Previous studies have shown, in the United States (U.S.), that non-White communities are exposed to significantly higher temperatures in urban environments than complementary White populations. Studies highlighting this disparity have usually been cross-sectional and are therefore “snapshots” in time. Using surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensity data, U.S. Census 2020 population counts, and a measure of residential segregation, this study performs a comparative analysis between census tracts identified as prevalent for White, Black, Hispanic and Asian populations and their thermal exposure from 2003 – 2018. The analysis concentrates on the top 200 most populous U.S. cities. SUHI intensity is shown to be increasing through time for all examined tracts. However, the increase is only statistically significant for White and Black prevalent zones. There is a 1.25K to ~2.00K higher degree of thermal exposure on average for non-White relative to White prevalent areas. When examined on an inter-city basis, White and Black prevalent tracts had the largest disparity, as measured by SUHI intensity, in New Orleans, LA, USA by < 6.00K. Hispanic (>7.00K) and Asian (<6.75K) prevalent tracts were greatest in intensity in San Jose, CA, USA. To further explore temporal patterns, two models were developed using a Bayesian hierarchical spatial temporal framework. One models the effect of varying the percentages of each population group relative to SUHI intensity within all examined tracts. Increases in percentages of Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations contributed to statistically significant increases in SUHI intensity. White increases in population percentage lowered SUHI temperature intensity. Throughout all modeled tracts, there is a statistically significant 0.01K per year average increase in SUHI intensity. A second model tests the effect of residential segregation on thermal inequity across all examined cities. Residential segregation, indeed, has a statistically significant positive association with SUHI intensity from this portion of the analysis. Similarly, there is a statistically significant 0.01K increase in average SUHI intensity per year for all cities. Results from this study can be used to guide and prioritize intervention strategies and furthers urgency related to social, climatic, and environmental justice concerns.

It is increasingly common for experiments in biology and medicine to involve large numbers of hypothesis tests. A natural graphical method for visualizing these tests is to construct a histogram from the p-values of these tests. In this article, we examine the shapes, both normal and abnormal, that these histograms can take on, as well as present simple inferential procedures that help to interpret the shapes in terms of diagnosing potential problems with the experiment. We examine potential causes of these problems in detail, and discuss potential remedies. Throughout, examples of abnormal-looking p-value histograms are provided and based on case studies involving real biological experiments.

There are four commercial pathways to make grill charcoal from wood. These have been modelled to calculate a carbon intensity (CI) for each. Results are presented along with discussion of the sensitivities: biogenic carbon; quality of the charcoal; classification of products, wastes and residues; and division of burden. Grill charcoal’s CI ranges greatly, depending on the pathway by which it is produced. Wood distillation, a commercial process that once was common but now is rare, has a CI 50+% lower than that of the next-lowest commercial process, Kilns. Earth mounds/pits and external-fuelled Retorts have CIs considerably higher still. The carbon efficiency (CE) of Wood distillation is more than twice that of the next-best, again Kilns. CE is defined as normalised, total carbon emitted. This is not the same as CI, it is not usually considered in studies such as this, yet it is important for climate impact. CE could be a useful measure in assessments (such as this) where biogenic carbon is significant.

Cyclic STAT3 decoy (CS3D) is a second-generation, double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) that mimics a genomic response element for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncogenic transcription factor. CS3D competitively inhibits STAT3 binding to target gene promoters, resulting in decreased expression of proteins that promote cellular proliferation and survival. Previous studies have demonstrated antitumor activity of CS3D in preclinical models of solid tumors. However, prior to entering human clinical trials, the efficiency of generating the CS3D molecule and its stability in biological fluids should be determined. CS3D is synthesized as a single-stranded ODN and must have its free ends ligated to generate the final cyclic form. In this study, we report a ligation efficiency of nearly 95 percent. The ligated CS3D demonstrated a half-life of 7.9 hours in human serum, indicating adequate stability for intravenous delivery. These results provide requisite biochemical characterization of CS3D that will inform upcoming clinical trials.

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the lyssavirus and endemic to most tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. This study reports on the occurrence of rabies in dogs and relates the results to the vaccination status of the dogs. A total of each of the 50 brain and 50 saliva samples from 100 dogs were tested for Lyssavirus using RT-PCR and visualized using gel electrophoresis. Additionally, a histopathological diagnosis of rabies was made on the brain samples. A lyssavirus positivity of 34 % was realized with 29/50 from brain and 5/50 from saliva being positive for rabies. Statistical significance was associated with vaccination (p=0.011) and health (p=0.0) statuses and attack by a stray dog prior to exhibition of signs of rabies (p=0.002). The rabid positive dogs had bitten at least 15 humans and a dog before their demise. This study confirms vaccination as an effective tool for the prevention of rabies. However, elimination of the disease is possible if there is an established and effective collaboration between veterinary and human medicine through one health.

Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are main injurious cutaneous medication reactions that mostly affect the epidermis and mucus membranes. TEN and SJS affecting nearly 1 or 2/1,000,000 people per year, and can recognized as medical crises since they may be deadly. Mucocutaneous discomfort, hemorrhagic erosions, erythema, and more or less severe epidermal separation that appear as ulcer and patches of dermic loss are their defining characteristics. The sole difference between TEN and SJS at this time is the degree of skin detachment, making them two extremes of a spectrum of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs). In the majority of cases, drugs are considered as the principal reason of SJS/TEN, but herpes simplex virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are also recognized causes, along with lesser number of cases in which the cause is still unknown. Among the drugs with a "high" likelihood of producing TEN/SJS are carbamazepine (CBZ), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, phenytoin, aminopenicillins, allopurinol, cephalosporins, other sulfonamide antibiotics, quinolones, phenobarbital, and NSAIDs of the oxicam variety. There is strong genetic evidence for SJS and TEN in Han Chinese due to the substantial association between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B*1502) and SJS brought on by CBZ. The diagnosis is made mostly based on clinical symptoms and the histological study of a dermal biopsy. Pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, linear IgA dermatosis, paraneoplastic pemphigus, disseminated fixed bullous drug eruption, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) are among the differential diagnoses. The management of patients with SJS/TEN is complicated by the high risk of mortality, necessitating early diagnosis, estimation of the SCORTEN prognosis, identification and discontinuation of the causative drug, specialized supportive care, and high-dose injectable Ig therapeutic interventions. The reported fatality rates for SJS are 1-5% on average and 25-35% for TEN; it can be even higher in patients who are elderly or who have a significant amount of epidermal detachment on their skin. More than 50% of TEN patients who survive the disease experience long-term consequences.

Objectives of this study were to investigate effects of repeated superstimulation on the success of ovum-pick up and in vitro production of embryos (OPU-IVP) and donor health and evaluate the efficiency of a modified SOF sequential medium in producing viable embryos. Over 1 y, six cross-bred beef heifers and three beef cows were subjected to superstimulations and OPU-IVP. Oocytes recovered were used for in vitro embryo production and the resulting embryos were transferred as fresh or frozen-thawed. Number of follicles, oocytes recovered, cleavage and blastocyst rates substantially varied among individuals. However, repeated trials did not significantly affect the efficiency of OPU-IVP. The pregnancy rates (PR) 22 to 30 d after embryo transfer for in vitro-derived fresh embryos was similar to that of fresh in vivo embryos, whereas transfer of in vitro-derived frozen embryos reduced PR compared to frozen-thawed in vivo embryos. All recipient heifers diagnosed pregnant delivered a viable calf, suggesting developmental competence of the embryos. Repeated OPU-IVP had no apparent deleterious effects, as all donors had viable calves after ET. We concluded that multiple OPU-IVP cycles can be effectively performed for a prolonged interval to maximize embryo production from elite donors without compromising their reproductive health.

Clearly policy makers should consider the impacts of any decisions they might make before making them. Science can provide estimates of various economic, ecologic, environmental, and even social impacts of alternative policies, impacts that determine how effective any particular policy will be. These impact estimates can be used to compare and evaluate alternative policies in the search for identifying the best one to implement. Among all scientists providing inputs to policy making processes are analysts who develop and apply models that provide these estimated impacts and, possibly, their probabilities of occurrence. But just producing them is not a guarantee that they will be considered by policy makers. This paper discusses ways scientists, including systems analysts, can effectively contribute to and inform those involved in making water management decisions. Brief descriptions of a variety of past and on-going water management policy making processes illustrate both some successes and failures of science informing policy.

In the ongoing transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, advances are particularly expected regarding safe and cost-effective solutions. Publicising instances of such advances and emphasising safety considerations constitute the rationale for this communication. Knowing that high-strength steels can prove economically relevant for transporting hydrogen in pipelines by limiting the pipe wall thickness required to withstand high pressure, one advance relates to a bench designed for contributing to study the safety of the gaseous transport or renewable-energy-related buffer storage of hydrogen. That bench has been specifically implemented at technology readiness level TRL 6 for testing initially intact, damaged, or pre-notched DN 300/NPS 12, DN 600/NPS 24, and DN 900/NPS 36 pipe sections in order to provide data allowing for the possible validation of fully satisfactory predictive models in terms of hydrogen embrittlement and potential corollary ruin. The other advance relates to the reactivation of a previously fruitful applied research into mass solid-state hydrogen storage through a new public-private partnership. This latest development comes at a time when markets have started driving the hydrogen economy, bearing in mind that phase-change materials decisively allow levelling the heat transfers during the absorption/melting and solidification/desorption cycles and attaining an overall energy efficiency of up to 80% for MgH₂-based compacts doped with expanded natural graphite.

Fluorescence microscopy provides an unparalleled tool for imaging biological samples. However, producing high-quality volumetric images quickly and without excessive complexity remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate a simple multi-camera structured illumination microscope (SIM) capable of simultaneously imaging multiple focal planes, allowing for the capture of 3D fluorescent images without any axial movement of the sample. This simple setup allows for the acquisition of many different 3D imaging modes, including 3D time lapses, high-axial-resolution 3D images, and large 3D mosaics.

Certain Trichoderma isolates provide biofertilizer, biocontrol, and other plant-beneficial activities while inhabiting the soil or internal plant issues; and their use in agricultural systems could contribute to sustainable food production. It is thought that this colonization of soil and internal plant tissues is fundamental for biocontrol and biofertilizer applications. Our collective analyses of prior surveys, where the tef1 sequence was almost exclusively used to identify Trichoderma species, showed that isolates from the Harzianum Complex Clade, the T. asperellum/T. asperelloides group, T. virens, T. hamatum, and T. atroviride were prevalent in soil and/or as endophytes. Population structure and genetic diversity of these species were investigated, and new lineages with geo-graphic significance within T. atroviride, T. asperellum, T. hamatum, and T. virens populations were found. The nearest relatives of some species were also revealed. Choosing isolates from among more than 500 known Trichoderma species for use in non-targeted evaluation screens for biocontrol or biofertilizer applications is time-consuming and expensive. Preferentially selecting species from T. atroviride, T. asperellum/T. asperelloides, T. hamatum, species from the T. harzianum Complex Clade, T. virens, and possibly nearest relatives, may speed the identification of candidates for commercialization due to the demonstrated ability of these species to successfully inhabit the soil and endorhizosphere. To our knowledge, this is the first report where dominant soil- and en-dophyte-inhabiting Trichoderma species were identified from past survey data and population structure and genetic diversity analyses conducted.

This paper investigates pseudo-polymorphism in 2-pyridylmethoxy derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (PyC4), p-tert-butyldihomooxa-calix[4]arenes (PyHOC4), and p-tert-butylhexahomotrioxacalix[3]arenes (PyHO3C3), presenting 11 crystal structures with 15 crystallographically independent molecules. The macrocycle of PyC4 is smaller and less flexible with respect to those of PyHOC4 and PyHO3C3 and in solution, the cone conformation of these three molecules exhibit different point symmetries: C4, Cs and C3, respectively. A correlation is observed between the macrocycle's structural rigidity and the number of pseudo-polymorphs formed. The more rigid PyC4 displays a higher number (6) of pseudo-polymorphs compared to PyHOC4 and PyHO3C3, which exhibit a smaller number of crystalline forms (3 and 2, respectively). The X-ray structures obtained show that the conformation of the macrorings is primarily influenced by the presence of an acetonitrile guest molecule within the cavity, with limited impact from crystal packing and intermolecular cocrystallized solvent molecules. Notably, both calix[4]arene derivatives produce host-guest complex with acetonitrile, while the most flexible and less aromatic PyHO3C3 do not give crystals with acetonitrile as guest. Intertwined 1D and 2D solvent channel networks were observed in the PyHOC4-hexane and in the PyHO3C3-H2O-MeOH crystal structures, respectively, while the other pseudopolymorphs of PyHOC4 and PyHO3C3 and all PyC4 crystal forms exhibit a closely packed crystal structures without open channels.

Daniel Yergin’s “The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations” is a remarkable and groundbreaking work that addresses the ever-changing global energy landscape and its profound geopolitical implications. In this modest book review, we aim to offer a fresh perspective by re-examining the core issues from the standpoint of political geography. The aim of this article is twofold: to enrich the existing literature on political geography and to provide valuable insights to students of geography to broaden their knowledge in this field.

A growing body of evidence continues to demonstrate the vital roles that zinc and its transporters play on human health. The solute carrier (SLC) 30 and 39 families, with ten and fourteen members, respectively, control zinc transport in cells. TMEM163, a recently characterized zinc transporter, has similar characteristics in both structure and function to the SLC30 family. This review examines recent data that reveal TMEM163 to be a zinc efflux transporter and a new member of the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family of mammalian zinc transporter (ZNT) proteins. It also discusses reports that implicate TMEM163 in various human diseases.

Six mode shapes, including bending and torsion, were documented for five different basketball rims and backboards at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, USA. The frequency and damping ratio of each mode shape were also determined. The empirical process began with the time-domain excitation and response of each rim-backboard system. The impulse of excitation came from an impact hammer separately applied to sequentially, to each node. The sinusoidal response was gathered from an accelerometer at a fixed location, node 1. Each time-domain excitation-response was then converted to a frequency domain Bode plot for each node by a B&K 2034 Signal Analyzer, giving transfer functions of output/input versus frequency. Structural Measurements System (SMS) Software was used to fit mode shapes to the Bode plots. Each of the six mode shapes were fitted to the Bode plots of each node at a specific modal frequency. Each of the six mode shapes were a function of the locations of the nodes, and the Bode plot gathered at each node. The first and second modes were critical for showing that the Energy Rebound Testing Device statistically correlated with the energy transferred to the rim and backboard. A known perturbation mass was selectively attached to the rim, to help isolate the dynamic masses and spring rates for the rim and backboard, to ascertain the kinetic energy transferred to the rim had a 95.67% inverse correlation with rim stiffness.

Reactions of quinones with compounds containing an amino group can produce a wide variety of addition or substitution products that depend on reactivity of both quinone and amino derivative. 6,7-Dichloropyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole-8,9-diones undergo selective nucleophilic substitution reaction with different benzohydrazides and α-hydroxy-p-quinone imine derivatives stabilized by strong intramolecular hydrogen bond were isolated. Synthesized compounds represent a combination of several structural motifs: benzimidazole core fused with α-hydroxy-p-quinone imine which contains a benzamido fragment. The protonation/deprotonation processes were investigated in a solution using UV-Vis spectroscopy and 1H NMR titration experiment. X-ray crystallography analysis revealed a set of weak non-covalent interactions such as intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking. Additionally, the redox behavior of 6,7-dichloropyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole-8,9-dione and its p-imino derivative was investigated in acidic and neutral environment using cyclic voltammetry measurements. Cathode material based on 6,7-dichloropyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole-8,9-dione could act as potential effective active electrode in aqueous electrolyte batteries, however further optimization is required.

The storm 'Daniel' has caused the most severe flood phenomenon that Greece has ever experienced, with thousands of hectares of farmland submerged for days. This led to sediment deposition in the inundated areas, which significantly altered the chemical properties of the soil, as revealed by extensive soil sampling and laboratory analysis. Causal relationships between soil chemical properties and sediment deposition were extracted using the DirectLiNGAM algorithm. Results of causality analysis showed that the sediment deposition affected the CaCO3 concentration in the soil. Also, causal relationships were identified between CaCO3 and available phosphorus (P-Olsen), as well as between sediment deposit depth and available manganese. The quantified relationships between the soil variables were then used to generate data using a Multiple Linear Perceptron (MLP) regressor for various levels of deposit depth (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm). Then linear regression equations were fitted across the different levels of deposit depth to determine the effect of deposit depth on CaCO3, P, and Mn. The results show that there is a linear slope of 0.12, -0.16, and 0.13, for CaCO3, P, and Mn with deposit depth, respectively. Statistical analysis indicates that corn growing in soils with sediment over 10 cm requires a 31.8% increase in P rate to prevent yield decline. Additional notifications regarding cropping strategies in the near future are also discussed.

There are frequently interactions between active folds and major rivers (mean annual water discharges > 70 m³s^-1). The major river may incise across the fold, to produce a water gap across the fold, or a bevelling (or lateral planation) of the top of the fold. Alternatively, the major river may be defeated to produce a diversion of the river around the fold, with wind gaps forming across the fold in some cases, or ponding of the river behind the fold. Why a river incises or diverts is often unclear, though influential characteristics and processes have been identified. A new scheme for investigating fold-river interactions has been devised, involving a short description of the major river, climate, and structural geology, and 13 characteristics of river and fold geomorphology: 1) Channel width at location of fold axis, w, 2) Channel-belt width at location of fold axis, cbw, 3) Floodplain width at location of fold axis, fpw, 4) Channel sinuosity, Sc, 5) Braiding index, BI, 6) General river course direction, RCD, 7) Distance from fold core to location of river crossing, C-RC, 8) Distance from fold core to river basin margin, C-BM, 9) Width of geological structure at location of river crossing, Wgs, 10) Estimate of erosion resistance of surface sediments/rocks and deeper sediments/rocks in fold, ERs, ERd, 11) Channel water surface slope at location of fold axis, s, 12) Average channel migration rate, Rm, 13) Estimate of fold total uplift rate, TUR. The first 10 geomorphological characteristics should be readily determinable for nearly all major rivers using widely available satellite imagery and fine scale geological maps. The last 3 characteristics should be determinable for most major rivers where other data sources are available. This study demonstrates the methodology of this scheme, using the example of the major rivers Karun and Dez interacting with active folds in the foreland basin tectonic setting of lowland south-west Iran. For the rivers Karun and Dez (mean annual water discharges 575 m³s^-1 and 230 m³s^-1, respectively), it was found that geomorphological characteristics Nos. 2, 3 and 7 had statistically significant differences (p-value ≤ 0.05) between the categories of river incision across a fold and river diversion around a fold. For river incision, at the fold axis, channel-belt width was always < 2.7 km, and floodplain width was generally (80 % of cases) < 5.7 km; whereas for river diversion, at the projection of the fold axis, these two characteristics had a wide range of values. For river incision, the distance from the fold core to the location where the river channel crossed the fold axis, was generally (80 % of cases) ≤ 8.5 km; whereas for river diversion, this distance was always > 22 km. Since it is highly likely that different characteristics will be important for other major rivers interacting with other folds, it is recommended that this scheme is now used to investigate a variety of major rivers from across the globe. By comparing the same parameters for different major rivers, a better understanding of fold-river interactions should be achieved.

The global malaria community has picked up the theme of malaria elimination in greater than 90 % of the world’s population in the next decade. The recent reports of P. vivax in all sub-Saharan Africa, including Duffy negative individuals, threaten the efforts to achieve elimination. This is not only in view of strategies that are tailored only to P. falciparum elimination, but also due to currently revealed biological characteristics of P. vivax concerning the relapse patterns of hypnozoites and conservation of a large biomass at cryptic sites in the bone marrow and spleen. A typical scenario has been observed in Botswana from the period between 2008 to 2018, which palpably projects how P. vivax could endanger efforts at malaria elimination where the two parasites co-exist. The need for the global malaria community, NMPs, funding agencies and relevant stakeholders to engage in a forum to discuss and recommend clear pathways for sub-Saharan Africa regarding malaria elimination including P. vivax, is warranted.

Most mature companies have started some kind of “transformation”, either digital, or agile transformations, to cope with changes in the environment, yet most fail, ending up delivering nothing or just one more reorganization. We postulate that considering the Organization as a self-aware Complex Adaptative System (CAS) is paramount, as the common conception (Industrial: mechanistic and predictive) results in bringing the systems in a frozen or defensive mode. Stimulating the system enables us to use its adaptative power to develop new capabilities, and all layers should be tackled simultaneously, to prevent the system from collapsing back into its original state. To ensure this, it is necessary to create a seed per level, and a mechanism to propagate the transformation, with a focus on development instead of growth, that is qualitative change rather than quantitative. A common vocabulary should also be provided, so conversations can occur at every level. Finally, changing mindsets is key, and both concepts and techniques should be provided as enablers to the adequate mindset level. We detail one such transformation that resulted in distributed leadership and more intrinsic motivation, providing both an account of the transformation itself and a model to read it.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is revolutionizing the oil and gas industry by offering powerful insights and innovative solutions. This paper explores the cutting-edge applications of CFD in enhancing and innovating within the sector. CFD simulations provide engineers with invaluable insights into fluid behavior, enabling optimized designs and informed decision-making. The software facilitates foresight by predicting system performance, optimizing drilling techniques, and maximizing reservoir management strategies. Moreover, CFD optimizes equipment design, increases operational efficiency, and reduces costs through virtual testing, eliminating the need for costly physical prototypes. The application of CFD aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting energy efficiency, climate action, responsible production, and sustainable consumption. It addresses flow assurance challenges, enhances safety protocols, and mitigates environmental impacts. CFD is a powerful tool driving innovation, resilience, and sustainability within the oil and gas industry, ensuring a more efficient, safe, and environmentally conscious future. As advancements in CFD methodologies continue, the potential for further enhancements and breakthroughs within the sector becomes even more promising, driving the industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Extraction and Fractionation Trains: An Integrated Approach of Simulation Analysis, Advanced Modifications, and Technological Advancements. Through comprehensive research, innovative solutions such as the heat pump aided distillation (HPAD) system and self-heat recuperation technology (SHRT) have been developed to significantly reduce the energy consumption associated with conventional distillation systems. To identify a practical system for NGL fractionation trains, this study extensively examined and compared various HPAD and SHRT options to retrofit a single column. The objective was to find the most suitable and efficient solution for the fractionation process of natural gas liquids (NGLs). The retrofit options analyzed in this study encompassed a range of techniques, including vapor compression (VC), mechanical vapor re-compression (MVR), thermal vapor re-compression (TVR), bottom flashing (BF), side heat exchanger (SHE), intermediate heating and cooling (IHC), self-heat recuperative (SHR), and modified self-heat recuperative (MSHR) distillation. These methods were carefully examined to determine their suitability and effectiveness in improving the performance of NGL fractionation trains.In this study, a depropanizer column, typically employed in conventional NGL plants, was selected as a case study. The simulation software Aspen HYSYS V7.3 was employed to model and analyze eight retrofit designs based on predefined criteria. The simulation data was carefully evaluated to identify the most efficient design for minimizing energy consumption. Among the retrofit options, the mechanical vapor re-compression (MVR) technique demonstrated the most significant energy cost reduction, with a remarkable 68.11 percent improvement compared to the base case conventional column. These findings highlight the potential of MVR as an effective solution for lowering energy costs in NGL fractionation trains.Following the MVR retrofit option, the study found that vapor compression (VC) achieved a considerable energy cost reduction of 66.65 percent, closely followed by modified self-heat recuperative (MSHR) at 64.02 percent, bottom flashing (BF) at 62.88 percent, self-heat recuperative (SHR) at 55.85 percent, side heat exchanger (SHE) at 54.23 percent, intermediate heating and cooling (IHC) at 39.54 percent, and thermal vapor re-compression (TVR) also at 39.54 percent. These findings highlight the significant potential for energy savings offered by these retrofit options, with VC being the most popular choice, closely followed by MSHR, BF, SHR, SHE, IHC, and TVR.

Driven by mounting environmental apprehensions stemming from the over dependence on fossil fuels in energy and transportation sectors, extensive exploration into alternative energy sources, particularly biomass, has stimulated profound research on harnessing the potential of computational and mathematical techniques. This comprehensive survey delves into optimal models and strategies, unveiling their pivotal role in the design of biomass gasification processes.of hydrogen through biomass gasification. In this study, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the computational and mathematical techniques employed in optimizing biomass gasification processes, with a specific focus on enhancing hydrogen yield. Through an extensive literature review, various models and strategies will be examined, including thermodynamic analysis, kinetic modeling, reactor design, and process optimization. By uncovering the power of these techniques, we aim to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient biomass utilization for the hydrogen-based future economy.This paper aims to provide an updated and comprehensive coverage of the investigations conducted on the potential of producing hydrogen from biomass through gasification. To achieve this, we incorporate the latest works that have utilized numerical modeling, simulation, optimization techniques, process heat integration, and co-generation in their studies. By encompassing these aspects, we aim to offer a broader and more in-depth re-appraisal of the subject matter. This will ensure that readers gain a holistic understanding of the advances made in the field and the potential for sustainable hydrogen production of biomass gasification.Through a meticulous re-appraisal and analysis of each subject, we can identify their respective strengths and areas that require further research effort. By thoroughly examining numerical modeling, simulation, optimization techniques, process heat integration, and co-generation, we can assess their effectiveness and applicability in the context of biomass gasification for hydrogen production. This analysis shed light on the areas where these techniques excel, as well as pinpoint limitations or gaps in current understanding. By identifying these areas, we can highlight the need for further research and development, enabling us to make significant advancements in biomass gasification processes and pave the way for a sustainable and efficient hydrogen-based future economy..

This review seeks to explain four features of viral respiratory illnesses that have perplexed many generations of microbiologists: (1) the seasonal occurrence of viral respiratory illness; (2) the occurrence of respiratory illness year-round in the Tropics; (3) the rapid response of illness to temperature drops in temperate regions; (4) the explosive arrival and rapid termination of epidemics caused by influenza and other respiratory viruses. I discuss the inadequacy of the popular explanations of seasonality, and propose a simple hypothesis, called Temperature Dependent Viral Tropism (TD-VT), that is compatible with the above and other features of respiratory illness. TD-VT notes that viruses can often transmit themselves more effectively if they moderate their pathogenicity (thereby maintaining the mobility of their hosts) and suggests that most endemic respiratory viruses accomplish this by developing thermal sensitivity, in the sense that they normally replicate rapidly only at temperatures below normal body temperature. This allows them to confine themselves to the upper respiratory tract and to avoid infecting the lungs, heart, gut etc. I review biochemical and tissue-culture studies that found that “wild” respiratory viruses often show natural thermal sensitivity within a range that supports organ-specific tropism within the human body, and I discuss the evident tendency for viral strains to adapt their thermal sensitivity to their local climate and season. I also explore the possible misinterpretation of early experiments where volunteers were inoculated nasally with viral samples and then chilled. Next, I discuss the practical implications of the TD-VT hypothesis for preventing and treating respiratory illness. Finally, I note that the hypothesis is very testable and make suggestions for the most important experiments to increase our understanding of the seasonality and pathogenicity of viral respiratory illness.

The material undergoes high temperature and high strain rate deformation process during cutting process, may induce the dynamic recrystallization behavior and result the evolution of dynamic mechanical properties of the material to be machined. In this paper, the modified Johnson-Cook(J-C) model for Nickel based powder metallurgy superalloy considering dynamic recrystallization behavior in high strain rate and temperature is proposed. The dynamic mechanical properties of the material under different strain rates and temperature conditions are obtained by quasi-static compression test and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. The coefficients of the modified J-C model are obtained by linear regression method. The modified model is verified by comparison with experimental and model prediction results. The results show that the modified J-C model proposed in this paper can accurately describe the mechanical properties of nickel-based powder metallurgy superalloys at high temperature and high strain rate. Which provides help for studying the cutting mechanism and finite element simulation of nickel-based powder metallurgy superalloy.

The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, and the potential of LNG as a major energy source is a topic of intense debate. In order to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy supply, it is crucial to maximize the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the LNG supply chain. This research aims to leverage computational modeling and optimization techniques to enhance the production units involved in LNG production. By harnessing the power of advanced algorithms and simulations, we can identify and implement innovative strategies that minimize energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the overall sustainability of LNG. Through this study, we seek to uncover novel approaches to address the challenges faced by the LNG industry, including improving operational efficiency, optimizing liquefaction processes, and enhancing the utilization of natural resources. By integrating cutting-edge computational tools and considering environmental factors, we aspire to pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future powered by LNG. By exploring the immense potential of computational modeling and optimization, we strive to contribute to the ongoing efforts in advancing energy sustainability and shaping the future of LNG as a crucial global energy source."In this paper, our focus is on simulating and optimizing the process of converting natural gas to LNG. Our goal is to achieve the minimum energy consumption per ton of LNG produced. Through our research, we have identified that utilizing a three-stage exchanger is the most effective approach for minimizing energy consumption in an LNG industrial production unit. Moreover, we have discovered that the outlet pressure from the compressor and the type of refrigerant in the cooling system play significant roles in determining the rate of energy conservation. By carefully considering these factors and optimizing their settings, we can further enhance the overall energy efficiency of the LNG production process. Our research aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to industry professionals and decision-makers in the LNG sector. By implementing the findings of this study, we can contribute to the sustainable development and utilization of LNG as a cleaner and more environmentally energy source. Friendly It's great to see the optimized parameters for the refrigerants and pressure settings in the liquefaction and subcooling cycles. With the mass fraction of 0.89 for methane and 0.14 for ethane in the liquefaction cycle, and 0.59 for methane and 0.3 for nitrogen in the composition for achieving energy efficiency in the LNG production subcooling cycle, The optimized outlet pressure of 650 kPa for the compressors in the liquefaction cycle and 1800 kPa for the subcooling cycle furtherr ccontribute to minimizing energy consumption. Based on your findings, the amount of consumed energy at 14.81 kW per ton of produced LNG highlights the success of the optimization efforts. Reducing the energy consumption per ton of LNG produced is a significant accomplishment towards achieving energy sustainability and environmental friendliness in the LNG industry. These results demonstrate the importance of computational modeling and optimization in identifying the best parameters for eenhancing energy efficiency in LNG production. By implementing these optimized settings, we can work towards a more sustainable future with reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact

We introduce the notion of p-adic magic contraction on p-adic Hilbert space. We derive p-adic Halmos dilation, p-adic Egervary N-dilation, p-adic von Neumann inequality and p-adic Sz.-Nagy dilation for p-adic magic contraction.

This review article explores the convergence of virtual reality (VR) and architectural design from an inclusive lens. It underscores the crucial role of virtual reality (VR) in serving as a catalyst for the incorporation of social and cultural sustainability principles in architectural projects. The exploration is guided by inclusive design principles, which encompass several aspects such as accessibility, cultural sensitivity, diversity and inclusivity, user-centered design, and empathy. These concepts serve as the basis for further investigation into the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance and heighten these features within architectural design, therefore promoting the progress of social and cultural sustainability. The review article highlights the profound impact that virtual reality (VR) may have, going beyond mere visualisation to generate architectural experiences that are immersive, interactive, and empathetic. These experiences are designed to take into account diverse perspectives and needs.

Materials based on platinum metals with very good catalytic activity were tested in the reduction of p–nitrophenol (pNP) to p–aminophenol (pAP). The majority of presented catalytic materials are based on the adsorption of p–nitrophenol on the surface of the catalyst simultaneously with molecular hydrogen, coming from sodium borohydride in an aqueous medium, which reduces it. In the present paper, a catalytic material based on osmium dispersed in n–decanol or n–dodecanol is presented, which also works as an emulsion membrane, for the absorption of p–nitrophenol and molecular hydrogen at the n–alcohol aqueous solution interface. The hydrogenation of p–nitrophenol is carried out in a reaction and separation column in which the acid receiving phase emulsion is dispersed in the osmium nanodispersion, in n–alcohols. This emulsion circulates from the base of the column to its upper part in co-current or counter-current with the source phase consisting of p–nitrophenol and sodium borohydride. Experiments show that the circulation of counter-current phases is superior to that in co-current, and the emulsion based on n–decanol is more efficient than the one based on n–dodecanol. The increase in the pH difference between the source and receiving phases leads to the increase in the conversion of p–nitrophenol to p–aminophenol. The efficiency of separation of the reaction product in the receiving phase is lower than the conversion at the same operating time. The apparent catalytic rate constant (kapp) of the new catalytic material based on the emulsion membrane with nanodispersion of osmium nanoparticles (0.1×10−3 for n–dodecanol and 0.9×10−3 for n-decanol) is lower by an order of magnitude compared to those based on adsorption on catalysts from platinum metal group. The advantage of the tested membrane catalytic material is that it extracts p–aminophenol in the acid receiving phase. The paper proposes a mechanism of the studied reduction system.

In the realm of metal steel and iron manufacturing, there is a constant drive to optimize production efficiency and enhance the quality of the final products. This abstract explores a paradigm shift in this industry through the utilization of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a powerful tool for achieving these goals .The study focuses on various critical aspects of the manufacturing process. Firstly, it delves into three-phase processes such as slag and gas entrainment in liquid steel, which have a significant impact on the overall product quality. Understanding and optimizing these processes is crucial to ensure the desired chemical composition and physical properties of the final metal.The abstract investigates the role of CFD in vacuum degassing, a process that plays a pivotal role in removing impurities, such as hydrogen and oxygen, from the liquid steel. By leveraging CFD to simulate and analyze the fluid flow patterns, researchers and engineers can design more efficient vacuum degassing systems, leading to improved product purity and reduced waste.Another crucial aspect explored in this abstract is the alloy melt and mixing process. By employing CFD simulations, researchers can gain insights into the movement of different alloy components and optimize their distribution within the melt. This aids in achieving the desired alloy composition, ensuring uniformity, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the final product.In addition, the study delves into the movement and flotation of inclusions, which are unwanted impurities present in the metal. CFD can be utilized to model and analyze the behavior of these inclusions, enabling engineers to design efficient strategies for their removal, thereby enhancing the purity and integrity of the final product.Moreover, the abstract considers the impact of melt temperature losses, which can occur during different stages of the manufacturing process. By employing CFD, it becomes possible to understand and mitigate these temperature losses, leading to improved energy efficiency and better control over the manufacturing parameters.Part 1 of this abstract critically evaluates the use of CFD in iron making, analyzing its benefits and limitations. It highlights how CFD can aid in process optimization, improving the understanding of complex phenomena involved in iron making, and ultimately leading to enhanced production efficiency.Part 2 focuses on the application of CFD in steel making and steel operation. It explores the fluid flow dynamics during different stages of steel production, including refining, casting, and rolling. By leveraging CFD, engineers can optimize these processes, leading to improved product quality, reduced defects, and increased productivity.This abstract demonstrates the transformative potential of Computational Fluid Dynamics in metal, steel, and iron manufacturing. By utilizing CFD as a tool to model and analyze complex fluid flow phenomena, researchers and engineers can revolutionize the production process, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring high-quality end products.

The creation of protonated water nanoclusters from amorphous water-ice under laboratory conditions suggests the possible ejection of such nanoclusters from ubiquitous amorphous water-ice-covered cosmic dust to interstellar space. The quantum properties of these quintessential water entities introduce a tantalizing prospect that bridges the origins of dark matter, dark energy, and life in the universe. The quantum-entangled diffuse Rydberg electronic states inherent to cosmic water nanoclusters make them plausible candidates for baryonic dark matter. Moreover, they exhibit the capacity to absorb, through the microscopic dynamical Casimir effect, virtual photons originating from zero-point-energy vacuum fluctuations occurring above the water-nanocluster vibrational frequency cutoff. This selective interaction leaves only vacuum fluctuations below these frequencies with gravitational significance, cancelling the vacuum-energy catastrophe and yielding a shared genesis for dark matter and dark energy. Moreover, this theory extends its implications to the origins of life itself, proposing that RNA protocells on Earth and habitable exoplanets may have emerged from the interactions between cosmic water nanoclusters and prebiotic organic molecules, thus yielding an anthropic narrative. Collectively, these findings coalesce into a cosmological framework depicting a cyclic universe, with cosmic water nanoclusters constituting a quintessence scalar field, instead of adhering to the multiverse concept based on cosmic inflation theory. Recent observations of CMB birefringence support this quintessence.

The effective Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system can improve the reliability, safety and economic benefits of microgrid operation. In this research, the lower central controller and upper WEB monitoring system are connected by the SCADA system which is as the hub of microgrid intelligent monitoring platform. This system contains a set of specific functions programmed by Java as a middleware which can provide control and communication between the central controller and the upper monitoring system. The system realizes the real-time data acquisition and storage, the control instructions parsing and transmitting, the microgrid security and stability, the load balancing and resource recovery of the microgrid. All that functions have been tested and verified in the actual operation.

Despite great interest in how dynamic fluctuations in psychological states such as mood, social safety, energy, present-focused attention, and burnout impact stress, well-being, and health, most studies examining these constructs use retrospective assessments. Here, we discuss how ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) address methodological issues associated with retrospective reports, able to reveal dynamic associations between psychological states at small timescales that are often missed in stress and health research. In addition to helping researchers characterize daily and within-day fluctuations and temporal dynamics between different health-relevant processes, EMAs can elucidate mechanisms through which interventions reduce stress and enhance well-being. EMAs can also be used to identify changes that precede critical health events, which can in turn be used to inform the delivery of ecological momentary interventions (EMIs of just-in-time interventions) that prevent such events from occurring. To enable this work, this narrative review provides examples of scales and single-item questions used in EMA studies, makes concrete recommendations for researchers seeking to employ EMAs in their research, and discusses limitations of EMA methods. In doing so, we aim to encourage the use of these methods in research given that, when used carefully, EMA methods are well-poised to greatly advance our understanding of how intrapersonal dynamics affect stress levels, well-being, and human health.

The ANSYS 2024R1 student edition was used to create a finite element model of a basketball rim and backboard. This finite element model included the use of steel for the rim and its mount, a tempered glass backboard, and an aluminum frame behind the backboard. After a mesh was created, fixed support boundary conditions were applied to the four corners of the aluminum frame. The subsequently calculated mode shapes and frequencies were compared to empirical modal analysis previously done at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Four mode shapes and frequencies agreed rather well between the theoretical finite element analysis and previously published empirical modal analysis, specifically where the rim was vibrating in the vertical direction, which was the direction that the accelerometer was aligned for modal analysis. However, three mode shapes missed by the empirical modal analysis were found where the vibration of the rim was confined to the horizontal plane, which was orthogonal to the orientation of our accelerometer.

ABSTRACT Lubricants play a crucial role in reducing friction and wear between surfaces in relative motion. Engine oil, as a lubricant, is specifically designed to minimize friction and wear between the moving parts of different equipment and machinery. Engine oil blending serves the purpose of adjusting the variety of lubricants available to meet specific performance requirements. Through blending, it is possible to tailor the characteristics of the lubricating oil, such as viscosity, stability, and additive content, to optimize its effectiveness in reducing friction, protecting engine components, and enhancing overall equipment performance. By customizing lubricant formulations through blending, manufacturers can address the diverse lubrication needs of modern engines and machinery, ensuring smooth operation, longevity, and efficiency.To enhance the quality of the lubricant and achieve the desired high-performance multi-grade engine oil, a systematic approach was followed. The process began with testing the specific gravity of the oil using a hydrometer and thermometer to ensure accurate measurements. Subsequently, 5 liters of base oil were carefully measured and poured into a stainless steel reactor pot to serve as the blending vessel. Following this, 1 liter of paraffin oil (100N) was added to the base oil to introduce specific properties to the blend. To further optimize the formulation, 0.42 kg (7% of the total blend) of additives, including a selection of specific performance-enhancing compounds, was incorporated. These additives, such as Aspen, Tackifier, and other essential components like anti-wear, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, and antioxidants, were meticulously measured and added to the mix. Through this precise blending process, the goal was to craft a high-quality multi-grade engine oil that meets the stringent performance requirements for various operating conditions and equipment types. After the melted Aspen and dissolved tackifier were added to the mixture, thorough stirring was carried out to ensure uniform distribution until a homogeneous blend was achieved. The mixture was then exposed to heat to facilitate the reaction between the base oil and additives, reaching a temperature of 70°C for optimal blending. Subsequently, 0.5 kg of viscosity index improver was introduced into the mixture and stirred continuously for a period of 5 minutes to ensure proper integration. Following this step, 5 grams of dye were carefully added to the mixture, and stirring was continued to evenly disperse the coloring agent throughout the blend. This meticulous process aimed to ensure that all components were effectively incorporated, facilitating the production of a high-quality, customized multi-grade engine oil with enhanced performance characteristics and optimal lubricating properties. After subjecting the mixture to a temperature of 70°C, the heat source was removed, allowing the product to gradually cool down to room temperature, which was estimated to be around 30°C. Following this cooling process, the product underwent a filtration step to remove any residual impurities present in the mixture. A sample of the purified product was then extracted for further analysis. Quality control tests were meticulously carried out on the sample to ensure that the product met the rigorous standards set by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The results obtained from the quality control tests were highly promising, indicating that the product indeed complied with the stringent specifications outlined by the regulatory body. This adherence to quality standards is essential in ensuring the product's reliability and performance in various applications. The successful outcome of the quality control test underscores the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence in the production process. The rigorous quality control procedures implemented in the analysis of the product highlight the commitment to upholding high standards of quality and safety in the manufacturing process. By consistently meeting and exceeding industry regulations and standards, the product not only demonstrates its reliability but also reflects a dedication to customer satisfaction and product excellence. The adherence to the SON standards showcases a commitment to producing top-quality products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers and industry stakeholders alike.

The detrimental consequences of soil pollution caused by crude oil or petroleum products are immense, leading to land degradation, property damage, and rendering agricultural practices ineffective. Extensive research has been conducted in the field of soil remediation, but further studies are still required to explore additional details of the remedial process. As a result, this study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of Vernonia Galamensis and Vernonia Amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, in remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. In the analysis of micro-organisms, it was found that the bitter leaf extracts contained three types of bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The leaf extracts were prepared using different methods, including sun drying, room drying, and using them in their wet form, which were then blended into the contaminated soil. The study also took into consideration three different types of soil: sandy-loamy soil, clay soil, and swamp soil. These advanced techniques and considerations are relevant to the topic of revolutionizing soil remediation, as they explore the potential of bitter leaf extracts and different soil types in effectively mitigating the effects of hydrocarbon contamination.The findings revealed that the wet blended extracts of Vernonia performed exceptionally well in the remediation process, surpassing a 50% reduction in the initial contamination levels. The study involved utilizing a quantity of bitter leaf ranging from 10g to 40g, which was added to the contaminated soils and monitored for a duration of 40 days. Remarkably, this approach led to a significant decrease in the concentration of contaminants within the soil, indicating the effectiveness of the bitter leaf extracts in the remediation process. Towards the conclusion of the study, predictive models were constructed to forecast the impact of hydrocarbon content, as well as the levels of lead, zinc, and chromium in the soil. These variables served as the dependent variables in the models, while the mass of bitter leaf, the duration of treatment, and the pH of the soil were considered as independent variables. Significantly, the models achieved a level of significance of less than 0.05, indicating their statistical validity. Furthermore, the r2 value, which represents the goodness of fit, demonstrated an appreciable level of accuracy in predicting the remediation effects. These results highlight the potential of the developed models in assessing and predicting the remedial outcomes of hydrocarbon contamination using bitter leaf extract.

In this paper, we define and investigate modified p-Leonardo, p-Leonardo-Lucas and p-Leonardo sequences as special cases of the generalized Leonardo sequence. We present Binet's formulas, generating functions, Simson formulas, and the summation formulas for these sequences. Moreover, we give some identities and matrices related with these sequences. Furthermore, we show that there are close relations between modified p-Leonardo, p-Leonardo-Lucas, p-Leonardo numbers and Fibonacci, Lucas numbers.

COVID-19 and long COVID-19 vulnerabilities may be caused indirectly by albumin binding deficiency (ABD) which can be corrected by the correct administration of human serum albumin (HSA). The liver is the primary site of nutrient regulation and fluid volume maintenance, control of both is by changes to albumin concentration. In healthy subjects the HSA lymphatic nutrient pump (HSALNP) ensures continual pumping of nutrients from the liver are appropriately distributed to organs. Nutrients are delivered to cells according to the availability of binding to HSA. The HSALNP therefore maintains the correct nutrients and colloidal pressure balance in all tissues independently. In unhealthy tissues, following COVID-19 infection, the passage of HSA/nutrients through the interstitial spaces and lymph will be impeded. Fluid therapy into the periphery leads to dilution of essential nutrients attached to the protein-carriers such as albumin. The levels of albumin being charged by the liver with nutrients is critical in maintaining immune stability by maintaining nutrient support and colloidal pressure of cellular structures. The site of HSA binding by the liver is of great importance and direct infusion of albumin into the Hepatic Portal Vein is the most appropriate method of maintaining colloid pressure and cellular nutrient levels.

In this paper, we prove the existence of three solutions for a $p$-Kirchhoff problem with $\psi$-Hilfer fractional derivative. To be more precise, we use the variational method and we prove that the associated functional energy admits a critical point in each of the three constructed sets, these critical points are weak solutions for a studied problem. Moreover, by definition of these sets, one of these solutions is positive, the second is negative, and the third one change sign. At the end of this work, we present an example to validate our main results.

Revolutionizing Lng Plant Construction and its Comprehensive Comparative Analysis And Evaluation Of Modular Design Development Versus Stick-Built Approach For Enhanced Efficiency And Cost-Effectiveness,.Although the utilization of modularization concepts in the LNG industry remains limited, this study focuses on exploring their potential. It is worth noting that modular units typically incur higher costs compared to field erected units due to the additional requirements of structural steel and robustness for transportation purposes.Nevertheless, the increased cost of modularization can often be balanced by conducting the work at the fabrication site instead of on-field construction. This approach reduces the overall project cost by minimizing field construction expenses and shortening the construction schedule. The objective of this paper is to assess and compare LNG modularization options for a newly established LNG facility in comparison to a conventional stick-built plant used as the base case.:The paper delves into various topics related to LNG plant construction, such as the development of modular units, a comprehensive comparison of different options, evaluation of construction schedules and manpower requirements, logistics considerations, and a recommended approach for design and construction. The cost estimates and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) schedules are meticulously compared for each option. Additionally, an inshore/near shore gravity base structure (GBS) option is included for further comparison. It is crucial to emphasize that establishing general costs is not possible as each project is distinct and requires individual study and analysis.:Each project has unique characteristics, resulting in varying shapes of cost curves and break-even points. The outcomes of the feasibility evaluation play a crucial role in determining the extent to which the modular approach to construction is advantageous for the specific project at hand. The evaluation takes into consideration multiple factors to determine the potential benefits of adopting a modular construction approach, allowing decision-makers to make informed choices regarding the project's construction methodology

Innovative tissue engineering biomimetic hydrogels based on hydrophilic polymers have been investigated for their physical and mechanical properties. 5% to 25% by volume loading PHEMA-nanosilica glassy hybrid samples were equilibrated at 37°C in aqueous physiological isotonic and hypotonic saline solutions (0.15 and 0.05 M NaCl) simulating two limiting possible compositions of physiological extracellular fluids. The glassy and hydrated hybrid materials were characterized both for dynamo-mechanical properties and equilibrium absorptions in the two physiological-like aqueous solutions. Mechanical and the morphological modifications occurring in the samples have been described. The 5% volume nanosilica loading hybrid nanocomposite composition showed mechanical characteristics in the dry and hydrated states that were comparable to those of cortical bone and articular cartilage, respectively, and then chosen for further sorption kinetics characterization. Sorption and swelling kinetics were monitored up to equilibrium. Changes in water activities and osmotic pressures in the water-hybrid systems equilibrated at the two limiting solute molarities of the physiological solutions have been related to the observed anomalous sorption modes using the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter approach. The bulk modulus of the dry and glassy PHEMA-5% nanosilica hybrid at 37°C has been observed to be comparable with the values of the osmotic pressures generated from the sorption of isotonic and hypotonic solutions. The anomalous sorption modes and swelling rates are coherent with the difference between osmotic swelling pressures and hybrid glassy nano-composite bulk modulus: the lower the differences the higher the swelling rate and equilibrium solution uptakes. Bone tissue engineering benefits of use of tuneable biomimetic scaffold biomaterials that can be “designed” to act as biocompatible and biomechanically active hybrid interfaces are discussed.

This research elucidates the dynamic expression of expansin genes during the wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) development process using comprehensive meta-analysis and experimental validation. We leveraged RNA-seq data from multiple public databases, applying stringent criteria for selection, and identified 60,852 differentially expressed genes across developmental stages. From this pool, 28,558 DEGs were found to exhibit significant temporal regulation in at least two different datasets, and were enriched for processes integral to grain development such as carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall organization. Notably, 30% of the 241 known expansin genes showed differential expression during grain growth. Hierarchical clustering and expression level analysis revealed temporal regulation and distinct contributions of expansin subfamilies during the early stages of grain development. Further analysis using co-expression networks underscored the significance of expansin genes, revealing their substantial co-expression with genes involved in cell wall modification. Finally, qPCR validation and grain morphological analysis under field conditions indicated a significant negative correlation between expression of select expansin genes and grain size and weight. This study illuminates the potential role of expansin genes in wheat grain development and provides new avenues for targeted genetic improvements in wheat.

This review seeks to explain four features of viral respiratory illnesses that have perplexed generations of virologists: (1) the seasonal timing of respiratory illness; (2) the common viruses causing respiratory illness worldwide, including year-round disease in the Tropics; (3) the rapid response of outbreaks to weather, specifically temperature; (4) the rapid arrival and termination of epidemics caused by influenza and other viruses. The inadequacy of the popular explanations of seasonality is discussed, and a simple hypothesis is proposed, called Temperature Dependent Viral Tropism (TDVT), that is compatible with the above features of respiratory illness. TDVT notes that viruses can transmit themselves more effectively if they moderate their pathogenicity (thereby maintaining host mobility) and suggests that endemic respiratory viruses accomplish this by developing thermal sensitivity within a range that supports organ-specific viral tropism within the human body, whereby they replicate most rapidly at temperatures below body temperature. This allows them to confine themselves to the upper respiratory tract and to avoid infecting the lungs, heart, gut etc. Biochemical and tissue-culture studies show that “wild” respiratory viruses show such natural thermal sensitivity. The typical early autumn surge of colds and the existence of respiratory illness in the Tropics year-round at intermediate levels are explained by the tendency for strains to adapt their thermal sensitivity to their local climate and season. The TDVT hypothesis has important practical implications for preventing and treating respiratory illness including Covid-19. TVDT is testable with many options for experiments to increase our understanding of viral seasonality and pathogenicity.

Primary varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection causes varicella (chickenpox) and the establishment of a lifelong latent infection in ganglionic neurons. VZV reactivates in about one-third of infected individuals to cause herpes zoster, often accompanied by neurological complications. The restricted host range of VZV and, until recently, the lack of suitable in vitro models to study VZV latency have seriously hampered molecular studies of viral latency. Nevertheless, recent technological advances facilitated a series of exciting studies that resulted in the discovery of a VZV latency-associated transcript (VLT) and have redefined our understanding of VZV latency and factors that initiate reactivation. Together, these findings pave the way for a new era of research that may finally unravel the precise molecular mechanisms that govern latency. In this review, we will summarize the implications of recent discoveries in the VZV latency field from both a virus and host perspective and provide a roadmap for future studies.

Airway epithelial cells (AECs) play a key role in maintaining lung homeostasis, epithelium regeneration and the initiation of pulmonary immune responses. To isolate and study murine AECs investigators have classically used short and hot (1h 37°C) digestion protocols. Here, we present a workflow for efficient AECs isolation and culture, utilizing long and cold (20h 4°C) dispase II digestion of murine lungs. This protocol yields a greater number of viable AECs compared to an established 1h 37°C dispase II digestion. Using a combination of flow cytometry and immunofluorescent microscopy, we demonstrate that compared to the established method, the cold digestion allows for recovery of a 3-fold higher number of CD45-CD31-EpCAM+ cells from murine lungs. Their viability is increased compared to established protocols, they can be isolated in larger numbers by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), and they result in greater numbers of KRT5+p63+ colonies in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that temperature and duration of murine lung enzymatic digestion have a considerable impact on AEC yield, viability, and ability to form colonies in vitro. We believe this workflow will be helpful for studying lung AECs and their role in the biology of lung.

At a time when the world faces an emotional breakdown, crushing our dreams if not taking our lives, we realize that together we must fight the war against the COVID-19 outbreak even if almost the majority of the scientific community finds itself confined to home. Every day, like everyone else, we, scientists, listen to the latest news with its promises and announcements. Across the world, a surge of clinical trials trying to cure or slow down the coronavirus pandemic has been launched to bring hope instead of fear and despair. One first proposed clinical trial has drawn worldwide hype to the benefit of chloroquine (CQ), a well-known and broadly used anti-malarial drug, in the treatment of patients infected by the recently emerged deadly coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). We should consider this information in the light of the long-standing anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties of CQ-related drugs. Yet, none of the articles promoting the use of CQ in the current pandemic evoked a possible molecular or cellular mechanism of action that could account for any efficacy. Here, given the interaction of viruses with macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy), a CQ-sensitive anti-viral safeguard pathway, we would like to discuss the pros, but also the cons concerning the current therapeutic options targeting this process.

After decades of research, oncolytic virotherapy has recently advanced to clinical application, and currently a multitude of novel agents and combination treatments are being evaluated for cancer therapy. Oncolytic agents preferentially replicate in tumor cells, inducing tumor cell lysis and complex anti-tumor effects, such as innate and adaptive immune responses and the destruction of tumor vasculature. With the availability of different vector platforms and the potential of both genetic engineering and combination regimens to enhance particular aspects of safety and efficacy, the identification of optimal treatments for patient subpopulations or even individual patients becomes a top priority. Mathematical modeling can provide support in this arena by making use of experimental and clinical data to generate hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying complex biology and, ultimately, predict optimal treatment protocols. Increasingly complex models can be applied to account for therapeutically relevant parameters such as components of the immune system. In this review, we describe current developments in oncolytic virotherapy and mathematical modeling to discuss the benefit of integrating different modeling approaches into biological and clinical experimentation. Conclusively, we propose a mutual combination of these fields of research for more efficient development and effective treatments.

Some peptide-based drugs including oxytocin, vasopressin, ziconotide, pramlintide, nesiritide, and octreotide, contain one intramolecular disulfide bonds. A novel and reusable monodispersed silica nanosphere-supported Pt(IV) complex (SiO2@TPEA@Pt(IV)) was synthesized via a four-step procedure and used for formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds in peptides. TEM and chemical mapping results for the Pt(II) intermediates and for SiO2@TPEA@Pt(IV) show that the silica nanospheres possess a monodisperse spherical structure and contain uniformly distributed Si, O, C, N, Cl, and Pt. The valence state of Pt on the silica nanospheres was characterized by XPS. The Pt(IV) loaded on SiO2@TPEA@Pt(IV) was 0.15 mmol/g, as determined by UV-vis spectrometry. Formation of intramolecular disulfides in six dithiol-containing peptides of variable lengths by use of SiO2@TPEA@Pt(IV) was investigated and the relative oxidation yields were determined by HPLC. In addition, peptide 1 (Ac-CPFC-NH2) was utilized to study the reusability of SiO2@TPEA@Pt(IV). No significant decrease in the relative oxidation yield was observed after ten reaction cycles. Moreover, the structure of SiO2@TPEA@Pt(IV) after being used ten cycles was determined to be similar to its initial one, demonstrating the cycling stability of the complex.

The Food and Drug Administration’s 2011 Process Validation Guidance and International Council for Harmonization Quality Guidelines recommend continued process verification (CPV) as a mandatory requirement for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and other regulated industries. As a part of product life cycle management, after process characterization in stage 1 and process qualification and validation in stage-2, CPV is performed as stage-3 validation during commercial manufacturing. CPV ensures that the process continues to remain within a validated state. CPV requires the collection and analysis of data related to critical quality attributes, critical material attributes, and critical process parameters on a minimum basis. Data is then used to elucidate process control regarding the capability to meet predefined specifications and stability via statistical process control tools. In statistical process control, control charts and Nelson rules are commonly used throughout the industry to monitor and trend data to ensure that a process remains in control. In the control chart, the mean value is taken as the center line, and 3σ limits are placed on either side of the center line. In CPV, manufactured lots are summarized, trended, and discussed at a cross-functional level at pre-defined intervals (either weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly) based on the batch run rate. A cross-functional team assesses details regarding 1) violation frequency, 2) statistical strength of the signal, 3) violation magnitude and its impact on process or quality, and 4) any potential root causes for out-of-expectation or out-of-trend signals. The cross-functional team must analyze whether any signal identified by the control chart is reliable and must determine whether corrective action should be taken and justify the decision in the CPV meeting minutes based on statistical strength and reliability of the signal. However, basic control charts are susceptible to false alarms and nuisance alarms. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the assumptions behind control charts and the inherent false alarm rates for different Nelson rules. In this article, the authors have detailed the assumptions behind the usage of control charts, the rate of false alarms for different Nelson rules, the impact of skewness and kurtosis of a data distribution on the false alarm rate, and methods for optimizing control chart design by reducing false alarm rates and nuisance signals.

In recent years, many libraries and archives have started digitizing their collections thus making maps by Indigenous peoples more easily available for scholars to study. While a number of these maps were discussed by G. Malcolm Lewis in the History of Cartography series (volume 2, book 3, Chapter 4: 1984), more have since been found and disseminated. These maps are critical in understanding the historic and current land tenure of Indigenous groups. Further, Indigenous claims to land can be seen in their connections via toponymy. European concepts of territory and political boundaries did not coincide with First Nation/American Indian views resulting in the mistaken view that Natives did not have formal concepts of their territories. Further, Tribes/First Nations with cross-border territory have special jurisdictional problems. This paper will illustrate how many Native residents were very spatially cognizant of their own lands, as well as neighboring nations’ lands, overlaps between groups, hunting territories, populations, and trade networks. Currently, the Sinixt First Nation provides a perfect example of how an Aboriginal people are inputting and using a GIS representation of their territory with proper toponymy and use areas.

Mass transfer restrictions of scaffolds are currently hindering the development of three-dimensional (3D), clinically viable, and tissue engineered constructs. For this situation, a 3D poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/hydroxyapatite porous scaffold, which was much favorable for transfer of nutrients to and waste products from the cells in the pores, was developed in this study. The 3D scaffold had an innovative structure, including macropores with diameters of 300−450 μm for cell ingrowth and microchannels with diameters of 2−4 μm for nutrition and waste exchange. The mechanical strength in wet state was strong enough to offer the structural support. The typical structure was more beneficial for the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium (Ca) deposition were evaluated on the differentiation of rBMSCs, and the results indicated that the microchannel structure was very favorable for differentiating rBMSCs into maturing osteoblasts. For repairing rabbit radius defects in vivo, there was rapid healing in the defects treated with the 3D porous scaffold with microchannels, where the bridging by a large bony callus was observed at 12 weeks post-surgery. Based on the results, the 3D porous scaffold with microchannels was a promising candidate for bone defect repair.

Plastics play a pivotal role in the principles of a circular economy, where their effective recycling post-utilization, leading to economic value generation and minimal environmental harm, is crucial for achieving sustainable management. Extensive research has delved into the incorporation of waste plastics in concrete, showcasing promising outcomes with a myriad of advantages..The escalating volume of plastic waste is becoming a pressing issue, contributing to environmental pollution, particularly in densely populated cities and towns in Nigeria such as Delta, Aba, Port Harcourt, Onitsha, Enugu, Benue, and Ogun. These urban centers experience high consumption of goods packaged or sealed in plastic materials. Tourist destinations are also affected as large quantities of plastic waste are improperly disposed of or incinerated, resulting in environmental contamination and air pollution. Efforts to address this growing concern are crucial to safeguarding the environment and public health in these regions.Therefore, it is imperative to find effective ways to utilize these waste plastics. By cleaning low-density polyethylene bags and combining them with sand at specific proportions, high-strength bricks can be produced. These bricks not only exhibit thermal and sound insulation properties but also help in pollution control and cost reduction in construction projects. This innovative approach not only addresses the issue of accumulating plastic waste, a non-biodegradable pollutant, but also offers a sustainable solution to manage plastic waste while contributing to the construction industry's efficiency and environmental protection., By incorporating waste plastic and nylon into brick production, we not only reduce the amount of sand extracted from our natural resources like rivers and seas but also utilize the surplus plastic waste that is currently discarded. This research focuses on creating eco-friendly bricks by incorporating molten plastic, nylon, and plastic bottles in varying percentages (0 to 15% by weight) along with 5kg of fly ash. The experimental results from this study will shed light on the feasibility and benefits of using these materials in brick manufacturing, highlighting the potential of sustainable construction practices that minimize environmental impact and resource depletion, The experimental process involved utilizing cement and sand to complete the brick composition, with curing conducted underwater for 29 days followed by baking at temperatures between 100°C to 120°C for 2 hours. The resulting eco-friendly bricks exhibited key characteristics such as being lightweight, porous, having low thermal conductivity, and displaying appreciable mechanical strength. Interestingly, the compressive strengths of these bricks, post the addition of waste plastic and nylon, were found to be comparable to that of conventional bricks. Additionally, these eco-friendly bricks showcased reduced water absorption capacity compared to regular bricks, offering a promising alternative for sustainable and efficient construction practices.The eco-friendly bricks made from A, B, C, and D using 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% plastic/nylon waste showed comprehensive strengths of 19.5 ,19.46, 20.3, and 21.1 respectively, with corresponding water absorption percentages of 0.34, 0.25, 0.22, 0.20, and 0.085. The efflorescence values were lower than those of normal bricks. These bricks are likely to enhance energy efficiency in buildings and provide economic value to manufacturers, thereby promoting a sustainable ecosystem for plastic waste management with the involvement of all stakeholders.

The main objective of this work is the assessment of the annual number of hospital admissions for respiratory disease (HARD) due to the exposure to in-healable particulate matter (PM10), within the greater Athens area (GAA), Greece. Towards this aim, the time series of the particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10μm (PM10) recorded in six monitoring stations located in the GAA, for a 13-year period 2001-2013, is used. Initially, a descriptive statistical treatment of PM10 concentrations took place. Furthermore, the AirQ2.2.3 software developed by the WHO was used to evaluate adverse health effects by PM10 in the GAA during the examined period. The results show that, during the examined period PM10 concentrations present a significant decreasing trend. Also, the mean annual HARD cases per 100,000 inhabitants ranged between 20 (suburban location) and 40 (city centre location). Approximately 70% of the annual HARD cases are due to city centre residents. In all examined locations, a declining trend in the annual number of HARD cases is appeared. Moreover, a strong relation between the annual number of HARD cases and the annual number of days exceeding the European Union daily PM10 threshold value was found.

Soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) are secreted ectodomain fragments of surface adhesion molecules, ICAM1 and VCAM1. sCAMs have diverse immune functions beyond their primary function, impacting immune cell recruitment and activation. Elevated sVCAM1 levels have been associated with poor cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, supporting its role as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Inhibiting sVCAM1 release or interaction with immune cells could offer cardioprotection in conditions such as diabetes. Membrane bound surface adhesion molecules are widely expressed in a wide variety of cell types with higher expression in endothelial cells (ECs), but the source of sCAMs in the circulation is not clear. Hypothesizing that endothelial cells (ECs) could be a potential source of sCAMs, this study investigated whether dysfunctional EC signaling mechanisms during diabetes cause VCAM1 ectodomain shedding. Our results from samples from a inducible diabetic mouse model revealed increased sVCAM1 plasma levels in diabetes. Protein analysis indicated upregulated VCAM1 expression and metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17 in diabetic ECs. ADAMs are known for proteolytic cleavage of adhesion molecules, contributing to inflammation. GSK3β, implicated in EC VCAM1 expression, was found to be activated in diabetic ECs. GSK3β overexpression in control ECs increased ADAM10/17 and VCAM1. A GSK3β inhibitor reduced active GSK3β and VCAM1 ectodomain shedding. These findings suggest that diabetic ECs with elevated GSK3β activity led to VCAM1 upregulation and ADAM10/17-mediated sVCAM1 shedding. This mechanism underscores the potential therapeutic role of GSK3β inhibition in reducing the levels of circulating sVCAM1. The complex roles of sCAMs extend well beyond CVD. Thus, unraveling the intricate involvement of sCAMs in the initiation and progression of vascular disease particularly in diabetes, holds significant therapeutic potential.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Tongue image analysis for disease diagnosis is an ancient traditional non-invasive diagnosis technique widely used by traditional medicine practitioners. Deep Learning based multi-label disease detection models offer tremendous potential to clinical decision support systems, by facilitating preliminary diagnosis. Methods: In this work, we propose a multi-label disease detection pipeline, where in observation and analysis of tongue images captured and received via smartphones assist in predicting the health status of an individual. All images are voluntarily given by subjects consulting collaborating physicians. Images thus acquired are first and foremost classified either into a diseased or a normal category by a 5-fold cross-validation algorithm using a convolution neural network (MobileNetV2) model for binary classification. Once the diseased label is predicted, the image is used to diagnose multiple diseases using the prediction algorithm based on DenseNet121. Results: Average accuracy of 93 % was achieved in classifying diseased from normal healthy tongue by detection model with MobileNetV2 architecture. Multilabel disease classification produced more than 90% accurate results for the seven class labels considered. Conclusion: AI based image analysis shows promising results and an extensive dataset could provide further improvements to this approach. Rather than employing high-cost sophisticated image capturing setup, experimenting with smartphone images opens opportunity to provide preliminary health status to individuals on smartphone prior to further line of treatment and diagnosis.

The basis for computation in the brain is the quantum threshold of the ‘soliton’ accompanying the ion changes of the action potential and the refractory membrane at convergences. We provide a logical explanation from the action potential to a neuronal model of the coding and computation of the retina and have explained how the visual cortex operates by quantum phase processing. In the small world network parallel frequencies collide into definable patterns of distinct objects. Elsewhere we have shown how many sensory cells are mean sampled to a single neuron and that convergences of neurons are common. We have also demonstrated, using the threshold and refractory period of a quantum phase pulse, that action potentials diffract across a neural network due to the annulment of parallel collisions in phase ternary computation (PTC). Thus, PTC applied to neuron convergences results in collective mean sampled frequency and is the only mathematical solution within the constraints of brain neural networks (BNN). In the retina and other sensory areas, we discuss how this information is coded and then understood in terms of network abstracts within the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and visual cortex. First by defined neural patterning within a neural network, and then in terms of contextual networks, we demonstrate that the output of frequencies from the visual cortex contain information amounting to abstract representations of objects in increasing detail. We show that nerve tracts from the LGN provide time synchronisation to the neocortex (defined as the location of the combination of connections of the visual cortex, motor cortex, auditory cortex, etc). The full image is therefore combined in the neocortex with other sensory modalities so that it receives information about the object from the eye, and all abstracts that make up the object. Spatial patterns in the visual cortex are formed from individual patterns illuminating the retina and memory is encoded by reverberatory loops of computational actions potentials (CAPs). We demonstrate that a similar process of PTC may take place in the cochlea and associated ganglia, as well as ascending information from the spinal cord, and that this function should be considered universal where convergences of neurons occur.

The Universe is treated as an unbound thermodynamic system in which two forces of Nature compete: Attractive gravity loss and repulsive entropic gain. Entropic gain, although not presently considered a force of Nature, is otherwise well known and can be expressed with the gas laws. The Universe at the time of last scattering was all gas. Its instant gain is expressed as gas pressure. When the Gibbs equation is properly applied to this unbound gas, the resulting atomic Hubble parameter is found to be exclusively dependent on baryon density, giving a constant and perpetual two-to-one gain/loss ratio. Instant loss to gravity cannot offset gas pressure in this “thermal equation”. By contrast, the Friedmann equation, a ΛCDM foundation, treats baryon mass as accreted, having little if any entropic gain. These two equations are actually equivalent. Expanding accreted matter at its comoving critical density is herein shown to behave exactly like a freely expanding gas. However, neither equation includes all of today’s Universal kinetic energy, and cannot by themselves fully account for observed stellar movement. The present paper proposes the plausible existence of highly energetic or “suprathermal” free electrons which comprise about half of the intergalactic medium’s kinetic total. It is this suprathermal energy which Λ expresses. The fluid equation, another ΛCDM foundation, eliminates entropic gain from the Gibbs equation. Additionally, rest mass’s Einstein energy E=Mc² is treated as a thermal variable. These two assumptions, isoentropy and energy conflation, led astronomers to populate Λ as they followed the prior art.

This case study focuses on exploring the potential of biogas as a direct substitute for conventional fossil fuels in industrial applications. Instead of being limited to its common uses as a vehicle fuel or for power generation, this research aims to investigate how biogas can be integrated into industrial processes as an advanced and sustainable energy solution. By conducting a detailed analysis of the financial implications associated with the utilization of landfill gas and gas derived from biomass, a comprehensive understanding of their practical applications in the industrial sector can be obtained. This research goes beyond a superficial examination and delves into the intricate aspects of incorporating biogas as a viable alternative fuel source. When we say that utilizing biogas is technically feasible, it means that the necessary infrastructure and technologies are available to support its integration into industrial processes. This implies that there are existing methods and systems in place that can efficiently harness and utilize biogas for various industrial applications. These technologies ensure a seamless transition from conventional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial landscape. Moreover, the statement that utilizing biogas is economically feasible emphasizes that the financial viability of employing biogas in industrial processes is advantageous. This research explores the potential cost savings and benefits associated with substituting conventional fuels with biogas. By carefully examining the economic aspects, such as initial investments, operational costs, and potential revenue streams, a comprehensive understanding of the financial impact of adopting biogas solutions in the industrial sector can be gained. By expanding and broadening the understanding of the technical and economic feasibility of biogas integration, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of advanced biogas solutions for industrial applications. Indeed, to make biogas a viable and sustainable option as a raw material, it is necessary to establish farming subsidies and financial support specifically tailored for biogas production, similar to the existing support provided for food production. These subsidies and financial incentives play a crucial role in promoting and encouraging the growth of the biogas industry. By establishing such support systems, farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector can be incentivized to participate in the production of biogas. This can involve the utilization of agricultural waste, organic residues, or dedicated energy crops for biogas generation. The financial assistance can help offset the initial investment costs, provide incentives for production, and ensure the economic viability of biogas projects. Moreover, when considering large-scale landfills or situations where industrial demands for energy are relatively low, landfill gas becomes a viable and practical option. Landfill gas, which is generated by the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, can be harnessed and utilized for various industrial purposes. This not only helps in managing waste but also provides a valuable source of renewable energy. In summary, while farming subsidies and financial support are crucial for promoting biogas production, landfill gas remains a viable option for large landfills or situations with minor industrial demands. The combination of these two approaches offers a comprehensive outlook on utilizing biogas as a renewable energy source for industrial applications.

With the global supply of LNG experiencing unprecedented growth, the industry is on the brink of a programmed glut, further exacerbated by the challenges posed by weaker energy pricing. In light of this, it is expected that marginal programs will be deferred temporarily, yet continuously assessed to enhance their economic potential in the future. Moreover, recent setbacks in LNG programs, such as cost overruns and delays, highlight the critical need for a unique conceptual design master plan. This plan will serve as a powerful tool to evaluate and optimize new programs, ensuring improved economic viability and boosting rates of return. By leveraging advanced analytical frameworks, innovative technologies, and comprehensive risk assessments, this study aims to develop a transformative approach that drives sustainable growth and profitability in the dynamic landscape of LNG program development." "This paper centers around the development of a comprehensive conceptual design master plan aimed at optimizing the total program economics across various areas, including sub-sea, offshore, and onshore advancements. The master plan serves as a crucial framework for identifying opportunities to reduce costs and enhance program definition, drawing insights from selective benchmarks derived from recent successful LNG programs. The ultimate objective is to boost the program rate of return while improving overall program definition, thereby mitigating the risks of cost overruns and schedule delays that have plagued the industry. By implementing this master plan, marginal programs stand a greater chance of becoming economically viable, fostering sustainable growth and enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions in the highly dynamic LNG landscape.

Background: The incidence of spinal metastatic disease has risen with improved cancer survivorship. Separation surgery, the current standard surgical treatment, does not fully address spinal deformity. Advances in operative management warrant reevaluating maximal tumor resection and anterior column reconstruction with corpectomy. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective single-center review of 63 patients was performed. Demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical and radiographic data, treatments, and neurological and survival outcomes were analyzed. Results: The mean age at presentation was 63.5 ± 9.6 years (range, 37-84 years) and 28 patients (44.4%) were female. Functional outcomes, measured by KPS, RAND-36 survey scores and Oswestry Disability Index all improved postoperatively (pre- vs postop: 70 to 80 (p=0.0056), 26.5 to 46.4 (p=0.0081), and 28.9 to 16.9 (p=0.0613), respectively). Spinal alignment also improved, with Cobb angle measurements showing a reduction in spinal kyphosis from -5 to 0 (p=0.021). Nine patients (14.5%) had non-fatal postoperative complications. The median OS for this cohort was 14.4 months (range, 0.6-145.0 months) with median follow-up time of 15.5 months. Conclusion: In oligometastatic spinal disease patients with good functional status, corpectomy for decompression of neural elements, deformity correction, and spinal stabilization is associated with improvements in pain and functional outcomes without overwhelming morbidity.

We present a new computing package Flagser, designed to construct the directed flag complex of a finite directed graph, and compute persistent homology for flexibly defined filtrations on the graph and the resulting complex. The persistent homology computation part of Flagser is based on the program Ripser [2], but is optimised specifically for large computations. The construction of the directed flag complex is done in a way that allows easy parallelisation by arbitrarily many cores. Flagser also has the option of working with undirected graphs. For homology computations Flagser has an Approximate option, which shortens compute time with remarkable accuracy. We demonstrate the power of Flagser by applying it to the construction of the directed flag complex of digital reconstructions of brain microcircuitry by the Blue Brain Project and several other examples. In some instances we perform computation of homology. For a more complete performance analysis, we also apply Flagser to some other data collections. In all cases the hardware used in the computation, the use of memory and the compute time are recorded.

Bioprospecting native Australian plants offers potential discovery of latent and novel bioactive compounds. Promising cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of Pittosporum angustifolium and Terminalia ferdinandiana led to further fractionation and isolation using our laboratory’s bioassay guided fractionation protocol. Hence, the aim of this study was to further evaluate the bioactivity of the fractions and subfractions and characterize bioactive compounds using liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography MS (GC-MS). Compounds tentatively identified in P. angustifolium Fraction 1 using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS were chlorogenic acid and/or neochlorogenic acid, bergapten, berberine, 8’-epitanegool and rosmarinic acid. GC-MS analysis data showed the presence of around 100 compounds, mainly comprising of carboxylic acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, amino acids, and monoalkylglycerols. Furthermore, the fractions obtained from T. ferdinandiana flesh extracts showed no cytotoxicity, except against HT29 cell lines, and only Fraction 2 exhibited some antibacterial activity. The reduced bioactivity observed in the T. ferdinandiana fractions could be attributed to the potential loss of synergy as compounds become separated within the fractions. As a result, further fractionation, and separation of compounds in these samples were not pursued. However, additional dose-dependent studies are warranted to validate the bioactivity of T. ferdinandiana flesh fractions, particularly since this is an understudied species. Moreover, LC-MS/GC-MS studies confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in P. angustifolium Fraction 1/subfractions which helps to explain the significant acute anti-cancer activity of this plant. The screening process designed in this study has the potential to pave the way for developing scientifically validated phytochemical/bioactivity information on ethnomedicinal plants, thereby facilitating further bioprospecting efforts, and supporting the discovery of novel drugs in modern medicine.

The second article in the series presents the application of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method to modelling of batch crystallisation in stirred tanks. A methodology to integrate the population balance equations (PBE) in parallel and independently from the Navier-Stokes equations is demonstrated. The benefits of the proposed methodology in terms of computational requirements, accuracy and availability of the crystal size distribution are discussed. The specific formulation of the SPH equations where the resulting system of ordinary differential equations is solved using the weighted contributions rather than numerically by solving a linear system of equations allows for massive parallelisation and a very loose coupling of the population balance and the fluid dynamics. It has been demonstrated, that the population balance equations can be solved on a Shared Memory Architecture (SMA) system using the OpenMP interface while the fluid dynamics equations being computed independently on a General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) using the NVidia CUDA technology. This way, a significant portion of the computational overhead due to the large number of additional transport equations resulting from the discretisation of the population balance was removed: the SPH simulation coupled with 200 population balance equations was only 40% slower compared to SPH-only simulation. Two methods for the solution of population balance equations that preserve full crystal size distribution were implemented: discretised population balance (DPB) and method of characteristics (MOCH). The DPB equations are solved using the high-resolution finite-volume method with flux limiter and the effect of a large number of different flux limiters have been investigated. Both methods were validated using the case studies from the literature where an analytical solution can be derived. The developed models were applied to a numerical solution of coupled computational fluid dynamics and population balance equations to model a batch crystallization process. The effect of the hydrodynamics on the local temperature/supersaturation and the resulting crystal size distribution was captured and compared to the ideal mixing case. The simulation results from the DPB and MOCH methods were compared in terms of computational requirements and accuracy and MOCH selected as computationally more efficient and accurate.

Bamboo is the building material of the past and future. It offers numerous properties that make it versatile for various applications, including construction. Its impressive strength-to-weight ratio enables it to bear substantial loads and stresses, while its good elasticity allows efficient energy absorption. However, its mechanical properties can vary based on factors such as species, age, locations, methods, and treatment. Treating bamboo is essential to enhance its properties and durability. The literature provides various natural and chemical treatments which enhanced some of the properties but also reported a drawbacks on higher temperature, content and duration. This paper reviewed 57 articles from Scopus database, specifically focusing on article-document type publications from the years 2003 to 2023. Additional references were also incorporated to address concerns in properties, treatment and standards to provide systematic understanding. MATLAB was utilized for data text analytics. With extensive assessment on the articles, the following gaps and concerns were observed and recommends for further study and assessment such as for bamboo properties, the development of centralized guidelines and procedures for the preparation and processing; exploration of alternative materials to reinforce bamboo without compromising its ductility; development of joint connections, and testing of mechanical properties considering seismic, wind and vibration. For treatment methods, the standardization of procedures using natural, chemical or combination. Lastly, for bamboo codes and standards, assessment of existing codes and standards for testing the mechanical properties of bamboo highlighting the potential limitations and areas, uniformity, differences with all existing similar standards. By filling these gaps, it can support the reliability and robustness of bamboo as a sustainable material, fostering its promotion and adoption in construction industry.

These three syndromes - long covid (LC), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) - have many symptoms in common. The common denominator remains elusive. The blood brain barrier (BBB) has been a barrier not only to microbes and toxins but also to understanding pathogenetic links. There are several areas within the brain that have no BBB. These are known as circumventricular organs (CVOs) and their location relative to CNS nuclei that direct autonomic and neuroendocrine functions is provocative in the quest for pathogenesis. In addition the majority afflicted with LC and ME/CFS appear to be those with two MTHFR polymorphisms, present in over 50% of Americans. These polymorphisms elevate homocysteine. When homocysteine is combined with CVOs, the fog of POTS and its paradox are lifted. POTS may represent the intersection of LC and ME/CFS in those with the MTHFR gene (hypermethylation or 677TT). The gut microbiomes of LC and ME/CFS, deficient in butyrates, GABA, and diversity, are then linked with MTHFR genotype 677TT. Reactivation of neurotropic EBV and VZV, due to loss of surveillance by CD4+/CD8+ T cells, is seen as secondary. The oxidative stress generated by homocysteine, loss of glutathione, low fiber diet, and persistent chronic inflammation exhaust available mitochondria and, assisted by BKN and estrogen, exacerbate all the elements of these post viral fatigue syndromes.

Ammonia produced using renewable hydrogen is being viewed as a promising media for the export of energy from locations rich in renewable energy sources. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are efficient devices for converting such exported ammonia back into electricity at the point of use, however investigations on materials and operating regime for direct ammonia fuelled SOFCs are limited. The studies on fuel electrodes tailored specifically for ammonia fuel are limited. In this work, we evaluated the direct ammonia SOFC performance with Silver-Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite (Ag-LSCF) composite anode and a novel Palladium (Pd) nanoparticle decorated Silver-Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite (Pd-Ag-LSCF) composite anode in the temperature range of 500 °C to 800 °C. It is hypothesized that Palladium nanoparticles in the anode provide hydrogen dissolution and shift the ammonia decomposition reaction towards the right. The cell performance was evaluated with both hydrogen and ammonia as fuels and a clear-cut improvement in the performance was observed with the addition of Pd for both the fuels. The results showed a performance enhancement by 20% and 43% with hydrogen and ammonia fuels respectively from the Pd addition of Ag-LSCF anode. Open circuit voltage (OCV) values of the cells with hydrogen and ammonia fuel recorded over the temperature range of 500 °C to 800 °C indicated the possibility of direct electro-oxidation of ammonia in SOFCs.

P-band radar remote sensing applied during the Airborne Microwave Observatory of Subcanopy and Subsurface (AirMOSS) mission has shown great potential for estimation of root zone soil moisture. When retrieving the soil moisture profile (SMP) from P-band radar, a mathematical function describing the vertical moisture distribution is required. Because only a limited number of observations are available, the number of free parameters of the mathematical model must not exceed the number of observed data. For example, a second order polynomial that contains 3 free parameters was presumed based on in-situ SMP data. The polynomial is currently parameterized based on 3 backscatter observations provided by AirMOSS (i.e. one frequency at three polarizations of HH, VV and HV). In this paper, a more realistic, physically-based SMP model containing 3 free parameters is derived based on a solution to Richards’ equation for unsaturated flow in soils. Evaluation of the new SMP model based on both numerical simulations and measured data revealed that it exhibits greater flexibility for fitting measured and simulated SMPs than the currently applied polynomial. It is also demonstrated that the new SMP model can be reduced to a second order polynomial at the expense of fitting accuracy.

Long Covid has many symptoms that overlap with ME(myalgic encephalomyelitis)/CFS(chronic fatigue syndrome), FM(fibromyalgia), EBV(Epstein-Barr virus), CMV(cytomegalovirus), CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome), MCAS(mast cell activation syndrome), POTS(postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), and post viral fatigue syndrome. They all portend a “long haul” with an antioxidant shortfall and elevated Ca:Mg. Oxidative stress is the root cause. Linkage between TGF(transforming growth factor)-β, IFN(interferon)-γ, the RAS(renin angiotensin system), and the KKS(kallikrein kinin system) is discussed. Technical explanations for the renin aldosterone paradox in POTS, the betrayal of TGF-β, and the commonality of markers for the Warburg effect are offered. The etiology of the common Long Covid symptoms of post exertional malaise, fatigue, and brain fog as well as anosmia, hair loss, and GI symptoms is technically discussed. Ca:Mg is critical to the glutamate/GABA balance. The role of GABA and butyrates from the “good” intestinal bacteria in the gut-brain axis and its correlation with chronic fatigue diseases are explored. The crosstalk between the ENS(enteric nervous system) and the ANS(autonomic nervous system) and the role of the vagus in both are emphasized. HRV(heart rate variability), the fifth vital sign, points to an expanded gut-brain-heart/lung axis. A suggested approach to all of these - Long Covid, chronic fatigue diseases, post viral fatigue syndrome, and general health - is presented.

Besides the increase in global energy demand, access to clean energy, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions caused by conventional power generation sources, energy security, and availability of electricity in remote villages in emerging nations are some of the factors that foster the use of renewable energy sources (RESs) in generating electricity. One of the aims of initiating microgrids (MGs) is to maximize the benefits of RES and alleviate the associated grid integration issues. Microgrids are made up of RES connected to electrical loads within clearly delineated electrical limits that operate as individual controllable units on the electrical network. It can operate in-dependently as well as in connection with the grid. The paper presents an overview of microgrids and investigates the system's performance when connected to and disconnected from the grid. Furthermore, in both modes of operation, the functioning and behavior of system components such as the bidirectional DC-DC converter and energy storage system (ESS) were evaluated. The architecture of the proposed microgrid consists of a small hydropower plant, a wind farm, and a battery energy storage system (BESS). The microgrid under investigation is modeled and simu-lated using MATLAB and Simulink.

The Universe at last scattering is locally treated as an unbound gas. The internal kinetic energy of the gas effectively constitutes a scalar energy field. The gas’s adiabatic expansion is entropic, giving repulsive entropic pressure. Gas kinetic energy is converted into entropic energy gain (63%) and isoentropic work against gravity (37%) at a constant 63:37 ratio. A three-term expression of the gas’s Hubble parameter is derived and found to be exclusively dependent on its mass density. At last scattering, this model gives a Hubble constant that is 125% of the value found from the ΛCDM model. After partition of Universal mass into the cosmic web of galaxies and the intergalactic medium (IGM), expansion came mostly from the IGM, presently comprising about 84% of total Universal mass and 90% of its volume. The onset of star formation within the cosmic web increased the IGM’s kinetic energy through the action of starlight, giving free electrons as an additional repository. Many of these free electrons are suprathermal. Suprathermal energy from both electrons and protons comprises about half of the IGM’s total kinetic energy and is expressed in the ΛCDM model as “dark energy” Λ. Entropic pressure derives from thermodynamic laws not found within general relativity.

The Heisenberg Lie algebra (HA) plays an important role in mathematics with Fourier transforms, as well as for the foundations of quantum theory where it expresses the operators of space-time, X, and their commutation rules with the momentum operators, D, that execute infinitesimal translations in X. Yet it is known that space-time is curved and thus the D operators must interfere thus giving “structure constants” that vary with location which suggests a mathematical generalization of the concept of a Lie algebra to allow for “structure constants” that are functions of X. We here investigate the mathematics of such a “generalized Heisenberg algebra” (GHA) which has “structure constants” that are functions of X and thus are in the enveloping algebra rather than constants. As expected, the Jacobi identity no longer holds globally but only in small regions of space-time where the [D, X] commutator can be considered locally constant and thus where one has a true Lie algebra. We show that one is able to reframe Riemannian geometry in this GHA. As an example, it is then shown that one can express the Einstein equations of general relativity as commutation rules. If one requires that the GHA commutator reduces to the HA of quantum theory in the limit of no curvature, then there are observable effects for quantum theory in this curved space time.

Brain fog with compromised ability to concentrate has been the most frequent Long Covid (LC) complaint. This is due to an increased transforming growth factor (TGF) β/interferon (IFN)-γ ratio with consequently increased bradykinin (BKN), especially in Caucasian females. Brain and lung blood vessels “leak.” This same ratio is increased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but decreased in Parkinson’s disease (PD), because CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells are differentially affected by the invading associated viruses, e.g., SARS CoV2, HIV, Varicella Zoster (VZV) aka Human Herpesvirus 3 (HHV3), HBV, HCV, …. In Covid-19 CD147 receptors on immune cells are critical in generating the increased TGF-β/IFN-γ and those on endothelial cells, platelets, and erythrocytes are critical to the abnormal microvascular blood flow. ACE2 receptors on pneumocytes and enterocytes enable pulmonary and GI entry, initiating gut dysbiosis. Epigenetics, methylation, magnesium, vitamin D, the B vitamins, and antioxidants suggest that these issues can be surmounted. Biochemical, physiologic, and epidemiologic data are analyzed to answer these questions. An LC model is presented and discussed in the context of the most recent research. Suggestions to avoid these and other worrisome concerns are included. Other topics discussed include estrogen, the gut microbiome, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and homocysteine.

Transforming Small-Scale LNG Business, Enhancing Efficiency and Resilience in an Evolving Supply Chain In various industries, innovative systems have proven their value due to their efficiency and adaptability. A prime example of this lies in the rapid growth of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. LNG, a fuel derived from natural gas, has gained significant traction in recent years. In light of this, we aim to explore optimal strategies for small-scale LNG businesses, with a focus on revolutionizing their supply chain to ensure adaptability and sustainability. Our objective is to enhance efficiency and sturdiness in this evolving sector. By devising innovative methods and implementing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to revolutionize the small-scale LNG market, paving the way for a more optimized and resilient supply chain. Through this transformation, we strive to create a sustainable and adaptable framework that will drive the growth and success of a small-scale LNG businesses.LNG' ability to be transported and stored more cost-effectively in its reduced volume compared to natural gas in its original state is a significant advantage. The distribution network for LNG starts at numerous supply terminals and extends to a diverse range of consumption centers, each with varying tank capacities. In the broader economic context, the establishment of efficient routes for LNG Truck tank plays a critical role.To tackle the challenge of selecting a pickup location and determining optimal destinations with specific unloading volumes for liquefied natural gas (LNG), this research presents an innovative solution utilizing state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. The proposed approach combines the power of reinforcement learning, recurrent neural networks, online learning, and graph theory. By leveraging these cutting-edge techniques, we aim to develop an intelligent system that can effectively determine the most efficient pickup location and sequence of destinations for LNG delivery. This system will take into account various factors such as transportation costs tank capacity, and demand fluctuations. Through the integration of reinforcement learning, the system will continuously learn and improve its decision-making process in real-time. The recurrent neural networks will allow for the analysis of historical aim to model and optimize the complex network of pickup and delivery routes, considering factors such as distance, capacity constraints, and operational efficiencies. With this innovative approach, we strive to revolutionize the selection and planning process for LNG pickup and delivery, ultimately enhancing efficiency and reducing cost within the LNG supply chain.Improving the distribution network offers several financial benefits, including cost reduction, faster delivery times, more affordable distribution, and enhanced efficiency in the utilization of tanker trucks for LNG transportation. By optimizing the distribution network, transit costs associated with LNG transportation can be significantly lowered. This can be achieved through intelligent route planning, taking into account factors such as distance, traffic conditions, and fuel consumption. Minimizing transit costs contributes to overall savings for businesses operating in the LNG market. Faster delivery times are another advantage of an enhanced distribution network. By designing efficient routes and eliminating unnecessary detours or delays, the time taken for LNG to reach its intended destinations can be reduced. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also allows for more frequent deliveries and better coordination of supply and demand. Cheaper distribution is a direct outcome of an optimized distribution network. By strategically planning pickup locations, destinations, and intermediate stops, the costs associated with transferring LNG between terminals and consumption centres can be minimized. This leads to savings in transportation expenses, ultimately benefiting both businesses and end-users. Efficient utilization of tanker trucks is crucial for maximizing profitability in the LNG industry. An improved distribution network enables better allocation of resources, ensuring that tanker trucks are utilized optimally. This includes reducing empty or underutilized trips, maximizing load capacities, and minimizing idle time. Such efficiency improvements translate to cost savings and increased revenue for businesses involved in LNG transportation. Overall, the financial gains from improving the distribution network are substantial. Lower transit costs, faster delivery times, cheaper distribution, and more efficient use of tanker trucks contribute to increased profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability in the LNG market.

Sepsis is a major health problem and accounts for 20 per cent of deaths worldwide. It is the most expensive condition treated in United States hospitals at $27 billion per year or about $20,000 per patient. Treatment consisting largely of fluid resuscitation and antibiotics has only marginal impact. Mortality is about 27 per cent for hospitalized patients and about 42 per cent for patients in intensive care.There are two phases of sepsis – a hyper inflammatory phase and a subsequent hypo inflammatory phase.During the hyper inflammatory phase the metabolic rate increases associated with an increase in body temperature and a rapid escalation of immune system functioning including increased numbers of leucocytes and migration of those leucocytes to infected and damaged tissues and an increased supply and consumption of glucose to fuel this immune system.During the subsequent hypo inflammatory phase the metabolic rate declines and this is associated with a decrease in body temperature and a generalized decrease in the physiological activity of many organs including the immune system akin to hibernation. The activated immune system has priority for the available glucose over most other organs and physiological functions during such potentially life threatening circumstances. Thus adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by mitochondria (the source of energy at the cellular level for the organism as a whole) also has a lower priority for the available glucose relative to the activated immune system. If glucose availability is threatened then mitochondrial production of ATP is partially or substantially suppressed in favor of glycolysis because glycolysis can rapidly produce large quantities of ATP that are necessary for immune cell function in infected, anaerobic, ischemic, or damaged tissues.However, glycolysis is only a temporary fix as it cannot produce the quantities of ATP necessary on an ongoing basis for the normal functioning of the healthy animal. Mitochondrial production of ATP must be recommenced for full recovery.It appears that the partial or substantial suppression of mitochondrial production of ATP by activation of the immune response becomes relatively fixated in some patients leading to a substantial ATP deficit. This is the fundamental issue of sepsis.This paper reviews the metabolism of glucose and insulin during sepsis and concludes that high dose insulin with mild hyper glycaemia in conjunction with the intravenous administration of thiamine, an inhibitor of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzymes, to re-establish physiological ATP production by mitochondria, administered early in the hypo metabolic (hypo inflammatory) phase of sepsis should significantly improve survival.

The steep decline in the price of wind and solar photovoltaics provides a possibility to decarbonize electricity deeply and affordably. This study uses HOMER Pro energy modeling tool to model an optimized grid-connected renewable energy system for a community in southern Alberta, Canada. The study's goal is to identify the best renewable energy technology combinations that can provide electricity at the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and has lesser greenhouse gas emission as compared to the electricity produced by traditional fossil fuel. Gleichen, is a small town in southern Alberta and is near to numerous commercial wind and solar projects given the region’s high quality renewable resources. “Tri-brid” systems consisting of wind turbines, solar photovoltaics, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are considered and compared based on electricity prices, net present cost, and greenhouse gas emissions savings. This tri-brid system is connected to the grid to sell excess electricity generated or buying electricity when there is less or no availability of solar and wind. The tri-brid energy system has an estimated LCOE of 0.0705 CAD/kWh which is competitive with the price of electricity generated by natural gas and coal which is 0.127 CAD/kWh.

Performing optimisation and scale-up studies of crystallisation systems requires accurate and computationally efficient mathematical models. The assumption of the ideal mixing conditions in batch reactors typically produce inaccurate results while the computational expense of CFD models is still prohibitively high. Therefore, in this work, a new intermediary approach is proposed that takes into account the non-ideal mixing conditions in the reactor and requires less computational resources than full CFD simulations. Starting with the Danckwerts concept of the intensity of segregation, an analogy between its application to chemical reactions and the kinetics of the crystallisation phenomena (such as nucleation and growth) has been made. As a result, the modified kinetics expressions have been derived which incorporate the effect of non-idealities present in stirred reactors. This way, based on the experimental measurements of the mixing time using the Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) technique, computationally more efficient mathematical models can be developed in two ways: (1) the accurate semi-empirical correlations are available for standard mixing configurations with the most often used types of impellers, (2) CFD simulations can be utilised for estimation of the mixing time; in this case it is necessary to simulate only the mixing process. The benefits offered by the LIF experimental technique have been demonstrated and some frequent problems in its application analysed. The mixing time results for configurations with and without baffles for three types of impellers and four different rotational speeds have been presented. The false shorter mixing times in the non-baffled configurations have been observed and this phenomena explained by the existence of two segregated zones in the reactor and confirmed by additional experiments. The precise measurements in these cases have been shown as difficult using the LIF technique, particularly for higher rpms. The experimental data has been compared to the preliminary simulation results obtained from the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method and the standard k-ε turbulence model with the modest success. The shortcomings of the SPH model have been recognized and the directions for the future work discussed.

As the demand for fossil fuels continues to rise and their availability becomes increasingly limited, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches to optimize fuel combustion in existing systems. Among various engines, diesel engines are heavily reliant on fluid motion within the engine cylinder, which plays a critical role in fuel-air mixing. This abstract focuses on the potential of dynamic mathematical model simulation for multi-compartment rotor compressed combustion engines, aiming to revolutionize power generation by enhancing fuel burning efficiency. By leveraging advanced simulation techniques, this research seeks to unlock new insights into fluid dynamics and optimize fuel-air mixing, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy utilization. Through this exploration, we aim to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of combustion engines, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. In the realm of internal combustion engines, the fluid dynamics within the engine cylinder greatly influence the combustion processes and heat transfer. For compression ignition (C.I) engines, both the bulk gas motion and turbulence characteristics play vital roles in engine performance. This study focuses on enhancing the combustibility of the fuel-air mixture in C.I engines by modifying the engine design to induce turbulence through squish and tumble flows. The modification involves creating multiple compartments on the rotor crown, comprising three small chambers spaced 120º apart. By implementing this design, the aim is to optimize the fuel-air mixing and improve the overall combustion efficiency. Through comprehensive analysis and experimentation, we seek to revolutionize C.I engine technology and pave the way for more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation. In this study, the performance of a compression ignition (C.I) engine with a multiple compartment rotor has been analyzed under motoring conditions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with FLUENT software. The obtained results have been compared with those of a base C.I engine. The analysis focused on the effects of the modified engine design on the tumble ratio and squish velocity, which are important parameters for fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency. The results indicated a significant improvement with the modified engine, with a 35% increase in tumble ratio and a 31% increase in squish velocity compared to the base engine. These findings suggest that the modified engine design has the potential to enhance fuel-air mixing and combustion performance, leading to improved overall engine efficiency. This research presents promising insights into the optimization of C.I engine design and contributes to the development of more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation technologies..

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a theory-derived sedentary workplace intervention (single arm, pre-post design) for police office staff. Twenty-four staff participated in an 8-week intervention incorporating an education session, team competition with quick response (QR) codes, team trophy, and weekly leaderboard newsletters, a self-monitoring phone app, and electronic prompt tools. The intervention supported participants to reduce and break up their sitting time with three minutes of incidental movement every 30 minutes at work. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using mixed methods via the RE-AIM QuEST and PRECIS-2 frameworks. The intervention was highly pragmatic in terms of eligibility, organisation, adherence, outcome, and analysis. It was slightly less pragmatic on recruitment and setting. Delivery and follow-up were more explanatory. Reach and adoption indicators demonstrated feasibility among police staff, across a range of departments, who were demographically similar to participants in previous office-based multi-component interventions. The intervention was delivered mostly as planned with minor deviations from protocol (Implementation fidelity). Participants perceived the intervention components as highly acceptable. Preliminary results showed improvements in workplace sitting and standing, as well as small improvements in weight and positive affect. Evaluation of the intervention in a fully powered randomised controlled trial to assess behaviour and health outcomes is recommended.

The primary objective of this research was to assess the energy consumption of the gas treatment units at Bonny NLNG Refinery, the first Gas Refinery in Rivers State, Nigeria, while utilizing semi-lean amine. To achieve this goal, a simulation of the units was conducted using the advanced software package Aspen Hysys (V.8.3). The simulation was designed to accurately represent the dynamic behavior of the refinery's gas treatment units, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of their energy usage. The research aimed to quantify the energy consumption of the gas treatment units and identify opportunities for energy optimization. By utilizing semi-lean amine, which is known to improve energy efficiency, the study sought to evaluate the potential energy savings that could be achieved in the refinery's operations. The simulation model incorporated the specific design and operational parameters of the gas treatment units at Bonny NLNG Refinery, including the gas flow rate, lean amine concentration, absorber pressure, stripping temperature, amine circulation rate, and acid gas removal efficiency. By considering these parameters, the simulation accurately represented the dynamic behavior of the gas treatment units, enabling a detailed analysis of their energy consumption. Through the simulation, various scenarios and operational conditions were evaluated to determine the optimal set of parameters that minimized energy consumption. The research also examined the trade-offs between energy consumption, acid gas removal efficiency, and other performance indicators, such as amine circulation rate and regeneration efficiency. The findings of this research have significant implications for the energy efficiency and sustainability of gas treatment operations at Bonny NLNG Refinery. By identifying opportunities for energy optimization and providing recommendations for the utilization of semi-lean amine, the study contributes to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly gas treatment processes. Overall, this research combines advanced simulation techniques with a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption to provide valuable insights into the energy efficiency of gas treatment units at Bonny NLNG Refinery, enabling informed decision-making and potential improvements in energy utilization. By utilizing the percentage-based unit simulation approach, a detailed examination of the energy consumption patterns was obtained. This analysis provides valuable insights into the operational efficiency and determination of potential energy-saving opportunities within the gas treatment units. This study specifically focuses on the integration of an absorption column split stream (stream flow) and a flash unit as a potential means to reduce the energy consumption of gas treatment devices. The integration of these units aims to optimize the overall energy efficiency of the gas treatment process by recovering and utilizing waste heat and reducing energy losses. The absorption column split stream allows for the diversion of a portion of the gas stream to a flash unit before entering the absorber. The flash unit operates at a lower pressure, which facilitates the release of entrained hydrocarbons and reduces the overall energy requirements for gas treatment. By separating and recovering the hydrocarbons in the flash unit, energy losses associated with their absorption and subsequent regeneration are minimized. Through the simulation, the study analyzes the energy consumption patterns of the gas treatment units with and without the integration of the absorption column split stream and flash unit. Comparative assessments are conducted to evaluate the energy savings and overall operational efficiency achieved through this integration. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the potential energy-saving opportunities offered by the integration of the absorption column split stream and flash unit in gas treatment devices. It will help refine the design and operation of gas treatment units, enabling more energy-efficient processes in the gas refining industry. By optimizing energy consumption in gas treatment units, the study contributes to the industry's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving sustainability. The integration of the absorption column split stream and flash unit offers a promising approach to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and minimize environmental impact. Overall, this research underscores the importance of exploring innovative solutions, such as the integration of different process units, to achieve energy savings in gas treatment operations. Through a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption patterns, this study aims to provide practical recommendations for optimizing energy efficiency in gas treatment units, fostering a more sustainable and efficient gas refining industry.The research specifically explores the impact of integrating the absorption column split stream and flash unit when dealing with sour gas streams containing carbon dioxide concentrations of less than mole ℅, while utilizing MDEA fluid as the solvent. Through comprehensive analysis and simulation using advanced software tools, the study demonstrates that by incorporating the absorption column split stream and flash unit, a significant reduction in device energy consumption of up to 10% can be achieved. The integration of the absorption column split stream and flash unit offers promising opportunities to enhance the energy efficiency of gas treatment devices. By diverting a portion of the gas stream to the flash unit, the separation of hydrocarbons and the subsequent release of entrained hydrocarbons at lower pressure significantly reduce the overall energy requirements for gas treatment. The comprehensive analysis and simulation conducted in the research provide concrete evidence of the energy-saving potential of this integration. By quantifying the energy consumption patterns and comparing scenarios with and without integration, the study establishes the effectiveness of the approach and its impact on operational efficiency. The findings of the research highlight the importance of considering the specific gas composition and utilizing appropriate solvents, such as MDEA, for optimizing energy efficiency. The integration of the absorption column split stream and flash unit not only reduces energy consumption but also offers the potential for cost savings and environmental benefits. Overall, the research demonstrates that by incorporating the absorption column split stream

We tested the hypothesis that obesity influences the pharmacodynamics of volatile general anesthetics (VGAs) by comparing effects of anesthetic exposure on mortality from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in lean and obese Drosophila melanogaster. We induced TBI with a High-Impact Trauma device. Starvation-selection over multiple generations resulted in an obese phenotype (SS flies). Fed flies served as lean controls (FC flies). Adult (1-7 day old) SS and FC flies were exposed to equianesthetic doses of isoflurane or sevoflurane either before or after TBI. The principal outcome was percent mortality 24 hours after injury, expressed as the Mortality Index at 24 hours (MI24). TBI resulted in lower MI24 in FC than in SS flies (21 (2.35) and 57.8 (2.14), respectively n= 12, p=0.0001). Preexposure to isoflurane or sevoflurane preconditioned FC flies to TBI reducing the risk of death to 0.53 [0.25 to 1.13] and 0.82 [0.43 to 1.58], respectively, but had no preconditioning effect in SS flies. Postexposure to isoflurane or sevoflurane increased the risk of death in SS flies. Only postexposure to isoflurane increased the risk in FC flies (1.39 [0.81 to 2.38]). Thus, obesity affects the pharmacodynamics of VGAs, thwarting the preconditioning effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane in TBI.

Long Covid has become a blight, its economic consequences overwhelming. But Long Covid (LC) may represent persistent Covid-19 in those with preexisting Candida overgrowth (CO). The features shared by both are striking. LC may be a growing subset of CO. The altered tryptophan metabolism encountered in LC is driven by IFN-γ in reaction to CO. Females are robust producers of IFN-γ, yet estrogen promotes CO.The consequent decline in serotonin and melatonin triggers the mood swings and sleeplessness respectively in LC. The low serotonin, the primary messenger in the gut brain axis, creates autonomic dysfunction. The CO induced gut dysbiosis and leaky gut initiate an autoimmune path. TNFα seen in both LC and this opportunistic yeast is at the center of the cytokine triad that leads to neurodegeneration. The Western diet, high in carbohydrates, alcohol, and glutamate, is exploited by this commensal turned parasite. Residual SARS CoV2 and Candida generate abundant ROS, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. Alcohol tastes different for many with LC, because acetaldehyde requires functioning hepatic mitochondria. This article delves into the complex physiology and biochemistry that drive the symptoms of this conspicuous connection. Recent research has revealed innovative approaches that might address this global scourge, including D-mannose for the immune dysfunction and butyrate for the gut dysbiosis created by and seen in both LC and intestinal Candidiasis.

High-strength wastewaters from a variety of sources, including the food industry, domestic septage and landfill leachate, are often hauled to municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for co-treatment. Due to their high organic loadings, these wastewaters can cause process upsets in both the WWTP’s liquid and solids treatment trains and consume organic treatment capacity, leaving less capacity available to service customers in the catchment area. A novel pre-treatment method, the Waste Activated Sludge-High Rate (WASHR) process, is proposed to optimize the co-treatment of high-strength wastewaters. The WASHR process combines the contact stabilization and sequencing batch reactor processes. It utilizes waste activated sludge from the municipal WWTP as its biomass source, allowing rapid start-up. Bench scale treatment trials of winery wastewater confirm the WASHR process can reduce loadings on the downstream WWTP’s liquid treatment and solids treatment trains. A case study approach is used to confirm the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the WASHR process compared to direct co-treatment using life cycle cost analyses and greenhouse gas emissions estimates.

In this paper, we introduce the (ρ,q)-analogue of the p-adic factorial function. By utilizing some properties of (ρ,q)-numbers, we obtain several new and interesting identities and formulas. We then construct the p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function by means of the mentioned factorial function. We investigate several properties and relationships belonging to the foregoing gamma function, some of which are given for the case p = 2. We also derive more representations of the p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function in general case. Moreover, we consider the p-adic (ρ,q)-Euler constant derived from the derivation of p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function at x = 1. Furthermore, we provide a limit representation of aforementioned Euler constant based on (ρ,q)-numbers. Finally, we consider (ρ,q)-extension of the p-adic beta function via the p-adic (ρ,q)-gamma function and we then investigate various formulas and identities.

Accelerating, exact, explicit and simple solutions of relativistic hydrodynamics allow for a simple and natural description of highly relativistic p+p collisions. These solutions yield a finite rapidity distribution, thus they lead to an advanced estimate of the initial energy density of high energy collisions. We show that such an advanced estimate yields an initial energy density in $\sqrt{s}=7$ and 8 TeV p+p collisions at LHC around or above the critical energy density from lattice QCD, and a corresponding initial temperature above the critical temperature from QCD and the Hagedorn temperature. This suggests that the collision energy of the LHC corresponds to a large enough initial energy density to create a non-hadronic perfect fluid even in pp collisions. %We also show, that several times the %critical energy density may have been reached in high multiplicity events, hinting at a non-hadronic medium created in %high multiplicity $\sqrt{s}=7$ and 8 TeV p+p collisions.

Translation of basic animal research to find effective methods of diagnosing and treating human neurological disorders requires parallel analysis infrastructures. Small animals such as mice provide exploratory animal disease models. However, many interventions developed using small animal models fail to translate to human use due to physical or biological differences. Recently, large-animal minipigs have emerged in neuroscience due to both brain similarity and economic advantages. Medical image processing is a crucial part of research as it allows researchers to monitor their experiments and understand disease development. However, although many algorithms are created and optimized for MR analysis of human data, those tools are not directly applicable or sufficiently sensitive to measure minipig data. In this work, we propose PigSNIPE - a pipeline for the automated handling, processing, and analyzing of large-scale data sets of minipig MR images. The pipeline allows for image registration, AC-PC alignment, landmark detection, skull stripping, brainmasks and intracranial volume segmentation (DICE 0.98), tissue segmentation (DICE 0.82), and caudate-putamen brain segmentation (DICE 0.8) in under two minutes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first automated pipeline tool aimed at large animal images.

P versus NP is considered as one of the most fundamental open problems in computer science. This consists in knowing the answer of the following question: Is P equal to NP? It was essentially mentioned in 1955 from a letter written by John Nash to the United States National Security Agency. However, a precise statement of the P versus NP problem was introduced independently by Stephen Cook and Leonid Levin. Since that date, all efforts to find a proof for this problem have failed. Another major complexity class is NP-complete. It is well-known that P is equal to NP under the assumption of the existence of a polynomial time algorithm for some NP-complete. We show that the Monotone Weighted Xor 2-satisfiability problem (MWX2SAT) is NP-complete and P at the same time. Certainly, we make a polynomial time reduction from every directed graph and positive integer k in the K-CLOSURE problem to an instance of MWX2SAT. In this way, we show that MWX2SAT is also an NP-complete problem. Moreover, we create and implement a polynomial time algorithm which decides the instances of MWX2SAT. Consequently, we prove that P = NP.

This work explores state-of-the-art approaches for stabilizing an inverted pendulum on a cart system, which has been used for over a century to demonstrate ideas in nonlinear and linear control theory, owing to its simple practical implementation yet complex system dynamics. We introduce energy-based control methods and propose a simple linear controller to quickly force the system to the downward equilibrium before swing-up. By constraining the system to start from a stable equilibrium configuration, the problem of global stability is reduced to ensuring that the system can follow all heteroclinic orbits that start very close to the downward equilibrium. Multiple Lyapunov functions are employed to ensure non-zero tracking, increasing the system's domain of attraction than is achieved by traditional controllers based on a single Lyapunov function. We stabilize our inverted pendulum system in the upright configuration through pole placement using a linear quadratic regulator known for fast settling times and smooth system response and through sliding mode controllers known for their robustness to disturbances and model uncertainties. While sliding mode controllers exhibit faster stabilization of the pendulum angle, they fail to stabilize the cart position in a reasonable amount of time. The paper concludes by suggesting various controller techniques that can enhance the swing-up and stabilization controller architectures, leaving room for future exploration. To facilitate further research and education, an open-source MATLAB simulation code is provided, encapsulating the system dynamics and controller designs. This resource offers flexibility for customization, making it a valuable tool for both researchers and educators working with inverted pendulum systems.

Groundwater modeling is a useful tool for assessing sustainability in water resources planning. However, groundwater models are difficult to construct in regions with limited data availability. We illustrated how remote sensing data can be used leverage limited in situ data to build and calibrate a regional groundwater model in the Goulbi Maradi alluvial aquifer in Southern Niger in Western Africa. We used data from the NASA Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission to estimate recharge rates, the primary source of water to the aquifer. Additionally, we incorporated groundwater storage changes obtained from GRACE data from 2009 to 2021 to establish an overall water budget from which we could back-calculate groundwater withdrawals from pumping in the region. This approach allowed us to calibrate the model and then convert it to a predictive tool to analyze the impact of various assumptions about future recharge and groundwater extraction patterns associated with the development of groundwater infrastruction in the region. The results indicate that the Goulbi Maradi alluvial aquifer is sustainable, even an increase of groundwater extraction up to 28%.

A series of dinuclear copper(I) N,C,N- and P,C,P-carbodiphosphorane (CDP) complexes using multidentate ligands CDP(Py)2 (1) and (CDP(CH2PPh2)2 (13) have been isolated and characterized. Detailed structural information was gained by single crystal XRD analyses of nine representative examples. The common structural motive is the central double ylidic carbon atom with its characteristic two lone-pairs involved into binding of two geminal L-Cu(I) fragments at Cu-Cu distances in the range 2.55 – 2.67 Å. In order to enhance conformational rigidity within the characteristic Cu-C-Cu triangle, two types of chelating side arms were symmetrically attached to each phosphorus atom: two 2-pyridyl functions in ligand CDP(Py)2 (1) and its dinuclear copper complexes 2-9 and 11, as well as two diphenylphosphinomethylene functions in ligand CDP(CH2PPh2)2 (13) and its di- and mononuclear complexes 14-18. Neutral complexes were typically obtained via reaction of 1 with Cu(I) species CuCl, CuI, and CuSPh or via salt elimination reaction of [(CuCl)2(CDP(Py)2] (2) with sodium carbazolate. Cationic Cu(I) complexes were prepared upon treating 1 with two equivalents of [Cu(NCMe)4]PF6, followed by the addition of either two equivalent of an aryl phosphine (PPh3, P(C6H4OMe)3) or one equivalent of a bisphosphine ligands DPEPhos, XantPhos or dppf. For the first time carbodiphosphorane CDP(CH2PPh2)2 (13) could be isolated upon treating its precursor [CH(dppm)2]Cl (12) with NaNH2 in liquid NH3. A protonated and a deprotonated derivative of ligand 13 were prepared and their coordination was compared to neutral CDP ligand 13. NMR analysis and DFT calculations reveal, that the most stable tautomer of 13 does not show a CDP (or carbone) structure in its uncoordinated base form. For most of the prepared complexes, photoluminescence upon irradiation with UV light at room temperature was observed. Quantum yields (PL) were determined to 36% for dicationic [(CuPPh3)2(CDP(Py)2)](PF6)2 (4) and to 60% for neutral [(CuSPh)2(CDP(CH2PPh2)2] (16).

Long Covid (LC), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are all loosely connected, some poorly defined, some with overlapping symptoms. The female preponderance, the prominence of fatigue and chronic inflammation, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) abnormalities may connect them all. Indeed differential methylation may lie at the root. Two - EDS and MTHFR - are genetic. But epigenetic factors may ultimately determine their phenotypic expression. Oxidative stress, overloaded mitochondria, an antioxidant and nutrient shortfall, and suboptimal gut microbiome appear to be the primary determinants. A deep dive into the folate and methionine cycles is undertaken in an attempt to connect these syndromes. The active forms of vitamin D and vitamins B2,3,6,9,12 are shown to be biochemically integral to optimal methylation and control of the epigenome. Their status largely determines the symptoms of abnormal MTHFR in all its phenotypes. The wider implications for aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and autoimmune disease are briefly explored.

A previous report showed that the urine output of HPLBII-P in patients with diabetes mellitus and SARS-Cov-2 infection was increased as a sign of glomerular dysfunction. . The aim of this report was to investigate the relation of urine output of HPLBII-P to diabetes mellitus in two large community-based elderly populations i.e. the ULSAM and PIVUS cohorts. Methods HPLBII-P was measured by ELISA in the urine of a community-based cohort of 839 men (ULSAM) collected at 77 years of age and in urine of a community-based cohort of 75-year-old men, n=387, and women, n=401 (PIVUS). KIM-1, NGAL and Albumin were measured in urine and Cathepsin S and Cystatin C in serum. Results HPLBII-P was significantly raised among males with diabetes in the ULSAM (p

Artocarpus camansi Blanco or breadnut (Family: Moraceae) is primarily found in tropical regions of the world. Different parts of the plant provide potential use in medicine, nutraceutical development, and livelihood. The present review attempts to document literature on the traditional use, nutritional value, phytochemistry, and pharmacological investigation carried out with breadnuts. The included literatures of the plant were collected from various sources and databases like Google scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Crossref, and Scopus. Breadnuts are rich in secondary metabolites. Studies have reported the isolation of several triterpenoid compounds and the broad spectrum of its pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties. The approximate composition of the seed and the fruit also highlights the nutritional importance of this plant. A. camansi Blanco is an underutilized tree that holds significant potential if further research and sustainable conservation is applied. Efforts to mainstream its use as functional food and increase awareness among the locals should also be given attention.

Information on the nutritive value and in vitro fermentation characteristics of native shrubs in New Zealand is scant. This is despite their potential as alternatives to exotic trees and shrubs for sup-plementary fodder, and mitigation of greenhouse gas and soil erosion on hill country sheep and beef farms. The objectives of this study were to measure the in vitro fermentation gas production, predict parameters of in vitro fermentation kinetics and to estimate in vitro fermentation of volatile fatty acids (VFA), microbial biomass (MBM) and greenhouse gases of four native shrubs (Coprosma robusta, Griselinia littoralis, Hoheria populnea and Pittosporum crassifolium) and an exotic fodder tree species, Salix schwerinii. Total in vitro gas production was higher (p<0.05) for natives than S. schwerinii. Prediction using the single pool model resulted in biologically incorrect negative in vitro total gas production from the immediately soluble fraction of the native shrubs. However, the dual pool model better predicted in vitro total gas production and was in alignment with measured in vitro fermentation end products. In vitro VFA and greenhouse gas production from fermentation of leaf and stem material were higher (p<0.05), and MBM lower (p<0.05), for native shrubs com-pared to S. schwerinii. The lower in vitro total gas production, VFA and greenhouse gases produc-tion, and higher MBM of S. schwerinii may be explained by the presence of condensed tannins (CT), although this was not measured and requires further study. In conclusion, results from this study suggests that when consumed by ruminant livestock, the browsable native shrubs can provide adequate energy and microbial protein, and that greenhouse gas production from these species is within ranges reported for typical New Zealand pastures.

Abstract: A primary action of vitamin D is regulation of gene transcription. Many cell types possess genes that make antimicrobial peptides (AMPS) (endogenous antibiotics), recently discovered to be regulated by vitamin D. Two examples are cathelicidin and beta defensins, both bioactive against many different bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, parasites and viruses. The signal transduction pathway is triggered by sensing microorganisms via cell surface receptors, causing intracellular production of calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D) and vitamin D receptors, leading to upregulation of AMP production. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations required to sustain adequate AMP production to eradicate infections are unknown. Vitamin D3 is photosynthesized in skin in amounts ranging from 10,000 (250 mcg) to 25,000 (625 mcg) International Units (IU) from 7-dehydrocholesterol after whole-body exposure to one minimal erythemal dose (MED) of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, and is impacted by many factors including geographic localities, seasonal changes and skin pigmentation. We and others have reported extended daily oral dosing with these amounts of vitamin D3 safe. We routinely observe serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 20ng/ml on new admissions, which have been reported insufficient to sustain AMP production. In contrast serum 25(OH)D concentrations above 100ng/ml have been reported after serial UVB treatments for psoriasis. Little vitamin D naturally occurs in food, and insufficient sun exposure may be causing worldwide deficiency. We review evidence suggesting that higher daily intakes of vitamin D3 than the currently recommended 600 (15 mcg) IU/day may be necessary to sustain AMP production in the face of an overwhelming infection, particularly in non-Hispanic blacks, a high risk population suffering the worst outcomes from COVID-19. We propose that increased vitamin D supplementation could provide a safe and cost-effective way to protect all populations from infections, in particular those from pandemic COVID-19.

“All diseases originate in the gut.” Hippocrates (400 BC) A healthy gut microbiome via the gut-brain-axis (GBA) elevates heart rate variability (HRV), a general measure of health and well-being. A dysbiotic gut microbiome, low in biodiversity and butyrate producers, alters tryptophan metabolism with release of proinflammatory cytokines, predominantly TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. These also characterize chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and a multitude of diseases, all exhibiting low HRV. Gut dysbiosis upregulates IFN-γ and with it IDO (indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase). Tryptophan pivots from serotonin synthesis to that of IDO induced kynurenine, increasing the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (KTR). An elevated KTR is positively linked to neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases and negatively linked to HRV. Elevated IDO activity is not only enzymatic but also an intracellular signal transducer potentiated by TGF-β. This cytokine is the primary determinant of the TME. Also proposed is the gut-lung dysbiosis concept and consequent degradation of ACE2 (richest in lungs and gut). Leaky gut induced autoantibodies related to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in combination with increased Ang II further potentiate oxidative stress. Aldosterone and paroxysmal orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) paradoxes are highlighted in the context of GPCR and gut dysbiosis, and the role of Candida is explored. The triple play of a prebiotic (d-mannose), probiotic (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), and postbiotic (butyrate) might improve intestinal barrier integrity, oppose entry of GPCR antigens, suppress the inflammatory cytokine triad, balance IFN-γ and TGF-β, suppress oxidative stress, depress KTR, elevate HRV, and extend lifespan and its quality.

In the rapidly evolving field of sentiment analysis, the introduction of Transformer-based architectures, particularly the BERT model, has markedly improved accuracy levels, setting new standards in the analysis of textual sentiment. These advancements have been instrumental in enhancing the model's ability to grasp the nuances and complexities inherent in human language, thereby providing deeper insights into the sentiment expressed in various texts. However, the impressive performance of such deep learning models comes at the cost of increased computational demands and a lack of transparency in their decision-making processes. These challenges have reignited interest in rule-based sentiment analysis methods, which utilize sentiment lexicons for a more straightforward and computationally economical approach to determining text sentiment. Despite being overshadowed by the rise of machine learning models in recent years, these lexicon-based methods possess distinct advantages, including ease of interpretation and lower resource requirements, making them particularly appealing for certain applications. This paper seeks to re-evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of two prominent lexicon-based sentiment analysis methods, SO-CAL and SentiStrength, which have been specifically adapted for the language, in light of the advancements represented by Transformer-based models like SentBERT. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, we examine the performance of these methodologies in contrast to SentBERT across an extensive collection of 16 text corpora, spanning a variety of genres and contexts. Our findings reveal a nuanced landscape of performance, where SentBERT's advanced capabilities typically afford it a significant advantage in accurately capturing sentiment. Nevertheless, in a surprising turn, the SO-CAL method exhibits exceptional performance on a substantial portion of the datasets, underscoring the continuing value and potential of lexicon-based approaches in sentiment analysis. This study not only highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both deep learning and lexicon-based methods but also opens the door for future hybrid approaches that could leverage the best of both worlds to achieve even greater accuracy and efficiency in sentiment analysis tasks.

The application of graph theory in chemical and molecular structure research far exceeds people's expectations, and it has recently grown exponentially. In the molecular graph, atoms are represented by vertices and bonded by edges. In this report, we study the silicon-carbon Si₂C₃-I[p,q] and Si₂C₃-II[p,q]. We compute several Zagreb polynomials and Redefined Zagreb indices of these silicon-carbons.

The fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors are starting to advocate the use of flow chemistry due to reasons such as EHS, environmental, efficiency, cost saving and regulatory compliance. The use of trickle bed or fixed bed system could replace a batch autoclave typically used for hydrogenation reactions. However, there are few studies which detail the process from laboratory proof of concept through design to commercial realization. This study, using the production of 1,3-cyclohexanedione from catalytic hydrogenation of resorcinol as a case study demonstrates how the laboratory-scale recycle trickle bed can be used for catalyst screening and selection. Further, design data are generated by operation over a range of design superficial velocities and operating pressure that are used to derive a design correlation that is then used to specify a single stream plant at a level of definition consistent with a Preliminary Design for capital cost estimation. Finally, the further actions required in terms of data generation to increase the level of definition and confidence to a Sanction Grade or Final Design are discussed.

A good optical quality crystal of 2-aminopyridine (2AP) metal complex crystals was grown by slow evaporation technique at room temperature. The transparent and defect less bulk size of 2-aminopyridine potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate metal complex crystals have been grown by solution growth method. The molecular structure and morphology of grown crystals was drawn and planes are indexed using WINXMORPH software. A optical absorption spectrum, the UV cut-off wavelength, Band gap (Eg), Reflectance (R), Refractive Index (n), Extinction coefficient (K) and Electrical susceptibility (χc) are calculated for 2AP metal complex crystals.

Background: The efficacy of sunscreen is evaluated by SPF values, which are quantitatively determined in laboratories on the backs of human subjects according to a standardized procedure. However, SPF cannot be directly translated to sunburn protection under real-life situations because actual efficacy depends on various factors related to human behaviors and environmental conditions. This study clinically evaluated the efficacy of two sunscreen sprays (SPF 30 and SPF 70) under natural sunlight exposure on healthy subjects at the beach. Methods: Twenty subjects were divided into two cells for the two sunscreen sprays (SPF 70 and SPF 30) in a single-center, actual usage test. The primary endpoint of the study was sunburn protection on the dorsal arms and the secondary endpoint was protection on the face and neck. Subjects stayed at the beach for 4 h after application of the sunscreens with normal beach activities. Subjects’ behavior at the beach, the amounts of sunscreen applied and reapplied, and environmental conditions were all recorded. Results: There was no significant sunburn for a majority of the subjects in either cell. However, neither sunscreen completely blocked the sunburn, especially for the face/neck area. We found that the SPF 70 sunscreen was more effective than the SPF 30 sunscreen. Conclusion: Modern sunscreen sprays, applied liberally, are effective in providing sunburn protection for the body in a beach setting.