Evaluation Criteria Research Articles

Analysis of viscoelastic rheological properties and storage stability of solvent cold patching asphalt

Solvent cold patching asphalt (CPA) is commonly mixed with aggregate for rapid pavement pothole repairing in cold and wet seasons, as its ordinary temperature fluidity and gradually increased viscosity. Currently, the evaluation criteria and expectations for the CPA are often related to the modified asphalt without considering the metastable viscoelastic properties of CPA required to ensure the preparation and storage effectiveness. This paper selects diesel oil, kerosene, aromatics solvent oil and isomeric hexadecane four solvents to prepare CPAs, and investigates the viscoelastic properties and storage stability of CPAs with considering the storage time, temperature and solvents incorporation proportion based on penetration test, viscosity test and dynamic shear rheological test. The experimental results show that the optimal dosage of the four diluents is 20%, among which IH-CPA has better storage stability at 30℃, and its 30d viscosity change is the smallest, which is 19.2%. Moreover, the interaction mechanism between solvent and asphalt is explored through molecular simulation model. The research outcome shows that findings from this research can contribute to a better understanding of the metastable structure of CPA, and furnish the high-performance CPA production and storage strategies.

Equity and Inclusion for LGBTQ+ Residents: Lessons Learned From the Initial Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)

Most older adults with lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, transgender, and related identities (LGBTQ+) are concerned about receiving lower-quality care and/or being mistreated in nursing homes. Older LGBTQ+ Veterans may have additional reservations about receiving care in Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes [Community Living Centers (CLCs)] because of experience with past discriminatory military policies (eg, bans on participating in military service, Don't Ask Don't Tell). The Human Rights Campaign developed the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) as a facility benchmarking tool to support more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ residents and employees. The LEI offers 4 evaluation criteria: (1) Non-Discrimination and Staff Training; (2) LGBTQ+ Resident Services and Support; (3) Employee Benefits and Policies; and (4) Resident and Community Engagement. Facilities receive ratings based on the number of requirements achieved in each criteria category. This article describes one of the first VA CLCs to participate in the LEI self-assessment and the formative evaluation process used to identify opportunities for growth. Older LGBTQ+ Veterans, current CLC residents, interdisciplinary CLC providers and leadership, and national Geriatrics and Extended Care program managers collaborated to pilot the LEI and develop tools and materials to support other VA facilities' participation in the LEI. Results of qualitative interviews with Veterans and CLC residents supported inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation in resident handbooks, discussions about person-centered care, and opportunities for additional staff training and community engagement (eg, observing Pride Month in June). Resources to support other VA long-term care facilities' participation in the LEI were developed and are discussed. The LEI offers a structured approach to identifying areas for improvement in providing high-quality and equitable care in long-term care settings. We offer 6 practical suggestions for CLCs and other nursing home settings considering the LEI for the first time.

Deep learning with improved hybrid neuro-turning for predictive control of flux based on experimental DCMD module design of water desalination system

This study explores two scenarios for optimizing the predictive control of flux in water desalination systems: experimental design of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and artificial intelligence (AI) models. Deep learning networks, specifically Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and standalone AI models, including hybrid Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were evaluated. Evaluation criteria, along with 2D graphical visualization, were used to assess model accuracy. ANFIS-C4 emerged as the standout model, achieving perfect predictive skills with 100 % accuracy and low RMSE of 0.0522 in the training phase, and maintaining high performance in testing with 99.73 % accuracy and RMSE of 0.7121. Similarly, ANN-C4 demonstrated near-perfect accuracy with 100 % accuracy and RMSE of 0.0643 in the training phase and also maintained excellent performance in the testing phase. Despite requiring multiple inputs, ANFIS and ANN show remarkably high capability in predictive accuracy. Among LSTM models, LSTM-C3 achieved the highest training DC of 91.35 %, indicating robust performance in capturing training data variability. LSTM-C2 showed superior generalization with a testing DC of 0.8539, despite using only two input parameters. The narrow distribution of predicted values around the median in violin plots for ANFIS-C4 and ANN-C4, along with their low RMSE, validates their superior performance. The exceptional results of ANFIS-C4 and ANN-C4 highlight their potential in water desalination applications, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6 and EPA objectives for sustainable water management. This research underscores the importance of advanced computational models in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of water desalination systems, contributing to global efforts in sustainable water resource management.

Zinc-anode reversibility and capacity inflection as an evaluation criterion

Zinc-anode reversibility and capacity inflection as an evaluation criterion

Available target evaluation of underground gas storage based on AHP-FCE methods

Underground gas storage (UGS) is one of the feasible technologies to achieve carbon emission reduction and reach the carbon peak target. The scientific evaluation of available UGS targets is still challenging due to uncertainty of caprock, reservoir, fracture, etc. To fill this gap, this work develops an efficient evaluation method to determine the available UGS targets based on oil or gas reservoirs by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method. An integrated evaluation system for potential UGS is formed, including the evaluation indicators, scoring criteria, and the workflow of available target applicability evaluation. Field application is performed to validate the proposed model. The selection of target blocks is performed by a multi-factor evaluation method (AHP-FCE), and an evaluation index system and the evaluation criteria are proposed. The indicators are more completed, including 6 indicators and 44 sub-indicators. The assessment matrix has passed the consistency check because of CR<0.1. The factors of caprock and reservoir yield greater impact on the UGS siting. Field case shows that the excellent membership degree of Block # A and #B are 0.315 and 0.574, suitable for potential UGS. The average membership degree of Block # C and #E are 0.591 and 0.386. The poor membership degree of Block # D is 0.422. The evaluation model can provide accurate and objective technical support for UGS target evaluation.

Treatment of bullous pemphigoid with avdoralimab. Multicentre, randomized, open-labelled phase 2 study

RationaleExperimental data support the role for C5a-C5aR1-axis activation in bullous pemphigoid (BP). We assessed the efficacy and safety of avdoralimab, a specific anti-C5aR1 monoclonal antibody, for treating BP. MethodsWe conducted a Phase 2 open-labelled randomized multicenter study. Patients with proven BP were randomized (1:1) to receive superpotent topical steroids (STS) alone (group A) or with avdoralimab (group B). All patients received 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream until 15 days after the healing of lesions. Patients in group B additionally received 3 injections of avdoralimab every week during 12 weeks. The main criterion of evaluation was the proportion of patients with initial control of disease activity (CDA) still in complete clinical remission (CCR) at 3 months with no relapse during the study period. ResultsFifteen patients were randomized, 7 to group A and 8 to group B. Two patients in group A and in group B achieved CDA at week 4. Only one patient was still in CCR at week 12 in group B and none in group A.. No adverse event related to the treatment was reported. ConclusionsThis proof of concept pilot study did not show preliminary signal of additional avdoralimab efficiency compared to STS alone.

Research on composite pattern design and lapping performance of fixed abrasive pads controlled by multi-physical fields

The present work provides an innovative method of composite pattern design for fixed abrasive pads, addressing issues such as machining non-uniformity and passivation blockage arising from uneven lapping flow, pressure, and velocity fields in lapping. First, a multi-physical field modeling method is provided, a material removal distribution model and evaluation criteria for the performance of the abrasive pad are established, and the reliability of this model is validated. Second, based on the model, a composite pattern abrasive pad coupled with a spiral groove and concentric micro groove is designed. Comparative experiments are conducted with the grid abrasive pad. The results show that the clogging and passivation performance of the composite pattern abrasive pad is improved, and the pressure distribution is optimized. Compared with the grid abrasive pad, in the pressure range of 20 N–70 N, the surface roughness Ra of sapphire is reduced by 6.4 %–25.42 %, defects such as brittle fracture pits and scratches on the workpiece surface are reduced, and the surface quality of the workpiece is significantly improved. The material removal rate is between 0.23 μm/min to 0.34 μm/min. This confirms the effectiveness of optimizing abrasive pad pattern design based on multi-physics fields. The research results provide a novel approach for abrasive pad pattern design with engineering application value.

Experimental and numerical study on ferrohydrodynamic and magneto-convection of Fe3O4/water ferrofluid in a sudden expansion tube with dimpled fins

BackgroundThis study experimentally and numerically addresses magnetohydrodynamic forced convection including dimpled fins, Fe3O4/water ferrofluid, and DC magnetic field. In this research, focusing on the thermo-hydraulic performance improvement of a sudden expansion tube. It has been used different inlet diameters, dimple sizes, ferro nanoparticle concentrations, and magnetic field strengths to examine the heat transfer and fluid dynamics characteristics of the system. MethodsThe study consists of two parts, i) experimental and ii) numerical. Steady-state, incompressible, Newtonian flow were considered but chemical reaction, viscous dissipation, buoyancy, and radiative heat transfer were neglected in this study. On the other hand, numerical solutions were carried out for single-phase method. This study was first compared with the studies in the literature on the flow in a sudden expansion tube without dimpled fins and the error rate was found to be less than 10 %. In the analysis, dimpled fins with d=3, 5, and 7 mm at each P=15 mm (P/d=5.0, 3.0, and 2.14) have been used. As working fluid, Fe3O4/water ferrofluid with volume concentration of φ=1.0 % and 2.0 % have been analyzed. Additionally, DC magnetic fields, which strength of Ha=0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.1, 3.2, and 5.3 (B =0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5T), have been applied on the sudden expansion tube surface as external force. Significant findingsDimpled fins enhance the heat transfer by disrupting the boundary layer and forming secondary flows, while the ferrofluid increases the thermal conductivity and viscosity of the base fluid. Based on these explanations, dimpled fins increased the convective heat transfer rate at the rate of 96.0 % compared with smooth tube. In addition, Fe3O4/water ferrofluid with φ=2.0 % performed the highest performance and performance evaluation criteria increased by 8.5 %. The magnetic field also contributes to the heat transfer enhancement by inducing Lorentz force and mixing the flow. Excessive increasing of magnetic field strength adversely affected the system performance, and the highest performance evaluation criterion is acquired at Ha=3.2 by increasing 3.9 %. Compared with smooth tube, compound effect of dimpled fins, Fe3O4/water ferrofluid, and magnetic field improved the average Nusselt number and performance evaluation criterion at the rate of 279.8 % and 207.9 %, respectively.

The analysis of teaching quality evaluation for the college sports dance by convolutional neural network model and deep learning

This study aims to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the quality of college physical dance education using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models and deep learning methods. The study introduces a teaching quality evaluation (TQE) model based on one-dimensional CNN, addressing issues such as subjectivity and inconsistent evaluation criteria in traditional assessment methods. By constructing a comprehensive TQE system comprising 24 evaluation indicators, this study innovatively applies deep learning technology to quantitatively assess the quality of physical dance education. This TQE model processes one-dimensional evaluation data by extracting local features through convolutional layers, reducing dimensions via pooling layers, and feeding feature vectors into a classifier through fully connected layers to achieve an overall assessment of teaching quality. Experimental results demonstrate that after 150 iterations of training and validation on the TQE model, convergence is achieved, with mean squared error (MSE) decreasing to 0.0015 and 0.0216 on the training and validation sets, respectively. Comparatively, the TQE model exhibits significantly lower MSE on the training, validation, and test sets compared to the Back-Propagation Neural Network, accompanied by a higher R2 value, indicating superior accuracy and performance in data fitting. Further analysis on robustness, parameter sensitivity, multi-scenario adaptability, and long-term learning capabilities reveals the TQE model's strong resilience and stability in managing noisy data, varying parameter configurations, diverse teaching contexts, and extended time-series data. In practical applications, the TQE model is implemented in physical dance courses at X College to evaluate teaching quality and guide improvement strategies for instructors, resulting in notable enhancements in teaching quality and student satisfaction. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive evaluation of university physical dance education quality through a multidimensional assessment system and the application of the 1D-CNN model. It introduces a novel and effective approach to assessing teaching quality, providing a scientific foundation and practical guidance for future educational advancements.

Clinical efficacy and performance evaluation of a bendable remote robot system for a bone tumour surgery: A pilot animal study.

Traditional open surgery for bone tumours sometimes has as a consequence an excessive removal of healthy bone tissue because of the limitations of rigid surgical instruments, increasing infection risk and recovery time. We propose a remote robot with a 4.5-mm diameter bendable end-effector, offering four degrees of freedom for accessing the inside of the bone and performing tumour debridement. The preclinical studies evaluated the effectiveness, clinical scenario, and usability across 12 total surgeries-six phantom surgeries and six bovine bone surgeries. Evaluation criteria included skin incision size, bone window size, surgical time, removal rate, and conversion to open surgery. Preclinical studies demonstrated that the robotic approach requires significantly smaller incision size and procedure times than traditional open curettage. This study validated the performance of the proposed system by assessing its preclinical effectiveness and optimising surgical methods using human phantom and bovine bone tumour models.

Clinical Outcomes of Elective Early Discontinuation of Immunotherapy Based on Objective Response in Microsatellite Instability-High Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

BackgroundPatients with microsatellite-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancers (CRC) may experience long-lasting benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) upon stopping therapy. However, optimal timing and patient selection criteria for early treatment withdrawal remain undefined. In this single-center retrospective study, we characterized the clinical response and associated survival outcomes of patients who received elective early versus late treatment discontinuation. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with MSI-H metastatic CRC treated with ICI therapy from May 2015 to April 2024. Early ICI discontinuation was defined as treatment withdrawal before two years, and late ICI discontinuation as after two years. Response was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Efficacy outcomes between early and late ICI discontinuation groups were compared using a log-rank test. ResultsOf 36 patients with MSI-H metastatic CRC, 12 underwent elective early ICI discontinuation and 9 experienced late ICI discontinuation. After a median follow-up of 32 months post-treatment, 91.7% (11/12) in the early discontinuation group remain off therapy without progression. PFS and OS outcomes between the early and late discontinuation groups were similarly favorable (p=0.88 and p=0.85, respectively), despite a 12-month difference in median duration of ICI therapy (13.3 and 25.6 months, respectively). The most common reason for elective early treatment discontinuation was clinical remission (n=10), defined as a complete response, or a partial response with negative PET and/or ctDNA testing. ConclusionsEarly ICI discontinuation guided by response criteria resulted in low rates of recurrence. Survival outcomes between early and late ICI discontinuation groups were comparable, suggesting that treatment duration can be individualized based on clinical response without compromising favorable long-term prognosis. Micro abstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors offer the potential for long-term benefit in microsatellite instability-high metastatic colorectal cancers. In this retrospective analysis, patients who electively discontinued immunotherapy early due to an objective response or clinical remission—determined by CT, PET and/or circulating tumor DNA—rarely experienced disease progression. Using response as a criterion for early treatment withdrawal may allow for individualized therapy without compromising long-term clinical benefit.

Computational study on the impact of geometric parameters on the overall efficiency of multi-branch channel heat sink in the solar collector

Enhancing the thermal performance of electronic devices is a persistent challenge. Liquid-cooled Multi-branch-channel heat sinks (MBCHSs) offer a promising solution. The present study focuses on optimizing MBCHS hydrothermal efficiency and temperature uniformity. Various MBCHSs, including a foundational case and cases denoted as 1 through 4, have been developed to assess the impact of geometric parameters on performance. Using a performance evaluation criterion (PEC), it quantitatively assesses hydrothermal improvements in each model. Additionally, this study explores the use of a water-based ternary hybrid nanofluid (THNF) with GO-Al2O3-ZnO ternary hybrid nanoparticles in an optimized multi-branch channel. Furthermore, an analysis and generation of entropy were examined. The COMSOL software has been employed for the simulation of the problem in this study. This promising fluid replacement for pure water demonstrates superior performance and temperature control. The findings indicate that among the various cases, case 2 exhibits the highest PEC. At Reynolds number 500, the optimal MBCHS geometry (case 2) featuring THNF with a volumetric fraction of 0.06 exhibits a 16.63% higher Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) compared to pure water. In contrast, MBCHS, with the same volumetric fraction, demonstrates a 29.82% lower Nusselt number. Contrastingly, at a volumetric fraction of 0.06, MBCHS displays a pressure drop 70.27% higher than that of pure water. Overall, the PEC of MBCHS with a volumetric fraction of 0.06 has decreased by 41% compared to pure water. At Reynolds number 500, lamina-shaped nanoparticles exhibit a 50.34% and 56.56% higher HTC in comparison to spherical and pure water, respectively. Moreover, the PEC for lamina-shaped nanoparticles at Reynolds 500 undergoes a 49.58% and 62.37% reduction when compared to spherical and pure water, respectively.

Comprehensive vulnerability assessment for environmental facility depending on spatial characteristics in South Korea

Among environmental facilities, wastewater treatment facilities have a crucial role in sustaining human life, and any occurrence of an earthquake or flood within these facilities can result in various social, economic, and environmental issues, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, a quantitative vulnerability assessment of wastewater treatment facilities is necessary to minimize and prevent damage from earthquakes and flood disasters. For this reason, this study introduces a novel indicator to assess the susceptibility of disasters, considering aspects of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The newly proposed indicator encompasses numerous evaluation criteria, topography, natural surroundings, hydraulic systems, structural composition, and non-structural features. Also, Weights derived using the combined weight calculation (CWC) method, which combined the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method were applied to the indicator. It was tested across 23 cities to validate its efficacy, revealing a substantial correlation between the vulnerability index and the specific attributes of the city's wastewater treatment facilities. Therefore, this study analyzed wastewater treatment facilities by comparing the attributes of the urban areas under investigation, such as topological characteristics, urbanization levels, population density, infrastructure quality, and disaster preparedness resources available. The suggested methodology can facilitate the development of strategies aimed at averting damage caused by earthquakes or floods and reducing the adverse impact on wastewater treatment facilities while considering the unique characteristics of the urban setting in question.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of toceranib phosphate in cats with macroscopic mammary adenocarcinoma.

Mammary tumours in cats are biologically aggressive. The standard of care relies upon wide surgical resection. Chemotherapy has been described in the macroscopic disease setting; however, limited efficacy has been shown. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of toceranib phosphate in macroscopic feline mammary tumours (FMTs). A total of 17 cats with cytologically or histopathologically confirmed mammary adenocarcinoma (gross disease) were prospectively enrolled. Toceranib phosphate was administered at a median dose of 2.77 mg/kg (range 2.3-3.2) PO q48 h. No corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were administered. Toxicity was graded according to Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE) v1.1 criteria. The response was assessed after 1 month, following Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours (RECIST) criteria. Toxicity was observed in eight cats, with most instances being grade 1 or 2, which were managed with supportive care. Only one cat experienced grade 3 toxicity (anorexia), which resolved after a dose reduction. Clinical benefit was seen in 12 (64.7%) cats and an objective response was seen in six (35.2%) cats. One cat experienced complete response, five had partial response, six had stable disease and five had progressive disease. One cat showed distant progression (malignant pleural effusion) despite continued partial remission of the primary tumour. The median progression-free survival and median overall survival time were 91 days (range 30-158) and 145 days (range 31-234), respectively. Toceranib phosphate showed clinical benefit and a good safety profile in advanced or recurrent FMTs, offering a new alternative in the treatment of this disease; however, further prospective and randomised studies are required to further assess its efficacy. Interestingly, one cat developed distant metastases while the primary tumour showed partial response, suggesting that primary tumour and metastatic disease may not sustain the same sensitivity to toceranib.

Garsorasib in patients with KRASG12C-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer in China: an open-label, multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial.

Garsorasib (D-1553; InventisBio, Shangai, China), a potent KRASG12C inhibitor, has shown promising antitumour activity in patients with KRASG12C-mutated (ie, Gly12Cys) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a phase 1 study. We report results from a phase 2 study conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of garsorasib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC. This open-label, multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial enrolled adult patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC who had previously been treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors from 43 hospitals in China. Participants received 600 mg garsorasib orally twice per day. Tumour assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of every two cycles (of 21 days) for the first eight cycles, and at the end of every three cycles thereafter. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) following the guidelines in Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours, version 1.1. Efficacy and safety were assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of garsorasib. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05383898, and is active but no longer recruiting. From June 17, 2022, to May 17, 2023, of 225 patients screened for eligibility, 123 patients were enrolled and treated with garsorasib. Of these 123 participants, the median age was 64 years (IQR 59-68), 108 (88%) were male and 15 (12%) were female. At data cutoff (Nov 17, 2023), the median follow-up duration was 7·9 months (IQR 6·3-10·4), and 82 (67%) of 123 patients had discontinued treatment. The IRC-confirmed ORR was 50% (61 of 123 patients; 95% CI 41-59). 117 (95%) of 123 patients reported treatment-related adverse events, with 61 (50%) experiencing grade 3 or higher events. The most common types of adverse events of grade 3 or higher associated with garsorasib were hepatic and gastrointestinal events, including increased liver enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase (21 [17%] of 123 participants), alanine aminotransferase (19 [15%] of 123 participants), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (28 [23%] of 123 participants); nausea (2 [2%] of 123 participants); and vomiting (2 [2%] of 123 participants). No new safety signals were identified, and most of the adverse events were well managed. The results show that garsorasib has a high response rate, long duration of response, and an acceptable and manageable safety profile in patients with previously treated KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC. Garsorasib potentially provides a promising treatment option for this patient population. InventisBio.

Investigation on the performance of a novel heat transfer structure based on a new twisted airfoil fin array

Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is a type of micro-channel heat exchanger with high performance, which has a broad application in microelectronics, solar energy, and aerospace. Airfoil fins are widely recognized due to their exceptional thermo-hydraulic performance, but there are few studies on their shape adjustment in three dimensions. In this study, a novel twisted airfoil fin was proposed and applied to the heat exchanger. The heat transfer and flow resistance of the twisted airfoil fin PCHE with the traditional PCHE are compared using the numerical simulation method, and the influence of the twist angle, fin spacing, and arrangement is investigated. The results show that the new fins have excellent flow and heat transfer performance. Under the multiple Re number conditions, the Nu number is improved up to 52%, and the performance evaluation criteria is increased up to 16%. Also, increasing the twist angle of the fins, decreasing the fin spacing, and staggering the fins according to diverse twist directions can improve the performance of the heat exchanger.

Heat transfer enhancement of a parabolic trough solar collector using innovative receiver configurations combined with a hybrid nanofluid: CFD analysis

The present study investigates the thermal performance of three novel parabolic trough receiver configurations and compares the performance of two different heat transfer fluids: Syltherm800 and MWCTN-TiO2/Syltherm800 hybrid nanofluid. Numerical simulations were conducted using computational fluid dynamics in ANSYS Fluent software. The model was validated by comparing the numerical results with experimental results from Dudley's study. Simulations were performed for various inlet velocities and temperatures to evaluate parameters including the Nusselt number, friction coefficient, performance evaluation criterion, temperature gradient, and thermal efficiency. Among the three configurations, Configuration 3 demonstrated the highest thermal performance. The MWCTN-TiO2/Syltherm800 hybrid nanofluid exhibited better thermal performance compared to Syltherm800. The maximum variation in parameters comparing new configurations with the smooth receiver is: Nusselt number increased by 60 %, 55.1 %, and 149 %; thermal efficiency increased by 2.55 %, 1.86 %, and 5.12 %; friction factor increased by 2.7, 3.8, and 6.5 times; temperature gradient decreased by 29.67 %, 23.9 %, and 47.4 %, for configurations 1, 2, and 3, respectively. When comparing the MWCTN-TiO2/Syltherm800 hybrid nanofluid to Syltherm800: Nusselt number increased by 4.9 %, 3.6 %, 4.9 %, and 3.5 %; thermal efficiency increased by 2.7 %, 1.98 %, 2.5 %, and 2.56 %; friction factor increased by 8.48, 7.123, 11.62 and 9.88 times; temperature gradient decreased by 3.1 %, 6.8 %, 6.3 %, and 6.4 %, for the smooth receiver and configurations 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The findings highlight the potential of using tabulators and the MWCTN-TiO2/Syltherm800 hybrid nanofluid for improving thermal performance and reducing thermal stresses in parabolic trough receivers.

Investigation of the effect of rectangular winglet angles on turbulent flow and heat transfer of water/Cu nanofluid in a three-dimensional channel

This numerical simulation studies a homogenous and single-phase nanofluid's turbulent flow and heat transfer behavior in a three-dimensional rectangular microchannel. This study's main purpose is to investigate the use of rectangular winglet angles on flow path and its effect on turbulent flow regime and heat transfer parameters. In the current study, the Reynolds number, winglet attack angle (θ), and twisted angle range (α) (or Pitch angle) from 3000 to 12000, 30°≤ θ ≤ 60°, and 15°≤α ≤ 45°, respectively. Also, Cu nanoparticles with volume fractions of 0–4% are used in water as the base fluid. Results of this study show that heat transfer and flow physics of cooling fluid are affected by the variations of attack angle and winglet twist, and the creation of secondary flows leads to the mixture and deviation of flow. A decrease in the attack angle of the winglet causes the creation of strong vortexes and an increase in Nusselt number and heat transfer. In all investigated situations, with the angle of attack constant, increasing the twist angle can improve the Nusselt number between 11 and 18 percent. Also, increasing the angle of attack of the winglet from 30 to 60° can reduce the Nusselt number by 4–8 percent. The results indicate that changing the winglet angle increases the friction coefficient, and at higher Reynolds numbers, this parameter decreases. Also, by increasing Reynolds number, the ratio of friction coefficient to Nusselt number reduces, leading to the decrease of performance evaluation criterion (PEC).

Opioid use disorder risk alleles in self-reported assigned African American/Afro-Caribbean and European biogeographical genetic ancestry groups and in males and females

The influence of genetic variants related to opioid use disorder (OUD) was evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis in self-reported assigned African American/Afro-Caribbean and European biogeographical ancestry groups (BGAGs) and by sex. From a sample size of 1301 adult patients (>18 years of age) seen in emergency departments of three medical centers in Ohio, six variants were found to be associated with OUD. Two of the variants, rs2740574 (CYP3A4) and rs324029 (DRD3), were included in the analysis having met criteria of at least five subjects for each BGAG, variant carrier status, and OUD status combinations. Variant carriers in the African/Afro-Caribbean BGAG had slightly lower predicted probabilities of OUD. Variant carriers in the European BGAG had slightly higher predicted probabilities of OUD. Relative to sex, all the six variants met evaluation criteria (five subjects for all sex, variant, and OUD status combinations). No statistically significant interactions were found between a given variant, BGAGs and sex. Findings suggest variant testing relative to OUD risk can be applied across BGAGs and sex, however, studies in larger populations are needed.

Soluble sugar, organic acid and phenolic composition and flavor evaluation of plum fruits

Plums (Prunus salicina and Prunus domestica) are prevalent in southwestern China, and have attracted interest owing to their delectable taste and exceptional nutritional properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the nutritional and flavor properties of plum to improve its nutritional utilization. Specifically, we determined the soluble sugars, organic acids, and phenolic components in 86 accessions using high-performance liquid chromatography. Notably, glucose, fructose, malic, and quinic acids were the predominant sweetness and acidity in plums, with sucrose contributing more to the sweetness of the flesh than the peel. Moreover, The peel contains 5.5 fold more phenolics than flesh, epicatechin, gallic acid, and proanthocyanidins C1 and B2 were the primary sources of astringency. Correlation and principal component analyses showed eight core factors for plum flavor rating, and a specific rating criterion was established. Conclusively, these findings provide information on the integrated flavor evaluation criteria and for enhancing optimal breeding of plums.