The normal operational conditions of the reactor were altered with the application of an OLR2 of 2.0 kg VSS feed m(-3) d(-1) for a short period causing an imbalance in the process. The reduction of the OLR to initial conditions allowed the recovery of the system. The digestion process reached a final specific gas production (SGP) and a methane yield of 0.33 and 0.20 m3 kg(-1) VSS feed, respectively, maintaining low total and free ammonia concentrations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to gain an insight into transformations experimented by the organic matter at the end of the stabilization process. Furthermore, these analytical techniques were used for evaluating the transformations undergone by the nitrogen-rich protein components of blood after digestion. It was proved that a reduction in volatile content and aliphatic structures of biowastes along with an increase in the degree of aromaticity occurred during the digestion process.

Co-combustion of different sewage sludge and coal: a non-isothermal thermogravimetric kinetic analysis

The kinetics of the combustion of coal, two different sewage sludge and their blends (containing different dried weight percentages of sewage sludge) was studied by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis. Once the weight percentage of sludge in the blend was 10%, the effects on the combustion of coal were hardly noticeable in terms of weight loss. The Arrhenius activation energy corresponding to the co-combustion of the blends was evaluated by non-isothermal kinetic analysis. This showed that, though differences between coal and sewage sludge, the combustion of their blends kept kinetically alike to that of the coal. This work illustrates how thermogravimetric analysis may be used as an easy rapid tool to asses, not only mass loss, but also kinetics of the co-combustion of sewage sludge and coal blends.

Adsorption of heavy metals onto sewage sludge-derived materials

Two materials were produced from sewage sludge by: (1) pyrolysis of dried sewage sludge (PS); (2) chemical activation of dried sewage sludge with ZnCl(2) followed by pyrolysis (AS). The aim was to study the application of these materials for metal purification from water and to determine the efficiency of each material. Although AS displayed higher capacity, both PS and AS were able to adsorb these metals and the preferential order was equal: Hg(II)>Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Cr(III). For each metal-adsorbent pair, metal adsorption was highly pH dependent. In all cases the equilibrium was well described both by the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms. At the corresponding optimum pH, AS showed the following adsorption capacities: 175.4, 64.1, 30.7 and 15.4 mg/g of Hg(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III), respectively. These results indicate the potential application of these sewage sludge based adsorbents for the treatment of metal polluted effluents.

Effects of sewage sludge blending on the coal combustion: a thermogravimetric assessment

Combustion of urban sewage sludge together with coal in existing infrastructures may be a sustainable management option energetically interesting for these materials, usually considered wastes. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the combustion of a semianthracite coal and the modifications undergone when adding a small percentage (2%, 5%, 10%) of sewage sludge. Both Differential Scanning Calorimetric analysis and Differential Thermogravimetry burning profiles showed differences between coal and sewage sludge combustion. However, the effects of adding a percentage of sewage sludge equal or smaller than 10% was hardly noticeable in terms of heat release and weight loss during the coal combustion. This was further proved by non-isothermal kinetic analysis, which was used to evaluate the Arrhenius activation energy corresponding to the co-combustion of the blends. This work shows that thermogravimetric analysis may be used as an easy rapid tool to asses the co-combustion of sewage sludge together with coal.

An evaluation of stability by thermogravimetric analysis of digestate obtained from different biowastes

Research was carried out with the aim of monitoring anaerobic digestion processes using thermal analysis with the aid of mass spectrometry so as to define the stability of the digestate obtained. Three different systems were investigated under varying conditions. The digestion of waste sludge from a pharmaceutical industry (PI) and the digestion of cattle manure (CM) were evaluated under mesophilic conditions. The co-digestion of a mixture of primary sludge (PS) and the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW) was studied under thermophilic conditions. Temperature-programmed combustion tests were carried out to investigate the degree of stabilization of samples throughout the digestion processes. The derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) profiles obtained for the mesophilic digestion of PI waste showed a decrease at low temperatures and an increase at high temperatures in the intensity of the peaks recorded as the stabilization process proceeded. These results are in accordance with those obtained by the present authors in their previous work on the mesophilic digestion of primary sludge and OFMSW. In contrast, the DTG profiles obtained from the stabilization process of CM and thermophilic codigestion of PS and OFMSW showed a reduction in peaks at high temperatures. When the stabilization products obtained from CM by anaerobic digestion and by composting processes were compared, it was observed that the composting process was capable of further decomposing materials readily oxidized at low temperatures and increasing the presence of structurally more complex substances. The evolution of the differential thermal analysis (DTA) signal recorded simultaneously showed considerable similarity to the mass/charge (m/z) signal 44 registered by the mass spectrometer. The use of mass spectrometry helped to clarify the inner workings of the digestion process.

Study of biological stabilization processes of cattle and poultry manure by thermogravimetric analysis and (13)C NMR

The biological stabilization process of cattle and poultry manure was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance. The stabilization processes carried out were composting, anaerobic digestion and a mixed process (partly aerobic, partly anaerobic). It was observed from the analyzed samples that the biological stabilization processes reduce the volatile content of the bio-wastes and increase the degree of aromaticity. The stabilization of cattle manure by means of aerobic processes was able to further oxidize and enriched in aromatic compounds the bio-waste when compared with the digestion process. On the other hand, the stabilization of poultry manure resulted in a greater aromatization under the digestion process. Stabilized samples with a high degree of aromaticity presented a lower volatile content accompanied by a reduction in the intensity of the differential thermogravimetry peak registered under an inert atmosphere, indicative of the thermal decomposition of the organic matter. The thermal decomposition of all the analyzed materials (fresh and stabilized samples) commenced at around 200 degrees C but for the digested poultry manure, which decomposition initiated close to 250 degrees C. All stabilized samples yielded a lower degree of volatilization to that one observed in fresh samples.

Pyrolysis of mixtures of sewage sludge and manure: a comparison of the results obtained in the laboratory (semi-pilot) and in a pilot plant

A pilot-scale pyrolysis process was carried out for the treatment of a mixture of two types of waste, sewage sludge and cattle manure, comparing the results with others obtained under laboratory conditions (semi-pilot scale). The aim of this study was to obtain the energetic valorization of the products. Owing to the specific characteristics of the plant, two products were obtained from the process: gas and carbonized solid. As no liquid fraction was obtained, the gas fraction is a greater percentage made up of both condensable and non-condensable compounds, which were obtained separately at the laboratory scale. The pilot plant was designed so that the gases produced by thermolysis were burnt continuously in a combustion chamber, while the carbonized fraction was fed in batches for co-combustion. To determine composition and combustion ability, the gas and solid products from the pilot process were characterized by chromatographic analysis of the gaseous fraction and chemical analysis and programmed-temperature combustion of the carbonized solid. The composition of the combustion gases, rich in light hydrocarbons, and the carbon present in the carbonized fraction enable the energetic valorization of these products. The combustion gases were subjected to a cleaning process and their composition analysed twice: before and after the gas cleaning treatment. The study led to a positive assessment of the possible use of the process products as fuel, provided that the combustion gases are treated. As most of the sulphur and chlorine from the original waste are mainly concentrated in the solid fraction, the use of char as a fuel will depend on the effectiveness of clean-up techniques for combustion gases. During gas cleansing, neutralizing with sodium bicarbonate proved effective, especially for the acidic compounds HCl, HF and SO(2).

Microbial monitoring of the influence of the stabilization degree of sludge when applied to soil

The aim of this study was to establish the degree of stabilization of sludge and its influence on the evolution of total aerobic micro-organisms and those of faecal origin when the sludge is applied to soil. Two different sludges were used, from a food industry (D) and from an urban treatment plant, (E). Both sludges were stabilized aerobically in laboratory conditions. The stabilization process was monitored by following the evolution of pathogenic micro-organisms and the content of total solids and volatile matter in suspension, while on the other hand the microbial evolution of the samples of soil plus sludge and control soil (S) were monitored over an incubation period of 80 days. After 20 or 40 days of incubation, in both sludge treatments the populations of pathogenic micro-organisms of faecal origin were below detectable limits, regardless of the degree of stabilization of the sludge. Soil without sludge treatment did not show pathogenic micro-organisms.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine on neurogenic vasoconstriction in the isolated, autoperfused hindquarters of the rat

1. In the present study, we analysed the effect of different doses of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; intravenous infusions of 0.001-40 microg/kg per min) in the autoperfused hindquarters of the rat subjected to electrical stimulation (frequencies of 0.5-20 Hz) of the lumbar chains, investigating the relationship between the adrenergic and serotonergic systems in this vascular bed. 2. Because we observed that 5-HT inhibited the increases in perfusion pressure induced by electrical stimulation of the lumbar chains, we used different agonists and antagonists to analyse the mechanism of action of 5-HT. 3. The effect of 5-HT was inhibited by methiothepin (a non-specific 5-HT receptor antagonist), but not by ritanserin (a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist). The effects of 5-HT were mimicked by 5-carboxamidotryptamine (a 5-HT1 receptor agonist) and L-694 247 (a selective 5-HT1D receptor agonist), but not by 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (a 5-HT1A receptor agonist), CGS-12066B (a 5-HT1B receptor agonist), alpha-methyl-5-HT (a 5-HT2 receptor agonist), 1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine (a 5-HT2C receptor agonist) or 1-phenylbiguanide (a 5-HT3 receptor agonist). The selective 5-HT1D/1B receptor antagonist BRL 15572 inhibited the effect of the agonist L-694 247. 4. Our data suggest that 5-HT inhibits the increases in perfusion pressure induced by the electrical stimulation of the lumbar chains, acting on presynaptic 5-HT1D receptors and decreasing the release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerves in the hindquarter vascular bed of the rat.

Activated carbons from sewage sludge and discarded tyres: production and optimization

This is a study about making use of two residual materials such as sludges from a sewage treatment plant and discarded tyres to generate activated carbons and later optimize the production process. H2SO4 and ZnCl2 were used as chemical activating agents. Liquid-phase adsorption tests were made using the produced carbons to retain methylene blue and iodine. The best precursor was sludge activated with ZnCl2. After optimization studies, the best production methodology involved a 1:1 ratio of sludge and ZnCl2, a heating rate of 5 degrees C/min up to 650 degrees C and a residence time of 5 min. The resulting materials adsorbed up to 139.4 mg/g of methylene blue and 1358.5 mg/g of iodine. Nevertheless these carbons may leach Zn while using. To avoid this two treatments were carried out: one consisting of a coating with a polymer and another involving an intensive washing, which was seen to be more efficient.

Overexpression of c-myc and loss of heterozygosity on 2p, 3p, 5q, 17p and 18q in sporadic colorectal carcinoma

AIM

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prognostic influence of loss of heterozygosity on 2p, 3p, 5q, 17p and 18q, and c-myc overexpression on surgically treated sporadic colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

Tumor and non-tumor tissue samples from 153 patients were analyzed. Fifty-one percent of patients were male, and mean age in the series was 67 years. Tumors were located in the proximal colon in 37 cases, in the distal bowel in 37, and in the rectum in 79 patients. c-myc overexpression was studied by means of Northern blot analysis, and loss of heterozygosity through microsatellite analysis.

RESULTS

c-myc overexpression was detected in 25% of cases, and loss of heterozygosity in at least one of the studied regions in 48%. There was no association between clinical and pathologic features, and genetic alterations. The disease-free interval was significantly shorter for patients with both genetic alterations; the presence of both events was an independent prognostic factor for poor outcome in the multivariate analysis (RR: 4.34, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of both loss of heterozygosity and overexpression of the c-myc oncogene separates a subset of colorectal carcinoma patients who have a shorter disease-free interval after curative-intent surgery.

Clinical relevance of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in colorectal cancer

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of Gelatinases in colorectal cancer (CRC). Ninety-five CRCs and their paired normal tissues were investigated to detect total levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, and the tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Also, pro-MMP and MMP activity, and potential associations with clinical parameters were estimated. MMP-9, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels were greater in CRCs than in normal tissues, differences being significant for MMP-9 and TIMP-1. However, TIMP-2 showed significantly lower levels in tumour samples. Moreover, significant differences in the state of activation between gelatinases were found. TIMP-1 low levels were significantly associated with poor clinical outcome of patients. According to these data, different roles have to be attributed to MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CRC progression. Moreover, TIMP-1 level evaluation emerges as the main prognostic factor in relation to Gelatinases A and B activity in CRC.

Characterization of MDGA1, a novel human glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein localized in lipid rafts

We report the characterization of the novel human protein MDGA1 encoded by MDGA1 (MAM domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor-1) gene, firstly termed as GPIM. MDGA1 has been mapped to 6p21 and it is expressed in human tissues and tumors. The deduced polypeptide consists of 955 amino acids and exhibits structural features found in different types of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), such as the presence of both immunoglobulin domains and a MAM domain or the capacity to anchor to the cell membrane by a GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) motif. Our results demonstrate that human MDGA1 (hMDGA1) is localized in the membrane of eukaryotic cells. The protein follows the secretion pathway and finally it is retained in the cell membrane by a GPI anchor, susceptible to be cleavaged by phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Moreover, our results reveal that hMDGA1 is localized specifically into membrane microdomains known as lipid rafts. Finally, as other proteins of the secretory pathway, hMDGA1 undergoes other post-translational modification consisting of N-glycosylation.

m-CPP, a 5-HT2C Receptor Agonist That Modifies the Perfusion Pressure of the Hindquarter Vascular Bed of Anesthetized Rat

In the present work we studied the actions of the intra-arterial administration of meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP - a 5-HT(2C) receptor agonist) in the hindquarters of the anesthetized rat. The lowest doses used (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 microg/kg) induced vasodilatation whereas the highest doses produced vasoconstriction (1, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 microg/kg). Both vasodilatation and vasoconstriction were inhibited by the 5-HT(1,2 )receptor antagonist methiothepin, whereas the 5-HT(2 )receptor antagonist ritanserin blocked only the vasoconstrictor responses. 1-[4-(1-Adamantanecarboxamido)butyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist) and ICI 118,551 (a beta(2)-receptor antagonist) failed to modify the vasodilator responses of m-CPP. Both BRL 15572 (a 5-HT(1D) receptor antagonist) and GR 55562 (a 5-HT(1B) receptor antagonist) only partially inhibited this action. Our data reveal that m-CPP induces the 5-HT(1 )and/or non-specific vasodilator effect and 5-HT(2) vasoconstrictor effects in the hindquarter vascular bed of the rat.

Clinical relevance of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in colorectal cancer

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of Gelatinases in colorectal cancer (CRC). Ninety-five CRCs and their paired normal tissues were investigated to detect total levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, and the tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Also, pro-MMP and MMP activity, and potential associations with clinical parameters were estimated. MMP-9, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels were greater in CRCs than in normal tissues, differences being significant for MMP-9 and TIMP-1. However, TIMP-2 showed significantly lower levels in tumour samples. Moreover, significant differences in the state of activation between gelatinases were found. TIMP-1 low levels were significantly associated with poor clinical outcome of patients. According to these data, different roles have to be attributed to MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CRC progression. Moreover, TIMP-1 level evaluation emerges as the main prognostic factor in relation to Gelatinases A and B activity in CRC.

Influence of the application of sewage sludge on the degradation of pesticides in the soil

A study was made of the influence of the application of sewage sludge on the degradation of pesticides in the soil. Two kinds of sludge were used, with different characteristics, one from an urban treatment plant and one from a food processing plant. Three organophosphorus insecticides, fenitrothion, diazinon and dimethoate, were studied. The relative importance was determined of the chemical and biological degradation processes, which involved experiments on soil and sterile soil samples. A comparative study was also made of the degradation of pesticide residues and the evolution of the microbial population. The application of sludge seems to have a complex effect on the degradation of pesticides, determined by the bioavailability and biodegradability of their active ingredient. The biodegradation of pesticide residues brings about alterations in the microorganism population of the soil.

Relationship between 3p deletions and telomerase activity in non-small-cell lung cancer: prognostic implications

3p deletions and telomerase reactivation are two of the most frequent events described in relation to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathogenesis. Moreover, a number of genes that map on 3p have been proposed as candidates to tumour-suppressor genes of importance in the lung cancer process. In this work, we analysed deletions at different 3p loci in relationship to telomerase activity in 66 NSCLCs obtained from patients who had suffered potentially curative surgery. Also, we evaluated prognostic implications. DNA samples were analysed for 3p deletions using five different polymorphic human dinucleotide repeat DNA markers (D3S1619 at 3p22.2, D3S3623 at 3p22.1, D3S1260 at 3p21.33, D3S3697 at 3p14.3, and D3S3722 at 3p21.2). Telomerase activity was investigated by a TRAP-based method. Possible correlations between the different molecular markers and distributions of disease-free survival were estimated. Our data revealed a significant correlation between telomerase activity and losses of heterozygosity (LOH) on D3S3697 (P=0.040), since all of the tumours showing deletion at this locus were positives for telomerase. Moreover, our results revealed clear associations with poor prognosis of patients, in the case of LOH at D3S1260 and D3S3697 (P=0.005 and 0.005, respectively). According to our data, potential repressors for telomerase may be located in chromosome 3p.

The survival of Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms and enterobacteriaceae in general in soil treated with sludge from wastewater treatment plants

We monitored the effect of the application of treated sludge on the behaviour of enterobacteriaceae (mainly faecal coliforms and especially Escherichia coli) in the soil, and studied their evolution over time after application. Three different sludges were used: two from a municipal sewage plant, one of them had been subjected to anaerobic digestion and heat drying, and the other to anaerobic digestion and mechanical dehydration, and one from a dairy waste treatment to aerobic digestion and gravity thickening. Two types of tests were carried out: type O, in the open air, with no possibility of controlling humidity or temperature; and type L, under laboratory conditions, with controlled temperature and humidity. Sludge tests were also run on unscreened soil previously treated with chemical fertilizer. After 80 days of experimentation the populations of faecal coliforms and E. coli had decreased considerably or were undetectable in assays carried out on the soil/sludge mixtures, under both open-air and laboratory conditions, but that, over the same period, in the mixtures containing chemical fertilizer (calcium ammonium nitrate) there had been a considerable increase in the micro-organism populations studied.

Vasoconstrictor Responses to 5-Hydroxytryptamine in the Autoperfused Hindquarters of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

In this work we studied the responses and receptors involved in the effects of intra-arterial 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the in situ autoperfused hindquarters of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intra-arterial administration of the highest doses (50-1,000 ng/kg) produced a vasoconstrictor effect that was inhibited by ritanserin (a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist), SB 206553 (a selective 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor antagonist) and spiperone (a nonspecific 5-HT(1/2A) receptor antagonist), and was mimicked by alpha-methyl-5-HT (a selective 5-HT2 receptor agonist) and m-CPP (a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist), but not by the intra-arterial administration of BW 723C86, a selective 5HT2B receptor agonist. SB 206553 and spiperone inhibited alpha-methyl-5HT-induced vasoconstriction in the hindquarters of SHR. Our data suggest that the vasoconstrictor response induced by 5-HT in the autoperfused hindquarters of SHR is mainly mediated by the activation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors.

5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced vasodilator responses in the hindquarters of the anaesthetized rat, involve beta2-adrenoceptors

These studies were conducted to examine the role of the vasoactive mediators nitric oxide (NO) and adrenaline (epinephrine) in the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT)-induced vasodilator response in the hindquarter vascular bed of anaesthetized rats. Intra-arterial administration of doses of 5-HT in the range 0.12-25 ng kg(-1) produced a dose-independent vasodilator effect in the hindquarters. The selective 5-HT(1D/1B) receptor agonist, L-694,247 at intra-arterial doses of 0.0012-1000 ng kg(-1), as well as adrenaline (at doses of 0.05-50 ng kg(-1) i.a.), mimicked the dose-independent vasodilator effect induced by intra-arterial administration of 5-HT. Intravenous pre-treatment with the selective beta2-receptor antagonist ICI 118,551 (0.5 mg kg(-1)) blocked the vasodilator effect of 5-HT, adrenaline and L-694,247. Additionally, the inhibitor of NO synthase NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME) (at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) i.v.) blocked the vasodilator action of acetylcholine 300-3000 ng kg(-1)) but did not modify 5-HT-induced vasodilatation. The vasodilator effect produced by intra-arterial administration of 5-HT in the hindquarters was significantly inhibited both 30 min after denervation of the lumbar sympathetic chains and 1 h after bilateral adrenalectomy. Our data suggest that in the in-situ autoperfused hindquarters of the rat 5-HT-induced vasodilatation is mediated by a local 5-HT(1D) or 5-HT(1D/1B) activation, which in turn mediates the adrenal release of adrenaline, which then produces beta2-activation and vasodilatation.

Pyrolysis of tyres. Influence of the final temperature of the process on emissions and the calorific value of the products recovered

A study was made of the pyrolysis of tyre particles, with the aim of determining the possibilities of using the products resulting from the process as fuel. Three final temperatures were used, determined from thermogravimetric data. The design of the experiment was a horizontal oven containing a reactor into which particles of the original tyre were placed. After the process, a solid fraction (char) remained in the reactor, while the gases generated went through a set of scrubbers where most of the condensable fraction (oils) was retained. Finally, once free of this fraction, the gases were collected in glass ampoules. Solid and liquids fractions were subjected to thermogravimetric analyses in order to study their combustibility. The gas fraction was analysed by means of gas chromatography to establish the content of CO, CO2, H2 and hydrocarbons present in the samples (mainly components of gases produced in the pyrolysis process). A special study was made of the sulphur and chlorine content of all the fractions, as the presence of these elements could be problematic if the products are used as fuel. Tyre pyrolysis engenders a solid carbon residue that concentrates sulphur and chorine, with a relatively high calorific value, although not so high as that of the original tyre. The liquid fraction produced by the process has a high calorific value, which rises with the final temperature, up to 40 MJ/kg. The chlorine content of this fraction is negligible. Over 95% of the gas fraction, regardless of the final temperature, is composed of hydrocarbons of a low molecular weight and hydrogen, this fraction also appearing to be free of chlorine.

Vasodilator and vasoconstrictor responses induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine in the in situ blood autoperfused hindquarters of the anaesthetized rat

In the present study we attempted to characterise the responses and receptors involved in the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) in in situ autoperfused rat hindquarters. Intra-arterial administration of the lowest doses of 5-HT used (0.12-12.5 ng/kg) induced vasodilator responses, whereas the highest doses (25-1000 ng/kg) produced vasoconstriction. The vasodilator effect was inhibited by methiothepin (a non-specific 5-HT(1,2,5,6,7) receptor antagonist) and by a 5-HT(1D/1B) receptor antagonist, i.e., 3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-1,1-diphenyl-2-propanolol (BRL 15572), but not by ritanserin (a selective 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist), 5-methyl-1-(3-pyridylcarbamoyl)-1,2,3,5-tetrahydropyrrolo[2,3-f] indole (SB 206553, a selective 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor antagonist) or mesulergine (a non-specific serotonergic antagonist that shows affinity to the 5-HT(7) receptor). This vasodilator effect was mimicked by administration of a selective 5-HT(1) receptor agonist - 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) - and by 2-[5-[3-(4-methylsulphonylamino)benzyl-1,2,4-1 H-indol-3-yl]ethanamine (L-694,247, a selective 5-HT(1D/1B) receptor agonist). Methiothepin, but not mesulergine, inhibited 5-CT-induced vasodilatation and the selective 5-HT(1D/1B) receptor antagonist (BRL 15572) inhibited the vasodilator action induced by L-694,247. The vasoconstrictor effect of 5-HT was significantly decreased by methiothepin, ritanserin and SB 206553, and was mimicked by alpha-methyl-5-HT (a selective 5-HT(2) receptor agonist) but not by administration of BW 723C86, a selective 5HT(2B) receptor agonist. Ritanserin, SB 206553 and spiperone (a non-specific 5-HT(1/2A) receptor antagonist) inhibited the alpha-methyl-5HT-induced vasoconstriction.Our data suggest that the vasodilator response induced by 5-HT in autoperfused rat hindquarters is mainly mediated by 5-HT(1D/1B) receptors, whereas the vasoconstrictor effect is mainly due to the activation of 5-HT(2A) receptors.

Upgrading sewage sludges for adsorbent preparation by different treatments

Addressing the adequate management of sludges produced at sewage plants is becoming a fundamental need as a consequence of the high production volumes, both current and forecasted, of this byproduct. European waste-treatment policies consider reuse of sludges as one of the preferred actions; along those lines this study proposes using sewage sludges as adsorbents for pollutants contained in wastewaters. As potential adsorbents, sludges dried at 105 degrees C, dried and pyrolyzed, or dried and chemically activated were tried. As adsorbate, methylene blue was used in order to characterize the adsorption capacity of the different materials. Although surface areas corresponding to pyrolyzed and chemically activated sludges were around 80 and 390 m2/g, respectively, both these materials exhibited poor levels of methylene blue adsorption which may have been due to their high proportions of micropores. Sludges only dried, on the contrary, showed significant methylene blue adsorption capacities.