Managing the surge:A comprehensive review of the entire disposal framework for retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles

Anticipating the imminent surge of retired lithium-ion batteries(R-LIBs)from electric vehicles,the need for safe,cost-effective and environmentally friendly disposal technologies has escalated.This paper seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of the entire disposal framework for R-LIBs,encompassing a broad spectrum of activities,including screening,repurposing and recycling.Firstly,we delve deeply into a thorough examination of current screening technologies,shifting the focus from a mere enumeration of screening methods to the exploration of the strategies for enhancing screening efficiency.Secondly,we outline battery repurposing with associated key factors,summarizing stationary applications and sizing methods for R-LIBs in their second life.A particular light is shed on available reconditioning solutions,demonstrating their great potential in facilitating battery safety and lifetime in repurposing scenarios and identifying their techno-economic issues.In the realm of battery recycling,we present an extensive survey of pre-treatment options and subsequent material recovery technologies.Particularly,we introduce several global leading recyclers to illustrate their industrial processes and technical intricacies.Furthermore,relevant challenges and evolving trends are investigated in pursuit of a sustainable end-of-life management and disposal framework.We hope that this study can serve as a valuable resource for researchers,industry professionals and policymakers in this field,ultimately facilitating the adoption of proper disposal practices.

Corrosion techniques and strategies for used fuel containers with copper corrosion barriers under deep geological disposal conditions:A review

Safe emplacement of high-level nuclear waste(HLNW)arising from the utilization of nuclear power is a frequently en-countered and considerably challenging issue.The widely accepted and feasible approach for the permanent disposal of HLNW involves housing it in a corrosion-resistant container and subsequently burying it deep in a geologic repository.The focus lies on ensuring the dur-ability and integrity of the container in this process.This review introduces various techniques and strategies employed in controlling the corrosion of used fuel containers(UFCs)using copper(Cu)as corrosion barrier in the context of deep geological disposal.Overall,these corrosion prevention techniques and methods have been effectively implemented and employed to successfully mitigate the corrosion challenges encountered during the permanent disposal of Cu containers(e.g.,corrosion mechanisms and corrosion parameters)in deep geologic repositories.The primary objective of this review is to provide an extensive examination of the alteration in the corrosion envir-onment encountered by the UFCs when subjected to deep geologic repository conditions and focusing on addressing the potential corro-sion scenarios.

International law obligations for the disposal of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water under the principles of nuclear safety

The disposal of contaminated water from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant is a significant international nuclear safety issue with considerable cross-border implications.This matter requires compliance not only with the law of the sea but also with the principles of nuclear safety under international law.These principles serve as the overarching tenet of international and China’s domestic nuclear laws,applicable to nuclear facilities and activities.The principle of safety in nuclear activities is fully recognized in international and domestic laws,carrying broad legal binding force.Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea violates its obligations under the principle of safety in nuclear activities,including commitments to optimum protection,as low as reasonably practicable,and prevention.The Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)have breached the obligation of optimum protection by restricting the scope of assessments,substituting core concepts,and shielding dissenting views.In the absence of clear radiation standards,they have acted unilaterally without fulfilling the obligation as low as reasonably practicable principle.The discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water poses an imminent and unpredictable risk to all countries worldwide,including Japanese residents.Japan and the IAEA should fulfill their obligations under international law regarding disposal,adhering to the principles of nuclear safety,including optimum protection,the obligation as low as reasonably practicable,and prevention through multilateral cooperation.Specifically,the obligation to provide optimum protection should be implemented by re-evaluating the most reliable disposal technologies and methods currently available and comprehensively assessing various options.The standard of the obligation as low as reasonably practicable requires that the minimization of negative impacts on human health,livelihoods,and the environment should not be subordinated to considerations of cutting costs and expenses.Multilateral cooperation should be promoted through the establishment of sound multilateral long-term monitoring mechanisms for the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water,notification and consultation obligations,and periodic assessments.These obligations under international law were fulfilled after the accidents at the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear power plants.The implications of the principles of nuclear safety align with the concept of building a community of shared future for nuclear safety advocated by China.In cases of violations of international law regarding the disposal of nuclear-contaminated water that jeopardize the concept of a community of a shared future for nuclear safety,China can also rely on its own strength to promote the implementation of due obligations through self-help.

Development of Localized Assessment of Municipal Wastewater Disposal Risks

A means to develop a comparative assessment of the risks of available wastewater effluent disposal options on a local scale needs to be developed to help local decision-makers make decisions on options such as direct or indirect potable reuse options. These options have garnered more interest as a result of water supply limitations in many urban areas. This risk assessment was developed from a risk assessment developed at the University of Miami in 2001 and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2023. Direct potable reuse and injection wells were deemed to have the lowest risk in the most recent study by FAU. However, the injection well option may not be available everywhere. As a result, a more local means to assess exposure risk is needed. This paper outlines the process to evaluate the public health risks associated with available disposal alternatives which may be very limited in some areas. The development of exposure pathways can help local decision-makers define the challenges, and support later expert level analysis upon which public health decisions are based.

Patients’Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Disposal Methods of Expired and Unused Medicines: Implication for Creation of Drug Take-Back Program

Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (EUM). Improper disposal of expired and unused medicines is hazardous both to humans and the environment. Objective: This sought to measure patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on disposal methods of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 patients at three outpatient pharmacies at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs). The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and STAT version 15.1 was used to analyse the data. Results: 384 respondents participated in this study and, at some point, had EUM. In this study, 356 (92.7%) of the participants reported that they had never heard of a drug take-back system. Most of the participants 285 (74.2%) and 239 (62.2%) kept and donated their unused medicine, respectively. Additionally, 244 (63.5%), 212 (55.2%), and 176 (44.8%) of the participants disposed of expired medicines in the bin or garbage, flushed them in toilets or sinks, or burned them, respectively. Occupation was significantly associated with unsafe disposal of unused medicine [P-value = 0.019]. Conclusion and Relevance: Knowledge of safe disposal methods for EUM was good amongst most participants. However, used unsafe disposal methods. The majority of the participants exhibited positive attitude concerning safe disposal methods. This study highlights the need for drug-take-back program creation in Zambia.

Study of the Management and Disposal Practices of Unused or Out-of-Date Medicines by Households in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Not all medicines that pass-through consumers’ hands are used, and some often expire in households. These health products can be sources of accidental risks and pollution when they are not properly disposed of. In Burkina Faso, there are as yet no guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines in households. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of household possession of unused or expired medicines, and to describe attitudes and disposal practices. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering households in the Ouagadougou commune conducted from June to August 2021. Two-stage stratified sampling was used: selection of Enumeration Zones (EZs) and selection of households, with each EZ comprising several households. Data collection was based on direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: In total, 417 household residents were surveyed out of the planned 423 households, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.58% compared with the initial sample. Among the respondents, 79.62% had unused and/or expired medicines in their household. A total of 2562 drug packaging units were counted, for a total weight of 121.90 kg. Nearly 75% were aware that improper disposal was a danger to the environment. Some respondents kept their unused medicines at home until they expired (43.41%), and disposed of them mainly by throwing them in the household garbage (75.58%). The majority (79%) were in favor of the government setting up a take-back program for these medicines. Conclusion: The introduction of a take-back program for unused or out-of-date medicines will ensure safer disposal of medicines, and better protection for households and the environment.

Production Practice of Solid Waste Desulfurizer Disposal in European Metallurgical Furnace

In order to realize the OY Smelting Furnace disposal of solid waste,municipal waste,form a model of steel enterprises and urban integration,through the production practice of smelting furnace,analyzes the mechanism of solid waste disposal,and proposed the disposal of solid waste desulfurization agent and disposal method:According to the theory to guide the actual production process,the test ton of iron with 10-15kg of desulfurizer in the production process does not affect the quality of molten iron and slag quality.

Characterization of Biofilms and Mineralogical Scale in Underground Injection Well Disposal of Landfill Leachate and Industrial Wastewater Streams

Deep-well injection is a cost-effective alternative for industrial wastewater disposal, given the appropriate geology. Fouling of injection well tubing by biofilm or scale is common and reduces the effective diameter of the pipe, which results in increased wellhead pressure and lower injectivity. A detailed microbiological composition of biofilms and abiotic fingerprints use of mineral scale from an injection well has not been reported before. Therefore, biofilm and mineral scale samples from three depth intervals within a deep injection well (surface zone, D1= 0 - 61 m;intermediate zone, D2 = 62 - 457 m;and above the injection zone, D3 = 458 - 884 m) with recurrent biofilm development were collected to characterize the mineral composition and microbial community DNA. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the solids confirms the composition of the solids collected was mostly calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with minor contributions from common mineral salts. Microbiological fingerprinting suggests that methanogenic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria both of which are anaerobic biofilm producers were the most prevalent members of the prokaryotic community at all sampled depths. Methanosarcinae spp. increased with increasing depths, unlike other archaea. A non-pathogenic biofilm-producing Entamoeba dispar was the most prevalent member of the microbial domain (>30%) in all samples but was highest at the middle depth. The Chao alpha diversity indices for bacteria, viruses, and protozoans were highest at the shallow depth and gradually declined with increasing depth. The prevalent species above the injection zone depth are not barophilic organisms that thrive at high pressures, rather they are sulfate-reducing bacteria involved in anaerobic dissimilatory sulfate metabolism.

Earthquake-induced fracture displacements and transmissivity changes in a 3D fracture network of crystalline rock for spent nuclear fuel disposal

During the long service period of a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rock,large earthquake(s)may occur nearby the repository site and coseismically alter the local stress field around pre-existing fractures within the geological formation.The resulting fracture normal/shear displacements may lead to fracture opening and further promote the transport of leaked radionuclides into the groundwater system.Thus,it is of central importance to analyze the consequences of potential future earthquake(s)on the hydrogeological properties of a repository site for spent nuclear fuel disposal.Based on the detailed site characterization data of the repository site at Forsmark,Sweden,we conduct a three-dimensional(3D)seismo-hydro-mechanical simulation using the 3Dimensional Distinct Element Code(3DEC).We explicitly represent a primary seismogenic fault zone and its surrounding secondary fracture network associated with a power-law size scaling and a Fisher orientation distribution.An earthquake with a magnitude of M_(w)=5.6 caused by the reactivation of the primary fault zone is modeled by simulating its transient rupture propagating radially outwards from a predefined hypocenter at a specified rupture speed,with the faulting dynamics controlled by a strength weakening law.We model the coseismic response of the off-fault fracture network subject to both static and dynamic triggering effects.We further diagnose the distribution of fracture hydro-mechanical properties(e.g.mechanical/hydraulic aperture,hydraulic transmissivity)before and after the earthquake in order to quantify earthquakeinduced hydraulic changes in the fracture network.It is found that earthquake-induced fracture transmissivity changes tend to follow a power-law decay with the distance to the earthquake fault.Our simulation results and insights obtained have important implications for the long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste repositories in fractured crystalline rocks.

Research on revision of relevant provisions of high-speed railway emergency disposal in the regulations on railway technical management(RRTM)

Purpose–This study aims to improve the rules and regulations system of high-speed rail emergency disposal.Design/methodology/approach–Based on the analysis of the demands,rules and regulations of China concerning on-site high-speed rail emergency disposal,basic principles for revising the regulations on railway technical management(RRTM)are proposed and suggestions and evaluation methods according to the main clauses are put forward.Findings–Basic principles for revising the RRTM are proposed,namely“to meet the actual needs of on-site high-speed railway emergency disposal,standardize the emergency disposal process,improve the efficiency of emergency disposal and keep the consistency between provisions of emergency disposal”.Existing provisions related to emergency disposal efficiency,scenarios,safety and service quality are made up for the deficiencies.To make up for the deficiencies of the existing provisions related to emergency disposal efficiency,improvement of emergency disposal scenarios and guarantee of emergency disposal safety and quality,this paper puts forward suggestions on revising 15 emergency disposal provisions of the RRTM with regard to earthquake monitoring and warning,in-station foreign body invasion warning,air conditioning failure of EMU trains and forced parking of trains in sections.A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model based on the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)is constructed to evaluate the proposed revision scheme and suggestions,which has been highly recognized by experts.Originality/value–This study implements the goal of high-quality railway development.

Body composition and metabolic syndrome in patients with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND In recent years,the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetes(T1DM)patients has gradually increased.Insulin resistance in T1DM deserves attention.It is necessary to clarify the relationship between body composition,metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in T1DM to guide clinical treatment and intervention.AIM To assess body composition(BC)in T1DM patients and evaluate the relationship between BC,metabolic syndrome(MS),and insulin resistance in these indi-viduals.METHODS A total of 101 subjects with T1DM,aged 10 years or older,and with a disease duration of over 1 year were included.Bioelectrical impedance analysis using the Tsinghua-Tongfang BC Analyzer BCA-1B was employed to measure various BC parameters.Clinical and laboratory data were collected,and insulin resistance was calculated using the estimated glucose disposal rate(eGDR).RESULTS MS was diagnosed in 16/101 patients(15.84%),overweight in 16/101 patients(15.84%),obesity in 4/101(3.96%),hypertension in 34/101(33.66%%)and dyslip-idemia in 16/101 patients(15.84%).Visceral fat index(VFI)and trunk fat mass were significantly and negatively correlated with eGDR(both P<0.001).Female patients exhibited higher body fat percentage and visceral fat ratio compared to male patients.Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that significant factors for MS included eGDR[P=0.017,odds ratio(OR)=0.109],VFI(P=0.030,OR=3.529),and a family history of diabetes(P=0.004,OR=0.228).Significant factors for hypertension included eGDR(P<0.001,OR=0.488)and skeletal muscle mass(P=0.003,OR=1.111).Significant factors for dyslipidemia included trunk fat mass(P=0.033,OR=1.202)and eGDR(P=0.037,OR=0.708).CONCLUSION Visceral fat was found to be a superior predictor of MS compared to conventional measures such as body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio in Chinese individuals with T1DM.BC analysis,specifically identifying visceral fat(trunk fat),may play an important role in identifying the increased risk of MS in non-obese patients with T1DM.

Creep constitutive model considering nonlinear creep degradation of fractured rock

Stability analysis of underground constructions requires a model study of rock masses’ long-term performance. Creep tests under different stress conditions was conducted on intact granite and granite samples fractured at 30° and 45° angles. The experimental results indicate that the steady creep strain rates of intact and fractured rock present an exponential increase trend with the increase of stress level. A nonlinear creep model is developed based on the experimental results, in which the initial damage caused by fracture together with the damage caused by constant load have been taken into consideration. The fitting analysis results indicated that the model proposed is more accurate at identifying the full creep regions in fractured granite, especially the accelerated stage of creep deformation. The least-square fit error of the proposed creep model is significantly lower than that of Nishihara model by almost an order of magnitude. An analysis of the effects of elastic modulus, viscosity coefficient, and damage factors on fractured rock strain rate and creep strain is conducted. If no consideration is given to the effects of the damage, the proposed nonlinear creep model can degenerate into to the classical Nishihara model.

可生物降解塑料取代传统塑料--对碳排放的影响

In recent years,a great deal of attention has been focused on the environmental impact of plastics,includ-ing the carbon emissions related to plastics,which has promoted the application of biodegradable plas-tics.Countries worldwide have shown high interest in replacing traditional plastics with biodegradable plastics.However,no systematic comparison has been conducted on the carbon emissions of biodegrad-able versus traditional plastic products.This study evaluates the carbon emissions of traditional and biodegradable plastic products(BPPs)over four stages and briefly discusses environmental and economic perspectives.Four scenarios-namely,the traditional method,chemical recycling,industrial composting,and anaerobic digestion-are considered for the disposal of waste BPPs(WBPPs).The analysis takes China as a case study.The results show that the carbon emissions of 1000traditional plastic products(plastic bags,lunch boxes,cups,etc.)were52.09-150.36 carbon emissions equivalent of per kilogram(kg CO_(2)eq),with the stage of plastic production contributing 50.71%-50.77%.In comparison,1000 similar BPPs topped out at 21.06-56.86 kg CO_(2)eq,approximately 13.53%-62.19%lower than traditional plastic prod-ucts.The difference was mainly at the stages of plastic production and waste disposal,and the BPPs showed significant carbon reduction potential at the raw material acquisition stage.Waste disposal plays an important role in environmental impact,and composting and anaerobic digestion are considered to be preferable disposal methods for WBPPs.However,the high cost of biodegradable plastics is a challenge for their widespread use.This study has important reference significance for the sustainable development of the biodegradableplastics industry.

Analysis of impact pressure,rock-breaking effect,and ground vibration induced by the disposable CO_(2)fracturing tube

The technology of expansion fracturing with liquid CO_(2)(EFLCO_(2))has attracted increasing attention due to reduced vibration and damage.The disposable fracturing tube has been developed and is gradually replacing the Cardox tube.However,there is a lack of impact pressure testing of disposable tubes under real working conditions,selection of gas explosion design parameters,and systematic analysis of blasting vibration.This limitation has constrained the widespread application of disposable fracturing tubes in engineering.A joint monitoring of the pressure-time curves in the disposable tubes and boreholes was conducted.The rock-breaking effect of varying hole spacing parameters in the EFLCO_(2)design was analyzed,and a systematic study was carried out on the vibration peak value,frequency,and energy characteristics.The results show that(1)the pressure distribution characteristics,stress peak value,and duration in the disposable tubes are different from those of Cardox tubes,which show multi-peak distribution,low-pressure peak value,and short duration.The correlation between the pressure in the disposable tube,filling pressure,and liquid CO_(2)weight is established,and a theoretical calculation method for the borehole wall pressure is proposed;(2)The hole spacing in rocks of different hardness is suggested;and(3)At the same scale distance,the peak particle velocity(PPV)caused by EFLCO_(2)(PPVCO_(2))is significantly smaller than that caused by blasting(PPVexplosive).The ratio of PPVexplosive to PPVCO_(2)is a power function related to scale distance,and a distance-related zonality exist in this relationship.The frequency composition of the vibration signal caused by EFLCO_(2)is relatively simple with a narrow frequency band.Its PPV and energy are mainly concentrated in the low-frequency band.This research contributes to the optimization of disposable fracturing tubes,gas explosion design,and vibration hazard control.

Development of an Integrated Disposable Device for SARSCoV-2 Nucleic Acid Extraction and Detection

Objective To develop a highly sensitive and rapid nucleic acid detection method for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods We designed,developed,and manufactured an integrated disposable device for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction and detection.The precision of the liquid transfer and temperature control was tested.A comparison between our device and a commercial kit for SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction was performed using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The entire process,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification,was evaluated.Results The precision of the syringe transfer volume was 19.2±1.9μL(set value was 20),32.2±1.6(set value was 30),and 57.2±3.5(set value was 60).Temperature control in the amplification tube was measured at 60.0±0.0℃(set value was 60)and 95.1±0.2℃(set value was 95)respectively.SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction yield through the device was 7.10×10^(6) copies/mL,while a commercial kit yielded 2.98×10^(6) copies/mL.The mean time to complete the entire assay,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification detection,was 36 min and 45 s.The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was 250 copies/mL.Conclusion The integrated disposable devices may be used for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care test(POCT).

Climate change and human health: Last call to arms for us

Climate change,now the foremost global health hazard,poses multifaceted challenges to human health.This editorial elucidates the extensive impact of climate change on health,emphasising the increasing burden of diseases and the exacerbation of health disparities.It highlights the critical role of the healthcare sector,particularly anaesthesia,in both contributing to and mitigating climate change.It is a call to action for the medical community to recognise and respond to the health challenges posed by climate change.

向量优化中Free Disposal集的某些对偶性质

在分离局部凸空间中考虑free disposal集的对偶性质,其中free disposal集是指与凸锥的代数和仍是其本身的集合.在E_1或E_2是free disposal集的条件下,证明了(E_1∩E_2)^+=E_1^++E_2^+和E_1^+∩E_2^+=(E_1+E_2)^+等对偶结果.

Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Healthcare Waste Incinerators’ Bottom Ash from Five County Hospitals in Kenya

Health-care waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms and compounds which can infect and affect hospital patients, healthcare workers, the general public and environment. Therefore, management of health care waste requires safe handling, treatment and disposal procedures. While incineration reduces the volume and quantity of waste for final disposal, it leads to the production of fly and bottom ashes laden with toxic incomplete combustion products such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans and heavy metals. This exposes workers who handle and dispose the bottom ashes, hospital patients, the general public and environment. The goal of this study was to determine the total and individual levels of 16 most prevalent and toxic PAHs. Bottom ash samples were collected from incinerators in five county hospitals in Kenya, namely;Moi-Voi, Narok, Kitale, Makindu and Isiolo. Bottom ash samples were collected over a period of six months from the five hospitals. The samples were then sieved, homogenised and stored at 4°C in amber coloured glass containers. The PAHs were extracted using 30 ml of a hexane-acetone solvent (1:1) mixture by ultrasonication at room temperature (23°C) for 45 minutes. The PAHs were then analyzed with a GC-MS spectrophotometer model (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE) connected to a computer work station was used for the PAHs analysis. The GC-MS was equipped with an SGE BPX5 GC capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) for the separation of compounds. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 15.5 ml/minute and 14.5 psi. 1 μl of the sample was injected at 280°C, split mode (10:1). The oven programming was set for a total runtime of 40 minutes, which included: 100°C (2-minute hold);10°C /min rise to 200°C;7°C /min rise to 249°C;3°C /min rise to 300°C (2-minute hold). The interface temperature was set at 290°C. Analysis was done in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode and the peak areas of each of the PAHs were collected from the chromatograph and used for quantification of the 16 PAHs listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which included, BaA (benz[a]anthracene: 4 rings), BaP (benzo[a]pyrene: 5 rings), BbF (benzo [b]fluoranthene: 5 rings), BkF (benzo[k]fluoranthene: 5 rings), Chr (chrysene: 4 rings), DbA (dibenz[a,h]anthracene: 5 rings), InP (indeno[1,2,3 - cd] pyrene: 6 rings) and Acp (acenaphthene: 3 rings), Acpy (acenaphthylene: 3 rings), Ant (anthracene: 3 rings), BghiP (benzo[g,h,i]perylene: 6 rings), Flu (fluorene: 3 rings), FluA (fluoranthene: 4 rings), Nap (naphthalene: 2 rings), PhA (phenanthrene: 3 rings) and Pyr (pyrene: 4 rings). Ion source-interface temperature was set at 200°C - 250°C. Internal standards from Sigma Aldrich were used in the analysis and the acquired mass spectra data were then matched against the NIST 2014 library [1] [2]. The mean PAHs concentration in the bottom ashes of each hospital varied broadly from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.4845 mg/kg, and the mean total concentration levels of individual PAHs ranged from 0.0072 mg/kg to 1.171 mg/kg. Low molecular weight PAHs (Phenanthrene, Naphthalene and Fluorene) were predominant in all the hospital wastes whereas Kitale and Narok presented the lowest PAHs concentrations and the lowest number of individual PAHs. Moi/Voi recorded the highest total PAHs concentration at 1.3129 ± 0.0023 mg/kg from a total of 11 PAHs being detected from the bottom ash samples. Narok had only three PAHs being detected at very low concentrations of 0.0041 ± 0.00 mg/kg, 0.0076 ± 0.00 mg/kg and 0.012 ± 0.00 mg/kg for phenanthrene, anthracene and chrysene respectively. This study presents hospital incinerator bottom ash as containing detectable levels of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs. Continued unprotected exposure of hospital workers (waste handlers) to the bottom ash PAHs could be hazardous to their health because of their cumulative effect. Preventive measures e.g. the use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be prioritised to minimise direct contact with the bottom ash. The study recommends an upgrade on incinerator technology for efficient combustion processes thus for better pollution control.

Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Monitoring and Early Warning System for Kitchen Garbage Treatment

With a population of 1.4 billion in China and a huge daily output of kitchen waste,intelligent treatment of kitchen waste is imperative.This article elaborates on the design and implementation of an intelligent monitoring and early warning system from five aspects:system architecture design,hardware equipment selection and configuration,data collection and processing flow,early warning algorithm and model development,and system integration and testing verification.It also points out the advantages of the intelligent monitoring and early warning system in kitchen waste treatment.

Research Progress on Flexible Ureteroscopy

The ureteroscopic surgical technique has developed rapidly in recent years and has become an important method of urological surgery. The manufacturing and production of corresponding ureteroscopes are also constantly improving. This article systematically reviews and analyzes existing literature, summarizes the characteristics of various ureteroscopes in recent years, studies the advantages and disadvantages of ureteroscopes with different characteristics, summarizes relevant clinical experience in the use of ureteroscopes, and provides preliminary prospects for the future development of ureteroscopes. The results indicate that disposable electronic ureteroscopes and robotic ureteroscope systems may be an important development direction in the future.