bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships Among the Bryophytes and Vascular Plants: A Case Study in Deep-Time Reconstruction
Authors: Qiu Yin-Long , Mishler Brent D.
Published: July 2024

Relationships of the three bryophyte lineages (liverworts, mosses, and hornworts) to vascular plants is a pivotal question in the study of the origin and evolution of land plants. In recent decades, this question has been subjected to intense phylogenetic analyses using morphological characters, multigene DNA sequences, and genome structural characters. A tentative consensus, reached ten years ago, suggested that bryophytes are a paraphyletic group, with liverworts being sister to all other land plants and hornworts being sister to vascular plants. However, several more recent nuclear phylogenomic studies have concluded that bryophytes represent a monophyletic group that is sister to vascular plants. A discussion is presented here on strengths and weaknesses of different types of characters (morphological traits, nucleotide sequences, and genome structural arrangements) and their suitability for resolving deep phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, several criteria for credible phylogenetic reconstruction are proposed. Strong statistical support for reconstructed relationships should be derived from high-quality, independent characters selected for suitability to the particular question being addressed. The relationships inferred in a study should be congruent with those from as many other lines of phylogenetic evidence as possible. Any incongruities should be explicable by well-understood biological mechanisms. It is concluded that the relationships of the three bryophyte lineages to vascular plants should currently be viewed as unresolved. This is a difficult phylogenetic problem; the land plants underwent a rapid radiation a long time ago. Yet, further exploration of analytical methods and careful choice of characters should lead to the eventual elucidation of diversification patterns among early land plants.
Climate Change Threatens Barringtonia racemosa: Conservation Insights from a MaxEnt Model
Authors: Tan Yanfang , Tan Xiaohui , Yu Yanping , Zeng Xiaping , Xie Xinquan , Dong Zeting , Wei Yilan , Song Jinyun , Li Wanxing , Liang Fang
Published: July 2024

Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng. (Lecythidaceae), a crucial species in mangrove ecosystems, is facing endangerment primarily due to habitat loss. To address this issue, research is imperative to identify suitable conservation habitats for the endangered B. racemosa within mangrove ecosystems. The utilization of the optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model has been instrumental in predicting potential suitable regions based on global distribution points and environmental variables under current and future climates conditions. The study revealed that the potential distribution area of B. racemosa closely aligns with its existing range with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) greater than 0.95. The Jackknife, AUC, percent contribution (PC), and permutation importance (PI) tests were employed alongside the optimized MaxEnt model to examine the influence of environmental variables on the distribution of B. racemosa. The primary factors identified as significant predictors of B. racemosa distribution included the average temperature of the ocean surface (Temperature), average salinity of the ocean surface (Salinity), precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio18), precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), seasonal variation coefficient of temperature (Bio4), and isothermality (Bio3). Currently, the habitat range of B. racemosa is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions near the equator. The total suitable habitat area measures 246.03 km2, with high, medium, low, and unsuitable areas covering 3.90 km2, 8.57 km2, 16.94 km2, and 216.63 km2, respectively. These areas represent 1.58%, 3.48%, 6.88%, and 88.05% of the total habitat area, respectively. The potential distribution area of B. racemosa demonstrated significant variations under three climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585), particularly in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Both low and high suitable areas experienced a slight increase in distribution. In summary, the research suggests that B. racemosa primarily flourishes in coastal regions of tropical and subtropical areas near the equator, with temperature and precipitation playing a significant role in determining its natural range. This study offers important implications for the preservation and control of B. racemosa amidst habitat degradation and climate change threats. Through a comprehensive understanding of the specific habitat needs of B. racemosa and the implementation of focused conservation measures, efforts can be made to stabilize and rejuvenate its populations in their natural environment.
How to Partition a Quantum Observable
Authors: Webb Caleb Merrick , Stafford Charles Allen
Published: July 2024

We present a partition of quantum observables in an open quantum system that is inherited from the division of the underlying Hilbert space or configuration space. It is shown that this partition leads to the definition of an inhomogeneous continuity equation for generic, non-local observables. This formalism is employed to describe the local evolution of the von Neumann entropy of a system of independent quantum particles out of equilibrium. Crucially, we find that all local fluctuations in the entropy are governed by an entropy current operator, implying that the production of entanglement entropy is not measured by this partitioned entropy. For systems linearly perturbed from equilibrium, it is shown that this entropy current is equivalent to a heat current, provided that the system-reservoir coupling is partitioned symmetrically. Finally, we show that any other partition of the coupling leads directly to a divergence of the von Neumann entropy. Thus, we conclude that Hilbert-space partitioning is the only partition of the von Neumann entropy that is consistent with the laws of thermodynamics.
One-Dimensional Relativistic Self-Gravitating Systems
Authors: Mann Robert B.
Published: July 2024

One of the oldest problems in physics is that of calculating the motion of N particles under a specified mutual force: the N-body problem. Much is known about this problem if the specified force is non-relativistic gravity, and considerable progress has been made by considering the problem in one spatial dimension. Here, I review what is known about the relativistic gravitational N-body problem. Reduction to one spatial dimension has the feature of the absence of gravitational radiation, thereby allowing for a clear comparison between the physics of one-dimensional relativistic and non-relativistic self-gravitating systems. After describing how to obtain a relativistic theory of gravity coupled to N point particles, I discuss in turn the two-body, three-body, four-body, and N-body problems. Quite general exact solutions can be obtained for the two-body problem, unlike the situation in general relativity in three spatial dimensions for which only highly specified solutions exist. The three-body problem exhibits mild forms of chaos, and provides one of the first theoretical settings in which relativistic chaos can be studied. For N≥4, other interesting features emerge. Relativistic self-gravitating systems have a number of interesting problems awaiting further investigation, providing us with a new frontier for exploring relativistic many-body systems.
Geometrical Aspects of the Optics of Linear Fresnel Concentrators: A Review
Authors: Grena Roberto
Published: July 2024

Linear Fresnel concentrators (LFR) are widely seen by the scientific community as one of the most promising systems for the production of solar energy via thermal plants or concentrated photovoltaics. The produced energy depends on the optical efficiency of the LFR, which is mainly dictated by the geometry of the plant. For this reason, the analysis of LFR geometry and its effects on optical behavior is a crucial step in the design and optimization of a Fresnel plant. The theoretical and computational tools used to model the optics of a LFR are fundamental in research on energy production. In this review, geometrical aspects of the optics of linear Fresnel concentrators are presented, with a detailed discussion of the parameters required to define the geometry of a plant and of the main optical concepts. After an overview of the literature on the subject, the main part of the review is dedicated to summarising useful formulas and outlining general procedures for optical simulations. These include (i) a ray-tracing procedure to simulate a mirror field, and (ii) a fast quasi-analytical method useful for optimizations and on-the-fly computations.
Critical Aspects of Energetic Transition Technologies and the Roles of Materials Chemistry and Engineering
Authors: Busca Guido
Published: July 2024

The perspectives of technological advances needed for short term energetic transition are briefly reviewed and discussed critically. In particular, the technologies for the greenhouse gas emission-free production of electrical energy, its storage and transport, the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen, and the use of biomass derived technologies are shortly and critically reviewed. Critical aspects are emphasized. The role of chemistry, and in particular materials chemistry and engineering, in short-term developments are underlined.
Biomass Moving Bed Combustion Analysis via Two-Way Coupling of Solid–Fluid Interactions Using Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics Method
Authors: Wardach-Świȩcicka Izabela , Kardaś Dariusz
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, almost all countries in the world are intensifying their search for locally available energy sources to become independent of external supplies. The production of alternative fuels from biomass and waste by thermal treatment or direct use in the combustion process is still the simplest method for fast and cheap heat production. However, the different characteristics of these fuels can cause problems in the operation of the plants, resulting in increased air pollution. Therefore, the analysis of the thermal treatment of solid fuels is still an important issue from a practical point of view. This work aimed to study biomass combustion in a small-scale reactor using the in-house Extended DEM (XDEM) method based on mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian approaches. This was provided by a novel, independently developed coupling computational interface. This interface allows for a seamless integration between CFD and DEM, improving computational efficiency and accuracy. In addition, significant advances have been made in the underlying physical models. Within the DEM framework, each particle undergoes the thermochemical processes, allowing for the prediction of its shape and structural changes during heating. Together, these changes contribute to a more robust and reliable simulation tool capable of providing detailed insights into complex multi-phase flows and granular material behavior. Numerical results were obtained for a non-typical geometry to check the influence of the walls on the distribution of the parameters in the reactor. The results show that XDEM is a very good tool for predicting the phenomena during the thermal treatment of solid fuels. In particular, it provides information about all the moving particles undergoing chemical reactions, which is very difficult to obtain from measurements.
A Lifecycle Approach for Artificial Intelligence Ethics in Energy Systems
Authors: El-Haber Nicole , Burnett Donna , Halford Alison , Stamp Kathryn , De Silva Daswin , Manic Milos , Jennings Andrew
Published: July 2024

Despite the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics frameworks, the practical application of these frameworks in industrial settings remains limited. This limitation is further augmented in energy systems by the complexity of systems composition and systems operation for energy generation, distribution, and supply. The primary reason for this limitation is the gap between the conceptual notion of ethics principles and the technical performance of AI applications in energy systems. For instance, trust is featured prominently in ethics frameworks but pertains to limited relevance for the robust operation of a smart grid. In this paper, we propose a lifecycle approach for AI ethics that aims to address this gap. The proposed approach consists of four phases: design, development, operation, and evaluation. All four phases are supported by a central AI ethics repository that gathers and integrates the primary and secondary dimensions of ethical practice, including reliability, safety, and trustworthiness, from design through to evaluation. This lifecycle approach is closely aligned with the operational lifecycle of energy systems, from design and production through to use, maintenance, repair, and overhaul, followed by shutdown, recycling, and replacement. Across these lifecycle stages, an energy system engages with numerous human stakeholders, directly with designers, engineers, users, trainers, operators, and maintenance technicians, as well as indirectly with managers, owners, policymakers, and community groups. This lifecycle approach is empirically evaluated in the complex energy system of a multi-campus tertiary education institution where the alignment between ethics and technical performance, as well as the human-centric application of AI, are demonstrated.
Fuel Cell-Based Inductive Power Transfer System for Supercapacitor Constant Current Charging
Authors: Campagna Nicola , Castiglia Vincenzo , Gennaro Francesco , Messina Angelo Alberto , Miceli Rosario
Published: July 2024

The majority of urban CO2 emissions come from the transportation sector. To be able to reduce them, it is definitely necessary to replace Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles with electric ones. In this article, a public transport system is proposed, consisting of a supercapacitor (SC)-powered electric vehicle (EV) charged through a fuel cell-powered (FC) Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) system. The bus runs the usual route and it is charged each time it reaches the terminal, where the charging system is placed. The main advantages of the proposed system are related to the long-term cost of the EV, compared to a classic battery-powered system, to the aspects of ease of use and safety for charging operations and to the possibility of realizing a net-zero-energy transport system thanks to the use of green hydrogen. In addition, the proposed charging methodology allows for better energy utilization avoiding major changes to the main power grid. In this article, the system is presented considering a real case study; it is simulated at system and hardware level, and then validated through the realization of a scaled-down prototype.
Socioeconomic Factors Driving the Transition to a Low-Carbon Energy System
Authors: Karasmanaki Evangelia , Galatsidas Spyros , Tsantopoulos Georgios
Published: July 2024

Citizen participation via different investment schemes may be a promising solution to the financing barriers inhibiting energy transition. In this regard, citizens may be approached as potential investors in renewables, but, to mobilize their capital, strategies need to be developed. Much like other services or products seeking to improve their market position, renewable energy investments by citizens also require dedicated efforts to acquire a strong market position. Using a large sample of Greek citizens, this study investigated whether it is possible to identify distinct and addressable citizen clusters which can enable energy developers and marketers to effectively address the preferences and needs of potential investor segments. The performance of k-means cluster analysis identified four clusters: Indifferent Investors were neither driven by economic or social factors, Enthusiastic Investors were motivated both by economic and social factors, Pro-environmental Investors were driven by the environmental benefits, and Social Investors were motivated by the social aspects of the investment. Moreover, each cluster demonstrated different levels of willingness-to-invest in renewable energy and were knowledge about renewable energy investments. It was concluded that citizens should not be approached as a homogeneous target group by marketing experts and policymakers, while novel strategies should be followed.
Two-Stage Optimal Scheduling for Urban Snow-Shaped Distribution Network Based on Coordination of Source-Network-Load-Storage
Authors: Wang Zhe , Duan Jiali , Luo Fengzhang , Wu Xuan
Published: July 2024

With the widespread integration of distributed resources, optimizing the operation of urban distribution networks faces challenges including uneven source-load-storage distribution, fluctuating feeder power flows, load imbalances, and network congestion. The urban snow-shaped distribution network (SDN), characterized by numerous intra-station and inter-station tie switches, serves as a robust framework to intelligently address these issues. This study focuses on enhancing the safe and efficient operation of SDNs through a two-phase optimal scheduling model that coordinates source-network-load-storage. In the day-ahead scheduling phase, an optimization model is formulated to minimize operational costs and mitigate load imbalances. This model integrates network reconfiguration, energy storage systems (ESSs), and flexible load (FL). During intra-day scheduling, a rolling optimization model based on model predictive control adjusts operations using the day-ahead plan to minimize the costs and penalties associated with power adjustments. It provides precise control over ESS and FL outputs, promptly correcting deviations caused by prediction errors. Finally, the proposed model is verified by an actual example of a snow-shaped distribution network in Tianjin. The results indicate significant improvements in leveraging coordinated interactions among source-network-load-storage, effectively reducing spatial-temporal load imbalances within feeder clusters and minimizing the impact of prediction inaccuracies.
Well Integrity in Salt Cavern Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Zamani Omid Ahmad Mahmoudi , Knez Dariusz
Published: July 2024

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns is a sustainable energy solution to reduce global warming. Salt rocks provide an exceptional insulator to store natural hydrogen, as they have low porosity and permeability. Nevertheless, the salt creeping nature and hydrogen-induced impact on the operational infrastructure threaten the integrity of the injection/production wells. Furthermore, the scarcity of global UHS initiatives indicates that investigations on well integrity remain insufficient. This study strives to profoundly detect the research gap and imperative considerations for well integrity preservation in UHS projects. The research integrates the salt critical characteristics, the geomechanical and geochemical risks, and the necessary measurements to maintain well integrity. The casing mechanical failure was found as the most challenging threat. Furthermore, the corrosive and erosive effects of hydrogen atoms on cement and casing may critically put the well integrity at risk. The research also indicated that the simultaneous impact of temperature on the salt creep behavior and hydrogen-induced corrosion is an unexplored area that has scope for further research. This inclusive research is an up-to-date source for analysis of the previous advancements, current shortcomings, and future requirements to preserve well integrity in UHS initiatives implemented within salt caverns.
Phasor Measurement Unit-Driven Estimation of Transmission Line Parameters Using Variable Noise Model
Authors: de Albuquerque Felipe Proença , Nascimento Rafael , Prete Carlos A. , Coelho Marques da Costa Eduardo
Published: July 2024

Accurate parameters are crucial in modern energy systems to ensure the reliable operation of all components. Given the substantial volume of data in monitored systems, high-performance methods are necessary. This paper proposes a new Bayesian multi-output regressor for estimating the parameters of a three-phase transmission line. The presented approach achieves acceptable accuracy in parameter estimation using only one end of the line. The Bayesian regressor is developed using information derived from the data themselves, eliminating the need to explicitly model the system. This capability allows the method to estimate parameters while accommodating different noise models, even in the presence of systematic errors and non-Gaussian random noise. The methodology was validated on various systems, including a two-bus system, IEEE 14-bus, IEEE 39-bus, and IEEE 118-bus, under diverse conditions such as varying sample sizes, loads, and noise levels. These tests demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Optimization Framework for On-Grid Electric Vehicle Charging from Base Transceiver Stations Using Renewable Energy and Storage Systems
Authors: Altamimi Abdullah , Ali Muhammad Bilal , Kazmi Syed Ali Abbas , Khan Zafar A.
Published: July 2024

Rapid growth in a number of developing nations’ mobile telecommunications sectors presents network operators with difficulties such as poor service quality and congestion, mostly because these locations lack a dependable and reasonably priced electrical source. In order to provide a sustainable and reasonably priced energy alternative for the developing world, this study provides a detailed examination of the core ideas behind renewable energy technology (RET). A multi-agent-based small-scaled smart base transceiver station (BTS) site reinforcement strategy is presented to manage energy resources by boosting resilience so to supply power to essential loads in peak demand periods by leveraging demand-side management (DSM). Diverse energy sources are combined to create interconnected BTS sites, which enable energy sharing to balance fluctuations by establishing a market that promotes economical energy. A MATLAB simulation model was developed to assess the effectiveness of the proposed system by using real load data and fast electric vehicle charging loads from five different base transceiver stations (BTSs) located throughout Pakistan’s southern area. In this proposed study, the base transceiver station (BTS) sites can share their energy through a multi-agent-based system. From the results, it is observed that, after optimization, the base transceiver station (BTS) sites trade their energy with the grid at rate of 0.08 USD/kWh and with other sites at a rate of 0.04 USD/kWh. Therefore, grid dependency is decreased by 44.3% and carbon emissions are reduced by 71.4% after the optimization of the base transceiver station (BTS) sites.
Energy Management of Green Port Multi-Energy Microgrid Based on Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Deng Yu , Han Jingang
Published: July 2024

The green port multi-energy microgrid, featuring renewable energy generation, hydrogen energy, and energy storage systems, is an important gateway to achieve the net-zero emission goal. But there are many forms of energy in green port multi-energy microgrid systems, the power fluctuates frequently, and the port loads with large fluctuations and fast changes. These factors can easily lead to the problem of the state of charge exceeding the limit of the energy storage system. To distribute the fluctuating power in the green port multi-energy microgrid system reasonably and maintain the state of charge (SOC) of the hybrid energy storage system in an moderate range, an energy management strategy (EMS) based on dual-stage fuzzy control with a low pass-filter algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, the mathematical model of a green port multi-energy microgrid system is established. Then, fuzzy rules are designed, and the dual-stage fuzzy controller is used to change the time constant of the low-pass filter (LPF) and modify the initial power distribution by an LPF algorithm. Finally, simulation models are built in Matlab 2016a/Simulink. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared with other algorithms under the control of the EMS proposed in this paper, the high-frequency component in the flywheel power is smaller, and the SOC of the supercapacitor is maintained in a reasonable range of 34–78%, which extends the lifespan of the flywheel and supercapacitor. Additionally, it has a faster automatic adjustment ability for the state of charge of the energy storage system, which is conducive to better maintaining the stable operation of green port multi-energy microgrid systems.
Predicting the Integrated Fire Resistance of Wildland–Urban Interface Plant Communities by Spatial Structure Analysis Learning for Shanghai, China
Authors: Yao Manqing , Zhang Deshun , Zhu Ruilin , Zhang Zhen , Elsadek Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Fire is a prevalent hazard that poses a significant risk to public safety and societal progress. The continuous expansion of densely populated urban areas, exacerbated by global warming and the increasing intensification of urban heat islands, has led to a notable increase in the frequency and severity of fires worldwide. Incorporating measures to withstand different types of calamities has always been a crucial aspect of urban infrastructure. Well-designed plant communities play a pivotal role as a component of green space systems in addressing climate-related challenges, effectively mitigating the occurrence and spread of fires. This study conducted field research on 21 sites in the green belt around Shanghai, China, quantifying tree morphological indexes and coordinate positions. The spatial structure attributes of different plant communities were analyzed by principal component analysis, CRITIC weighting approach, and stepwise regression analysis to build a comprehensive fire resistance prediction model. Through this research, the relationship between community spatial structures and fire resistance was explored. A systematic construction of a prediction model based on community spatial structures for fire resistance was undertaken, and the fire resistance performance could be quickly judged by easily measured tree morphological indexes, providing valuable insights for the dynamic prediction of fire resistance. According to the evaluation and ranking conducted by the prediction model, the Celtis sinensis, Sapindus saponaria, Osmanthus fragrans, Koelreuteria paniculata, and Distylium racemosum + Populus euramericana ‘I-214’ communities exhibited a high level of fire resistance. On the other hand, the Koelreuteria bipinnata + Ligustrum lucidum, Ginkgo biloba + Camphora officinarum + Ligustrum lucidum, and Ligustrum lucidum + Sapindus saponaria communities obtained lower scores and were positioned lower in the ranking. It is emphasized that the integration of monitoring and regulation is essential to ensure the ecological integrity and well-being of green areas in the Wildland–Urban Interface.
Integration of Illumina and PacBio HiFi Sequencing Reveals a Three-Linear-Molecule Mitogenome with RNA-Editing Sites and Phylogeny in Arrow Bamboo (Fargesia qinlingensis)
Authors: Wu Hao , Li Xue , Qu Ke , Yang Lele , Su Tao , Yong Lijun , Han Mei , Cao Fuliang
Published: July 2024

Arrow bamboo (Fargesia qinlingensis) is endemic to the Qinling Mountains and has remarkable adaptive resilience to changing climates. However, its complete mitogenome remains unknown. Using the Illumina and PacBio HiFi sequencing platforms, we found that the mitogenome assembly of the F. qinlingensis has a multi-branched skeleton comprising three linear molecules (M1, M2, and M3), with a length of 442,368 bp and a GC content of 44.05%. Thirty-five unique PCGs were identified in the complete mitogenome, including twenty-four core structural genes, eleven noncore structural genes, three rRNAs, and sixteen tRNAs. The GCU for alanine and CAA for glutamine represented the most significant frequency (RSCU = 1.55) in the codon usage preference. A total of 51, 28, and 14 SSRs were determined on M1, M2, and M3, respectively. The mitogenome contained 149 pairs of dispersed repeats with lengths greater than 30 bp, the most abundant of which were 82 forward and 67 palindromic repeats. A long repeat sequence (14,342 bp) was characterized in mediating mitogenome recombination. DNA transfer analyses suggested that 44 MTPTs (30,943 bp, 6.99%) originated from the plastome. Among the 482 potential C-U/T RNA-editing sites predicted in 35 PCGs, ccmFn (38 times) and ccmC (36 times) shoed the highest frequency. Collinearity and phylogenetic trees revealed the close relationship between F. qinlingensis and Bambusa oldhamii. The primary features of the mitogenome of F. qinlingensis will help decipher the functional mitochondrial traits related to growth performance and climate resilience. Moreover, our findings provide insights into the evolution, environmental adaptation, and sustainable use of subalpine bamboo resources in the Qinling Mountains.
Safety Design Criteria for the Emergency Discharge of Hazardous Substances in Small and Medium-Sized Polystyrene Polymerization Batch Reactor Processes: Case Study of the South Korean Chemical Industry
Authors: Kim Sang-Ryung , Kim Sang-Gil
Published: July 2024

In small and medium-sized chemical plants, explosions constantly occur owing to runaway reactions because of equipment defects or human errors and so on. Accordingly, in this study, based on a case study of an explosion accident in a polystyrene reactor in South Korea, the dis-charge capacity of hazardous substances during a runaway reaction is reviewed and a method for safely disposing of hazardous substances is proposed. Using an acceleration rate calorimeter, the maximum temperature rise rate during the polystyrene reaction was determined, and it was determined that 355,643 kg/h can flow during a runaway reaction. A 30-inch header size was then selected to consider maximum flow rate, and two 81.4 m2 heat exchangers were selected to completely condense the hazardous substances. As a result, the facilities at the workplace were configured to condense all hazardous substances and discharge them into the atmosphere. If this method is used, it is believed that the lives of workers can be protected by preventing fires and explosions in small and medium-sized chemical plants in which runaway reactions may occur.
Comparison of Morbidity and Mortality Outcomes between Hybrid Palliation and Norwood Palliation Procedures for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Iskander Christopher , Nwankwo Ugonna , Kumanan Krithika K. , Chiwane Saurabh , Exil Vernat , Lowrie Lia , Tan Corinne , Huddleston Charles , Agarwal Hemant S.
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: Hybrid palliation (HP) procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are increasing. Our objective was to compare mortality and morbidity following HP and NP (Norwood palliation) procedures. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of HLHS patients of peer-reviewed literature between 2000 and 2023. Mortality and/or heart transplantation in HP versus NP in the neonatal period, interstage period, and at 1, 3 and 5 years of age, and morbidity including completion of Stage II and Stage III palliation, unexpected interventions, pulmonary artery pressures, right ventricle function, neurodevelopmental outcomes and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Results: Twenty-one (meta-analysis: 16; qualitative synthesis: 5) studies evaluating 1182 HLHS patients included. HP patients had higher interstage mortality (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.10–2.33; p = 0.01) and 1-year mortality (RR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03–1.43; p = 0.02) compared to NP patients without differences in 3- and 5-years mortality. HP procedure in high-risk HLHS patients had lower mortality (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27–0.87; p = 0.01) only in the neonatal period. HP patients underwent fewer Stage II (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.81–1.00; p = 0.05) and Stage III palliation (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69–0.90; p < 0.01), had more unplanned interventions (RR = 3.38; 95% CI: 2.04–5.59; p < 0.01), and longer hospital stay after Stage I palliation (weighted mean difference = 12.88; 95% CI: 1.15–24.62; p = 0.03) compared to NP patients. Conclusions: Our study reveals that HP, compared to NP for HLHS, is associated with increased morbidity risk without an improved survival rate.
Bioactive Hydrogel Formulation Based on Ferulic Acid-Grafted Nano-Chitosan and Bacterial Nanocellulose Enriched with Selenium Nanoparticles from Kombucha Fermentation
Authors: Tritean Naomi , Dimitriu Luminița , Dima Ștefan-Ovidiu , Ghiurea Marius , Trică Bogdan , Nicolae Cristian-Andi , Moraru Ionuț , Nicolescu Alina , Cimpean Anisoara , Oancea Florin , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana
Published: July 2024

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have specific properties that result from their biosynthesis particularities. Chitosan can prevent pathogenic biofilm development. A wide palette of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) biological and physical-chemical properties are known. The aim of this study was to develop a hydrogel formulation (SeBNCSFa) based on ferulic acid-grafted chitosan and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) enriched with SeNPs from Kombucha fermentation (SeNPsK), which could be used as an adjuvant for oral implant integration and other applications. The grafted chitosan and SeBNCSFa were characterized by biochemical and physical-chemical methods. The cell viability and proliferation of HGF-1 gingival fibroblasts were investigated, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. The inflammatory response was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of the proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in cell culture medium. Likewise, the amount of nitric oxide released was measured by the Griess reaction. The antimicrobial activity was also investigated. The grafting degree with ferulic acid was approximately 1.780 ± 0.07% of the total chitosan monomeric units, assuming single-site grafting per monomer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy evidenced a convolution of BNC and grafted chitosan spectra, and X-ray diffraction analysis highlighted an amorphous rearrangement of the diffraction patterns, suggesting multiple interactions. The hydrogel showed a high degree of cytocompatibility, and enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potentials.
The Structural and Functional Development of an Urban Network System from the Perspective of Flow Space: A Case Study of Nanjing
Authors: Shen Lizhen , Lv Xiaorui , Zhang Shuyu , Chen Peipei , Cheng Pu , Liu Shenyu
Published: July 2024

Globalization and informatization have exerted far-reaching impacts on the spatial connection and development of urban systems. This study, concerning the network of an urban system based on the space of flows, supplements the insufficiency on the micro-level in macro-urban network research. Taking Nanjing as an example, this study explores the characteristics of the network of the urban system from the perspective of people flow, refining the granularity of the analysis to the township- and street-level spatial units using mobile phone data. The findings are as follows: (1) There is a multicenter layered network pattern, with the main urban area being the core of the network, while Dongshan Street and Moling Street, as secondary centers, form a joint development pattern with the main urban area. (2) The spatial differentiation is significant. The spatial heterogeneity of “centralization in the central region, delayering in the north, and hierarchization in the south” is obvious. The net people inflow nodes are mainly concentrated in the main urban area and its surroundings, while the net outflow nodes are mostly located on the edge of the city. Moreover, the nodes to the south of Yangtze River are advantageous in urban resource control. (3) The phenomenon of “double shadow circle” appears in the ring of the main city and the ring of the municipal area. Moreover, the northern district experiences a serious outflow of population. (4) The effect of policy intervention is beginning to show. Improved levels of development of street and township units such as Jiangbei New District show the positive influence of national strategy on regional development.
Evaluation of Tensile Strength of Surgically Absorbable Suture Materials Used in Oral Surgery after Immersion in Different Beverages: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Aktı Ahmet , Kaya Doğan Ilgaz
Published: July 2024

Suture materials are natural or synthetic biomaterials used to close tissues together. After surgical procedures in the mouth, the surgical site and the sutures are physically affected by many different factors. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of frequently consumed beverages on the tensile strength of monofilament PGLA (polyglycolide-co-l-lactide) and multi-filament PGCL (polyglycolide-co-caprolactone) absorbable sutures. In particular, PGLA and PGCL absorbable sutures, which are frequently used in oral surgery, were used to evaluate the change in the strength of suture materials. The suture materials were soaked in tea, coffee, and cola drinks five times a day for 5 min each and the rest of the time in artificial saliva. All suture materials were aged via thermal cycling. Tensile strengths were tested at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. Mixed ANOVA (four replicates: within-group comparison and two factors: between-group comparison) was performed to evaluate the effects of groups and time on the tension levels of the Tekmon and Vicryl suture materials. Analysis of Variance was used for the within- and between-group comparisons, with the Bonferroni corrected t-test for multiple comparisons. For the PGCL suture material, there were significant decreases in tension levels in artificial saliva, tea, coffee, and cola at time T3 compared to T0, T1, and T2, and at T1 and T2 compared to T0. For the PGLA suture material, there were significant decreases in tension levels in artificial saliva, tea, coffee, and cola at time T3 compared to T0, T1, and T2. There was also a significant decrease in tension level at time T2 in cola compared to T0. The present study demonstrates that beverages significantly decrease the strength of suture materials for 14 days after surgery. In particular, cola decreased the resistance of the PGCL suture material more significantly in the first week when compared to other beverages.
Deformation and Annealing Behavior of Cr Coating Prepared by Pack-Cementation on the Surface of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Xiao Tongwen , Zhang Jingting , Zhang Fujian , Su Huan , Hu Jianjun , Guo Ning
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a Cr coating was prepared by induction heating and pack-cementation chromizing on AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel. Then, the cold-rolling deformation and annealing treatment were introduced to refine the coarse matrix grains caused by pack-chromizing and improve the overall performance of 304 austenitic stainless steel. The phase composition, element distribution, and microstructure of the coating were carefully characterized. The microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the coating were tested. The results show that the Cr coating with a thickness of 100 μm is mainly composed of a (Cr,Fe)23C6, (Cr,Fe)7C3, and α-Fe-Cr solid solution. After the cold-rolling deformation and subsequent annealing treatment, the grains are significantly refined and the Cr coating is divided into two layers, consisting of carbon-chromium compounds such as Cr23C6, Cr7C3, Cr2C, and Cr3C2 in the surface layer and a Fe-Cr solid solution in the subsurface layer. The cold-rolling deformation and annealing treatment significantly improved the microhardness and wear resistance of the coated sample, and the corrosion resistance was also better than that of the uncoated sample.
Development of a Novel Cyclodextrin–Chitosan Polymer for an Efficient Removal of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Oughlis-Hammache Fadila , Skiba Mohamed , Moulahcene Lamia , Milon Nicolas , Bounoure Frédéric , Lahiani-Skiba Malika
Published: July 2024

A novel polymer synthesized by grafting three cyclodextrins onto chitosan was characterized and evaluated for its potential to adsorb two pharmaceutical residues: ibuprofen and progesterone. The influence of various operational parameters, including contact time, initial molecule concentration, pH, ionic strength, and temperature, was investigated. The synthesized polymer exhibits an amorphous and porous structure with a remarkable swelling capacity of 9.5 mmol/g. It demonstrates remarkable adsorption capacities for progesterone and ibuprofen, reaching 90% and 75%, respectively. Kinetic studies reveal that the adsorption of both molecules follows a pseudo-second-order model. A DSC analysis elucidated the adsorption mechanism, which is governed by the formation of inclusion complexes and electrostatic interactions within the polymer network. The polymer’s regeneration after 23 cycles demonstrates its sustainable adsorption efficiency. The combination of chitosan with three cyclodextrins opens up promising new avenues for water treatment and the removal of specific pollutants. This approach significantly improves the material’s selectivity towards target pollutants, offering a significant advantage in pollution remediation applications.
Thermo-Mechanical and Thermo-Electric Properties of a Carbon-Based Epoxy Resin: An Experimental, Statistical, and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Spinelli Giovanni , Guarini Rosella , Guadagno Liberata , Vertuccio Luigi , Romano Vittorio
Published: July 2024

Due to their remarkable intrinsic physical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can enhance mechanical properties and confer electrical and thermal conductivity to polymers currently being investigated for use in advanced applications based on thermal management. An epoxy resin filled with varying concentrations of CNTs (up to 3 wt%) was produced and experimentally characterized. The electrical percolation curve identified the following two critical filler concentrations: 0.5 wt%, which is near the electrical percolation threshold (EPT) and suitable for exploring mechanical and piezoresistive properties, and 3 wt% for investigating thermo-electric properties due to the Joule effect with applied voltages ranging from 70 V to 200 V. Near the electrical percolation threshold (EPT), the CNT concentration in epoxy composites forms a sparse, sensitive network ideal for deformation sensing due to significant changes in electrical resistance under strain. Above the EPT, a denser CNT network enhances electrical and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for Joule heating applications. Numerical models were developed using multiphysics simulation software. Once the models have been validated with experimental data, as a perfect agreement is found between numerical and experimental results, a simulation study is performed to investigate additional physical properties of the composites. Furthermore, a statistical approach based on the design of experiments (DoE) was employed to examine the influence of certain thermal parameters on the final performance of the materials. The purpose of this research is to promote the use of contemporary statistical and computational techniques alongside experimental methods to enhance understanding of materials science. New materials can be identified through these integrated approaches, or existing ones can be more thoroughly examined.
Inline Hot Rolling of Al-5%Mg Strip Cast Using an Unequal Diameter Twin-Roll Caster
Authors: Haga Toshio , Furukawa Masataka
Published: July 2024

One advantage of twin-roll casting for aluminum alloys is that hot rolling can be omitted, thus shortening the process. The effect of inline hot rolling on the anisotropy of the mechanical properties, especially the elongation, of the roll-cast strip has not been investigated. In a high-speed twin-roll caster, inline hot rolling forms the metal shape before the temperature of the cast strip decreases below the temperature needed for hot rolling. In this study, inline hot rolling of Al-5%Mg strips cast using an unequal diameter twin-roll caster was performed to validate the technique and evaluate its ability to reduce surface cracking and improve the elongation anisotropy. A rolling speed of 30 m/min was used, and the effects of temperature and thickness reduction during inline hot rolling on the surface and mechanical properties were investigated. Inline hot rolling was found to effectively reduce the formation of surface cracks and the anisotropy of the mechanical properties.
Weight Factor as a Parameter for Optimal Part Orientation in the L-PBF Printing Process Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Kaščák Ľuboš , Varga Ján , Bidulská Jana , Bidulský Róbert , Manfredi Diego
Published: July 2024

The L-PBF process belongs to the most modern methods of manufacturing complex-shaped parts. It is used especially in the automotive, aviation industries, and in the consumer products industry as well. Numerical simulation in the powder sintering process is a means of optimizing time efficiency, accuracy and predicting future errors. It is one of the means to optimize the L-PBF process, which makes it possible to investigate the influence of individual parameters on additive manufacturing. This research makes it possible to predict the correct orientation of a part based on selected criteria, which are assigned a weighting factor in the form of parameters with which the simulation software Simufact Additive can work. Based on these, three possible orientations of the part were analysed with respect to the area of the supporting material, the volume of the supporting material, the number of voxels, and the building risk. Finally, the results of a simulation and the results of the tensile test were compared. From the results of the static tensile test, as well as from the results of the numerical simulation, it was found that better characteristics were achieved for the orientation of part no. 1 compared to orientation of part No. 3.
A Review of Fluoride Removal from Phosphorous Gypsum: A Quantitative Analysis via a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Jin Huagui , Wang Yixiao , An Xuebin , Wang Shizhao , Wang Yunshan , Yang Gang , Shi Lufang , Sun Yong
Published: July 2024

This review comprehensively explores fluoride removal from phosphogypsum, focusing on its composition, fluorine-containing compounds, characterization methods, and defluorination techniques. It initially outlines the elemental composition of phosphogypsum prevalent in major production regions and infers the presence of fluorine compounds based on these constituents. The study highlights X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as a pivotal method for characterizing fluorine compounds, emphasizing its capability to determine precise binding energies essential for identifying various fluorine species. Additionally, the first-principle density functional theory (DFT) is employed to estimate binding energies of different fluorine-containing compounds. Significant correlations are observed between the total atomic energy of binary fluorides (e.g., of alkali metals, earth metals, and boron group metals) and XPS binding energies. However, for complex compounds like calcium fluorophosphate, correlations with the calculated average atomic total energy are less direct. The review categorizes defluorination methods applied to phosphogypsum as physical, chemical, thermal, and thermal-combined processes, respectively. It introduces neural network machine learning (ML) technology to quantitatively analyze and optimize reported defluorination strategies. Simulation results indicate potential optimizations based on quantitative analyses of process conditions reported in the literature. This review provides a systematic approach to understanding the phosphogypsum composition, fluorine speciation, analytical methodologies, and effective defluorination strategies. The attempts of adopting DFT simulation and quantitative analysis using ML in optimization underscore its potential and feasibility in advancing the industrial phosphogypsum defluorination process.