Combination Products Research Articles

Energy finance risk warning model based on GABP algorithm

Energy finance is the product of the close combination of the energy industry and the financial industry, and the two affect each other. The energy crisis may lead to a financial crisis, and the financial crisis may also lead to a energy crisis. Early risk warning for the energy financial crisis can effectively mitigate and reduce risks. This article used the GABP (Genetic Algorithm Back Propagation) algorithm model to systematically analyze and predict the risks of energy financial crises. After establishing indicators for energy finance risk warning, this article collected relevant data from 150 energy companies and 210 financial companies, and compared them with the GABP algorithm model and manual analysis model. The error value of the model is determined by the numerical expansion in the positive and negative directions based on zero scale values. The closer the zero scale value is, the smaller the error; the farther it is from the zero scale value, the greater the error. The results show that the average accuracy of the GABP model for energy finance risk warning is 85.2%, and the minimum error value is −0.23. The average accuracy of using manual analysis models for energy finance risk warning is 75.8%, with a minimum error value of 1.89. The GABP algorithm has advantages in constructing energy finance risk warning models.

Brassica biodiversity conservation: prevailing constraints and future avenues for sustainable distribution of plant genetic resources.

The past decade has seen an observable loss of plant biodiversity which can be attributed to changing climate conditions, destroying ecosystems to create farmlands and continuous selective breeding for limited traits. This loss of biodiversity poses a significant bottleneck to plant biologists across the globe working on sustainable solutions to address the current barriers of agricultural productivity. Plant genetic resources centers or genebanks that conserve plant germplasm can majorly contribute towards addressing this problem. Second only to soybean, Brassica remains the largest oil-seed crop and is cultivated across 124 countries, and FAO estimates for a combined gross production values of broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, mustard and rape seeds stands at a staggering 67.5 billion US dollars during the year 2020. With such a global status, wide variety of uses and more recently, growing importance in the health food sector, the conservation of diverse genetic resources of Brassica appeals for higher priority. Here we review the current status of Brassica conservation across plant genebanks. At present, at least 81,752 accessions of Brassica are recorded to be conserved in 148 holding institutes spread across only 81 countries. Several aspects that need to be addressed to improve proper conservation of the Brassica diversity was well as dissemination of germplasm are discussed. Primarily, the number of accessions conserved across countries and the diversity of Brassica taxa most countries has been highly limited which may lead to biodiversity loss in the longer run. Moreover, several practical challenges in Brassica germplasm conservation especially with respect to taxonomic authorities have been discussed. The current review identifies and highlights areas for progress in Brassica conservation, which include but are not limited to, distribution of conserved Brassica biodiversity, challenges faced by conservation biologists, conservation methods, technical hurdles and future avenues for research in diverse Brassica species.

Skin Cancer and Hydrochlorothiazide: Novel Population-Based Analyses Considering Personal Risk Factors Including Race/Ethnicity.

Hydrochlorothiazide, a common antihypertensive, has photosensitive properties, potentially increasing skin cancer risk. We evaluated melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among hydrochlorothiazide users with 3 different cohorts as each allows assessment of different potential cofounders/effect modifiers, including race/ethnicity. We built 3 cohorts using IBM MarketScan Research Databases: Commercial and Encounters (>3.5 million individuals, 2010-2018), a subcohort with health risk assessment respondents (415, 330), and Medicaid (509, 767, 2011-2017). Adults (aged 18+ years) entered the respective cohort with a first-filled prescription (cohort entry) for hydrochlorothiazide (the exposure of interest) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (the active comparator), with ≥12 months of continuous enrollment with medical/pharmacy coverage at baseline. We excluded those who used hydrochlorothiazide/ACE inhibitor (including fixed-dose combination products) 12 months before cohort entry and those with prior skin cancer, HIV, or organ transplant. We compared the risk for hydrochlorothiazide versus ACE inhibitor using multivariate proportional hazards regression. Baseline characteristics were similar, aside from more Black individuals among hydrochlorothiazide users (43.3% [95% CI, 43.0%-43.6%]) than ACE inhibitor users (28.1% [95% CI, 27.9%-28.3%]). The hazard ratio (95% CI) for nonmelanoma skin cancer related to hydrochlorothiazide (versus ACE inhibitor) was 0.96 (0.91-1.00) in the Commercial cohort, 1.01 (0.77-1.32) for the health risk assessment subcohort, and 1.33 (0.77-2.29) for Medicaid. For melanoma, the respective hazard ratios were 1.07 (0.95-1.20), 0.85 (0.43-1.67), and 0.93 (0.51-1.67), respectively. Our evaluation using 3 different approaches, including adjustment for race/ethnicity, did not establish a clear difference between hydrochlorothiazide and ACE inhibitor in terms of skin cancer risk.

Design optimization of compact gas turbine and steam combined cycles for combined heat and power production in a FPSO system–A case study

This case study aims to cover a wide range of relevant aspects related to combined cycle design, mechanical integrity and operational reliability for cogeneration of heat and power in FPSO systems. The methods consist of combined optimization of combined cycle thermodynamic design and geometry of steam generator; vibration analysis for flow induced vibrations; and thermal stress estimation of casings during cold start-stop scenarios. Challenges and opportunities for reliable water treatment systems are explored. The results show that small tubes, a compact tube bundle and a low condensation temperature reduces the once-trough steam generator (OTSG) weight. The vibrations numerical simulations in this work support the standard recommendations of using 35 times tube OD as upper limit for the unsupported tube length, which could be used as a reasonable design criterion. Thermal stresses analysis indicates that the design of beam arrangement, location, and stiffness of beams has a major impact on thermal stresses, and can be optimized to different plate thicknesses in order to avoid fatigue damage. Focus should be on reducing leaks of deaerator, steam turbine and condenser. It is recommended to add Na sensors after condenser and investigating the use of Electrodeionization (EDI) technology for make-up water production from seawater.

Combined sustainable production technology of calcium chloride and lignin-derived porous carbon electrode materials

Sustainable co-production of materials and chemicals is essential to green production and reduction of contaminations. This work presents a sustainable production process for the co-production of porous carbon and calcium chloride using renewable lignin as the carbon precursor. The utilization of CaO as a hard template agent facilitates the creation of porous carbons through the homogeneous mixing of lignin precursors and CaO. Theoretically, it is possible to obtain carbon dioxide with high purity from the subsequent acid etching process. CaCl2 with high purity as a value-added product can be obtained by a straightforward crystallization process with a calcium collection efficiency of >93%. In this work, the formation mechanism of the pore structure evolution of LPC was elucidated by exploring the structural evolution of CaO during the reaction process. The obtained LPC has a hierarchical porous structure and specific surface areas around 700 m2 g−1. The obtained porous carbons showed excellent electrochemical performances as the cathodes of zinc ion hybrid capacitors. This combined sustainable production process could be developed as a practical process for the production of calcium chloride and porous carbons.

Comprehensive assessment of the parameters of adaptive capacity and ecological stability of genotypes for winter garlic breeding

Relevance. Considering the regional peculiarities of the climate of Belarus in the cultivation of garlic, it is relevant to create varieties with high yields, environmental stability, winter hardiness and product quality in changing environmental conditions. The aim of the research is a comprehensive assessment of the genotypes of winter garlic according to the parameters of adaptability and the selection of the most stable samples among them.Materials and methods. The research was carried out on the experimental field of the Department of Fruit and Vegetable Growing of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy, Gorki, Mogilev region during 2018-2022. The objects were collectible samples of winter garlic of various ecological and geographical origin. Field and laboratory experiments were carried out using generally accepted methods and guidelines. Meteorological conditions during the years of research differed both in temperature indicators and the amount of precipitation, which contributed to an objective assessment of the studied samples according to a complex of economically useful signs and the determination of parameters of adaptive capacity and environmental stability.Results. As a result a comprehensive assessment of the parameters of adaptive capacity and environmental stability of genotypes was given. The results of the data obtained when studying the reaction of genotypes to the medium showed that 44% (11) of the 25 genotypes were unstable with a positive reaction to the medium, and 56% (14) were stable. Studies have revealed diversity among genotypes in terms of the main parameters of adaptability, including SCGi. The analysis of the data obtained makes it possible to determine the common properties of genotypes with a high level of the SCGi parameter or the differences between them and other issues of the specificity of genotypes with a different combination of adaptability and stability parameters. The specificity consists in a combination of maximum values of the level of parameters Xi, OASi, CACi, with significant responsiveness to improving environmental conditions (bi) and average relative stability. A genotype with a low value of the SCGi parameter can be highly stable and serve as a source of this property. In the opposite case, it can be used as a parent form to transmit to the offspring the properties of productivity in combination with stability.

A climatology of thermodynamic vs. dynamic Arctic wintertime sea ice thickness effects during the CryoSat-2 era

Abstract. Thermodynamic and dynamic sea ice thickness processes are affected by differing mechanisms in a changing climate. Independent observational datasets of each are essential for model validation and accurate projections of future sea ice conditions. Here, we present a monthly, Arctic-basin-wide, and 25 km resolution Eulerian estimation of thermodynamic and dynamic effects on wintertime sea ice thickness from 2010–2021. Estimates of thermodynamic growth rate are determined by coupling passive microwave-retrieved snow–ice interface temperatures to a simple sea ice thermodynamic model, total growth is calculated from a weekly Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) European Space Agency (ESA) CryoSat-2 and Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) combination product (CS2SMOS), and dynamic effects are calculated as their difference. The dynamic effects are further separated into advection and residual effects using a sea ice motion dataset. Our results show new detail in these fields and, when summed to a basin-wide or regional scale, are in line with previous studies. Across the Arctic, dynamic effects are negative and about one-fourth the magnitude of thermodynamic growth. Thermodynamic growth varies from less than 0.1 m per month in the central Arctic to greater than 0.3 m per month in the seasonal ice zones. High positive dynamic effects of greater than 0.1 m per month, twice that of thermodynamic growth or more in some areas, are found north of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, where the Transpolar Drift and Beaufort Gyre deposit ice. Strong negative dynamic effects of less than −0.2 m per month are found where the Transpolar Drift originates, nearly equal to and opposite the thermodynamic effects in these regions. Monthly results compare well with a recent study of the dynamic and thermodynamic effects on sea ice thickness along the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) drift track during the winter of 2019–2020. Couplets of deformation and advection effects with opposite signs are common across the Arctic, with positive advection effects and negative deformation effects found in the Beaufort Sea and negative advection effects and positive deformation effects found in most other regions. The seasonal cycle shows residual deformation effects and overall dynamic effects increasing as the winter season progresses.

Cleaner production of cellulose nanocrystals and calcium sulfate whiskers: Process design and life cycle assessment

AbstractThe commercialization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is currently limited by its environmental impact of high water consumption and brine wastewater generation. Here, a combined process integrating the production of CNCs and calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) was proposed to achieve complete utilization of the waste acid, and the corresponding environmental performance was evaluated by life cycle assessment (LCA). Accordingly, we prepared fibrous CSWs with an average length of 309 μm and an average aspect ratio of 57 under optimum conditions. The LCA results demonstrated the superior environmental performance of the combined process, especially for CNC production, and the impact values reduced by 45.6% on average. Moreover, the cost of producing 20 g of CNCs decreased from 3.04 CNY (traditional process) to 1.66 CNY (combined process). Therefore, this combined production process is eco‐efficient and economically scalable for the industrial production of CNCs.

Pre-reduction of graphite oxide as an efficient strategy for enhanced purification efficiency, product quality, and performance

The purification efficiency of graphite oxide (GTO) suspension and the lateral size of its exfoliated products are critical bottlenecks in the industrial production and practical application of graphene-based materials. Herein, a facile pre-reduction strategy using ascorbic acid as a mild reductant was proposed to improve the purification efficiency of GTO suspension and lateral size of its exfoliated products. The partial removal of labile C–O functional groups effectively inhibited the osmotic swelling and water-blocking behavior of the GTO sheets, resulting in a substantially enhanced purification efficiency. The pre-reduction treatment also repaired structural defects on the basal plane of the carbon skeleton, thus restraining sheet fragmentation and increasing the lateral size of the exfoliated products. Consequently, the carbonized graphene-based film assembled with a large-size and high-crystallinity graphene oxide component exhibited excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal performances. Therefore, this study provides a combined process and product engineering strategy for industrial production and high-value application of graphene derivatives.

A comprehensive strategy for the identification of biologics by liquid-chromatography–mass spectrometry for release testing in a regulated environment

Identification (ID) testing is a regulatory requirement for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, requiring robust, GMP-qualified assays that can distinguish the therapeutic from any other in the facility. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) is a powerful analytical tool used to identify and characterize biologics. While routinely leveraged for characterization, LC-MS is relatively rare in Quality Control (QC) settings due to its perceived complexity and scarcity of MS-trained personnel. However, employing LC-MS for identification of drug products has many advantages versus conventional ID techniques, including but not limited to its high specificity, rapid turn-around time, and ease of method execution. In this work, we outline the development and implementation of a comprehensive LC-MS based ID strategy for biologics release testing. Two main workflows (WFs) were developed: i) WF1, a subunit-based assay measuring the molecular weight of the light chain (LC) and heavy chain (HC) of an antibody upon reduction, and ii) WF2, intact mass measurement of the biologic upon N-deglycosylation by PNGase F. The proposed strategy is shown to be applicable for over 40 diverse model biologics including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), biobetters such as antibody prodrugs/afucosylated mAbs, fusion proteins, multi-specific antibodies, Fabs, and large peptides, all with excellent mass accuracy (error typically < 20 ppm) and precision. It requires a single-step sample preparation and a single click to run and process the data upon method setup. This strategy has been successfully implemented for release testing in GMP labs. Challenges and considerations for the establishment of QC-friendly methods are discussed. It is also shown that these methods can be applied to the ID of more analytically complex biotherapeutics, such as fixed-dose combination (FDC) and drug products co-formulated with trace-level additives.

Upcycling post-harvest biomass residues from native European Lupinus species: from straws and pod shells production to nutritive value and alkaloids content for ruminant animals.

The production of Lupinus seeds for food and feed is increasing worldwide, which results in large amounts of post-harvest biomass residues, considered of low value and left in the field to be burned or incorporated in the soil. To valorize these agricultural wastes, this work aimed to assess their potential as an alternative feed for ruminants. Thus, the production yield, nutritive value, and alkaloid content of straws and pod shells from three native European Lupinus species, L. albus 'Estoril' (white), L. angustifolius 'Tango' (narrow-leafed), and L. luteus 'Cardiga' (yellow), cultivated in two locations, were evaluated. The dry matter (DM) yield of straws and pod shells were the highest for L. albus 'Estoril' (4.10 t ha-1) and the lowest for L. angustifolius 'Tango' (1.78 t ha-1), suggesting a poor adaptation of narrow-leafed lupin to the particularly dry and warm agronomic year. Despite species-specific differences, lupin biomass residues presented higher crude protein (53.0-68.9 g kg-1 DM) and lignin (103-111 g kg-1 DM) content than cereal straws usually used in ruminant feeding, thus resulting in higher metabolizable energy (6.43-6.58 MJ kg-1 DM) content. In vitro digestibility was similar among lupin species (47.7-50.6%) and higher in pod shells (53.7%) than in straws (44.6%). Lupinus albus 'Estoril' and L. luteus 'Cardiga' presented considerable amounts of alkaloids in straws (23.9 and 119 mg kg-1 DM) and pod shells (20.5 and 298 mg kg-1 DM), while no alkaloids were detected in L. angustifolius 'Tango' biomass residues. Considering the combined production of straw and pod shells per lupin species, it is anticipated that lupin biomass residues produced per ha can fulfill 85% of the energy and nearly 50% of protein requirements of a flock of 4 to 9 dry and mid-pregnancy sheep with 50 kg body weight for one year. No negative effects on small (ovine) and large (bovine) ruminant species due to alkaloids are expected, even if biomass residues are consumed at up to 85% DM intake. The large production yield along with its nutritive value unveils the potential of lupin biomass residues valorization as alternative fodder for ruminants, promoting sustainability under a circular economy approach.

Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, fibroblast growth factor 2, and fibroblast growth factor 9 on sirtuins expression and histone deacetylase activity in bovine granulosa cells

Granulosa cells (GC) are critical regulators of fertility. During the process of ovarian folliculogenesis, these cells undergo profound changes while producing steroid hormones that are important to control follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. Sirtuins are enzymes that regulate several biological processes and have been associated with control of GC function. However, how sirtuins are regulated in GC during ovarian folliculogenesis remains to be unveiled. The present study was designed to investigate effects of hormones that control GC proliferation, differentiation, and steroidogenesis on expression of the seven members of the mammalian sirtuins family (SIRT1-7) and on histone deacetylase activity of nuclear sirtuins (SIRT1, 6, and 7) in GC. Bovine granulosa cells were isolated from small antral follicles (1–5 mm) and were treated with or without follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and fibroblast growth factors 2 (FGF2) and 9 (FGF9). Following treatments, cell proliferation was determined via a cell analyzer, estradiol synthesis and histone deacetylase activity were determined via ELISA, and sirtuins mRNA expression was determined via qPCR. Treatments with FSH and IGF-1 stimulated cell proliferation while addition of FGF2 or FGF9 suppressed estradiol production stimulated by FSH plus IGF-1. In terms of treatments that regulated sirtuins expression in GC, fibroblast growth factors were the most impactful: FGF2 alone increased SIRT1 mRNA expression in comparison to several treatments and increased mRNA abundance of SIRT2 and SIRT7 when added to the combination of FSH and IGF-1; the addition of FGF9 to the combination of FSH and IGF-1 increased mRNA expression of SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT6, and SIRT7 and increased mRNA expression of SIRT5 in comparison to the negative control group that received no treatment. Also, FGF2 alone increased histone deacetylase activity of sirtuins in comparison to all treatments that contained FSH and/or IGF-1. Furthermore, several correlations were observed between treatments and sirtuins expression and activity, between estradiol or GC numbers and sirtuins expression, and between expression of sirtuins. As FGF2 and FGF9 are considered anti-differentiation factors of GC that stimulate GC proliferation while suppressing estradiol production in combination with FSH and IGF-1, data of this study suggest that sirtuins are associated with control of differentiation of bovine GC.

Techno-economic analysis of sustainable methanol and ammonia production by chemical looping hydrogen generation from waste plastic

In this work, a techno-economic analysis on a novel plant configuration achieving the combined production of ammonia and methanol through chemical looping has been carried out. The innovative process presents advantages in terms of reduced dependency on market price fluctuations, thanks to the combined production of two chemicals, and optimal utilization of the chemical looping gases. The chemical looping plant is fed with recycled high density polyethylene to enhance the carbon circularity of the process. In this case, part of the captured CO2 is employed for methanol production along with hydrogen from chemical looping, while hydrogen from electrolysis is used for ammonia production by reaction with nitrogen from the air reactor. Renewable electric energy supply ensures a carbon free power to fuel conversion. Several sensitivity analyses were carried out to assess the optimum process parameters combination, i.e. fuel flow rate, steam flow rate, oxygen carrier inlet temperature. The final production rate is divided between 174 kg/h of methanol and 910 kg/h of ammonia. An economic analysis was then carried out. A capital cost of 27 M€ and an operating cost of 3 M€/y were computed. Sensitivity analyses on the impact of the electricity input cost, the electrolytic oxygen selling price, the electrolyser capital cost and the internal rate of return were carried out. The electricity demand was discovered to impact for the 68% of the total operating costs. For an electricity cost of 0.03 €/kWh, oxygen selling price of 0.07 €/kgO2 and internal rate of return of 8%, a final products cost of 0.76 €/kg was then determined. The process achieves specific CO2 emissions of 0.017 kgCO2/kgprd, which is significantly lower than the traditional processes (0.24 kgCO2/kgCH3OH and 1.66 kgCO2/kgNH3), and an energy intensity of 36 GJ/tprd. The final selling price of the products is still not competitive with the traditional processes but is comparable with ammonia production from electrolysis and air separation and methanol production from electrolysis and direct air capture.

Pharmacokinetic Variables of Dapagliflozin/Metformin Extended-release Fixed-dose Combination in Healthy Chinese Volunteers and Regional Comparison

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) product combining dapagliflozin and metformin may increase medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by minimizing pill burden associated with co-administration of individual component (IC) formulations and, consequently, improve cost-efficiency and compliance. This study evaluated the bioequivalence of the dapagliflozin/metformin FDC product versus IC administration in healthy volunteers from a Chinese population and assessed the safety profile of the FDC product. In addition, pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety comparisons of dapagliflozin and metformin across different regions were conducted to evaluate regional differences. This single-center, open-label, parallel-cohort, randomized, 2-period, crossover study enrolled Chinese adults (aged 18-55 years). Volunteers in cohort 1 received either a single FDC tablet of dapagliflozin/metformin extended release (XR) (5/500 mg) or IC tablets (dapagliflozin [5 mg] and metformin XR [500 mg]). Volunteers in cohort 2 received a higher dosage in a similar manner (dapagliflozin [10 mg] and metformin XR [1000 mg]). Volunteers in each cohort were subsequently crossed over to receive the alternate cohort treatment. Plasma concentrations of dapagliflozin and metformin were determined, and bioequivalence analyses were performed under standard fed conditions. Eighty healthy Chinese volunteers (89.9% male; mean age, 28.7 years) were randomized into cohort 1 (n=40) and cohort 2 (n=39; 1 volunteer withdrew before receiving study treatment). The mean plasma concentration-time profiles of the dapagliflozin and metformin FDC and IC formulations for both doses were found to be nearly superimposable. Dapagliflozin and metformin XR FDC were bioequivalent to the IC tablets, with 90% CIs for each pairwise comparison contained within the 80% to 125% bioequivalence limits. Both the FDC and IC formulations were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events/death. PK parameters for dapagliflozin in the Chinese volunteers were slightly to moderately higher than those from studies conducted in Brazil, Russia, and the United States, and the safety profile of the dapagliflozin/metformin FDC product was consistent with that of other studies. The difference in PK parameters among the 4 regions was not clinically meaningful. The bioequivalence of the dapagliflozin/metformin FDC and IC formulations in healthy Chinese adults was established without any new safety concerns. Notably, the observed bioequivalence may be extrapolated to patients with T2DM as the PK parameters of dapagliflozin and metformin in healthy adults are similar to those reported in patients with T2DM. gov identifier: NCT04856007.

Design of a Cyclodextrin Bioproduction Process Using Bacillus pseudofirmus and Paenibacillus macerans

Cyclodextrin (CD) drug delivery systems offer the potential to enhance the desired physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs while maintaining their safety. Cyclodextrin-glucosyl-transferase (CGTase) is amongst the most important enzymes used in CD biosynthesis. However, the bioproduction of CDs still faces challenges in terms of optimization and process complexity. This study proposes a novel CD bioproduction system in a batch mode to increase yield and reduce costs. Two bacterial strains were selected: the alkalophilic Bacillus pseudofirmus DSM2517 strain and the neutrophilic Paenibacillus macerans DSM1574 strain. Three different culture media, two temperatures (30 °C and 37 °C), and three scales (shake flasks 20 mL and 100 mL, and bioreactor 3.2 L) were evaluated with respect to bacterial growth kinetics, protein production, and CGTase biosynthesis and activity for β-CD production. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring optical density (OD600 nm), while CGTase activity was assessed by measuring β-CD production directly in the medium after filtration or in samples after concentration (using a Vivaspin 500® ultrafiltration spin column with a 10 kDa cut-off). β-CD quantification was performed using the phenolphthalein colorimetric method and HPLC. The best conditions for combined growth and protein production, for both microorganisms, in shake flasks were achieved with a medium containing 2% dextrin as the carbohydrate source. Scale-up to the bioreactor displayed improved growth kinetics for both bacteria and higher protein production and CGTase activity for Paenibacillus macerans.

Analysis of a novel power plant based on tars from biomass gasifier as fuel gas

The lack of comprehensive analysis and comparison of a novel process for combined heat and power production and liquified natural gas regasification using lignocellulosic biomass is a motivation to design a novel process for combined heat and power production and liquefied natural gas regasification based on lignocellulosic biomass. This process consists of a tar reforming unit, first power plant, second power plant, organic Rankine cycle, water cycle units, and liquified natural gas cold energy utilization. The whole process is simulated using Aspen Hysys software; accordingly, energy, exergy, economic, and environmental analyses are performed, and the outcomes of each part are compared with those of previous studies. The results showed that the total energy and exergy efficiencies of the proposed process are 83.3% and 42.6%, respectively. According to the exergy analysis, the total exergy destruction of the cycle is 20080 kW, in which the highest contributions belong to Power Plant 2 units (48%) and heat exchangers (72%). In addition, it is demonstrated that Tar Reforming and water cycle units have the highest (97.44%) and lowest (69%) exergy efficiencies, respectively. The environmental analysis illustrated that the Carbon dioxide emission of the proposed process is lower compared to other technologies and equals 57.52 kgCO2/MWh, and the indirect emission has an 11.02% contribution. Based on the simulation results, the total net produced power of the proposed process is 124 MWh, the production cost of which was estimated at 47.78 $/MWh.

Bio-Enhanced Neoligaments Graft Bearing FE002 Primary Progenitor Tenocytes: Allogeneic Tissue Engineering & Surgical Proofs-of-Concept for Hand Ligament Regenerative Medicine.

Hand tendon/ligament structural ruptures (tears, lacerations) often require surgical reconstruction and grafting, for the restauration of finger mechanical functions. Clinical-grade human primary progenitor tenocytes (FE002 cryopreserved progenitor cell source) have been previously proposed for diversified therapeutic uses within allogeneic tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. The aim of this study was to establish bioengineering and surgical proofs-of-concept for an artificial graft (Neoligaments Infinity-Lock 3 device) bearing cultured and viable FE002 primary progenitor tenocytes. Technical optimization and in vitro validation work showed that the combined preparations could be rapidly obtained (dynamic cell seeding of 105 cells/cm of scaffold, 7 days of co-culture). The studied standardized transplants presented homogeneous cellular colonization in vitro (cellular alignment/coating along the scaffold fibers) and other critical functional attributes (tendon extracellular matrix component such as collagen I and aggrecan synthesis/deposition along the scaffold fibers). Notably, major safety- and functionality-related parameters/attributes of the FE002 cells/finished combination products were compiled and set forth (telomerase activity, adhesion and biological coating potentials). A two-part human cadaveric study enabled to establish clinical protocols for hand ligament cell-assisted surgery (ligamento-suspension plasty after trapeziectomy, thumb metacarpo-phalangeal ulnar collateral ligamentoplasty). Importantly, the aggregated experimental results clearly confirmed that functional and clinically usable allogeneic cell-scaffold combination products could be rapidly and robustly prepared for bio-enhanced hand ligament reconstruction. Major advantages of the considered bioengineered graft were discussed in light of existing clinical protocols based on autologous tenocyte transplantation. Overall, this study established proofs-of-concept for the translational development of a functional tissue engineering protocol in allogeneic musculoskeletal regenerative medicine, in view of a pilot clinical trial.

Combined bidirectional reflectance distribution functionsusage forincreasing images creation productivity

Modern computer graphics systems are characterized bythe requirements of highly-realistic and highly-productive image formation. In order to increase image formation productivity, the improvement of existing light reflectance models and the development of new models are constantly carried out. In the article the development of a combined light reflectance model based on the cosine-power functions is described. The main aspects of surface bidirectional reflectance distribution functions calculation and usage are analyzed. The features of simple empirical models and theoretical models that take into account microfacetedsurface representation are described. The disadvantages of existing surface reflectance models are discussed. The cosine-power functions of the fourth and sixteenth degreesare discussed. The necessity of the development ofanew surface reflectance model based on two cosine-power functions is justified. The calculation formula of the developed combined surface reflection functionis proposed. The formula oftheconnection point of two cosine-power functions was obtained. The obtained formula was approximated with a simpler formula using Chebyshev polynomials. The plot of cosine-power functions connection point valueswas built. The plot of productivity gain from combined function calculationrelative to the shininess coefficientis given. The average productivity gain value from combined function calculation was found. The plot of relative and absolute errors between the combinedfunction and the Blinn function relative to the shininess surface coefficient is given. The three-dimensional plot of absolute error between the combined function and the Blinn function was built. Using OpenGL shadinglanguage the developed model was implemented in the software application Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution FunctionsExplorer. The teapot visualization results based on the proposed combined function are given.The developed combined model combines the advantages oftwocosine-power functions and can be used in highly-productive three-dimensional computer graphics systems

WITHDRAWN: Impact of temperature and residence time on sewage sludge pyrolysis for combined carbon sequestration and energy production

WITHDRAWN: Impact of temperature and residence time on sewage sludge pyrolysis for combined carbon sequestration and energy production

Systems perspectives on combined production of advanced biojet fuel and biofuels in existing industrial infrastructure in Sweden

Systems perspectives on combined production of advanced biojet fuel and biofuels in existing industrial infrastructure in Sweden