Development of novel highly productive track etch membranes for forward osmosis process

Forward osmosis (FO) process has gained vast popularity in recent years. FO has the potential advantages of low energy demand, insignificant membrane fouling, and as result rare membrane cleaning is required [1]. Despite that nowadays different research groups from around the world [2] working on development of highly productive membranes for direct osmosis process, water flux of FO membranes is far away from water flux of reverse osmosis membranes. With reference to that it can be claimed that development of the new generation of forward osmosis membrane is of high importance

Aquatic Environment

Environment and Development: Basic Principles, Human Activities, and Environmental Implications focuses on the adverse impact that human activities, developments, and economic growth have on both natural and inhabited environments. The book presents the associated problems, along with solutions that can be used to achieve a harmonic, sustainable development that provides for the co-existence of man and natural life

Aquatic Environment

Environment and Development: Basic Principles, Human Activities, and Environmental Implications focuses on the adverse impact that human activities, developments, and economic growth have on both natural and inhabited environments. The book presents the associated problems, along with solutions that can be used to achieve a harmonic, sustainable development that provides for the co-existence of man and natural life

Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: A Literature Review

Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Currently, there is growing scientific interest in the development of more economic, efficient and environmentally friendly municipal wastewater treatment technologies. Laboratory and pilot-scale surveys have revealed that the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) is a promising alternative for municipal wastewater treatment. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor technology combines the advantages of anaerobic processes and membrane technology. Membranes retain colloidal and suspended solids and provide complete solid–liquid separation. The slow-growing anaerobic microorganisms in the bioreactor degrade the soluble organic matter, producing biogas. The low amount of produced sludge and the production of biogas makes AnMBRs favorable over conventional biological treatment technologies. However, the AnMBR is not yet fully mature and challenging issues remain. This work focuses on fundamental aspects of AnMBRs in the treatment of municipal wastewater. The important parameters for AnMBR operation, such as pH, temperature, alkalinity, volatile fatty acids, organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and solids retention time, are discussed. Moreover, through a comprehensive literature survey of recent applications from 2009 to 2021, the current state of AnMBR technology is assessed and its limitations are highlighted. Finally, the need for further laboratory, pilot- and full-scale research is addressed.Nazarbayev University, the Republic of Kazakhstan, grant number 110119FD4533

Determination of aspirin in municipal wastewaters of Nur-Sultan City, Kazakhstan

The presence of aspirin in the municipal wastewater of Nur-Sultan city, Kazakhstan, was studied in this research. Aqueous phase samples were collected before any treatment [1] and in the end of treatment process of Nur-Sultan wastewater treatment plant [2]. The study was conducted from April to December 2021. The concentrations of target compound were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The obtained results showed that the concentration of aspirin was generally higher than those reported in the literature. For instance, influent and effluent concentrations of aspirin were equal to 42.8 – 60.4 ppb and 1.4 – 6.5 ppb, respectively (October – December period). The removal of aspirin by wastewater treatment process was equal to 50 - 90.2%. Aspirin was not detected in the spring-summer period of 2021. This could be due to usage of aspirin as a medicine for the treatment and prevention of seasonal flu in the autumn-winter period by the population of the city of Nur-Sultan. Currently, our research team is working on investigation of other potential contaminants of emerging concern in municipal wastewaters of Nur-Sultan city and on treatment methods that could efficiently remove the contaminants of emerging concern

New ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs from the European lower cretaceous demonstrate extensive ichthyosaur survival across the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary

Background Ichthyosauria is a diverse clade of marine amniotes that spanned most of the Mesozoic. Until recently, most authors interpreted the fossil record as showing that three major extinction events affected this group during its history: one during the latest Triassic, one at the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary (JCB), and one (resulting in total extinction) at the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. The JCB was believed to eradicate most of the peculiar morphotypes found in the Late Jurassic, in favor of apparently less specialized forms in the Cretaceous. However, the record of ichthyosaurs from the Berriasian–Barremian interval is extremely limited, and the effects of the end-Jurassic extinction event on ichthyosaurs remains poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings Based on new material from the Hauterivian of England and Germany and on abundant material from the Cambridge Greensand Formation, we name a new ophthalmosaurid, Acamptonectes densus gen. et sp. nov. This taxon shares numerous features with Ophthalmosaurus, a genus now restricted to the Callovian–Berriasian interval. Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that Ophthalmosauridae diverged early in its history into two markedly distinct clades, Ophthalmosaurinae and Platypterygiinae, both of which cross the JCB and persist to the late Albian at least. To evaluate the effect of the JCB extinction event on ichthyosaurs, we calculated cladogenesis, extinction, and survival rates for each stage of the Oxfordian–Barremian interval, under different scenarios. The extinction rate during the JCB never surpasses the background extinction rate for the Oxfordian–Barremian interval and the JCB records one of the highest survival rates of the interval. Conclusions/Significance There is currently no evidence that ichthyosaurs were affected by the JCB extinction event, in contrast to many other marine groups. Ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs remained diverse from their rapid radiation in the Middle Jurassic to their total extinction at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous

ОЦЕНКА ЖИЗНЕСПОСОБНОСТИ ПОВРЕЖДЕННОГО МИОКАРДА У КАРДИОХИРУРГИЧЕСКИХ БОЛЬНЫХ: СРАВНЕНИЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЕЙ МАГНИТНО-РЕЗОНАНСНОЙ И ЭМИССИОННОЙ ТОМОГРАФИИ

The article comprises a review of modern methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and emission tomography (single-photon emission and positron emission computed tomography – SPECT and PET) as tools for diagnosis and prognosis of myocardial ischemic damage, in particular in coronary revascularization. The definition of term «myocardial viability» is discussed. It has been shown that the integrity of blood-tissue barrier between myocardium and microcirculatory vessels is the most sensitive marker of tissue viability and of functional integrity of myocardium. It’s evaluation by means of contrast-enhanced MRI of myocardium is the most available and most precise technique of diagnosis and prognosis both in patients with post-infarction myocardial scarring and in patients with coronary disease without myocardial infarction. It is proposed that in the nearest future the combination of MR-coronarography and contrast-enhanced MRI of myocardium will deliver a possibility to obtain the full set of data necessary for planning of endovascular and surgical treatment of various forms of coronary heart disease. PET and SPECT techniques currently are of some essential interest for pathophysiologic studies of coronary ischemia in clinical and experimental studies as well as for qualitative visual studies of pharmacokinetics.Представлен обзор современных методов эмиссионной (однофотонной эмиссионной компьютерной томографии – ОФЭКТ и позитронной эмиссионной томографии – ПЭТ) и магнитно-резонансной томографии (МРТ) в отношении возможностей оценки тяжести повреждения миокарда и прогнозирования эффективности реваскуляризирующих вмешательств при коронарном атеросклерозе. Обсуждается термин «жизнеспособность миокарда». Показано, что сохранность гематомиокардиального барьера определяет функциональную сохранность миокарда, а ее оценка с помощью контрастированной МРТ миокарда – наиболее точный и в то же время доступный метод диагностики и прогноза как у пациентов с постинфарктным кардиосклерозом, так и при стенокардии без перенесенного инфаркта миокарда. Предположено, что комбинация МР-коронарографии и контрастированной МРТ миокарда позволит за одно исследование полностью получать весь комплекс данных, необходимых для планирования эндоваскулярного и хирургического лечения. Методы ОФЭКТ и ПЭТ сохранят значение для патофизиологических исследований коронарной ишемии в клинике и эксперименте, качественной оценки кинетики лекарственных препаратов

New data on the ichthyosaur Platypterygius hercynicus and its implications for the validity of the genus

The description of a nearly complete skull from the late Albian of northwestern France reveals previously unknown anatomical features of Platypterygius hercynicus (Kuhn 1946), and of European Cretaceous ichthyosaurs in general. These include a wide frontal forming the anteromedial border of the supratemporal fenestra, a parietal excluded from the parietal foramen, and the likely presence of a squamosal, inferred from a very large and deep facet on the quadratojugal. The absence of a squamosal has been considered as an autapomorphy of the genus Platypterygius for more than ten years and has been applied to all known species by default, but the described specimen casts doubt on this putative autapomorphy. Actually, it is shown that all characters that have been proposed previously as autapomorphic for the genus Platypterygius are either not found in all the species currently referred to this genus, or are also present in other Ophthalmosauridae. Consequently, the genus Platypterygius must be completely revised.Peer reviewe

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ТРЕКОВЫХ МЕМБРАН В ПРОЦЕССАХ ПРЯМОГО И ОБРАТНОГО ОСМОСА

A method of design of polyethylene terephthalate track membranes with asymmetric (conic) pores shaped by ion-track technology was considered. The method consists of two main stages: irradiation by swift heavy ions and one-sided etching of latent tracks. The shape and dimensions of individual pores of track membranes were defined by scanning electron microscopy of surfaces and cross-sections of membranes prepared with different etching times. Based on these results, time dependencies of cone bases and apex diameters of asymmetrical pores were determined. The possibility of the membranes application for direct and reverse osmosis was determined according to the results of investigations asymmetric track membranes with conic shape pores by means of measuring of hydrophility, air and water performance. Based on the analysis of tensile strength under loading with slowly changing pressure, the maximum pressure value that the membrane could stare was determined, as well as the dependence of the strength characteristics on the samples porosity. Simulation study of osmotic processes in NaCl solution efficiency of the track membranes for the direct and reverse osmosis was demonstrated and the influence of membrane parameters on their performance and the degree of water purification was showed. Рассмотрена методика получения полиэтилентерефталатовых трековых мембран с асимметричной (конусообразной) формой поры с применением ионно-трековой технологии. Метод состоит из двух основных этапов: облучения быстрыми тяжелыми ионами и одностороннего травления латентных треков. С помощью сканирующей электронной микроскопии поверхностей и поперечных сечений мембран, полученных при различных временах травления, охарактеризованы форма и размеры отдельных пор трековых мембран. На основании этих результатов определена временная зависимость диаметров основания и вершины конуса асимметричных пор. По результатам исследования асимметричных трековых мембран с порами конической формы путем измерения степени гидрофильности, производительности по воздуху и воде была установлена возможность применения мембран для прямого и обратного осмоса. На основе анализа прочности на разрыв под нагрузкой с медленно меняющимся давлением определено давление, которое способна выдержать мембрана, а также установлена зависимость характеристик прочности образцов от их пористости. Моделирование осмотических процессов в растворе NaCl продемонстрировало эффективность трековых мембран для прямого и обратного осмоса и показано влияние параметров мембран на их производительность и степень очистки воды.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННЫХ ПРОТОКОЛОВ КОМПЕНСАЦИИ ДВИГАТЕЛЬНЫХ АРТЕФАКТОВ ПРИ СРЕДНЕПОЛЬНОЙ МАГНИТНО-РЕЗОНАНСНОЙ ТОМОГРАФИИ ГОЛОВНОГО МОЗГА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ

Nowadays of great importance is not only the issue of early diagnosis of HIV infection, but of early detection and effective treatment of AIDS complications. The annual increase in the incidence of HIV infection amounts to 4%. Unfortunately, a great number of patients ask for hospital care when their disease has the stage of secondary complications. Such situation requires a fast and affordable diagnostics together with verification of the nature of the affection. Purpose. To evaluate the diagnosis effectiveness of the secondary infectious cerebral affection in patients with HIV infection using the method of non-contrast MRI including the usage of the specially developed software. One hundred thirty three patients were recruited for the study, the main group of 108 persons (as old as 36,8±8,3), all referred to the brain MRI with suggestion of neurologic complications of HIV. The control group comprised 25 patients of the same age with focal damage of vascular nature. In everybody the MRI has been carried out using open middle-field scanner (Az-360, by AZ plc company, Moscow) with field induction 0,4 T, supplied with wireless four-channel quadratur coil for head studies, without contrast enhancement, but using in everybody the specially designed protocols for compensation of movement artifacts. All patients were re-examined in 2, 4 and 6 weeks. MRI images both in first admission and in follow-up studies were reported first qualitatively by type of contour of pathologic focus, by presence of multiple pattern of focal damage, by ultrastructure of foci, extent of perifocal oedema, interhaemispheric dislocation; also the dimensions of lateral ventriculi, of external subarachnoidal spaces and thickness of cortex in various regions were measured. Focal cerebral damage verified later as toxoplasmosis was revealed in the main group in 80% (86 of 108) of patients. False-negative and false-positive conclusions of MRI studies were not revealed also in prospective follow-up studies. Of these in 69 (80,2%) the pathologic foci were multiple and did localize periventricularly in particular in putamen, nucleus caudatus, equally frequent for both haemispherae, single foci were detected in thalami, concomitant with tendency to extensive cortical dystrophy. The putamen region was involved more frequently as compared to other basal ganglii (р=0,003). No significant differences were revealed between various cortical regions as regard to frequency of detection of pathologic foci. Four weeks period was detected as being the most effective time for the dynamic control in the course of treatment. Conclusion. Middle-field MRI of the brain with compensation of movement artifacts is a proper technique for both the diagnosis and follow-up control of treatment of cerebral toxoplasmosis in patients with HIV infection.В настоящее время весьма актуален вопрос не только ранней диагностики ВИЧ-инфекции, но и раннего выявления и эффективного лечения осложнений СПИД. Значительная доля пациентов с ВИЧ обращается за помощью уже с наличием заболевания в стадии вторичных осложнений. Необходима быстрая, экономически доступная диагностика и верификация характера поражения средствами магнитно-резонансной (МР) томографии. Цель исследования: оценить возможности диагностики вторичного инфекционного поражения головного мозга у пациентов с ВИЧ-инфекцией методом бесконтрастной МРТ с использованием среднепольного МР-томографа и специально разработанного программного обеспечения компенсации артефактов движения. Обследованы 133 ВИЧ-инфицированных пациента, основную группу составили 108 (средний возраст 36,8±8,3 года), направленных для МРТ головного мозга с подозрениями на неврологические осложнения. В контрольной группе было 25 пациентов того же возраста с очаговыми повреждениями сосудистого генеза. Всем была выполнена МРТ на среднепольном МР-томографе «Аз-360» (НПФ Аз, Москва) открытого типа с индукцией поля 0,4 Т, беспроводной четырехканальной РЧ-катушкой для головы, без дополнительного контрастного усиления, с использованием специально разработанных протоколов компенсации артефактов движения. Изображения МРТ при первичном и повторном обследовании пациентов оценивалось качественно по характеру контуров патологического очага, наличию множественного очагового поражения, структуре фокусов, выраженности перифокального отека; смещению срединных структур; также определяли размеры боковых желудочков, наружных субарахноидальных пространств, толщину коры в различных отделах. Очаговое поражение головного мозга, верифицированное как токсоплазмоз, было в основной группе выявлено у 80% (86 из 108) обследованных. Ложноположительных и ложноотрицательных результатов при МРТ-диагностике в динамике наблюдения при ретроспективном анализе выявлено не было. Из них у 69 (80,2%) патологические очаговые поражения были множественными и локализовались перивентрикулярно, в том числе в скорлупе, хвостатом ядре с равной частотой и справа и слева, единичные поражения встречались в таламусах, в сочетании с тенденцией к нейродистрофическим изменениям в различных отделах коры. Область скорлупы поражалась статистически значимо чаще других базальных ядер (р=0,003). При исследовании частоты поражения статистически значимого отличия для различных долей мозга не выявлено. Наиболее эффективным временем для динамического проспективного МРТ-исследования — контроля в ходе лечения — оказался срок в 4 недели. Таким образом, среднепольная МР-томография головного мозга с компенсацией артефактов движения является адекватным методом диагностики и проспективной оценки эффективности лечения токсоплазмоза у пациентов с ВИЧ