bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative biological activity of palbociclib and ribociclib in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Lorman-Carbó Natàlia , Martínez-Sáez Olga , Fernandez-Martinez Aranzazu , Galván Patricia , Chic Nuria , Garcia-Fructuoso Isabel , Rodríguez Adela , Gómez-Bravo Raquel , Schettini Francesco , Blasco Paula , Castillo Oleguer , González-Farré Blanca , Adamo Barbara , Vidal Maria , Muñoz Montserrat , Perou Charles M. , Malumbres Marcos , Gavilá Joaquín , Pascual Tomás , Prat Aleix , Brasó-Maristany Fara
Published: July 2024

This study examines the biological effects of palbociclib and ribociclib in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, pivotal to the HARMONIA prospective phase III clinical trial. We explore the downstream impacts of these CDK4/6 inhibitors, focusing on cell lines and patient-derived tumor samples. We treated HR+ breast cancer cell lines (T47D, MCF7, and BT474) with palbociclib or ribociclib (100 nM or 500 nM), alone or combined with fulvestrant (1 nM), over periods of 24, 72, or 144 h. Our assessments included PAM50 gene expression, RB1 phosphorylation, Lamin-B1 protein levels, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. We further analyzed PAM50 gene signatures from the CORALLEEN and NeoPalAna phase II trials. Both CDK4/6 inhibitors similarly inhibited proliferation across the cell lines. At 100 nM, both drugs partially reduced p-RB1, with further decreases at 500 nM over 144 h. Treatment led to reduced Lamin-B1 expression and increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. Both drugs enhanced Luminal A and reduced Luminal B and proliferation signatures at both doses. However, the HER2-enriched signature significantly diminished only at the higher dose of 500 nM. Corresponding changes were observed in tumor samples from the CORALLEEN and NeoPalAna studies. At 2 weeks of treatment, both drugs significantly reduced the HER2-enriched signature, but at surgery, this reduction was consistent only with ribociclib. Our findings suggest that while both CDK4/6 inhibitors effectively modulate key biological pathways in HR+/HER2- breast cancer, nuances in their impact, particularly on the HER2-enriched signature, are dose-dependent, influenced by the addition of fulvestrant and warrant further investigation.
Digested casein phosphopeptides impact intestinal calcium transport in vitro
Authors: Tenenbaum Mathie , Deracinois Barbara , Dugardin Camille , Auger Julie , Baniel Alain , Boulier Audrey , Flahaut Christophe , Ravallec Rozenn , Cudennec Benoit
Published: July 2024

A casein hydrolysate enriched in CPPs underwent in vitro digestion and was incubated with an IB model to monitor calcium uptake and transport. The dCPPs enhanced paracellular calcium transport. CPPs capable of crossing the IB were identified.
Modelling the fundamental diagram of traffic flow mixed with connected vehicles based on the risk potential field
Authors: Yin Jiacheng , Cao Peng , Li Zongping , Li Linheng , Li Zhao , Li Duo
Published: July 2024

The fundamental diagram (FD) of traffic flow can effectively characterize the macroscopic characteristics of traffic flow and provide a theoretical foundation for traffic planning and control. The rapid development of connected vehicles (CVs) has led to changes in traffic flow characteristics. However, research on the FD of traffic flow involving CVs and non‐connected vehicles (NCVs) is still in its early stages. Most FDs do not well characterize the motion behaviour of different vehicles, nor do they study the interaction between mixed vehicles. Therefore, in this study, the FD of mixed traffic flows (i.e. with CVs and NCVs) was constructed within a unified framework. First, the car‐following behaviours of CVs and NCVs were modelled based on risk potential field theory. Subsequently, the FD of mixed traffic flows was derived based on the relationship between car‐following behaviour and the macroscopic traffic flow under steady‐state conditions. To validate the model, rigorous verifications were conducted via numerical experiments using the Monte Carlo method. The results indicate significant agreement between the scatter plots obtained from the experiments and the theoretical curves for different penetration rates. The proposed FD has a unified framework and a more rigorous mathematical structure.
Energy-efficient house design in the mediterranean climate
Authors: Baş Hakan
Published: July 2024

Buildings in rural areas are more exposed to open weather conditions than city centres and, therefore, need to be designed to be more energy efficient. This study systematically investigates the sensitivity of critical building design parameters (building orientation, insulation thickness, glazing properties, shading, and ventilation type) on the heating and cooling energy demand of a rural building in a Mediterranean climate. This study also aims to determine optimum energy-efficient building design conditions in the Mediterranean climate. Thermal simulations were performed using the IESVE tool in a typical two-storey Mediterranean house designed in rural İzmir, Turkey. It was found that critical design parameters such as solar orientation, insulation thickness, glazing properties, shading, and ventilation type affect heating and cooling energy demand. Orientation of the building to the South, 23.5 cm insulation thickness, triple glazing windows, and shading provide maximum energy savings. In addition, South orientation or a deviation of 22.5° from the South, 15 cm insulation thickness, double-glazed windows, and shading ensure significant energy savings and acceptable energy performance in the Mediterranean climate. However, no significant difference in energy performance was found depending on ventilation type (mechanical or mixed mode (natural + mechanical)). The results of this study can promote energy-efficient building design at the local level and help architects design new energy-efficient buildings in the Mediterranean countryside. This study can also contribute to creating energy-efficient building design policies to reduce buildings’ dependence on fossil fuels.
Greening cities and buildings for climate resilience: Lessons from Lambrate Park District in Milan (Italy)
Authors: Ruta Matteo Francesco , Mainini Andrea Giovanni , Ronchi Silvia , Speroni Alberto , Cadena Juan Diego Blanco
Published: July 2024

The Lambrate Park District project, developed within the Reinventing Cities international design competition framework, became an opportunity to exemplify an original approach to urban regeneration that focuses on the need for green buildings and spaces. The main objective of the paper is to identify effective design strategies to mitigate the heat island effects and the improvement of air quality at the local scale. Hence, alongside the development of the individual buildings included in the comprehensive masterplan, characterized by high environmental standards, these strategies applied to the project also led to extensive efforts in enhancing the outdoor spaces to elevate environmental well-being at the neighbourhood level further. Additionally, the implementation of mesoscale optimization techniques contributed to enhance the performance of the buildings themselves. Through chrono-topic mitigation and urban cooling strategies, Lambrate Park District prioritizes green spaces and vegetation to enhance outdoor comfort naturally and improve the performance of buildings (energy efficiency and thermal comfort). Strategically selected trees mitigate air pollution and enhance resilience to climate change, contributing to microclimate regulation. Simulations using ecosystem, daylight, and thermal modelling (InVEST, LadyBug, and Honeybee) software demonstrate the area’s performance in improving cooling capacity and thermal comfort, showcasing the project’s adaptability to future climatic challenges. Architectural strategies ensure building resilience and flexibility, aligning with the competition’s goal of sustainable urban development. By integrating vegetation and shading strategies, Lambrate Park District offers comfortable outdoor spaces year-round, fostering biodiversity and enhancing urban livability. The project highlights the potential of green infrastructure in creating healthier, more resilient buildings, districts and cities.
Thermal responses of the elderly in naturally ventilated dwelling houses during winter in rural Xi’an, China
Authors: Feng Ranran , Zheng Wuxing , Wang Yingluo , Shao Teng , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Jisen , Fang Yanna , Dong Chunzhao
Published: July 2024

A well-designed indoor thermal environment in winter not only meets the thermal comfort demands of the elderly, but also reduces their health risks. However, the thermal performance of residential buildings for the elderly in rural Xi’an, China, is poor, with no central heating system, and the quality of the thermal environment needs to be improved. Due to the lack of thermal comfort benchmarks that meet the thermal preferences of the elderly in rural areas, this study will address this issue through conducting a field investigation. 161 elderly people from 8 villages volunteered to participate in the survey. A clothing regulation model was established, which found that the sensitivity of the thermal resistance of their clothing to temperature changes was low. Additionally, a thermal sensation model was established, and the neutral temperature was calculated to be 11.3°C. The 80% and 90% acceptable lower limits were calculated to be 6.5°C and 8.2°C, respectively. When the indoor operative temperature was lower than 11.3°C (neutral temperature), an average of 78% of the elderly expected a slightly warmer environment, and when it was higher than 11.3°C, an average of 72% expected no change. The results of the study can be used as a basis for the design and improvement of the thermal environment of rural elderly living in cold regions of China.
The embeddedness of sustainability in the construction industry: Identifying key drivers and barriers to implementation
Authors: Poderytė Ieva , Banaitis Audrius
Published: July 2024

Sustainable buildings play a critical role in mitigating climate change. Despite the growing significance of the sustainability agenda driven by EU decarbonization targets, the integration of sustainability criteria in decision-making remains limited. In this study, key factors influencing the implementation of sustainability are identified based on data from an empirical study conducted with construction industry experts in November 2022. Focus groups, comprising real estate project managers, architects, engineers, construction managers, real estate brokers, real estate appraisers, and researchers were engaged to analyze the drivers and barriers to sustainability adoption in practice. Legal regulations, company reputation, and stakeholder demand are recognized as pivotal factors driving the integration of sustainability within the construction industry. Conversely, the main causes for limited implementation are linked to deficiencies in the legislative framework, financial considerations, late adoption of sustainable practices, and lack of awareness among stakeholders. The study reveals a significant impact of legislation, emphasizing that the most substantial influence on sustainability implementation derives from national regulations and international directives, which highlights the imperative to comprehensively integrate various aspects of sustainability within regulatory frameworks. To overcome financial constraints, it is imperative to offer financial incentives and address the prevailing perception gap by substantiating the long-term financial benefits of sustainable buildings to stakeholders, supported by empirical research.
Quantitative assessment of passive design measures on building energy demand in arid climates. Case study: Solar decathlon middle east houses, Dubai
Authors: Trepci Esra , Rodriguez Edwin Ubinas , Barbosa Juan David
Published: July 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in specific have set ambitious goals to lower emissions and increasing energy efficiency, with a particular focus on buildings. Efforts toward these goals have led to regulations such as Dubai Building Code (DBC) and Al Sa’fat that define design measures to reduce building energy demand. However, accurately assessing the impact of these design measures remains a challenge, especially for the passive ones. This study aims to quantify how improving further the current passive design requirements affects the building energy demand in Dubai, specifically single-family residential buildings (villas). In 2023 the residential sector accounted for around 30% of the electricity consumption in Dubai and around 90% of the new buildings were villas. We used the Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) competition houses as case studies, which allow us to study the energy performance of high performing real building in a controlled environment. The assessment is done through building energy modelling with Ideal Cooling Loads to assess passive design isolated from active design, followed by parametric variations of the passive design measures. As expected, reducing the thermal transmittance of walls, roofs, and glazing, individually or in combination to each other, lowers the Total Energy Intensity, up to 10%. However, reducing floor thermal transmittance has a contrary effect, that goes to -4%, due to lower ground temperatures. Following the findings of this study we derive recommendations for future building regulations and building designers, and for future research.
Research on the carbon emission reduction of internal combustion engines by reducing friction work
Authors: Du Fengming , Zhang Yuhong , Gao Zanbin , Wang Jinlong , Yang Yuxing , Wang Jingsi , Shen Yan
Published: July 2024

The increase in carbon dioxide emissions is a key factor leading to the warming of the Earth’s climate system and the intensification of the greenhouse effect. Internal combustion engines have a significant impact on carbon emissions. For internal combustion engines, friction is the main cause of energy loss, which reduces fuel utilization and increases carbon emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce friction work of internal combustion engine. This work focuses on the friction pairs of piston pins and liners in internal combustion engines, and optimizes the surface technology of piston pins by comparing carburized and nitriding processes. The results show that the friction work of the nitrided piston pin is 8.9% lower than that of the carburized piston pin, and the wear of the liner is reduced by 10%. Therefore, surface nitriding process of piston pin is an effective way to reduce friction work and carbon emissions of internal combustion engines.
Optimizing Solar-Wind Hybrid Microgrid Designs with Particle Swarm Techniques for Sustainable Energy Integration
Authors: Jain Alok , Prakash Sunil , Bansal Shubhansh , Sharma Rajeev , Satyanarayana G.V.V. , Naath Mongalc Binitendra
Published: July 2024

The integrity and lifespan of metallic structures are significantly threatened by corrosion in a variety of sectors. As a result, as compared to traditional coatings, nanocomposite coatings provide improved mechanical qualities and corrosion resistance, making them attractive options for corrosion protection. In this work, sol-gel processing and electrochemical deposition were used to create sustainable nanocomposite coatings including graphene, carbon nanotubes, silica nanoparticles, and zinc oxide. The coatings' characterization showed that the nanoparticles were evenly distributed throughout the matrix, with distinct interfaces and little agglomeration. Testing for corrosion resistance showed that nanocomposite coatings performed better than traditional coatings, with lower corrosion rates and larger corrosion potentials. Higher adhesion strengths and hardness values for nanocomposite coatings were found during mechanical testing; this suggests that the coatings have better mechanical durability and performance in challenging environments. When compared to traditional methods, environmental impact evaluations indicated that sustainable manufacturing procedures might result in lower energy usage, waste creation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The research's overall conclusions highlight the promise of nanocomposite coatings as environmentally friendly corrosion protection options that outperform traditional coatings in terms of performance, durability, and sustainability.
Numerical Investigation of Solar Still Desalination Efficiency across Different Salinity Levels
Authors: Balakrishnan S. , Harish R. , Mukesh R. , Rajkumar K. , Seenivasan R.
Published: July 2024

This study presents the results of a numerical analysis of a solar still's (SS) thermal performance and water production. It is proposed that low-income isolated populations in need of potable water utilize an SS for desalination. The SS under six distinct salt concentrations (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 g/kg) are the subject of the study. Adding phase change material (PCM) beneath the water sink was done to offset the decline in productivity caused by an increase in salinity, as previous experimental outcomes published in the literature have shown. By comparing those with published experimental data, the mathematical model and numerical approaches were found to be valid. The relative difference in temperature was under 2% while the relative difference in water production was under 3.5%. Unlike competing mathematical models, this one takes into account both the temperature and salt concentration when calculating water parameters. From 0 to 30 g/kg of salinity, the findings show that daily production drops. For every instance, the water temperature, the temperature difference between the water and the glass, the cumulative and hourly productivity were shown. The analysis also includes the heat flow behavior between PCM and water.
Smart Wheelchair Control Using Arduino
Authors: Rani Maduguri , Ramya Bodapatla , Avinash Kaveti , Sainaveen Gunturu , Ruchitha Jambuka
Published: July 2024

The current market offers wheelchairs at exorbitant prices, making them unattainable for middle-class and lower-class families. These wheelchairs often possess singular functionalities, whether operated manually or automatically. This initiative aims to revolutionize the lives of the elderly and disabled population, who face mobility challenges. The primary aim of this endeavor is to pioneer an Arduino-based, cost-effective wheelchair control system. Traditionally, wheelchairs have served individuals with various physical disabilities, encompassing the elderly, paralyzed patients, stroke survivors, and those unable to manipulate the wheels manually. The core objective is to facilitate autonomous mobility for individuals with disabilities. To address this need, a Bluetooth-enabled, voice-activated, hand gesture, and eye-blink- controlled wheelchair prototype has been developed, powered by Arduino technology. This innovation presents a viable alternative to commercial wheelchairs, boasting enhanced efficacy, affordability, and user- friendly operation. Conventional wheelchair propulsion poses a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, necessitating a solution to alleviate their struggles. Consequently, through the integration of Arduino technology, a multi-functional wheelchair has been engineered, responding to voice commands, Bluetooth signals, hand gestures, and eye blinks. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovative design principles, this project aims to empower individuals with disabilities, granting them newfound independence and mobility.
Sustainable Energy Conversion via Organic Photovoltaics: Material Selection and Evaluation
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Nautiyal Mansi , Saini Pavas , Khurana Sahil , Charyulu Venkat S. , Vyas Anjali
Published: July 2024

The lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective features of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) makes them a promising candidate for the development of a sustainable energy conversion technology. In this study, we investigate the process of selecting and evaluating organic materials for use in OPV applications, with a particular emphasis on improving both efficiency and stability. In this study, the most important results are highlighted by means of a complete literature review and data analysis. Bandgaps, HOMO levels, and LUMO levels are all features of the material that play a significant role in determining the performance of the device. Bandgaps may have values ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 eV, while HOMO levels can have values ranging from -5.5 to -4.8 eV. Efficiency enhancement initiatives, such as the invention of new donor- acceptor polymers and non-fullerene acceptors, have resulted to gains in power conversion efficiency (PCE), with values reaching 15%. These benefits have been achieved via the implementation of these tactics. Due to the fact that degradation processes have an effect on the performance of the device over time, stability concerns are very important for practical deployment. In order to improve the device's stability, encapsulation materials and stabilizing chemicals are used to reduce the number of breakdown routes. This paper contributes to the advancement of knowledge in OPV technology by highlighting the significance of material selection, efficiency enhancement, and stability improvement for sustainable energy conversion. Performance evaluation metrics, such as fill factor (FF) and open-circuit voltage (Voc), indicate improved device performance. FF ranges from 60% to 70%, and Voc ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 V. Overall, this paper contributes to the advancement of knowledge. The optimization of materials and device designs should be the primary focus of future research efforts in order to significantly improve the performance of OPVs and speed up its deployment as a viable renewable energy alternative.
Mitigating Partial Shading Effects in Photovoltaic System using Intelligent Current Compensation Method
Authors: S Devakirubakaran , Priya R Karpaga , K Dhananjaya Babu , Srilakshmi Koganti , M Deepak
Published: July 2024

Efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is decreased by mismatch losses resulting from uneven panel irradiation. Current compensation techniques that inject compensatory current and measure currents by periodic row short-circuiting are unavoidably blackout-causing. In this work, a novel current compensation technique is presented that dynamically measures and reacts to variations in irradiance using light sensors on each panel. The program compiles these data to determine the overall irradiance of each row and to precisely modify the injected current to sustain output without any interruptions to operation. The proposed approach lowers mismatch losses more effectively than traditional techniques, as demonstrated by MATLAB/Simulink simulations of seven shading patterns. Under center shading, the proposed approach raised system efficiency by 36%. These results indicate a move towards more flexible solar energy solutions by implying that sensor-driven data analytics can increase PV system operational efficiency and reliability.
Performance and Analysis of Soft Computing Techniques with Energy Management Framework in IoT Networks
Authors: M Vanitha , A Radhika , V Umayal Muthu
Published: July 2024

An EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE) charging system based on machine learning (ML) has the capacity to generate precise future judgements based on previous data. A number of ML algorithms, including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), are contrasted in terms of their performances in optimisation. The outcomes verify the reliability of the use of KNN for the management of EVs to ensure high accuracy. The KNN model successfully minimizes power losses and voltage fluctuations and achieves peak shaving by flattening the load curve. Novel Sequence Learning-Based Energy Forecasting framework includes a unique mechanism for predicting future energy consumption. It uses sequence learning techniques, which are often employed in machine learning and artificial intelligence for tasks involving time series data. The goal is to forecast energy consumption efficiently and with low error rates. The cloud server and smart grids work together to manage energy demand and response effectively. These techniques used to clean, transform, and prepare the data for analysis. The framework incorporates energy decision-making algorithm specifically designed for an efficient forecasting. Short-term forecasting is essential for managing energy demand and response in real-time. It appears that this framework combines various technologies and methodologies to create a comprehensive system for real-time energy management in an IoT environment. The focus is on efficient and accurate energy forecasting and decision-making to optimize energy consumption.
Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites for Lightweight Sustainable Automotive Parts
Authors: Sehgal Archana , Sharma Deepti , Kataria Ansh , Verma Raman , Vivek Kumar C. , Naath Mongal Binitendra
Published: July 2024

This study examines the potential of polymer matrix nanocomposites for creating lightweight and sustainable automotive parts. It conducts a thorough analysis of mechanical properties, thermal properties, environmental impact, and cost considerations. A variety of nanofillers and polymer matrices were used to create nanocomposites, which were then analyzed to assess their suitability for use in automotive applications. The results indicate variations in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Composite D demonstrates the highest tensile strength (95 MPa), Young's modulus (13 GPa), flexural strength (135 MPa), and impact strength (20 kJ/m^2), suggesting superior mechanical performance compared to the other nanocomposites. The analysis of thermal properties shows variations in glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature, thermal conductivity, and heat deflection temperature across different nanocomposites. Among them, Composite D exhibits the highest Tg (88°C) and melting temperature (160°C), along with superior thermal conductivity (0.7 W/mK) and heat deflection temperature (130°C). The assessment of environmental impact metrics reveals that Composite D has the lowest carbon footprint (8 kg CO2/kg), embodied energy (45 MJ/kg), and water usage (90 L/kg), as well as the highest recyclability (90%). These findings emphasize the potential of Composite D to minimize environmental impact and foster sustainability in the automotive manufacturing sector. There are variations in material and processing costs among nanocomposites. Composite D has the highest material cost ($25/kg) and processing cost ($18/kg). This study offers important insights into the performance, environmental impact, and cost considerations of polymer matrix nanocomposites for lightweight sustainable automotive parts. It contributes to the development of more environmentally friendly and efficient vehicles with improved performance characteristics.
Storage Solutions for Sustainable Future: Integrating Batteries, Supercapacitors, and Thermal Storage
Authors: Guntreddi Venkataramana , Manoj Vasupalli , Ramasekhara Reddy M. , Kumar Yegireddy Narendra , Swathi Aakula , Raghutu Ramakrishna
Published: July 2024

Energy storage plays a critical role in enabling the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and transitioning towards sustainable energy ecosystems. This research paper examines the integration of batteries, supercapacitors, and thermal storage technologies as storage solutions for sustainable futures. Beginning with an overview of each storage technology, including their benefits and limitations, the paper explores the advantages and challenges associated with their integration. Hybrid energy storage systems, combining multiple technologies, are analyzed for their potential to enhance performance and reliability. Smart control and management strategies are discussed, highlighting the importance of advanced algorithms and energy management systems in optimizing integrated storage systems. Environmental and economic considerations, such as lifecycle analysis and cost-effectiveness, are evaluated to assess the sustainability of integrated storage solutions. The paper also identifies future directions and innovations in energy storage technology and presents case studies showcasing successful integration efforts. Ultimately, this paper emphasizes the importance of integrated storage solutions in achieving sustainable energy goals and provides insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
Utilizing Artificial Neural Networks for Intelligent Battery Energy Storage Control in Microgrid Energy Management
Authors: Rajalakshmi J. , Nisha Rani S.N.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an intelligent control approach for a microgrid system comprising photovoltaic panels, grid connection, and lithium-ion battery energy storage. The energy management strategy revolves around regulating the charging and discharging of by incorporating an advanced controller into the DC/DC two directional converter. An essential aspect of this approach entails the incorporation of Artificial Neural networks (ANN) for accurate predetermination of the charge state of the battery and for controlling the two directional converter. Output from simulations conducted in the MATLAB/ Simulink environment illustrate its effectiveness, also their reliability of the proposed control method.
Green Materials for Sustainable Water Desalination: Nanocomposite Membranes
Authors: Sharma Gazal , Singh Rajat , Kaur Prabhjot , Bhardwaj Nishant , C Lavanya , Shradhey
Published: July 2024

Nanocomposite membranes are being considered as potential options for sustainable water desalination. These membranes offer advantages such as enhanced water permeability, improved salt rejection efficiency, and increased resistance to fouling. This study explores the utilization of environmentally friendly materials in the production of nanocomposite membranes, with the aim of improving both sustainability and performance. The synthesis of key findings is achieved through a systematic literature review and data analysis. Nanocomposite membranes, which include green materials such as biopolymers and natural nanoparticles, exhibit improved water permeability. This is evidenced by water permeability values ranging from 90 to 110 L/m^2·h·bar. Moreover, membranes that utilize environmentally friendly materials have shown a remarkable enhancement in salt rejection efficiency, achieving rates as high as 96% to 100%. The resistance to fouling is also improved, as the membranes exhibit resistance values ranging from 6 to 10 kPa. The advancements can be credited to the favorable characteristics of green materials, such as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and minimal impact on the environment. The results highlight the promise of green nanocomposite membranes in the field of sustainable water desalination, in line with the increasing focus on environmental accountability in technological advancements. Further research should prioritize the improvement of membrane compositions, fabrication methods, and performance metrics to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of nanocomposite membranes for water desalination applications. This will help address global water challenges in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.
Optimizing Efficiency of Solar Double-Pass Air Heater through Fluid Combination Approach
Authors: Agarwal Abhishek
Published: July 2024

The solar air_heater (SAH) is one of the main devices that are used for harnessing solar energy for multipurpose functions. The double-pass solar air_heater (DPSAH) is an advanced model with ducts that transport the air to the two leaves of the loops. This technology is applied where space heating, thermal energy for drying processes, heat pumping applications, etc. are required. This investigation aims to determine the thermal characteristics of an air heater with a double-pass design that works by using CFD simulation. The study is to be carried out by (air flow rate and pressure distribution) measurement within the system. The process relies on the mixture containing both CO2 and O2 as the medium through which the process takes place. The CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis results support that CO2 is an efficient working fluid resulting in better heat exchange. This is evident in the fact that supplementary thermal efficiency at the exhaust duct is 1.76% higher than that of air only. Additionally, the mixture of CO2 and air demonstrates increased efficiency with a 15.2% increase in efficiency relative to air alone. It is due to the different specific heat capacities of the gases that the mixture has a higher average specific heat. Therefore, the gas can store more energy, leading to higher thermal efficiency. The outcomes of this experiment demonstrate the possibility of gas combination for the enrichment of the DPSAH efficiency. This research enlightens on thermal energy systems and is an asset in improving the proficiency of solar air heating systems operation.
Update Spiegeltherapie
Authors: Thieme Holm
Published: July 2024

Die Spiegeltherapie wirkt dank der Plastizität des Gehirns. Sie nutzt die visuelle Spiegelreflexion einer gesunden Extremität, um Funktionen der betroffenen Extremität zu verbessern und/oder Schmerzen zu verringern. Mit diesem Refresher bringen Sie sich auf den aktuellen Stand der Forschung zur Therapie und erhalten wertvolle Informationen für das Anwenden in der Praxis.
FGFR-Inhibitor Tinengotinib wirkt auch nach Resistenzentwicklung
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: July 2024

Beim aggressiven metastasierten Cholangiokarzinom hat Tinengotinib, ein Next-Generation-Inhibitor der Fibroblast-Growth-Factor-Rezeptoren 1–3 (FGFR 1–3), in einer Phase-II-Studie eine hohe Aktivität unter Beweis gestellt. Etwas enttäuschend waren dagegen die Daten der Studie IMbrave151mit Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab zusätzlich zur Chemotherapie: Erreicht wurde zwar eine Verbesserung des progressionsfreien Überlebens (PFS), nicht aber von Gesamtüberleben (OS) und Ansprechen.
Taxan/Platin-Regime aktiv bei neuroendokrinen GIT-Tumoren
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: July 2024

In der Phase-II-Studie NABNEC hat sich die Zweierkombination mit nab-Paclitaxel und Carboplatin bei hochgradigen neuroendokrinen Tumoren (NEC) des Gastrointestinalstrakts (GIT) bewährt: Erreicht wurden eine höhere Ansprechrate und ein tendenziell verbessertes progressionsfreies (PFS) und Gesamtüberleben (OS).
Fortschritte kommen nur langsam
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: July 2024

Beim Urothelkarzinom (UC) sind die Therapieoptionen bislang limitiert; die Prognose betroffener Patienten ist ungünstig. Beim ASCO Genitourinary Symposium (ASCO-GU) wurden zahlreiche Studien zu neuen Strategien vorgestellt, die aber nicht alle positiv ausgingen.
Keimbahn-DNA sagt Therapieerfolg voraus
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: July 2024

Nach einer myeloablativen Chemotherapie und autologen Stammzelltransplantation (ASCT) ist die Erhaltungstherapie ein wichtiger Baustein in der Behandlung von Mantelzelllymphomen (MCL). Der Immunmodulator Lenalidomid verlängerte interindividuell unterschiedlich das progressionsfreie Überleben (PFS). Ferrero et al. konnten zeigen, dass genetische Polymorphismen der Keimbahn-DNA mit den Ergebnissen assoziiert waren.
Symptomatic Cerebellar Cyst Formation after Foramen Magnum Meningioma Removal: A Case Report
Authors: Hanai Sho , Yanaka Kiyoyuki , Onuma Kuniyuki , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Kajita Michihide , Aiyama Hitoshi , Ishikawa Eiichi
Published: July 2024

Background Symptomatic cerebellar cyst formation after surgery is rare and the mechanism remains unknown. We describe a cerebellar cyst that gradually expanded, becoming symptomatic, after the removal of a foramen magnum meningioma and discuss the mechanism of cyst formation.

Case Description A 76-year-old woman with a tumor at the foramen magnum was treated by posterior fossa craniotomy and C1 hemilaminectomy. The patient suddenly developed cerebellar symptoms and consciousness disturbance approximately 1 week into an otherwise good postoperative course. Imaging showed a subcutaneous pseudomeningocele in the occipital region and cerebellar cyst formation. After resolution by fenestration of the cerebellar cyst and duraplasty, the patient's symptoms gradually improved. No tumor or cerebellar cyst recurrence has been detected in over 5 years since the surgery.

Conclusion Postoperative pseudomeningocele appeared crucial for cerebellar cyst formation. Postoperative development of symptomatic cerebellar cysts is rare but should be recognized as a serious, sometimes life-threatening, postoperative complication of posterior fossa surgery.
The Efficiency of an Advanced Hybrid Closed Insulin Pump in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes for Improved Blood Glucose Control
Authors: Owaydah Amal , Abouglila Kamal , Liloglou Triantafillos
Published: July 2024

Background Diabetes technology, especially advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) systems, is rapidly advancing, offering improved glycemic control, reduced hypoglycemia, and reduced treatment burden for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficiency of an AHCL system—the Medtronic MiniMed 780G insulin pump combined with continuous glucose monitoring—among individuals with T1D in real-world clinical settings.

Methods In an observational retrospective study, we identified a cohort of 41 patients (mean age, 47.1 ± 13.7 years; T1D duration, 23.6 ± 13 years; 73.2% female) previously using an insulin pump or those on multiple daily insulin injections, currently using the AHCL system for at least 6 months. Primary outcomes were the changes of the following parameters, before AHCL initiation and at 6 months after treatment; (1) time in range (TIR): time with glucose levels in the range of 70 to 180 mg/dL, (2) time below range (TBR): time with glucose levels below 70 mg/dL, and (3) time above range (TAR): time with glucose levels above 180 mg/dL.

Results Data analysis from 41 patients showed a significant 16.5% ± 13.8% increase in TIR (from 56.6 ± 17.9 to 73.1 ± 10.6%, p < 0.001). Both TBR and TAR decreased by 2.9 ± 4.8% (p = 0.004) and 13.6 ± 16.4% (p < 0.001), respectively. Mean glucose concentration, coefficient of variation, and glucose management indicator significantly improved.

Conclusion The AHCL system effectively improved glucose control regarding TIR, TBR, and TAR. Enhanced glycemic control metrics highlight the potential for wider adoption of AHCL technology.
A computational fluid dynamics analysis on enhancing wind turbine efficiency through synthetic jet actuation
Authors: Matiz-Chicacausa A. , Molano S. , Mejia O. Lopez
Published: July 2024

Synthetic jets (SJs) offer a promising technique for enhancing aerodynamic efficiency in vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) by controlling boundary layer separation on airfoils. This study uses computational fluid dynamics simulations to investigate the impact of SJs on a VAWT. The results show that SJs effectively delay stall onset, increasing lift coefficient at high angles of attack, leading to an estimated 17% improvement in output power when applied to full VAWT simulations using the actuator line model at Tip Speed Ratio equal to 3. Additionally, the study suggests SJs may positively affect wake behavior by reducing turbulence and modifying wake velocity profiles, which could further influence power generation in wind farms. This research underscores the importance of model selection in accurately predicting the aerodynamic benefits of SJs, providing a foundational understanding for future exploration in VAWT applications.
Computational analysis of entropy generation optimization for Cu–Al2O3 water-based chemically reactive magnetized radiative hybrid nanofluid flow
Authors: Govind  , Sharma Pooja , Sharma B. K. , Gandhi Rishu , Almohsen Bandar , Pérez Laura M.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to analyze the mass transfer and entropy generation in the flow system of chemically reactive, thermal radiative hybrid nanofluids (Al2O3/Cu with H2O as base fluid) flow across flat stretching porous surfaces in the presence of viscous dissipation and transverse magnetic field. The governing partial differential equations are converted into a set of ordinary differential equations by applying a group of self-similarity transformations. The resulting differential equations are solved using the Bvp4c technique in MATLAB. The impact of several physical parameters has been examined the velocity, heat, and mass transfer components of the fluid. To optimize the complete heat transfer process, the consequences of all physical parameters are discussed on entropy generation and Bejan number and presented graphically. It is observed that velocity increases with the increase in magnetic parameter M because pressure force dominates over Lorentz force, temperature increases with the rise of Ec, concertation reduces with the enhancement of chemical reaction parameter delta, and the Bejan number decreases with the increase in Br; however, reverse phenomena are observed with increasing the value of the magnetic number and entropy increases with the rise of magnetic parameter M. Due to the increase in magnetic parameter M, drag force is accelerated, which leads to increase in entropy, With an increment in Pr and Ec, the heat exchange rate declines although the skin friction coefficient and mass transfer remain constant. There are several significant applications of the study of thermal analysis of hybrid nanofluid flows in numerous mechanical processes, such as extrusion or metal manufacturing processes, heat transportation in biological tissues, cooling of electric devices, high-size refrigeration, hydroelectric dams, and fuel systems.
Efficient acoustic energy transfer based on coupled systems with parallel cavities
Authors: Wang Rui , Lü Cheng , Han Jianning , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2024

In this work, a coupled acoustic system with parallel cavities is designed by adopting the technique of adiabatic passage. The required space-varying coupling strengths between adjacent cavities can be modulated by meticulously customizing the slit heights along the propagation direction, and efficient energy transfer is realized from one cavity to another. Meanwhile, one-way energy transfer behavior is achieved as well by utilizing a lossy cavity to serve as an intermediate connector of the coupler. Moreover, an available method to optimize the coupling actions is adopted to further reduce the device width so as to achieve desirable energy transfer in a compact configuration. Our work provides an efficient approach for acoustic energy transfer between desired cavities, which may have potential applications in acoustic communication, detection, and filtering.
A classic antibiotic reimagined: Rationally designed bacitracin variants exhibit potent activity against vancomycin-resistant pathogens
Authors: Buijs Ned P. , Vlaming Halana C. , Kotsogianni Ioli , Arts Melina , Willemse Joost , Duan Yunhao , Alexander Francesca M. , Cochrane Stephen A. , Schneider Tanja , Martin Nathaniel I.
Published: July 2024

Bacitracin is a macrocyclic peptide antibiotic that is widely used as a topical treatment for infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Mechanistically, bacitracin targets bacteria by specifically binding to the phospholipid undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C
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PP), which plays a key role in the bacterial lipid II cycle. Recent crystallographic studies have shown that when bound to C
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PP, bacitracin adopts a highly ordered amphipathic conformation. In doing so, all hydrophobic side chains align on one face of the bacitracin–C
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PP complex, presumably interacting with the bacterial cell membrane. These insights led us to undertake structure–activity investigations into the individual contribution of the nonpolar amino acids found in bacitracin. To achieve this we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of bacitracin analogues, a number of which were found to exhibit significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against clinically relevant, drug-resistant pathogens. As for the natural product, these next-generation bacitracins were found to form stable complexes with C
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PP. The structure–activity insights thus obtained serve to inform the design of C
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PP-targeting antibiotics, a key and underexploited antibacterial strategy.
Cell-intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cytokinetic furrow
Authors: Alonso-Matilla Roberto , Lam Alice R. , Miettinen Teemu P.
Published: July 2024

Cytokinesis is the process where the mother cell’s cytoplasm separates into daughter cells. This is driven by an actomyosin contractile ring that produces cortical contractility and drives cleavage furrow ingression, resulting in the formation of a thin intercellular bridge. While cytoskeletal reorganization during cytokinesis has been extensively studied, less is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of the plasma membrane. Here, we image and model plasma membrane lipid and protein dynamics on the cell surface during leukemia cell cytokinesis. We reveal an extensive accumulation and folding of the plasma membrane at the cleavage furrow and the intercellular bridge, accompanied by a depletion and unfolding of the plasma membrane at the cell poles. These membrane dynamics are caused by two actomyosin-driven biophysical mechanisms: the radial constriction of the cleavage furrow causes local compression of the apparent cell surface area and accumulation of the plasma membrane at the furrow, while actomyosin cortical flows drag the plasma membrane toward the cell division plane as the furrow ingresses. The magnitude of these effects depends on the plasma membrane fluidity, cortex adhesion, and cortical contractility. Overall, our work reveals cell-intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cleavage furrow that is likely to generate localized differences in membrane tension across the cytokinetic cell. This may locally alter endocytosis, exocytosis, and mechanotransduction, while also serving as a self-protecting mechanism against cytokinesis failures that arise from high membrane tension at the intercellular bridge.
Language variation and temporary norm development in intercultural interactions
Authors: Kecskes Istvan
Published: July 2024

The paper argues that interlocutors in intercultural interactions rely mainly on co-constructed temporary norms rather than on codified norms of the target language. There is a complex interplay of codified and emergent norms that drives interaction. Temporary norms emerge through temporary communicative extension of the system (TCE) that are expressions, chunks and utterances that violate the existing relatively definable norms and conventions of target language use, but still make sense in actual situational contexts and can be considered possible outputs of the English language system. TCEs function as building blocks for temporary norms, and they can also be building blocks in common ground development. The paper demonstrates these functions through examples in intercultural interactions.