bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control Strategy Optimization for Electrostatic Precipitator System of Coal-Fired Power Plant Integrated With the Waste Heat Recovery System During Load Cycling Dynamic Processes
Authors: Gao Wei , Liu Ming , Zhao Yongliang , Wang Chaoyang , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

Coal-fired power plants will undertake more and more peak shaving and frequency regulation tasks to accommodate high penetration of fluctuating renewables. As a result, they often operate in load cycling dynamic processes, and the emissions of particulate matter (PM) are unavoidably affected by operation mode. Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is widely applied in coal-fired power plants for collecting PM from flue gas, and the wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system also removes PM while achieving efficient desulfurization. Because the flue gas temperature is an important factor affecting the PM removal efficiency, the regulation of the waste heat recovery system integrated within coal-fired power plants, which will influence the temperature of flue gas to ESP, will affect the operation of ESP. To achieve efficient PM removal, the dynamic characteristics and control strategies for the electrostatic precipitator system during load cycling dynamic processes should be further studied. In this study, the dynamic model of ESP was developed based on the Deutsch’s model, and the dynamic model of PM removal in WFGD system was developed with neural networks. These models were coupled with the dynamic model of a coal-fired power plant integrated with the waste heat recovery system. Then, changes in PM emissions were dynamically simulated during the load cycling processes. Dynamic characteristics of PM emissions influenced by the waste heat recovery system and WFGD system during the transient processes were obtained. Furthermore, an optimization control strategy for the electrostatic precipitator system was proposed based on the dynamic characteristics of PM emissions. When the proposed control strategy was adopted, the transient overshoot of PM emissions during the loading up processes could be avoided, and the power consumption of electrostatic precipitator system could be reduced considerably during the loading down processes.
Research on Multi-Parameter Collaborative Operation Optimization of Bypass Flue Gas Waste Heat Recovery System of 1000MW Coal-Fired Unit
Authors: Chen Xun , Feng Youlin , Zhou Ke , Zhu Guangming , Liu Ming , Xu Shu , Li Mengjie , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

Flue gas waste heat recovery is an important means to improve the efficiency of coal-fired units and reduce carbon emissions per unit of power generation, and the flue gas waste heat recovery system using the arrangement of front heater and air preheater bypass flue heat exchanger has the advantage of large energy-saving potential, but the system structure is complex, and the collaborative operation and optimisation of multi-parameters is difficult. Taking a 1000MW coal-fired generating unit as example, a variable operating condition calculation model of bypass flue gas waste heat recovery system is established to analyse the actual operation effect of the system and the influence law of regulating operation parameters on the energy-saving benefit of the unit and the operation safety of the system (mainly the risk of acid corrosion on low-temperature heating surfaces); increasing the proportion of flue gas flow in the bypass of the air preheater, the standard coal saving is firstly increased and then reduced, and the operation safety of the system is reduced; adjusting the water flow rate of bypass flue heat exchanger has an influence on the economy of the unit. Adjusting the bypass flue heat exchanger water flow rate has a more sensitive effect on the unit economy, and when it is larger than a certain threshold, the standard coal consumption rate of power generation increases, but the effect on the heat recovery system safety is smaller; adjusting the circulating water flow rate of the front preheating system and the circulating water splitting coefficient is an effective measure to improve the system operation safety, but it needs to be combined with other control measures to reduce the effect on the system economy. Further, the NSGA-II algorithm was used to perform a multi-parameter collaborative optimisation of the system, after which the coal consumption rate was reduced by 0.63 g (kWh)−1 compared to the pre-optimisation rate while ensuring safe operation under the turbine heat acceptance (THA) condition.
Impact of the Availability of Critical Minerals on Energy From Hydrogen
Authors: Soto Crisanto Magali Itzai , Singh Aanya , Resendiz Facio Luis Angel , Joao Imerson , Mohsin Batool
Published: October 2024

Critical minerals such as platinum, iridium, lithium, titanium, silver, nickel, etc., are required in all the hydrogen economy processes. The demand for critical minerals is expected to increase as the global energy sector anticipates a transition to hydrogen. This can cause demand competition with other industries, leading to economic, geographic, technical, social, and environmental obstacles in their supply chain. Excessive extraction of primary minerals can cause a depletion of quality reserves, leading to a degradation in the quality of the mined minerals. Moreover, a reduction in the reserves would lead to price escalation of these minerals, making the energy transition economically unfeasible. Therefore, understanding and mitigating these issues is imperative in facilitating a smoother transition to a resilient hydrogen-based economy. This paper discusses the possible challenges in the supply of critical minerals essential for the hydrogen economy and the possible ways to mitigate these challenges. The key philosophies behind the sustenance of the mineral supply chain are material and technology substitution, reduction in material concentration, and circularity.
Ammonia Cracking As Auxiliary System for Gas Turbine: Preliminary Studies
Authors: Romano Christian , Bellotti Daria , Pucci Egidio , Fadlun Ever , Roma Michele , Ghezzi Sergio , Manferino Geremia , Anfosso Chiara , Monacchini Chiara
Published: October 2024

In the competitive and rapidly evolving market toward the decarbonization of the energy production sector, the gas turbine’s ability to handle different carbon-free fuels is more and more required, as additional fuel flexibility compared to the standard natural gas combustion. Such design requirement for the development of gas turbine combustion systems drives the designers to also evaluate the introduction of pre-conditioning systems for the fuel, as in the case of ammonia combustion.

Combustion studies and experiences demonstrate a beneficial effect if ammonia, used as fuel, is doped with a more reactive molecule like hydrogen or other low-carbon species; in this way, flame stabilization and a broader combustor control capability can be guaranteed. Ammonia cracking is a very well-known process that could be used to create a fuel mixture of NH3, H2, and N2 adequately converted to satisfy the minimum hydrogen requirement for combustion stability and NOX minimization.

Current commercial cracking reactors operate at elevated temperatures (higher than 700 °C) and low pressures (less than 5 bar) with catalysts made typically of Ru and Pd metals, while recent development trends are oriented to adopt catalysts with an active phase more affordable respect to Ru and Pd, which are expensive and with limited availability. Furthermore, research is also focusing on the reduction of the working temperature below 500 °C and the increase of operating pressure above 30 bars approximately; in this way, it is possible to conceive an ammonia cracking system able to generate an appropriate fuel for a dedicated gas-turbine engine connected to the process. Being the cracking reaction endothermic, gas turbine exhaust heat can be conveniently used to increase the whole process efficiency: the lower the reactor required temperature, the higher the benefit in the thermodynamic achievable efficiency.

An additional important key element for the gas-turbine application would be the flexibility of the cracking system to regulate the fuel composition. Gas-turbine operability requirements could involve a change of the fuel characteristics to control combustion or emissions; this could be transferred to the cracking system by controlling one of its degrees of freedom like heat supply or internal bypass.

The present work describes the preliminary studies done on Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie (Baker Hughes company) gas turbines family, aimed to understand benefits that could be achieved in terms of thermodynamic cycle efficiency, showing energetic and exergetic analyses for some case studies. The identification of the best cracking reactor that could manage the outlet gas composition, according to the specific requirements of gas-turbine operability, will be described as well.
Performance Assessment of Waste Coal and Torrefied Pine Biomass Co-Fired Power Plants With Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies
Authors: Bhoi Prakash , Gbadamosi-Olatunde Olanrewaju , Sarkar Surja
Published: October 2024

Climate change is a prominent global concern that has recently received significant attention. Approximately 60% of the fuel used in generating electricity in the US consists of coal, natural gas, and petroleum fuels, which contribute to global warming. Co-firing refers to the combustion of biomass, such as wood chips or agricultural waste, together with residual coal in power plants to generate energy. Due to its lower carbon footprint and potential to contribute to achieving zero carbon emissions, the utilization of biomass for heat and electricity generation is experiencing significant growth. This study aims to assess the performance and emission characteristics of torrefied biomass and waste coal co-fired Net 100 MW subcritical power plants using the power plant modeling software STEAM PRO. The considered feedstocks for this study are anthracite waste coal and torrefied loblolly pine biomass. The performance and emissions of the co-fired plants were analyzed at different co-firing ratios with and without the incorporation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. The results show that at higher torrefied biomass co-firing ratios, the net plant efficiency of the co-fired plants increases while the plant total emissions of the co-fired plants gradually decrease, such as at 100% biomass CFB-fired power plants, the net plant efficiency increases by around 3.34% while the plant total CO2 emissions decrease by approximately 9.76% compared to 100% coal-fired case. The incorporation of CCS results in a significantly negligible value of the plant total emissions but reduces the net plant efficiency of the plant due to the additional load required to operate CCS.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Gasification Using CO2: Impact of SFCC Catalyst Contact Mode and Amount
Authors: Aktaş Fatih , Burra Kiran G. , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: October 2024

The influence of spent fluid catalytic cracking (sFCC) catalyst on CO2-assisted gasification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was investigated at 900 °C using a semi-batch fixed-bed reactor. The effects of catalyst amount and contact mode on the release of synthesis gas (syngas) and char yields were studied. sFCC catalysis increased the maximum syngas yield by about 45% and energy yield by 60% in comparison to non-catalytic gasification. High syngas energy was extracted during CO2-assisted catalytic gasification, revealing the efficacy of sFCC and CO2 in PET conversion. The efficiency comparison with different amounts of catalyst revealed that the catalyst is more effective in a quasi-in-situ mode wherein the catalyst was located downstream of the feedstock sample at approximately 1.5 to 2 cm. This mode resulted in effective thermal cracking of the sample without posing limitations on the solid-solid heat transfer. Catalytic gasification using CO2 produced 1.2 times more combustible gas than the feedstock mass, implying CO2 consumption of more than 0.2 grams to create combustible gases (such as H2 and CO). The results reveal that co-utilization of PET wastes, sFCC catalyst, and CO2 can help provide energy-efficient carbon sequestration and waste management for sustainable energy recovery.
On the Numerical Efficacy Evaluation of Industrial Droplet Separators
Authors: Dudaško Ján , Semlitsch Bernhard
Published: October 2024

Droplet separators are essential components of the chemical process chain. If malfunctioning, the remaining droplets can damage the downstream elements. Thus, reliable functioning is critical and has to be guaranteed for all operating conditions. Computational fluid dynamic computations are commonly employed to analyse the turbulent flow in droplet separators and predict their efficiency. The two-phase flow is modelled using the k-omega SST turbulence model, while the trajectories of fluid particle distributions are computed to quantify the droplet separator efficiency. Fine wall resolutions are required to accurately predict the establishing water film on the solid walls. The industrial size of droplet separators can reach internal length scales over several meters, which is challenging due to the scale differences in the modelling strategies. We investigate the efficiency of industrial droplet separators by numerical simulations and show the application of the computational methodology based on examples. Over 36 million polyhedral mesh cells with wall-layer refinement are employed to obtain the best results. The flow field is analysed to identify the potential for improvement in terms of pressure drop and separation efficiency.
Nuclear pore decoys fool viruses
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2024

Cytoplasmic condensates that mimic nuclear pore complexes entice viruses away from the nucleus.
Impact of financial incentives introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing staff: a mixed-method protocol
Authors: Beaulieu Marianne , Viens Dominique , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Rossignol Sandra , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Turmel Natasha , Racine Sandra , Cameron Marleen , Roy Nellie , Bernier Liliane , Gravel Caroline , Turcotte Stéphane
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on nursing staff, resulting in alarming turnover rates. As part of the Quebec (Canada) government’s response to the pandemic, nurses have been offered exceptional financial incentives. Considering the cost of these measures, the current article presents the research protocol of a study aiming to explore the impact of financial incentives on full-time equivalent, and retention rates among the nursing staff in two healthcare settings in Quebec.

Methods and analysis

A sequential mixed design (QUANT→QUAL) will be used. The quantitative phase will involve a quantitative descriptive analysis and the qualitative phase will consist of a qualitative descriptive study. Administrative data (working hours, employment status and retention rate) will be analysed over a 4.5-year follow-up (from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2023) to explore the impact of the financial incentives. Focus groups will explore nurses’ views on financial incentives. The results will inform the development of future interventions to mitigate attrition problems among nurses and ultimately improve access to and the continuity of public health services.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by ethics committees of the participating healthcare settings (Comité d’éthique de la recherche sectorial en santé des populations et première ligne du CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale; Comité d’éthique de la recherche du CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches). The results will be disseminated mainly in scientific publications and at academic conferences in addition to presentations tailored to various non-academic audiences.
Combination of the chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) antagonist DMX-200 and candesartan for COVID-19: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: O'Hara Daniel Vincent , Bassi Abhinav , Wilcox Arlen , Jha Vivekanand , Rathore Vinay , D'Cruz Sanjay , Snelling Thomas L , Jones Mark , Totterdell James , Bangi Ashpak , Jain Manish Kumar , Pollock Carol , Burrell Louise , Fox Gregory , Jones Cheryl , Kotwal Sradha , Faridah Syed Omar Sharifah , Jardine Meg
Published: October 2024

Objective

To determine whether a chemokine receptor type 2 antagonist, DMX-200 (repagermanium), in combination with an angiotensin receptor blocker, candesartan, improves clinical outcomes in people with COVID-19.

Design

Prospective, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Ten acute care hospitals in India.

Participants

Adults <65 years old intended for hospital admission with moderate/severe COVID-19 disease (respiratory rate ≥24 breaths per minute or oxygen saturation ≤93% on room air).

Intervention

DMX-200 120 mg two times per day, or placebo, on background of titratable candesartan commencing at 4 mg two times per day, for 28 days.

Main outcome measures

The primary endpoint was COVID-19 disease severity on a modified WHO Clinical Progression Scale (WHO scale) on day 14. Secondary outcomes included the WHO scale at days 28, 60, 90 and 180; intensive care unit (ICU) admission, respiratory failure or death within 28 days; length of hospitalisation; and requirement for ventilatory support or dialysis.

Results

Between December 2021 and August 2022, 518 people were screened, with 49 randomised to DMX-200 or placebo on a background of candesartan. The study was terminated early due to recruitment barriers, including an external requirement to restrict enrolment to adults <65 years old, contributing to a 91% screen failure rate. The median WHO Clinical Progression Scale (WHO scale) score at day 14 for both groups was 1 (IQR 1–1), indicating most participants were discharged with no limitations on activities by this time. Formal comparison was not performed due to the small sample size. One participant receiving DMX-200 died of COVID-19 disease progression. No participants required ICU admission, ventilation or dialysis. Median length of hospitalisation in both groups was 6 days (IQR 6–7 days). WHO scale scores were similar at 28, 60, 90 and 180 days.

Conclusion

Due to recruitment barriers, the study was unable to determine whether DMX-200 improves clinical outcomes in people with COVID-19.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.govNCT05122182.
Cyberbullying victimisation and its association with depression, anxiety and stress among female adolescents in Deumai Municipality, Nepal: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Khadka Santosh , Limbu Anisha , Chalise Anisha , Pandey Saloni , Paudel Shishir
Published: October 2024

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of cyberbullying and its association with depression, anxiety and stress among female adolescents attending higher secondary schools in Deumai Municipality, Nepal.

Design

Cross-sectional survey study.

Setting

The survey was conducted at all available higher secondary schools of Deumai Municipality, Ilam District, Nepal, from February to April 2022.

Participants

A total of 501 female adolescents enrolled in grades 11 and 12 were included in the study. All eligible participants available on the day of data collection were approached until the calculated sample size was reached.

Outcome measures

The study assessed the prevalence of cyberbullying victimisation, along with the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their associated factors. The level of psychological distress was explored using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Pearson’s χ2test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the association between psychological distress and related variables, including cyberbullying victimisation, at 95% CI and 5% level of significance.

Results

Nearly a third (32.5%) of the female adolescents included in the study had experienced cyberbullying. The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 46.5%, 52.7% and 34.9%, respectively. Cyberbullying victims were observed to have increased odds of experiencing depression (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.64, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.42), anxiety (aOR: 2.49, 95% CI 1.67 to 3.70) and stress (aOR: 2.59, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.86) in comparison with non-victims.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying victims are significantly more likely to experience psychological distress. There is an urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity and to have strong legislative measures to address cyberbullying in order to safeguard the mental health of adolescents in the digital age.
24-hour movement behaviours in the early years, potential behavioural determinants and prospective associations with growth, motor and social–emotional development: the My Little Moves study protocol
Authors: Altenburg Teatske M , Gubbels Jessica S , Arts Jelle , Lettink Annelinde , Veldman Sanne , Verhoeff Arnoud , Chinapaw Mai
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The early years are a critical period for establishing healthy 24-hour movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep), yet studies examining prospective associations between all 24-hour movement behaviours and young children’s growth and development are lacking. The My Little Moves study aims to (1) examine the prospective association between 24-hour movement behaviours of young children (ie, 0–4 years) and their growth, motor and social–emotional development; and (2) explore potential determinants of young children’s 24-hour movement behaviours from an ecological perspective, to inform public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy behaviours and development.

Methods and analysis

My Little Moves is a longitudinal observational cohort study, with data collection at baseline, and after 9 and 18 months follow-up. Data are collected in three subcohorts. In all subcohorts, 24-hour movement behaviours are assessed by parent-report. Additionally in subcohort 1, data on potential determinants are collected by parental questionnaires, including child, parental and environmental factors. In subcohort 2, social–emotional development is assessed using the Dutch version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-third edition (Bayley-III-NL) Social Emotional Scale. In subcohort 3, data on height and weight, gross motor development, using the Bayley-III-NL Gross Motor Scale, and 7 consecutive days of 24-hour accelerometer data are collected. Hybrid model analyses are used to assess the prospective associations of 24-hour movement behaviours with young children’s growth and development. Potential determinants of young children’s 24-hour movement behaviours are explored using regression analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Committee of the VU University Medical Center approved the protocol for the My Little Moves study (2022.0020). The results of this study will be disseminated through the network of all authors, to inform public health strategies for promoting healthy 24-hour movement behaviours and contribute to the evidence-base of recommendations for ideal 24-hour movement behaviours in young children.
Healthcare workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative analysis of a text message-based NHS workforce support line
Authors: Gould Lisa Jane , Angwin Eleanor , Powell Richard , Lawrance Emma
Published: October 2024

Background

The National Health Service (NHS) is suffering from a workforce crisis of mental and physical sickness and attrition following the COVID-19 pandemic. An in-depth understanding of healthcare workers’ (HCWs) experiences during the pandemic is required to understand the impacts on their mental health in this challenging work environment. This qualitative study explores HCWs’ concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic—expressed in real time during an active mental health crisis.

Design

This study involved analysis of data from ‘Shout’, a text message-based, UK-wide mental health support service which, during the pandemic, was advertised to HCWs specifically. Pseudorandom sampling of scripts of anonymised text message conversations between HCWs and Shout Volunteers from April 2020 to March 2021 was undertaken, with data fully anonymised by Shout before researchers accessed them on a secure purpose-built platform. Following application of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 60 conversations were coded to develop a thematic framework and analysed using grounded theory, with subthemes triangulated to create final themes. Quotes extracted from this process were then synthesised for publication.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: (1) poor mental health, subthemes—(a) overwhelming negative feelings or emotional distress experienced, and; (b) active crisis/resurgent symptoms. (2) Negative work experiences, subthemes: (a) negative NHS work culture and expectations; (b) inadequate structures and arrangements for support; (c) trauma at work, and (d) abuse at work. (3) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, subthemes: (a) additional work pressure and (b) isolation and risk.

Conclusion

This study explores the challenges and mental health concerns in HCWs during an active crisis. Organisational stressors, mental health provision and additional resources for HCWs to recover from the pandemic remain a vital issue in current NHS service provision.
Disposal practices, knowledge and attitude of adult patients visiting outpatient pharmacy services towards unused medicines in Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Yazie Taklo Simeneh , Siyum Zekarias , Assefa Ayenew , Teshome Assefa Agegnehu , Belete Abebe Muche , Debasu Addisu Zenaw
Published: October 2024

Objective

Accumulation at home and improper disposal of unused medicines pose a major public health problem. Knowledge and attitude of patients may contribute to accumulation and disposal practice of unused medicines. As there are no such data at the study setting, this study aimed to assess disposal practices, knowledge and attitude of adult patients visiting outpatient pharmacy (OPD) towards unused medicines.

Design

Descriptive cross-sectional design.

Setting

Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.

Participants

Adults who visited OPD services agreed to participate and were selected using systematic random sampling technique from 31 May to 30 June 2022. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a questionnaire.

Data analysis

Data were entered and analysed using SPSS V.26.0. Variables of interest were described in frequency and presented in tables.

Results

In total, 257 participants were included in the analysis. Of these, 55.6% were male. The prevalence of unused medicines at home was 47.5%. The majority of respondents (183, 71.2%) knew that improper disposal of unused medicines could cause harm. However, more than half of respondents did not know about medicine waste and had no prior information about medicine disposal instructions. Regarding their attitude, 203 (79%) of respondents ‘agreed’ that there are potential risks associated with having unused medicines at home, and 163 (63.4%) ‘strongly agreed’ that children are more vulnerable to the risks associated with unused medicines. The most preferred disposal practice for unused medicines was throwing them in household garbage (108, 42%) followed by flushing down the toilets/sinks (77, 30%).

Conclusion

The majority of participants disposed of unused and expired medicine in household garbage and toilets/sinks. This is in contrast to the recommendations of national and international policies and guidelines for safe and appropriate pharmaceutical waste disposal.
Impact of developmental language disorders on mental health and well-being across the lifespan: a qualitative study including the perspectives of UK adults with DLD and Australian speech-language therapists
Authors: Wilmot Adrienne , Boyes Mark , Sievers Rachel , Leitão Suze , Norbury Courtenay
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore the educational, occupational and socioemotional experiences of people with developmental language disorder (DLD) across the lifespan to gain insight into risk and protective factors for mental health.

Design

Qualitative analysis of focus groups and written submissions. Data were combined and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach within a critical realist framework.

Setting

Southeast England and Western Australia.

Participants

Six adults with DLD from England and five speech-language therapists from Western Australia participated in focus groups and/or contributed written responses to the research team.

Results

We developed four themes: ‘perspectives on diagnosis and living with an invisible disability’ explores participants’ perspectives on diagnosis, the difficulty getting a diagnosis and perceptions of DLD as widely misunderstood; ‘school struggles and self-esteem from past to present’ details school experiences and their impact on mental health; ‘DLD across the lifespan’ explores DLD in adulthood with a focus on workplace difficulties, emotional well-being and mental health; ‘A sense of belonging: communication, connection and support’ provides a lived experience account into the social participation difficulties of adults with DLD and the importance of social support.

Conclusions and implications

Adults with DLD may experience poor self-esteem, anxiety and depression. These mental health concerns may result from (a) exhaustion due to masking/compensating for neurodevelopmental differences, (b) loneliness and/or disempowerment due to difficulties with social interaction and (c) adverse experiences such as bullying, discrimination and a lack of appropriate accommodation at school and in the workplace. A lack of awareness and support for people with DLD from health, education and employment providers was also seen as a contributing factor to poor mental health. Diagnosis may serve a protective function for mental health via self-understanding, self-esteem and self-advocacy.
New constraints to subduction zone arc and backarc mantle temperatures: a test of the corner flow model
Authors: Hyndman Roy D. , Wang Kelin
Published: October 2024

The heat source for the hot volcanic arc of subduction zones and the uniformly warm backarc is not well understood, particularly where backarc extension is absent. In the widely studied corner flow model, the traction of the underthrusting plate drags down the overlying viscous mantle, and the induced shallower seaward flow brings in heat from the landward and deeper asthenosphere. However, earlier comparisons with observations, especially backarc heat flow, gave poor agreement. There are several new constraints to the temperatures and structures above the underthrusting plate and in the backarc, especially those in western North America, for comparison with model predictions. Seismic receiver functions map horizontal boundaries, including the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB). Seismic shear wave tomography gives mantle velocity–depth that provides an approximate proxy for temperature. Attenuation of seismic wave speed indicates high temperature or partial melting. The presence of recent backarc volcanics and their geochemistry give the depth and temperature of the LAB. From these constraints in western North America, the LAB reflects ponding of partial melt, is consistently at a depth of 65 ± 3 km and temperature of 1350 ± 25 °C, and overlies nearly constant temperature (adiabatic) asthenosphere across the backarc from Mexico to Alaska. These depth and temperature estimates are greatly different from corner flow model predictions. An alternative hypothesis more consistent with these constraints is vigorous small-scale convection in the backarc asthenosphere. Whether or how this convection coexists with the large-scale flow patterns inferred from the interpretation of seismic anisotropy analyses and to what degree it prevails in the arc–forearc region deserve further research.
Effects of silicon application on Betula pendula seedlings
Authors: Hassan Md. Kamrul , Huitu Otso , Aphalo Pedro J. , Klemola Tero , Leppänen Tuomo , Tervahauta Arja , Lehto Tarja
Published: October 2024

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element for many plant species, conferring resistance to drought and herbivory, but its effects on trees are less known. We studied responses of silver birch (Betula pendula), grown in peat, to liquid Si supplementation (Si concentration 0.65 mM) on 1) growth, 2) water economy and 3) element accumulation plus 4) feeding preference of an insect, Epirrita autumnata and a mammalian herbivore, Microtus agrestis. Plant growth was not affected but control (Si–) plants shed their old leaves earlier. Detached Si+ leaves lost water 11%-units less than Si–, and the integrated water-use efficiency based on 13C analysis was higher in Si+. Foliar Se was higher and Mn and S lower in Si+. Root Mg concentrations were higher and Pb lower in Si+. Epirrita autumnata did not prefer either treatment, but M. agrestis preferred Si– stems. Silicon improved birch water relations as indicated by the leaf drying resistance and increased water-use efficiency. The changes in metal accumulation were probably beneficial, but the lower S/Se ratio requires attention. Furthermore, Si decreased palatability to a mammalian herbivore. Using Si as fertilizer in nurseries could be possible to increase birch tolerance to water stress and herbivory.
Optimal Layout of Urban Green Space System Based on the Coupling Model of Spatial Reconstruction
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Wei , Ding Chengcheng , Mei Xiaoqing , Zhou Hanzhang
Published: October 2024

In the layout of urban planning, the rational design of green land includes the optimal choice of landscape and vegetation, which needs to solve the conflict of local/global optimal solution and understand the rationality of urban green layout with multi-objective natural language. According to the demand for multi-objective optimal solutions in urban green land planning, we study the target deep learning algorithm based on space vector mutation operation. In this paper, we propose to search for a local optimal solution based on Diversity Indicator Double and Niched Local Search Evolutionary Algorithm diversity fitness and filter the information of objective space and decision space through the niche method. It intends to avoid the imbalance between the diversity of goal space and decision space caused by the wrong distance information. By improving genetic diversity, we take the complex changes of gene vector reaction in generating offspring as the research focus. Based on the improvement of multi-objective non-dominated genetic variation, we search for the optimal transfer function relationship in the primary stage of variation to achieve the goal. For high-dimensional planning with constraints, we first select the coupling model to reduce the dimension, and then combine the spatial reconstruction data clustering to complete the clustering. Priority is given to the optimal selection of the output of the non-dominated solution set obtained in each stage to improve the algorithm’s performance. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm, combined with the use of different mutation strategies, outperforms the current mainstream algorithms in solving multi-objective problems of natural language understanding, especially in solving complex relational problems, which is 10.2% and 15.6% higher than other algorithms. The frequency of parameter operation can be updated in real-time, which strengthens the convergence effect of the algorithm. It is proved that the research content of this paper has better application potential in multi-objective spatial decision-making. The research content of this paper can not only achieve intelligent layout optimization for urban green space system but also carry out reasoning for large-scale spatial layout. The effect is higher than the current mainstream algorithm and plays a role in promoting science and technology for future urban construction and long-term planning.
Application Research of Power Measurement Data Exchange Based on Uninterruptible Power Supply
Authors: Fan Xingyuan , Zhao Ying , He Kun , Xu Lijuan , Liu Peiqi
Published: October 2024

With the maturity of the smart meter embedded system integration mode, the power consumption information can be fed back to the management center by the intelligent terminal through the power Internet of Things. The smart terminal adopts the narrowband data communication mode. However, the narrowband channel interval is hindered by interference signals, resulting in serious data packet loss. Therefore, a stable and efficient acquisition scheme is needed to ensure its smooth interaction. Based on the application of smart meter data communication, we analyze the power consumption optimization and carrier transmission optimization of the power Internet of Things and propose a data analysis method based on self-learning and external characteristics, which is used to calculate the offline execution strategy of smart meters when they encounter factors such as power outage or intrusion. A production task-driving rule is designed. The external characteristics of deep learning data of the power Internet of Things are collected. The accuracy of data classification is judged according to the parallel Internet of Things of a convolutional neural network and a long-term and short-term memory deep neural network. When dealing with high-dimensional original data, the data network is graded to reduce the work of feature selection and the difficulty of training. Moreover, we improve the autonomous execution ability of an embedded terminal device in an offline state. We also strengthen the ability of abnormal data detection and judgment learning to meet the requirements of efficient and stable operation of the power grid. Simulation results verify that compared with the current mainstream schemes, the performance of the proposed scheme is improved by more than 17%. Besides, the fault tolerance rate is enhanced by 29%, and the power consumption after optimization is reduced by 26.3% and 42.8%. These effects highlight the role of data processing in embedded systems. It solves the problem of abnormal data and energy loss affecting the accuracy of error estimation of electric energy meters, opens up a new way for data acquisition and processing of large-scale smart meters, and further improves the service level of information management of power systems.
A dynamical system analysis of non-interacting cold dark matter and dark energy at perturbative level
Authors: Chakraborty Soumya , Mishra Sudip , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: October 2024

This work deals with a cosmological model consisting of cold dark matter and dark energy without any interaction. The study has been done both at the background level and at the perturbative level for the homogeneous and isotropic FLRW spacetime. By suitable transformation of the variables, the cosmic evolution equations are converted into an autonomous system. A discrete dynamical system analysis has been employed for cosmic inferences.
Aging, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and allergen-induced pulmonary responses in mice
Authors: Drake Li Y. , Roos Benjamin B. , Wicher Sarah A. , Khalfaoui Latifa , Nesbitt Lisa L. , Fang Yun Hua , Pabelick Christina M. , Prakash Y. S.
Published: October 2024

The pathogenesis of asthma in elderly is not well understood. Using a mouse model of asthma, we show that aging results in decreased lung function and less responsiveness to allergen exposure, impacted by locally produced brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Aging also decreases allergen-induced inflammation but increases airway remodeling and senescence. Our results suggest that senescence pathways may contribute to asthma pathogenesis in elderly.
Preparation, Identification, and Digestive Stability of Antioxidant Peptides From Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Wang Yan , Kong Xiao , Du Mengdi , Qiao Yang , Ye Minjie , Han Bing , Gan Jing
Published: October 2024

Chlorella, a single‐celled green algae rich in proteins, holds promise as a source of bioactive peptides. This research aimed to isolate an antioxidant peptide from Chlorella, examining its stability through digestion. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), we identified optimal hydrolysis conditions for Chlorella Protein Hydrolysate (CPH): 55°C, pH 8.75, and an enzyme‐to‐substrate ratio of 2.15%. These conditions led to CPH with notable radical scavenging activity against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (53.19 ± 0.99%), 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (76.86 ± 0.28%), hydroxyl radical (53.39 ± 1.74%), and Fe2+ chelating rates of 22.56 ± 2.97%. Subsequently, peptides under 3 kDa isolated by ultrafication proved particularly stable and antioxidative after in vitro digestion. In addition, further purify to obtain component C1 with DPPH radical scavenging ability of 59.62 ± 1.29% and an Fe2+ chelating ability of 49.78 ± 1.55%. Subsequent LC‐MS/MS identification and virtual screening led to the discovery of a stable and antioxidative peptide, Ser‐Gly‐His‐His‐Lys‐Pro‐Leu (SGHHKPL). The study provides the theoretical basis for the development and utilization of chlorella.
Morphological and Prognostic Values of Skin Lesions in Patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Rageh Mahmoud A. , Yousef Ibrahim H. E. , Elewa Yaser Hosny Ali , Mansour Mofreh , Ahmed Omar AbdelHady Omar , Fahmy Sameh Fawzy , Aladl Ahmad Saeed , Amer Mohamed , El Rewiny Emad , Sallam Manar Elsayed , Ammar Amr Mohammad , Mohammed Salma S. , Shawky Ahmed
Published: October 2024

The dermatological manifestations of the coronavirus cause severe acute respiratory syndrome. The current study investigates the morphological and histopathological relationship between the emergence of skin lesions and the severity of COVID‐19 across the course of the disease via a cross‐sectional study. There were skin lesions (maculopapular rash, vesiculobullous lesions, urticarial lesions, cutaneous thromboembolic “CT,” and erythema multiforme‐like lesions “EM‐like”) in confirmed COVID‐19 instances. A total of 150 patients of both sexes were evaluated morphologically and were classified as early (44% of the total) or late based on the emergence of respiratory symptoms (one week before or two weeks after, respectively). The early and late diagnostic groups represented 44% and 56% of the total patients, respectively. Patients with no skin lesion and one skin lesion showed a significant correlation with disease timeline early and late stages (X2 = 22.38, P < 0.001; X2 = 4.432, P < 0.001, respectively). CT and EM‐like were correlated with the disease severity, X2 = 50.51, P < 0.001; X2 = 19.186, P ≤ 0.001, respectively. In conclusion, our data suggested that the onset of dermatological lesions that developed during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool for COVID‐19 severity. Therefore, a thorough examination of the skin may save time and bring physicians to an accurate diagnosis and, as a result, prompt treatment.
Event‐Triggered Adaptive Neural Network Backstepping Sliding Fault‐Tolerant Control of Spacecraft Formation Flying With Input Saturation
Authors: Wang Guogang , Yuan Wankai , Wang Xin
Published: October 2024

This study explores the challenge of tracking control for spacecraft formation flying (SFF) in the presence of dynamic uncertainties and external perturbations. Firstly, sliding mode control combined with backstepping control is used to address saturation issues. Then, neural networks, minimal parameter learning, and adaptive control are integrated to handle dynamic uncertainties and actuator failures. To alleviate the communication load, an event‐triggered mechanism is ultimately implemented, which leads to the development of an adaptive sliding mode fault‐tolerant control algorithm based on an event‐triggered neural network. This control architecture achieves significant advancements over traditional techniques: (1) ensuring system robustness and adaptability in complex scenarios with uncertain system dynamics and external disturbances, effectively counteracting actuator failures and input saturation issues; (2) significantly reducing transmission and computational burdens in resource‐limited networked systems through the adoption of event‐triggered control (ETC) mechanisms; (3) achieving high‐precision tracking performance for SFF without relying on prior knowledge of the system’s inherent dynamics, environmental disturbances, or potential actuator deficiencies. The Lyapunov approach is utilized to confirm the closed‐loop system’s boundedness. Finally, the proposed method’s efficacy is confirmed via simulations with a two‐satellite formation.
Botanical Sources, Pharmacokinetics, and Therapeutic Efficacy of Palmatine and Its Derivatives in the Management of Cancer: A Comprehensive Mechanistic Analysis
Authors: Jahan Oni Most. Israt , Bhuia Md. Shimul , Chowdhury Raihan , Sheikh Salehin , Munshi Md. Hanif , Hasan Md. Sakib Al , Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: October 2024

Natural compounds and their derivatives have been identified as valuable sources of therapeutic ingredients for cancer treatment. The naturally occurring phytochemical palmatine (isoquinoline alkaloid) is extracted from plant parts (rhizomes, roots, stems, stem barks, and others) and has protective effects including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer. This study aims to summarize the anticancer potential of palmatine and its derivatives in the treatment of numerous types of cancer with molecular mechanisms. We also include the pharmacokinetic features, botanical origin, and toxicological characteristics of palmatine and its derivatives. For this, data have been collected from plausible different electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, PubChem, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer Link, and Wiley Online. The findings demonstrate that palmatine and its derivatives have a protective anticancer effect against a variety of cancers, including breast, colorectal, gastric, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, skin, hepatocellular cancer, and mammary gland tumors. They provoke their anticancer properties against various cancer cell lines via modifying molecular mechanisms like induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion and migration, arresting the cell cycle at the S phase, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic effects. It is suggested that palmatine and its derivatives may be a good option in the development of novel drugs for cancer therapy in the future.
Figure 5 from Small-Molecule CCR4 Antagonists in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Enriquez José S. , Wang Xiaohong , Velatooru Loka Reddy , Han Wei , Bijani Pedram , Ni Xiao
Published: October 2024

Effects of C021 on cytokines and chemokines in MJ and HuT 78 cells. A, Proteome Profiler Human Cytokine Array Kit is used to analyze cytokines and chemokines. Cell lysates (200 μg per sample) from MJ and HuT 78 cells treated with C021 (proliferation IC50 for 12 hours) or DMSO were used for the assay. The positive signals on developed film are quantified and plotted for C021-treated cells and DMSO-treated cells, which are considered to be onefold or 100%. B, Cell lysates from MJ and HuT 78 cells treated with C021 or DMSO were also used for Western blot analysis to confirm IL-32, IL-5, and IL-13. The cellular proteins (10 μg) were fractionated by 8% to 12% SDS-PAGE, transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes and subjected to enhanced chemiluminescence (Amersham) detection analysis. The equivalent loading of proteins in each well was confirmed by Pan-Actin. C, The expression of IL-5, IL-13, and IL-32 mRNA in MJ and HuT 78 cells treated with C021 or AZD-2098 (gray) or DMSO (black) was assessed by qRT-PCR. The fold changes of IL-5, IL-13, and IL-32 expression normalized to GAPDH are plotted in pairs of treated vs. DMSO.