Structural properties of residual carbon in coal gasification fine slag and their influence on flotation separation and resource utilization:A review

Coal gasification fine slag(FS)is a typical solid waste generated in coal gasification.Its current disposal methods of stockpil-ing and landfilling have caused serious soil and ecological hazards.Separation recovery and the high-value utilization of residual carbon(RC)in FS are the keys to realizing the win-win situation of the coal chemical industry in terms of economic and environmental benefits.The structural properties,such as pore,surface functional group,and microcrystalline structures,of RC in FS(FS-RC)not only affect the flotation recovery efficiency of FS-RC but also form the basis for the high-value utilization of FS-RC.In this paper,the characteristics of FS-RC in terms of pore structure,surface functional groups,and microcrystalline structure are sorted out in accordance with gasification type and FS particle size.The reasons for the formation of the special structural properties of FS-RC are analyzed,and their influence on the flotation separation and high-value utilization of FS-RC is summarized.Separation methods based on the pore structural characterist-ics of FS-RC,such as ultrasonic pretreatment-pore-blocking flotation and pore breaking-flocculation flotation,are proposed to be the key development technologies for improving FS-RC recovery in the future.The design of low-cost,low-dose collectors containing polar bonds based on the surface and microcrystalline structures of FS-RC is proposed to be an important breakthrough point for strengthening the flotation efficiency of FS-RC in the future.The high-value utilization of FS should be based on the physicochemical structural proper-ties of FS-RC and should focus on the environmental impact of hazardous elements and the recyclability of chemical waste liquid to es-tablish an environmentally friendly utilization method.This review is of great theoretical importance for the comprehensive understand-ing of the unique structural properties of FS-RC,the breakthrough of the technological bottleneck in the efficient flotation separation of FS,and the expansion of the field of the high value-added utilization of FS-RC.

OsNPF3.1,a nitrate,abscisic acid and gibberellin transporter gene,is essential for rice tillering and nitrogen utilization efficiency

Low-affinity nitrate transporter genes have been identified in subfamilies 4-8 of the rice nitrate transporter 1(NRT1)/peptide transporter family(NPF),but the OsNPF3 subfamily responsible for nitrate and phytohormone transport and rice growth and development remains unknown.In this study,we described OsNPF3.1 as an essential nitrate and phytohormone transporter gene for rice tillering and nitrogen utilization efficiency(NUtE).OsNPF3.1 possesses four major haplotypes of its promoter sequence in 517 cultivars,and its expression is positively associated with tiller number.Its expression was higher in the basal part,culm,and leaf blade than in other parts of the plant,and was strongly induced by nitrate,abscisic acid(ABA)and gibberellin 3(GA_3)in the root and shoot of rice.Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that OsNPF3.1 is a pH-dependent low-affinity nitrate transporter,with rice protoplast uptake assays showing it to be an ABA and GA_3 transporter.OsNPF3.1 overexpression significantly promoted ABA accumulation in the roots and GA accumulation in the basal part of the plant which inhibited axillary bud outgrowth and rice tillering,especially at high nitrate concentrations.The NUtE of OsNPF3.1-overexpressing plants was enhanced under low and medium nitrate concentrations,whereas the NUtE of OsNPF3.1 clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)plants was increased under high nitrate concentrations.The results indicate that OsNPF3.1 transports nitrate and phytohormones in different rice tissues under different nitrate concentrations.The altered OsNPF3.1 expression improves NUtE in the OsNPF3.1-overexpressing and CRISPR lines at low and high nitrate concentrations,respectively.

Residual fluoride self-activated effect enabling upgraded utilization of recycled graphite anode

Recycling graphite anode from spent lithium-ion batteries(SLIBs)is regarded as a crucial approach to promoting sustainable energy storage industry.However,the recycled graphite(RG)generally presents degraded structure and performance.Herein,the residual fluoride self-activated effect is proposed for the upgraded utilization of RG.Simple and low-energy water immersion treatment not only widens the interlayer spacing,but also retains appropriate fluoride on the surface of RG.Theoretical analysis and experiments demonstrate that the residual fluoride can optimize Li~+migration and deposition kinetics,resulting in better Li~+intercalation/deintercalation in the interlayer and more stable Li metal plating/stripping on the surface of RG,As a result,the designed LFP||RG full cells achieve ultrahigh reversibility(~100%Coulombic efficiency),high capacity retention(67%after 200 cycles,0.85 N/P ratio),and commendable adaptability(stable cycling without short-circuiting,0.15 N/P ratio).The energy density is improved from 334 Wh kg^(-1)of 1.1 N/P ratio to 367 Wh kg^(-1)of 0.85 N/P ratio(total mass based on cathode and anode).The exploration of RG by residual fluoride self-activated effect achieves upgraded utilization beyond fresh commercial graphite and highlights a new strategy for efficient reuse of SLIBs.

Experiences of Mothers on the Utilization of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality among women of reproductive age and Mother to Child Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus is still a challenge affecting many countries. Globally, an estimation of 180,000 children under 15 years acquire the Human immunodeficiency virus every day, and more than 90% of those infections are due to Mother to Child Transmission. The study sought to explore the experiences of mothers on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design was employed using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample that was selected using purposive sampling technique. Thirteen participants were recruited, and these were HIV-positive mothers at least between the ages of 15 and 49 years and enrolled in the Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV program. The in-depth interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings: Three main themes that emerged are;living with HIV, support system and barriers to utilization of Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV services. Most of the participants expressed having acquired knowledge from the program, and received counselling and support from spouses, family as well as health personnel at Mtendere health facility which culminated into a positive experience and enhanced their uptake of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services. However, barriers to service utilization were identified and these included fear of stigma, negative attitudes from health workers, long waiting times, lack of support and lack of transport to the health facility. Conclusion: Interventions such as community awareness campaigns on Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV, male involvement and implementing mother-to-mother peer support strategies in Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV service utilization should be prioritized so as to alleviate stigma and enhancing a positive experience for these mothers thus reducing on the Mother to Child HIV Transmission burden and mortality rates.

Comprehensive reutilization of herbal waste:Coproduction of magnolol,honokiol,and β-amyrin from Magnolia officinalis residue

Herbal extraction residues(HERs)cause serious environmental pollution and resource waste.In this study,a novel green route was designed for the comprehensive reutilization of all components in HERs,taking Magnolia officinalis residues(MOR)as an example.The reluctant structure of MOR was first destroyed by alkali pretreatment to release the functional ingredients(magnolol and honokiol)originally remaining in MOR and to make MOR more accessible for hydrolysis.A metal–organic frame material MIL-101(Cr)with a maximum absorption capacity of 255.64 mg g^(-1)was synthesized to absorb the released honokiol and magnolol from the pretreated MOR solutions,and 40 g L^(-1)reducing sugars were obtained with 81.8%enzymatic hydrolysis rate at 10%MOR solid loading.Finally,382 mg L-1β-amyrin was produced from MOR hydrolysates by an engineered yeast strain.In total,1 kg honokiol,8 kg magnolol,and 7.64 kg β-amyrin could produce from 1 ton MOR by this cleaner process with a total economic output of 170,700 RMB.

Design Strategies for Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries with High Zinc Utilization: From Metal Anodes to Anode-Free Structures

Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage due to the excellent safety, environmental friendliness, natural abundance, high theoretical specific capacity, and low redox potential of zinc(Zn) metal. However,several issues such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of Zn metal anodes cause irreversible loss of the active materials. To solve these issues, researchers often use large amounts of excess Zn to ensure a continuous supply of active materials for Zn anodes. This leads to the ultralow utilization of Zn anodes and squanders the high energy density of AZMBs. Herein, the design strategies for AZMBs with high Zn utilization are discussed in depth, from utilizing thinner Zn foils to constructing anode-free structures with theoretical Zn utilization of 100%, which provides comprehensive guidelines for further research. Representative methods for calculating the depth of discharge of Zn anodes with different structures are first summarized. The reasonable modification strategies of Zn foil anodes, current collectors with pre-deposited Zn, and anode-free aqueous Zn metal batteries(AF-AZMBs) to improve Zn utilization are then detailed. In particular, the working mechanism of AF-AZMBs is systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for constructing high-utilization Zn anodes are presented.

Plutonium utilization in a small modular molten-salt reactor based on a batch fuel reprocessing scheme

A molten salt reactor(MSR)has outstanding features considering the application of thorium fuel,inherent safety,sustainability,and resistance to proliferation.However,fissile material^(233)U is significantly rare at the current stage,thus it is difficult for MSR to achieve a pure thorium-uranium fuel cycle.Therefore,using plutonium or enriched uranium as the initial fuel for MSR is more practical.In this study,we aim to verify the feasibility of a small modular MSR that utilizes plutonium as the starting fuel(SM-MSR-Pu),and highlight its advantages and disadvantages.First,the structural design and fuel management scheme of the SM-MSR-Pu were presented.Second,the neutronic characteristics,such as the graphite-irradiation lifetime,burn-up performance,and coefficient of temperature reactivity were calculated to analyze the physical characteristics of the SM-MSR-Pu.The results indicate that plutonium is a feasible and advantageous starting fuel for a SM-MSR;however,there are certain shortcomings that need to be solved.In a 250 MWth SM-MSR-Pu,approximately 288.64 kg^(233)U of plutonium with a purity of greater than 90% is produced while 978.00 kg is burned every ten years.The temperature reactivity coefficient decreases from -4.0 to -6.5 pcm K^(-1) over the 50-year operating time,which ensures a long-term safe operation.However,the amount of plutonium and accumulation of minor actinides(MAs)would increase as the burn-up time increases,and the annual production and purity of^(233)U will decrease.To achieve an optimal burn-up performance,setting the entire operation time to 30 years is advisable.Regardless,more than 3600 kg of plutonium eventually accumulate in the core.Further research is required to effectively utilize this accumulated plutonium.

Prediction of lime utilization ratio of dephosphorization in BOF steelmaking based on online sequential extreme learning machine with forgetting mechanism

The machine learning models of multiple linear regression(MLR),support vector regression(SVR),and extreme learning ma-chine(ELM)and the proposed ELM models of online sequential ELM(OS-ELM)and OS-ELM with forgetting mechanism(FOS-ELM)are applied in the prediction of the lime utilization ratio of dephosphorization in the basic oxygen furnace steelmaking process.The ELM model exhibites the best performance compared with the models of MLR and SVR.OS-ELM and FOS-ELM are applied for sequential learning and model updating.The optimal number of samples in validity term of the FOS-ELM model is determined to be 1500,with the smallest population mean absolute relative error(MARE)value of 0.058226 for the population.The variable importance analysis reveals lime weight,initial P content,and hot metal weight as the most important variables for the lime utilization ratio.The lime utilization ratio increases with the decrease in lime weight and the increases in the initial P content and hot metal weight.A prediction system based on FOS-ELM is applied in actual industrial production for one month.The hit ratios of the predicted lime utilization ratio in the error ranges of±1%,±3%,and±5%are 61.16%,90.63%,and 94.11%,respectively.The coefficient of determination,MARE,and root mean square error are 0.8670,0.06823,and 1.4265,respectively.The system exhibits desirable performance for applications in actual industrial pro-duction.

Monitoring Changes in Hospital Utilization

This study focused on recent issues concerning health care utilization at the community level. The study focused on developments in hospital inpatient lengths of stay and discharges. The analysis in the study demonstrated that hospital lengths of stay in the metropolitan area of Syracuse, New York increased by 25.0 percent between 2019 and 2023. This has been a notable increase in the movement of patients with this indicator. The analysis also demonstrated that numbers of inpatient discharges for these hospital services declined substantially during the same periods. Review of the data suggested that this information has been related. The increase in hospital lengths of stay has been related to a rise in numbers of patients at high severity of illness. They have also been associated with a decline in numbers of patients at low severity.

Analysis and Prospect of Waste Heat Utilization from Blast Furnace Slag Flushing

Estimating the residual heat of blast furnace slag flushing in China,classifying and introducing the current proposed methods of slag flushing waste heat utilization,and listing existing cases.In order to better save energy and water in the slag flushing process of blast furnaces,an ideal comprehensive cascade utilization system scheme for annual recovery of waste heat is proposed.Based on the measured waste heat data of a steel plant,design calculations are carried out to further analyze the economic feasibility of the new scheme and provide reference for its promotion and application.

A Study on the Utilization of Applied Linguistics in Contemporary English Teaching

In the context of globalization,the importance of teaching English as a common language in the world becomes increasingly apparent.Applied Linguistics belongs to one of the sub-disciplines of linguistics,which plays an important role in contemporary English teaching.The knowledge of applied linguistics can help students learn the grammar,semantics,vocabulary,writing,and other contents in English,deepen their knowledge and understanding of English,and enhance the effectiveness of English teaching.This paper mainly describes the important role played by English linguistics in English teaching and focuses on its utilization strategies in the hope of providing references on this topic.

Comprehensive Utilization and Control Measures of Iron and Steel Slag

With the increase of steel production,the amount of steel slag piled up is on the rise.The article analyzes the current situation of blast furnace slag utilization,elaborates on the current treatment technology of blast furnace slag,and points out that in the future,the utilization of blast furnace slag will develop towards the direction of developing high value-added products,and the sensible heat recovery rate of blast furnace slag is expected to increase.Analyze the current application status and treatment process of converter slag.The comprehensive treat-ment technology of converter slag is limited by multiple factors,and it is proposed to control converter slag from the production source through"slag recycling".

Potassium nutrition of maize:Uptake,transport,utilization,and role in stress tolerance

Potassium(K) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development and influences yield and quality of agricultural crops.Maize(Zea mays) is one of the most widely distributed crops worldwide.In China,although maize consumes a large amount of K fertilizer,the K uptake/utilization efficiency(KUE)of maize cultivars is relatively low.Elucidation of KUE mechanisms and development of maize cultivars with higher KUE are needed.Maize KUE is determined by K+uptake,transport,and remobilization,which depend on a variety of K+channels and transporters.We review basic information about K+channels and transporters in maize,their functions and regulation,and the roles of K+in nitrogen transport,sugar transport,and salt tolerance.We discuss challenges and prospects for maize KUE improvement.

Branched fibrous amidoxime adsorbent with ultrafast adsorption rate and high amidoxime utilization for uranium extraction from seawater

Direct collection of uranium from low uranium systems via adsorption remains challenging.Fibrous sorbent materials with amidoxime(AO)groups are promising adsorbents for uranium extraction from seawater.However,low AO adsorption group utilization remains an issue.We herein fabricated a branched structure containing AO groups on polypropylene/polyethylene spun-laced nonwoven(PP/PE SNW)fibers using grafting polymerization induced by radiation(RIGP)to improve AO utilization.The chemical structures,thermal properties,and surface morphologies of the raw and treated PP/PE SNW fibers were studied.The results show that an adsorptive functional layer with a branching structure was successfully anchored to the fiber surface.The adsorption properties were investigated using batch adsorption experiments in simulated seawater with an initial uranium concentration of 500μg·L^(−1)(pH 4,25℃).The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent material was 137.3 mg·g^(−1)within 24 h;moreover,the uranyl removal reached 96%within 240 min.The adsorbent had an AO utilization rate of 1/3.5 and was stable over a pH range of 4–10,with good selectivity and reusability,demonstrating its potential for seawater uranium extraction.

An Integrated Framework for Geothermal Energy Storage with CO_(2)Sequestration and Utilization

Subsurface geothermal energy storage has greater potential than other energy storage strategies in terms of capacity scale and time duration.Carbon dioxide(CO_(2))is regarded as a potential medium for energy storage due to its superior thermal properties.Moreover,the use of CO_(2)plumes for geothermal energy storage mitigates the greenhouse effect by storing CO_(2)in geological bodies.In this work,an integrated framework is proposed for synergistic geothermal energy storage and CO_(2)sequestration and utilization.Within this framework,CO_(2)is first injected into geothermal layers for energy accumulation.The resultant high-energy CO_(2)is then introduced into a target oil reservoir for CO_(2)utilization and geothermal energy storage.As a result,CO_(2)is sequestrated in the geological oil reservoir body.The results show that,as high-energy CO_(2)is injected,the average temperature of the whole target reservoir is greatly increased.With the assistance of geothermal energy,the geological utilization efficiency of CO_(2)is higher,resulting in a 10.1%increase in oil displacement efficiency.According to a storage-potential assessment of the simulated CO_(2)site,110 years after the CO_(2)injection,the utilization efficiency of the geological body will be as high as 91.2%,and the final injection quantity of the CO_(2)in the site will be as high as 9.529×10^(8)t.After 1000 years sequestration,the supercritical phase dominates in CO_(2)sequestration,followed by the liquid phase and then the mineralized phase.In addition,CO_(2)sequestration accounting for dissolution trapping increases significantly due to the presence of residual oil.More importantly,CO_(2)exhibits excellent performance in storing geothermal energy on a large scale;for example,the total energy stored in the studied geological body can provide the yearly energy supply for over 3.5×10^(7) normal households.Application of this integrated approach holds great significance for large-scale geothermal energy storage and the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Drug utilization evaluation of medications used in the management of neurological disorders

Background and object:The burden of neurological disorders in India is expected to increase due to the rapid demographic and epidemiological transition,with irrational drug use,which is also a global concern.Thus,drug utilization evaluation is designed to ensure appropriate medicine use within the healthcare settings.The aim of the study was to assess the rate and pattern of drug utilization in the management of neurological disorders.Materials and methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional drug utilization evaluation study on neurological drugs was carried out at the Department of Neurology over a span of six months.All legible prescriptions consisting neurological medications irrespective of patient's gender,aged≥18 years were included for the study.The World Health Organization(WHO)core drug use indicators were used to assess the drug prescribing and utilization patterns.Results:A total of 310 prescriptions were reviewed,where male predominance was found to be 56.45%.Out of 310 prescriptions,drugs belonging to 26 neurological classes were prescribed for the management of various neurological disorders.The majority of patients were diagnosed with epilepsy and the most prescribed drugs per patient were phenytoin(14.8%)and valproic acid(6.45%).By following the WHO core drug prescribing indicators,65.47%of drugs prescribed from the India National List of Essential Medicines,2022,followed by 29.83%of drugs prescribed in generic name and 10.86%of prescriptions including injections.Conclusion:The study findings showed that the prescribing pattern in the Department of Neurology was in accordance with the WHO core prescribing indicators.But,the extent of polypharmacy prescriptions was very high.Therefore,interventions are very necessary to promote rational drug prescribing patterns and thus clinical pharmacists can contribute to assess and review the drug utilization pattern to optimize the drug therapy and improvement in patient safety.

Diffusionless-Like Transformation Unlocks Pseudocapacitance with Bulk Utilization: Reinventing Fe_(2)O_(3) in Alkaline Electrolyte

Energy density can be substantially raised and even maximized if the bulk of an electrode material is fully utilized.Transition metal oxides based on conversion reaction mechanism are the imperative choice due to either constructing nanostructure or intercalation pseudocapacitance with their intrinsic limitations.However,the fully bulk utilization of transition metal oxides is hindered by the poor understanding of atomic-level conversion reaction mechanism,particularly it is largely missing at clarifying how the phase transformation(conversion reaction)determines the electrochemical performance such as power density and cyclic stability.Herein,α-Fe_(2)O_(3) is a case provided to claim how the diffusional and diffusionless transformation determine the electrochemical behaviors,as of its conversion reaction mechanism with fully bulk utilization in alkaline electrolyte.Specifically,the discharge productα-FeOOH diffusional from Fe(OH)2 is structurally identified as the atomic-level arch criminal for its cyclic stability deterioration,whereas the counterpartδ-FeOOH is theoretically diffusionless-like,unlocking the full potential of the pseudocapacitance with fully bulk utilization.Thus,such pseudocapacitance,in proof-of-concept and termed as conversion pseudocapacitance,is achieved via diffusionless-like transformation.This work not only provides an atomic-level perspective to reassess the potential electrochemical performance of the transition metal oxides electrode materials based on conversion reaction mechanism but also debuts a new paradigm for pseudocapacitance.

Enhancing fly ash utilization in backfill materials treated with CO_(2)carbonation under ambient conditions

The environmental concerns resulting from coal-fired power generation that produces large amounts of CO_(2)and fly ash are of great interest.To mitigate,this study aims to develop a novel carbonated CO_(2)-fly ash-based backfill(CFBF)material under ambient conditions.The performance of CFBF was investigated for different fly ash-cement ratios and compared with non-CO_(2)reacted samples.The fresh CFBF slurry conformed to the Herschel-Bulkley model with shear thinning characteristics.After carbonation,the yield stress of the fresh slurry increased significantly by lowering fly ash ratio due to gel formation.The setting times were accelerated,resulting in approximately 40.6%of increased early strength.The final strength decreased when incorporating a lower fly ash ratio(50%and 60%),which was related to the existing heterogeneous pores caused by rapid fluid loss.The strength increased with fly ash content above 70%because additional C-S(A)-H and silica gels were characterized to precipitate on the grain surface,so the binding between particles increased.The C-S(A)-H gel was developed through the pozzolanic reaction,where CaCO_(3)was the prerequisite calcium source obtained in the CO_(2)-fly ash reaction.Furthermore,the maximum CO_(2)uptake efficiency was 1.39 mg-CO_(2)/g-CFBF.The CFBF material is feasible to co-dispose CO_(2)and fly ash in the mine goaf as negative carbon backfill materials,and simultaneously mitigates the strata movement and water lost in post-subsurface mining.

“Extreme utilization” theory and practice in gas storages with complex geological conditions

Based on more than 20-year operation of gas storages with complex geological conditions and a series of research findings, the pressure-bearing dynamics mechanism of geological body is revealed. With the discovery of gas-water flowing law of multi-cycle relative permeability hysteresis and differential utilization in zones, the extreme utilization theory targeting at the maximum amount of stored gas, maximum injection-production capacity and maximum efficiency in space utilization is proposed to support the three-in-one evaluation method of the maximum pressure-bearing capacity of geological body, maximum well production capacity and maximum peak shaving capacity of storage space. This study realizes the full potential of gas storage(storage capacity) at maximum pressure, maximum formation-wellbore coordinate production, optimum well spacing density match with finite-time unsteady flow, and peaking shaving capacity at minimum pressure, achieving perfect balance between security and capacity. Operation in gas storages, such as Hutubi in Xinjiang, Xiangguosi in Xinan, and Shuang6 in Liaohe, proves that extreme utilization theory has promoted high quality development of gas storages in China.

Exploring Long COVID: Healthcare Utilization Up to 360 Days after a COVID-19 Diagnosis—Results from Analysis of a Very Large US National Sample

The topic of the long-term effects of COVID-19, so-called “long-COVID”, has gained increased attention. The US federal government announced plans to develop an interagency national research action plan to uncover more insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19. This study contributes to our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19 by quantifying patterns of healthcare utilization up to 360 days after an initial COVID-19 diagnosis occurring during the beginning of the pandemic (March-August 2020) in a very large nationally representative population of insured adults. We quantify actual COVID-19-related utilization (as opposed to reported symptoms) by accessing claims data to calculate average medical visits per patient per month by type of encounter (e.g. inpatient stay, physician visit). In contrast to many recent reports in the media, our results show that COVID-19-related utilization declines substantially after the first-month post-diagnosis and continues to decline throughout the study period to very low levels.