bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Antidepressant Drug Amitriptyline Affects Human SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Proliferation and Modulates Autophagy
Authors: Adornetto Annagrazia , Laganà Maria Luisa , Satriano Andrea , Licastro Ester , Corasaniti Maria Tiziana , Bagetta Giacinto , Russo Rossella
Published: May 2024

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly used for depressive disorders and pre-scribed off-label for several neurological conditions like neuropathic pain, migraine and anxiety. Amitriptyline potentiates the monoaminergic transmission by blocking the reuptake of norepi-nephrine and serotonin. However, antidepressants also act on additional targets that contribute to either therapeutic or adverse effects and may suggest new indications for their repurposing. Furthermore, since depression is often a co-morbidity in patients with chronic conditions (i.e. cancer, neurodegenerative diseases) the use of antidepressants interfering with pathways in-volved in cell homeostasis may affect the progression and outcome of these pathologies.
Here we investigate the effects of amitriptyline on proliferation and autophagy in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Dose and time-dependent upregulation of the autophagy markers LC3II and autophagy receptor p62, with accumulation of LAMP1 positive compartments, were observed in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to amitriptyline. Alteration of autophagy was accompanied by reduced cell viability and decreased clonogenic capacity, without a significant induction of apoptosis. Decrease viability and clonogenic activity were still observed in autophagy deficient Atg5 -/- MEF and following pre-treatment of SH-SY5Y culture with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine suggesting that the amitriptyline’s effects on cell proliferation were not caused by the modulation of autophagy.
Our findings demonstrate that amitriptyline acts on pathways that are crucial for cell and tissue homeostasis and pose the basis for further studies on the potential application of these effects and the consequences during long-term antidepressant treatment.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Waste Forms: Going beyond Flakes and Fibers
Authors: Kirshanov Kirill A. , Toms Roman V. , Aliev Gadir Sh. , Ismaylov Daniil A. , Mokhorev Andrew E. , Gervald Alexander Yu.
Published: May 2024

There are various approaches to managing polyethylene terephthalate waste, including methods for recycling PET. However, at present, only the cleanest wastes that can already be efficiently recycled using known methods are considered in the scientific literature. The study aims to look at other forms of polyethylene terephthalate waste that pose a challenge: low quality PET flakes, polyester tire cord, PET dust and prepolymer waste. The waste was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, viscosimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, laser diffraction and sieve analysis. The findings describe the composition and properties of various forms of polyethylene terephthalate waste. Low quality PET flake waste and polyethylene terephthalate dust have been shown to be suitable for all chemical recycling methods. When recycling waste polyester tire cord, it is difficult to completely separate the rubber, so its presence in the final product must be taken into account. The most promising way to process a prepolymer is its depolymerization by hydrolysis, alcoholysis or glycolysis to produce monomers for the synthesis of PET, similar in properties to the primary one.
Polyvinyl Acetate Binders Undermine the Effectiveness of Biochar-Based Seed Coatings
Authors: Thomas Sean C. , Liu Yudong , Tang Esther
Published: May 2024

Pyrolyzed organic matter – commonly referred to as biochar – generally has positive effects on plant growth and can enhance early seedling development. Biochar-based seed coatings may thus be beneficial, specifically under adverse soil conditions such as high soil salinity. We evaluated germination and early plant development in radish (Raphinus sativa) seeds coated with conifer-feedstock slow-pyrolysis biochar; following the precedent of prior studies, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) was used as the binding agent. Biochar-based seed coatings reduced germination rates and radicle extension in Petri dish trials; however, leaching of coated seeds largely eliminated this effect. PVAc applied in solution inhibited seed germination to a similar extent, suggesting that toxicity of PVAc or chemical products derived from it is the main mechanism for germination inhibition; a meta-analysis of published literature also indicates negative effects of biochar-based seed coatings using PVAc. In greenhouse trials the same biochar seed coatings improved aspects of plant growth and physiological status relative to controls, specifically enhancing root development. We conclude that biochar-based seed coatings have promise in promoting early seedling growth, and in combating salinity stress in agronomic and restoration applications. However, our findings contraindicate PVAc use as a binding agent. Further research is needed to test non-phytotoxic, readily biodegradable binding agents and to optimize biochars and seed coating processes for specific applications in agronomy and ecological restoration.
Development and Evaluation of a Solar Milk Pasteurizer for the Savanna Ecological Zone of West Africa
Authors: Ibrahim Iddrisu , Tengey Paul , Ayariga Joseph Atia , Xu Junhuan , Robertson Boakai K. , Ajayi Olufemi S. , Owusu-Kwarteng James
Published: May 2024

Solar pasteurization, as a means of treating milk in remote rural areas without electrical power, is based on using solar energy to thermally inactivate pathogenic microorganisms at temperatures below the boiling point to maintain or improve milk quality. A solar milk pasteurizer of flat‐plate water‐heating glass acting as the solar collector, connected to a stainless-steel cylindrical milk vat, was constructed and evaluated in Navrongo, in the tropical savanna zone of Ghana, West Africa. The novel approach taken in this project is to integrate the solar collection and heat exchanger into a single unit using materials and fabrication techniques readily available in the developing world. The vat comprises a 1.5 mm thick stainless steel cylindrical tank, a 2.2 cm wide hot water jacket, and an outer layer of 5.0 mm thick aluminium foil insulation. Hot water produced by the collector was used for pasteurizing milk. The optimum quantity of milk that this device could pasteurize under the study conditions was 8 L. The device could pasteurize raw milk to a maximum temperature of 74 °C at 14:00 h GMT. The ambient temperature during the pasteurization ranged from 30 °C to 43 °C. The microbial analysis before and after the pasteurization was done, and the result shows that the total bacteria count before pasteurization was 6.6x106 log CFU/mL per unit volume, and the total bacteria count after pasteurization was 1.0x102 log CFU/mL. By acceptable standards, the total bacteria count after pasteurization is within a safe range for consumption, and coliform counts were negative. The solar milk pasteurization system is cost-effective. Hence, it is appropriate for milk producers in arid pastoral areas without electricity to adopt the solar pasteurizer as an alternative to firewood as a fuel source for milk pasteurization. This approach can potentially create a cottage industry that may also play a crucial role as a water treatment technology that will improve the health of rural populations.
Differentiation of Solutions of Caputo Boundary Value Problems with respect to Boundary Data
Authors: Lyons Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2024

Under suitable continuity and uniqueness conditions, solutions of an α order Caputo fractional boundary value problem are differentiated with respect to boundary values and boundary points. This extends well-known results for nth order boundary value problems. The approach used is a standard technique and makes heavy use of recent results for differentiation of solutions of Caputo fractional intial value problems with respect to initial conditions and continuous dependence for Caputo fractional boundary value problems.
Investigating the Impact of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) on Academic Performance in Music Education: A Nonlinear Data Fusion Model Approach
Authors: Peng Lingxu , Fang Xiangkun , Guo Longchuan
Published: May 2024

This research aims to investigate psychological anxiety factors, particularly Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), that influence the sustainability of music learning systems. This study employs an innovative integration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, marking the first use of a nonlinear system paired with a comprehensive data framework for analyzing questionnaire responses. This approach allows for a detailed examination of the effects of these factors on academic outcomes. Previous research has primarily focused on the fragmented music learning system from the perspective of teachers' instructional strategies, emphasizing phased teaching methods and learning objectives which focus often neglected a significant subset of music learners. Addressing this oversight, the current study specifically centers on the emotional aspects of anxiety within music learning systems, with a particular emphasis on students, who play a crucial role in music education. This perspective enables a deep exploration of how MPA and other related emotional factors affect music learning systems. A notable innovation of this research is the development of a stochastic nonlinear system designed to model the psychological factors impacting student music learning, complemented by a quantitative model that assesses actual learning outcomes. By analyzing this nonlinear system, the research identifies weight values for various negative emotions, particularly those related to MPA, that significantly influence the music learning process. The integration of MPA and other anxiety related emotional factors with practical learning outcomes provides a comprehensive understanding of their combined impact on the music learning system. These insights are invaluable for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance both the effectiveness and emotional well-being within music education. This comprehensive approach offers a novel perspective in understanding and improving the dynamics of music education through a more empathetic and scientifically grounded lens.
It Takes a Team – Enhancing Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being Through an Interprofessional Approach
Authors: Steins Rebecca , Breitbach Anthony Paul , Ross Michael , Ciarlo Erica , Melillo Elena , Brant Olivia
Published: May 2024

Effective teamwork is essential to the success of sport and athletic organizations. Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) and team-based care has also been identified as a priority for health and social care organizations.(World Health Organization, 2010) The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies of (1) Values and Ethics; (2) Roles and Responsibilities; (3) Communication; and (4) Teams and Teamwork provide a guiding framework for IPC. (Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2023). Student-athlete well-being is a key objective for individuals working with or for university athletic departments, with high levels of well-being being correlated with sport, academic, and personal improvements (Navarro et al., 2020). Due to the multifaceted factors that influence student-athlete well-being (e.g., cultural factors, coaches, academic pressure, family stress, etc.), there is an increasing need for an interdisciplinary/interprofessional approach to well-being (Lemelin et al., 2022, Navarro et al., 2020; Ulrich et al., 2022) However, significant barriers exist in implementing IPC into university athletic departments and little research exists on how to overcome roadblocks to integrating IPC in university athletic departments for enhancing student-athlete wellness. This paper will describe how a university athletic department used a team approach to enhance student-athlete health and well-being. The Interprofessional Wellness Team (IWT) included a clinical sport psychology doctoral student, a licensed mental health professional, athletic trainer, and sport dietitian. A case vignette is used to demonstrate how IPEC core competencies are operationalized by the team to address athlete health and well-being through IPC. Recommendations on the further implementation of IPC centered around student-athlete well-being will be provided.
A Molecular Dynamics Examination into How Temperature Influences the Dissolution of Cellulose in an Aqueous Cuprammonium Hydroxide Solution
Authors: Bourassi Lamiae , Abidi Rania , MERZOUKI Mohammed , EL MRANI Meriem , BOUAMMALI Haytham I , BOUAMMALI Boufelja , Touzani Rachid , ELFARH Larbi , CHALLIOUI Allal , BEN MOUSSA Sana , ALAZHRANI Abdullah Yahya
Published: May 2024

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to examine the impact of temperature (ranging from 250K to 350K) on the structural behavior of cellulose chains when dissolved in an aqueous cuprammonium hydroxide Cuam solvent system. By monitoring the root mean square deviation (RMSD) and radius of gyration (Rg) values at each temperature, we found that the geometric deformation of the cellulose chains changed significantly at T=300K. In contrast, Rg and RMSD values remained stable at temperatures in the range of 250K, 270K and the range of 330K, 350K. Calculating the interaction energy between the solvent and cellulose chains revealed that temperature significantly influences the cellulose dissolution process in the Cuam solvent system and that T=300K is an efficient temperature for its dissolution. The number of intra- and interchain hydrogen bonds was also calculated as a function of temperature, and the analysis confirmed that there is no breakage of these bonds at temperatures below 300 K (i,e: 250K, 270K) and above 310 K (I,e, : 330K and 350K) either between two native chains or between a native chain and another derivative.
The Influence of Large Variations in Fluid Density and Viscosity on the Resonance Characteristics of Tuning Forks Simulated by Finite Element Method
Authors: Jiang Feng , Chen Dehua , He Xiao , Dai Yuyu , Tang Man , Zhou Yinqiu , Zhang Mi
Published: May 2024

The use of tuning forks to measure fluid density and viscosity is widely employed in fields such as food, medicine, textiles, automobiles, petrochemicals, and deep drilling. The explicit analytical model based on Euler-Bernoulli cantilever beam theory for the relationship between tuning fork resonance characteristics and the density and viscosity of fluid is only applicable to the situation where the fluid viscous effect is very small. In this paper, the finite element method is used to simulate the influence of large variations in fluid density and viscosity on the resonance characteristic parameters (resonant frequency and quality factor) of the tuning fork. The numerical simulation results are compared with the analytical analysis results and experimental measurement results. Then, the sensitivity of tuning fork resonance characteristic parameters to fluid density and viscosity is studied. The results show that compared with the analytical results, the numerical simulation results have a higher degree of agreement with the experimental measurement results. The relative difference in resonant frequency is less than 2%, and the relative difference in quality factor is less than 4%. This indicates that the finite element method includes the influence of fluid viscosity on tuning fork resonance parameters, which is more in line with the actual conditions than the analytical model. Simulating and analyzing the sensitivity of the tuning fork to fluid density and viscosity by the finite element method, it is possible to consider the situation where fluid density and viscosity vary over a large range. Compared with experimental measurements, this method has higher efficiency and can significantly save time and economic costs. This study can overcome the limitation of existing explicit analytical models, which are only applicable when the viscous effects of the fluid are very small. It enables a more accurate simulation of the coupling vibration between tuning forks and fluids, thereby providing theoretical references for further optimizing tuning fork structural parameters to enhance the accuracy of measuring fluid characteristic parameters.
Optimal Investments in the Portfolia Yield Reactives (PYR)‡
Authors: Loukeris Nikolaos , Eletheriadis Iordanis
Published: May 2024

We evolve our past models PYR, Loukeris, et al. (2016) to provide a competitive system whose infiltration of categorical information and fundamentals into advanced higher moments, supports a more objective Portfolio Selection, aided by Intelligent Computing. The system of Portfolia Yield Reactives (PYR) searches for hidden prototypes into big data of accounting and financial statements, restricting malicious patterns such as hoax, noise, manipulation, incorporated to a novel optimal portfolio selection method.
DETERMINISTIC QUANTUM MECHANICS – Part II – The Linearized Temporal-Azimuthal Wave Solution
Authors: Vadasz Peter
Published: May 2024

This is the second paper in a series introducing a deterministic quantum mechanics theory that is shown to be consistent with the current mainstream statistical quantum theory as well as with classical physics. The first paper in this series demonstrated how causality, physical reality, and determinism are restored and concerns that were raised by results from the current mainstream statistical quantum theory were explained in simple form. The meaning of particle-wave duality and complementarity, the possibility of a particle, like the electron, to cross through the nucleus as it does when the angular momentum of the electron is zero, the possibility of a point-size particle to have an “intrinsic spin”, the possibility of “quantum jumps” as the electron transitions instantaneously from one stable orbital to another and does that at irregular time intervals, the natural collapse of the wave function as part of the solution, as well as consistency with the phenomenon of entanglement were some of the results that emerged from the proposed deterministic quantum mechanics theory. While the first paper presented overwhelming evidence of the latter, the present paper is the first to produce actual solutions that are consistent with current mainstream quantum theory as well as with classical physics. Analytical solutions are presented via a linear stability method. The Bohr-Schrödinger energy levels leading to the experimentally confirmed spectral lines, as well as the fine structure constant emerge directly from the solution of the equations governing the proposed deterministic quantum mechanics. Recommended follow-up solutions as well as generalizations are being presented at the end of the paper.
Lipid Composition-, Medium pH-, and Drug Concentration-Dependent Membrane Interactions of Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, and Celecoxib: Hypothetical Association with Their Analgesic and Gastrointestinal Toxic Effects
Authors: Mizogami Maki , Tsuchiya Hironori
Published: May 2024

Among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib have been frequently used in multimodal analgesia. Recent studies challenge the conventional theory that they exhibit activity and toxicity by acting on cyclooxygenase selectively. We compared their membrane interactions that may be associated with analgesic and gastrointestinal toxic effects. Biomimetic membranes suspended in buffers of different pH were prepared with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol to mimic neuronal membranes and with 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine to mimic gastrointestinal mucosae. The membrane interactivity was determined by measuring fluorescence polarization. At pH 7.4, the drugs interacted with neuro-mimetic membranes to decrease membrane fluidity at pharmacokinetically-relevant 0.5–100 μM. Celecoxib was most potent, followed by ibuprofen and diclofenac. At pH 4.0 and 2.5, however, the drugs increased the fluidity of 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine membranes at 0.1–1 mM corresponding to gastroduodenal lumen concentrations after administration. Their membrane fluidization was greater at gastric pH 2.5 than at duodenal pH 4.0. Low-micromolar ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib structure-specifically decrease neuronal membrane fluidity, which hypothetically could affect signal transmission of nociceptive sensory neurons. Under gastroduodenal acidic conditions, high-micromolar ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib induce fluidity increases of membranous phosphatidylcholines that are hypothetically associated with gastrointestinal toxic effects, which would enhance acid permeability of protective mucosal membranes.
Buckling Analysis of Variable-Angle Tow composite Plates Through Variable Kinematics Hierarchical Models
Authors: Giunta Gaetano , Iannotta Domenico Andrea , Kirkayak Levent , Montemurro Marco
Published: May 2024

Variable-Angle Tow (VAT) laminates can improve straight fiber composites mechanical properties thanks to the application of curvilinear fibers. This characteristic allows to achieve ambitious objectives for design and performance purposes. Nevertheless, the wider design space and the higher number of parameters result in a more complex structural problem. Among the various approaches that have been used for VATs study, Carrera’s Unified Formulation (CUF) allows to obtain multiple theories within the same framework, guaranteeing a good compromise between the results accuracy and the computational cost. In this article, the linear buckling behavior of VAT laminates is analyzed through the extension of CUF 2D plate models within the Reissner’s Mixed Variational Theorem (RMVT). Results show that RMVT can better approximate the prebuckling non-uniform stress field of the plate when compared to standard approaches, thus improving the prediction of the linear buckling loads of VAT composites.
Case Report: Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis among School Children in a Mountainous Community
Authors: Baladad Mark Ericson Balagot , Padua Dawn Kimberly L. , Sumaya Jose Enrico M.
Published: May 2024

This case report utilized the primary data gathered from the extension program of the LORMA College of Medical Laboratory Science at the institution’s adopted locale. Arosip is a secluded, difficult-to-reach mountainous barangay in the municipality of Bacnotan, in the province of La Union, Philippines. The study subjects were forty-one (41) kindergarten to grade three students of Arosip Elementary School. Modified Kato-Katz technique was performed to the submitted stool samples. Among 41 participants, nine were screened positive for the helminthic ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura – yielding a total of 21.95% prevalence rate. Among those 9 participants, 6 (66.67%) were positive for Ascaris lumbricoides ova, and 3 (33.33%) were co-infected with both Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura ova. The findings were relayed and reported to the local government unit. The team recommends for a more comprehensive screening and monitoring of STH cases in the locale, a continuous stewardship of health programs including mass-deworming for the school children and awareness campaigns, and provision of health resources. Ultimately, interagency collaboration between the Department of Health, Department Education, and Local Government Unit remains highly warranted to satisfy the health inequities experienced by this disadvantaged remote community.
Effects of Brand Visual Identity on Consumer Attitude: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: YU MENGUYAO , ABIDIN SAZRINEE BINTI ZAINAL , SHAARI NAZLINA BINTI
Published: May 2024

Brand visual identity is a critical component of brand image and impacts consumers' brand perception and attitude. Although scholars and practitioners have increasingly researched brand visual identity, most focus on brand communication and corporate management perspectives, necessitating a systematic review of consumer attitudes based on brand visual identity elements. This study aims to review the impact of brand visual identity on consumer attitudes and provide directions for future research. We conducted a systematic search using PRISMA guidelines, reviewed relevant articles published in four databases (Web of Sciences, ProQuest, Scopus, and Elsevier) in the past two decades (2004-2024), and obtained 559 articles in April 2024. We conducted a thorough peer-review of both theoretical and empirical journal articles, followed by a scoping review. Thirty-four studies were eligible, analysing consumers' perceptions of various core elements of brand visual identity (BVI) (such as brand logo, colour, name, typography, and font), as well as the impact of brand visual identity on consumer attitudes and the practical implications of brand management. The results show that the consumption of visual identification elements affects consumers' perceived brand quality, brand personality, brand satisfaction, loyalty, favourability, and so on., as well as purchase intentions and social attitudes. In summary, the findings indicate that brand visual identity elements impact consumer perceptions and attitudes. However, despite some progress, further research is necessary to arrive at more definitive and robust conclusions.
Exploring Pattern of Relapse in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Undergoing Stem Cell Transplant Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Shyr David , Zhang Bing , Saini Gopin , Brewer Simon
Published: May 2024

In this report, we present a study demonstrating how machine learning methods can reveal the interaction of different risk factors of post-transplant leukemic relapse and obtain robust predictions even with a modest clinical dataset. Using a cohort of 63 pediatric patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and 46 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent stem cell transplant at a single institution, we built predictive models of leukemic relapse with both pretransplant and posttransplant patient variables (specifically lineage-specific chimerism) using the random forest classifier. The random forest classifier revealed different important predictive factors between ALL and AML in our relapse models consistent with previous knowledge. Furthermore, it also distinguished donor CD34 chimerism as most impactful in relapse prediction compare to donor chimerism of other cellular lineages in our dataset for ALL but CD3 for AML. Our models greatly improved sensitivity and specificity at predicting relapses in cross validation compared to a reference model based on our own institutional incidence of relapse and inferential statistical principles. Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations, an interpretable machine learning tool, confirmed our Random Forest Classification result and provided an intuitive explanation of how our machine learning models made the relapse prediction for each individual patient.
Correlation between the Characteristic Flavour and Microbial Community of Xuanwei Ham after Ripening
Authors: Li Guipeng , Li Simin , Wen Yiling , Yang Jing , Wang Ping , Wang Huaiyao , Cui Yawen , Wu Wenliang , Li Liang , Liu Zhendong
Published: May 2024

To analyse Xuanwei ham flavour quality at different post-ripening times, and to elucidate its microbial diversity, we studied free amino acids and volatile flavouring compounds (VOCs) and their relationships. We determined microbial community changes in Xuanwei ham at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years (W1-4) by high-throughput sequencing, and simultaneously, VOCs and free amino acid contents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography (LC), respectively. Then heatmap analysis was used to determine correlations between microbial communities, free amino acids and VOCs. A total of 25 free amino acids were detected, among which W3 contained the fewest and most were generally lower than in hams in the other three years. Fifty-nine VOCs were detected, among which were 17 esters, and the highest ester content was found in W4. Atotal of 87508391 reads were obtained from the samples, of which 812844 were clean reads, and the bacterial Chao1 index and Shannon index were significantly higher in W3 than in the other three ham years. In differetly-aged Xuanwei hams, Pseudomonadota was the dominant bacterial phylum, and the most abundant genera were Sarocladium, Klebsiella and Vibrio. Klebsiella was the most abundant genus in W1, and Vibrio in W3, and the second most abundant genera were Sarocladium and Gammaretrovirus. We elucidated differences in Xuanwei ham microflora structures in different years and the main flavor-related microorganisms, thus providing a theoretical basis for subsequent Xuanwei ham storage, quality and improvement.
New Flexible Electrospun PET/TiO2 Composite Photoanode Layer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, DSSCs, and Its Photovoltaic Performances
Authors: Gallah Hajer , Mighri Frej , Ajji Abdellah , Bandyopadhyay Jayita , Ben Ghorbel Nouceir Ahmed , Castillo-Rodriguez Judith
Published: May 2024

Flexible polymer-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer promising potential for lightweight, cost-effective and versatile photovoltaic applications. However, the critical challenge in their widespread applications is the weak thermal stability of the majority of polymeric substrates, which can only withstand a maximum temperature processing of 150°C. In this study, we propose a facile and low-cost strategy to develop at low temperature DSSC flexible photoanode based on a polymeric matrix. Highly porous nanocomposites fibrous mats composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanobars were prepared through electrospinning process using different configurations (uniaxial electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, and electrospray-assisted electrospinning). These techniques enabled precise control of the microstructure and the positioning of TiO2 within the composite nanofibers. Therefore, the as-produced photoanodes were loaded with N719 dye and tested in DSSC prototype using iodide-triiodide electrolyte and platinum (Pt) coated counter electrode. The results show that incorporating TiO2 on the fiber surface through the electrospray-assisted electrospinning enhanced the performance of the nanofiber composite, leading to improved dye loading capacity, electron transfer efficiency and photovoltaic performance.
Hooked-End Steel Fibers Affecting Damping Ratio of Modified Self-Compacting Concrete with Rubber and Marble/Granite Additions
Authors: Gomes Amauri Ernesto , Gachet Luisa A. , Lintz Rosa Cristina C. , Melo Mirian de L. N.M. , Osório Wislei R.
Published: May 2024

The aim of this investigation is focused on the effects of hooked-end steel fibers on both fresh and hardened properties of modified self-compacting concretes (SCC). For this purpose, the steel fibers are associated with other residues contents (i.e. marble, granite and rubber). This concatenated materials contents constitutes a novelty since no investigations are reported. It is found that the increase of rubber content, a better ability to absorb energy is observed. This indicates that a good alternative of structural material is provided. Fresh properties are evaluated by using flow, T500 time, V-funnel, J-ring methods. The mechanical behavior is evaluated in terms of compressive strength, tensile strength, static and dynamic modulus of elasticity, and damping ratio. Experimental results of the water absorption, porosity and density are also attained. It is also found that a SCC mixture containing steel fiber, marble/granite residue and rubber content is a potential mixture to be considered when in SCC designing associated with improved damping ratio. Although the rubber content decreases the mechanical behavior and slump flow, the concatenated utilization of MGR and steel fiber contents provide a slight improve in the damping result. An environmental benefit can also be associated since the cement consumption is decreased with marble additions.
Experimental studies of factors of influence on solar generation power plants
Authors: Moroz Oleksandr , Miroshnyk Oleksandr , Pavlov Andrii , Savchenko Oleksandr , Tobert Mikhail
Published: May 2024

Intensive development of grid-connected solar power plants leads to significant problems of management and reliability of the country's electrical systems, due to the stochastic nature of weather phenomena, such as clouds, rainfall, fog and others. Therefore, forecasting the generation of solar power plants is an important issue as improving the reliability of the country's electrical system and improving the economic efficiency of solar power plants by reducing fines for imbalances in electricity. Experimental studies have been conducted to determine the influence of natural factors, such as the angle of the sun over the horizon, temperature of photovoltaic modules, solar radiation, contamination of module surfaces, precipitation and fog on the generation of 2.4 MW solar power plant located in Kharkiv region of Ukraine. The study found a clear relationship between the active power of the solar station, solar radiation, ultraviolet index and the surface temperature of the photovoltaic module. The nature of changes in solar radiation during 12 months of observations was established, the minimum solar radiation of 200 W/m2 was recorded in December, the maximum solar radiation of about 1200 W/m2 was observed in June. Based on statistical data, the dependences for determining the difference between the surface temperature of solar panels and the air temperature on a clear day depending on the hourly generation of the solar power plant are obtained. It is established that the generation of a solar power plant at 100 % cloud cover is from 20 to 28 % compared to the generation on clear days. Contamination of the surface of photovoltaic modules and their cleaning depending on the intensity and amount of precipitation has a significant impact on the generation of a solar power plant. Fog has a significant effect on lasing, which reduces lasing by 50 %. Graphs of specific generation (ratio of hourly generation of solar power plant, in terms of solar panel temperature 25 °C, to the average hourly angle of the sun above the horizon), which will help determine the generation of solar power plant for each hour during the day. To increase the accuracy of generation forecasting, the specific generation graphs are divided into two intervals: the first and second half of the day. Analysis of specific power graphs suggests that the specific generation varies throughout the year due to different air temperatures, air vapor content and the thickness of the layer of air through which the sun's rays pass, depending on the location of the sun above the horizon.
Comparative analysis of oil ageing intensity in 110 kV transformers and 330 kV autotransformers
Authors: Ponomarenko Serhii
Published: May 2024

The results of transformer oil ageing intensity analysis in 110 kV transformers and 330 kV autotransformers are presented. Using a mathematical model of variance linear regression analysis (covariance analysis model), applied to the results of periodic tests on 231 transformers of 110 kV and 49 autotransformers of 330 kV, several statistical hypotheses have been tested to estimate the intensity of drift of oil indicators during long-term operation of transformers. The following hypotheses were tested as statistical hypotheses: the hypothesis of a significant systematic drift in the values of oils during long-term operation, which allows assessing the presence of transformer oil ageing processes. The hypothesis of equality of partial angular coefficients for regression models based on test results for each of the oil in individual transformers (regression lines are parallel), which allows estimating the differences in the ageing intensity of oils in individual transformers. The hypothesis that the group averages lie on a straight line, that is, the drift of the oil in the different transformers occurs at the same rate. The hypothesis of equality of partial free terms for regression models based on test results for each of the oil indicators in individual transformers, which allows assessing the presence of differences in the values of oil indicators at the time of commissioning of transformers, that is, the actual presence of differences in the quality of the poured oil. The results of the analysis for both 110 kV transformers and 330 kV autotransformers showed not only an additive and multiplicative bias between individual series of oil parameters, but also a significant systematic component, indicating the aging of transformer oils in the analysed transformers. It was found that the intensity of drift of oil indicators in 110 kV transformers and in 330 kV autotransformers significantly differs, which should be taken into account when building models for the early recognition of the condition of transformer oils by the results of periodic tests.
Influence of valve effect on energy efficiency of layer gasdynamic systems
Authors: Krivenko Serhii Victorovich
Published: May 2024

The direction of gas movement and the properties of the granular layer, which must be taken into account in the Darcy-Weisbach formula, have a significant effect on the energy efficiency of gas-dynamic processes in layered systems. The complex form of the regularity of the coefficient of resistance from the content of fine fractions in the layer is justified by the wavy shape of the channels in which the fine fractions are located. However, this phenomenon can be justified by the forced migration of small particles inside the cavities of the layer under the influence of mobile gases. The influence of the mobility of particles during air blowing of separated and mixed granular layers on the coefficient of gas-dynamic resistance is investigated. A smooth decrease in the value of the coefficient with an increase in the air flow rate before the transition of the layer to the fluidization mode was observed for monofraction layers. Fractures, caused by the formation of a low-permeability area due to the placement of small fractions in narrow places between large ones, have been identified for the separated layers. The presence of such a fracture depends on the ratio of particle sizes and their roughness. The increase in pressure under the bed allows the fines to gradually move upward through the voids between the larger fractions. A layer of small balls formed on top and the pressure loss in the entire steel layer is about twice as high as for the separated layer. This is due to the fact that the small balls completely fill the voids between the large pellets and the total height of the column of balls in the channels of the layer has approximately doubled in relation to the initial filling height. In addition, the tortuosity of the channels between large pellets, through which air passes, increases, which contributes to an increase in the gas-dynamic resistance to the layer. An abrupt transition to a "fluidized" bed is observed for a monofractional charge of small balls at a critical gas pressure drop, pressure pulsations occur ±100 Pа and consumption ±0,365·10–3 m3/s. A spontaneous sharp drop in the drop occurs after the formation of geyser channels. The rigid structure of the layer, characteristic of the agglomeration process, ensures uniform movement of gases in the layer, but the valve effect occurs when the content of fine fractions in the layer is more than 3.1 % and increases the energy consumption for the movement of gases in the layer by 30 %. The placement of two or more particles in such cavities between large and retained in them due to friction forces occurs in this case. Elimination of the low-permeability barrier will increase the height of the dormant layer from 400 to 550–600 mm and reduce the consumption of solid fuel of the charge by 10–15 % due to its redistribution along the height.
Research of the design of a solar radiation concentrator for autonomous photoenergy installation
Authors: Kirichenko Mykhailo , Nikitin Viktor , Zaitsev Roman , Khrypunov Gennadiy , Meriuts Andriy , Shkoda Dmytro
Published: May 2024

Significant increase in power due to the use of concentrators of solar radiation confirms the feasibility of using concentrated radiation, and the development of concentrators makes a separate task of optical physics. Hubs deserve special attention to obtain a high degree of radiation concentration, their development requires a number of innovative technical solutions. The complex researches on optimization of concentrators of solar radiation for use as a part of high-concentration photovoltaic systems by research of optical properties and features of degradation of facet, vacuum and segment concentrators are carried out in the work. According to the results of field testing of the experimental sample of the facet concentrator, it was found that the procedure of adjusting the concentrator is associated with individual adjustment of the position of each of the 400 mirrors, which is extremely difficult. And due to the insufficient rigidity of the structure, the concentrator needs to be adjusted in the settings after the operations of moving or assembling-disassembling the experimental sample of the concentrator. As the concentrator needs regular cleaning due to natural pollution from dust, rain and other natural factors, this operation is associated with mechanical impact on the mirrors, which leads to a violation of their settings. According to the results of testing the vacuum type concentrator, it was found that such concentrators are very sensitive to the quality of the base because due to design features cannot be adjusted after manufacture and they had too large a focal spot larger than the heat sink. According to the results of field testing, it is established that the design of a segment-type concentrator is promising for use in the high-concentration photovoltaic systems, which is a circular array of segments made of mirror material, the integrated reflection coefficient of which reaches 95% and made an experimental sample with an area of 3.6 m2, which allows to obtain a focal spot with a diameter of 120 mm with a trapezoidal light distribution with a radiation concentration factor of 360 units.
Research on the prospects of applying socio-demographic data for the analysis of demand management potential
Authors: Danylchenko Dmytro Oleksiyovych , Fedorchuk Stanislav Olegovich , Ivakhnov Andrii , Kulapin Oleksandr , Hrytsenko Vladyslav
Published: May 2024

Today, the most developed countries are rapidly increasing the volume of electricity generation based on renewable energy sources, which primarily includes an increase in the share of generation at solar and wind power plants. The increase in the share of their generation leads to problems with maintaining the balance of generation and load. The reason for this is the stochastic nature of the generation of solar and wind power plants. There are a significant number of possibilities to compensate for this problem: maintaining the balance at the expense of existing conventional power plants with a high rate of power change, installation of energy storage at generation sites, shutting down some generation capacity at renewable energy sources, selling or buying energy in neighbouring countries, and demand management. This article focuses on demand management, specifically on the use of the concept of prosumers for this purpose. As process participants in electric power systems, solicitors are also capable of functioning in today's conventional electric systems, provided they gain additional market operations capabilities, but the benefits of the Smart Grid greatly enhance their effectiveness. We considered the potential of attracting Smart Grid players to align load schedules and maintain the balance of active power in the power system. For this purpose, we considered methods and tools for analysing the modes of operation of conventional consumers and solenoid meters. However, to obtain real consumption schedules of a residential area or even an individual house is a difficult task, which requires a significant amount of coordination and at the same time provides information only about individual facilities. That is why the analysis of the modes of operation of requestors is based on the study of load schedules of ordinary consumers based on the software for generating load schedules, taking into account the socio-demographic characteristics of households and international experience in demand management.
A dynamic aircraft response model for determining roughness limits
Authors: Stache Jeremiah
Published: May 2024

Runway roughness poses significant risks to aircraft and aircraft personnel. Roughness irregularities can be found in both civilian and military airfields, from rutting to bomb-damaged repairs. Various methods exist for determining roughness criteria, such as discrete surface deviation evaluation and dynamic response models. Although validated dynamic response models such as TAXI-G were used extensively in the HAVE BOUNCE program from the 1970s up to the late 1990s, modern military aircraft have not undergone the same formal analysis. This paper presents the mathematical formulation and validation of the WESTAX dynamic response model. The computer program is capable of simulating the responses of different critical aircraft components while trafficking over idealized runway profiles. The validation results showed that the numerical model was capable of closely matching field data over single- and double bump events. The findings suggest that the WESTAX dynamic response model is a capable candidate for establishing aircraft roughness limits.
The Impacts of Corruption on Socio-Economic Development: The Case of Shambu Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Fufa Melese
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the impacts of corruption on socio- economic development in Shambu town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. To this end, Cross sectional descriptive survey research design, and mixed approach were used. And, questionnaire was distributed among 142 respondents accidentally, and an interview was conducted with 18 key informants to collect data. Besides, secondary data were used. The data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 20 while the data collected through interview were analyzed qualitatively. The study reveals that corruption is highly affecting the development of socio-economic of the study area. In this respect, some of its specific impacts are include negatively affect the social relation of the society, lack of provision for infrastructure among society, affecting equality rights of using resources, making the gap between the rich and the poor wider, affects standard of living, unnecessary conflicts among the society, decreasing the town investment, highly reducing taxes and revenues, negatively affecting the total economic growth of the municipality and etc. are some of the problems of corruption and its impacts. Thus, corruption is highly prevailing in Shambu town that affects social development and economic development in the study area. It also a serious problem that Shambu Town are suffering from and a setback to the development efforts of a town. Thus, the study recommends that commitment is needed from the concerned bodies like the government, the anti- corruption commission, the woreda court and the civic association to provide strong policy of controlling mechanism especially on the office holders, to set systems and structures that can reduce corruption and ensure efficient delivery of services to the community, to impose strong responsibility on the town administration offices and should be to make a Learnable punishments and establish good governance and democratic leaders in the town and strongly work to minimize the corruption on socio-economic development.