In this study, a novel multiple-pollutant waste load allocation (WLA) model for a river system is presented based on the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI). This study aims to determine the value of the quality index as the objective function integrated into the fuzzy set theory so that it could decrease the uncertainties associated with water quality goals as well as specify the river's water quality status rapidly. The simulation-optimization (S-O) approach is used for solving the proposed model. The QUAL2K model is used for simulating water quality in different parts of the river system and ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is applied as an optimizer of the model. The model performance was examined on a hypothetical river system with a length of 30 km and 17 checkpoints. The results show that for a given number of both the simulator model runs and the artificial ants, the maximum objective function will be obtained when the regulatory parameter of the ACO algorithm (i.e., q0) is considered equal to 0.6 and 0.7 (instead of 0.8 and 0.9). Also, the results do not depend on the exponent of the membership function (i.e., y). Furthermore, the proposed methodology can find optimum solutions in a shorter time.

ABSTRACT In the present study, to enhance removal of quinoline contaminants using natural active component, vanillin was loaded onto the MCM-41 (Mobile Component Material) nanoparticles in a simple way. The product was divided into two parts, which were improved by Copper(I) and Copper(II) salts. Promoted synthetic nanocatalysts (Cu(I)/Van./MCM-41, and Cu(II)/Van./MCM-41) were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Mapping, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and BET/BJH (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH)) techniques. To reach optimal conditions, experimental design was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The experiments were done with the aid of nanocomposites, in presence of ultraviolet radiation without any auxiliary oxidants. Degradation percentages were measured by an Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer. The products were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass (GC-Mass) technique, and some mechanisms for quinoline removal were proposed. The results indicated that Cu (I) showed better performance in enhanced removal of quinoline than Cu(II).

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of high-dose vitamin C on cardiac reperfusion injury and plasma levels of creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB), troponin I, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial study. Fifty patients (50-80 years old) who had CABG surgery were selected. The intervention group received 5 g of intravenous vitamin C before anesthesia induction and 5 g of vitamin C in cardioplegic solution. The control group received the same amount of placebo (normal saline). Arterial blood samples were taken to determine the serum levels of CK-MB, troponin I, and LDH enzymes. Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured and hemodynamic parameters were recorded at intervals. Results: High doses of vitamin C in the treatment group led to improvement of ventricular function (ejection fraction [EF]) and low Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. The cardiac enzymes level in the vitamin C group was lower than in the control group. These changes were not significant between the groups in different time intervals (anesthesia induction, end of bypass, 6 h after surgery, and 24 h after surgery) for CK-MB, LDH, and troponin I. Hemodynamic parameters, hematocrit, potassium, urinary output, blood transfusion, arrhythmia, and inotropic support showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Vitamin C has significantly improved the patients’ ventricular function (EF) 72 h after surgery and reduced the length of ICU stay. No significant changes in cardiac biomarkers, including CK-MB, troponin I, and LDH, were seen over time in each group. IRCT code: IRCT2016053019470N33