Central Axis Research Articles

BeM(CO)3- (M = Co, Rh, Ir) and BeM(CO)3 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt): Triply bonded terminal beryllium in zero oxidation state.

We perform detailed potential energy surface explorations of BeM(CO)3- (M = Co, Rh, Ir) and BeM(CO)3 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) using both single-reference and multireference-based methods. The present results at the CASPT2(12,12)/def2-QZVPD//M06-D3/def2-TZVPPD level reveal that the global minimum of BeM(CO)3- (M = Co, Rh, Ir) and BePt(CO)3 is a C3v symmetric structure with an 1A1 electronic state, where Be is located in a terminal position bonded to M along the center axis. For other cases, the C3v symmetric structure is a low-lying local minimum. Although the present complexes are isoelectronic with the recently reported BFe(CO)3- complex having a B-Fe quadruple bond, radial orbital-energy slope (ROS) analysis reveals that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) in the title complexes is slightly antibonding in nature, which bars a quadruple bonding assignment. Similar weak antibonding nature of HOMO in the previously reported BeM(CO)4 (M = Ru, Os) complexes is also noted in ROS analysis. The bonding analysis through energy decomposition analysis in combination with the natural orbital for chemical valence shows that the bonding between Be and M(CO)3q (q = -1 for M = Co, Rh, Ir and q = 0 for M = Ni, Pd, Pt) can be best described as Be in the ground state (1S) interacting with M(CO)30/- via dative bonds. The Be(spσ) → M(CO)3q σ-donation and the complementary Be(spσ) ← M(CO)3q σ-back donation make the overall σ bond, which is accompanied by two weak Be(pπ) ← M(CO)3q π-bonds. These complexes represent triply bonded terminal beryllium in an unusual zero oxidation state.

Entrepreneurial thinking and Education 4.0 in communities with development gaps: an approach through the Sustainable Development Goals

Entrepreneurial thinking is considered a desirable competency in the profile of today’s professionals because it includes sub-competencies that strengthen individuals’ leadership capacity and stimulate the development of creative solutions that present a high impact on society. However, it has been detected that disadvantaged communities located in areas with underdeveloped conditions and rural areas present a significant disparity in access to training models, current infrastructure, and activities that promote entrepreneurship compared to developed communities frequently found in large cities. Through a comparative analysis with quantitative methods, we seek to argue the need that these types of communities have. In addition, the design of a training model based on the design framework for Education 4.0 is presented; this training model seeks to train in the sub-competences of entrepreneurial thinking using the “push and pull” technique with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its central axis. This seeks to close the existing gap, provide affordable resources to these types of disadvantaged communities, and, at the same time, promote local solutions through the SDGs. The study is conducted in the eastern region of Michoacán, Mexico, and will present the preliminary results.

Penetrating wood foreign bodies (stob) of the coronary band in horses: 15 cases.

To retrospectively report the historical and clinical findings, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome of horses with penetrating wood foreign bodies (PWFBs) of the coronary band. 15 client-owned horses. Horses had varying degrees of lameness and soft tissue swelling of the coronary band and pastern region. A defect in the coronary band was identified, but the actual wood foreign body was not always readily visualized. Medical records of horses diagnosed with PWFBs of the coronary band between 2004 and 2023 were reviewed. Information retrieved from the medical records included history, signalment, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome. Thirteen of 15 horses that sustained a PWFB to the coronary band were participating in foxhunting. Penetrating wood foreign bodies occurred more frequently near the central axis or toe region (11/15) and more commonly in the forelimbs (11/15). Removal of PWFBs can be performed with the horse standing and sedated with regional anesthesia. Complete removal of the PWFB required partial removal of the adjacent hoof wall. Penetrating wood foreign bodies occurred in the coronary band and lodged distally in the hoof wall of horses. Foxhunting may be a risk factor for this type of injury. Penetrating wood foreign bodies occurred most commonly in the front feet, near the central axis of the coronary band. Complete removal of the PWFB required removing a section of the adjacent hoof wall. The prognosis for return to the previous level of activity following treatment was favorable.

Experimental study of extinguishing shielded fires by a low-pressure multi-orifice water mist nozzle

The performance of a water mist system to suppress shielded fires is analyzed experimentally in this work. The diesel pool fire is used as the fire source in an enclosure with 2.4 m × 2.4 m × 3.1 m measurements, and a mechanism is designed to provide different shielding conditions by changing the obstacle size and height. The characteristics of a low-pressure multi-orifice nozzle including the drop diameter and the velocity are studied by a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) system. In total, 10 cases with diverse shielding conditions are defined and different parameters including the temperature distribution, the gas concentrations, and the extinguishing time are measured. Based on the present data, mist droplets in some shielded fire scenarios were able to bypass the obstacle, overcome the fire plume thrust, and suppress the fire. In fire scenarios with the same obstruction size, the reduction of the distance between the obstacle and the nozzle led to an increased block ratio and consequently, the extinguishing time was decreased. It was found that the temperatures in the central axis above the fire and the lateral temperatures declined quickly in cases with short suppression time.

Propagation constant-based diameter measurement technique for a submicrometer-scale optical fiber

Diameter is a critical parameter for determining the physical properties of a submicrometer optical fiber and requires an accurate measurement. In this study, we proposed, to our knowledge, a novel diameter measurement technique derived from the waveguide theory, utilizing the pitch of a standing-wave near-field light generated by two counter-propagating lights within the submicrometer optical fiber. In a submicrometer optical fiber, the propagating light extends into the surrounding air as near-field light, existing within a range approximately equivalent to one wavelength from the surface of the fiber. By generating the standing-wave near-field light with the incident lights from both ends of the fiber, the pitch of the standing-wave near-field light can be measured by scanning along the fiber’s central axis with a scanning near-field optical microscopy probe. The fiber diameter is subsequently acquired by solving the optical fiber eigenvalue equation. Based on the feasibility verification experiment, a high-precision measurement of approximately 0.50 µm was realized for the diameter of the optical fiber.

Characterization of Freezing Processes in Drug Substance Bottles by Ice Core Sampling

Freezing of biological drug substance (DS) is a critical unit operation that may impact product quality, potentially leading to protein aggregation and sub-visible particle formation. Cryo-concentration has been identified as a critical parameter to impact protein stability during freezing and should therefore be minimized. The macroscopic cryo-concentration, in the following only referred to as cryo-concentration, is majorly influenced by the freezing rate, which is in turn impacted by product independent process parameters such as the DS container, its size and fill level, and the freezing equipment. (At-scale) process characterization studies are crucial to understand and optimize freezing processes. However, evaluating cryo-concentration requires sampling of the frozen bulk, which is typically performed by cutting the ice block into pieces for subsequent analysis. Also, the large amount of product requirement for these studies is a major limitation. In this study, we report the development of a simple methodology for experimental characterization of frozen DS in bottles at relevant scale using a surrogate solution. The novel ice core sampling technique identifies the axial ice core in the center to be indicative for cryo-concentration, which was measured by osmolality, and concentrations of histidine and polysorbate 80 (PS80), whereas osmolality revealed to be a sensitive read-out. Finally, we exemplify the suitability of the method to study cryo-concentration in DS bottles by comparing cryo-concentrations from different freezing protocols (-80°C vs -40°C). Prolonged stress times during freezing correlated to a higher extent of cryo-concentration quantified by osmolality in the axial center of a 2 L DS bottle.Graphical

The development of a cylindrical phantom for nanoDotTM calibration with multiple beam angles

Background: The nanoDotTM dosimeter, an optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD), is compact and precise, ideal for various applications like radiation dosimetry. The nanoDotTM requires calibration before use with the detector alignment perpendicular to the central beam axis. It exhibits angular dependence that may impact the calibration factor, requiring the fabrication of a specific cylindrical phantom for the calibration procedure. Objective: This study aimed to develop a cylindrical phantom for nanoDotTM calibration to facilitate dose measurements in composite fields with various beam angles and to evaluate the nanoDotTM calibration factors for different plans. Materials and methods: The cylindrical phantom was constructed using cast nylon material to accommodate the nanoDotTM or a cylindrical ionization chamber (IC). The novel phantom underwent validation for physical characteristics, including dimensions, density, and uniformity. Validation for the calibration factor, using cylindrical phantom (CF cylin) under standard conditions with a 10x10 cm² field size at 10 cm depth was conducted with 6 MV X-rays, comparing it with calibration factor using slab solid water phantoms (CFsolid). The CFcylin for different numbers of beams were determined and validated against a reference IC in various planning conditions. Furthermore, angular correction factors were determined for their application in the single-beam calibration factor. Results: The cylindrical phantom had dimensions of 20 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length, a density of 1.145 g/cm³ and good uniformity. As a result of single beam, the CF cylin, agreed well with CFsolid, showing a difference of -0.069%. The CFcylin increased with the number of beams, ranging between 1.179 and 1.242. Additionally, the angular correction factor increased as the number of beams increased, peaking at 1.058 with 9 beams. When comparing the results to the IC, it was observed that with an increase in the number of beams to 4 beams, the single-beam calibration factor exhibited a variation of more than 2%. However, when applying the CF cylin specific to the number of beams or correcting for the angular correction factor, the dose differences between nanoDotTM and IC measurements were within 2%. Conclusion: The developed cylindrical phantom is suitable for nanoDotTM calibration under single beam angle and in composite fields with various beam angles. The new calibration factors for specific numbers of beams allow for accurate dose measurements using nanoDotTM, thus reducing the dose difference from the IC to acceptable levels. Further studies should investigate its application in clinical situations.

Investigation of the 106Ru ophthalmic plaque dose distribution in a pseudotumor-contained eye-equivalent phantom by silica glass beads

PurposeTo investigate the 106Ru dose distribution in an intraocular pseudotumor by micro silica glass beads thermo-luminescence dosimeters (TLD). Materials and methodsDosimetry was conducted using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation as well as an experimental setup by employing an in-house eye equivalent phantom. A BEBIG CCA model of 106Ru plaque was used. Bead TLDs were modeled using MCNPX code, choosing water and plexiglass as phantom mediums along with CCA plaque. The deposited energy and electron energy spectra were calculated using *f8 and f4 tallies, respectively. A dedicated eye-equivalent phantom was designed and fabricated by 3D-printing techniques to place glass beads. ResultsAbsorbed dose at the central axis of the CCA plaque by beads TLDs was compared to manufacturer-reported data and simulation results. Maximum, minimum, and mean relative differences of 23%, 7%, and 15% with the manufacturer and 14%, 0%, and 1.6% with the simulation were obtained, respectively. Replacing glass bead material with water resulted in an average relative difference of 33.9% in absorbed energy per mass unit, corresponding to 21% and 44.8% at the first (0.5 mm depth) and last dosimetry points (9.5 mm depth), respectively. It has also been shown that glass beads can shadow each other, leading to a dose reduction of 15%. ConclusionA specific eye equivalent phantom with a pseudotumor was constructed, and silica glass beads were used for dosimetry. The results of the experiment and the MC simulation are in good accord. In the case of 106Ru ophthalmic brachytherapy plaque dosimetry, replacing glass beads material with water led to a mean difference of about 34% as well as shadowing effects. This emphasizes how crucial it is to employ a reliable correction factor in clinical applications.

Declarações da Conferência Episcopal do Chile durante o governo de Salvador Allende: tensões com Cristãos pelo Socialismo

This article aims to examine the views of the Chilean Catholic Church during the administration of President Salvador Allende. The main themes that arise from the declarations of the bishops will be addressed and the ethical-theological implications of the relationship between religion and politics in the current context will be analyzed. The central axis of the article is to analyze the vision of the bishops towards the Marxist/socialist ideology from the historical and theological analysis of the government of Salvador Allende and the configuration of Christians for Socialism. The bishops’ statements show a critical position towards the Marxist/socialist ideology, seen as synonymous in a discursive strategy of the church hierarchy to disqualify the government and the left-leaning of Catholics. The article is based on a classic analysis of texts, which uses internal and external analysis of episcopal documents between 1970 and 1974, together with a bibliographical review on the historical period.

Investigation of the three-dimensional structure of low-swirl methane-hydrogen flames with multiple UV cameras-based OH* chemiluminescence tomography

Blending hydrogen with natural gas is useful for reducing CO2 emissions, but this alters the flame structure, creating challenges for flame stability. Numerous researches on methane-hydrogen flame structure have been carried out based on two-dimensional combustion diagnostic techniques such as flame chemiluminescence and planar laser-induced fluorescence. In this paper, a low-cost OH* chemiluminescence imaging system consisting of 8 ultraviolet (UV) cameras is proposed to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) structure of methane-hydrogen flames, and validated through use of the correlation coefficient. Further experimental investigations of the low-swirl methane-hydrogen flames are performed by this computed tomography of chemiluminescence (CTC) system. The flame properties are determined to evaluate the effects of various fractions of blended hydrogen on the flame structure, including the flame center of mass, flame surface density and fractal dimension. Results showed that the flame initially has bowl-shape structure. The flame height gradually decreases and the flame cross-sectional area increases as the blended hydrogen fraction increases. Meanwhile, the bottom of the flame moves toward the nozzle outlet. Nevertheless, when the blended hydrogen fraction reaches 50%, the flame transforms into a cup-shaped flame and shows a double-layer flame structure. When the flame is bowl-shaped, the flame center of mass moves away from the nozzle center axis with increasing blended hydrogen fraction, but the fractal dimension and flame surface density are not sensitive to the blended hydrogen fraction. In contrast, when the flame is cup-shaped, the flame center of mass moves towards the nozzle center axis, and the flame surface density and fractal dimension increase significantly, indicating the increase of flame wrinkling. These results reveal that blending hydrogen leads to two distinct flame structures and characteristics in low-swirl flame, also demonstrate that the proposed 3D low-cost CTC system based on multiple UV cameras is well-suited for combustion diagnostics.

Unveiling the Anatomical and Functional Attributes of Stipular Colleters in Palicourea tetraphylla Cham. & Schltdl. and Palicourea rudgeoides (Müll. Arg.) Standl. (Rubiaceae).

The characterization of colleters in Rubiaceae is crucial for understanding their role in plant function. Analyzing colleters in Palicourea tetraphylla and Palicourea rudgeoides aims to deepen the understanding of these structures morphoanatomical and functional characteristics. The study reveals colleters with palisade epidermis and a parenchymatic central axis, classified as standard type, featuring vascularization and crystals. Colleter secretion, abundant in acidic mucopolysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic compounds, protects against desiccation. The ontogenesis, development, and senescence of the colleters are quite rapid and fulfill their role well in biotic and abiotic protection because these structures are present at different stages of development in the same stipule. Pronounced protrusions on the colleters surface, coupled with the accumulation of secretion in the intercellular and subcuticular spaces, suggest that the secretory process occurs through the wall, driven by pressure resulting from the accumulation of secretion. The microorganisms in the colleters' secretion, especially in microbiota-rich environments such as the Atlantic Forest, provide valuable information about plant-microorganism interactions, such as resistance to other pathogens and organisms and ecological balance. This enhanced understanding of colleters contributes to the role of these structures in the plant and enriches knowledge about biological interactions within specific ecosystems and the family taxonomy.

Application of stoichiometric CT number calibration method for dose calculation of tissue heterogeneous volumes in boron neutron capture therapy.

Monte Carlo simulation code is commonly used for the dose calculation of boron neutron capture therapy. In the past, dose calculation was performed assuming a homogeneous mass density and elemental composition inside the tissue, regardless of the patient's age or sex. Studies have shown that the mass density varies with patient to patient, particularly for those that have undergone surgery or radiotherapy. A method to convert computed tomography numbers into mass density and elemental weights of tissues has been developed and applied in the dose calculation process using Monte Carlo codes. A recent study has shown the variation in the computed tomography number between different scanners for low- and high-density materials. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the elemental composition inside each calculation voxel on the dose calculation and the application of the stoichiometric CT number calibration method for boron neutron capture therapy planning. Monte Carlo simulation package Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System was used for the dose calculation. Firstly, a homogeneous cubic phantom with the material set to ICRU soft tissue (four component), muscle, fat, and brain was modelled and the NeuCure BNCT system accelerator-based neutron source was used. The central axis depth dose distribution was simulated and compared between the four materials. Secondly, a treatment plan of the brain and the head and neck region was simulated using a dummy patient dataset. Three models were generated; (1) a model where only the fundamental materials were considered (simple model), a model where each voxel was assigned a mass density and elemental weight using (2) the Nakao20 model, and (3) the Schneider00 model. The irradiation conditions were kept the same between the different models (irradiation time and irradiation field size) and the near maximum (D1%) and mean dose to the organs at risk were calculated and compared. A maximum percentage difference of approximately 5% was observed between the different materials for the homogeneous phantom. With the dummy patient plan, a large dose difference in the bone (greater than 12%) and region near the low-density material (mucosal membrane, 7%-11%) was found between the different models. A stoichiometric CT number calibration method using the newly developed Nakao20 model was applied to BNCT dose calculation. The results indicate the importance of calibrating the CT number to elemental composition for each individual CT scanner for the purpose of BNCT dose calculation along with the consideration of heterogeneity of the material composition inside the defined region of interest.

Automation to facilitate optimisation of breast radiotherapy treatments using EPID-based in vivo dosimetry

Objective. To use automation to facilitate the monitoring of each treatment fraction using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) based in vivo dosimetry (IVD) system, allowing optimisation of breast radiotherapy delivery for individual patients and cohorts. Approach. A suite of in-house software was developed to reduce the number of manual interactions with the commercial IVD system, dosimetry check. An EPID specific pixel sensitivity map facilitated use of the EPID panel away from the central axis. Point dose difference and the change in standard deviation in dose were identified as useful dose metrics, with standard deviation used in preference to gamma in the presence of a systematic dose offset. Automated IVD was completed for 3261 fractions across 704 patients receiving breast radiotherapy. Main results. Multiple opportunities for treatment optimisation were identified for individual patients and across patient cohorts as a result of successful implementation of automated IVD. 5.1% of analysed fractions were out of tolerance with 27.1% of these considered true positives. True positive results were obtained on any fraction of treatment and if IVD had only been completed on the first fraction, 84.4% of true positive results would have been missed. This was made possible due to the automation that saved over 800 h of manual intervention and stored data in an accessible database. Significance. An improved EPID calibration to allow off-axis measurement maximises the number of patients eligible for IVD (36.8% of patients in this study). We also demonstrate the importance in selecting context-specific assessment metrics and how these can lead to a managable false positive rate. We have shown that the use of fully automated IVD facilitates use on every fraction of treatment. This leads to identification of areas for treatment improvement for both individuals and across a patient cohort, expanding the uses of IVD from simply gross error detection towards treatment optimisation.

Numerical simulation of the electromagnetic field in the secondary cooling zone of arc-shaped slabs

The magnetic field characteristics due to electromagnetic stirring in the secondary cooling zone of an extra-thick slab during continuous casting are numerically determined using Maxwell's equations, with particular emphasis on the distribution of magnetic induction intensity and electromagnetic force, as well as the influence of process parameters on the magnetic field. The orientation of the electromagnetic force is the same when the electromagnetic stirrers at the 30° and 60° posistions of the arc-shaped slab are powered in the same direction; otherwise, the orientation is opposite. The magnetic induction at the centre of the section of the stirrer's central axis at the 30° positio, as well as the current, frequency, and fitting formulae, are as follows: B = {0.075I(1/A)-0.3} mT and B = {-1.75f(1/Hz)+22} mT. The electromagnetic force and current fitting formula at the central point of the B-B section is F = {0.03168I2(1/A2)-03.762I(1/A)+326.7} N/m3, and the fitting formula of electromagnetic force and frequency at the centre point is divided into two segments. The first takes the form of a parabola: = {-21((f-4.3)-(1/Hz)2)+970} N/m3, and the second segment is negative linear: F = {-1.65f(1/Hz)+51.5} N/m3.

Diagnostic Instrument Design: Teleworking Efficiency Index

Purpose: To present the design of a new diagnostic tool called “Telework Efficiency Index” that is able to evaluate the performance of the telework modality for any business activity.   Method: For the design of the telework efficiency index, it was necessary to reveal some current experiences of the phenomenon of telework in Argentina, carrying out a field investigation through surveys and in-depth interviews with three companies operating at national and international level, two of them belonging to the telecommunications and IT sector, and another, belonging to the tourism sector as a corporate agency.   Results and conclusion: The field research carried out for the design of a new teleworking diagnostic tool, shows quite strong results of the benefits associated with the company and its workers. There is a better balance between work and family/personal activity in terms of a proportion of time spent on the order of 45% for work activities and 35% for family and personal leisure activities. í 83.33% of respondents say that the link in the ón labor relationship has improved since teleworking, and with respect to the link with their íworkñ 60% say that it has improved. In addition, 60% said they were á with teleworking, and the remaining 40% were very satisfied. Being that 50% states that the level of stress at work has decreased and has significantly improved their quality of life at the same time as their work performance. é. The biggest deficiency in 76.66% lies in the imperative need to educate and train the skills and abilities of people to perform telework optimally. The telework efficiency index represents a diagnostic tool that evaluates the performance of telework, taking as a central axis of analysis the person who exercises telework over other variables of lower incidence such as the technological infrastructure and the economic and financial aspects of organizations.   Implications of research: A phenomenon of growing global trend is taken as a starting point, which emerges strongly in recent decades as a result of the great development of information and communication technologies in the productive and social field, and in particular, from the COVID-19 pandemic that has definitively consolidated telework as a new modality of work organization, which benefits all parties involved. In this framework, the design of a diagnostic tool "telework efficiency index" that evaluates the performance of telework is presented, and facilitates better strategic decisions in organizations in the new era that transits society and the productive sector.   Originality/value: This study allows to present to the productive community a new diagnostic tool that evaluates the performance of telework, where the psychological and emotional aspects of the people willing to exercise telework over technological issues are placed in the center of the scene. This tool provides an original contribution of analysis to the discipline, considering telework as a disruptive methodology of work organization.

Posterior endpoint determination of the lumbar pedicle central axis on the anterior–posterior fluoroscopic image for pedicle screw insertion

The transpedicular procedure has been widely used in spinal surgery. The determination of the best entry point is the key to perform a successful transpedicular procedure. Various techniques have been used to determine this point, but the results are variable. This study was carried out to determine the posterior endpoint of the lumbar pedicle central axis on the standard anterior–posterior (AP) fluoroscopic images. Computer-aided design technology was used to determine the pedicle central axis and the posterior endpoint of the pedicle central axis on the posterior aspect of the vertebra. The standard AP fluoroscopic image of the lumbar vertebral models by three-dimensional printing was achieved. The endpoint projection on the AP fluoroscopic image was determined in reference to the pedicle cortex projection by the measurements of the angle and distance on the established X–Y coordinate system of the radiologic image. The projection of posterior endpoint of the lumbar pedicle central axis were found to be superior to the X-axis of the established X–Y coordinate system and was located on the pedicle cortex projection on the standard AP fluoroscopic image of the vertebra. The projection point was distributed in different sectors in the coordinate system. It was located superior to the X-axis by 18° to 26° at L1, while they were located superior to the X-axis by 12° to 14° at L2 to L5. The projections of posterior endpoints of the lumbar pedicle central axis were located in different positions on the standard AP fluoroscopic image of the vertebra. The determination method of the projection point was helpful for selecting an entry point for a transpedicular procedure with a fluoroscopic technique.

Fluid dynamics and mixing in a novel intermittently rotating bioreactor for CAR-T cell therapy: Spin-down from incomplete spin-up

This work explores the fluid flow and mixing within a new type of intermittently rotating bioreactor used for the automated manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapy products; CAR-T is a novel cell-based gene therapy which offers a single-dose cure for several forms of advanced blood cancer. The rotating cylinder bioreactor has a free surface and a liquid height to radius ratio of 0.5. Agitation is achieved via intermittent rotation of the entire vessel around its central vertical axis. No comprehensive engineering characterisation of the fluid dynamics in a bioprocessing context exists to date for this type of bioreactor. The present study examines the fluid dynamics and mixing during spin-down to rest following incomplete spin-up (i.e. the starting state of the fluid is not solid body rotation). Novel Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) data is presented, shedding light on the different transient flow regions inside the intermittently rotating bioreactor, and on the impact spin-up time has on the mixing efficiency of the subsequent spin-down stage. The results presented can be used to inform the design of a custom intermittent agitation pattern for any resembling cylinder bioreactors, the adoption of which could lead to higher yields and reduced costs for the cell expansion step of the manufacturing process.

Experimental analysis of lifelines in a 15,000 L bioreactor by means of Lagrangian Sensor Particles

This study employs Lagrangian Sensor Particles (LSPs) with a diameter of 40 mm equipped with a pressure sensor to investigate cell lifelines in a 15,000L stirred tank reactor (STR) with three Elephant Ear impellers. The Stokes number of the LSPs is approx. 0.004 on a macro-scale. The vertical probability of presence, axial velocity profiles, circulation time distributions, and residence time distributions are quantified to analyze single-phase mixing heterogeneities, detect hydrodynamic compartments and conduct a Lagrangian regime analysis. Results reveal a similarly distributed probability of presence in the vertical reactor center but emphasize the LSP’s sensitivity to fluctuating densities. Axial velocity distributions illustrate characteristic impeller-induced flow patterns, and circulation time distributions identify three compartments with comparatively shorter times in the axial center. Residence time distributions exhibit a similar compartmentalized profile. Moreover, the study estimates a potential oxygen deprivation zone for CHO cells in the upper compartment and demonstrates the LSP’s efficacy in characterizing impeller systems. Contrary to literature, the ratio of examined global mixing times to circulation times is 1.0, highlighting macro-scale mixing. The research underscores that LSPs offer crucial insights into industrial-scale STRs, specifically for determining hydrodynamic compartments without having optical access.

Stable three-dimensional vortex families consistent with Jovian observations including the Great Red Spot

Detailed observations of the velocities of Jovian vortices exist at only one height in the atmosphere, so their vertical structures are poorly understood. This motivates this study that computes stable three-dimensional, long-lived planetary vortices that satisfy the equations of motion. We solve the anelastic equations with a high-resolution pseudo-spectral method using the observed Jovian atmospheric temperatures and zonal flow. We examine several families of vortices and find that constant-vorticity vortices, which have nearly uniform vorticity as a function of height, and horizontal areas that go to zero at their tops and bottoms, converge to stable vortices that look like the Great Red Spot (GRS) and other Jovian anticyclones. In contrast, the constant-area vortices proposed in previous studies, which have nearly uniform areas as a function of height, and vertical vorticities that go to zero at their tops and bottoms, are far from equilibrium, break apart, and converge to constant-vorticity vortices. Our late-time vortices show unexpected properties. Vortices that are initially non-hollow become hollow (i.e. have local minima of vertical vorticity at their centres), which is a feature of the GRS that cannot be explained with two-dimensional simulations. The central axes of the final vortices align with the planetary spin axis even if they align initially with the local direction of gravity. We present scaling laws for how vortex properties change with the Rossby number and other non-dimensional parameters. We prove analytically that the horizontal mid-plane of a stable vortex must lie at a height above the top of the convective zone.

The impact of successive laser shock peening on surface integrity and residual stress distribution of laser powder-bed fused stainless steel 316L

Abstract The utilization of laser shock peening (LSP) in laser powder bed fused (LPBF) stainless steel (SS) 316L components enhances the mechanical characteristics and operational lifespan of the product quality through a significant reduction of residual stress and a noticeable increase in roughness parameters. The key objective of the study is to analyze the influence of consecutive laser shock peening (LSP) without ablative coating and low pulse energy on the surface properties, residual stress distribution, and microhardness of samples produced by LPBF with SS316L material. The surface quality of the sample subjected to consecutive laser shock peening shows a slight deterioration in its condition. This can be attributed to the combined impact of ablative surface and surface damage resulting from the production of high-energy plasma. However, the implementation of successive LSP results in a distinctive enhancement of compressive residual stresses (CRS) that are evenly distributed throughout the central axis and sharp edges. In contrast, the as-built condition exhibits non-uniform stress magnitudes. CRS observed in each LSP iteration exhibits a notable increase, reaching a maximum magnitude of −389 MPa compared to the initial stress level of 165 MPa in the as-built sample. This enhancement can be attributed to the repetitive impact of shock waves on the surface, leading to the formation of plastic deformation. The refinement of surface grains and the presence of favorable residual stresses were proven by the utilization of x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and the Cos α plot. The XRD investigation also indicated the absence of any newly formed phases or secondary phases. A significant enhancement in microhardness was observed, with an increase of 58.3% achieved after the third consecutive peening process. The successive LSP samples displayed a gradual improvement in electrochemical behavior. Though the amplitude parameters increased after LSP, the increase in wear rate was observed.