Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CO2 mobility control using direct thickeners and foaming agents

There are two strategies for using CO2-soluble compounds to decrease the mobility of supercritical carbon dioxide. The first involves the “direct thickening” of CO2, which is accomplished by dissolving an associative thickener in the scCO2 that forms viscosity-enhancing macromolecules in solution. The second strategy is to inject a CO2 surfactant solution into the porous media (which contains both brine and oil) that will generate a low mobility system of CO2 droplets separated by surfactant-stabilized brine lamellae that bridge pore throats. Direct thickening was accomplished with surfactants that formed cylindrical, rather than spherical, micelles in scCO2. The surfactants employed divalent cations (Ni, Co) rather than a monovalent cation (Na). Therefore, each surfactant had two tails (rather than one). Further, each tail was a double-tail or triple-tail that was tailored to be CO2-philic, consisting of either highly fluorinated alkanes or highly branched hydrocarbon groups. High pressure SANS was employed to establish whether the micelles were cylindrical or spherical. Further, the dimensions of the micelles were determined. Cloud point pressures of surfactant solutions (1-10wt% surfactant) were determined for the dry and wet (W=0–15, water/surfactant molar ratio) systems using a non-sampling technique, and viscosity was determined using a falling cylinder technique. The CO2 viscosity was doubled using several weight percent of a fluorinated surfactant in the presence of water. Several commercially available, nonionic surfactants were identified that are capable of dissolving in carbon dioxide (CO2) in dilute concentration at typical minimum- miscibility-pressure (MMP) conditions and, upon mixing with brine in a high-pressure windowed cell, stabilizing CO2-in-brine foams. These slightly CO2- soluble, water-soluble surfactants include branched alkylphenol ethoxylates, branched alkyl ethoxylates, a fatty-acid-based surfactant, and a predominantly linear ethoxylated alcohol. Many of the surfactants were between 0.02 to 0.06 wt% soluble in CO2 at 1,500psi and 25oC, and most demonstrated some capacity to stabilize foam. The most- stable foams observed in a high-pressure windowed cell were attained with branched alkylphenol ethoxylates, several of which were studied in transient mobility tests using Berea sandstone cores, and high-pressure computed-tomography (CT)-imaging tests using polystyrene cores. The in-situ formation of weak foams was verified during transient mobility tests by measuring the pressure drop across a Berea sandstone core as a CO2/surfactant solution was injected into a Berea sandstone core initially saturated with brine; the pressure-drop values when surfactant was dissolved in the CO2 were at least twice those attained when pure CO2 was injected into the same brine-saturated core. The greatest mobility reduction was achieved when surfactant was added both to the brine initially in the core and to the injected CO2.
Recovery of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from Cupriavidus necator biomass by solvent extraction with 1,2‐propylene carbonate

An integrated procedure for the recovery of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) produced by Cupriavidus necator based on the extraction with 1,2‐propylene carbonate was evaluated. The effect of temperature (100–145°C) and contact time (15–45 min), precipitation period, and biomass pretreatments (pH shock and/or thermal treatments) on PHB extraction efficiency and polymer properties was evaluated. The highest yield (95%) and purity (84%) were obtained with the combination of a temperature of 130°C and a contact time of 30 min, with a precipitation period of 48 h. Under these conditions, PHB had a molecular weight of 7.4×105, which was the highest value obtained. Lower values (2.2×105) were obtained for higher temperatures (145°C), while lower temperatures resulted in incomplete extraction yields (45–54%). No further yield improvement was achieved with the pH/heat pretreatments, but the polymer's molecular weight was increased to 1.3×106. The PHB physical properties were not significantly affected by any of the tested procedures, as shown by the narrow ranges obtained for the glass transition temperature (4.8–5.0°C), melting temperature (170.1–180.1°C), melting enthalpy (77.8–88.5 J/g) and crystallinity (55–62%). 1,2‐Propylene carbonate was shown to be an efficient solvent for the extraction of PHB from biomass. The precipitation procedure was found to highly influence the polymer recovery and its molecular weight. Although polymer molecular weight and purity were improved by applying pH/heat pretreatment to the biomass, the procedure involves the use of large amounts of chemicals, which increases the recovery costs and makes the process environmentally unfriendly.
The effect of supplemental dietary chromium on blood glucose, body weight and liver enzymes of rabbits

Dietary trivalent chromium as chromium picolinate supplementation is an essential nutrient for human life and been used at higher dosages to offset problems of malabsorption or to pharmacologically influence the chemistry of blood sugar control in diabetics and has been previously studied on the basis of non-randomized clinical trials. It is also recognized as one of 15 trace elements critical for proper physiological functioning of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The present study was unique, as it has been the first ever study in which the effect of different doses of chromium supplementation (200/400 µg chromium chloride) at different time intervals on body weight, bilirubin, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase has been investigated in normal and diabetic rabbits. Twenty four healthy Newzeland white rabbits were randomly selected, half of them were made diabetic with the help of alloxan at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight orally for two weeks on a daily basis. Both normal and diabetic groups were divided into two treatment groups; 200 and 400 µg/L supplemental chromium was provided by chromium chloride incorporated into drinking water daily for sixty days. Blood glucose levels were checked on 0, 15, 30 and 60 days. In supplemental chromium, chloride did not affect bilirubin (P<0.05) in any rabbit type, while results revealed increased secretion of SGPT (93.00 to 134.50 i.µ) and decreased ALK-PHOS levels (133.17 to 45.1 i.µ) in normal group. In contrary, decreased secretion of SGPT (83.50 to 75.17 i.µ) and an increased ALK-PHOS level (115.83 to 167 i.µ) has been observed in diabetic group at doses of 200/400 µg chromium chloride supplementation in all rabbits, while SGOT level showed increased effect in both normal and diabetic groups. The bodyweight profile was affected in all rabbit’s type by supplemental chromium. Bodyweight increased as dietary chromium. Chloride content increased from 0 to 200 µg statistically, experimental data evaluated as significant at (P< 0.05, P< 0.01). Key words: Chromium chloride, blood glucose level, alloxan, body weight, liver enzymes, rabbits.
Restricting activity and earlier oxygen supplementation may reduce adverse outcomes in patients with COVID‑19 (Review)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide and the number of confirmed cases and deaths is increasing rapidly. Approximately one quarter of patients infected with COVID-19 require ICU care, and among these patients, the mortality increases to 49%. Comparative clinical studies have demonstrated that severe and critical disease in patients with COVID-19 is associated with the time from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission. Similarly, an effective quarantine policy that isolates or hospital- izes diseased individuals as soon as possible, to limit their activity, is an important reason for the reduction in the rates of severe and critical disease in China. A number of patients with COVID-19 present mild symptoms at the early stages, while subsequently experiencing rapid deterioration with severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Before the virus invades the lungs and hypoxemia occurs, it is necessary to increase the oxygen supply, which enables the body to fight the virus. Lower oxygen reserves, which are influenced by factors, such as excess activity or changes in vital signs, can increase oxygen consumption, and shifts in the balance of oxygen supply and demand and can lead to critical illness and death. The present review article discusses whether early oxygen supplementation, and reducing the oxygen demand may result in a better prognosis of patients with COVID-19. © 2020 Spandidos Publications. All rights reserved.
Mid-term results of tunneled brachial venous hemodialysis catheter placement: Our single-center experience with 21 patients

Background This study aims to analyze the safety and efficacy of permanent hemodialysis catheter insertion via the brachial vein in unsuitable patients for catheter insertion from other vascular access sites. Methods A total of 21 patients (6 males, 18 females; mean age: 54.4±11.3 years; range, 48 to 77 years) who underwent permanent hemodialysis catheter insertion via the brachial vein between February 2019 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent brachial venous tunneled catheter insertion under the ultrasound guidance and under local anesthesia. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and six months after catheter insertion. The primary patency rate of the catheter at six months of follow-up, potential associated complications of a permanent hemodialysis catheter including catheter thrombosis and catheter infections, and all-cause mortality rates were recorded. Results Catheter removal was required in eight patients (catheter thrombosis, n=5; catheter infection, n=2; and extensive hematoma, n=1). The catheters were patent in the remaining 13 (62%) patients at six months. Mortality occurred in one patient due to bacterial pneumonia. No life-threatening complications including hemothorax or pneumothorax and neurological injury was observed in any of the patients. Conclusion Our study results show that brachial venous tunneled catheter placement for hemodialysis can be a safe and valid alternative to catheter insertion from the jugular or subclavian veins for vascular access in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Globalisation andmental disorders Overview with relation to depression

Declaration of interest None.D. B. has presentedpapers atmeetings that have received educationalgrants from Eli Lilly,Lilly Suisse,Sanofi-Synthelabo, Janssen-Cilag and AstraZeneca.The currentpaperhasnot been a partof any such lecture andno fee has been accepted inthe contextofthis paper. We have entered the brave new world of globalisation. This term has been overused and even misused (Jones, 1995). Broadly, globalisation may be defined as a process in which the traditional boundaries separating individuals and societies gradually and increasingly recede. This process is changing the nature of human interaction in many spheres: economic, political, social, cultural, environmental and technological. It is changing the way we perceive time and space, and the way we think about the world and ourselves (Kunitz, 2000; Lee, 2000). Different philosophical and ideological approaches have led to polarised views about the impact of globalisation on individuals and society. However, the process clearly has both negative and positive results and it is likely to create both losers and winners. Societies alter rapidly through urbanisation, acculturation, modernisation, and social and cultural change. The quality of life in many countries is affected by economic disintegration, unequal distribution of collective wealth, social disruption, political repression, migration and even war. Millions of people still lack food, water, education and basic health care. Global economic forces have weakened poor countries and communities on one hand and reinforced the economic status of wealthy countries on the other. However, the greatest inequalities are often to be found within the borders of nation-states, rather than between underdeveloped and developed countries. The complex links between globalisation, health, and social and mental well-being are only now beginning to be explored, and researchers emphasise the need for a clearly defined research and policy agenda to respond to the challenges posed (Lee, 2000).
Efficacy of preoperative white blood cell count and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio in predicting post-lobectomy pneumonia

Background This study aims to examine preoperative white blood cell count and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio and to investigate foreknown risk factors for pneumonia following lobectomy. Methods Between January 2005 and May 2018, a total of 152 patients (135 males, 17 females; mean age: 61.9±7.5 years; range, 45 to 73 years) who underwent right lower lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Data including age, sex, preoperative white blood cell count and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio, smoking, preexisting chronic diseases, body mass index, stage of lung cancer, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, type of surgery, operation duration, blood transfusion, and postoperative intensive care unit admission were recorded. Results Twenty-five (16.4%) patients developed postoperative pneumonia. Older patients presenting with elevated levels of preoperative white blood cell count and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio, excessive tobacco consumption, prolonged operation duration, history of a chronic disease, a body mass index over 30 kg/m2, advanced lung cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and intensive care unit admission after surgery were at high risk for postoperative pneumonia. There was no significant difference in sex, type of surgery (thoracotomy versus thoracoscopy), and the use of blood products. In predicting the development of postoperative pneumonia, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio had 85. % sensitivity and 87.5% specificity, while white blood cell count had 72.5% sensitivity and 77.5% specificity. Conclusion Preoperative white blood cell count and lymphocyte/ monocyte ratio provide supporting evidence in predicting pneumonia following lobectomy contributing to the existing risk identification criteria.
Effect of Low Temperature Heat Treatment for R512E Coated C-103 Nb Alloy

The article aims to investigate the feasibility of oxidation protection imparted to C-103 Nb-based alloy by fused slurry silicide coating of R512E (60Si20Fe20Cr) carried out at lower temperature (1200 °C) for higher dwell time i.e. 12 hours. The findings reveal that the coating treated can impart sufficient oxidation resistance the alloy, which may withstand the desired application conditions wherein oxidation protection for smaller time period is needed. Moreover, this treatment is not found to deteriorate other mechanical properties of the alloy in 'As coated' condition.
Effect of Nanocellulose on Water-Oil Interfacial Tension

Interfacial tension is an important parameter in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The interaction between water and oil phase is a determinant factor of the interfacial tension. The interfacial tension changes if another component is added to the water-oil system. This study investigates the effect of adding nanocellulose to the water-oil system. To determine the molecular interactions that occur, a molecular dynamics simulation was carried out using the GROMACS-2018 software. The simulation shows that addition of nanocellulose slightly decreases the water-oil interface tension. Further, based on the density profile, nanocellulose may act as an emulsifier due to its geometric position in the water-oil interface. This is similar to asphaltene, which is a natural emulsifier in crude oil. The nanocellulose performs better in the presence of 1% NaCl as compared to pure water.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Glass/Epoxy Composite by Embedding Shape Memory Alloy and Nanoclay

Embedding smart materials in the composite to enhance mechanical strength have become a research hotspot owing to their unique properties. The present research also focus on novel way to fabricate composite by embedding Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire and montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay by varying clay concentration (0-7 wt.%). The extent of dispersion of nanoclay in epoxy resin was studied using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fabricated samples were examined for tensile, flexural and impact characteristics. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the adhesion, delamination and damage occurred within the composite due to tensile loading. Results shows that the tensile strength, flexural strength and impact energy of SMA/MMT/glass/epoxy composite was improved by 23%, 21% and 57% respectively, when it was compared with composite with glass/epoxy composite.
Soldering to Gold Thin Films Using Indium Rich Silver Eutectic Alloys

Performance of the semiconductor devices is solicited by reliable metallic electrical connections. Any bad electrical connection may one of the major sources of noise and low mechanical strength, hence reducing the performance and life of the device. Apart from the successful synthesis or development of semiconductor devices or solders; the technique to carry out soldering process plays a vital role to attain reliable and reproducible electrical connections. This paper demonstrates the soldering process on gold thin films using In-3.0%Ag eutectic soldering alloys considering the three fundamental aspects of the process i.e. scavenging, wetting and aging. Scavenging and wetting behaviors of the solder were evaluated at various temperatures and different fluxes, respectively. Effect of aging was evaluated by shear testing after aging for various durations. It was observed that using the soldering temperature somewhere between 160-190 °C with 20 wt. % salicylic acid flux is favorable for better wetting and scavenging characteristics. A post solder aging (at 95 °C for 12 hours) seamed to facilitate improvement in mechanical strengths.
Non Precious Metal Catalysts: A Fuel Cell and ORR Study of Thermally Synthesized Nickel and Platinum Mixed Nickel Nanotubes for PEMFC

A highly active Platinum Group Metal (PGM) and non-PGM electrocatalysts with thermally extruded nanotubes have been prepared for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell by sintering Nickel zeolitic imidazole framework (Ni-ZIF). Preeminent electro-catalytic activities have been observed through single fuel cell tests and rotating disk electrode (RDE). This study involves the comparison of Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) activities and fuel cell (FC) test station performance of two catalyst Nickel and Platinum mixed Nickel nanotubes (Ni NT, Ni/Pt NT) respectively. The acidic cells with corresponding Ni and Ni/Pt catalysts delivers peak power densities of 325 mWcm-2 and 455 mWcm-2 at 75 °C inside fuel cell. Our results indicate that, the synthesized Nickel nanotubes has profound effect on catalytic performance of both PGM and non-PGM electro catalysts.
Numerical Analysis of Microstructure Development during Laser Welding Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Superalloy Part I: Stray Grain Formation

The mathematical modeling of microstructure development is further extended through coupling of heat transfer model and columnar/equiaxed transition (CET) model during nickel-based single-crystal superalloy weld pool solidification with different welding conditions (laser power, welding speed and welding configuration). It is indicated that crystallographic orientation plays an important role in stray grain formation ahead of the solid/liquid interface on the basis of constitutional undercooling mechanism. (001) and [100] welding configuration promotes symmetrical distribution of microstructure morphology about the weld pool centerline that is favored for reduction of stray grain formation, while detrimental (001) and [110] welding configuration induces asymmetrical distribution of microstructure morphology with more stray grain formation and deteriorates the weldability. The mechanism of increasing stray grain formation due to misorientation of dendrite growth crystallography is proposed. Appropriate low heat inputs (low laser power or high welding speed) of solidification conditions prevents stray grain formation and vice versa, and suppress the size of vulnerable [100] dendrite growth region. Weld pool geometry, θ-φ of solid/liquid interface, morphology transition and stray grain formation on either side of weld are closely correlated. In order to eliminate stray grain formation through microstructure control, it is imperative to optimize the welding configurations for defect-free weld through useful welding configuration-microstructure map. The theoretical predictions are verified by the experiment results in a consistent way. In addition, the model is also applicable to other single-crystal superalloys with similar metallurgical properties by feasible laser welding or laser cladding.
Investigation on the Crystal Structures of Hematite Pigments at Different Sintering Temperatures

Hematite is one of the most stable oxide phases and has been used as a rock-art pigment material in the prehistoric era. Hematite in the form of ochre has been widely used in rock art, burial rites, cosmetics, and decorations on pottery surfaces. Hematite has several hues, ranging from red to black. The variety of hues might arise due to the differences in physicochemical properties of hematite such as crystallinity, crystallite size, morphology, and electronic structure. The differences in physicochemical properties in hematite pigments might be originated from the differences in the pretreatment technique used before application. Herein, we have conducted a thorough study to investigate the evolution of the crystal structure of hematite under various temperatures. We aim to determine the temperature needed to change the hematite color and uncover the transformation of crystallographic properties as a function of sintering temperature. The hematite was synthesized using the precipitation method with Fe (NO3)3.6H2O as a precursor and ammonia (NH4OH) solution as a precipitating agent. The study of the hematite structural evolution was carried out by varying the sintering temperatures from 600 to 900 °C and analyzing the products after sintered using X-ray diffraction technique. The results showed that hematite hue was gradually darkened as the sintering temperature increased as a consequence of higher crystallinity and larger crystallite size of hematite crystal. This study confirms that the origin of color changes in hematite is due to the heating treatment of hematite material.