A multilevel sustainability analysis of zinc recovery from wastes

As waste generation increases with increasing population, regulations become stricter to control and mitigate environmental emissions of substances, e.g. heavy metals: zinc and copper. Recovering these resources from wastes is the key interest of industries. The objective of this paper is the sustainability and feasibility evaluations of zinc recovery from waste streams. Sustainability and feasibility of a resource recovery strategy from wastes in a circular economy are governed by avoided environmental impacts and cost-effective transformation of an environmental contaminant into a valuable resource, e.g. as a coproduct by making use of an existing infrastructure as much as possible. This study, for the first time, gives a comprehensive overview of secondary sources and processes of recovering zinc, its stock analysis by country, regional and global divisions by a Sankey diagram, policies to regulate zinc emissions and avoided environmental impacts by zinc recovery. Two representative cases are further investigated for economic feasibility analysis of zinc recovery from 1) steelmaking dust and (2) municipal solid waste (MSW). The amount and value of zinc that can be generated from dust emitted from various steelmaking technologies are estimated. Additional revenues for the steelmaking industrial sector (with electric arc furnace), at the plant, national (UK), regional (EU) and global levels are 11, 12, 169 and 1670 million tonne/y, or 19-143, 20-157, 287-2203 and 2834-21740 million €/y, respectively. The second case study entails an integrated mechanical biological treatment (MBT) system of MSW consisting of metal recovery technologies, anaerobic digestion, refuse derived fuel (RDF) incineration and combined heat and power (CHP) generation. An effective economic value analysis methodology has been adopted to analyse the techno-economic feasibility of the integrated MBT system. The value analysis shows that an additional economic margin of 500 € can be generated from the recovery of 1 tonne of zinc in the integrated MBT system enhancing its overall economic margin by 9%.Zinc, a very abundant heavy metal in waste streams, represents a hazardous heavy metal and a possible resource. The paper gives an overview of the secondary sources and presents an assessment of the feasibility of recovery of zinc from them.The authors would like to thank the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for supporting this project (NE/L014246/1 Resource Recovery from Wastewater with Bioelectrochemical Systems: http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/project/B45DB07A-A707-4005-A8ED-D1F564C28853)

Impact of exercise selection on hamstring muscle activation

Objective To determine which strength training exercises selectively activate the biceps femoris long head (BFLongHead) muscle. Methods We recruited 24 recreationally active men for this two-part observational study. Part 1: We explored the amplitudes and the ratios of lateral (BF) to medial hamstring (MH) normalised electromyography (nEMG) during the concentric and eccentric phases of 10 common strength training exercises. Part 2: We used functional MRI (fMRI) to determine the spatial patterns of hamstring activation during two exercises which (1) most selectively and (2) least selectively activated the BF in part 1. Results Eccentrically, the largest BF/MH nEMG ratio occurred in the 45° hip-extension exercise; the lowest was in the Nordic hamstring (Nordic) and bent-knee bridge exercises. Concentrically, the highest BF/MH nEMG ratio occurred during the lunge and 45° hip extension; the lowest was during the leg curl and bent-knee bridge. fMRI revealed a greater BF(LongHead) to semitendinosus activation ratio in the 45° hip extension than the Nordic (p<0.001). The T2 increase after hip extension for BFLongHead, semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles was greater than that for BFShortHead (p<0.001). During the Nordic, the T2 increase was greater for the semitendinosus than for the other hamstring muscles (p≤0.002). Summary We highlight the heterogeneity of hamstring activation patterns in different tasks. Hip-extension exercise selectively activates the long hamstrings, and the Nordic exercise preferentially recruits the semitendinosus. These findings have implications for strategies to prevent hamstring injury as well as potentially for clinicians targeting specific hamstring components for treatment (mechanotherapy)

Hamstring strength and flexibility after hamstring strain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To systematically review the evidence base related to hamstring strength and flexibility in previously injured hamstrings. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources A systematic literature search was conducted of PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE from inception to August 2015. Inclusion criteria Full-text English articles which included studies which assessed at least one measure of hamstring strength or flexibility in men and women with prior hamstring strain injury within 24 months of the testing date. Results Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Previously injured legs demonstrated deficits across several variables. Lower isometric strength was found <7 days postinjury (d=−1.72), but this did not persist beyond 7 days after injury. The passive straight leg raise was restricted at multiple time points after injury (<10 days, d=−1.12; 10–20 days, d=−0.74; 20–30 days, d=−0.40), but not after 40–50 days postinjury. Deficits remained after return to play in isokinetically measured concentric (60°/s, d=−0.33) and Nordic eccentric knee flexor strength (d=−0.39). The conventional hamstring to quadricep strength ratios were also reduced well after return to play (60:60°/s, d=−0.32; 240:240°/s, d=−0.43) and functional (30:240°/s, d=−0.88), but these effects were inconsistent across measurement methods. Conclusions After hamstring strain, acute isometric and passive straight leg raise deficits resolve within 20–50 days. Deficits in eccentric and concentric strength and strength ratios persist after return to play, but this effect was inconsistent across measurement methods. Flexibility and isometric strength should be monitored throughout rehabilitation, but dynamic strength should be assessed at and following return to play

Hypoxia and vascular nitric oxide bioavailability; implications for the pathophysiology of high-altitude illness

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) is an integral molecule implicated in the control of vascular function. It has been suggested that vascular dysfunction may lead to the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), though data to date remains scarce. Therefore, there is a clear need for further work to address the role of NO in the pathogenesis of high-altitude illness. Aims: There were two primary aims of the current work: (1) To examine whether hypoxia mediated changes in systemic NO metabolism are related to the development of AMS and sub-clinical pulmonary oedema and (2) to examine whether hypoxia mediated changes in the trans-cerebral exchange kinetics of NO metabolites are related to the development of AMS and headache. Hypothesis: We hypothesise that hypoxia will be associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, resulting in a decrease in vascular NO bioavailability (O2 •- + NO ONOO•-, k = 109 M.s-1). The reduction in NO will lead to vascular dysfunction and impaired oxygen (O2) delivery. Subsequent hypoxaemia will result in pulmonary vascular vasoconstriction and the development of sub-clinical pulmonary oedema within and mild brain swelling. Symptoms and reductions in NO bioavailability will be more pronounced in those who develop AMS since they are typically more hypoxaemic. Alternatively, a hypoxia mediated increase in NO, during vasodilatation, specifically across the cerebral circulation, may activate the trigminovascular system resulting in headache and by consequence, AMS. Methods: Study 1 – AMS symptoms, systemic venous NO concentration and nasal potential difference (NPD), used as a surrogate biomarker of extravascular lung oedema, were quantified in normoxia, after a 6hr passive exposure to 12% oxygen (O2) and immediately following a hypoxic maximal exercise challenge ( 6.5 hrs). Final measurements were 2 obtained two hours into (hypoxic) recovery. Study 2 – AMS, radial arterial and internal jugular venous NO metabolite concentrations and global cerebral blood flow (CBF), using the Kety-Schmidt technique, were assessed in normoxia and after a 9hr passive exposure to 12.9% O2. AMS was diagnosed if subjects presented with a combined Lake Louise score of 5 points and an Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire – Cerebral score of 0.7 points. Results: Hypoxia was associated with a reduction in total plasma NO, primarily due to a reduction in nitrate (NO3 •) and a compensatory increase in red blood cell (RBC)-bound NO (P < 0.05 vs. normoxia) in both studies. Study 1 – Exercise reduced plasma nitrite (NO2 •) (P < 0.05 vs. normoxia) whereas RBC-bound NO did not change. NO was not different in those who developed AMS (AMS+) compared to those who remained comparatively more healthy (AMS-) (P < 0.05). NPD was not affected by hypoxia or exercise and was not different between AMS+ and AMS- (P > 0.05). Study 2 – Hypoxia decreased arterial concentration of total plasma NO due primarily to a reduction in NO2 •- and nitrate (NO3 •-). Hypoxia did not alter the cerebral metabolism of RSNO, whereas the formation of RBC-bound NO increased. Discussion: These findings suggest that alterations in systemic or trans-cerebral NO metabolism are not implicated in the pathophysiology of AMS or sub-clinical pulmonary oedema. However, hypoxia was associated with an overall reduction in the total NO pool (NOx), whereas, selected alterations in more vasoactive NO metabolites were observed. Reductions in the partial pressure of O2 (pO2) were thought to be a key regulator in these changes. Overall net increases in RBC NO and corresponding reductions in plasma NO2 • in the face of no alterations in NOx indicates that rather than being simply consumed, NO is reapportioned to other NO metabolites and this may be implicated in the pathophysiology of AMS

The National DNA Database on Trial – Avoiding the Usual Suspects

The National DNA Database on Trial engaged young people with the ethical and social issues surrounding the National DNA Database. a Mock Trial model, the aims of the project were to promote education, awareness raising and public participation in policy making. The project successfully reached those aims, and demonstrated that young people can understand complex genetic topics, and can be encouraged to make decisions about the applications of DNA technology a%er consideration of the surrounding ethical, social, and legal issues. Among other outcomes, the project has helped facilitate the input of young people to the policy process, as evidenced by their presentation to the Human Genetics Commission.Public Engagement Innovations for Horizon 2020Seventh Framework Programme, Collaborative Project, Small or medium scale focused research project, SiS.2013.1.1.1-6: Tools and instruments for a better societal engagement in “Horizon 2020

Emergent Verbal Behavior in Preschool Children Learning a Second Language

We evaluated the emergence of untaught second-language skills following directly taught listener and intraverbal responses. Three preschool children were taught first-language (English) listener responses (e.g., “Point to the horse”) and second-language (Welsh) intraverbal responses (e.g., “What is horse in Welsh?” [ceffyl]). After intervention, increases in untaught second-language tacts (e.g., “What is this in Welsh?” [ceffyl]) and listener responses (e.g., “Point to the ceffyl”) were observed for all three participants

Development of a first-principles hybrid model for large-scale reheating furnaces

This paper details the development of a first-principles hybrid model capable of simulating transient thermal performances of a large scale reheating furnace. In particular, the new modelling approach combines the advantages of the classical zone method of radiation analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in a robust manner, and overcomes the difficulties of incorporating three-dimensional flow field within a zone method based model. The developed model has been validated with comprehensive experimental data collected during an instrumented bloom trial period that includes a long production delay. The results suggest that the model predictions were in good agreement with the actual measurements, and that the model was able to respond correctly with respect to the encountered production delay during the trial.RFS-PR-1001

Abbreviated resonant frequency training to augment heart rate variability and enhance on-demand emotional regulation in elite sport support staff

Support and management staff in elite sport experience work-related stress and emotional disturbance to a similar extent as athletes (Fletcher and Wagstaff 2009). The resonant frequency breathing technique (Lehrer et al. 2000) can inhibit autonomic changes associated with stressful situations or events and as such provides a potential emotional regulation tool. The present study utilised five practitioner-led heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback sessions and home practice via mobile applications to train support and management staff (n = 9) in resonant frequency breathing techniques. Although baseline HRV did not change from pre to post training, participants increased total HRV (i.e., SDNN; p = .006), parasympathetic HRV (i.e., RMSSD; p = .028) and HRV reflective of baroreflex function (i.e., low frequency power; p = .018) while accurately performing resonant frequency breathing without a breath pacer. Post-intervention questionnaire data revealed an increase (p = .032) in habitual use of somatic strategies for emotional regulation, and social validation data suggested that the technique enhanced emotional regulation at home, work and during international competition. HRV biofeedback and the resonant frequency technique provided an on-demand emotional regulation technique for elite sport support and management staff.ERDF A4B fundin

Match play performance characteristics that predict post-match creatine kinase responses in professional rugby union players

Background Rugby union players can take several days to fully recover from competition. Muscle damage induced during the match has a major role in player recovery; however the specific characteristics of match play that predict post-match muscle damage remains unclear. We examined the relationships between a marker of muscle damage and performance characteristics associated with physical contacts and high-speed movement in professional rugby union players. Methods Twenty-eight professional rugby union players (15 forwards, 13 backs) participated in this study. Data were obtained from 4 European Cup games, with blood samples collected 2 h pre, and 16 and 40 h post-match, and were subsequently analysed for creatine kinase (CK). Relationships between changes in CK concentrations and number of physical contacts and high-speed running markers, derived from performance analysis and global positioning system (GPS) data, were assessed. Results Moderate and moderate-large effect-size correlations were identified between contact statistics from performance analysis and changes in CK at 16 and 40 h post-match in forwards and backs, respectively (e.g. backs; total impacts vs. ΔCK (r = 0.638, p < 0.01) and Δ% CK (r = 0.454, p < 0.05) 40 h post-match). Furthermore, moderate effect-size correlations were found between measures of high-speed running and sprinting, and changes in CK at 16 and 40 h post-match within the backs (e.g. high-speed running distance vs. ΔCK (r = 0.434, p = 0.056) and Δ% CK (r = 0.437, p = 0.054) 40 hrs post-match). Conclusions Our data demonstrate that muscle damage induced by professional rugby union match play is to some extent predicted by the number of physical contacts induced during performance. Furthermore, we show for the first time that muscle damage in backs players is predicted by high-speed running measures derived from GPS. These data increase the understanding of the causes of muscle damage in rugby union; performance markers could potentially be used to tailor individual recovery strategies and subsequent training following rugby union competition.knowledge economy skill scholarship (KESS

Improving the bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstock to bio-fuels and chemicals

This study investigated the fate of lignocellulosic biomass (wheat-feed and perennial rye grass) in different anaerobic digestion systems, evaluating the role of substrate specificity on the pattern of degradation. The two-stage (biohydrogen-biomethane) anaerobic system was found to be more effective in the degradation of lignocellulose, when compared to the conventional single-stage system. The perennial rye grass substrate possessed about 21% higher holocellulose concentration when compared to the wheat-feed; its exploitation in the acidogenic digestion was however poor, resulting in a 2.9% lower biogas yield in a equivalent two-stage system. The study therefore developed a treatment technique involving the use of cellulase and ferulic acid esterase enzyme combinations for the treatment of perennial rye grass. The enzyme cocktail at 0.202 ml enzyme/g VS added resulted in efficient bioconversion of the complex polymers to soluble carbohydrates, evident in the yield increase of soluble COD, to 321.0±10.9 mg/gVS, a 393.2% yield increase, when compared to the no enzyme added control. The yield of bio-hydrogen after enzymatic addition was 48ml/gVS, 335% higher when compared to the alkaline treatment; and more than seven fold higher than the yield obtained from the fermentation with no pre-treatment. The acetate to butyrate ratio varied from 4:1, when no pre-treatment was used, to 2:1when alkaline pre-treatment was used, then to 1:1 after the enzymatic treatment. The downstream effect of the prior hydrolysis on the subsequent processes to acidogenic fermentation like biomethane and PHA production and lignin recovery were also investigated. The hydrogenic/acidogenic fermentation resulted in methane yield improvement of 45.7%. The study shows that the more effective a hydrolysis procedure is in the depolymerisation of complex polymers, the greater the accumulation of PHA in the PHA biosynthesis operations. The enhanced hydrogenic /acidogenic fermentation having effectively degraded the holocellulose component of the perennial rye grass substrate ensured that relatively high quality lignin was obtained in an Organosolv lignin-extraction procedure. FT-IR profile show less contamination of polysaccharides and proteins in the lignin extracted from the enzymatically enhanced acidogenic fermentation. An evaluation of the economic viability of the investigated secondary processes showed that direct integrations of those processes to the biohydrogen process may not be as economically advantageous, when compared to a 2nd -stage biomethanation system