Energy Input Research Articles

Adapting the process conditions and performance in planetary roller melt granulation (PRMG) via the planetary spindle number

Continuous melt granulation with a planetary roller granulator is a new continuous method based on the orbital motion of planetary spindles driven by a rotating central spindle in a surrounding roller cylinder. Here the configuration of the processing section is a central design aspect, which defines the processing conditions and process performance. In this study, the number of applied planetary spindles as part of the module configuration was varied.As a result, a correlation between direct process parameters, processing conditions and process performance was identified. Hereby, the data normalization relativized successfully the effect of the module configuration. The results are also suitable to identify a module configuration and process settings in the context of a process optimization towards energy input efficiency or energy consumption. Finally, the accounting of the particle modification in terms of size was suitable to link the effect of the investigated parameters to the granulation regime.

Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoparticle sintering in additive nanomanufacturing: The role of particle size, misorientation angle, material type, and temperature

Additive nanomanufacturing, where nanoparticles (NPs) are generated via laser material ablation and sintered via laser, permits the fabrication of novel electronic devices with adequate flexibility, such as tunable material composition, adjustable sintered state, and a wide selection of substrates—including biodegradable ones—to name a few. The laser energy input often needs to be carefully balanced between achieving adequate sintering and avoiding substrate damage. The sintered state of NPs, a key influencing factor of the resistivity of electronic circuits, depends not only on temperature (the result of laser energy input), but also on NPs size, size ratio, and crystallographic misorientation. While the minuteness of NPs and the transient nature of their sintering (typically within a nanosecond) make direct experimental evaluation of such parameters challenging, the length and time scales are uniquely suitable for molecular dynamic (MD) studies. This study utilizes MD to investigate the sintering characteristics of silver and copper NP doublets at different temperatures and examines the effects of NP size, size ratios, misorientation angle (including both tilt and twist), and material type. A mathematical framework to describe the characteristic sintering time, i.e., time needed for a NP doublet to achieve a given normalized neck size, was proposed based on MD results.

Effect of pulsed electric field processing on microbial and enzyme inactivation in blended plant-based milk alternatives: A case study on a microbial challenge test for a non-presterilized oat-based beverage enriched with pea protein

Microbial and enzyme inactivation by pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment was assessed in a blended plant-based milk alternative (PBMA) containing oats and pea protein without the application of presterilization. This was conducted to investigate a novel approach that permits PEF process validation for PBMA containing heat-labile components (protein and starch). Continuous PEF processing at moderate field strengths (9–10 kV/cm) combined with mild preheating (30–45 °C) for 25 s was applied over a range of specific energy inputs (77–245 kJ/L). Selective plating permitted bacterial enumeration of inoculated surrogate organism, despite the presence of natural microbial contaminants in the non-presterilized product. A minimum 5-log reduction of inoculated surrogates Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua alongside native microbiota was identified after preheating to 35–45 °C followed by PEF at 192–215 kJ/L. α-amylase activity was reduced by up to 89% during a similar PEF treatment (205 kJ/L, 40 °C). Overall, continuous PEF combined with mild preheating temperature was shown to achieve microbial inactivation in the pea protein enriched PBMA in compliance with current food safety regulations. Industrial relevancePresterilization is typically applied prior to conducting microbial challenge testing on food products to validate novel pasteurization treatments according to current regulatory requirements that a minimum 5-log reduction of relevant inoculated food pathogens must be achievable. However, for a variety of blended PBMA containing heat-labile proteins, presterilization is not advisable as the occurrence of irreversible changes in the product quality linked to protein coagulation and phase separation will affect the inactivation efficacy during subsequent microbial challenge testing. Hence, an alternative approach is presented utilizing a non-presterilized PBMA and thorough microbiological analysis, combining non-selective and selective plating techniques. This allows an identification of PEF treatment parameter with a minimum 5-log reduction of inoculated surrogate organism alongside naturally present microbial contaminants. This may serve as a valuable guideline for stakeholders in the food industry when addressing the efficacy of novel preservation treatments such as PEF in PBMA products with similar heat-induced product stability challenges.

Role of aloe vera based nanofluids for cool thermal energy storage system: A comparative study

The present experimental investigation incorporates the preparation of aloe vera gel-based phase change nanofluid (NFPCM) for a cool thermal energy storage (CTES) system. Two sets of NFPCMs were produced by adding graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in deionized water and aloe vera gel (0.20 wt%, 0.40 wt%, and 0.60 wt%). The zeta potential analysis shows that the NFPCM with aloe vera gel is more stable even after 60 days from the preparation (−44 mV). The thermal conductivity of NFPCMs was analyzed through the transient hot wire method and the enhancement of 42 %, and 37.5 % were measured in the ice phase for NFPCMs with aloe vera gel and DI water (0.60 wt%) respectively at the heat transfer fluid temperature of −15 °C. The NFPCMs with aloe vera gel show that the addition of GNP prepended the peak melting temperature from −16 °C to −10.5 °C, which is due to the quick formation of nuclei as compared to NFPCMs with DI water. Additionally, a slight reduction in the latent heat of only 7 % was observed. The charging characteristics of NFPCMs were studied in a single spherical capsule at −8 °C. The maximum reduction in total charging time of 25 % was recorded for the aloe vera gel-based NFPCM with a maximum concentration of GNP (0.60 wt%). The green synthesis of aloe vera gel-based NFPCM exhibited noteworthy enhancements in thermophysical properties. Additionally, it was observed that the long-term stability of the NFPCM was achieved by excluding surfactants during the preparation process. The incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) into aloe vera gel as the foundational phase change material (PCM) facilitates the partial charging of the CTES system with a reduced energy input.

Molecular Dynamics Study on Microporous Direction Effect on C-S-H Fracture Performance

The hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H) gel is the main hydration product and source of paste strength of cement. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation method based on ClayFF was used to investigate the effect of micropore direction on the fracture performance of C-S-H under tensile load and interpret the micro deformation, fracture, and failure processes of cement concrete. After establishing a complete C-S-H model with chemical formula (CaO)1.60(SiO2)(H2O)1.57 and micropore models with different pore sizes and directions, the influence of micropore direction on the fracture performance of the C-S-H models was analyzed from three perspectives: mechanical property, micro fracture process, and energy evolution. It was found that the ultimate stress and Young’s modulus of the C-S-H models showed a decreasing trend with the increase of micropore size, and were less affected by the direction of micropores. It was also found that the direction of micropores had a significant impact on the structural failure of the C-S-H models in the x direction tensile simulation, followed by the y direction, and had the smallest effect on the z direction. It was also found that the elastic energy and input energy of the C-S-H models exhibited decreasing trends with the increase of pore size, and the three-dimensional critical energy release rates of different pore models’ difference also decreased.

Utilization of Geothermal Fluid as a Heat Source for Absorption Refrigeration System for Food Preservation – A Case of Bwanda and Gwisho Hotsprings

Zambia has significant geothermal resources with over 86 hotsprings identified. Installation of a 250kW off-grid pilot binary-cycle power plant is currently underway at the Bwanda and Gwisho goethermal site. It is estimated that there is 90,000 herd of cattle in the villages around the pilot power plant. Little milk from these herds of cattle reaches the market due to scarce collection points with cooling facilities. This study assesses the applicability of utilizing exhaust geothermal fluid from a binary-cycle geothermal power plant for powering an absorption refrigeration system (ARS) for storing food, specifically milk. Two absorption systems; Lithium Bromide-water and the ammonia-water ARS are compared. The COPs, energy input and mass flowrates required to produce various cooling loads (40kW – 160kW) are compared. The results show that the exhaust geothermal fluid energy (504kW) is sufficient for powering both ARSs for storing milk to its suitable storage temperature of 4oC. The results also show that the Lithium Bromide-water system is more suitable for this application, because it produces a higher maximum COP (0.76) compared to the ammonia-water system’s maximum COP (0.64), it produces a higher maximum cooling capacity (380kW) compared to the ammonia-water systems maximum capacity (216kW). It requires lower input mass flowrate and pump work at all cooling capacities (40kW – 160kW). Therefore, a Lithium Bromide-water absorption chiller for storing the amounts of milk currently collected in the study area is designed. Optimized design specifications are provided.

Simulated dynamical transitions in a heterogeneous marmoset pFC cluster

Network analysis of the marmoset cortical connectivity data indicates a significant 3D cluster in and around the pre-frontal cortex. A multi-node, heterogeneous neural mass model of this six-node cluster was constructed. Its parameters were informed by available experimental and simulation data so that each neural mass oscillated in a characteristic frequency band. Nodes were connected with directed, weighted links derived from the marmoset structural connectivity data. Heterogeneity arose from the different link weights and model parameters for each node. Stimulation of the cluster with an incident pulse train modulated in the standard frequency bands induced a variety of dynamical state transitions that lasted in the range of 5–10 s, suggestive of timescales relevant to short-term memory. A short gamma burst rapidly reset the beta-induced transition. The theta-induced transition state showed a spontaneous, delayed reset to the resting state. An additional, continuous gamma wave stimulus induced a new beating oscillatory state. Longer or repeated gamma bursts were phase-aligned with the beta oscillation, delivering increasing energy input and causing shorter transition times. The relevance of these results to working memory is yet to be established, but they suggest interesting opportunities.

Innovative hysteretic device for seismic retrofit of single-story RC precast buildings

In the last decades, many efforts have been made by the scientific community and technicians in order to develop effective and practical retrofit approaches for industrial RC precast buildings. Given the aftermath of recent earthquakes, which identified structural and non-structural dry joints as the highest source of seismic vulnerability, the majority of the retrofit techniques involves interventions at the connections level. The primary function of creating an adequate constraint is nowadays frequently associated to energy dissipation, allowing to both remove the major building weakness and decreasing the seismic demand in terms of elements’ stresses and deformations. In the following, a novel metallic hysteretic device intended for beam-to-column connection retrofit is presented. An existing one-story RC precast building with friction beam-to-column joints is considered as case-study structure; mechanical properties of the device are calibrated, and its effectiveness validated though nonlinear dynamic analyses. The proposed device demonstrates its ability in both restrain the relative displacement between structural elements and dissipate an adequate amount of input energy coming from ground motions, preventing structural damage. A comparison with the same device without hysteretic properties, i.e., a non-dissipative device, is also carried out, highlighting the benefits in using the hysteretic version.

Value of the three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system in ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for malignant adrenal tumors: A clinical comparative study.

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system (3DVAPS) in ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (US-PMWA) for malignant adrenal tumors (MATs). A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 62 unilateral MAT cases from March 2011 to November 2022. There were a total of 62 lesions, with a mean maximum diameter of 5.4 ± 2.7 cm (range, 1.4-15.7 cm). The patients were categorized into the following, based on the pre-operative planning method: 3D planning (n = 32) and 2D planning (n = 30) groups. A comparative analysis was performed on various parameters, including ablation techniques, tumor-related prognosis, and incidence of complications. This analysis encompassed indicators, such as overall survival (OS) rate and local tumor progression (LTP), among others. The median follow-up period was 30 months (range, 3-84 months). Notably, compared with the 2D planning group, the 3D planning group exhibited significant disparities in the number of punctures (P = 0.035) and incidence of complications (P = 0.029) and had no significant difference in the OS (P > 0.05) but had a significantly lower LTP rate (6.2% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.033). In the 3D planning group, the sub-group with a tumor diameter of < 5 cm exhibited a significantly less number of punctures (P = 0.039), lower input energy (P = 0.002), and a shorter ablation time (P = 0.001), compared with the sub-group with a tumor diameter of ≥ 5 cm, but there was no significant difference in the LTP and OS rates between the two sub-groups (P > 0.05). The use of 3DVAPS in US-PMWA of MATs was advantageous, especially in lesions with a diameter of ≥ 5 cm. It can help in developing more rational surgical plans, reducing the incidence of complications, and extending the local recurrence-free survival time of patients and can add a certain value for precise treatment and expand the indications for ablation.

The contribution of energy systems during 30-second lower body Wingate anaerobic test in combat sports athletes: Intermittent versus single forms and gender comparison.

Combat sports, encompassing a range of activities from striking and grappling to mixed and weapon-based disciplines, have witnessed a surge in popularity worldwide. These sports are demanding, requiring athletes to harness energy from different metabolic pathways to perform short, high-intensity activities interspersed with periods of lower intensity. While it is established that the anaerobic alactic (ATP-PC) and anaerobic lactic systems are pivotal for high-intensity training sessions typical in combat sports, the precise contribution of these systems, particularly in varied training modalities such as single (SMT) and intermittent (IST) forms of the 30-second Wingate test, remains inadequately explored. This study aims at comparing performance outputs, physiological responses and gender differences during the SMT and IST forms of the 30-second Wingate test. Thirty-three highly trained combat sports athletes (17 women, 16 men; 10 boxing, 8 wrestling, 8 taekwondo and 7 karate) randomly performed SMT and IST. The IST consisted of three 10-second all-out attempts separated by 30 seconds of passive recovery, whereas the SMT was a single 30-second maximal effort. Resting, exercise and post-exercise oxygen uptake and peak blood lactate value were used to determine the metabolic energy demands via the PCr-LA-O2 method. The findings showed that total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE), ATP-PCr system contribution and the output of mechanical variables were higher in the IST than in the SMT form (all p<0.001). In contrast, the contribution of glycolytic and oxidative systems was higher in the SMT form (all p<0.001). However, exercise form and gender interaction were not significant (p>0.05). In combat sports, performance is not only determined by physiological and technical skills but also by metabolic energy input and efficiency. Therefore, our results can provide a comparison regarding the effects of exercise type and gender on metabolic energy metabolism to design the training of combat sports athletes.

Integrated Design for Discrete Sulfur@Polymer Nanoreactor with Tandem Connection as Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cathodes

Apart from electrode material modification, architecture design and optimization are important approaches for improving lithium–sulfur battery performance. Herein, an integrated structure with tandem connection is constructed by confining nanosulfur (NS) in conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) reaction chambers, forming an interface of discrete independent nanoreactor units bonded onto carbon nanotubes (noted as CNT/NS@PEDOT). The unique spatial confinement and concentration gradients of sulfur@PEDOT nanoreactors (SP‐NRs) can promote reaction kinetics while facilitating rapid polysulfide transformation and minimizing dissolution and diffusion losses. Meanwhile, overall ultrahigh energy input and output are achieved through tandem connection with carbon nanotubes, isolation with PEDOT coating, and synergistic multiplicative effects among SP‐NRs. As a result, it delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 1246 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 918 mAh g−1 at 1 C, the low capacity decay rate per lap of 0.011% is achieved at a current density of 1 C after 1000 cycles. This research emphasizes the innovative structural design to provide a fresh trajectory for the further advancement of high‐performance energy storage devices.

Integrated Design for Discrete Sulfur@Polymer Nanoreactor with Tandem Connection as Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathodes.

Apart from electrode material modification, architecture design and optimization are important approaches for improving lithium-sulfur battery performance. Herein, an integrated structure with tandem connection is constructed by confining nanosulfur (NS) in conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) reaction chambers, forming an interface of discrete independent nanoreactor units bonded onto carbon nanotubes (noted as CNT/NS@PEDOT). The unique spatial confinement and concentration gradients of sulfur@PEDOT nanoreactors (SP-NRs) can promote reaction kinetics while facilitating rapid polysulfide transformation and minimizing dissolution and diffusion losses. Meanwhile, overall ultrahigh energy input and output are achieved through tandem connection with carbon nanotubes, isolation with PEDOT coating, and synergistic multiplicative effects among SP-NRs. As a result, it delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 1246 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and 918 mAh g-1 at 1 C, the low capacity decay rate per lap of 0.011% is achieved at a current density of 1 C after 1000 cycles. This research emphasizes the innovative structural design to provide a fresh trajectory for the further advancement of high-performance energy storage devices.

Enhancement of Biogas (Methane) Production from Cow Dung Using a Microbial Electrochemical Cell and Molecular Characterization of Isolated Methanogenic Bacteria

Biogas has long been used as a household cooking fuel in many tropical counties, and it has the potential to be a significant energy source beyond household cooking fuel. In this study, we describe the use of low electrical energy input in an anaerobic digestion process using a microbial electrochemical cell (MEC) to promote methane content in biogas at 18, 28, and 37 °C. Although the maximum amount of biogas production was at 37 °C (25 cm3), biogas could be effectively produced at lower temperatures, i.e., 18 (13 cm3) and 28 °C (19 cm3), with an external 2 V power input. The biogas production of 13 cm3 obtained at 18 °C was ~65-fold higher than the biogas produced without an external power supply (0.2 cm3). This was further enhanced by 23% using carbon-nanotubes-treated (CNT) graphite electrodes. This suggests that the MEC can be operated at as low as 18 °C and still produce significant amounts of biogas. The share of CH4 in biogas produced in the controls was 30%, whereas the biogas produced in an MEC had 80% CH4. The MEC effectively reduced COD to 42%, whereas it consumed 98% of reducing sugars. Accordingly, it is a suitable method for waste/manure treatment. Molecular characterization using 16s rRNA sequencing confirmed the presence of methanogenic bacteria, viz., Serratia liquefaciens and Zoballella taiwanensis, in the inoculum used for the fermentation. Consistent with recent studies, we believe that electromethanogenesis will play a significant role in the production of value-added products and improve the management of waste by converting it to energy.

Jerusalem Artichoke: Energy Balance in Annual and Perennial Cropping Systems—A Case Study in North-Eastern Poland

This article presents the results of a three-year experiment (2018–2020) conducted at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Bałcyny (north-eastern Poland) with the aim of determining Jerusalem artichoke (JA) yields and the energy balance of biomass production in (i) a perennial cropping system (only aerial biomass was harvested each year) and (ii) an annual cropping system (both aerial biomass and tubers were harvested each year). When JA was grown as a perennial crop, the demand for energy reached 25.2 GJ ha−1 in the year of plantation establishment and 12.3–13.4 GJ ha−1 in the second and third year of production. The energy inputs associated with the annual cropping system were determined in the range of 31.4–37.1 GJ ha−1. Biomass yields were twice as high in the annual than in the perennial cropping system (20.98 vs. 10.30 Mg DM ha−1). Tuber yield accounted for 46% of the total yield. The energy output of JA biomass was 1.8 times higher in the annual than in the perennial cropping system (275.4 vs. 157.3 GJ ha−1). The average energy gain in JA cultivation ranged from 140 (perennial crop) to 241 GJ ha−1 (annual crop). The energy efficiency ratio of JA biomass production reached 7.7–13.3 in the perennial cropping system, and it was 20% lower in the annual cropping system. These results imply that when JA was grown as an annual crop, an increase in energy inputs associated with plantation establishment (tillage and planting) and the harvest and transport of tubers was not fully compensated by the energy output of tubers.

The Effect of Friction Stir Weld (FSW) Process Parameters on Tensile Strength, Macro Structure, and Hardness in Results of AA7075 Butt Joints

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is an innovative technique that enhances the conventional method of joining metals. Notably ecofriendly due to its energy efficiency, FSW involves minimal energy input, reduces pollution, and saves time and costs. It finds applications in diverse sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and industry. Each material requires specific process parameters, which leads to this study focusing on identifying suitable parameters for AA7075 aluminum with a 6mm thickness. Using a tool featuring a tapered cylindrical thread pin and a flat shoulder, the study aims to investigate the influence of FSW process parameters, rotation speed, and traverse speed on the mechanical strength of butt joint connections. The study's experimental design varies these parameters and evaluates the joints through tensile strength testing, hardness testing, and macrostructural analysis. Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the data highlights the impact of rotation and traverse speed on tensile strength. Hardness test results present variations within heat zones, analyzing the effects of the mentioned variables. The findings demonstrate minimal flash and successful surface outcomes but also identify wormholes within the stir zone (SZ). Tensile strength testing reveals a definite correlation between RPM and traverse speed with joint strength. In contrast, hardness testing indicates that these parameters do not significantly affect joint hardness. Macrostructure examination suggests RPM and traverse speed have negligible effects on the heat-affected zone. In conclusion, FSW presents a sustainable and effective welding approach with implications for multiple industries, and this research provides insights into optimizing its parameters for specific aluminum materials.

Strength characteristics and energy evolution of cement stone under true-triaxial loading conditions

Oil well cement is a commonly used cementing material in oil and gas extraction engineering. Due to the change of stress conditions, it is prone to microcracks or micro annular gaps, leading safety concerns. To study the strength characteristics and energy evolution of oil well cement stone under three-dimensional stress states, a series of true-triaxial compression tests were carried out. Based on the experimental results, the mechanical properties and energy evolution mechanisms during the true-triaxial compression process of cement stone under different stress states were explored. The research results indicate that there is an intermediate principal stress effect on the true-triaxial compressive strength of cement stone specimens. When the minimum principal stress remains constant, the strength of cement stone first increases and then decreases with the increase of intermediate principal stress. When the minimum principal stress is 5MPa, the specimen exhibits brittle failure, with ε1 at peak stress approximately 0.015. As the minimum principal stress increases to 20MPa, the specimen gradually transits to plastic failure, with ε1 at failure exceeding 0.04. The type of failure is determined by the energy ratio at the time of failure; when there is more elastic energy, it results in brittle failure, otherwise it leads to ductile failure. Due to the high porosity of cement stone samples, most of the input energy is converted into dissipated energy. At minimum principal stresses of 5MPa, 10MPa and 20MPa, the ratio of peak dissipated energy to total input energy fluctuates around 0.55, 0.73 and 0.85, respectively. There is a strong linear relationship between the peak elastic energy, peak dissipated energy, and total input energy, with fitting correlation coefficients of 0.847 and 0.996, indicating that the cement stone sample also follows the linear energy storage law. A strength criterion for cement stone was established based on the modified Lade criterion, which is more suitable for describing the strength of high porosity materials compared to traditional strength criteria. Finally, based on the interaction mechanism between energy accumulation and energy dissipation, a nonlinear model of energy evolution in cement stone was established. The results of the theoretical model are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Mitochondrial depolarization and ATP loss during high frequency nanosecond and microsecond electroporation

It is predicted that ultra-short electric field pulses (nanosecond) can selectively permeabilize intracellular structures (e.g., mitochondria) without significant effects on the outer cell plasma membrane. Such a phenomenon would have high applicability in cancer treatment and could be employed to modulate cell death type or immunogenic response. Therefore, in this study, we compare the effects of 100 µs x 8 pulses (ESOPE − European Standard Operating Procedures on Electrochemotherapy) and bursts of 100 ns pulses for modulation of the mitochondria membrane potential. We characterize the efficacies of various protocols to trigger permeabilization, depolarize mitochondria (evaluated 1 h after treatment), the extent of ATP depletion and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, we employ the most prominent protocols in the context of Ca2+ electrochemotherapy in vitro. We provide experimental proof that 7.5–12.5 kV/cm x 100 ns pulses can be used to modulate mitochondrial potential, however, the permeabilization of the outer membrane is still a prerequisite for depolarization. Similar to 100 µs x 8 pulses, the higher the permeabilization rate, the higher the mitochondrial depolarization. Nevertheless, 100 ns pulses result in lesser ROS generation when compared to ESOPE, even when the energy input is several-fold higher than for the microsecond procedure. At the same time, it shows that even the short 100 ns pulses can be successfully used for Ca2+ electrochemotherapy, ensuring excellent cytotoxic efficacy.

Exergetic and exergoeconomic analyses of a large-scale industrial beer processing system

This research evaluated the performance of components and sections involved in industrial beer production using exergetic and exergoeconomics methodologies. The system was segmented into five production sections, and three energy input types were considered. The exergetic studies showed an operational exergetic efficiency of 3.33%, with an overall exergetic destruction rate of 5.54 MW and a specific destruction rate of 9.72 kW/hl for beer production. The overall improvement potential and sustainability index were estimated at 4.98 MW and 1.03, respectively. The brewhouse and packaging hall were identified as the sections with the highest production inefficiency, 58.73% and 30.40%, respectively. The exergoeconomic studies revealed a cost rate of 0.1704 USD/s for beer production, with the wort kettle, filling and cocking machine, Kieselguhr candle filter, whirlpool, and brite beer tank identified as the top five significant components in descending order. The efficiency of the system was critically affected by the activities in the packaging hall, particularly those involving energy inputs that cannot be recovered or attributed to the processed stream, beer. Further research is required to determine the cost savings of optimization measures identified from additional steam throttling, downsizing of some main pumps, and exergy loss during heating of wort and beer chilling processes.

Wind stress curl as a driving force of annual waves in the upper ocean for interpreting energetics at all latitudes

The dynamics of waves and eddies in the upper ocean plays an important role in the climate variation of tropical and subtropical regions. Previous diagnoses for annual Rossby waves in oceanic model outputs manifested zonally alternating signals (ZASs) in the time-averaged distributions of wind input as well as pressure-flux divergence terms in the budget equation of wave energy. This is the case when the annual mean of the wind input is estimated as the inner product of simulated velocity vector and wind stress vector in previous studies. The present study proposes a new mathematical expression for estimating the wind input that is analogous to one derived from the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation. Namely, the wind input is estimated as the negative of the product of pseudo-streamfunction and wind stress curl, the latter of which is associated with the horizontal divergence of Ekman velocity. This can be interpreted as replacement of kinetic energy input with gravitational potential energy input. Pseudo-streamfunction in the present study is inverted from Ertel’s potential vorticity anomaly and is seamlessly available at all latitudes. This contrasts with the quasi-geostrophic streamfunction which is singular at the equator. The new expression enables reducing ZASs in the horizontal distributions of both wind input and pressure-flux divergence terms, without harming the qualitative advantage of energy flux vectors to indicate the group velocity of waves at all latitudes.

Steering Piezocatalytic Therapy for Optimized Tumoricidal Effect

AbstractPiezocatalysts, because of their mechano‐electrical conversion properties, are exploited for various medical applications, such as sterilization, tissue engineering, biosensing, and disease theranostics. In particular, based on the unique advantage of the piezoelectric effect, piezocatalytic therapy (PCT) has been developed as a novel and promising candidate for tumor therapy. To optimize the utilization of piezocatalysts in tumor therapy, a comprehensive understanding of the antitumor mechanism associated with these materials is imperative. Here, the piezocatalytic action principle is elucidated by investigating piezocatalysts, reactants, energy inputs, and products. Subsequently, the antitumor mechanisms of PCT have been extensively discussed and are recapitulative as follows: restraining cell proliferation, inducing cell programmed death, hindering tumor metastasis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and enhancing antitumor immunity. Additionally, the optimized therapeutic outcomes of PCT‐centric synergistic cancer therapy are systematically described. Finally, the main challenges and future research directions of piezocatalysis applied in cancer therapy are envisioned. It is believed that PCT will serve as a new‐generation ingenious tool for cancer treatment.