bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic insights into the effects of pathological mutants through the disruption of hydrophobic core in the prion protein
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Chang Iksoo , Yu Wookyung
Published: December 2019

Destabilization of prion protein induces a conformational change from normal prion protein (PrPC) to abnormal prion protein (PrPSC). Hydrophobic interaction is the main driving force for protein folding, and critically affects the stability and solvability. To examine the importance of the hydrophobic core in the PrP, we chose six amino acids (V176, V180, T183, V210, I215, and Y218) that make up the hydrophobic core at the middle of the H2-H3 bundle. A few pathological mutants of these amino acids have been reported, such as V176G, V180I, T183A, V210I, I215V, and Y218N. We focused on how these pathologic mutations affect the hydrophobic core and thermostability of PrP. For this, we ran a temperature-based replica-exchange molecular dynamics (T-REMD) simulation, with a cumulative simulation time of 28 μs, for extensive ensemble sampling. From the T-REMD ensemble, we calculated the protein folding free energy difference between wild-type and mutant PrP using the thermodynamic integration (TI) method. Our results showed that pathological mutants V176G, T183A, I215V, and Y218N decrease the PrP stability. At the atomic level, we examined the change in pair-wise hydrophobic interactions from valine-valine to valine-isoleucine (and vice versa), which is induced by mutation V180I, V210I (I215V) at the 180th–210th (176th–215th) pair. Finally, we investigated the importance of the π-stacking between Y218 and F175.
Targeting AXL and RAGE to prevent geminin overexpression-induced triple-negative breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Ryan Daniel , Koziol Jim , ElShamy Wael M.
Published: December 2019

Dissemination of metastatic precursors from primaries is the primary reason for patient death. Dissemination encompasses tumor cells invasion of stroma, followed by intravasation through the endothelium barrier into the bloodstream. Here, we describe how geminin-overexpressing tumor cells acquire dissemination ability. Acetylated HMGB1 (Ac-HMGB1) secreted by geminin-overexpressing cells activates RAGE and CXCR4 expression on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) located in tumor stroma. Through secreting CXCL12, geminin-overexpressing cells recruit these CXCR4+-MSCs into the tumor. Within the tumor, MSCs differentiate into S100A4-secreting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). S100A4, in a reciprocal manner, activates geminin-overexpressing cells to secrete CCL2 that recruits M0-macrophages from the stroma into the tumor. Within the tumor, CCL2 polarizes M0-macrophages into Gas6-secreting M2-tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs). In concert, geminin-overexpression, S100A4/RAGE and Gas6/AXL signaling promote the invasive and intravasation abilities in geminin-overexpressing cells through exacerbating their stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotypes and enhancing expression and functional interaction of CD151 and α3β1-integrin in geminin-overexpressing cells. Tumors formed following injection of geminin-overexpressing cells admixed with MSCs/CAFs grew faster, metastasized earlier, especially to lungs, and were extremely sensitive to anti-c-Abl, anti-RAGE, and anti-AXL drugs. These data support an intrinsic ability in geminin-overexpressing tumor cells to promote their metastatic potential through recruitment and bi-directional interactions with MSCs/CAFs and M2-TAMs.
Amorphous Ge-Bi-Se Thin Films: A Mass Spectrometric Study
Authors: Mawale Ravi , Mandal Govinda , Bouška Marek , Gutwirth Jan , Bora Pankaj Lochan , Nazabal Virginie , Havel Josef , Němec Petr
Published: December 2019

The Ge-Bi-Se thin films of varied compositions (Ge content 0–32.1 at. %, Bi content 0–45.7 at. %, Se content 54.3–67.9 at. %) have been prepared by rf magnetron (co)-sputtering technique. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the clusters generated during the interaction of laser pulses with Ge-Bi-Se thin films using laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The stoichiometry of the clusters was determined in order to understand the individual species present in the plasma plume. Laser ablation of Ge-Bi-Se thin films accompanied by ionization produces about 20 positively and/or negatively charged unary, binary and ternary (Gex+, Biy+, Sez+/−, GexSez+/−, BiySez+/− and GexBiySez−) clusters. Furthermore, we performed the laser ablation experiments of Ge:Bi:Se elemental mixtures and the results were compared with laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of thin films. Moreover, to understand the geometry of the generated clusters, we calculated structures of some selected binary and ternary clusters using density functional theory. The generated clusters and their calculated possible geometries can give important structural information, as well as help to understand the processes present in the plasma processes exploited for thin films deposition.
B procyanidins of Annona crassiflora fruit peel inhibited glycation, lipid peroxidation and protein-bound carbonyls, with protective effects on glycated catalase
Authors: Justino Allisson B. , Franco Rodrigo R. , Silva Heitor C. G. , Saraiva André L. , Sousa Raquel M. F. , Espindola Foued S.
Published: December 2019

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been reported as results of increased oxidative stress. Consequently, the search for new antioxidant and anti-glycating agents is under intense investigation. Plant-derived procyanidins have previously demonstrated anti-glycation properties. Thus, this study aimed to isolate procyanidins from Annona crassiflora fruit peel, a species from the Brazilian Savanna, and investigate their antioxidant and anti-glycation effects. Free radical scavenging and quenching properties, formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), AGEs, protein carbonyl and thiol groups, lipid peroxidation, crosslinked AGEs, as well as glycated catalase activity, were analyzed. In addition, in silico assessment of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity was carried out. The procyanidins-enriched fraction, named here as F7, showed high antioxidant and anti-glycation capacities, with inhibitory activities against lipid peroxidation, and AGEs and ROS formation. In addition, there were reductions in AGEs-induced crosslinks and protein carbonyls and protective effects against oxidation of thiol groups and glycated-catalase. ADMET predictions of F7 showed favorable absorption and distribution, with no hepatotoxicity or mutagenicity. Together, our results support the anti-glycation activities of the procyanidins-enriched fraction from A. crassiflora, and suggest that these effects are triggered, at least in part, by scavenging free radical and dicarbonyls intermediates.
Comparative Genomics of 86 Whole-Genome Sequences in the Six Species of the Elizabethkingia Genus Reveals Intraspecific and Interspecific Divergence
Authors: Liang Chih-Yu , Yang Chih-Hui , Lai Chung-Hsu , Huang Yi-Han , Lin Jiun-Nong
Published: December 2019

Bacteria of the genus Elizabethkingia are emerging infectious agents that can cause infection in humans. The number of published whole-genome sequences of Elizabethkingia is rapidly increasing. In this study, we used comparative genomics to investigate the genomes of the six species in the Elizabethkingia genus, namely E. meningoseptica, E. anophelis, E. miricola, E. bruuniana, E. ursingii, and E. occulta. In silico DNA–DNA hybridization, whole-genome sequence-based phylogeny, pan genome analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, and clusters of orthologous groups were evaluated. Of the 86 whole-genome sequences available in GenBank, 21 were complete genome sequences and 65 were shotgun sequences. In silico DNA–DNA hybridization clearly delineated the six Elizabethkingia species. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that E. bruuniana, E. ursingii, and E. occulta were closer to E. miricola than to E. meningoseptica and E. anophelis. A total of 2,609 clusters of orthologous groups were identified among the six type strains of the Elizabethkingia genus. Metabolism-related clusters of orthologous groups accounted for the majority of gene families in KEGG analysis. New genes were identified that substantially increased the total repertoire of the pan genome after the addition of 86 Elizabethkingia genomes, which suggests that Elizabethkingia has shown adaptive evolution to environmental change. This study presents a comparative genomic analysis of Elizabethkingia, and the results of this study provide knowledge that facilitates a better understanding of this microorganism.
Collision cross sections obtained with ion mobility mass spectrometry as new descriptor to predict blood-brain barrier permeation by drugs
Authors: Guntner Armin Sebastian , Thalhamer Bernhard , Klampfl Christian , Buchberger Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Evaluating the ability of a drug to permeate the blood-brain barrier is not a trivial task due to the structural complexity of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, it is of immense importance to identify related properties of the drugs either to be able to produce a desired effect in the brain or to avoid unwanted side effects there. In the past, multiple methods have been used for that purpose. However, these are sometimes methodologically problematic and do not claim universal validity. Therefore, additional new methods for judging blood-brain barrier penetration by drugs are advantageous. Accordingly, within the scope of this study, we tried to introduce a new structure-derived parameter to predict the blood-brain barrier permeation of small molecules based on ion mobility mass spectrometry experiments – the collision cross section, as an illustration of the branching and the molecular volume of a molecule. In detail, we used ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometric data of 46 pharmacologically active small-molecules as well as literature-derived permeability and lipophilicity data to set up our model. For the first time we were able to show a strong correlation between the brain penetration of pharmacologically active ingredients and their mass spectrometric collision cross sections.
Author Correction: Grandmothers’ smoking in pregnancy is associated with a reduced prevalence of early-onset myopia
Authors: Williams Cathy , Suderman Matthew , Guggenheim Jeremy A. , Ellis Genette , Gregory Steve , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Northstone Kate , Golding Jean , Pembrey Marcus
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A facile acid treatment for P25 modification with enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution – effect of Brønsted acid sites and oxygen vacancies
Authors: Lv Chao , Lan Xuefang , Li Fuqiang , Wang Lili , Xiao Liqi , Wang Cheng , Shi Jinsheng , Yu Shuguang
Published: December 2019

Acid treated P25 catalysts (HP25-x, x represents the treatment temperature) were successfully fabricated via a simple soaking and drying process for photocatalytic H2 production.
Structural characterization and osteogenic bioactivities of a novelHumulus lupuluspolysaccharide
Authors: Chen Xiaoxia , Li Tianyu , Qing Degang , Chen Jun , Zhang Qian , Yan Chunyan
Published: December 2019

The female flowers ofHumulus lupulusare used in traditional Chinese medicine, but the bioactive ingredients underlying its benefits remain unclear. So, it is beneficial for treating diseases to screen out active polysaccharides fromH. lupulus.
Exploring the flavor formation mechanism under osmotic conditions during soy sauce fermentation in Aspergillus oryzae by proteomic analysis
Authors: Zhao Guozhong , Liu Chong , Li Shu , Wang Xiaowen , Yao Yunping
Published: December 2019

Aspergillus oryzae is a common starter in the soy sauce industry and struggles to grow under complex fermentation conditions.
Insights into structural and physicochemical properties required for β-hematin inhibition of privileged triarylimidazoles
Authors: Veale Clinton G. L. , Jayram Janeeka , Naidoo Shivani , Laming Dustin , Swart Tarryn , Olivier Tania , Akerman Matthew P. , de Villiers Katherine A. , Hoppe Heinrich C. , Jeena Vineet
Published: December 2019

In this study we provide deeper insight into both the structural and physicochemical properties of the privileged triarylimidazole required for inhibition of β-hematin formation.
Catalytic reduction of nitrogen to produce ammonia by bismuth-based catalysts: state of the art and future prospects
Authors: Hao Qiang , Liu Chuangwei , Jia Guohua , Wang Yuan , Arandiyan Hamidreza , Wei Wei , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: December 2019

This review provides an up-to-date review on Bi-based nitrogen-fixation materials and future directions for the development of new Bi-based nitrogen-fixation materials under ambient conditions.
Large temperature tuning of the emission color of a phosphor by dual use of Raman and photoluminescence signals
Authors: De Arnab , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: December 2019

High performance optical thermomertry by combining Raman and photoluminescence signals from phosphor materials.
Eggshell membrane-based water electrolysis cells
Authors: Patra Sudeshna , Soman Bhaskar , Vineesh ThazheVeettil , Shyaga Naresh , Narayanan Tharangattu N.
Published: December 2019

Egg shell membrane based novel alkaline water electrolysis cells are constructed. The performance of such membranes are found to be on-par with commercial water electrolysis membranes, exemplifying the potential of such bio-membranes in future energetics.
Recent advances and prospects of carbon dots in cancer nanotheranostics
Authors: Jia Qingyan , Zhao Ziyu , Liang Ke , Nan Fuchun , Li Ye , Wang Jian , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei
Published: December 2019

This review summarizes and discusses the recent advances and future prospects of carbon dots as nanotheranostic agents for anticancer applications.
A novel route to unsymmetrical disubstituted ureas and thioureas by HMPA catalyzed reductive alkylation with trichlorosilane
Authors: Ran Xiaoyun , Long Yan , Yang Sheng , Peng Changjiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qian Shan , Jiang Zhenju , Zhang Xiaomei , Yang Lingling , Wang Zhouyu , Yu Xiaoqi
Published: December 2019

A HMPA catalyzed reductive alkylation of ureas and thioureas with trichlorosilane under mild reaction conditions has been developed.
Proteomic analysis of the earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to oxytetracycline in soil
Authors: Zhao Huabing , Shi Sanyuan , Zhao Hong , Guo Jin , Yang Zhen , Gao Hongsheng , Lu Fuping
Published: December 2019

Increasing attention has been paid to the toxicity and hazards of antibiotics on non-target organisms in soil ecosystems as excess antibiotics in the excretion of treated animals are being brought into the soil through manure and sewage irrigation.
Sophorolipid exhibits antifungal activity by ROS mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways in Candida albicans
Authors: Haque Farazul , Verma Nitish Kumar , Alfatah Mohammad , Bijlani Swati , Bhattacharyya Mani Shankar
Published: December 2019

Sophorolipid induces ROS generation in C. albicans leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress followed by the release of Ca2+ ions (from the ER lumen) that enter mitochondria and further magnify ROS generation leading to cell death.
Formation of toroidal Li2O2 in non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries with Mo2CTx MXene/CNT composite
Authors: Wu Mihye , Kim Do Youb , Park Hyunsoo , Cho Kyeong Min , Kim Ju Ye , Kim Seon Joon , Choi Sungho , Kang Yongku , Kim Jihan , Jung Hee-Tae
Published: December 2019

Mo2CTx supported on carbon nanotube was first applied as a cathode for Li–O2 batteries. The high surface coverage of Mo2CTx resulted in the toroidal Li2O2 formation via solution growth model due to the inaccessibility of O2 to the cathode surface.
One-pot synthesis of Cu2O/C@H-TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Jian Aoqun , Wang Meiling , Wang Leiyang , Zhang Bo , Sang Shengbo , Zhang Xuming
Published: December 2019

As an environment-friendly semiconductor, titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can effectively convert solar energy to chemical energy, is a crucial material in solar energy conversion research.
Polyurethane-based bionic material simulating the Vis-NIR spectrum and thermal infrared properties of vegetation
Authors: Hu Anran , Li Min , Zhang Liping , Wang Chunxia , Fu Shaohai
Published: December 2019

Simulation of near-infrared and thermal infrared characteristics of leaves.
Schottky anomaly and Néel temperature treatment of possible perturbed hydrogenated AA-stacked graphene, SiC, and h-BN bilayers
Authors: Hoi Bui D. , Phuong Le T. T. , Lam Vo T. , Khoa Doan Q. , Tien Tran , Binh Nguyen T. T. , Phuc Huynh V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Nguyen Chuong V.
Published: December 2019

The potential of manipulating the electronic heat capacity and Pauli susceptibility of hydrogenated AA-stacked graphene, silicon carbide, and hexagonal boron nitride bilayers is studied.
Construction of novel Ag/HKUST-1/g-C3N4 towards enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of pollutants under visible light
Authors: Qiao Yu , Han Qian , Li Dong , Li Hongji , Wei Bing , Che Guangbo , Jiang Wei , Guan Weisheng
Published: December 2019

A novel AHC photocatalyst was prepared via in situ growth strategy and photo-deposition technique. The as-prepared hybrid samples have good photocatalytic activity and stability for Rh B degradation under visible-light irradiation.
Removal of anthracene in water by MIL-88(Fe), NH2-MIL-88(Fe), and mixed-MIL-88(Fe) metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zango Zakariyya Uba , Jumbri Khairulazhar , Sambudi Nonni Soraya , Hanif Abu Bakar Noor Hana , Fathihah Abdullah Nor Ain , Basheer Chanbasha , Saad Bahruddin
Published: December 2019

Three adsorbents based on the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), viz.; MIL-88(Fe), NH2-MIL-88(Fe), and mixed-MIL-88(Fe) were synthesized using a microwave-assisted solvothermal technique.
Insight into the PEC and interfacial charge transfer kinetics at the Mo doped BiVO4photoanodes
Authors: Kumar Sriram , Ahirwar Satyaprakash , Satpati Ashis Kumar
Published: December 2019

BiVO4is a promising photoanode material for the photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation of water; however, its poor charge transfer, transport, and slow surface catalytic activity limit the expected theoretical efficiency.
A walk around the application of nanocatalysts for cross-dehydrogenative coupling of C–H bonds
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Su Pingyang , Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Vessally Esmail
Published: December 2019

Cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions between two unmodified C–H bonds are one of the most attractive and fundamental strategies for the construction of C–C bonds.
Step-by-step monitoring of CVD-graphene during wet transfer by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Zehao , Zhang Xuewei , Das Atanu , Liu Jinglan , Zou Zhenxing , Zhang Zilong , Xia Yang , Zhao Pei , Wang Hongtao
Published: December 2019

The quality evolution of as-grown graphene during wet transfer from Cu to SiO2/Si substrate is investigated by Raman spectroscopy and the relavant factors during this process are identified.
Purification strategy and effect of impurities on corrosivity of dehydrated carnallite for thermal solar applications
Authors: Zhao Youyang , Klammer Noah , Vidal Judith
Published: December 2019

Thermal and chemical purifications empower molten chlorides for next generation concentrating solar power (CSP) applications.
Proof of concept web application for understanding the energetic basis of oligonucleotide unfolding
Authors: Prislan Iztok , Sajko Sara , Ulrih Nataša Poklar , Fürst Luka
Published: December 2019

A novel web application: performing global fitting of oligonucleotide unfolding experimental data in style.
Unraveling the effect of ZrO2modifiers on the nature of active sites on AuRu/ZrO2catalysts for furfural hydrogenation
Authors: Morandi Sara , Manzoli Maela , Chan-Thaw Carine E. , Bonelli Barbara , Stucchi Marta , Prati Laura , Störmer Heike , Wang Wu , Wang Di , Pabel Michael , Villa Alberto
Published: December 2019

Ru and AuRu nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-immobilization methodology and deposited on different doped zirconia supports (ZrO2, Y–ZrO2and La–ZrO2).
Ni–WSe2nanostructures as efficient catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic and alkaline media
Authors: Kadam Sunil R. , Enyashin Andrey N. , Houben Lothar , Bar-Ziv Ronen , Bar-Sadan Maya
Published: December 2019

Doping WSe2with various metals promotes the HER. Ni doping was found as the most efficient dopant, forming grafted layers on the structures. The mechanisms of the enhanced activity are unveiled and discussed.
A quasi-solid-state photothermal supercapacitor via enhanced solar energy harvest
Authors: Zhao Mingyu , Li Yaling , Lin Feng , Xu Yunshi , Chen Leilei , Jiang Weicun , Jiang Ting , Yang Shuguang , Wang Yi
Published: December 2019

A mesoporous carbon nanosphere-intercalated graphene hydrogel with a hierarchical porous architecture is prepared as a flexible quasi-solid-state photothermal supercapacitor via solar irradiation.
A nanopillar-structured perovskite-based efficient semitransparent solar module for power-generating window applications
Authors: Kwon Hyeok-Chan , Ma Sunihl , Yun Seong-Cheol , Jang Gyumin , Yang Hyunha , Moon Jooho
Published: December 2019

An efficient large-area semitransparent solar module is demonstrated using a nanopillar perovskite absorber. A 40.8 cm2 semitransparent solar module with a PCE of 9.04%, AVT of 30.2%, and high GFF of 95.6% is obtained.
Parasite defense mechanisms in bees: behavior, immunity, antimicrobials, and symbionts
Authors: Fowler Alison E. , Irwin Rebecca E. , Adler Lynn S.
Published: December 2019

Parasites are linked to the decline of some bee populations; thus, understanding defense mechanisms has important implications for bee health. Recent advances have improved our understanding of factors mediating bee health ranging from molecular to landscape scales, but often as disparate literatures. Here, we bring together these fields and summarize our current understanding of bee defense mechanisms including immunity, immunization, and transgenerational immune priming in social and solitary species. Additionally, the characterization of microbial diversity and function in some bee taxa has shed light on the importance of microbes for bee health, but we lack information that links microbial communities to parasite infection in most bee species. Studies are beginning to identify how bee defense mechanisms are affected by stressors such as poor-quality diets and pesticides, but further research on this topic is needed. We discuss how integrating research on host traits, microbial partners, and nutrition, as well as improving our knowledge base on wild and semi-social bees, will help inform future research, conservation efforts, and management.
The analysis of a Velox-type CHP plant for various gaseous fuels
Authors: Smolka Krystian , Dykas Slawomir
Published: December 2019

For many years, the Institute of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery of the Silesian University of Technology has been using a small-capacity (about 500 kWe) steam-gas power plant. Based on many yearsof experience in operation of this power plant utilizing the Velox-type gas-steam system, an idea arose to modify this type of thermal power cycle to create a combined heat and power (CHP) plant of small capacity, dedicated for distributed heat and power production of the range up to 500 kW or production process steam with high temperature. Previous thermodynamic and economic analysis of that type of CHP plant were conducted for natural gas as afuel. The new idea is use the alternative gas fuels or waste heat for Velox-type CHP plant. An adaptation of the Velox-type CHP plant for various fuelscan be done in simple way by moving the combustion chamber out from the setof heat exchangers, in similar way as it is done for HRSG. This paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of the Velox-type steam-gas cycle fired with various alternative gas fuels such as coke gas, blast furnace gas, biogas orgas from gasification. The systems are modelled in the EBSILON® Professional 13 program.
Analysis of a micro oxy gas turbine for variable oxidizer and fuel parameters
Authors: Nowak Wojciech , Złotkowski Mikołaj , Alharbi Ahmed A
Published: December 2019

The article describes the behavior of a micro oxy gas turbine after replacing the nitrogen with carbon dioxide. The accurate simulation of the oxy turbine behavior is of great importance to understand its performance under a variety of operational parameters. This work presents combustion analysis for the comprehensive simulation of a micro oxy gas turbine.
Speciation of inorganic gaseous species and condensed phases during coconut husk combustion based on thermodynamic equilibrium calculations
Authors: Jerzak Wojciech , Kuźnia Monika
Published: December 2019

Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations to predict coconut husks (CH) combustion products have been carried out in this work. The selected type of biomass belongs to problematic fuels due to the fibrous structure preventing its grinding, and high chlorine content. The calculations results showed, that the combustion temperature for the tested range of 600-1000°C clearly affects the concentrations of chlorine species in the flue gas. When the temperature was below 820°C, the highest concentration had HCl(g), and above 820°C KCl(g). The chlorine was also present in ash, as KCl-NaCl-RbCl solid solution, when the combustion temperature T <700°C, and KCl-NaCl-K2SO4-Na2SO4 liquid solution, when 600 <T <960 °C. High content of chlorine in ash from CH combustion at T = 650°C has been confirmed experimentally. Speciations of inorganic gaseous species and condensed phases we investigated also during flue gas cooling from 1000 to 400°C. Major condensed phase composition were dominated by alkali metal salts in both solid and liquid phase states. Finally, we presented sixteen eutectic points for different binary systems calculated in the FactSage software.
Pilot installation for thermal utilization of meat-and-bone meal using the rotary kiln pyrolyzer and the fluidised bed boiler
Authors: Kantorek Marcin , Jesionek Krzysztof , Polesek-Karczewska Sylwia , Ziόłkowski Paweł , Stajnke Michał , Badur Janusz
Published: December 2019

The technology of thermal utilization of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) is still at the research state. However, there are already a number of existing pilot-scale installations that provide the complete, effective and environmentally safe process conducting. The universal technology was developed that allows to combust various types of waste, including animal waste, municipal waste and sludge, mixed at any ratio with different types of biomass. It provides the possibility to utilize the waste-and-biomass fuel mixtures of up to 90%wt of moisture content, whilemaintaining the allowable pollutant emission to the atmosphere and soil. This regards mainly NOx, SO2, HCl and VOC. Contrary to the typical large scale grate boilers used for waste incineration, the developed operating pilot-scale plant with a capacity of 12MW offers the complete combustion of animal meal, resulting in a flue gas which is proved to be free of flammable gaseous components and sooty particles in slag and fly ash. The thermal decomposition and combustion of waste using this technology ensuresthermal conversion of chemical energy contained in waste and biomass intothe heat and electricity, while preserving the optimum thermodynamic efficiency of technological system. The efficiency of the prototype installation varied between 88.36 and 84.84% depending on the load.
Heat transfer characteristics of an external tube heat exchanger in a 1296t/h circulating fluidized bed boiler
Authors: Blaszczuk Artur , Jagodzik Szymon
Published: December 2019

In this research article, experimental study was carried out to obtain the heat transfer characteristics between a submerged horizontal tube bundle and a fluidized bed in a large-scale circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler with an external heat exchanger (EHE). The operational parameters in the tube EHE were measured during performance tests at variable load conditions. The average heat transfer coefficient (HTC) was calculated using a mechanistic heat transfer model based on packed renewal theory. The heat transfer characteristics are considered in terms of heat transfer mechanisms such as emulsion phase convection, gas convection and also thermal radiation. The obtained heat transfer data exhibit a maximum value with variation mean bed particle size irrespective of pressure. The results showed that the average HTC increases with a decrease of the Sauter mean particle diameter and with the increase of the fluidizing number as a result of good mixing dynamics in emulsion phase (i.e. emulsion wall contact time, bubble fraction in the bed). Based on the heat transfer data, empirical correlations are proposed for predicting a heat transfer coefficient from fluidized bed to horizontal tube bundle. The mechanistic heat transfer model predicted the average HTC in sufficiently good agreement with CFB boiler data accessible in the literature.
Two-Phase Ferrofluid Systems: Surfactants and Thermal Properties of Iron Oxide Nanofluids for Condensation
Authors: Zabek Daniel , Grzebielec Andrzej , Cmok Luca , Hribar Boštjančič Patricija , Mertelj Alenka
Published: December 2019

Evaporation heat transfer with ferrofluids has the potential to improve heat and mass transfer compared to conventional two-phase systems. The ferromagnetic nanoparticles which control the rheology and heat transfer properties of the ferrofluid, must be coated with a dispersing agent, also referred to as a surfactant, to prevent particle agglomeration. This paper compares ferromagnetic iron-oxide particles coated with fatty acid, polymeric and hydrophobic surfactants after undergoing evaporation and condensation. The outcome was measured by assessing the dispersion of the ferrofluid after condensation. The fatty acid surfactants demonstrated the best dispersion after condensation proving temperature stability.
EXERGY-BASED INVESTIGATION OF A COAL-FIRED ALLAM CYCLE
Authors: Luo Jing , Emelogu Ogechi , Morosuk Tatiana , Tsatsaronis George
Published: December 2019

Allam cycle is a novel cycle that capitalizes on the unique thermodynamic properties of supercritical CO2 and the advantages of oxy-combustion for power generation. It is a high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide cycle designed to combust fossil fuels such as natural gas or syngas (from coal gasification systems) with complete CO2 separation at a high-efficiency and zero atmospheric emissions. This semi-closed cycle produces sequestration-ready/pipeline quality CO2 by-product, and thus eliminates the need for additional CO2-capture system. The Coal-fueled Allam cycle is targeted to deliver between 51-52% net efficiency (lower heating value) for coal gasification. In this study, the expected energetic efficiency is verified by simulating the system in Ebsilon professional software and the result showed that the net efficiency of the simulated coal-fired plant is 30.7%, which is significantly lower than the targeted value. The lower efficiency maybe as a result of the missing heat integration in the system, the high power demand of the oxidant compressor and CO2 compressors. And an exergy analysis based on published cycle data is employed, to investigate the cycle performance, identify the sources of the cycle’s thermodynamic inefficiencies at the component level; a sensitivity analysis is also performed to study the effects of selected thermodynamic parameters on the overall performance of the coal-fired Allam cycle.
Influence of three surface condensers connection setup on power plant unit performance
Authors: Dobkiewicz-Wieczorek Ewa
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a comparison of three surface condenser connection setups on the cooling water side. Serial, mixed and parallel connections were considered. The thermodynamic justification for the use of more complex configurations was verified. The analysis was conducted based on the calculated heat balances of verified power units for nominal and not nominal parameters for tested connections. The exhaust steam pressure was calculated using the technical data of the surface condenser and cooling water parameters. Three methods of calculating the heat transfer coefficient based on characteristic numbers, HEI method, and the ASME standard, were used. The most advantageous model was indicated and used in heat balance calculations. The assumptions and simplifications for the calculations are discussed. Examples of the calculation results are presented.
Oxy-combustion of agro and wood biomass in a fluidized bed
Authors: Kaczyńska Katarzyna , Kaczyński Konrad , Pełka Piotr
Published: December 2019

Present trends in the global energy sector effectively drive the development of technologies using renewable energy sources and the improvement of combustion technology towards increasing its efficiency and removing environmentally harmful flue gases. One solution is to replace fossil energy sources with renewable sources, including biomass. The degree of biomass utilization depends on the size of resources and processing technology. There are more and more different types of biomass on the market. There are many technologies for its energetic use. In recent years, fluidized combustion technology has been considered as one of the main directions of development of professional energy in the world. Many units in the world in fluidized combustion technology use as primary or supplementary fuel: sludge, wood waste and biomass, as well as municipal waste, etc. Fluidized bed boilers also allow the implementation of the dynamically developing oxy-combustion technology, which perfectly fits the prevailing trends due to the key advantages of increased energy conversion, as well as the possibility of direct sequestration of carbon dioxide. During experimental research, the mass loss of biomass pellets of various origins was analyzed in an oxidizing and inert atmosphere in a two-phase flow with the use of inert material. The obtained results allow to state that the large variety of biomass offered by suppliers requires a thorough knowledge of its properties and determination of its impact on the process and installations when used in the power industry.
Investigation of Applicability of Polyimide Membranes for Air Separation in Oxy-MILD Zero-Emission Power Plants
Authors: Remiorz Leszek , Wiciak Grzegorz , Grzywnowicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

Primary element of an oxy-combustion plants is ambient air separation unit. This paper presents the results of experimental research concerning the parameters of the separation of N2/O2 from ambient air, using capillary polymer membranes, potentially applicable in oxy-combustion technology, under variable operational conditions. Collected data were utilized to approximate continuous functions describing the variability of essential parameters of the air separation based on such membranes. The functions were introduced to develop a complete mathematical model of the separation unit, intended to be applied in oxy-Moderate or Intense Low Oxygen Dilution (oxy-MILD) zero-emission plants. Computational analyses were performed for three variants of the unit’s configuration: serial connection of membrane modules, unit with retentate recirculation and unit with permeate recirculation. The results of the research, in the form of sets of characteristic curves, depicting parameters of the separation process as a function of the variable operational conditions, show that crucial differences to the subsequent separation parameters (permeate purity, real selectivity coefficient, recovery coefficient) and with regard to the power consumed, were obtained. The highest parameters of the module were gained for serial connection, whereas the lowest – for permeate recirculation. The lowest energy consumption was acquired for the retentate recirculation variant.
Influence of unsteady pressure-flow conditions on strength of steel pipelines with volumetric defects reinforced by composite sleeves
Authors: Uilhoorn Ferdinand , Witek Maciej
Published: December 2019

Structural integrity and risk management have a wide interest because of its practical applications, such as oil and gas pipelines, piping systems under pressure in power stations, urban water, and heating networks. The main goal of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to estimate the unsteady pressureflow variations in a gas transmission grid within the framework of sequential data assimilation. This technique enables to determine accurately the maximum pressure at the localized defect on the pipeline by merging measurements that contain random errors into the inexact numerical flow model. For this purpose, a particle filter is used. The semi-discretization approach is applied to convert the nonisothermal flow model into an initial value problem of ordinary differential equations. The spatial discretization is based on a five-point, fourth-order finite difference approximation and the time marching was done using a diagonally implicit Runge-Kutta scheme. Secondly, to study the strength of steel tubes reinforced with composite sleeves containing localized part-wall thickness losses caused by corrosion while taking into consideration a safe operating pressure. For a steel thin-walled cylinder containing a wrap of fiberglass with epoxy resin, the burst pressure and sleeve thickness are determined. Finally, the repaired pipeline with a fiber-reinforced composite sleeve is investigated. The results enable operators to handle problems of corroded steel pipelines and develop effective repair activities during operation. For this reason, current research is important for the maintenance of underground steel networks.
Close loop optimisation of large CHP based on approximation model
Authors: Śladewski Łukasz , Wereszczyński Rafał , Majchrzak Jerzy , Możejko Krzysztof , Bujalski Wojciech , Świrski Konrad , Sędzielski Maks
Published: December 2019

Complex optimization of CHP plants becomes a very important issue in research and implementation, particularly in the context of increasing environmental requirements. The process in industrial CHP plants could be decomposed into several subprocesses, which could be optimized individually using dedicated solutions. The article presents the results of work of complex, multi-modular optimization project of one CHP plant located in petrochemical and refinery plant in Poland. The scope of the project is economical load dispatch optimizer aimed to increase economical profit of CHP operation, combustion optimization for boiler efficiency increase and NOX emission reduction, steam temperature advanced control for improved control quality, sootblowing optimization for reduction of steam demand for sootblowing process. The solution includes also measurement validation and correction system, which is based on data reconciliation algorithm and on-line performance monitoring system.
Reconstruction of the protective barrier on the highways in the republic of North Macedonia pursuant to the MKS en1317 standard
Authors: Ristov Riste , Ognjenovic Slobodan , Nedevska Ivana , Zafirovski Zlatko
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper is to offer an approach to elaboration of technical documentationon the reconstruction of tghe existing protective barriers, as pursuant to the MKS EN 1317 standard, on all the roads in the Republic of North Macedonia. The current situation regarding the protective barriers on the motorways is the following: short protective lengths (shorter than the tested one), unprotected obstacles (non-standards boards, portals, road lamps, concrete pillars, tunnel portals, logs etc.), protection of third persons is not taken into consideration, Inappropriate application of the U.S4 standard (use of aluminum instead of steel profiles, barriers of metal sheets thinner than the standard ones, inappropriate pillars, bolts of lower quality than the prescribed one, larger distance between pillars, thinner anti-corrosion layer etc.) The new EN1317 standard dictates complete coverage of all the above cited shortcomings, regardless of whether positions that do not exist in the previous standard or omissions upon designing or performance are considered. The paper shall present the actual problems identified upon the design with permanent protection and their elimination with the new standard of MKS EN 1317.
Current issue of hydrotechnical structures calculation
Authors: Skolubovic Yuri , Bik Yuri , Soppa Mikhail , Molodin Vladimir , Yanenko Arkady
Published: December 2019

Methods of calculating hydraulic structures with the aim of identifying the reserves of their bearing capacity, extending their service life and strengthening structures at minimal cost are considered in the article. The above problems’ solutions are based on the stress-strain state’s study of port hydraulic structures in order to ensure the failure-free operation of facilities with the maximum reduction in time and money for their technical operation
Functional zoning of ecological tourism areas by degree of regulation of building and planning activities
Authors: Astanin Dmitry
Published: December 2019

The article considers the problem of natural landscape conservation under exposure to recreation impacts and emphasizes the differences between international and Russian experiences in establishing functional zones of specially protected natural reserves. Zoning according to the Federal Law of the Russian Federation «On Specially Protected Natural Territories» and the «Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves» are indicated. Recommendations for functional zoning regulations depending on their degree of openness for tourism according to the Russian and international requirements are proposed.
The radiation safety of the designing constructions in radon-hazardous areas
Authors: Shubin Igor , Bakaeva Natalya , Kalaydo Alexander , Skrynnykova Anna
Published: December 2019

The radiation safety of the designing constructions is quite a challenge problem due to the multifactorial nature of the process of forming an internal radon situation. The particular importance is the successful solution of potentially radon-hazardous areas, where the acceptable levels of radon in the indoor air cannot be provided without implementing a set of special radon-protective measures. The article defines the dominant mechanism of radon transportation in soils and walling materials on the basis of their permeability. The recommendations for designing underground walling structures with the required radon-protective characteristics have been proposed. It is shown that radon safety of buildings can be provided on soils with a high natural radionuclides content using exclusively passive radon protection technologies.
Small-dispersed dust chemical composition on the leaves of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) in residential area
Authors: Glinyanova Irina
Published: December 2019

A study of the small-dispersed dust chemical composition on the leaves of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) in the residential area of the Sredneakhtubinsky district of the Volgograd region was coducted. The aim of the study was to assess the environmental situation in low-rise buildings near functioning constructional and machinery enterprises. The leaves of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca), growing in the residential area, were used as passive biomonitors. Chemical analysis of dust particles was carried out with the usage of a scanning electron microscope Versa 3D Dual Beam. As a result of the studies, the chemical composition of small-dispersed dust (PM1, PM2,5, PM10) on the leaves of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca), which consisted of C,O, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, F, P, S, Fe, Mo. Chemical elements such as: F, P, S, Fe, Mo are not specific for leaf blades of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) and are environmental pollutants that have fallen on the leaves of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) from atmospheric air. In the future, it is necessary to find out the sources of atmospheric air pollution in the residential area by non-specific chemical elements and their compounds for this type of plant in the Sredneahtubinsky district of the Volgograd region, and to develop a set of environmental measures aimed to reduce pollutants emissions into the environment, and improving the quality of life of the population.
Results of carrying out engineering and environmental surveys at design of small hydroelectric power station
Authors: Khuchunaev B.M. , Tashilova A.A. , Kesheva L.A. , Teunova N.V.
Published: December 2019

Engineering and environmental surveys are one of types of the main engineering researches which are carried out for ecological justification of construction and other economic activity for the purpose of prevention, decrease or elimination of adverse environmental and related social, economic and other effects and also preservation of optimal conditions of life of the population. The purpose of engineering and environmental surveys is obtaining sufficient data on the existing state of environment around arrangement of a construction object (reconstruction). An object of research is the condition of the surrounding environment around placement of Verkhnebalkarskaya small hydroelectric power station.
Some methods for calculating and optimizing the characteristics of rods made of composite materials
Authors: Bobyleva Tatiana , Shamaev Alexey
Published: December 2019

Composite materials consisting of several phases are widely used in modern construction. Numerous experiments have shown that the properties of structurally heterogeneous materials can differ significantly from those of the individual components making up the composition. Besides, rapidly changing coefficients of differential equations describing such composite materials greatly complicate the solution of boundary value problems even with the help of computer calculation methods. Therefore, the homogenization method is used. In this paper the approach propose to obtain in explicit analytical form the effective model of the problem of loading a heterogeneous pipe made of layered material, provided that the elastic properties of the material only depend on the distance from the center of pipe cross section. We point to a method that obviously leads to an analytical result. It follows from the article that it is possible to choose the function that determines the structure of the “winding” in such a way as to obtain the stiffness characteristics of the pipe as close as possible to the desired with fixed mass fractions of the materials used.
Dust emissions’ reduction into the atmosphere by environmental-engineering systems of smallsize devices with counter-swirling flows (CSF)
Authors: Sergina N.M. , Sakharova A.A. , Azarov V.N. , Azarov D.V. , Nikolenko M.A.
Published: December 2019

The article discusses the features of using environmentalengineering systems of small-size devices with counter-swirling flows (CSF) to reduce dust emissions into the atmosphere. The reasons for the decrease of the dust collection efficiency by CSF systems are analyzed. The layout diagram of the dust collection system with CSF devices and the organization of suction from the dust collector hopper are given.