Van Krevelen diagrams based on machine learning visualize feedstock-product relationships in thermal conversion processes.

Feedstock properties play a crucial role in thermal conversion processes, where understanding the influence of these properties on treatment performance is essential for optimizing both feedstock selection and the overall process. In this study, a series of van Krevelen diagrams were generated to illustrate the impact of H/C and O/C ratios of feedstock on the products obtained from six commonly used thermal conversion techniques: torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrothermal gasification, pyrolysis, and gasification. Machine learning methods were employed, utilizing data, methods, and results from corresponding studies in this field. Furthermore, the reliability of the constructed van Krevelen diagrams was analyzed to assess their dependability. The van Krevelen diagrams developed in this work systematically provide visual representations of the relationships between feedstock and products in thermal conversion processes, thereby aiding in optimizing the selection of feedstock and the choice of thermal conversion technique.

Can torrefaction be a suitable method of enhancing shredder fines recycling?

Effective recycling of metallic waste and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) is of crucial importance. Currently used separation and sorting techniques result in the formation of fine residue (usually below 10-20 mm) called shredder fines. Shredder fines contain the so-called 'fluff' (i.e., foam, wood and textile fibres) with metal particles entangled in it. This 'fluff' interferes with sorting techniques and thus reduces the metal recycling rate. For this reason, presently, shredder fines are primarily landfilled, which is not covered by the greater objective of the circular economy; therefore, the need for their recycling emerged. Low-temperature pyrolysis (torrefaction) increases the 'fluff' fragility and thus liberates the metal particles without their substantial oxidation, thereby enabling their recycling. For that reason, in this article, shredder fines torrefaction was performed at the temperature range of 250-450 °C. The process products were comprehensively characterised using, among others, MicroGC (non-condensables), GC/MS (condensables), and ICP-SFMS (char). The possible application of the torrefied shredder fines after the metal sorting was discussed as well. Torrefaction was identified as a promising way of shredder fines recycling, and the torrefied shredder fines after metals sorting have the potential to be used as an ingredient of a raw material mix for cement kilns.

On the Self-Structuring Antenna.

This paper shows the results of an investigation on the self-structuring antenna. This antenna consists of a combination of planar paths interconnected by controllable switches. A numerical electromagnetics code (NEC) environment and application with implemented genetic algorithms were used in this research. As a result of the investigation, an antenna template was built and measured.

[Analysis of pre-operative loads and their relation to postoperative mortality in patients with proximal femur fracture]. / Analiza obciazen przedoperacyjnych i ich zwiazku z umieralnoscia pooperacyjna u chorych ze zlamaniem blizszego konca kosci udowej.

Good functional efficiency of patients after surgical treatment of proximal femur fracture may be associated with the presence of preoperative loads. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of preoperative loads on the functional outcome of surgical treatment and the presence of complications observed in the perioperative period in patients with previous BKKU fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis included 202 patients with proximal femur fractures undergoing surgery, including 146 women aged 80.1 +/- 15.4 years and 56 men aged 74.3 +/- 13.2 years. The patients were divided according to the type of fracture into two groups. The first group consisted of 120 patients (91 women and 29 men) with intertrochanteric fractures and the second group consisting of 82 patients (55 women and 27 men) with femoral neck fractures. The analysis takes into account the influence of chronic co-morbidities on the treatment method used and the outcome of the treatment, taking into account the greatest possible independence in the daily activities of the operated patients. RESULTS: In 85% of surgical patients treated for proximal femur fractures, concomitant diseases were observed in the pre-operative period. 28 of them were disqualified from surgery. In the remaining 38 patients perioperative complications were observed, including prolonged bleeding, infection and exacerbation of renal failure. The most unfavorable complication in the analysis was renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the age group predisposing to proximal femur fractures should be carefully monitored for co-morbid chronic diseases. This action may reduce the percentage of disqualification from surgical treatment and the risk of perioperative complications.

[Analiza postepowania w zlamaniach okoloprotezowych kosci udowej po endoprotezoplastyce stawu biodrowego]. / Analysis of management of periprosthetic fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty.

Fracture around the femoral shaft after hip arthroplasty is rarely trauma. On the other hand, the surgical supply of this fracture is a very demanding process, because we deal with older, often patients with risk factors, with poor bone quality and a broken bone canal filled with a prosthesis stem. AIM: The aim of the study is to analyze the frequency of these fractures over the years 2005-2011 and examples of surgical solutions (plate fixation, revision stems). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the discussed period, 12 patients were treated for periprosthetic fracture of the femur. The analysis excluded patients with intraoperative fractures performed during primary arthroplasty. The analysis involved the mechanism of injury, the primary cause of the prosthesis, the fracture morphology (according to Vancouver classification). RESULTS: 11 patients were treated surgically and 1 conservatively. In 10 cases, a good or very good treatment result was obtained. In 2 patients, complications occurred and surgical treatment was necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic fractures are characterized by a high percentage of failures (18%) requiring reoperation.