Hybrid Applications Research Articles

Hybrid passive cooling: towards the next breakthrough of radiative sky cooling technology

A critical review of the regulatory mechanisms, structural design, cooling performance, and applications of hybrid cooling to advance its commercial use in passive cooling.

Procedimento online de incentivo à leitura em crianças com dificuldades escolares e seus responsáveis, durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT School is the main environment for the formal promotion of literacy and it is the first step to the world of reading. However, with the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, pedagogical activities had to be suspended or adapted to the remote model, causing harm to all students, and notably to those who already had school difficulties, especially those related to reading. Proficiency and the habit of reading are important conditions for academic development. Studies have shown that the application of strategies in the family context and the use of digital platforms, with the purpose of sharing readings, are practices that promote the reading habit. Therefore, the present study aimed to report the experiences of applying an online procedure to encourage reading in children with school difficulties and their respective guardians (six dyads), using a specific digital platform for sharing readings. The results obtained include a behavioral change in the children towards solid reading habits, a change in mothers' daily attitudes in the family environment towards encouraging reading, and mothers’ encouraging behaviors when sharing their children’s reading. The experiences reported were promising and, to further consolidate the findings, new studies are suggested with a sample size that allows statistical analyses, longitudinal studies and also with a possible face-to-face or hybrid application of the procedure.

Design and Implementation of High-Efficiency and Compact Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Power System

This paper proposes a high-efficiency and compact fuel cell–battery hybrid power system without DC/DC converters. Generally, fuel cells supply power to charge lithium batteries or loads using DC/DC converters. The disadvantages of a DC/DC converter are its complex design, poor efficiency, and large volume. Therefore, improvements in the volume, weight, and efficiency are the main objectives of the proposed topology, which is suitable for stable operation in power equipment. This paper proposes a novel topology without DC/DC converters for a fuel cell–battery hybrid forklift system and analyzes, discusses, and verifies it with experimental measurements. Additionally, the proposed topology uses an average charging method to charge the Li-ion battery. The dynamic response of fuel cells is slower than that of Li-ion batteries. By properly configuring the voltages of a fuel cell and a lithium battery, we propose a hybrid system that can maintain a stable output and high efficiency in different operating modes without DC/DC converters. Detailed efficiency calculations and comparisons reveal that the method proposed in this paper achieves an efficiency increase of 5.36% compared with traditional approaches, while maintaining a set charging current. The proposed topology and charging method are verified with experiments on a 10 kW fuel cell–battery system, and the results indicate that the proposed method without DC/DC converters is more suitable for hybrid applications than traditional methods. The proposed system achieves optimal efficiency of 98.27%, surpassing the performance of a traditional hybrid system employing regulated DC/DC converters. Additionally, the system incorporates a mechanism to achieve constant current control, ensuring precise control over the desired charging current. The error in the desired charging current, determined through the average charging method, is 5%.

Engineered Bacillus subtilis Biofilm@Biochar living materials for in-situ sensing and bioremediation of heavy metal ions pollution

The simultaneous sensing and remediation of multiple heavy metal ions in wastewater or soil with microorganisms is currently a significant challenge. In this study, the microorganism Bacillus subtilis was used as a chassis organism to construct two genetic circuits for sensing and adsorbing heavy-metal ions. The engineered biosensor can sense three heavy metal ions (0.1–75 μM of Pb2+ and Cu2+, 0.01–3.5 μM of Hg2+) in situ real-time with high sensitivity. The engineered B. subtilis TasA-metallothionein (TasA-MT) biofilm can specifically adsorb metal ions from the environment, exhibiting remarkable removal efficiencies of 99.5% for Pb2+, 99.9% for Hg2+and 99.5% for Cu2+ in water. Furthermore, this engineered strain (as a biosensor and absorber of Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+) was incubated with biochar to form a hybrid biofilm@biochar (BBC) material that could be applied in the bioremediation of heavy metal ions. The results showed that BBC material not only significantly reduced exchangeable Pb2+ in the soil but also reduced Pb2+ accumulation in maize plants. In addition, it enhanced maize growth and biomass. In conclusion, this study examined the potential applications of biosensors and hybrid living materials constructed using sensing and adsorption circuits in B. subtilis, providing rapid and cost-effective tools for sensing and remediating multiple heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+).

Multi-dimensional hybrid potential stochastic resonance and application of bearing fault diagnosis

Stochastic resonance is a method to enhance weak signal by using noise, which has a wide range of applications in weak signal detection. In order to further investigate the application of multi-dimensional coupling stochastic resonance in practical engineering, a Multi-dimensional Double connection coupling Hybrid Potential Stochastic Resonance (MDHPSR) system is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the potential functions of bi-stable and tri-stable are briefly described, and the tri-stable system having a higher output amplitude. Secondly, the effect of different coupling methods on the output of the central and adjacent coupling ends are studied, and the output amplitude of double connection coupling is higher. Then, the double connection coupling of different potential functions is studied, and MDHPSR system effect is the best. Compared with Multi-dimensional Double connection Classical Bi-stable Stochastic Resonance (MDCBSR) system, MDHPSR system has better anti-noise performance. Finally, applying the two multi-dimensional coupling systems to bearing fault diagnosis, MDHPSR system output amplitude is higher and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is improved by more than 3 dB. This demonstrates the superior performance of MDHPSR system for weak signal detection and the value of the multi-dimensional coupling system for practical engineering applications.

Tailoring Electrical Properties in Carbon Nanomaterial Patterns with Multimaterial Aerosol Jet Printing.

Multimaterial aerosol jet printing offers a unique capability to freely mix inks with different chemical compositions in the aerosol phase, enabling one-step digital fabrication with tailored compositions or functionally graded structures, including in the x-y plane. Here, in situ mixing of two carbon nanomaterial inks with distinct electrical properties is demonstrated. By tailoring the mixing ratio of the constituent inks, electrical conductivity is modulated by 130×, and sheet resistance values for a single pass span approximately 2 orders of magnitude. The ability to manufacture components with tailored electrical properties offers significant value for hybrid and flexible electronic device applications, such as microelectronics packaging. Moreover, grading properties within a part provides a new dimension of design freedom for complex assemblies.

Numerical modelling of a high temperature borehole thermal energy storage system: Norway case study

Global warming is threatening life on earth. Utilising renewable energy is considered as the most effective measure to minimise anthropogenic CO2 emissions. High-temperature borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) systems have a world-wide potential to reduce energy consumption, increase energy utilisation of waste heat and provide efficient seasonal heat storage. Hybrid application of BTES and solar energy leads to net zero emissions. In this study HT-BTES is evaluated for seasonal thermal heat storage and recovery. To this end, a CMG STARS model was built and validated using the existing 100-wells BTES system in Norway. Then, the model was used to evaluate BTES thermal performance and thermal recovery efficiency. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to study the dynamics of storage temperature in the BTES under different operating conditions, such as heat carrier flow rate, injection temperature, and charging period. Results of this case study show that the model-predicted temperatures during charging and discharging are in good agreement with the existing BTES system. In 5 years of operation, 35.5% of the heat injected into the BTES system was recovered, while the significant heat remained in the borehole region and lost to surrounding rock (64.5%). BTES was found very sensitive to flow rate, the charging period and injection temperature. Borehole depth has a minimal effect on BTES storage temperature at constant studied injection temperature.

Application of array comparative genomic hybridization in clinical diagnostics of intellectual disability/developmental delay in children

Background: This study was designed to analyze and evaluate the potential pathogenic genomic imbalance in children with unexplained intellectual disability (ID) and/or developmental delay (DD) and its association with phenotypes, and to investigate the value of array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). Methods: A total of 72 Children with ID/DD were evaluated by array-CGH for detection of genomic copy number variations (CNVs). Results: The results of the array-CGH revealed that 10(14%) of the 72 patients had pathogenic CNVs, in that six cases had pathogenic CNV in a single chromosome, 2 cases had multiple microdeletions and 2 cases had combined microdeletion and microduplication, 2 cases had pathogenic CNVs in chromosome 1p36 and Xq28 region. One case had variation of unknown significance in chromosome region 15q11.2. Large bands of copy neutral loss of heterozygosity were detected in 2 cases comprising more than 10% of genome. Conclusions: Array-CGH being a high-throughput and rapid tool, allows for the etiological diagnosis in some of the children with unexplained ID/DD.

Recent Progress of Vertical Graphene: Preparation, Structure Engineering, and Emerging Energy Applications.

Vertical graphene (VG) nanosheets have garnered significant attention in the field of electrochemical energy applications, such as supercapacitors, electro-catalysis, and metal-ion batteries. The distinctive structures of VG, including vertically oriented morphology, exposed, and extended edges, and separated few-layer graphene nanosheets, have endowed VG with superior electrode reaction kinetics and mass/electron transportation compared to other graphene-based nanostructures. Therefore, gaining insight into the structure-activity relationship of VG and VG-based materials is crucial for enhancing device performance and expanding their applications in the energy field. In this review, the authors first summarize the fabrication methods of VG structures, including solution-based, and vacuum-based techniques. The study then focuses on structural modulations through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to tailor defects and morphology, aiming to obtain desirable architectures. Additionally, a comprehensive overview of the applications of VG and VG-based hybrids d in the energy field is provided, considering the arrangement and optimization of their structures. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of VG-based energy-related applications are discussed.

Algorithm efficiency and hybrid applications of quantum computing

With the development of science and technology, it is difficult for traditional computers to solve cutting-edge problems due to the lack of computing power, and the importance of quantum computers is increasing day by day. This article starts with the simple principle of quantum computing, introduces the most advanced quantum computing instruments and quantum computing algorithms, and points out the application prospects in medicine, chemistry and other fields. This paper explains the basic principles of quantum computing algorithms, their efficiency over traditional algorithms, and focuses on the Shor algorithm and its variations. In terms of applications, the quantum computer Zu Chongzhi and its contribution to the sampling problem of quantum random circuits are introduced. This paper makes a certain analysis of the limitations of quantum computing, and gives the future development goals in a targeted manner. Besides, we summarize popular quantum computing algorithms and applications, and make contributions to the promotion and development of quantum computing. Overall, these results shed light on guiding further exploration of how to improve the computational efficiency of quantum computers.

Giant irreversibility of the inverse magnetocaloric effect in the Ni47Mn40Sn12.5Cu0.5 Heusler alloy

Direct studies of the adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad) in the Ni47Mn40Sn12.5Cu0.5 Heusler alloy in steady magnetic fields up to 8 T by the extraction method and in pulsed magnetic fields up to 50 T were carried out in this paper. The alloy Ni47Mn40Sn12.5Cu0.5 demonstrates a magnetostructural phase transition (MSPT) of the first order in the 254–283 K temperature range as well as a second order phase transition near the Curie temperature TC = 313 K. An inverse magnetocaloric effect (MCE) was found in the region of the MSPT, and it reaches the maximum value ΔTad = −12 K in 20 T at the initial temperature T0 = 275 K. The irreversible part of the MCE reached ΔTir = −10 K when the field is completely removed. We consider the dynamics of the MCE in the vicinity of the MSPT and discuss the mechanisms that cause the giant irreversibility of the MCE as well as the possibilities of its application in hybrid cooling systems.

Design and Analysis of Power Converter Topologies in Fuel Cell Applications.

The global transition from carbon-based fuel to cleaner energy sources has brought an application of hydrogen as fuel in multiple hybrid applications from backup power to onboard power sources, especially in the automobile industry. The application in the fuel cell hybrid system brings the integration of fuel cells with Lithium-Ion batteries and ultracapacitors. The efficient and reliable operation of the vehicle drivetrain highly depends on the power control mechanisms integrated with the system. Power converters play a significant role in converting the DC to DC or AC and AC to DC which maintains the power supply driving the hybrid power transmission system and other vehicle auxiliary loads. Fuel cell vehicles require high efficiency of the converters to optimize fuel consumption in various operating conditions. The paper introduces various topologies of Power electronic converters used in hybrid applications along with their pros and cons in various switching techniques adopted. The different power electronic converters are modeled in MATLAB-SIMULINK and comparative analysis has been performed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the system.

A Security-constrained Unit Commitment-based Optimal Battery Usage Pattern Model

This paper discusses multiple strategies of security-constrained unit commitment (SCUC)-based optimal battery usage pattern models to drive the charging and discharging of different batteries and help the operation cycles satisfy their preferences according to battery characteristics. Previous studies mainly focus on either battery storage integration as a controllable resource into the grid with high penetration of renewable energy, or battery degradation costs as additional terms in the objective function of SCUC. In comparison, this paper first considers whether battery operation cycles satisfy their preferences according to specific battery characteristics. It discusses a full charging/discharging strategy for Ni-Cd batteries, which have a memory effect and prefer deep cycles. Then, the paper explores a shallow cycle strategy for Lithium-ion, lead acid, and Ni-H batteries, which have no memory effect and prefer shallow cycles for long service life. Subsequently, it is extended to a hybrid strategy when batteries with/without memory effects are at the same node. The proposed model minimizes the total operation cost of SCUC while including the penalties for battery usage strategies. The original problem is a mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) one, and then it can be mathematically converted into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) one. Consequently, the models with multiple strategies are tested through IEEE 6-node power system. Computational results show that, compared to the base case without any strategy, the proposed optimal battery usage pattern approaches have an advantage in driving Ni-Cd batteries toward deep cycles, guiding Lithium-ion batteries towards shallow cycles, and improving the flexibility of performance with hybrid applications.

Tying a knot between crown ethers and porphyrins.

Porphyrins and crown ether hybrids have emerged as a promising class of molecules composed of elements of a tetrapyrrole macrocycle and an oligo(ethylene glycol) segment. These hybrid systems constitute a broad group of compounds, including crowned porphyrins, crownphyrins, and calixpyrrole-crown ether systems forming Pacman complexes with transition metals. Their unique nature accustoms them as excellent ligands and hosts capable of binding guest molecules/ions, but also to undergo unusual transformations, such as metal-induced expansion/contraction. Depending on the design of the particular hybrid, they present unique features involving intriguing redox chemistry, interesting optical properties, and reactivity towards transition metals. In this perspective article, the overview of both the early designs of porphyrin-crown ether hybrids, as well as the most recent advances in the synthesis and characterisation of this remarkable group of macrocyclic systems, are addressed. The discussion covers the strategies employed in synthesising these systems, including cyclisation reactions, self-assembly, and their remarkable reactivity. The potential applications of porphyrin-crown ether hybrids are also highlighted. Moreover, the discussion identifies the challenges associated with synthesising and characterising hybrids, outlining the possible future directions.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of a novel fertility restorer gene for C-type cytoplasmic male sterility in maize (Zea mays L.).

A novel strong fertility restorer gene Rf12 for C-type cytoplasmic male sterility of maize was finely mapped on chromosome 2. Its best candidate gene Zm00001d007531 is predicted to encode a p-type PPR protein. The lack of strong restorer gene of maize CMS-C greatly limits its application in hybrid seed production. Therefore, the cloning of maize CMS-C novel strong restorer genes is necessary. In this study, a strong restorer line ZH91 for maize CMS-C was found, and the novel restorer gene named Rf12 in ZH91 had been mapped in a 146kb physical interval on maize chromosome 2. Using the third-generation high-throughput sequencing (ONT), the whole genome sequence of ZH91 was got, and with integrating the annotation information of the reference genome B73_RefGen_v4 and B73_RefGen_v5, four candidate genes were predicted in ZH91 within the mapping region. Then using gene cloning, stranded specific RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR analysis and subcellular localization, Zm00001d007531 was identified as the most likely candidate gene of Rf12. Zm00001d007531 encodes a p-type PPR protein with 19 PPR motifs and targets mitochondria and chloroplast. Stranded specific RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR results both show that the expression of Zm00001d007531 between anthers of near-isogenic lines C478Rf12Rf12 and C478rf12rf12 was significantly difference in pollen mother cell stage. And the result of sequence alignment for Zm00001d007531 gene in 60 materials showed that there are twelve SNPs in CDS region of Zm00001d007531 were tightly linked to the fertility. The finding of a novel strong restorer germplasm resource ZH91 for maize CMS-C can greatly promote the application of maize CMS-C line in maize hybrid seeds production, and the identification of candidate gene Zm00001d007531 can accelerate the backcrossing process of maize CMS-C strong restorer gene Rf12 to some extent.

Site selection modeling of hybrid renewable energy facilities using suitability index in spatial planning

The research focuses on how hybrid renewable energy facilities can be addressed within the spatial planning system by adopting an approach that minimizes the problems related to the sustainability of energy. The study aims to develop a spatial model based on parameters for the site selection processes of hybrid renewable energy facilities relying on wind, solar, and biomass energy sources within the spatial planning system in Turkey. The integration of fuzzy logic approach and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools has been proposed to establish a spatially applicable methodological framework. The methodology focuses on the neighborhood scale in terms of planning level and covers the Karatay district, where the hybrid renewable energy potential is high. The research findings indicate that the GAMMA operator used in the methodology provides the most optimal areas with a value of γ = 0.90 and generates site selections for hybrid renewable energy facilities based on the source with the highest suitability index in single-source utilization. Additionally, the operator determines the best alternative in terms of resources in different hybrid scenarios. In this context conducted in Karatay district, it was found that the highest suitability index in terms of hybrid applications is associated with biomass-solar energy combinations.

Exploring exotic configurations with anomalous features with deep learning: Application of classical and quantum-classical hybrid anomaly detection

Exploring exotic configurations with anomalous features with deep learning: Application of classical and quantum-classical hybrid anomaly detection

Optimal Power Quality Enhancement using a Radial Distribution System with an Improved Unified Power Quality Conditioner

Massive electric power distribution over long distances with consequential Power Quality (PQ) challenges such as voltage sags and power losses are some of the significant attributes of a Radial Distribution Network (RDN). Deployment of Power Angle Regulated (PAR) based Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in a distribution network is also securing attraction because of the latest recorded achievements and improvements in Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) built power electronic systems. However, optimal allocation of this kind of device to mitigate PQ problems remains a challenge for achieving set objectives. Consequently, this study considers the best possible allocation of PAR and Improved-UPQC know as I-UPQC in the distribution network to enhance power network performance. The identification of optimal location is achieved through the application of hybridization of the Genetic Algorithm and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (GA & IPSO). The deterministic approach is based on the weight factor of various objective functions. The allocation is attained with a selection of reactive power control between inverter connected in parallel and series and control angle variables of the device through its dynamic involvement of total system loss derivatives. Performances of the I-UPQC based distribution system during diverse power transfers are observed. Convergence characteristic of deterministic approach at different disturbance percentages is analyzed and presented. Imaginary power circulation enhanced the voltage-associated challenges at the range of 0.949 to 0.9977. Hence, power dissipation minimized to 1.15 percent compared to the initial 3.35 percent, according to results of I-UPQC allocation in RDN utilizing mathematical and optimization technique. Additionally, the network losses, voltage dip, and minimum bus voltage profile all fall within the regulatory standards of less than 2%, 5%, and 5%, correspondingly. Also, the performance of the compensated network for both ordinary and optimized scenarios indicated the fitness of the projected method in accomplishing an operational optimization of RDN, specifically for voltage profile (VP) improvement and I-UPQC's series and shunt inverter share imaginary power.

Outcomes and comparison of dosimetric parameters between intracavitary (Fletcher) and combined intracavitary/interstitial (Utrecht) brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer

To report outcomes of combined intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) in locally advanced cervical cancer, and to compare its dosimetric parameters with intracavitary-only (IC) brachytherapy in a first-in-country experience. Between January 2021 and September 2022, a total of 160 insertions were done in 40 patients with FIGO IB3-IVA cervical cancer undergoing IGBT using a hybrid (Utrecht) applicator. Corresponding treatment plans for IC brachytherapy were generated during treatment, and optimized. A preplanned comparison of dosimetric parameters, defined in GEC-ESTRO was conducted. The clinical use of a hybrid IC/IS applicator was feasible in all insertions. An average of 14 needles were inserted in each patient over four fractions. Mean HR-CTV D90 and D98 was 86 (SD 1.9) Gy and 75.7 (SD 2.3) Gy using hybrid applicator, and 80 (SD 5.4) Gy and 69.8 (SD 5.2) Gy using IC applicator, with a mean dose gain of 6.0 (SD 5.0) Gy and 5.9 (SD 4.7) Gy (p <0.001), respectively. Likewise, mean D2cc for bladder and sigmoid were significantly lower in the hybrid technique. Mean contribution of brachytherapy to total HR-CTV D90 (in absolute EQD2 Gy) was 41.7 Gy using IC/IS applicator while 35.7 Gy for IC-only applicator (p = 0.027). Clinical response at 12 weeks showed an overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates of 92.5% and 77.5%, respectively. IGBT using a hybrid IC/IS applicator showed excellent tolerability and yielded favorable results, resulting in significant dosimetric improvement in terms of primary target dose, and sparing OARs.

Application of Ha-CoV-2 Pseudovirus for Rapid Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Neutralizing Antibodies.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) has highlighted the need for rapid assays to accurately measure the infectivity of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and the effectiveness of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against viral variants. These assays are essential for pandemic surveillance and validating vaccines and variant-specific boosters. This manuscript demonstrates the application of a novel hybrid alphavirus-SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (Ha-CoV-2) for quick quantification of SARS-CoV-2 variant infectivity and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies to viral variants. Ha-CoV-2 is a SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle consisting of viral structural proteins (S, M, N, and E) and a fast-expressing RNA genome derived from an alphavirus, Semliki Forest Virus (SFV). Ha-CoV-2 also contains both green fluorescent protein (GFP) and luciferase reporter genes that allow for quick quantification of viral infectivity. As an example, the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) and the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants are quantified, and their sensitivities to a neutralizing antibody (27VB) are also measured. These examples demonstrate the great potential of Ha-CoV-2 as a robust platform for rapid quantification of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies.