bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated Etching Cycles of Resin Infiltration up to Nine Cycles on Demineralized Enamel: Surface Roughness and Esthetic Outcomes—In Vitro Study
Authors: Ibrahim Dayang Fadzlina Abang , Hasmun Noren Nor , Liew Yih Miin , Venkiteswaran Annapurny
Published: June 2023

Resin infiltration (RI) is used to mask enamel opacities. There are three recommended etching cycles. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that favorable esthetics outcomes can be obtained by increasing the etching cycles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated etching cycles during RI application on esthetic changes and surface roughness of demineralized enamel at multiple treatment stages. Artificial demineralization was prepared on the buccal surface of ninety sound extracted premolars. The teeth were divided into nine groups (n = 10); with each consecutive group having one additional etching cycle up to nine etching cycles. Resin infiltrant was performed twice, first for 3 min (Resin 1) and again for 1 min (Resin 2). Surface roughness and esthetic changes were assessed using a profilometer (Ambios XP-200) and Minolta spectrophotometer, respectively, at baseline (sound enamel), etching, resin 1, resin 2, 7 days, and 28 days post resin applications. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between the different stages and various groups of etching cycles on surface roughness, F(48, 126) = 3.48, p < 0.001. There was a significant interaction between the different stages and various groups of etching cycles on color changes, F(4, 126) = 1.177, p = 0.045. The surface roughness of demineralized enamel infiltrated with RI was less than that of sound enamel (baseline). There is a significant difference in color changes between resin 1 and resin 2 (p < 0.05). After five etching cycles, RI improved the esthetic of the color of teeth similar to the baseline. Surface roughness and color changes remained constant for 28 days. RI can be considered an effective and predictable treatment option for the restoration of early enamel lesions owing to its better surface characteristics and reliable masking effects. The color stability and surface roughness stay unaltered for up to 28 days.
RETRACTED: The Assessment of Nutritional Status in Pediatrics: New Tools and Challenges
Authors: Díez López Ignacio
Published: June 2023

Pediatric endocrinology will undergo an extraordinary revolution this century [...]
Spelling Proficiency of Children with a Resolved Phonological Speech Sound Disorder Treated with an Integrated Approach—A Long-Term Follow-Up Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Siemons-Lühring Denise I. , Hesping Amélie E. , Euler Harald A. , Meyer Lars , Gietmann Corinna , Suchan Boris , Neumann Katrin
Published: June 2023

Phonological developmental speech sound disorders (pDSSD) in childhood are often associated with later difficulties in literacy acquisition. The present study is a follow-up of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effectiveness of PhonoSens, a treatment for pDSSD that focuses on improving auditory self-monitoring skills and categorial perception of phoneme contrasts, which could have a positive impact on later spelling development. Our study examines the spelling abilities of 26 German-speaking children (15 girls, 11 boys; mean age 10.1 years, range 9.3–11.2 years) 3–6 years after their successful completion of the PhonoSens treatment. Spelling assessment revealed that only 3 out of 26 participants developed a spelling disorder. In the overall population of fourth-graders, one in five children showed a spelling deficit; in another study of elementary school children, with resolved pDSSD, 18 of 32 children had a spelling deficit. Thus, the applied pDSSD treatment method appears to be associated with positive spelling development. Multiple regression analysis revealed that among the potentially predictive factors for German-speaking children with resolved pDSSD to develop later spelling difficulties, parental educational level and family risk for developmental language disorder (DLD) had an impact on children’s spelling abilities; gender and the child’s phonological memory had not.
Expanding the Horizons of Pre-Transplant Renal Vascular Assessment Using Ex Vivo Perfusion
Authors: Campos Pamplona Carolina , Moers Cyril , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , van Leeuwen L. Leonie
Published: June 2023

Recently, immense efforts have focused on improving the preservation of (sub)optimal donor organs by means of ex vivo perfusion, which enables the opportunity for organ reconditioning and viability assessment. However, there is still no biomarker that correlates with renal viability. Therefore, it is essential to explore new techniques for pre-transplant assessment of organ quality to guarantee successful long-term transplantation outcomes. The renal vascular compartment has received little attention in machine perfusion studies. In vivo, proper renal vascular and endothelial function is essential for maintaining homeostasis and long-term graft survival. In an ex vivo setting, little is known about vascular viability and its implications for an organ’s suitability for transplant. Seeing that endothelial damage is the first step in a cascade of disruptions and maintaining homeostasis is crucial for positive post-transplant outcomes, further research is key to clarifying the (patho)physiology of the renal vasculature during machine perfusion. In this review, we aim to summarize key aspects of renal vascular physiology, describe the role of the renal vasculature in pathophysiological settings, and explain how ex vivo perfusion plays a role in either unveiling or targeting such processes. Additionally, we discuss potentially new vascular assessment tools during ex vivo renal perfusion.
Towards Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions Agriculture in North Africa through Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brouziyne Youssef , El Bilali Ali , Epule Epule Terence , Ongoma Victor , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Hallam Jamal , Moudden Fouad , Al-Zubi Maha , Vadez Vincent , McDonnell Rachael
Published: June 2023

North Africa (NA) is supposed to lower emissions in its agriculture to honor climate action commitments and to impulse sustainable development across Africa. Agriculture in North Africa has many assets and challenges that make it fit to use the tools of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for mitigation purposes. This study represents a first attempt to understand if CSA practices are sufficiently established in NA to contribute to reducing agriculture emissions. A PRISMA-inspired systematic review was carried out on an initial 147 studies retrieved from Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science databases, as well as from gray literature. 11 studies were included in the final analysis since they report the mitigation and co-benefits of CSA-based practices within NA. A bias risk was identified around the optimal inclusion of studies produced in French, and a specific plan was set for its minimization. Synthesis results revealed that most studies focused either on improving soil quality (nine studies) or managing enteric fermentation (two studies). The review revealed a poor establishment of the CSA framework in the region, especially in sequestering GHG emissions. A set of recommendations has been formulated to address the identified gaps from research orientations and organizational perspectives and empower the CSA as an ally for mitigation in north African agriculture.
A Brief Review of Current Trends in the Additive Manufacturing of Orthopedic Implants with Thermal Plasma-Sprayed Coatings to Improve the Implant Surface Biocompatibility
Authors: Alontseva Darya , Azamatov Bagdat , Safarova (Yantsen) Yuliya , Voinarovych Sergii , Nazenova Gaukhar
Published: June 2023

The demand for orthopedic implants is increasing, driven by a rising number of young patients seeking an active lifestyle post-surgery. This has led to changes in manufacturing requirements. Joint arthroplasty operations are on the rise globally, and recovery times are being reduced by customized endoprostheses that promote better integration. Implants are primarily made from metals and ceramics such as titanium, hydroxyapatite, zirconium, and tantalum. Manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing and thermal plasma spraying, continue to evolve. These advancements enable the production of tailored porous implants with uniform surface coatings. Coatings made of biocompatible materials are crucial to prevent degradation and enhance biocompatibility, and their composition, porosity, and roughness are actively explored through biocompatibility testing. This review article focuses on the additive manufacturing of orthopedic implants and thermal plasma spraying of biocompatible coatings, discussing their challenges and benefits based on the authors’ experience with selective laser melting and microplasma spraying of metal-ceramic coatings.
Recent Developments in Edible Films and Coatings for Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Liyanapathiranage Anuradhi , Dassanayake Rohan S. , Gamage Ashoka , Karri Rama Rao , Manamperi Asanga , Evon Philippe , Jayakodi Yasasvi , Madhujith Terrence , Merah Othmane
Published: June 2023

As a novel post-harvesting strategy, edible films and coatings for fruits and vegetables offer preservation measures to meet the growing needs of hunger and agricultural management. The functionality of edible films and coatings is distinctly the same. However, edible films and coatings differ in their processing and physicomechanical characteristics as they are designed to improve the shelf life, barrier, and nutritional properties of the food. With emerging concerns about sustainability, biomacromolecules have been widely considered in preparing edible films and coatings, which are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances. Biopolymers, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, are the main sources of preparing edible films and coatings. These biomacromolecules make stable colloidal dispersions that deliver processing convenience with various formulation, blending, casting, coating, and film-forming methods. Edible films and coating from biopolymers require improvements for their extended performance due to several structural and barrier limitations. Therefore, preparing blends and composites, incorporating target molecules to introduce different functionalities, and designing complex multilayers are among the many recent research approaches developed to overcome those limitations. These recent research approaches ensure enhanced food preservation and extended shelf life, essential requirements of food waste management, with or without minimal influence on the texture, flavor, and nutritional value of food and vegetables. This review focuses on the recent developments in edible films and coatings for fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, this review includes characteristics and functionalities, processing, structural and chemical significance, different sources and their performances, health effects, and recent trends related to edible films and coatings.
Wastepaper Sludge Ash and Acid Tar as Activated Filler Aggregates for Stone Mastic Asphalt
Authors: Gunka Volodymyr , Hidei Volodymyr , Sidun Iurii , Demchuk Yuriy , Stadnik Vitalii , Shapoval Pavlo , Sobol Khrystyna , Vytrykush Nataliya , Bratychak Michael
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, the most common ways to dispose of acid tars and paper production waste are burial or incineration, but it is ecologically and economically expedient to use such waste in building materials. A new variant of filler aggregate—wastepaper sludge ash (paper production waste) and a chemical activator for filler aggregates—acid tar (oil-refining industry waste) is proposed. Elemental and mineralogical compositions of wastepaper sludge ash for comparison with commodity limestone mineral powder are established. Chemical activation of wastepaper sludge ash and limestone mineral powder was carried out and the wetting properties of the obtained materials were investigated by means of primary and neutralized acid tar. The physical and mechanical properties of stone mastic asphalt samples with different filler aggregate variants were studied. The possible chemical transformations in stone mastic asphalt using limestone mineral powder and wastepaper sludge ash activated by acid tar are shown. The possibility of replacing traditional limestone mineral powder with industrial wastepaper sludge ash has been proven, and the effectiveness of activating filler aggregates by acid tar has been confirmed. It was established that acid tar as an activator for filler aggregates does not require neutralization because stone mastic asphalt, in this case, demonstrates better properties compared to acid tar neutralization. As a result of our research, the application of wastepaper sludge ash is possible as a filler aggregate for stone mastic asphalt. And to obtain improved stone mastic asphalt characteristics, wastepaper sludge ash is required to activate 5 wt.% acid tar.
Stefan Blowing Impacts on Hybrid Nanofluid Flow over a Moving Thin Needle with Thermal Radiation and MHD
Authors: Reddy Vinodh Srinivasa , Kandasamy Jagan , Sivanandam Sivasankaran
Published: June 2023

This investigation focuses on the impact of Stefan blowing on the flow of hybrid nanoliquids over a moving slender needle with magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), thermal radiation, and entropy generation. To facilitate analysis, suitable transformations are applied to convert the governing partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations, which are then solved analytically using Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) in Mathematica. This study investigates how varying the values of Stefan blowing, magnetic field, and thermal radiation parameters impact the profiles of velocity, temperature, and concentration. Additionally, the study analyzes the outcomes of the local skin friction, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number. Increasing the magnetic field reduces the velocity profile. The temperature profile is enhanced by a rise in the thermal radiation parameter. Also, the results reveal that an increase in the Stefan blowing number leads to higher profiles of velocity.
Multidisciplinary Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Extremities: Outcomes and Factors Associated with Poor Survival in Nodal Disease
Authors: Broida Samuel E. , Chen Xiao T. , Wahlig Brian D. , Moran Steven L. , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: June 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has a tendency for lymphatic spread and locoregional recurrence, although there is little data examining the risk factors for patients with lymph node-positive extremity lesions. The purpose of the current study was to examine the outcomes and risk factors associated with nodal metastasis in extremity MCC. We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of 120 patients with extremity MCC evaluated at our institution between 1994 and 2021. The mean age of this cohort was 71 years; 33% of patients were female; and 98% were Caucasian. Seventy-eight (65%) patients presented with localized disease. Thirty-seven (31%) patients had stage III disease, and five (4%) patients had stage IV disease. Treatment of primary lesions consisted primarily of margin-negative excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. Nodal metastases were most treated with adjuvant radiation or completion lymph node dissection. Five-year disease-specific survival in our series was 88% for patients with localized disease, 89% for stage IIIa disease, 40% for stage IIIb disease and 42% for stage IV. Factors associated with worse survival included immunosuppression and macroscopic nodal disease. In conclusion, extremity MCC has a low rate of local recurrence when treated with margin-negative excision and adjuvant radiation. However, treatment of nodal metastases remains a challenge with high rates of recurrence and mortality, particularly for patients who are immunosuppressed or who have macroscopic nodal disease.
The Role of PET-CT-Guided Metabolic Biopsies in Improving Yield of Inconclusive Anatomical Biopsies: A Review of 5 Years in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Malik Dharmender , Pant Vineet , Sen Ishita , Thakral Parul , Das Subha Shankar , CB Virupakshappa
Published: June 2023

Tumour sampling is indispensable to diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. Thus, 18F-FDG PET/CT has the potential to accurately discriminate between viable and non-viable tissues due to its ability to characterise the metabolism of visible tissues. This study’s objective was to evaluate the incremental utility of 18F-FDG PET-CT-guided metabolic biopsy in individuals with suspected lesions and a previous negative anatomical biopsy. This study included a total of 190 consecutive patients with probable malignancy and who had experienced a previous unsuccessful anatomical biopsy who underwent PET-CT-guided metabolic biopsy. We retrospectively analysed the patients’ medical records and imaging investigations to assess demographics, complications, pathologies, and final clinical diagnoses. Using multivariate logistic regression, correlation between several confounding factors that lead to post-procedural problems was evaluated. Adequate material was obtained in all patients, and 162 (85%) were found to be positive for malignancy with a diagnostic yield of 96.9%. In 25 (13.1%) patients, post-procedural complications were reported, with pneumothorax being the most prevalent issue. In evaluating oncological patients, metabolic biopsy provides a safer alternative therapy with a high diagnostic yield and comparable complications. PET-CT, being an essential component of cancer staging, may serve as a one-stop shop for the management of these patients’ conditions.
Unlocking the Power of Digital Commons: Data Cooperatives as a Pathway for Data Sovereign, Innovative and Equitable Digital Communities
Authors: Bühler Michael Max , Calzada Igor , Cane Isabel , Jelinek Thorsten , Kapoor Astha , Mannan Morshed , Mehta Sameer , Mookerje Vijay , Nübel Konrad , Pentland Alex , Scholz Trebor , Siddarth Divya , Tait Julian , Vaitla Bapu , Zhu Jianguo
Published: June 2023

Network effects, economies of scale, and lock-in-effects increasingly lead to a concentration of digital resources and capabilities, hindering the free and equitable development of digital entrepreneurship, new skills, and jobs, especially in small communities and their small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”). To ensure the affordability and accessibility of technologies, promote digital entrepreneurship and community well-being, and protect digital rights, we propose data cooperatives as a vehicle for secure, trusted, and sovereign data exchange. In post-pandemic times, community/SME-led cooperatives can play a vital role by ensuring that supply chains to support digital commons are uninterrupted, resilient, and decentralized. Digital commons and data sovereignty provide communities with affordable and easy access to information and the ability to collectively negotiate data-related decisions. Moreover, cooperative commons (a) provide access to the infrastructure that underpins the modern economy, (b) preserve property rights, and (c) ensure that privatization and monopolization do not further erode self-determination, especially in a world increasingly mediated by AI. Thus, governance plays a significant role in accelerating communities’/SMEs’ digital transformation and addressing their challenges. Cooperatives thrive on digital governance and standards such as open trusted application programming interfaces (“APIs”) that increase the efficiency, technological capabilities, and capacities of participants and, most importantly, integrate, enable, and accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs in the overall process. This review article analyses an array of transformative use cases that underline the potential of cooperative data governance. These case studies exemplify how data and platform cooperatives, through their innovative value creation mechanisms, can elevate digital commons and value chains to a new dimension of collaboration, thereby addressing pressing societal issues. Guided by our research aim, we propose a policy framework that supports the practical implementation of digital federation platforms and data cooperatives. This policy blueprint intends to facilitate sustainable development in both the Global South and North, fostering equitable and inclusive data governance strategies.
Recurrence and Eigenfunction Methods for Non-Trivial Models of Discrete Binary Choice
Authors: Holehouse James
Published: June 2023

Understanding how systems relax to equilibrium is a core theme of statistical physics, especially in economics, where systems are known to be subject to extrinsic noise not included in simple agent-based models. In models of binary choice—ones not much more complicated than Kirman’s model of ant recruitment—such relaxation dynamics become difficult to determine analytically and require solving a three-term recurrence relation in the eigendecomposition of the stochastic process. In this paper, we derive a concise closed-form solution to this linear three-term recurrence relation. Its solution has traditionally relied on cumbersome continued fractions, and we instead employ a linear algebraic approach that leverages the properties of lower-triangular and tridiagonal matrices to express the terms in the recurrence relation using a finite set of orthogonal polynomials. We pay special attention to the power series coefficients of Heun functions, which are also important in fields such as quantum mechanics and general relativity, as well as the binary choice models studied here. We then apply the solution to find equations describing the relaxation to steady-state behavior in social choice models through eigendecomposition. This application showcases the potential of our solution as an off-the-shelf solution to the recurrence that has not previously been reported, allowing for the easy identification of the eigenspectra of one-dimensional, one-step, continuous-time Markov processes.
An Incremental Broad-Learning-System-Based Approach for Tremor Attenuation for Robot Tele-Operation
Authors: Lai Guanyu , Liu Weizhen , Yang Weijun , Zhong Huihui , He Yutao , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2023

The existence of the physiological tremor of the human hand significantly affects the application of tele-operation systems in performing high-precision tasks, such as tele-surgery, and currently, the process of effectively eliminating the physiological tremor has been an important yet challenging research topic in the tele-operation robot field. Some scholars propose using deep learning algorithms to solve this problem, but a large number of hyperparameters lead to a slow training speed. Later, the support-vector-machine-based methods have been applied to solve the problem, thereby effectively canceling tremors. However, these methods may lose the prediction accuracy, because learning energy cannot be accurately assigned. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a broad-learning-system-based tremor filter, which integrates a series of incremental learning algorithms to achieve fast remodeling and reach the desired performance. Note that the broad-learning-system-based filter has a fast learning rate while ensuring the accuracy due to its simple and novel network structure. Unlike other algorithms, it uses incremental learning algorithms to constantly update network parameters during training, and it stops learning when the error converges to zero. By focusing on the control performance of the slave robot, a sliding mode control approach has been used to improve the performance of closed-loop systems. In simulation experiments, the results demonstrated the feasibility of our proposed method.
Energy-Constrained LOCC-Assisted Quantum Capacity of the Bosonic Dephasing Channel
Authors: Arqand Amir , Memarzadeh Laleh , Mancini Stefano
Published: June 2023

We study the LOCC-assisted quantum capacity of a bosonic dephasing channel with energy constraint on the input states. We start our analysis by focusing on the energy-constrained squashed entanglement of the channel, which is an upper bound for the energy-constrained LOCC-assisted quantum capacity. As computing energy-constrained squashed entanglement of the channel is challenging due to a double optimization (over the set of density matrices and the isometric extensions of a squashing channel), we first derive an upper bound for it, and then, we discuss how tight that bound is for the energy-constrained LOCC-assisted quantum capacity of the bosonic dephasing channel. In doling so, we prove that the optimal input state is diagonal in the Fock basis. Then, we analyze two explicit examples of squashing channels through which we derive explicit upper and lower bounds for the energy-constrained LOCC-assisted quantum capacity of the bosonic dephasing channel in terms of its quantum capacity with different noise parameters. As the difference between upper and lower bounds becomes smaller by increasing the dephasing parameter, the bounds become tighter.
A New Thermodynamic Model to Approximate Properties of Subcritical Liquids
Authors: Sánchez-Orgaz Susana , Varela Fernando , Rodríguez Javier , González Celina
Published: June 2023

In order to obtain the thermodynamic properties of compressed liquids, it is usual to consider them as incompressible systems, since liquids and solids are well represented by this thermodynamic model. Within this model, there are two usual hypotheses that can be derived in two different submodels: the strictly incompressible (SI) model, which supposes a constant specific volume v=v0, and a more general model, called temperature-dependent incompressible (TDI) model, which relates a specific volume to temperature, v=vT. But, usually, this difference ends here in the thermal equation of state, and only the SI model was developed for caloric and entropic equations. The aim of this work is to provide a complete formulation for the TDI model and show where it can be advantageously used rather than the SI model. The study concludes that the proposed model outperforms the traditional model in the study of subcritical liquid. One conceivable utilization of this model is its integration into certain thermodynamic calculation software packages (e.g., EES), which integrate the more elementary SI model into its code for certain incompressible substances.
Quantum Entropies and Decoherence for the Multiparticle Quantum Arnol’d Cat
Authors: Mantica Giorgio
Published: June 2023

I study the scaling behavior in the physical parameters of dynamical entropies, classical and quantum, in a specifically devised model of collision-induced decoherence in a chaotic system. The treatment is fully canonical and no approximations are involved or infinite limits taken. I present this model in a detailed way, in order to clarify my views in the debate about the nature, definition, and relevance of quantum chaos.
On the Analysis of Regularized Fuzzy Systems of Uncertain Differential Equations
Authors: Martynyuk Anatoliy , Stamov Gani , Stamova Ivanka , Martynyuk-Chernienko Yulya
Published: June 2023

This article analyzes a regularized set of fuzzy differential equations with respect to an uncertain parameter. We provide sufficient conditions for the correctness of a new regularization scheme. For the resulting family of regularized fuzzy differential equations, the following properties are analyzed, and efficient criteria are proposed: successive approximations, continuity, global existence of solutions, existence of approximate solutions, existence of solutions in the autonomous case. In addition, we develop stability criteria for the regularized family of fuzzy differential equations on the basis of the comparison technique and the method of nonlinear integral inequalities. We expect that the derived results will inspire future research work in this direction.
Robust MPPT Control of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems via Adaptive Self-Adjusting Fractional Order PID Controller
Authors: Saleem Omer , Ali Shehryaar , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: June 2023

The Photovoltaic (PV) system is an eco-friendly renewable energy system that is integrated with a DC-DC buck-boost converter to generate electrical energy as per the variations in solar irradiance and outdoor temperature. This article proposes a novel Adaptive Fractional Order PID (A-FOPID) compensator with self-adjusting fractional orders to extract maximum power from a stand-alone PV system as ambient conditions change. The reference voltage is generated using a feed-forward neural network. The conventional FOPID compensator, which operates on the output voltage error of the interleaved buck-boost converter, is employed as the baseline maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) controller. The baseline controller is retrofitted with an online state-error-driven adaptation law that dynamically modifies the fractional orders of the controller’s integral and differential operators. The adaptation law is formulated as a nonlinear hyperbolic scaling function of the system’s state error and error-derivative variables. This augmentation supplements the controller’s adaptability, enabling it to manipulate flexibly the tightness of the applied control effort as the operating conditions change. The efficacy of the proposed control law is analyzed by carrying out customized simulations in the MATLAB Simulink environment. The simulation results show that the proposed MPPT control scheme yields a mean improvement of 25.4% in tracking accuracy and 11.3% in transient response speed under varying environmental conditions.
Separated Liquid–Vapor Flow Analysis in a Mini-Channel with Mesh Walls in the Closed-Loop Two-Phase Wicked Thermosyphon (CLTPWT)
Authors: Remella Karthik S. , Gerner Frank M.
Published: June 2023

A metallic wire mesh screen, wire diameter of approximately 50 μm, is folded into ~80 “accordion-shaped” mini-channels and placed inside the evaporator package of a novel passive thermal management device for cooling overhead light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used in factory floors and high-bay facilities. The thermal power dissipated via these devices ranges between 75 W and 171 W. The channel walls (screen) wick liquid water from the porous wick (located centrally above the screen) and facilitate its evaporation. The closed-loop tests on this device confirm that the two-phase mixture quality exiting the evaporator is approximately 0.2. This paper presents a steady-state numerical model of this separated liquid–vapor flow in a single mini-rectangular channel (900 μm × 2000 μm, 4 cm long) with wire mesh-screen walls. The primary objective of the model is to estimate the pressure drops occurring in this two-phase flow. The model initially assumes a flat liquid–vapor interface along the channel and uses an iterative approach to estimate its final meniscus shape (curvature). In addition to the temperature distribution along the screen walls, this paper also discusses the velocity and pressure distributions in both liquid and vapor regions. It also helps understand the liquid–vapor interfacial shear in this flow configuration and proposes a flow-limiting condition for the device by predicting flow reversal in the channel.
Influence of Different Redevelopment Measures on Water–Oil Immiscible Displacement and Mechanism Analysis
Authors: Wang Le , Wu Haowen , Cao Zhourong , Fang Shijie , Duan Shiyu , Wang Yishuo
Published: June 2023

Understanding the two-phase displacement behaviors of oil and water in porous media under different reservoir development modes for enhanced oil recovery is essential. In this paper, the influence of development measures, such as increasing the injection rate, changing the inlet/outlet position, increasing the water viscosity, and reducing the surface tension coefficient, on oil–water dynamic behaviors was studied using a numerical simulation based on the study of the formation of a high-water-cut channel by water flooding at different injection rates. The results show that blockage and restart occur during displacement in the pore–throat channel and during staggered displacement in different pore channels. With an increase in the injection rate, the recovery increases first and then decreases. All the different development measures can increase the swept area and recovery factor. The recovery factor increases significantly by reducing the surface tension coefficient at medium/high injection rates (≥0.01 m/s) and by increasing the viscosity of the water at low injection rates (<0.01 m/s). The numerical simulation study preliminarily revealed the influence of different development measures on displacement behaviors in the pore model. It thus provides theoretical support for understanding the law of oil and water movement in reservoirs.
Correction: Zahraoui et al. Current Status, Scenario, and Prospective of Renewable Energy in Algeria: A Review. Energies 2021, 14, 2354
Authors: Zahraoui Younes , Khan Mohammed Reyasudin Basir , AlHamrouni Ibrahim , Mekhilef Saad , Ahmed Mahrous
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
The Limiting Content of Combustibles to Prevent Minestone from the Spreading of Fire
Authors: Taraba Boleslav , Gřunděl Petr , Zelenková Gabriela
Published: June 2023

The limiting content of combustibles to spread/suppress the fire in the minestone of the coal tailing dump (gangue) was studied. This knowledge appears crucial mainly when deciding on the possible usage of minestone as fireproof material for engineering purposes. Theoretical analysis, laboratory experiments as well as scale (in situ) considerations were performed. In the laboratory, a model series of coal–mineral matter mixtures and six representative minestone samples of coal tailing dump (gangue) were investigated. The thermoanalytical (TG/DSC) method was used to evaluate the content of combustibles with their energetic equivalent, EEC (%). The EEC has been suggested as a proper way to quantify the content of combustibles in the samples. Based on the original combustion calorimetric test, an EEC value of 7–9% was found to be a limit between fireproof and fire spreading minestone in a laboratory, while only 2% of combustibles resulted as the limit from the theoretical analysis. On the other hand, respecting real conditions of thermally active dump (Heřmanice tailing coal dump), the laboratory limit of 7–9% of EEC was then assessed to shift to the value of about 10 ± 1% for practice.
Time-Use Data Modelling of Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electricity Demand for the Scottish Islands
Authors: Matthew Chris , Spataru Catalina
Published: June 2023

Achieving emissions reduction targets requires improved energy efficiency to avoid an oversized and excessively expensive electricity network. This can be analysed using hourly demand modelling that captures behaviour profiles, technology types, weather factors and building typologies. Numerous domestic models exist, but whole systems energy modelling, including commercial and industrial demand, are limited by data availability. Time-use survey data has typically been used to model domestic demand- in this work is expanded to also model commercial and industrial electricity-heating for the Scottish islands at an hourly and individual building level. This method is widely applicable for modelling whole system energy demand wherever time-use survey data are available. Combinatorial optimisation has been applied to generate a synthetic population, match individuals to properties and apply construction types to building polygons. SimStock is used for heating and lighting modelling. Validation of the model with 2016 data shows that it reflects longer term trends, with a monthly mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.6% and an R2 of 0.99. At the hourly level, the MAPE of 6.2% and R2 of 0.87 show the model captures variability needed to combine it with a supply-side model. Dataset accuracy, variability in the date recorded, missing data and unknown data correlations are discussed as causes for error. The model can be adapted for other regions and used to analyse the costs and benefits of energy efficiency measures with a supply-side generation model.
Study and Application of Oily Sludge Profile Control Technology in Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Lv Bolin , Sun Peiwen , Wu Yongbin , Yang Zhaochen , Liu Pengcheng , Wang Chao , Liu Qingdong
Published: June 2023

In the process of steam injection development of heavy oil, due to the serious heterogeneity and interference of steam channeling in the high-permeability layer, there is a lot of oily sludge in the produced liquid of oil wells, which is difficult to deal with. According to existing profile control technology and the related properties of oily sludge, a profile control system was developed by using oily sludge as the main agent and by adding other additives. At the same time, the properties of sludge, the matching relationship between the particle size of sludge and the formation of pore roar, the temperature resistance, the plugging ability, and other contents were studied. The agent featured an adjustable curing time (3 to 300 h) and resistance to pressures greater than 6 MPa and temperatures greater than 350 °C. After the agent was injected into the high-permeability steam channeling, the system was cemented with the formation rock and the sealing rate was more than 85%, without any damage to the low- and medium-permeability layers. According to the different characteristics of the production well and steam injection well, the construction technology was optimized, the oily sludge profile control technology suitable for heavy oil reservoirs was formed, and the field test was carried out. At present, more than 150 wells have been used in the field, with a cumulative oil increase of 10,756 tons. The technology not only solves the environmental pollution caused by oily sludge but also reduces the cost of thermal recovery of heavy oil, with great significance for improving the final recovery efficiency and commercial benefits of the oilfield.
Establishment of a Highly Efficient In Vitro Regeneration System for Rhododendron aureum
Authors: Zhao Wenna , Dong Hao , Hou Hui , Ning Yajing , Mu Liqiang , Li Shujuan
Published: June 2023

Rhododendron aureum is identified as a vulnerable species in China. The establishment of an in vitro regeneration system assists significantly in species protection. Here, an in vitro regeneration system was developed using both direct and indirect organogenesis pathways. The role of thidiazuron (TDZ) in different developmental stages was also investigated. The leaves of wild-harvested R. aureum plants were used for callus induction after hydroponic cultivation. The optimal formula was found to be woody plant basal medium (WPM) supplemented with 0.5 mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.5 mg·L−1 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA), while the optimal formula for the subculture and induction of adventitious buds was WPM containing 0.1 mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.5 mg·L−1 IBA. The leaves from tissue-cultured seedlings were then used for the induction of bud clusters. An association was observed between the differentiation of bud clusters and the ratio of auxin and cytokinin. The optimal formula for the induction of bud clusters was WPM containing 0.5 mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.1 mg·L−1 IBA, yielding a 50% induction rate and the maximum number of buds. Higher concentrations of TDZ were found to be beneficial for bud proliferation, while a lower concentration was conducive to stem elongation. The optimal formula for subculture was WPM containing 0.1 mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.5 mg·L−1 IBA, while that for stem elongation was WPM supplemented with 0.002 mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.5 mg·L−1 IBA. Only IBA was found to be necessary for rooting, with increased IBA concentrations leading to an increased number of roots and earlier root formation, with larger callus areas; thus, an IBA concentration of 1.0 mg·L−1 was found to be optimal for the rooting of R. aureum. After hardening the seedlings for two days, a substrate composed of vermiculite and peat soil in a 10:1 ratio was identified as a transplantation formula. This system provides directions both for the protection of endangered species and the promotion of industrial development.
Fungal Colonization of Weathered Radiata Pine Surfaces Protected with Inorganic Nanoparticles and Coatings
Authors: Hernandez Vicente A. , Sagredo Nicole , Riquelme Javiera , Romero Romina , Evans Philip D.
Published: June 2023

Photoactive nanoparticles are used to reduce microbial colonization and self-clean surfaces of materials such as glass and ceramics. To test whether such an approach is feasible for wood surfaces, we treated radiata pine samples with TiO2 (rutile and anatase) or ZnO nanoparticles and then coated the samples with different finishes. Coated samples and uncoated controls were exposed outdoors for six months. After exposure, fungi colonizing wood surfaces were identified using molecular techniques and microscopy, and colour changes in the wood samples were also measured. Treatment of uncoated surfaces with nanoparticles reduced the discolouration of wood during weathering but had little effect on colonization of wood by black mould fungi. In contrast, pretreatment of samples with titanium dioxide nanoparticles increased the number and diversity of fungi including basidiomycetes colonizing coated samples, whereas zinc oxide nanoparticles had the opposite effect. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, however, were less effective than rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles at reducing the discolouration of coated samples exposed to natural weathering. We conclude that none of the photoactive nanoparticles on their own are able to reduce microbial colonization and discoloration of samples. This suggests that it may be difficult to create self-cleaning wood surfaces using photoactive nanoparticles.
Influence of the External Environment on the Moisture Spectrum of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) KARST.)
Authors: Lexa Martin , Fojtík Roman , Dubovský Viktor , Sedlecký Miroslav , Zeidler Aleš , Sikora Adam
Published: June 2023

The fluctuation of relative humidity and temperature in the surrounding environments of wood products is an important parameter influencing their mechanical properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the complex relationship between the moisture content and mechanical properties of wood as a critical aspect in the design of durable and reliable structures. Over a period of 669 days, a simulated type of experiment was conducted, during which the moisture content and external temperature were continuously measured in a compact profile of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) KARST.). The data were processed using quadratic and cubic models to establish a predictive model. It was found that the quadratic models slightly outperformed the cubic models when considering time lags greater than six days. The final model demonstrated a significant improvement in explaining the variance of the dependent variable compared to the basic model. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that understanding the relationship between the moisture content and temperature of wood samples plays an important role in wood’s efficient use, particularly for timber constructions. This understanding is vital for accurately predicting the mechanical characteristics of wood, which, in turn, contributes to the development of more durable and reliable structures.
Morphophysiological Responses in Eucalyptus Demonstrate the Potential of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana to Promote Resistance against the Galling Wasp Leptocybe invasa
Authors: Rocha João Pedro Laurindo , Nunes Thomas Vieira , Rodrigues Jovielly Neves , Lima Nívea Maria Pereira , Rocha Pedro Augusto Laurindo , Pinto Ismael de Oliveira , Sarmento Maíra Ignacio , Araújo Wagner L. , de Moraes Cristiano Bueno , Sarmento Renato Almeida
Published: June 2023

The galling insect Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a major limiting factor in the cultivation of drought-tolerant eucalyptus. The insect L. invasa is a major pest of eucalyptus plantations, and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) is being investigated as a potential biocontrol agent against this pest. The fungus B. bassiana can produce metabolites that affect insect biology and survival. Here, we investigated the ability of the entomopathogenic B. bassiana to endophytically develop and induce resistance to L. invasa in a drought-tolerant eucalyptus hybrid. In a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions, a group of seedlings were sprayed with a solution containing the fungal spores of B. bassiana. The uninoculated seedlings and seedlings inoculated were infested with L. invasa, and their morphometric responses, gas exchange, and chlorophyll indexes were assessed. The number of leaves and height of the inoculated plants was higher than those of the uninoculated plants. The mean CO2 assimilation rate (A) and transpiration rate (E) were higher for inoculated plants. The inoculated plants showed higher chl a and chl b contents. Compared to the uninoculated plants, the inoculated plants developed much fewer galls, while some showed only scar formations where L. invasa deposited its eggs. These results indicated that inoculating Eucalyptus with B. bassiana promoted resistance to L. invasa. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that an entomopathogenic fungus can develop endophytically to promote resistance against a galling insect pest.
Spatial–Temporal Changes and Prediction of Carbon Storage in the Tibetan Plateau Based on PLUS-InVEST Model
Authors: Zhao Huihui , Guo Bing , Wang Guojun
Published: June 2023

The changes in the recent and future spatial–temporal patterns of carbon storage of the Tibetan Plateau and its dominant factors in different periods were unclear, and were conducive to optimizing the spatial layout of land. Exploring the spatial and temporal changes in terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage and their influencing factors during a long study period had important theoretical and practical significance for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. In this study, the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs model (InVEST) was used to analyze the changes in carbon storage based on vegetation-type data during 2000–2020. The Path-generating Land-Use Simulation model (PLUS) was then used to predict the spatial distribution of carbon storage in the Tibetan Plateau in 2030 and 2060 under inertial development, farmland protection and ecology priority scenarios. The results showed that: (1) The degradation of vegetation types reduced the carbon storage during the study period. During 2000–2020, the desert shrub and non-vegetation area expanded by 63.21% and 13.35%, respectively, while the deciduous scrub, mixed forest and low coverage grassland decreased accordingly. The carbon storage of the Tibetan Plateau showed a decreasing trend by 0.37 × 106 t. (2) The spatial distribution patterns of carbon storage were consistent with that of the vegetation types. (3) In 2030 and 2060, under the constraint of the ecological priority development, the reduction in carbon storage was the smallest, at 0.01 × 106 t and 0.16 × 106 t, respectively. Under the constraint of the inertial development, carbon storage had the largest reduction, at 0.12 × 106 t and 0.43 × 106 t, respectively. (4) During 2000–2020, the dominant single factor that had the greatest impacts on the changes in carbon storage was FVC (vegetation coverage), with q values of 0.616, 0.619 and 0.567, respectively. The interactive dominant effects were mainly nonlinear enhancement and double-factor enhancement. The interactive dominant factors that had the greatest impact were FVC and the DEM (Digital Elevation Model), with q values of 0.94, 0.92 and 0.90, respectively. Therefore, ecological land with a high FVC should be protected and the expansion of non-vegetation areas should be restricted in future planning to improve the carbon storage level of the Tibetan Plateau and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.