Meconium peritonitis: Extrusion of meconium and different sonographical appearances in relation to the stage of the disease

By chance, we had the opportunity to make serial sonographic observations of the extrusion of meconium in a case of meconium peritonitis. Inflammation leads to exudative processes and production of fluid (ascites) in the fetal abdomen. Sonography at that stage of the disease may lead to a misdiagnosis such as ‘fetal ascites’ or ‘non-immune hydrops’. After bowel perforation and extrusion of meconium, the latter appears as a solitary mass inside fetal ascites or as disseminated echogenic masses distributed subdiaphragmatically or perihepatically. Within a couple of days, in most cases the echogenicity of the masses increases. Calcifications lead to distinct shadowing. These calcifications are often the only visible signs of a previous meconium peritonitis. Serial sonograms are essential for the management of pregnancies with meconium peritonitis. If the amount of fetal ascites does not increase and no signs of cardiovascular stagnation appear, no invasive intrauterine diagnostic and therapeutic steps are required. In none out of the nine cases was a cause found.     

The theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) as option generation tool within cleaner production projects

Cleaner Production is an organized approach to minimize industrial waste and emissions by increasing the efficiency of the use of materials and energy. It is propagated especially by UNIDO and UNEP as an approach to identify preventive measures to cut on waste and emissions from industrial activities. Case studies conducted by the authors in the last 10 years demonstrate, that in a number of cases water consumption per production unit of industries from the surface treatment sector, from food processing and from the textile industry could be reduced by 30–90%, auxiliary materials consumption could be reduced by 30–50%, and energy consumption of processes could be reduced by 15–25%. All these measures were actually economically beneficial for the companies, most of these measures paid back in less than one year [1].The standard approach to apply Cleaner Production originates from chemical engineering. It follows the steps of: Drawing a process flow sheet – collecting input/output data – doing mass and energy balances – identify sources for waste and emissions – set priorities – identify options. In the process of option generation one generally relies on expert knowledge or on checklists which are available in different manuals or in the best available technology reference (BREF) notes.¹ This approach is strong with teams with an (chemical) engineering background.The authors wanted to develop a generic approach for option identification especially for teams with little formal engineering background or teams which have to go beyond their professional experience by using elements of the so-called TRIZ method (Theory of inventive problem solving, or originally Russian: “

” (Teoria reschenija isobretatjelskich sadatsch)). TRIZ offers very strong tools for developing process improvement options on a generic level without specific technological knowledge about the process which shall be improved. The authors have found from their research that especially the concept of the Ideal Final Result, and the Laws of Evolution form a conceptual framework which can aid effectively in the identification of improvement options in a systematic way.     

Low NOx burners--prediction of emissions concentration based on design,measurements and modelling

This paper describes possible ways of prediction of nitrogen oxides formation during combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Mathematical model based on experimental data acquired from the testing facility has been developed. The model enables to predict--at a high probability measure--the extent of nitrogen oxides emissions. The mathematical model of nitrogen oxide formation relies on the application of simplified kinetic equations describing the formation of nitrogen oxides at so-called equivalent temperature. It is a semi-empirical model that comes out of experimental knowledge. An important role played by the burner design itself has been emphasized and therefore an important supplementary parameter of the model is the characteristic of the burner design. It has been established that there was a good agreement between experimental data and those calculated by the application of the model to various conditions marked out by different combustion parameters in the combustion chamber. The results obtained by application of the model respect the influence of parameters validated by industrial practice that control the formation of nitrogen oxides in the course of fuel combustion. Such parameters-first of all-tare the temperature in the combustion chamber and the concentration of the substances taking part in the reaction. By application of the model, it is possible to assess the consequence of, for example the surplus of combustion air, the increase of temperature of combustion air, the supply of inert gas, etc. on the nitrogen oxides emissions of the operating burner under evaluation. Efficient combining of experience and sophisticated approach together with importance of thus access for an improved design are shown.     

Evaluation of properties and composition of the mixed municipal waste fine fraction,the case study of Czech Republic

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Estimation of mixed municipal waste composition is important for the option of suitable waste treatment. Many studies have presented their...