Advancing Sustainable 3D Printing: Harnessing the Potential of Wastewater Sludge Incineration Ash for Composite Material Development and Practical Applications

This study delves into the unexplored fusion of wastewater sludge incineration ash (WSIA) and 3D printing, uncovering novel possibilities at the crossroads of environmental engineering and advanced manufacturing. The investigation centers on the integration of WSIA within the additive manufacturing framework, specifically material extrusion-fused deposition modeling (FDM). The study focuses on composite materials blending WSIA with commercial thermoplastics like ABS and PC, meticulously analyzing their physical, chemical, and mechanical attributes. Notably, the research highlights the potential for heightened mechanical strength in ABS composite materials, suggesting applications beyond 3D printing. Emphasizing long-term sustainability, the study advocates for the adoption of biodegradable plastics and underscores the importance of continuous research, mass production feasibility, and regulatory adaptations to fully unlock WSIA’s potential. This synergy of innovation marries environmental awareness with technological progress, offering a harmonious trajectory to reshape manufacturing paradigms and nurture sustainable development. The study’s outcomes present promising avenues for redefining the construction industry and advancing environmental conservation

Divergent lineage of a novel hantavirus in the banana pipistrelle (Neoromicia nanus) in Côte d'Ivoire

Recently identified hantaviruses harbored by shrews and moles (order Soricomorpha) suggest that other mammals having shared ancestry may serve as reservoirs. To investigate this possibility, archival tissues from 213 insectivorous bats (order Chiroptera) were analyzed for hantavirus RNA by RT-PCR. Following numerous failed attempts, hantavirus RNA was detected in ethanol-fixed liver tissue from two banana pipistrelles (Neoromicia nanus), captured near Mouyassué village in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, in June 2011. Phylogenetic analysis of partial L-segment sequences using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods revealed that the newfound hantavirus, designated Mouyassué virus (MOUV), was highly divergent and basal to all other rodent- and soricomorph-borne hantaviruses, except for Nova virus in the European common mole (Talpa europaea). Full genome sequencing of MOUV and further surveys of other bat species for hantaviruses, now underway, will provide critical insights into the evolution and diversification of hantaviruses

Genetic diversity of Imjin virus in the Ussuri white-toothed shrew (Crocidura lasiura) in the Republic of Korea, 2004-2010

Recently, Imjin virus (MJNV), a genetically distinct hantavirus, was isolated from lung tissues of the Ussuri white-toothed shrew (Crocidura lasiura) captured near the demilitarized zone in the Republic of Korea. To clarify the genetic diversity of MJNV, partial M- and L-segment sequences were amplified from lung tissues of 12 of 37 (32.4%) anti-MJNV IgG antibody-positive Ussuri white-toothed shrews captured between 2004 and 2010. A 531-nucleotide region of the M segment (coordinates 2,255 to 2,785) revealed that the 12 MJNV strains differed by 0-12.2% and 0-2.3% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. A similar degree of nucleotide (0.2-11.9%) and amino acid (0-3.8%) difference was found in a 632-nucleotide length of the L segment (coordinates 962 to 1,593) of nine MJNV strains. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the partial M and L segments of MJNV strains generated by the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood methods, showed geographic-specific clustering, akin to the phylogeography of rodent-borne hantaviruses

Leadership Succession Planning: An Examination of Sole Proprietor Estate Surveying and Valuation Firms in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

This paper reports the results from a survey of 38 small sole- proprietor estate surveying and valuation firms in Lagos, Nigeria. A 45% questionnaire retrieval rate was achieved while CEOs/owners of estate surveying and valuation firms were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the respondents‟ general characteristics as well as their attitude toward business succession planning. The study found that sole-proprietor firm owners desired that their firms outlive them through transferring of the firms‟ businesses to their next generation. However, majority of these sole proprietors‟ next generation were not keen on pursuing real estate business related courses in their undergraduate days in view of their exposure to modern technology and the influence of peers. Also, the study found that the owners of these firms have not, as a matter of policy, planned for their succession because of the cultural and attitudinal beliefs and values, which forbid thoughts about death or incapacitation about a living soul. As a result, the study indicated that only 5% of sole proprietor estate surveying and valuation firms in this category have continued to the second generation in the study area. This outcome has serious implications for small professional service businesses‟ economic and job creation potential for Nigeria

Estrogen Antagonist and Development of Macular Hole

To describe the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of a macular hole (MH) or its precursor lesion in patients treated with systemic antiestrogen agents. We reviewed the medical history of the patient, ophthalmic examination, and both fundus and OCT findings. Three female patients receiving antiestrogen therapy sought treatment for visual disturbance. All of the patients showed foveal cystic changes with outer retinal defect upon OCT. Visual improvement was achieved through surgery for the treatment of MH in two patients. Antiestrogen therapy may result in MH or its precursor lesion, in addition to perifoveal refractile deposits. OCT examination would be helpful for early detection in such cases

The determination of dark adaptation time using electroretinography in conscious Miniature Schnauzer dogs

The optimal dark adaptation time of electroretinograms (ERG's) performed on conscious dogs were determined using a commercially available ERG unit with a contact lens electrode and a built-in light source (LED-electrode). The ERG recordings were performed on nine healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs. The bilateral ERG's at seven different dark adaptation times at an intensity of 2.5 cd·s/m2 was performed. Signal averaging (4 flashes of light stimuli) was adopted to reduce electrophysiologic noise. As the dark adaptation time increased, a significant increase in the mean a-wave amplitudes was observed in comparison to base-line levels up to 10 min (p < 0.05). Thereafter, no significant differences in amplitude occured over the dark adaptation time. Moreover, at this time the mean amplitude was 60.30 ± 18.47 µV. However, no significant changes were observed for the implicit times of the a-wave. The implicit times and amplitude of the b-wave increased significantly up to 20 min of dark adaptation (p < 0.05). Beyond this time, the mean b-wave amplitudes was 132.92 ± 17.79 µV. The results of the present study demonstrate that, the optimal dark adaptation time when performing ERG's, should be at least 20 min in conscious Miniature Schnauzer dogs

Identification of FGFR3-TACC3 gene fusion in metastatic gastric cancer

In preclinical cancer models, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene aberration has been known to be associated with increased tumor cell proliferation and survival in several cancer types. Oncogenic fusions consisting of FGFR3 and transforming acid coiled coil 3 (TACC3) had been identified as potential therapeutic target. We report on a gastric cancer patient with liver metastases who harbored FGFR3-TACC3 fusion which is extremely rare in gastrointestinal cancer. Herein, we report a case presentation with literature review of FGFR3-TACC3 fusion