Confirmation Experiments Research Articles

Implementing media educational technology in Ukrainian preschool institutions

This study investigates the implementation of media educational technology in preschool institutions in Ukraine. The increasing prevalence of media manipulation, fake information, and uncontrolled media consumption among children necessitates media education from an early age. The research involved developing and experimentally testing a model for media educational technology tailored for preschoolers aged 5-6 years. The technology encompasses a three-stage process: diagnostic-target, integrational, and analytical, incorporating various forms, methods, and means of media education activities. A key component is innovative “media educational tales” designed to engage children in learning about media literacy concepts. The effectiveness of the technology was evaluated through a confirmatory experiment conducted in multiple preschool institutions across Ukraine, involving 384 respondents. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in media literacy levels among children in the experimental groups, with 20.9% achieving a high level and 61.7% reaching a sufficient level after implementing the technology. The study highlights the feasibility and positive impact of implementing structured media educational approaches in preschool settings while also revealing the need for further training and support for preschool teachers in this domain.

Cyclocarya paliurus leaves alleviate high-sucrose diet-induced obesity by improving intestinal metabolic disorders.

High-sucrose diets are common in daily life but harmful to human health. Cyclocarya paliurus leaves (CPL) are a kind of tea used to alleviate metabolic diseases and are widely used in China. However, the effects of CPL on high-sucrose-induced obesity are unknown. This study aimed to describe the changes in gut metabolism induced by a high-sucrose diet and to reveal the potential mechanisms through which CPL alleviate high-sucrose diet-induced obesity. A high-sucrose-induced obesity model was generated in C57BL/6J and KM mice. The effects of CPL on obese mice were evaluated, and changes in the gut microbiota and intestinal metabolites induced by CPL treatment were observed. Furthermore, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) method was used to prove that the effects of CPL on high-sucrose induced obesity depend on the changes of gut microbiota. The results of the C57BL/6J mouse experiment revealed that high-sucrose intake induced fat deposition and altered the gut microbiota. CPL treatment decreased fat deposition and alleviated disorders of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, CPL treatment increased the utilization of amnio acids, long fatty acids and saccharides and produced more bile acids, indole derivatives and less trimethylamine (TMA). A confirmatory experiment in KM mice also revealed that CPL can alleviate obesity, ameliorate intestinal metabolic disorders, and upregulate the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa. These results demonstrated that CPL could prevent high sucrose-induced obesity and generate more beneficial intestinal microbial metabolites but less harmful intestinal microbial metabolites.

Development of Speech Communication of Senior Preschool Children: Application of Correctional and Developmental Pedagogical Technologies in Moderate and Severe Mental Retardation

Introduction. The article discusses correctional-developmental pedagogical technologies for the development of speech communication through the prism of speech pathology correction in preschool children with severe and moderate mental retardation. The following methods are described: fairy tale therapy, theatrical activities, mnemotechniques, logorhythmics, and computer technologies.Purpose. The study examines the components of speech communication in preschool-aged children with moderate and severe mental retardation using pedagogical technologies such as logorhythmics, theatrical activities, and computer technologies.Materials and Methods. A study was conducted involving 10 preschool-aged children with moderate and severe mental retardation attending a combined-type kindergarten. The study aimed to assess the development of the motivational, semantic, linguistic, and sensorimotor components of speech communication. Pedagogical technologies such as logorhythmics, theatrical activities, and computer technologies (developing games) were used to evaluate the manifestation of speech communication components in preschool-aged children with moderate and severe mental retardation.Results. The study involved 10 children (6 boys and 4 girls) aged 5–6 years with severe or moderate mental retardation. A confirmatory experiment was conducted to assess the semantic, linguistic, sensorimotor, and motivational components of speech communication in this group of manifestation. The study allowed us to determine that the most preserved components of speech communication in the participants of the experiment are sensorimotor and motivational, while the semantic and linguistic components of speech communication are poorly developed.Discussion. The data obtained in our study is in line with the findings of other researchers who have who have used the information and communication technologies in correctional speech therapy. The authors also emphasize the role of dialogic communication between a child and a teacher in speech development, which we have implemented at all stages of the confirmatory experiment. The results obtained are applied in correctional and developmental work.

Time of exposure and assessment influence the mortality induced by insecticides against metabolic resistant mosquitoes

BackgroundIncreasing metabolic resistance in malaria vector mosquitoes resulted in the development of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) with active ingredients (AI) that target them. Bioassays that accurately measure the mortality induced by these AIs on ITNs are needed. Mosquito metabolic enzyme expression follows a circadian rhythm. Thus, this study assessed (i) influence of the time of day of mosquito exposure and (ii) timing of assessment of mortality post exposure (24 and 72 h) to ITNs against vectors that are susceptible to pyrethroids and those with metabolic and knockdown resistance mechanisms.MethodsTwo cone bioassay experiments were conducted following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Firstly, on ITNs incorporated with 2 g AI/kg of deltamethrin (DM) alone, or combined with 8 g AI/kg piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergist, during the day (9:00–14:00 h) and repeated in the evening (18:00–20:00 h). This was followed by a confirmatory experiment during the afternoon (12:00–14:00 h) and repeated in the night (22:00–24:00 h) using mosquitoes unexposed or pre-exposed to PBO for 1 h before exposure to DM ITNs. Each net piece was tested with a minimum of eight cones per time (N = 24). The outcome was mortality after 24 h (M24) or 72 h (M72) of holding.ResultsThe cone bioassays performed using metabolic resistant mosquitoes during the evening showed significantly lower M24 than those performed in the day for DM: odds ratio (OR) 0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.30, p < 0.0001] and DM PBO [OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.18—0.49, p < 0.0001). M72 was higher than M24 for metabolic resistant mosquitoes exposed to DM [OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.09–1.88), p = 0.009] and DM PBO [OR 1.82 (95% CI 1.42–2.34), p < 0.0001]. An influence of hour of experiment and time of assessment was not observed for mosquitoes that had knockdown resistance or that were pyrethroid-susceptible.ConclusionsTime of day of experiment and hour of assessment of delayed mortality after exposure of mosquitoes are important considerations in evaluating insecticides that interact with mosquito metabolism to counter metabolic resistant mosquitoes. This is important when evaluating field-aged ITNs that may have lower concentrations of AI.Graphical

Dysfunctional neutrophil type 1 interferon responses in preschool children with recurrent wheezing and IL-4–mediated aeroallergen sensitization

BackgroundThe innate mechanisms associated with viral exacerbations in preschool children with recurrent wheezing are not understood. ObjectiveWe assessed differential gene expression in blood neutrophils from preschool children with recurrent wheezing, stratified by aeroallergen sensitization, at baseline and after exposure to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). We also examined whether poly(I:C)-stimulated blood neutrophils influenced airway epithelial gene expression. MethodsBlood neutrophils were purified and cultured overnight with poly(I:C) and underwent next-generation sequencing with Reactome pathway analysis. Primary human small airway epithelial cells were treated with poly(I:C)-treated neutrophil culture supernatants and were analyzed for Type 1 interferon gene expression with a targeted array. Symptoms and exacerbations were assessed in participants over 12 months. Results436 genes were differently expressed in neutrophils from children with versus without aeroallergen sensitization at baseline, with significant downregulation of Type 1 interferons. These Type 1 interferons were significantly upregulated in sensitized children after poly(I:C) stimulation. Confirmatory experiments demonstrated similar upregulation of Type 1 interferons in IL-4 treated neutrophils stimulated with poly(I:C). Poly(I:C)-treated neutrophil supernatants from children with aeroallergen sensitization also induced a Type 1 interferon response in epithelial cells. Children with aeroallergen sensitization also had higher symptom scores during exacerbations and these symptom differences persisted for three days after prednisolone treatment. ConclusionsType 1 interferon responses are dysregulated in preschool children with aeroallergen sensitization, which is in turn associated with exacerbation severity. Given the importance of Type 1 interferon signaling in viral resolution, additional studies of neutrophil Type 1 interferon responses are needed in this population.

Optimization of Multiple Performance Characteristics for CNC Turning of Inconel 718 Using Taguchi–Grey Relational Approach and Analysis of Variance

The optimization of machining processes is a deciding factor when increasing productivity and ensuring product quality. The response characteristics, such as surface roughness, material removal rate, tool wear, and cutting time, of the finish turning process have been simultaneously optimized. We used the Taguchi-based design of experiments L9(34) in this study to test and find the best values for process parameters like cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nose radius. The Taguchi-based multi-objective grey relational approach (GRA) method was used to address the turning problem of Inconel 718 alloy to increase productivity, i.e., by simultaneously minimizing surface roughness, tool wear, and machining time. GRA and the S/N ratio derived from the Taguchi approach were utilized to combine many response characteristics into a single response. The grey relational grade (GRG) produces results such as estimations of the optimal level of input parameters and their proportional significance to specific quality characteristics. By employing ANOVA, the significance of parameters with respect to individual responsibility and the overall quality characteristics of the cutting process were ascertained. The single-objective optimization yielded the following results: minimal surface roughness of 0.167 µm, tool wear of 44.65 µm, minimum cutting time of 19.72 s, and maximum material speed of 4550 mm3/min. While simultaneously optimizing the Inconel 718 superalloy at a cutting speed of 100 m/min, depth of cut of 0.4 mm, feed rate of 0.051 mm/rev, and tool nose radius of 0.4 mm, the results of the multi-objective optimization showed that all investigated response characteristics reached their optimal values (minimum/maximum). To validate the results, confirmatory experiments with the most favorable outcomes were conducted and yielded a high degree of concurrence.

Investigation of machining rate and surface roughness in wire EDM of Al6063/WC/ZrO2 composite using response surface methodology

The aim of the current work is to explore the machinability behavior of Al6063/WC/ZrO2 metal matrix composites (MMC) produced through a stir casting process through wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process. In order to examine the effects of process parameters such as voltage (V), pulse on time (Ton) and pulse off time (Toff) on material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR), the experiments were conducted by adapting Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in conjunction with the central composite design (CCD). A second-order regression model has been developed to predict the response parameters and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to validate the significance of the models. Using the desirability function approach, the parameters were set for the highest MRR and the minimum SR value. The prediction was within a tolerable average error range. A total of 19 sets of tests were developed to obtain six possible solutions. The most suitable solution among these six has been found by a confirmatory experiment. The results indicate that voltage and its interactions have significantly affected both the responses than Ton and Toff. Overall, it can be said that the study of the Al6063/WC/ZrO2 MMCs using WEDM process parameters demonstrated improved casting and machining qualities.

Process parameters optimization and performance analysis of micro-complex geometry machining on Ti6Al4V

The aeronautical industry relies on high-performance equipment that demands materials with exceptional engineering attributes, such as the Ti6Al4V alloy. However, the complexity of the parts used in these applications presents challenges related to stack-up tolerances during assembly. Therefore, conventional machining processes are not economically viable due to their two-step nature solution (machining and surface treatment) and their inability to achieve the required accuracy level, particularly given the alloy’s hard-to-cut nature. In this matter, wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) emerges as an attractive alternative for fabricating complex geometries. This research focuses on evaluating the potential of the WEDM process for machining micro-complex profiles. A comprehensive range of process parameters, including servo voltage (Vs), pulse on time (Ton), pulse off time (Toff), and wire speed (Ws), are studied using a Taguchi-based design of experiments. The results are analyzed through parametric significance analysis, parametric control analysis, surface morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy, and modified layer analysis. Additionally, both mono-objective and multi-objective process optimization techniques are employed to achieve superior accuracy and speed. The findings indicate that Ton and Ws have the most significant influence on both cutting speed and spark gap, whereas Vs and Toff play a crucial role in determining the accuracy index. In addition, adequate flushing, reduced wire speed (economically viable), and stability of the spark are recommended to attain a lower spark gap and higher accuracy. The confirmatory experiments show that the optimal parametric conditions of Vs = 60 V, Toff = 30 μs, Ton = 8 μs, and Ws = 6 mm/s provide the highest speed of 3.4 mm/min, minimum spark gap of 0.344 mm, and accuracy index of 98.72%. The findings will contribute to enhancing manufacturing efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness in the aeronautical industry, meeting the demand for high-quality components with tight tolerances.

Improvement of balance in boys who practice in the basketball section

This article highlights the indicators of the development of various types of balance in boys who play in the basketball section before and after the pedagogical experiment. The results of testing in the confirmatory experiment indicate the absence of a statistically significant difference between indicators of the development of various types of balance in the tested control and experimental groups (p&gt;0.05). The time of maintaining balance in the control group (60.5±1.3 sec) is higher than in the experimental group (59.6±1.6 sec), but in both groups it corresponds to the rating "excellent". The magnitude of the range between the maximum and minimum values in the control group is smaller than in the experimental group (18.5 s versus 21.0 s). The median indicator in the control group (62.5 sec) is higher than in the experimental group (60.3 sec), and the mode is 67.0 sec and 69.0 sec, respectively. The indicators of dynamic balance of the basketball players of the control (8.6±0.2 sec) and experimental groups (8.7±0.2 sec) correspond to the "satisfactory" rating. The range of results in both groups is the same and is equal to 2.8 seconds. The median and mode are identical in both groups, which are 8.7 s and 8.0 s, respectively. The level of development of static-dynamic equilibrium of the control (45.0±0.9 c) and experimental groups (45.6±0.9 c) is rated as "good". The range of indicators in both groups is the same - 12.5 cm, and the median and mode indicators in the control and experimental groups are identical - 50.0 c. Repeated testing showed a significant improvement in the indicators of balance development in basketball players of the experimental group compared to the control group. Thus, the average statistical result of the development of static balance in the experimental group was 85.0±5.5 seconds (an increase of 42.6%), and in the CG it was only 63.3±2.1 seconds (an increase of 4.6%). The indicators of dynamic balance of basketball boys in the experimental group were 7.5±0.3 seconds (increase of 13.8%), and in the control group - 8.4 seconds (increase of 2.3%). The state of development of static-dynamic equilibrium improved in athletes of the experimental group by 25.9%, and in basketball players of the control group - by only 4.2%.&#x0D; The use of experimental methods for the development of various types of balance in boys, who are engaged in the basketball section, contributes to a pronounced increase in their results.

Energy management of integrated energy system in the park under multiple time scales

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Considering the problem of time scale differences among subsystems in the integrated energy system of a park, as well as the increasing complexity of the system structure and number of control variables, there may be a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) "curse of dimensionality" problem, which hinders the further improvement of economic benefits and energy utilization efficiency of park-level integrated energy systems (PIES). This article proposes a reinforcement learning optimization algorithm for comprehensive energy PPO (Proximal Policy Optimization) in industrial parks considering multiple time scales for energy management. First, PIES are divided into upper and lower layers, the first containing power and thermal systems, and the second containing gas systems. The upper and lower layers of energy management models are built based on the PPO; then, both layers formulate the energy management schemes of the power, thermal, and gas systems in a long (30 min) and short time scale (6 min). Through confirmatory and comparative experiments, it is shown that the proposed method can not only effectively overcome the curse of dimensionality in DRL algorithms during training but can also develop different energy system management plans for PIES on a differentiated time scale, improving the overall economic benefits of the system and reducing carbon emissions.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Machine learning approach towards laser powder bed fusion manufactured AlSi10Mg thin tubes in laser shock peening

The industry's demand for intricate geometries has spurred research into additive manufacturing (AM). Customising material properties, including surface roughness, integrity and porosity reduction, are the key industrial goals. This necessitates a holistic approach integrating AM, laser shock peening (LSP) and non-planar geometry considerations. In this study, machine learning and neural networks offer a novel way to create intricate, abstract models capable of discerning complex process relationships. Our focus is on leveraging the certain range of laser parameters (energy, spot area, overlap) to identify optimal residual stress, average surface roughness, and porosity values. Confirmatory experiments demonstrate close agreement, with an 8% discrepancy between modelled and actual residual stress values. This approach's viability is evident even with limited datasets, provided proper precautions are taken.

Quality Analysis of Micro-Holes Made by Polymer Jetting Additive Manufacturing.

Material jetting technology is gaining popularity, especially in polymer science, because of their high accuracy for additive manufacturing (AM) products. This paper aims to investigate the quality of micro-holes that are oriented in three basic directions, and manufactured by the material jetting AM process. This paper proposes a novel methodology to evaluate the accuracy of micro-holes features by using a transparent artifact. A test artifact with horizontal and vertical micro-holes in it, with industrial applications, was designed. Micro-holes were placed on planar and curve surfaces. Samples were manufactured by PolyJet technology from a translucent photopolymer resin which allows a facile investigation (by microscopy) of the inner structure of the micro-holes. The features of ten micro-holes printed in matte and glossy finish type, with diameters in coarse and medium options, according to ISO/ASTM 52902, were analyzed. Quality analysis of the micro-holes features was performed by microscopy investigations. The effects of main factors on the deviation of the micro-hole diameter were investigated by using the statistical design of experiments, and four control factors were considered. The best results were obtained for sample printed in matte finishing with the micro-holes oriented along the x-axis and z-axis. The smallest diameter of the micro-holes obtained by PolyJet technology on an EDEN 350 machine was 0.5 mm, but in industrial applications for a facile post-processing, a higher diameter is recommended to be used. A confirmatory experiment on a wing sample, with a number of micro-holes of the same diameter and a large length to diameter ratio of the micro-holes, was performed, and the repeatability of the results was confirmed.

Weak signal extraction in non-stationary channel with weak measurement

An emerging challenge of integrated communication and sensing is the extraction of weak sensing signals transmitted through an unknown non-stationary channel. In this work, we propose a weak signal extraction method with weak measurement. Taking advantage of time division multiplexing, we preliminarily estimate the channel via adjustable finite impulse response filter, further suppressing the interfering signal caused by background noises via spectrum shift. By subsequently using the time-varying phase estimation method via weak measurement, the real-time detection of weak signals in the non-stationary channel is achieved. We demonstrate via theoretical analysis and confirmatory experiment that our method is able to amplify the phase shift, to suppress technical noise and to improve detection resolution limit, while proving robust against light source fluctuations, initial phase differences and detector saturation. The method hence enables weak sensing signal extraction with a low signal-to-noise ratio non-stationary channel. Furthermore, we interface our measurement method to squeezed light sources, offering the possibility of surpassing standard quantum limit.

Evaluation of Machining Variables on Machinability of Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 Using Coated Carbide Tools

The current work was undertaken with the research aim of experimental examination of tool wear, surface roughness and burr formation during the micro-milling of Inconel 718 using different coated tools. Inconel 718 is one of the most widely used materials for purpose-oriented utilization owing to its preferred mechanical and physical properties, including high strength and corrosion resistance. On the opposite end, the machining of Inconel 718 poses certain machinability challenges, which significantly elevates tool wear and subsequently surface roughness. Cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were selected as variable machining inputs. With reference to tool wear, all input variables were found to be significant, with tool coating having the highest contribution ratio of 36.19%. In case of surface roughness, cutting speed and tool coating were identified as effective input parameters with contribution ratios of 51.24% and 34.27%, respectively. Similarly, depth of cut proved to be an influential factor for burr height formation (in both up-milling and down-milling), whereas feed rate had the highest contribution ratios for burr width formation during up-milling and down-milling, i.e., 39.28% and 36.26%, respectively. Consequently, contour plots for output responses were drawn between significant parameters to analyze machinability. One of the vital research outcomes was the identification of a tool coating parameter that is significant for all four analyzed aspects of burr formation. In addition, regression equations were formulated for machining responses. The best- and worst-case scenarios for individual input parameters, as identified from main effects plots, were validated during confirmatory experimentation. Moreover, effects of input variables on output response were characterized using close-up imagery, and dominant wear mechanisms were also identified. The utility of the research is underlined by the optimization of the sustainability and productivity of the manufacturing process.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH OF GRA COUPLED WITH PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS FOR FRICTION STIR WELDED AM20 MAGNESIUM ALLOY

Magnesium alloys possess highly desirable properties and become increasingly popular in various practical applications due to their lightweight nature as a replacement for aluminum alloys. The purpose of this study is to optimize the process parameter to get the better mechanical properties of friction stir welded AM20 magnesium alloy using Taguchi Grey relational analysis (GRA) Coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The considered process parameters are plunging depth (PD), tool rotation speed (RPM), and welding speed (WS), shoulder diameter (SD), and. The experiments were carried out by using Taguchi's L18 factorial design of experiment. The processes parameters were optimized and ranked the parameters based on the W-GRG. The responses are ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), percentage of elongation (% E), compressive stress (CS), bending angle, average hardness at the nugget zone (NZ), thermo mechanical affected zone (TMAZ) and heat affected zone (HAZ). Case-1 is preferable when high values of quality parameters are desired, while Case-2 is more suitable when some parameters needs to be low values. The optimal combination of parameters in case-1 is PD1, RPM3, WS3, and SD1, while the optimal combination of parameters in case-2 is PD1, RPM1, WS2, SD1. In both cases, the most influence response in is UTS, while the maximum influence of factor is SD. We suggest further research to be able to use confirmatory experiments so that we can find out how well the new setup is suggested.

An ecotoxicologically relevant approach to water quality monitoring for contaminants of emerging concern

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) have been documented across the seven continents, including Antarctica, and are likely an impediment to the sustainable management of natural resources. Most studies to date have relied on sweeping chemistry surveys, reliant upon sophisticated instrumentation. This approach is expensive, relies on limited laboratory capacity, and generates results that are spatially and temporally constrained. Here we review existing approaches that can overcome these limitations by focusing on effects-based monitoring. Passive samplers can generate long-term records regarding the occurrence of CECs. As samples are concentrated, their analysis can be achieved using equipment that will be more common and less expensive. A second approach involves rapid test methods for single compounds, including test strips, ELISA assays, and mobile phone-based analytic tools. These can provide inexpensive CEC presence data for many field sites and can be used to stratify sampling and thereby reduce cost. Identifying the presence of a single compound can often shed light on the likely presence of entire groups of chemicals. Pairing these chemistry-derived approaches with geospatial modeling to predict CEC presence and concentrations across watersheds has already been applied in several large watersheds. Utilizing available ecotoxicological knowledge bases provides an opportunity to link modeled CEC occurrence and concentrations with likely adverse biological responses. Finally, confirmatory on-site exposure experiments can corroborate the presence or absence of biological effects hypothesized from the above chain of evidence to provide natural resource managers with information to make conservation decisions.

Maximizing biogas yield from palm oil mill effluent (POME) through advanced simulation and optimisation techniques on an industrial scale

The palm oil industry generates a considerable amount of waste, known as palm oil mill effluent (POME), which is characterized by high levels of chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD). The anaerobic digestion of POME is a potential solution for generating biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used for power generation. However, optimizing biogas production from POME is a challenging task, particularly at the industry scale due to the complex nature of the waste stream. This study aimed to improve the performance of an existing POME-based biogas plant through simulation and optimization. The POME treatment process was simulated using SuperPro Designer software. The simulated results were validated against data obtained from the existing plant, including the environmental properties of COD, BOD, total suspended solids (TSS), and total solids (TS), as well as the composition of the biogas produced. The simulation results showed good agreement with the existing plant data, although some parameters had a high relative difference due to assumptions made during the simulation. The process parameters, including the recirculation ratio and hydraulic retention time, were optimized using Design Expert software. The optimized parameters obtained were a recirculation ratio of 148 % and an HRT of 22 days, resulting in a maximum biogas flow of 859 m3/h, corresponding to a methane yield of 0.259 m3 CH4/kgCOD removed. Confirmatory experiments were conducted over a period of 3 months using the optimized variables in the biogas plant. The results showed a high level of consistency between the predicted and experimental values with a percentage error difference ranging from 0.03 % to 2.3 %. This study's novelty lies in the integration of simulation and optimization tools to improve the performance of POME-based biogas plant. The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable development in the palm oil industry, providing an efficient and cost-effective approach for treating POME and producing renewable energy.

Exploration of the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Caused by Smoking-Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vitro Experimental Evidence.

This study was aimed at investigating the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by smoking-based on bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental evidence. The GEO, GEO2R, TargetScan, miRDB, miRWalk, DAVID, and STRING databases were used for bioinformatics analysis. The mRNA expression and the protein levels were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA. After taking the intersection of the diversified results of the databases, four differentially expressed miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-708, hsa-miR-150, and hsa-miR-454) were screened out. Subsequently, a total of 57 target genes of the selected miRNAs were obtained. The results of DAVID analysis showed that the selected miRNAs participated in COPD pathogenesis through long-term potentiation, the TGF-β signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. The results of STRING prediction showed that TP53, EP300, and MAPK1 were the key nodes of the PPI network. The results of the confirmatory experiment showed that, compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of ZEB1, MAPK1, EP300, and SP1 were up-regulated, while the expression of MYB was down-regulated and the protein levels of ZEB1, MAPK1, and EP300 were increased. Taken together, miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-708, hsa-miR-150, and hsa-miR-454) and their regulated target genes and downstream protein molecules (ZEB1, EP300, and MAPK1) may be closely related to the pathological process of COPD.

Broccoli Leaves (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) as a Source of Bioactive Compounds and Chemical Building Blocks: Optimal Extraction Using Dynamic Maceration and Life Cycle Assessment

Bioactive compounds (BACs) and chemical building blocks (CBBs) play a pivotal role in driving economic growth. These compounds, known for their diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing, have become integral to meeting the increasing demand for sustainable and innovative products. In this research, we used and characterized dynamic maceration to extract BACs and CBBs from broccoli leaves (BLs). A central composite design (CCD) was selected to evaluate the effect of temperature (from 4 °C to 70 °C), ethanol concentration (from 30% to 70% (v/v)), and exposition time (15 to 60 min) on total phenolic content (TPC) (mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs) per 100 g of dry biomass (db)). A confirmation experiment (CE) was performed to reproduce the optimal conditions (50 °C, 36.92 min, and 30% (v/v)) for BAC extraction. Results indicated a GAE concentration of 112.95 ± 0.92 mg/100 g db, while the statistical model predicted a value of 111.87 mg of GAEs/100 g db (error of 0.95%) with a rate constant (k) value of 0.0154 mg/g·min (R2 of 0.9894). BACs and CBBs were identified with gas chromatography–electron impact mass spectrometry detecting l-isoleucine, l-leucine, malonic acid, and succinic acid, among others. Finally, a life cycle inventory (LCI) was developed to determine global warming (GW) and water consumption (WC), among others, for 10 g of BL extract. Findings reported herein prove the sustainability of eco-friendly extraction of BACs and CBBs for the effective use of agricultural by-products.

Modeling and Experimental Verification of the Electrical Efficiency for Variable-Frequency Rolling Piston Compressor under Variable Suction Conditions

The frequency and the suction refrigerant state are complex in the actual operation of variable compressors, which leads to the variability of compressor performance under different operating conditions. The characterization and the modeling of the compressor have become hot research topics. For modeling, the electrical efficiency model of the compressor, which could be applied to the suction refrigerant state at both the superheated and the two-phase stages, the compressor frequency, the pressure ratio, and the evaporation temperature, is analyzed through experiments in this paper. The results show that the linear electrical efficiency decreases with the declining superheated temperature and the increasing suction vapor quality when the system is at the fixed and evaporating temperature. Moreover, the slope of the two-phase suction is above that of the superheated suction. In addition, the system’s electrical efficiency at the fixed pressure ratio is inversely proportional to the evaporation temperature, and the electrical efficiency of the system at the fixed evaporating temperature is also inversely proportional to the pressure ratio. The higher the variation of the pressure ratio, the smaller the evaporation temperature influences. To demonstrate the precision of the model, the theoretical value is compared with a confirmatory experiment in this paper. The maximum relative error is 1.81%, and the minimum is 0.035%.