bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of artificial neural network with metaheuristic optimization for improving the nutritive value of fried fish
Authors: Sadhu Tithli , Lahiri Sandip K. , Bhattacharjee Ashish , Chakrabarty Jitamanyu
Published: September 2022

Nutritional quality indices of fish deteriorate drastically during frying. In this study, using Catla catla fish and mustard oil (culinary media), extensive experiments are carried out varying the temperature, time, and oil amount to attain the best nutritional quality indices of fried fish with a tuned combination of cooking parameters. An artificial neural network (ANN) is developed to select the best model to find a nonlinear correlation between the frying conditions and nutritional quality indices. ANN‐based metaheuristic optimization methodologies, namely genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution, firefly optimization, and gray wolf optimization (GWO), are applied to optimize the best cooking conditions. Among these, GWO is most promising for optimizing favorable inputs, practical optimal solutions, and reasonable execution time. As outputs are conflicting, multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is implemented for their simultaneous optimization with optimum values of process variables for health benefit, reducing frying time, and minimizing the wastage of culinary media. The MOGA successfully improves the ω‐3/ω‐6 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids, cis/trans fatty acids ratio, and index of atherogenicity values up to 40.43%, 65.35%, 137%, and 83.84%, respectively, satisfying the multi‐objective criteria.

Practical applications

The conventional frying process of fish is successfully optimized by the developed hybrid “model‐optimization” topology that improves the nutrient value of fried fish significantly. The developed neural model automatically searches all available algorithms and activation functions exhaustively to select the best model. All single‐objective and multi‐objective genetic algorithms integrated with an artificial neural network can attain the optimum successfully for all outputs by a unique tuned cooking condition. Operators can choose the preferred solution among many Pareto optimal combinations as per their needs. Furthermore, this developed, generic topology provides a tool for process modification and optimization of other food process engineering methods.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle function and recovery after exercise‐induced muscle damage: A systematic review
Authors: Rojano‐Ortega Daniel , Berral‐de la Rosa Francisco J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Vitamin D is essential for the optimal health of the skeletal system. However, this vitamin is also involved in other functions of the human body, such as muscle, immune and inflammatory ones. Some studies suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D support muscular function during exercise and accelerate recovery because they reduce specific pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, but those results have not always been observed. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress and recovery after exercise.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search of SPORTDiscuss, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was performed from inception through February 2022. The articles' methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale.

Results

After the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 eligible articles were included. All the studies were considered of moderate methodological quality. Ten studies involved regular vitamin D supplementation for more than 7 days, and one study performed acute vitamin D supplementation 24 h before exercise.

Conclusions

The existing evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation for periods of more than 1 week with a minimum dose of 2000 IU/day appears to be an efficacious strategy for attenuating muscle damage and inflammation after exercise. The potential positive effects on muscle function, muscle pain and oxidative stress need to be confirmed with new investigations. Further research is also required to determine the adequate vitamin D dosage to obtain positive effects without adverse effects.
Investigating the dietary knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Australian patients with cancer
Authors: Lee Shu Fen , Brown Teresa , Wyld David , Edwards Anna , Eastgate Melissa
Published: September 2022

Background

There is evidence linking diet to the risk of developing cancer and preventing recurrence, but the therapeutic value of food in treating cancer remains unclear. Therefore, guidelines for well‐nourished patients with cancer are based on general healthy eating recommendations. This study aims to describe patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards the role of diet and cancer.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken between July 2016 and January 2017. Patients being reviewed by Medical Oncology at a tertiary cancer service were invited to complete a questionnaire.

Results

One hundred and nine patients participated, with 61% receiving curative treatment. Median body mass index was 26.9 kg/m2. A high frequency reported weight change (72%) and dietary modifications (reduction in overall intake; 62%). Patients were more likely to modify their diet if they had experienced weight change [odds ratio (OR): 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–8.63], had malignancy‐related anorexia (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.06–5.32), strongly believed that diet contributed to their cancer (OR: 9.09, 95% CI: 2.55–32.44) or felt that nutrition played an important role in treatment (OR: 4.50, 95% CI: 1.95–10.40). Dietary information was largely sought from their hospital dietitian (51%), the Internet (39%), or treating oncologist (35%), of whom 47% and 57% found the information from their hospital dietitian and oncologist helpful, respectively.

Conclusions

Our survey confirms patients place great importance on diet as part of their cancer management. Evidence‐based dietetic services currently focus on managing malnutrition during treatment, but this study has identified hospital clinicians are not necessarily providing dietary information to meet patient expectations and thus a potential gap in patient‐centred nutrition services for this patient population.
Dynamic regulation of DNA methylation and histone modifications in response to abiotic stresses in plants
Authors: Liu Yutong , Wang Jie , Liu Bao , Xu Zheng‐Yi
Published: September 2022

DNA methylation and histone modification are evolutionarily conserved epigenetic modifications that are crucial for the expression regulation of abiotic stress‐responsive genes in plants. Dynamic changes in gene expression levels can result from changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. In the last two decades, how epigenetic machinery regulates abiotic stress responses in plants has been extensively studied. Here, based on recent publications, we review how DNA methylation and histone modifications impact gene expression regulation in response to abiotic stresses such as drought, abscisic acid, high salt, extreme temperature, nutrient deficiency or toxicity, and ultraviolet B exposure. We also review the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the formation of transgenerational stress memory. We posit that a better understanding of the epigenetic underpinnings of abiotic stress responses in plants may facilitate the design of more stress‐resistant or ‐resilient crops, which is essential for coping with global warming and extreme environments.
Wear mechanisms description in nanoscale by SEM/TEM of multilayer Zr/ZrN coatings in dependence on phases ratio
Authors: Major L. , Lackner J. M. , Kot M. , Major R. , Dyner M. , Major B.
Published: September 2022

As a result of loading with an external force during the wear process, coating deforms uniformly. After a certain limit load is exceeded, coating deformation is localised through the formation of the so‐called shear bands. It has been showed experimentally the process of shear bands formation. The microstructural characterisation before and after the mechanical tests was performed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) on cross‐sections of the samples. The analysis indicated that in the case of multilayer coatings where the ratio of the metallic to the ceramic phase is 1:1, the shear bands are formed at an angle of 45°. With a greater proportion of the ceramic phase to metallic (ratio 1:2), the shear band changed the shear angle from ∼45° to ∼90°.

Mechanical in situ tests were carried out in the chambers of SEM and TEM. The scratch tests in the SEM were done with the simultaneous observation of the phenomena occurring on the surface of the tested materials showed that at a scratch force of 0.04 N, the additional outer a‐C:H layer was damaged, which was shown in the form of a fault in the force–displacement diagram, and in the form of splits visible in the SEM image. However, the application of this additional layer had a positive effect on the wear mechanism of the entire coating structure. The test also indicated that in the case of coatings with phases ratio 1:2 and 1:4 (metallic to ceramic), the characteristics of the brittle material were demonstrated, unlike the coating with a 1:1 phase ratio, where plastic properties predominated. However, for the 1:2 phase ratio coating, the chip was more ductile than for the chip formed when testing a 1:4 phase ratio coating. For in situ mechanical testing in the TEM, a straining holder was used. The test showed that the shear band angle for a 1:1 ratio coating has changed from 45° to 90° due to the different direction of force interaction.
Cognitive appraisals and coping strategies of registered nurses in the emergency department combating COVID‐19: A scoping review
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hung , Siao Shu‐Fen , Lin You‐Jie , Hsin Pin‐Hsien , Shelley Mack , Lee Yen‐Han
Published: September 2022

Objective

Explore the relevant evidence about stress‐related cognitive appraisal and coping strategies among registered nurses in the emergency department (EDRNs) coping with the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This scoping review followed the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley to map relevant evidence and synthesize the findings. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases for related studies from inception through February 2, 2022. This review further conducted study selection based on the PRISMA flow diagram and applied Lazarus and Folkman's Psychological Stress and Coping Theory to systematically organize, summarize, and report the findings.

Findings

Sixteen studies were included for synthesis. Most of the studies showed that the majority of EDRNs were overwhelmed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Depression, triaging distress, physical exhaustion, and intention to leave ED nursing were cited as major threats to their wellness. Additionally, comprehensive training, a modified triage system, a safe workplace, psychological support, promotion of resilience, and accepting responsibility may help EDRNs cope with pandemic‐related challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The long‐lasting pandemic has affected the physical and mental health of EDRNs because they have increased their effort to respond to the outbreak with dynamically adjusted strategies. Future research should address a modified triage system, prolonged psychological issues, emergency healthcare quality, and solutions facing EDRNs during the COVID‐19 or related future pandemics.

Clinical Relevance

EDRNs have experienced physical and psychological challenges during the pandemic. The ED administrators need to take action to ensure EDRNs' safety in the workplace, an up‐to‐date triage system, and mental health of frontline nurses to provide high‐quality emergency care for combating COVID‐19.
Exploring intersectional stigma and COVID‐19 impact on human immunodeficiency virus service provision for African Americans in a Southern city
Authors: Maragh‐Bass Allysha C. , Aimone Elizabeth V. , Aikhuele Eseohe O. , Macqueen Kathleen
Published: September 2022

Aims/objectives

Through interviews with clinical service providers, we explored stigma's impact on HIV service provision for African Americans during COVID‐19.

Background

African Americans experience disproportionate rates of HIV and COVID‐19. We explored COVID‐19's impact on HIV services for African American adults in a Southern city.

Design

The study was qualitative and observational.

Methods

Key informant interviews were conducted (n = 11) across two healthcare centres and two community‐based organisations and thematically analysed using phenomenological approaches by two coders. Interviews explored pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 service provision and parallels between COVID‐19 and HIV, particularly as related to stigma. The COREQ checklist was utilised to ensure research quality.

Results

According to the providers interviewed, all providers offered HIV prevention/treatment, but PrEP and preventive services diminished greatly early in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Successful transition to telehealth depended on existing telehealth use. Challenges exacerbated by COVID‐19 included food/housing insecurity and physical distancing constraints. Clients' COVID‐19 informational needs shifted from concerns to vaccine requests over time. Interviewees stated HIV and COVID‐19 both carry ‘risk taking’; however, HIV risk was more physically intimate than COVID‐19. Notably, some providers used stigmatising language referring to clients with HIV/COVID and omitted person‐centred language.

Conclusions

Findings suggest need to address challenges in telehealth to improve client experiences now and for future pandemics. More research is needed to examine intersectional stigmatisation of COVID‐19 and HIV for African Americans to design person‐centred counselling interventions.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Results demonstrate need for provider training to reframe stigma discussions using client centeredness, educating African Americans on HIV and COVID‐19 prevention, and coordination with local organisations to address multiple care needs.

Patient/Public Contribution

This research highlights needs of clients based on the views of healthcare providers caring for predominantly African American communities in a Southern city. However, no patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public were directly involved in this study.
Effect of food portion on masticatory parameters in 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children
Authors: Gómez‐Zúñiga Roberto S. , Wintergerst Ana
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to explore differences in bite size and the amount of intraoral processing of four different foods between a reference and a double portion in 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children and, also to explore if there were differences depending on the child's weight status. The study was undertaken in 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children (n = 89). Body mass index was determined, and weight status was established based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) guidelines. A reference (half a banana, half a large peeled carrot, a slice of loaf cake, and half a salami stick), and a double portion of each food were offered to children in a randomized order in two different sessions. Three consecutive bites were taken and averaged. Variables in this study were bite size (g), number of cycles until swallowing, sequence duration as well as cycles/g. Comparisons were performed with Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests, regressions and correlations were run. Bite size was ≈13% larger with the double portion (p ≤ .05 for salami, banana, and loaf cake). Cycles/g decreased for all foods with the double portion, although only significantly for banana and loaf cake. Normal and obese children had larger bite sizes (p ≤ .05) of banana than overweight children, while only obese had larger bites of loaf cake with the double portion. In conclusion, the bite size of foods in 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children increases (13%) when the portion size is doubled and the larger bite size leads to fewer cycles/g (8%). These effects differ among foods. These parameters do not depend on weight status.
A repeated cross‐sectional analysis of breastfeeding initiation rates in Ireland for two decades and 10 recommended priorities for improvement
Authors: Philip Roy K. , Worobetz Aubree , Byrt Helen , Beirne Irene , Zutshi Raeghnya , Cassidy Tanya , Dunne Colum P.
Published: September 2022

Despite a number of public health and policy‐based initiatives, Ireland's national breastfeeding rates are among the lowest globally. Regionally, the Mid‐West of Ireland has historically had low breastfeeding initiation rates, and parts of its major urban area such as Limerick City suffer the highest levels of economic deprivation in the country. In that context, this repeated cross‐sectional study analysed breastfeeding initiation trends in the Mid‐West of Ireland for two decades, from 2001 to 2020 inclusively. Statistical analysis revealed persistently low percentages of women initiating breastfeeding in the region. Time series analyses of the data demonstrated that overall breastfeeding rates are increasing, but continue to be lower than Irish national averages. From these findings and a narrative review of published research, we determined 10 plausible reasons for these consistently low breastfeeding rates. Arising from these, we propose ‘10 Priorities’ to increase the breastfeeding initiation rates in Ireland.
Both‐Column Acetabular Fractures: Should Pelvic Ring Reduction or Acetabulum be Performed First?
Authors: Wan Yizhou , Yu Keda , Xu Yi , Ma Yan , Zeng Lian , Zhang Ziming , Yin ZhenChun , Song Qinghua , Chen Kaifang , Guo Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

Objective

Both‐column acetabular fracture is a type that accumulates both the pelvis and acetabulum with complex fracture line alignment and has variant fracture fragments. The selection of different reduction landmarks and sequences produces different qualities of reduction. This study aims to compare the operation‐related items, quality of reduction, and hip functional outcome by using different reduction landmarks and sequences for management of both‐column acetabular fractures (BCAF).

Methods

A consecutive cohort of 42 patients from January 2013 to January 2019 with BCAF were treated operatively with different reduction landmarks and sequences: pelvic ring fractures reduction first (PRFRF group) and acetabular fractures reduction first (AFRF group). Preoperative computer visual surgical procedures were applied. There were 22 patients in PRFRF group and 20 patients in AFRF group. The surgical details, complications, radiographic and clinical results were recorded. The quality of reduction was assessed by the Matta scoring system. The functional outcome was evaluated by the modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. The measurement data were analyzed using the t‐test of independent samples and rank‐sum test of ranked data.

Results

The real reduction sequence in both groups was almost identical to the preoperative surgical procedures. The excellent/good quality of reduction in PRFRF group (21/22) was better than AFRF group (17/20). Operative time (152.3 ± 16.3 mins) and intra‐operative blood loss (639.5 ± 109.9ml) were significantly reduced in PRFRF group (p < 0.05). The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in PRFRF group (2/22) was less than AFRF group (4/20), but without statistical signification.

Conclusion

Selection of an appropriate reduction landmark and sequence could result in better quality of reduction, operative time, and decreased blood loss during treatment of BCAF.
Rewiring of the seed metabolome during Tartary buckwheat domestication
Authors: Zhao Hui , He Yuqi , Zhang Kaixuan , Li Shijuan , Chen Yong , He Ming , He Feng , Gao Bin , Yang Di , Fan Yu , Zhu Xuemei , Yan Mingli , Giglioli‐Guivarc'h Nathalie , Hano Christophe , Fernie Alisdair R. , Georgiev Milen I. , Janovská Dagmar , Meglič Vladimir , Zhou Meiliang
Published: September 2022

Crop domestication usually leads to the narrowing genetic diversity. However, human selection mainly focuses on visible traits, such as yield and plant morphology, with most metabolic changes being invisible to the naked eye. Buckwheat accumulates abundant bioactive substances, making it a dual‐purpose crop with excellent nutritional and medical value. Therefore, examining the wiring of these invisible metabolites during domestication is of major importance. The comprehensive profiling of 200 Tartary buckwheat accessions exhibits 540 metabolites modified as a consequence of human selection. Metabolic genome‐wide association study illustrates 384 mGWAS signals for 336 metabolites are under selection. Further analysis showed that an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor FtMYB43 positively regulates the synthesis of procyanidin. Glycoside hydrolase gene FtSAGH1 is characterized as responsible for the release of active salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin and indispensably in plant defence. UDP‐glucosyltransferase gene FtUGT74L2 is characterized as involved in the glycosylation of emodin, a major medicinal component specific in Polygonaceae. The lower expression of FtSAGH1 and FtUGT74L2 were associated with the reduction of salicylic acid and soluble EmG owing to domestication. This first large‐scale metabolome profiling in Tartary buckwheat will facilitate genetic improvement of medicinal properties and disease resistance in Tartary buckwheat.
Association mapping of resistance to tar spot complex in maize
Authors: Yan Shufeng , Loladze Alexander , Wang Nan , Sun Shuku , Chilvers Martin I. , Olsen Michael , Burgueño Juan , Petroli Cesar Daniel , Molnar Terry , San Vicente Felix , Zhang Xuecai , Prasanna Boddupalli Maruthi
Published: September 2022

Tar spot complex (TSC) is a major fungal disease of maize in Mexico and several Central and South American countries. The causal agents of the disease are Phyllachora maydis and Monographella maydis. Yield losses of up to 58% associated with this disease have been reported previously. The majority of commercial maize germplasm in the United States is considered highly susceptible to TSC. In order to accelerate the disease resistance improvement process, genes for resistance to TSC and molecular markers linked to these genes, need to be identified and characterized. Here, we used an association mapping technique to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for TSC resistance using genome‐wide association study (GWAS)‐based genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) and Diversity Arrays Technology Sequencing (DArTseq) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. An association mapping panel of 228 CIMMYT maize lines was used for the GWAS. One major QTL explaining 27.66% of the phenotypic variance and four minor QTLs explaining 10.18%, 12.72%, 10.14% and 13.38% of the phenotypic variance, respectively, were identified by the GBS‐based association mapping. Two QTLs were identified by DArTseq‐based association mapping explaining 1.07% and 18.29% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. These QTLs are expected to facilitate subsequent maize improvement using marker‐assisted selection.
Characterizing membrane anchoring of leaf‐form ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase in rice
Authors: Da Xiaowen , Guo Jiangfan , Yan Peng , Yang Chao , Zhao Hongfei , Li Wei , Kong Yuzhu , Jiang Ruirui , He Yi , Xu Jiming , Xu Ouyuan , Mao Chuanzao , Mo Xiaorong
Published: September 2022

Leaf‐form ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductases (LFNRs) function in the last step of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, exist as soluble proteins in the chloroplast stroma and are weakly associated with thylakoids or tightly anchored to chloroplast membranes. Arabidopsis thaliana has two LFNRs, and the chloroplast proteins AtTROL and AtTIC62 participate in anchoring AtLFNRs to the thylakoid membrane. By contrast, the membrane anchoring mechanism of rice (Oryza sativa) LFNRs has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the membrane‐anchoring mechanism of LFNRs and its physiological roles in rice. We characterized the rice protein OsTROL1 based on its homology to AtTROL. We determined that OsTROL1 is also a thylakoid membrane anchor and its loss leads to a compensatory increase in OsTIC62. OsLFNR1 attachment through a membrane anchor depends on OsLFNR2, unlike the Arabidopsis counterparts. In addition, OsTIC62 was more highly expressed in the dark than under light conditions, consistent with the increased membrane binding of OsLFNR in the dark. Moreover, we observed reciprocal stabilization between OsLFNRs and their membrane anchors. In addition, unlike in Arabidopsis, the loss of LFNR membrane anchor affects photosynthesis in rice. Overall, our study sheds light on the mechanisms anchoring LFNRs to membranes in rice and highlights differences with Arabidopsis.
Effect of Production Costs on the Price per Ton of Sugarcane: The Case of Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Sandra Cristina de , Amorim Fernando Rodrigues de , Barbosa Cássio Ceron , Andrade Alequexandre Galvez de , Solfa Federico Del Giorgio
Published: September 2022

The costs of agricultural inputs added to those of labor represent almost a third of the total cost of Brazilian sugarcane production. This study analyzes the behavior of the price per ton of sugarcane in Brazil, relating it to the main production costs of this cultivation. Twelve price indicators from January 2015 to December 2020 were evaluated. First, the data were adjusted to a multiple linear regression model to identify the significant variables on variation in the price per ton of sugarcane. Then, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to measure the level of certainty of occurrence of these variables, and forecasts were obtained from the adjustment of ARIMA models. The results showed the influence of the costs of diesel oil, two agricultural pesticides, and daily laborers on the price of sugarcane, besides an increasing trend of its, providing relevant short-term projections for decision-making about investments in the agribusiness sector.
A Dynamic, Scalable Algorithm to Optimize the Allocation of Athletics Scholarships
Authors: Zaarour Nizar , Bargal Basma
Published: September 2022

When a high school student athlete makes the decision to swim collegiately, one of the leading factors in choosing a university is the amount of the scholarship award. These awards are determined by the equivalency category in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Divisions I and II and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Rules govern financial aid and the number of scholarships allowed by a member institution. The exact financial distribution among athletes, however, is mostly the coaches’ responsibility and there is scarcity in the literature on how these scholarships are distributed among athletes in a college/ university, which is why it’s important for Athletics Departments within these colleges and universities to have a model to help distribute the scholarship amounts in an optimal manner that promotes transparency and ethical leadership. This paper provides a model to aid coaches in the distribution of financial award/ scholarships in a women’s swimming in a major urban university; however, the model can be applied and adjusted for financial award distribution for any collegiate sport following any institute specific policies and preferences.
PAROTID SALIVARY SECRETION IN SHEEP: ITS MEASUREMENT AND INFLUENCE ON PHOSPHORUS IN RUMEN FLUID
Authors: Tomas F. M.
Published: September 2022

The establishment and maintenance of permanent parotid duct fistulas in sheep is described. With appropriate cannulation of the fistulas the saliva flow can be measured and sampled at successive points in time over long periods without the loss of saliva to the sheep. When saliva flow rate is not being determined the saliva flows directly to the mouth via a ‘closed loop’. By this means saliva flow was measured periodically over 3–12 months in nine sheep receiving a variety of treatments. Saliva flow rates varied from 3 to 10 1/day and were reproducible within sheep. The surgical procedure is simple and sheep can be held in ordinary pens when saliva flow rate determinations are not required. Data relating to the influence of parotid saliva on the rumen fluid phosphorus concentrations by use of the described technique are presented and discussed. Inorganic phosphorus concentrations in rumen fluid are determined principally by the salivary phosphorus secretion.
Flame Transfer Functions for Turbulent, Premixed, Ammonia-Hydrogen-Nitrogen-Air Flames
Authors: Wiseman Samuel , Gruber Andrea , Dawson James R.
Published: September 2022

Ammonia is a promising hydrogen and energy carrier but also a challenging fuel to use in gas turbines, due to its low flame speed, limited flammability range, and the production of NOx from fuel-bound nitrogen. Previous experimental and theoretical work have demonstrated that partially dissociated ammonia (NH3/H2/N2 mixtures) can match many of the laminar flame properties of methane flames. Among the remaining concerns pertaining to the use of NH3/H2/N2 blends in gas turbines is their thermoacoustic behavior. This paper presents the first measurements of flame transfer functions (FTFs) for turbulent, premixed, and NH3/H2/N2-air flames and compares them to CH4-air flames that have a similar unstretched laminar flame speed and adiabatic flame temperature. FTFs for NH3/H2/N2 blends were found to have a lower gain than CH4 FTFs at low frequencies. However, the cutoff frequency was found to be greater, due to a shorter flame length. For both CH4 flames and NH3/H2/N2 flames, the confinement diameter was found to have a strong influence on peak gain values. Chemiluminescence resolved along the longitudinal direction shows a suppression of fluctuations when the flame first interacts with the wall followed by a subsequent recovery, but with a significant phase shift. Nevertheless, simple Strouhal number scalings based on the flame length and reactant bulk velocity at the dump plane result in a reasonable collapse of the FTF cutoff frequency and phase curves.
PDA Laser Measurements of Droplet-Laden Flows in a Four-Stage Axial Compressor
Authors: Doerr Tobias , Schuster Sebastian , Brillert Dieter
Published: September 2022

Droplet-laden flows play a significant role in the development of turbomachinery. For example, fine water droplets are injected into the flow path of axial compressors to increase the power output of gas turbines by making use of evaporation cooling, often referred to as wet compression. Another example is the ingestion of rain droplets in aircraft engines. Therefore, thermodynamic and aerodynamic measurements of air and liquid are indispensable to better predict the following behavior of the droplets in the gas flow. This article presents a new PDA measurement setup for a droplet-laden four-stage axial compressor to analyze the droplet behavior in swirled flows. To reduce optical disturbances of the laser beam path, liquid films at the casing are suppressed by a boundary layer air injection. Supplementary investigations with this treatment show a negligible influence on the compressor behavior. To minimize refraction effects of the laser beams at the casing window, the laser device with the optical probes can be translated and rotated, thus having 4 degrees-of-freedom. Furthermore, the collected droplet data are compared with a mathematical description of velocity slip in superimposed air flows. For the first time, it can be shown experimentally that droplets smaller than 10 μm attain the velocity of air one stage after injection. For larger droplets, however, deviations from the air Mach number of up to 0.05 remain. In addition, detached liquid films behind the trailing edge of the stator blades with low velocities can be clearly detected.
The Quantitative Study on the Influence of Operating Parameters Upon Thermal Performance of Heating Furnace
Authors: Huang Haogang , Zheng Zhiguang , Yao Jian , Zhang Lin , Bu Shi , Xu Fang , Xu Weigang , Ding Hong
Published: September 2022

With the development of the social economy, people’s demand for energy is increasing. As a kind of high energy consumption equipment in petrochemical enterprises, the heating furnace is imperative to reduce its energy consumption. Therefore, in order to further improve the thermal efficiency of the heating furnace and reduce the emission of pollutants, this paper combines the actual operation of the SRT-III heating furnace in the chemical plant to establish a fluid domain model. The effects of different values of excess air coefficient, air preheating temperature, and oxygen concentration on the flow field characteristics and furnace thermal efficiency under two kinds of blackness were analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that higher blackness has higher furnace thermal efficiency. Under the conditions of a balance between thermal efficiency and environmental protection performance, the optimal values of excess air coefficient, air preheating temperature, and oxygen concentration are 1.20, 473 K, and 25%, respectively.
Unsteady Structure of Compressor Tip Leakage Flows
Authors: Maynard Joshua M. , Wheeler Andrew P. S. , Taylor James V. , Wells Roger
Published: September 2022

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are performed of a cantilevered stator blade to identify the unsteady and turbulent flow structure within compressor tip flows. The simulations were performed with clearances of 1.6% and 3.2% of chord. The results show that the flow both within the gap and at the exit on the suction side highly unsteady phenomena controlled by fine-scale turbulent structures. The signature of the classical tip-leakage vortex is a consequence of time-averaging and does not exist in the true unsteady flow. Despite the complexity, we are able to replicate the flow within the tip gap using a validated quasi-three-dimensional (Q3D) model. This enables a wide range of Q3D DNS simulations to study the effects of blade tip corner radius and Reynolds number. Tip corner radius is found to radically alter the unsteady flow in the tip; it affects both separation bubble size and shape, as well as transition mechanisms in the tip flow. These effects can lead to variations in tip mass flow of up to 10% and a factor of 2 variation in dissipation within the tip gap.
Development of a Numerical Model to Assess Sensitivity for Fiber Probe Frequency-Domain Thermoreflectance Measurements
Authors: Warzoha Ronald J.
Published: September 2022

Theremoreflectance techniques that utilize a fiber-based probe have obvious advantages for characterizing the thermal properties of liquids and biological materials. For instance, an all-fiber thermoreflectance system would allow for its integration into advanced microscope facilities to characterize the local thermal properties of biological materials. However, it is unclear to what extent the probe itself is sensitive to material thermal properties, particularly as the thermal conductance between the transducer and the contacting material is changed by orders of magnitude. The impacts of the transducer’s thermal properties, the fiber’s mode field diameter, and fiber cladding thickness on measurement sensitivity are also not well understood. In this paper, I develop a numerical model to evaluate the sensitivity of a fiber-based thermoreflectance probe when used to characterize the thermal properties of materials with Frequency-domain thermoreflectance (FDTR).
A Numerical Study on Sweeping Mist Jet Impingement Cooling
Authors: Wang Ting , Abdelmaksoud Ramy
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a 2-D numerical study to investigate the fluid flow behavior and cooling characteristics caused by injecting tiny droplets into the sweeping air jet through a fluidic oscillator. An unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulation accompanied with the k-ω SST turbulence model is used in this study. The movement and evaporation of the mist are simulated by using the discrete phase model (DPM). The study has been conducted for a target wall with a constant heat flux of 3,000 W/m2, jet-to-wall distance of 4, ReD = 2,500, and a mist /air mass ratio of 5% with a droplet size of 5 microns. A comparison between the cooling performance of steady and sweeping jets is presented for two impingement schemes (i.e., confined and unconfined impingement). The approach of using a slip upper wall boundary condition as an alternative of the unconfined impingement scheme is investigated as well. The results show that adding mist provided a temperature reduction of 5–10% on the target wall in all cases when compared to the air cases. Mist mostly follows the air jet behavior in both steady and sweeping jets in both impingement schemes. The liquid droplet coalescence phenomenon prevails in the sweeping jet case, while it is not as significant in the steady jet case. For the confined impingement, both mist jets provided the similar average temperature reduction. However, the steady mist jet introduced a 58% more target wall shear compared to the sweeping mist jet. For the unconfined impingement, the steady mist jet achieved a better average cooling performance compared to that of the sweeping mist jet. However, the steady mist jet introduced a 72% more target wall shear compared to the sweeping mist jet. Using a slip upper wall boundary condition to reduce the computational time resulted in similar average heat transfer distribution on the target wall to the unconfined case. However, the flow pattern, vortical structures, and droplet dynamics were very different.
Uncertainty Analysis of Vapor Transport Measurement in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Module for Membrane Humidifier
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Linh , Yu Sangseok
Published: September 2022

Moisture is a crucial factor in the durability and performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, frequently managed with external humidification of reactant gases. Membrane humidifiers have been utilized to maintain proper water content levels of cathode air in vehicular fuel cell systems, avoiding fuel cell operation limits, especially in high temperature conditions.

Since the precise measurement of hollow fiber membrane performance ensures the design capability of the shell-tube membrane humidifier, it is necessary to understand the measurement uncertainty of vapor transport through the hollow fiber membrane. In this study, the uncertainty of the water vapor transport rate is analyzed with experimental data. Parametric investigation of vapor transport was carried out with isothermal conditions and variation of operating parameters including temperature, pressure, and inlet relative humidity. The vapor transport is presented by the vapor transfer rate from the wet air to the dry air through the membrane, which is affected by the sensitivity of the foregoing operating parameters and the reliability of sensors. The reliable data of humidifier performance is of vital importance in fuel cell system optimization. Therefore, the uncertainty analysis of individual parameters and the vapor transfer rate was conducted to confirm the reliability of vapor transport experiments.
A Review on Film Cooling Research: Historical Developments in Hole Shapes, Measurement Techniques, Effects of Operating Conditions, and Impact of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kaur Inderjot , Dutta Sandip , Singh Prashant
Published: September 2022

Film cooling is a widely adopted technology in high pressure stages of gas turbines in both propulsion and power-generation areas to keep the turbine components in the safe operation range. This cooling concept was first introduced by Prof. Goldstein’s group from University of Minnesota in 1970s. Much of the follow up research efforts have been focused on the film hole shapes, measurement techniques, and film cooling performance under various mainstream and coolant side operating conditions. Here, a comprehensive developmental review from mid 2000s is presented to summarize the technical improvements and future path. Due to recent rapid advancements in the areas of measurement techniques (e.g., Pressure sensitive paints) and metal additive manufacturing, the film cooling technology has undergone significant changes. This article provides a historical perspective with over five decades of innovations in the area, and the effects of injection angle, hole shape, density ratio, momentum-flux ratio, blowing ratio, advective capacity ratio, and freestream conditions, etc. The impact of additive manufacturing on the film hole design strategies, current challenges posed by state-of-the-art AM technology, and pathways for future research is then discussed thoroughly. Detailed discussion is provided on the AM print quality in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness and its subsequent effect on the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and net heat flux reduction. A comparative study is performed with the AM assisted film hole fabrication and conventionally manufactured film holes.
Heat Transfer on Fuel Injector Surface With Backward Facing Stepped Scramjet Flame Holder
Authors: Bae Hyung Mo , Kim Jihyuk , Nam Juyeong , Chang Injoong , Moon Hee Koo , Cho Hyung Hee
Published: September 2022

The scramjet engine burns fuel under supersonic flow condition in a combustion chamber while minimizing total pressure such that it can operate under both supersonic and hypersonic flows. For combustion under supersonic flow field, a flame holder is essential to overcome short fuel residence time and poor mixing, and a backward facing step is the simplest and best performing method that can be used as a flame holder. Proper interaction between the flame holder and fuel injection can improve engine performance in fluidic conditions. However, it creates significantly more heating condition that imposes challenges in thermal design and thermal management. In the flame holder design, measuring and analyzing the flow mixing and heat transfer characteristics should be preceded. In this study, flow mixing and heat transfer characteristics analysis by flame holder and secondary injection were performed by numerical simulations. In a flow field with Mach 3 mainstream, the test domain in which a 5 mm backward facing step and a hole for fuel injection in the downstream area was selected for experiment. The sonic jet is generated in the circular hole. First, to analyze the effect of the backward facing step on the secondary injection and supersonic crossflow, heat transfer and comparative analyses were performed with and without the backward facing step. And the effect of the ratio between hole position and step height on the heat transfer was analyzed. Two approaches were used to analyze the heat transfer. One was to analyze the point where the transfer phenomenon increased, and the second was to analyze how much the area affected as the heat transfer increased. As the position of the hole on the step raised, the resulting heat transfer increased, but the area size affected by this high heat transfer decreased and then increased again.
Comparison of temperature, current density, and light intensity distributions of nano-resistor patterns for an improved solid state incandescent light emitting device simulation model
Authors: Samuel Adam , Kuo Yue
Published: September 2022

The solid-state incandescent light-emitting device is an emerging optoelectronic device that is made on a silicon wafer using IC compatible materials and processes. Light emission takes place by thermal excitation of numerous nano-sized, high-resistivity conductive paths, i.e., nano-resistors, formed from the dielectric breakdown of an MOS capacitor. A simulation method that uses comsol multiphysics, python, and matlab to predict the temperature, current density, and light intensity distributions of various nano-resistor patterns in the device is presented. The Joule heating and blackbody radiation effects are correlated to the temperature and light emission profiles. The effect of mesh quality and depth on these distributions is also investigated. Electrical and optoelectronic properties of the nano-resistors calculated from this new program are consistent with the experimental results.
The auditory perceived aperture position of the transition between rooms
Authors: McKenzie Thomas , Schlecht Sebastian J. , Pulkki Ville
Published: September 2022

This exploratory study investigates the phenomenon of the auditory perceived aperture position (APAP): the point at which one feels they are in the boundary between two adjoined spaces, judged only using auditory senses. The APAP is likely the combined perception of multiple simultaneous auditory cue changes, such as energy, reverberation time, envelopment, decay slope shape, and the direction, amplitude, and colouration of direct and reverberant sound arrivals. A framework for a rendering-free listening test is presented and conducted in situ, avoiding possible inaccuracies from acoustic simulations, impulse response measurements, and auralisation to assess how close the APAP is to the physical aperture position under blindfold conditions, for multiple source positions and two room pairs. Results indicate that the APAP is generally within ±1 m of the physical aperture position, though reverberation amount, listener orientation, and source position affect precision. Comparison to objective metrics suggests that the APAP generally falls within the period of greatest acoustical change. This study illustrates the non-trivial nature of acoustical room transitions and the detail required for their plausible reproduction in dynamic rendering and game audio engines.
Self-aligned patterning technique for fabricating high-performance diamond sensor arrays with nanoscale precision
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Sun Haoyu , Ye Xiangyu , Yu Pei , Liu Hangyu , Zhou Jingwei , Wang Pengfei , Shi Fazhan , Wang Ya , Du Jiangfeng
Published: September 2022

Efficient, nanoscale precision alignment of defect center creation in photonics structures in challenges the realization of high-performance photonic devices and quantum technology applications. Here, we propose a facile self-aligned patterning technique based on conventional engineering technology, with doping precision that can reach ~15 nm. We demonstrate this technique by fabricating diamond nanopillar sensor arrays with high consistency and near-optimal photon counts. The sensor array achieves high yield approaching the theoretical limit, and high efficiency for filtering sensors with different numbers of nitrogen vacancy centers. Combined with appropriate crystal orientation, the system achieves a saturated fluorescence rate of 4.34 Mcps and effective fluorescence-dependent detection sensitivity of 1800 cps
−1/2
. These sensors also show enhanced spin properties in the isotope-enriched diamond. Our technique is applicable to all similar solid-state systems and could facilitate the development of parallel quantum sensing and scalable information processing.
A single intravenous injection of cyclosporin A–loaded lipid nanocapsules prevents retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Bohley Marilena , Dillinger Andrea E. , Schweda Frank , Ohlmann Andreas , Braunger Barbara M. , Tamm Ernst R. , Goepferich Achim
Published: September 2022

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal disease that threatens the vision of prematurely born infants. Severe visual impairment up to complete blindness is caused by neovascularization and inflammation, progressively destroying the immature retina. ROP primarily affects newborns in middle- and low-income countries with limited access to current standard treatments such as intraocular drug injections and laser- or cryotherapy. To overcome these limitations, we developed a nanotherapeutic that effectively prevents ROP development with one simple intravenous injection. Its lipid nanocapsules transport the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory cyclosporin A efficiently into disease-driving retinal pigment epithelium cells. In a mouse model of ROP, a single intravenous injection of the nanotherapeutic prevented ROP and led to normal retinal development by counteracting neovascularization and inflammation. This nanotherapeutic approach has the potential to bring about a change of paradigm in ROP therapy and prevent millions of preterm born infants from developing ROP.