Concentric Circles Research Articles

Эволюционный путь внешней политики современной Венгрии

Introduction. The foreign policy of modern Hungary has passed through several stages of development since the fall of socialism. The purpose of this article is to clarify the qualitative characteristics of the points of evolution that have determined the content of Hungarian foreign policy. Today, it is not enough to define the image of Hungarian foreign policy solely in terms of pan-European or North Atlantic solidarity. A more careful and thoughtful study of the dynamics of the foreign policy doctrine of Budapest is required. Methods and Materials. Our main task is to clarify the periodization of the process of Hungary’s foreign policy development. The proposed periodization is carried out in a complex manner, based on several reasons and correlating their influence on each of the allocated time periods. The information array was composed of news for April 2010 – August 2022, based on a digest of news from Hungarian news agencies. Analysis. The author identifies five main periods in the development of Hungary’s foreign policy: the transitional period; the imperative period; the period of Euro-Atlantic romanticism; the period of seeking regional balance; and the period of Euroscepticism and Easternization. Each of these periods is characterized by an assessment of the conceptual content of international politics, the continuity of the foreign policy course, and the change in emphasis of the current policy. Results. Obviously, the current period of development is nearing its end, and in the medium term, Hungarian foreign policy itself will take the form of several relatively balanced concentric circles in the process of forming a polycentric world. At the same time, the European and American orientations will continue to be of paramount importance for Hungary. The growing inertia of the decline in the intensity of Russian-Hungarian relations seems to be the main characteristic of the interaction between the two countries.

Chinese Global Orders: Socialism, Tradition, and Nation in China–Russia Relations

While many use rational IR theory to explain Chinese foreign policy behavior, this paper follows global IR to employ interpretivist theory to examine how Chinese elites understand their country’s role in the world. In particular, it explores the Chinese global order ideas of socialism, tradition, and nation through a comparative analysis of how they work in China–Russia relations, especially after China’s 20th Communist Party Congress in 2022. The first section presents a critical analysis of the realist understanding of the China–Russia–U.S. strategic triangle. It argues that the socialist concept of “united front work” better explains Chinese (and Russian) policy in terms of short-term “tactical triangles.” To probe China’s long-term global order ideas, the second section explores narratives of tradition to examine the concentric circles model of global order seen in Chinese tianxia and Russian Eurasianism. To understand these competing Russocentric and Sinocentric global orders, the third section explores how each country’s official historiography highlights narratives of the nation and especially how national rejuvenation requires correcting the “national humiliation” of lost territories. Rather than see these narratives in a linear chronological history — i.e., from tradition to socialism to nationalism — this paper considers how they overlap in socialism, tradition, and nation, a non-linear dynamic triad of global order ideas. It concludes first that further research is necessary to examine the interrelation of these three narratives: while nation and tradition are often employed to support the overarching narrative of socialism in recent years, this could certainly change. The conclusion then argues that while these narratives may be coherent theoretically, they have not been very successful in achieving Beijing and Moscow’s foreign policy objectives.

An improved method of concentric circle positioning in visual measurement

Target with concentric circles has been widely used in artificial target and camera calibration of visual measurement systems. The accuracy of concentric circle target directly affects the accuracy of vision measurement system. In this study, an improved method for accurate positioning of concentric circles projection center is proposed. Compared with similar methods, the proposed method has high accuracy and does not need to know the radius of the concentric circle in advance. The influence of inner and outer circle radius and rotation angle of concentric circles on the position error of circular projection center is analyzed by single camera experiment. The experimental results show that the position error of this method is lower than that of similar methods. The concentric circles calibration board is designed as an application to calibrate the binocular vision system. It is shown that the calibration results of the camera’s intrinsic parameters are almost the same as those of PPAGC. However, compared with PPAGC, the total projection error of the left camera is reduced by 30.77% and that of the right camera by 28.29%.

Diminished choroidal blood flow in hypertensive and preeclamptic third trimester pregnancies using optical coherence tomography angiography.

The aim of this study was to compare choroidal adjusted flow index (AFI) in healthy, hypertensive & preeclamptic pregnancies using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In this prospective study, healthy, hypertensive & preeclamptic third trimester pregnant women underwent OCTA imaging. 3x3 & 6x6 mm choriocapillaris slabs were exported and the parafoveal area was marked by two concentric ETDRS circles at 1 & 3 mm, centered on the foveal avascular zone. Parafoveal AFI was calculated as a parameter of choroidal blood flow. Fifteen eyes of fifteen women per group were recruited (45 eyes). AFI was significantly lower in the preeclamptic compared to the healthy & hypertensive groups (Tukey HSD: <0.001 in both groups on 3x3 mm, and 0.02 & 0.04 in 6x6 mm scans), and in the hypertensive compared to the healthy group (0.005 & 0.03 in 3x3 & 6x6 mm scans respectively). Pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia revealed the lowest choroidal blood flow on OCTA followed by pregnancies with systemic hypertension compared to healthy pregnancies. We provide in-vivo documentation of choroidal ischemia, highlighting its culpability in hypertensive and preeclamptic retinochoroidal pathology, and the possibility of utilizing choroidal blood flow on OCTA as a precursor for disease progression.

From Realist Billiard Balls and Liberal Concentric Circles to Global IR’s Venn Diagram? Rethinking International Relations via Turkey’s Centennial

The Republic of Turkey continues to grapple with a foundational tension between isolationist impulses steeped in a nationalist, sovereigntist, i.e., realist outlook on the world, and what I call the “embedded liberalism” of the republican project. Yet, neither realism nor liberalism are sufficient, I show, to explain Turkey’s trajectory. Invoking three visions of the international system as envisaged in realism (billiard balls), liberalism (concentric circles), and global IR (which I conceptualize as a Venn diagram), I argue that the last best captures (Turkey’s) challenges and opportunities. My contention is that global IR incorporates constructivist claims regarding historical and social forces in world politics, but also decenters Eurocentric notions of history and society. A timely way to read multipolarity, the approach supports relational learning regarding our overlapping challenges as humanity. Scholars in and of Turkey arguably have a comparative advantage in this space. This is due to their ability, albeit not always actualized, to read the world in plural terms — the epistemological equivalent of Turkey’s proverbial bridging role in world politics.

Green thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process for braided tube reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber composite membranes with favorable bonding layer

BackgroundCurrently, membrane separation technology was used in the fields of water treatment, gas separation and electrodialysis. Among them, water treatment was still the main field of application of membrane separation technology, for example, in the treatment of industrial wastewater, membrane separation technology does not destroy or change the composition of wastewater during the treatment process, and valuable products can be recovered and used commercially. MethodsThe braided tube reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber composite membranes were successfully prepared by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method with no harmful diluent and additives (green preparation) based on concentric circle spinning process. Significant findingsThe membrane morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning microscopy (CSM). The effects of polyethylene oxide (PEO) content on the performance of the prepared hollow fiber membranes were investigated in terms of mechanical strength, pure water flux and bovine serum protein (BSA) rejection. The results showed that the addition of PEO promoted the phase separation process and inhibited the growth of PVDF spherical crystals. When the PEO content was 15wt%, the membrane has high pure water flux and excellent BSA rejection. In addition, the tensile strength of the reinforced hollow fiber membranes exceeded 100 MPa and exhibited favorable interfacial bonding.

Incidence of white mould of bean and characterization of its causal pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Kashmir valley, India

White mould caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum affects the quality and quantity of bean crop. The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence and severity of white mould disease in four districts of Kashmir valley and to characterize the morphological variability of 60 Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolates from bean plants. Three bean fields per village and five villages per district were chosen randomly for sampling. The highest incidence among surveyed areas was found in Ganderbal (37.94%) and lowest in Shupiyan (19.98%). The disease severity was highest in district Ganderbal (15.54%) and lowest in district Shupiyan (7.94%). Single spore method was used to isolate the fungus. Sixty isolates of the causal organism were isolated from bean plants collected from the surveyed areas and pathogenecity test was carried out following Koch’s postulates. Morphological characters of the different isolates, like number of sclerotia per Petri plate, time required for formation of the first sclerotium and average weight and shape of the sclerotia were studied. Among sixty isolates of S. sclerotiorum isolated from bean, it was observed that 25% of the isolates had abundant mycelium, 25% had irregular mycelium, half of the isolates had thin mycelium. 75% of the isolates had white colour and 25% had beige coloration. 25% of the isolates had a round shape, and 75% had a diverse shape. Sclerotia were detected in 50% of the cases in a regular pattern along the colony edge, 25% spread throughout the colony, and 25% in concentric circles. The mean number of sclerotia per colony ranged from 11.68 (SS55) to 32.32 (SS26). The mean number of days for formation of the first sclerotium ranged from 9.3 (SS30) to 17.7 (SS60). The average weight of sclerotia ranged from 0.0918 (SS58) to 0.2475 (SS21). The variation in disease incidence across different sites and the morphological variation of the isolates can be due to differences in genetic constitution as well as environmental conditions.

Diverse bone microanatomy in cetaceans from the Eocene of Ukraine further documents early adaptations to fully aquatic lifestyle

Basilosauridae, fully aquatic archaeocetes from the Eocene, had osteosclerotic or pachyosteosclerotic structure of ribs and, sometimes, other bones. Such a structure is far different from osteoporotic-like bones of modern cetaceans. A microanatomical and histological study was conducted on axial and limb skeleton of several basilosaurid specimens assigned to the genus Basilotritus, from Bartonian (late middle Eocene) deposits of Ukraine, remarkable for its pachyostotic bones. The postcranial skeleton of these specimens is a complex mosaic of diverse types of bone structure, which include pachyosteosclerotic, osteosclerotic and cancellous elements. The vertebrae have a pachyostotic layered cortex reaching its greatest thickness in the lumbar region. This cortex was strongly vascularized, and its layered structure is due to concentric circles mostly made by longitudinal vascular canals, in addition to cyclical growth lines. Heavy bones are concentrated in the dorsal and ventral areas. Swollen distal ends of thoracic ribs are interpreted as serving as ballast in the ventral area, as also previously proposed for Basilosaurus cetoides. Cortical bone tissue in vertebrae and ribs showed signs of intensive resorption and remodeling. This indicates the use of the axial skeleton not only for buoyancy control but also possibly for calcium and phosphorus recycling.

Petrography and Textural Characteristics of Late Cretaceous Orbicular Gabbro West of Elazığ (Turkey)

The lithological units outcropping in the study area are located in the Southeast Anatolian Orogenic Belt, one of the most important parts of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic Belt. The units of the study area are Middle Devonian-Lower Cretaceous Keban Metamorphics, Upper Cretaceous Elazığ Magmatics, Upper Maastrichtian-Paleocene Seske Formation, Middle Eocene-Upper Oligocene Kırkgeçit Formation and Quaternary cover units. The study area crops out in a local area within the Hısırık creek in the north of Sarıgül village of Baskil county, which is located in the west of Elazig province in Southeast Turkey. Elazig magmatic complex contains plutonic and sub-volcanic rocks, mainly felsic and mafic compositions. Plutonic rocks with felsic composition include granite, granodiorite, tonalite and quartz monzonites, while sub-volcanic rocks include aplite. Plutonic rocks with mafic composition are represented by diorite, quartz diorite, gabbro and orbicular gabbro, and sub-volcanic rocks are represented by diabase and diorite porphyries. The orbicular gabbros contain orbicles ranging in size from 1 cm to 15 cm, formed by repetitive concentric circles of fine and coarse grains. All these orbicles consist of concentric circles that show magmatic textures both in macro specimens and under the microscope. Orbicular circles were formed by the crystallisation of basic magma in the form of a circular texture by conventional repetition as a result of adding a basic new magma that was later included in the magma chamber during the crystallisation of basic magma. Mineralogical and petrographic features suggest that the orbicular gabbro is part of mafic igneous enclaves within intrusive mafic rocks.

Calibration method for fringe projection profilometry based on rational function lens distortion model

The calibration of the fringe projection profilometry (FPP) system is susceptible to the camera lens distortion. This paper presents a calibration method based on the rational function lens distortion model. In this method, we integrate the rational function into the mathematical expression of the out-of-plane height to mitigate the impact of lens distortion. With arbitrarily arranged measurement components, we can flexibly measure the three-dimensional (3D) shape of objects with no expensive auxiliaries, high-precision setups, or complicated projector calibration. First, we project modulated sinusoidal fringe patterns with high frequency to the concentric circle grids calibration board to accurately estimate the unwrapped phase value, the pixel coordinate, and the out-of-plane height at each feature point. Then, the 3D coordinates can be recovered by determining the coefficients of the high order phase, coordinate, and height (PCH) mapping. Experiments on computer simulation and real data demonstrate that the modified calibration contributes to the flexibility and accuracy of the 3D shape measurement.

Analog Quantum Variational Embedding Classifier

Quantum machine learning has the potential to provide powerful algorithms for artificial intelligence. The pursuit of quantum advantage in quantum machine learning is an active area of research. For current noisy, intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers, various quantum-classical hybrid algorithms have been proposed. One such previously proposed hybrid algorithm is a gate-based variational embedding classifier, which is composed of a classical neural network and a parameterized gate-based quantum circuit. We propose a quantum variational embedding classifier based on an analog quantum computer, where control signals vary continuously in time. In our algorithm, the classical data is transformed into the parameters of the time-varying Hamiltonian of the analog quantum computer by a linear transformation. The nonlinearity needed for a nonlinear classification problem is purely provided by the analog quantum computer through the nonlinear dependence of the final quantum state on the control parameters of the Hamiltonian. We performed numerical simulations that demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm for performing binary and multi-class classification on linearly inseparable datasets such as concentric circles and MNIST digits. Our classifier can reach accuracy comparable with the best classical classifiers. We find the performance of our classifier can be increased by increasing the number of qubits until the performance saturates and fluctuates. Moreover, the number of optimization parameters of our classifier scales linearly with the number of qubits. The increase of number of training parameters when the size increases is therefore not as fast as that of neural network. Our algorithm presents the possibility of using current quantum annealers for solving practical machine-learning problems, and it could also be useful to explore quantum advantage in quantum machine learning.

Optical Imaging Deformation Inspection and Quality Level Determination of Multifocal Glasses.

Multifocal glasses are a new type of lens that can fit both nearsighted and farsighted vision on the same lens. This property allows the glass to have various curvatures in distinct regions within the glass during the grinding process. However, when the curvature varies irregularly, the glass is prone to optical deformation during imaging. Most of the previous studies on imaging deformation focus on the deformation correction of optical lenses. Consequently, this research uses an automatic deformation defect detection system for multifocal glasses to replace professional assessors. To quantify the grade of deformation of curved multifocal glasses, we first digitally imaged a pattern of concentric circles through a test glass to generate an imaged image of the glass. Second, we preprocess the image to enhance the clarity of the concentric circles' appearance. A centroid-radius model is used to represent the form variation properties of every circle in the processed image. Third, the deviation of the centroid radius for detecting deformation defects is found by a slight deviation control scheme, and we gain a difference image indicating the detected deformed regions after comparing it with the norm pattern. Fourth, based on the deformation measure and occurrence location of multifocal glasses, we build fuzzy membership functions and inference regulations to quantify the deformation's severity. Finally, a mixed model incorporating a network-based fuzzy inference and a genetic algorithm is applied to determine a quality grade for the deformation severity of detected defects. Testing outcomes show that the proposed methods attain a 94% accuracy rate of the quality levels for deformation severity, an 81% recall rate of deformation defects, and an 11% false positive rate for multifocal glass detection. This research contributes solutions to the problems of imaging deformation inspection and provides computer-aided systems for determining quality levels that meet the demands of inspection and quality control.

Numerical Study on Interfacial Structure and Mixing Characteristics in Converter Based on CLSVOF Method

The blowing flow is a key factor in molten bath stirring to affects the steel-bath interface fluctuation and chemical reaction in the top-bottom-blowing converter. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method is widely used to capture the gas-liquid interface. However, some limitations exist in dealing with the interface curvature and normal vectors of the complex deformed slag-bath interface. The Coupled Level-Set and Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) method uses the VOF function to achieve mass conservation and capture interface smoothly by computing the curvature and normal vector using the Level-Set function to overcome the limitations in the VOF model. In the present work, a three-dimensional (3D) transient mathematical model coupled CLSVOF method has been developed to analyze the mixing process under different injection flow rates and bottom-blowing positions. The results show that when the bottom-blowing flow rate increases from 0.252 kg/s to 0.379 kg/s, the mixing time in the molten bath gradually decreases from 74 s to 66 s. When the bottom-blowing flow rate is 0.252 kg/s, it is recommended to distribute the outer bottom-blowing position on concentric circles with Dtuy,2/D2 = 0.33.

New data on the morphological and anatomical structure, chemical composition and distribution area of a rare species &lt;em&gt;Komarovia anisosperma&lt;/em&gt; in Uzbekistan

For the first time, the morphological and anatomical structure of vegetative and generative organs, the localization of secretory ducts in the underground and aboveground parts of the species plants were studied. New GIS technologies were used to elucidate the spatial structure of the rare endemic species Komarovia anisosperma of the monotypic genus Komarovia Korovin of the Apiaceae family. The performed analysis showed the most significant diagnostic features of the studied organs, such as a deep taproot system, the presence of a multi-branched caudex, underdeveloped stem leaves or stem leaves reduced to sheaths, the central cylinder of the main root showing separate concentric circles of large and small vascular bundles, the presence of numerous secretory ducts in the secondary root cortex, strongly elongated palisade leaf cells etc. As a result of phytochemical study, extracts of Komarovia anisosperma roots and inflorescences were analyzed. According to our data, the main component of underground organs from terpenes was α-muurolene, and for inflorescences it was α-curcumene. Grid mapping showed that the species is mainly concentrated in the Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions, where the most favorable conditions for its growth are found. These areas are the natural area of origin of the species, and the establishment of a protected natural area has led to an increase in the number of natural populations.

Struggling for Good against Evil

This charts my quest for ‘good’, and my struggle for ‘good’ against ‘evil’, growing up in an evangelical tradition. In the process I particularly distinguish the category of ‘evil’ from the categories of ‘bad’ and ‘sin’ and reflect on some of the dominant manifestations of this ‘evil’ during the century in which I grew up. I specifically explore what it has meant for me, in my personal struggle for ‘good’ against ‘evil’, to deal in ever expanding concentric circles of concern, with the ‘evil in ourselves’ the ‘evil in our communities’, the ‘evil in our institutions’, the ‘evil in our nations’ and the ‘evil in our religions’. And the struggle goes on….

Influence of orifice thickness on the flow field of co-flow jets

The present study analyses the numerical simulation results of subsonic flow through co-flow orifices. Analysis is done on the effects of modifying orifice thickness on the co-flow jet characteristics. The combined frontal area of the co-flow jet and central jet is maintained constant (20 mm2). The primary orifice diameter (D) is kept as 3mm and the orifice thickness, i.e the co-flow jet is formed as four segments of a concentric circle around the core jet, and the edge distance between them ranges from 0.16D to 0.5D. The 0.16D co-flow is shown to lengthen the potential core of the main jet at nozzle pressure ratios of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8, but the 0.33D co-flow and the 0.5D co-flow shorten the potential core length, enhancing mixing. The present study analyses the Mach numbers that correspond to the Nozzle Pressure ratios of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8, which are 0.517, 0.71, 0.84, and 0.96, respectively. The 0.5D annular gap is found to be more effective which boosts primary jet mixing.

Crossing edge minimization in radial outerplanar layered graphs using segment paths

Crossing minimization is a natural problem in graph drawing, which consists of drawing it in the plane with a minimum number of crossings on the edges. We present an algorithm to minimize the crossing edges in radial layered graphs. The algorithm determines the optimal location of nodes in their corresponding circle layer and consists of two phases. In the first phase, a counterclockwise rotation of concentric circles is performed; in the next phase, edges are converted into segment paths. Unlike other algorithms with circular drawings, our algorithm does not require the insertion or removal of nodes and edges; only rotation and path construction operations are utilized. Two versions of the algorithm were created; the exhaustive version tests all the possible paths, while the random version tests a few number of paths. The goal is to minimize the crossing edges to obtain a clear visualization using three criteria: rotation, crossing edge detection and segment path construction. The algorithm has been successfully implemented in 30 instances of graphs with 20, 35 and 50 layers, where crossings are minimized in 86–93%, 93–96% and 95–97%, respectively.

Exploring the displacement induced changes in social convoys and support for older women in displacement (OWD) in Abuja, Nigeria

AbstractThe world is witnessing a dramatic increase in displaced persons in Africa, Asia, South America, and, most recently, Europe. Within this population of violence‐induced displacement are older women, a group that is mostly unseen because research and relief initiatives primarily target younger women and children. This study aimed to explore the changes in the convoys and support for older women in displacement (OWD). Qualitative data were collected from nine OWD using art‐based convoys of concentric circles and interviews. The collected data were analysed in themes, and findings revealed that while there has been intervention from formal organisations to fill the displacement‐induced support gap, supports are still limited, sporadic, not focused on the peculiar needs of OWD, not guided by any framework, and mainly material in design. The study concluded by recommending sustainable support to help OWD become empowered to cope effectively without aid.

Optimizing Augmented Reality Cueing Strategies for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson Disease: Interim Results of the ELIMINATE FoG Study (P2-11.008)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To improve augmented reality (AR) cueing strategies in combatting freezing of gait (FoG) in Parkinson Disease (PD), and to create the first clinically effective non-rhythmic spatial AR cue using a novel, versatile cueing strategy. <h3>Background:</h3> FoG is a common symptom of PD that can interrupt daily living and cause devastating falls. Previous research demonstrated benefits of AR cueing on FoG, but those cues were not feasible for real-world applications, required attentional demands that cause social disruption, or relied on adherence to a rhythm. Non-rhythmic spatial AR cues are promising in terms of versatility and user-friendliness but have not proven effective in reducing FoG, possibly due to limited AR field-of-view of prior headsets. The Magic Leap 2 (ML2) is a new AR headset with the largest AR field-of-view to date. This hardware presents a fresh opportunity to test spatial AR cueing strategies. PD cueing products have begun to hit market; clinical guidance is needed on their use. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> 36 PD patients will complete walking tasks in AR hallways wearing accelerometers and the ML2. The first intervention will utilize a proven physical cue to test cue-responsiveness. AR cue conditions will be randomized in order: no cue (control), constant, user hand-triggered as-needed, user eye-triggered as-needed, examiner-triggered as-needed. Our cue consists of two concentric circles with radii based on stride length; this shape allows use on turns and straight paths. This is a single-center, within-subjects, unblinded study. FoG and gait parameters will be collected via the ML2, accelerometers, and video, and compared between the test arms. <h3>Results:</h3> Sessions begin November 2022. Data from the first 50% of participants will be presented. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Initial comparisons of cueing strategies and lessons on ML2 usability (this is the first clinical trial to use this headset) will be used to adapt the study, including a re-analysis of sample size. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Baugher has nothing to disclose. Mr. Kaya has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Scelina has nothing to disclose. Miss Ghosh has nothing to disclose. Miss Amato has nothing to disclose. Dr. Baker has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Enspire DBS. The institution of Dr. Baker has received research support from St Jude/Abbott. The institution of Dr. Baker has received research support from NIH. Dr. Baker has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Abbvie. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Cerevel. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Amneal. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier. The institution of Dr. Fernandez has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Fernandez has received research support from Michael J Fox Founda. The institution of Dr. Fernandez has received research support from Roche. The institution of Dr. Fernandez has received research support from Parkinson Foundation. The institution of Dr. Fernandez has received research support from UCB. Dr. Fernandez has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Steering Committee/Advisory Committee Member with Parkinson Study Group. The institution of Dr. Alberts has received research support from NIH. Dr. Alberts has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Alberts has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Member, Health and Wellness Council with Peloton Interactive. The institution of Prof. Szewczyk has received research support from NASA. The institution of Prof. Szewczyk has received research support from NASA. The institution of Dr. Liao has received research support from American Parkinson Disease Association.

Thermal analysis of a micro tubular reactor for methanol steam reforming by optimizing the multilayer arrangement of catalyst bed for the catalytic combustion of methanolr

Packed bed tube reactors are commonly used for hydrogen production in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the hydrogen production capacity of methanol steam reforming (MSR) is greatly limited by the poor heat transfer of packed catalyst bed. The hydrogen production capacity of catalyst bed can be effectively improved by optimizing the temperature distribution of reactor. In this study, four types of reactors including concentric circle methanol steam reforming reactor (MSRC), continuous catalytic combustion methanol steam reforming reactor (MSRR), hierarchical catalytic combustion methanol steam reforming reactor (MSRP) and segmented catalytic combustion reactor with fins (MSRF) are designed, modeled, compared and validated by experimental data. It was found that the maximum temperature difference of MSRC, MSRR, MSRP and MSRF reached 72.4 K, 58.6 K, 19.8 K and 11.3 K, respectively. In addition, the surface temperature inhomogeneity Uf and CO concentration of the MSRF decreased by 69.8% and 30.7%, compared with MSRC. At the same reactor volume, MSRF can achieve higher methanol conversion rate, and its effective energy absorption rate is 4.6%, 3.9% and 2.6% higher than that of MSRC, MSRR and MSRP, respectively. The MSRF could effectively avoid the influence of uneven temperature distribution on MSR compared with the other designs. In order to further improve the performance of MSRF, the influences of methanol vapor molar ratio, inlet temperature, flow rate, catalyst particle size and catalyst bed porosity on MSR were also discussed in the optimal reactor structure (MSRF).