CP System Research Articles

Gas-rigid-flexible compound blade coupling enhanced experimental study on chaotic mixing of multiphase flow

Efficient fluid mixing is essential for process intensification. This study proposes a new method in which gas-rigid-flexible composite blades are coupled to enhance chaotic mixing in multiphase flow systems. The rigidity and flexibility of the blades were adjusted by intermittent gas injection, which increased the effectiveness of mixing of the liquid-liquid two-phase fluid. This study investigates the influence of different process parameters on the mixing efficiency and quantifies the chaotic characteristics of fluid mixing through pressure-time series analysis of multiscale entropy and the 0–1 test. A high-speed camera recorded the bubble movement in the flow field, while particle image velocimetry (PIV) revealed the enhancement of the properties of the flow field in the system due to the suspended motion of the particles. Using suitable process parameters, gas-rigid-flexible composite blade coupling significantly enhanced the mixing effect, where the mixing time of the G-RFCP system was reduced by 1.42 times compared to that of the CP system. Bubble motion, deformation, and rupture enhanced the mechanical agitation, increasing the intensity of the turbulence and chaotic behaviour. Flow-field analysis indicated a three-fold increase in the vorticity and a 1.04-fold increase in the velocity difference for the G-RFCP system compared with those of the CP system. This study provides theoretical and experimental foundations for understanding chaotic mixing in liquid-liquid two-phase fluids.

Lactobionic acid matrix supramolecular complexes with enhanced bioavailability and clinical efficacy as an optimal CP system.

Despite the biological activity of lactobionic acid (LBA), its low bioavailability remains a challenge in response to complex clinical needs. Aided by computer high-throughput screening and ab initio analysis, we selected betaine and mandelic acid as the right arms to synthesize supramolecular lactobionic acid (SLBA) through a proton exchange reaction, which significantly and comprehensively improved the bioavailability of LBA. Density functional theory and physicochemical characterization revealed the supramolecular characteristics and chemical stability of this coupling. The resulting SLBA has shown significant advantages over LBA in cellular, animal, and clinical trials and demonstrated enormous potential in anti-aging beauty, clinical treatment, biomedicine, and food preservation.

Complex High-Risk Indicated Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Prophylactic Use of the Impella CP Ventricular Assist Device.

Patients with complex coronary artery disease, concomitant cardiac disease, and multiple comorbidities are addressed as complex higher-risk indicated patients (CHIPs). Selecting a revascularization strategy in this population remains challenging. If coronary artery bypass grafting is deemed high risk or patients are considered inoperable, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the support of the Impella CP ventricular assist device (Abiomed) may be an attractive alternative. In this retrospective, multicenter study, we included consecutive patients undergoing Impella CP-facilitated complex high-risk PCI. All patients were discussed by the heart team and were declined for surgery. Additionally, periprocedural mechanical circulatory support was deemed necessary. We collected demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and mortality rates up to 30 days were evaluated. A total of 27 patients (median age, 73 ± 9.7 years; 74.1% men) were included in our study. The median SYNTAX score was 32 (range, 8-57) and EuroSCORE was 7.25% (range, 1.33-49.66; ± 12.76%). Periprocedural hemodynamic instability was observed in 1 patient (3.7%). In-hospital combined with 30-day mortality was 7.4% (2/27). No repeat revascularization was necessary. MACE was observed in 10 patients (37.0%). Six patients (22.2%) had a major bleeding complication, of which 2 were related to Impella access site. Median Impella run time was 1.22 hours and there was no significant decrease in kidney function. Median admission time after PCI was 3 days (range, 1-23; ± 4.76). The Impella CP system showed good feasibility and provided adequate hemodynamic support during high-risk PCI in this CHIP population.

Progress of engineering design of CFETR cryogenic system

The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is the next magnetic confinement fusion device in China’s roadmap for realizing commercial fusion energy, aiming to bridge the gaps between the experimental reactor and the demonstration reactor DEMO. As a key subsystem of utilizing fusion power, the CFETR cryogenic system is required to create and maintain low temperature operation conditions for superconducting magnets, CP system and other users. The preliminary engineering design of the CFETR cryogenic system has been proposed. The system has a capacity of 125 kW@4.5 K, 1700 kW@80 K, 6 kW@15 K and 2.5 kW@1.8 K (optional). The dimension of cryodistirbution system has been carried with the length of 85.5 m, width of 82.9 m and height of 40.2 m. The cryogenic control system is based on the CODAC and controlled by PLC.

Grammaticalisation of ʔelħi:n in Haili Arabic- From Propositional Item to Discourse Particle: Split CP Investigation

This paper explores the linguistic properties of a discourse variant of the temporal adverb ʔelħi:n, used in Haili Dialect of Najdi Arabic (HA). Maintaining the characteristic of co-occurring clause-initially, and examining lexical/discoursal articulated structures, ʔelħi:n has developed a conventionalized discourse use, turning its morphology into a discourse particle that expresses a degree of speaker’s attitude. ʔelħi:n has undergone a process of grammaticalisation, with morphosyntactic consequence: changing its phrasal status to a head one. Evidence supporting this direction derives from intervention effects (Rizzi, 2006)- ʔelħi:n inhabits movement of head-items in syntax. The immediate consequence of this morphosyntactic change has direct impact on the syntax of ʔelħi:n: occurring clause-initially and its phonology: being unable to bear high tone, unlike its temporal adverb counterpart. Implementing cartographic mechanisms, Rizzi’s (1997) Split CP System, and holding to observations that inherently focused material wh-phrase leɪʃ ‘why’ merges in a position c-commanded by ʔelħi:n, it is established that the discourse instance of ʔelħi:n first merges at a discourse head, instantiating a discourse projection, PrtP, whence it semantically wide-scopes the propositional-TP. Constituents preceding ʔelħi:n are then argued to move and remerge at some Spec of a discourse phrase, C-TopP (Frascarelli & Hinterhölzl, 2007). Mapping the CP-layer of HA, the PrtP headed by ʔelħi:n maintains a rigid order in syntax with respect to CP-items, which makes a possible, initial mapping to the left periphery of HA, calling for scrutiny of more structure.

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship of Enhancers of Licochalcone A and Glabridin Release and Permeation Enhancement from Carbomer Hydrogel.

This study aimed to systematically compare licochalcone A (LicA) and glabridin (Gla) (whitening agents) release and permeation from Carbomer 940 (CP) hydrogels with different enhancers, and evaluate the relationship between the quantitative enhancement efficacy and structures of the enhancers. An in vitro release study and an in vitro permeation experiment in solution and hydrogels using porcine skin were performed. We found that the Gla–CP hydrogel showed a higher drug release and skin retention amount than LicA–CP due to the higher solubility in medium and better miscibility with the skin of Gla than that of LicA. Enhancers with a higher molecular weight (MW) and lower polarizability showed a higher release enhancement effect (ERrelease) for both LicA and Gla. The Van der Waals forces in the drug–enhancers–CP system were negatively correlated with the drug release percent. Moreover, enhancers with a higher log P and polarizability displayed a higher retention enhancement effect in solution (ERsolution retention) for LicA and Gla. Enhancers decreased the whole intermolecular forces indrug–enhancers-skin system, which had a linear inhibitory effect on the drug retention. Moreover, C=O of ceramide acted asthe enhancement site for drug permeation. Consequently, Transcutol® P (TP) and propylene glycol (PG), seven enhancers showed a higher retention enhancement effect in hydrogel (ERhydrogel retention) for LicA and Gla. Taken together, the conclusions provide a strategy for reasonable utilization of enhancers and formulation optimization in topical hydrogel whitening.

Zero Tillage, Residue Retention and System-Intensification with Legumes for Enhanced Pearl Millet Productivity and Mineral Biofortification

Pearl millet-based cropping systems with intensive tillage operations prior to sowing have limited sustainable productivity in the low-irrigation conditions of semi-arid farming ecologies, such as those in the north Indian plains. The adoption of improved management practices such as zero tillage with residue retention (ZTR) and diversification with the inclusion of summer pulse crops has the potential to improve cropping system sustainability. Therefore, an experiment was designed to compare two improved management practices, zero tillage (ZT) and ZTR, to conventional tillage (CT), across three pearl millet-based cropping systems: pearl millet–chickpea (PM–CP), PM–CP–mungbean (MB), and PM–CP–forage pearl millet in a two-year experiment. Experimental treatments were compared in terms of pearl millet productivity, mineral biofortification, and greenhouse gas emissions. Results showed a significant increase in pearl millet yield attributes, grain and stover productivity, nutrient uptake, and micronutrient biofortification in the PM–CP–MB cropping system under ZTR relative to other treatment combinations. On-farm evaluation at different locations also showed that the intensification of PM–CP system using summer crops enhanced pearl millet productivity across diverse tillage systems. Overall, zero tillage practices combined with diversified pearl millet-based cropping systems are likely to be management practices, which farmers can use to sustainably maintain or increase cropping system productivity in the various semi-arid areas of the world.

Maintenance experiences with installed CP systems in the Netherlands and their expected and unexpected maintenance needs during the past 35 years

This paper presents the results of a study based on practical experiences and cases with regard to the need for maintenance of installed CP systems over the past 35 years in the Netherlands. CP is a proven technique for long-term protection of steel in concrete against corrosion. Corrosion can lead to significant damage to reinforced concrete and ultimately result in a reduction in the load-bearing capacity of the structure. Correct application of CP can prevent this. Over 35 years, CP has been successfully applied in the Netherlands to all kinds of concrete structures in the industry, residential buildings, infrastructure and even monuments. CP normally distinguishes itself from other repair techniques by its long service life and durability. With careful application and professional monitoring, a service life of 15-30 years or even longer can be achieved. Nevertheless, there have been applications in which the CP system had to be maintained in the shorter or longer term or even completely replaced. Although every application requires maintenance, this maintenance sometimes came completely unexpectedly or much too soon. This paper gives an overview of a number of such projects and identifies the causes and consequences (in scope, costs and effects) of the relevant maintenance measures.

Impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete in ATEX-zones – Case study: concrete slab in an industrial building

Electrochemical repair by means of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) was adopted as a repair strategy for a reinforced concrete slab, severely damaged by chloride induced reinforcement corrosion. Since the slab is located within an ATEX-zone (i.e. a zone with a potentially explosive atmosphere), strict safety regulations regarding the maximum current output through the cables had to be taken into account in the design of the ICCP system. Therefore, the anode in the zones of the CP system was subdivided into small fields (subzones), each individually connected to the power supply and provided with an electrical fuse in the circuit in order to avoid exceedance of the maximum allowed current. Performance assessment of the ICCP system, based on 24-hour depolarization measurements at regular time intervals, showed that complete protection of the steel reinforcement was obtained, according to the 100 mV depolarization criterium in the European standard EN ISO 12696, while the current output was kept well below safety limits. During a monitoring period of about one year, a decreasing required current density with time was observed, which was found to be 4 to 5 times lower than the adopted design value of 20 mA/m² at the start-up of the system and up to 10 times lower after 11 months of continuous application.

Towards automated deduction in cP systems

Inspired by the structure and behaviour of living cells, membrane systems are efficient computing models that can solve NP-complete problems in polynomial time. In this study, we use cP systems to perform automated deduction in equational logic. Using a fixed constant number of generic rewriting rules, our cP solution can perform completion and term reduction efficiently. Given a set of k axioms, the cP system can compute all the critical pairs among the axioms in logarithmic time regardless of k. Even when handling equational theories with n-ary operators, the cP solution’s complexity remains the same. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach with a case study. In addition to equational logic, the cP solution can also be used as a prototype to construct deduction cP systems for other logics.

Serum adipokine levels in patients with type 1 diabetes are associated with degree of obesity but only resistin is independently associated with atherosclerosis markers.

The role of adipokines in causing inflammation and insulin resistance in normal weight and obese patients is generally well studied. However, there are often conflicting results regarding their levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients and their relationship to micro- and macrovascular disease. We therefore investigated which serum adipokine levels are independently associated with markers of early atherosclerosis and microvascular complications in patients with T1DM. A cross-sectional study was performed in the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of Hippokrateion General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. Sixty T1DM patients (30 females, mean age 38.8 ± 10.6years, mean diabetes duration 17.4 ± 9.9years) were included. Plasma adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV/SpygmoCor CP System and Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA) were assessed. Leptin and resistin levels were significantly higher in overweight and obese patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.039, respectively). Adiponectin was the only adipokine negatively correlated with BMI (rs = - 0.41, p = 0.001). We report a bivariate association between serum adiponectin levels and retinopathy (p = 0.007). Resistin was the only adipokine that showed significant correlation with systolic (rs = 0.42, p = 0.001) and diastolic (rs = 0.29, p = 0.024) hypertension and PWV (p = 0.035). Serum adipokine levels demonstrate similar bivariate associations with anthropometric variables in patients with T1DM to those in normal weight subjects. Although microvascular complications are associated with serum adipokine levels by bivariate analysis, only resistin, an inflammatory marker, is independently associated with arterial stiffness in patients with T1DM.

Predictive Maintenance Framework for Cathodic Protection Systems Using Data Analytics

In the quest to achieve sustainable pipeline operations and improve pipeline safety, effective corrosion control and improved maintenance paradigms are required. For underground pipelines, external corrosion prevention mechanisms include either a pipeline coating or impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP). For extensive pipeline networks, time-based preventative maintenance of ICCP units can degrade the CP system’s integrity between maintenance intervals since it can result in an undetected loss of CP (forced corrosion) or excessive supply of CP (pipeline wrapping disbondment). A conformance evaluation determines the CP system effectiveness to the CP pipe potentials criteria in the NACE SP0169-2013 CP standard for steel pipelines (as per intervals specified in the 49 CFR Part 192 statute). This paper presents a predictive maintenance framework based on the core function of the ICCP system (i.e., regulating the CP pipe potential according to the NACE SP0169-2013 operating window). The framework includes modeling and predicting the ICCP unit and the downstream test post (TP) state using historical CP data and machine learning techniques (regression and classification). The results are discussed for ICCP units operating either at steady state or with stray currents. This paper also presents a method to estimate the downstream TP’s CP pipe potential based on the multiple linear regression coefficients for the supplying ICCP unit. A maintenance matrix is presented to remedy the defined ICCP unit states, and the maintenance time suggestion is evaluated using survival analysis, cycle times, and time-series trend analysis.

Design of an Ionic Conductor as Permanent Electrode for Monitoring Cathodic Protection System performance.

The most dominant used method for protecting the bottom of a tank is impressing a current cathodic protection (ICCP). Monitoring the CP system is critical to maintain and extend the service life of the exterior bottom of the storage tank. The bottom of the tank usually located on or near the surface of the ground and in contact with materials used to support the tank and so presents a corrosion challenge. This work presents a successful design of an ionic conductor that can be used as a monitor procedure of ICCP system for ground storage tanks bottom. The new ionic conductor system offers an accurate and efficient performance compared with old copper/ copper sulphate electrode monitoring system. The risks failure of permanent electrodes including cables disconnection and electrode dryness are increasing. Ionic conductors were used to insure proper potential monitoring. The new ionic conductor system scheme has the features of lower cost and less installation time over conventional methods.

Predicting the Coping Skills of Older Drivers in the Face of Unexpected Situation.

In recent years, when an older driver who cannot immediately recognize, judge, and operate properly faces an unexpected situation, they often panic, which may cause a traffic accident. However, there has not yet been enough discussion about the coping skills of older drivers in the face of this unexpected situation. Therefore, this study discusses the coping skills of older drivers in the face of unexpected situations. Moreover, we propose a coping skills prediction system (CP system). The CP system predicts coping skills from the tilt angle and angular velocity of the left foot when an older driver is driving or preparing to start a car. The experiment carried out two phases, a phase of driving a car and a phase of preparing to start the car. In the driving phase, the young and older driver drive the car in a driving simulator. The average age of the young driver group was ± standard deviation = 20.6 ± 0.7 years, and the age of the older driver group was 78.5 ± 5.1 years. The driving route included 15 cases in which collision accidents are likely to occur. We analyzed the experimental results of the driving phase and clarified the predictors of coping skills. Moreover, we analyzed the correlation between the left foot movement in driving and the left foot movement during preparing to start the car. As a result of the experiment, there was a 0.84 correlation between the tilt angle of the left foot of the older driver in driving and the tilt angle of the left foot of the older driver in preparing to start the car. The result shows that the coping skills can be predicted from the tilt angle of the left foot of the older driver during preparing to start the car. We showed that the coping skill can be predicted with an accuracy of 92% or 94% on average from the tilt angle and the angular velocity of the left foot while driving or preparing to start the car. Moreover, we clarified that the tilt angle of the left foot of a driver without coping skills is perpendicular to the ground compared to a driver with coping skills. This study is expected to contribute to the prevention of traffic accidents that occur in the face of an unexpected situation.

Dynamic Change of Coronary Microcirculation During Cardiocirculatory Support by the Impella

The use of the Impella device (ABIOMED, Danvers, Massachusetts) is becoming widespread in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and those undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The DTU-STEMI (Door To Unloading With IMPELLA CP System in Acute Myocardial Infarction -

Cathodic Protection of Steel from Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Buildings using Sacrificial Surface Anodes of Zinc

Corrosion of steel in reinforced cement concrete is one of the major factor for deterioration of RCC structures. The corrosion of steel leads to failure or needs demolition of structures. Cathodic protection technology is well proven for corrosion protection of steel and in 2020 this technology will complete its 200 years of existence. For RCC buildings cathodic protection technology is not common due to several reasons. The lack of awareness in public about the fact that maintenance is only cosmetic repair and it does not ensure the protection of steel from corrosion. The sacrificial anode CP system is well suited for buildings since the requirement of anode material will always be less in case of buildings. To make it popular a new system of SACP is developed and it is named as Sacrificial Surface Anode Cathodic Protection (SSACP) system. The device is designed as external, it is easy in installation, replacement and monitoring. It is reliable, economical and does not damage the aesthetic appearance of building. The present research is about onsite corrosion prevention of steel using Sacrificial Surface Anode. For evaluation of performance a number of SSA are installed in one of the multi-story buildings in Surat city about 18 km from sea shore. This includes the working of SSA which depends upon the resistivity and moisture content of concrete cover to reinforcement.

Results on the long-term performance and effectiveness of a galvanic CP system applied on a lightweight concrete bridge with prestressed steel as determined by depolarisation values and current densities

This paper gives insight in the research and investigations which were undertaken on a post tensioned light-weight concrete box girder bridge in the Netherlands. This project started in the first half of 2013 and measurements are still executed regularly. Due to long-term leakage of a longitudinal joint between 2 parts of the bridge, chlorides had penetrated into the concrete up to the level of the reinforcement and beyond, causing severe corrosion of the steel, spalling of the concrete cover and eventually causing danger for the shipping underneath the bridge due to falling lumps of concrete. To solve this problem, Galvanic Cathodic Protection (GCP) was applied in 2 stages. Firstly, in 2013, zinc based anode strips were applied on the soffit of 2 post tensioned lightweight bridge segments for the purpose of testing and monitoring. After obtaining good results from the test, in 2014/2015 the remaining 29 bridge segments were repaired and protected with the same GCP system as well. This paper reviews subsequent potential decay and current densities measurements, which have provided valuable information on GCP performance and throwing power. The results of anode performance at different locations and depths are reviewed. Concrete resistivity has shown a major influence on the effectiveness of the installed GCP system.

INFLUENCE OF END-FUNCTIONALIZED SOLUTION STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER ON SILICA-FILLED VULCANIZATES WITH VARIOUS SILICA–SILANE SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT We investigated how end-functionalized solution styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) affects the vulcanizate structures and the physical properties of silica-filled vulcanizates using non-functionalized and end-functionalized SSBRs with aminopropylalkoxysilane. Two silane agents were used. Triethoxy(octyl)silane was used as a covering agent, and bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]disulfide was applied as a coupling agent. The effects of three different silica–silane systems with a covering agent (CV), a coupling agent (CP), or with no silane (NS) were analyzed. In the CV and NS systems, the cross-link densities induced by the polymer and curing system were similar with respect to the end-functionalization. Further, the cross-link densities induced by the silica–silane system were similar, regardless of the end-functionalization. However, the CP system exhibited similar cross-link densities, irrespective of functionalization. Both the coupling agent and end-functional group chemically bonded with the silanol groups of silica, thus competing with each other and affecting the vulcanizate structure. However, increasing the silica content decreased the effect of end-functionalization because the content of the coupling agent increased, and the end-functional group was less mobile than the coupling agent's alkoxy group.

Cathodic protection of steel in concrete – experience and overview of 30 years application

This paper presents an overview of 30 years' experience with cathodic protection of steel in concrete in The Netherlands. Principles and practical aspects of CP and its design and installation are presented. Three phases have passed from the late 1980s until present: pioneering, development and maturity. In the first period CP was mainly applied to precast elements corroding due to mixedin chlorides. The parties involved worked together to draw up a Technical Guideline. In the second period, application to bridges came up, including post-tensioned structures, which was then innovative. Furthermore, galvanic anode systems were introduced. In the third period, CP became a fully accepted method of securing durability and safety. Renewed collaboration led to a database that allowed analysis of various aspects of CP system working life, including shortcomings in early systems. Major successes and lessons learned will be presented. Technical and non-technical developments are highlighted and some recent innovative CP components and systems are discussed.

A 5 year track record on a galvanic CP system applied on a light weight concrete bridge with prestressed steel – Developments in time of the effectiveness as determined by depolarisation values and current densities

This paper gives insight in the research and investigations which were undertaken on a post tensioned light-weight concrete box girder bridge in the Netherlands. This project started in the first half of 2013 and measurements are still executed regularly. Due to long-term leakage of a longitudinal joint between 2 parts of the bridge, chlorides had penetrated into the concrete up to the level of the reinforcement and beyond, causing severe corrosion of the steel, spalling of the concrete cover and eventually causing danger for the shipping underneath the bridge due to falling lumps of concrete. To solve this problem, Galvanic Cathodic Protection (GCP) was applied in 2 stages. Firstly, in 2013, zinc based anode strips were applied on the soffit of 2 post tensioned lightweight bridge segments for the purpose of testing and monitoring. After obtaining good results from the test, in 2014/2015 the remaining 29 bridge segments were repaired and protected with the same GCP system as well. This paper reviews subsequent potential decay and current densities measurements, which have provided valuable information on GCP performance and throwing power. The results of anode performance at different locations and depths are reviewed. Concrete resistivity have shown a major influence on the effectiveness of the installed GCP system.