Active Energy Research Articles

Effect of molecular structure on the thermodynamic behaviour of binary mixture at various temperatures: correlation with the Jouyban–Acree model (2-nitroanisole with 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanone, 2-methylcyclohexanone and cyclohexanone)

ABSTRACT Excessmolar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, deviation inviscosity, and excess Gibbs free energy for activation of viscous flow were determined for binary mixtures of 2-nitroanisole with substituted cyclohexanone (2,6-dimethylcyclohexanone (J1), 2-methylcyclohexanone (J2), and cyclohexanone (J3)) at selected compositions and temperatures ranging from 303.15 K to 313.15 K. These properties were calculated from experimentally measured densities, viscosities, and speeds of sound. The results were analysed in terms of intermolecular interactions, specifically dipole-dipole interactions leading to charge complex formation. The Jouyban-Acre e model was used to correlate the experimental density and speed of sound data, with the accuracy assessed using mean relative deviation (MRD) and individual relative deviation (IRD).

Association between physical activity energy expenditure and bone mineral density in U.S. adults: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011-2018.

Osteoporosis is a global disease characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone metabolism. The Physical Activity Metabolic Equivalent of Task (PA-MET) quantifies energy expenditure during physical activities. This study aims to investigate the relationship between energy expenditure, BMD, and the risk of developing osteoporosis. By exploring how varying levels of physical activity impact BMD, we seek to better understand the role of energy expenditure in osteoporosis prevention and management. Cross-sectional study. This was a cross-sectional study that included 6599 adult participants who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to March 2018. We used multivariate weighted linear model analysis to reveal the association between PA-MET levels and BMD. Multivariable weighted linear model analysis showed a positive correlation between PA-MET and total BMD. Compared to the lower PA-MET group, the fourth quartile of the PA-MET group had a β=0.02 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03). Similarly, in the analysis with thoracic spine BMD as the outcome, the fourth quartile of the PA-MET group had a β=0.02 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.02) compared to the lower PA-MET group. For lumbar spine BMD, the fourth quartile of the PA-MET group had a β=0.02 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03). In the analysis with trunk BMD as the outcome, the fourth quartile of the PA-MET group had a β=0.02 (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.03) compared to the lower PA-MET group. Our results show that the energy expenditure from physical activity has a positive relationship with BMD, which serves as a protective factor against the risk of osteoporosis.

Physical determinants of daily physical activity in older men and women.

The ability to perform bodily movement varies in ageing men and women. We investigated whether physical fitness may explain sex differences in daily physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) among older people. In this cross-sectional study, a population-based cohort of 75, 80, and 85-year-old men and women (n = 409, 62% women) underwent laboratory-based assessment of walking speed, maximal knee extension strength, and body fat percentage. Free-living physical activity was assessed as total PAEE, and light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using individually calibrated combined accelerometry and heart rate sensing. Path modelling was used to examine indirect associations between sex, physical fitness, and physical activity. Men had better physical fitness and higher overall PAEE (mean 34.0 (SD 10.8) kJ/kg/day) than women (28.3 (8.4) kJ/kg/day, p<0.001). The path model for PAEE explained 33% of the variance. The direct association between sex and PAEE was non-significant, whereas the association between sex and PAEE mediated by body fat (β = 0.20, p<0.001) and walking speed (β = 0.05, p = 0.001) were statistically significant. Similarly, associations between sex and MVPA mediated by body fat (β = 0.11, p = 0.002) and walking speed (β = 0.05, p = 0.001) were significant, as were the associations between sex and LPA mediated by body fat (β = 0.24, p<0.001) and walking speed (β = 0.03, p = 0.019). Differences in physical activity between men and women may reflect underlying differences in cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity. These results highlight the importance of maintaining physical fitness to support active living in older adults.

Control of a Doubly Fed Induction Generator for Variable Speed Wind Energy Conversion Systems using Fuzzy Controllers optimized with a Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents a comprehensive study of a wind turbine system operating under variable wind conditions, utilizing a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) connected to the grid. The DFIG is controlled via a rotor-side transducer, allowing for independent regulation of the conductors to manage both active and reactive power flows effectively. The control strategy focuses on generating reference voltages for the rotor to ensure that active and reactive power align with the desired targets, optimizing the tracking of the maximum power point to maximize electrical output. The research analyzes the system's dynamic performance under fluctuating wind conditions, emphasizing control strategies for managing active and reactive energy. A notable innovation is the integration of fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm into the control strategy for the wind turbine's switching mechanism, which enhances system performance and efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate that this approach provides higher efficiency, improved performance, and greater stability compared to the traditional Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers. Advanced artificial intelligence methods, such as fuzzy genetic algorithm control, were employed and the proposed system's effectiveness was validated with Matlab/Simulink simulations.

Intraspecific scaling of home range size and its bioenergetic association.

Home range size and metabolic rate of animals are theorized to scale in relation to body mass with similar exponents. This expectation has only been indirectly tested using lab-derived estimates of basal metabolic rate as proxies for field energy requirements. Therefore, it is unclear if existing theory aligns with observed patterns of home range scaling since field metabolic rates may scale differently than basal metabolic rates. We conducted the first direct field test of the relationship between home range and metabolic rate allometry. Using acoustic telemetry, we simultaneously measured the home range sizes and field metabolic rates of lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) spanning one order of magnitude in body mass and compared the allometric scaling exponents of these traits. Similarity between allometric scaling exponents confirmed an expected strong association between metabolic rate and home range size. However, a nonsignificant but negative association between standard metabolic rate (SMR) and home range size suggests a complex relationship between metabolism and home range, contrasting previous assumptions of a positive relationship. Nevertheless, an overall positive association between home range size and total metabolic rate persisted, driven by a strong association between active energy expenditure and home range size. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between energetics and home range size, emphasizing the need for additional direct field investigations and the potential for modern tagging technologies to gather relevant data.

The Association of Physical Activity With Overweight/Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Nepalese Adults: Evidence From a Nationwide Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey.

The rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the association between physical activity levels, overweight/obesity, and T2DM in a nationwide survey of Nepalese adults. This was a secondary analysis of the 2019 non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors STEPS survey conducted in Nepal. Demographic and anthropometric data, body mass index (BMI) and T2DM status were collected along with assessment of physical activity using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). A two-stage data analysis was conducted, first using descriptive statistics to summarize participant characteristics and differences across BMI and T2DM status, and then applying multivariate analyses to assess associations between physical activity levels, BMI and T2DM. Of the 5284 participants included, 28.0% had overweight/obesity, 5.8% had obesity, and 6.5% had T2DM. The mean age of the participants was 40.1years (95% CI: 39.8-40.6), and 63.9% were female. The overall physical activity energy expenditure was higher in the lean group (BMI<25kg/m2) compared to the those with overweight/obesity, and among participants without T2DM compared to those with T2DM. Sedentary behavior was more common among individuals with overweight/obesity and T2DM. A higher proportion of participants with low physical activity was observed in the overweight/obesity group compared to the lean group (8.9% vs. 6.3%) and the T2DM group compared to the non-T2DM group (11.7% vs. 6.7%). Low physical activity was associated with overweight/obesity (OR:1.4; 95% CI:1.1-1.8), obesity (OR:2.1; 95% CI:1.5-2.3), T2DM (OR:1.6; 95% CI:1.1-2.3) and T2DM in the presence of obesity (OR:3.6; 95% CI:1.7-7.8). This study highlights the low rates of physical activity and higher rates of sedentary behavior among adults with overweight/obesity and T2DM in Nepal. Public health interventions promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior may help reduce the burden of these NCDs.

An ergonomic assessment of British Army Infantry career training courses to identify opportunities for evidence-based interventions to enhance role-related physical fitness

An ergonomic assessment was conducted to quantify the activities and physical demands during the British Army’s 8-week Platoon Sergeant and Section Commander Battle Courses (PSBC, SCBC). Twenty PSBC and 18 SCBC male infantry soldiers volunteered. Body Mass (BM) was measured pre- and post-course, with course physical activity levels (PAL), energy expenditure (EE) and sleep profiles quantified using tri-axial accelerometery. The courses were predominately field-based, involving slow and rapid load carriage tasks, digging and moving casualties. Average daily EE (SCBC = 4020 ± 599 vs. PSBC = 3876 ± 525 kcal.day−1; p>0.05) and BM decreases were similar (SCBC = −3.9 ± 2.9 vs. PSBC = −2.0 ± 2.7 kg; p>0.05). Daily PAL was higher for SCBC than PSBC (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.3, p=0.041), likely due to greater moderate-vigorous activity levels (p=0.003). Daily sleep durations were variable, but similar across courses (≈5.1 hr.day−1; p>0.05). These data confirm these courses are arduous and can be used to inform course-specific physical screening tests and training to increase course success.

Capacitance–Voltage Studies on Electrostatically Actuated MEMS Micromirror Arrays

This article presents the electrostatic actuation performance of micromirror arrays for intelligent active daylight control and energy management in green buildings using a capacitive–voltage (C-V) measurement technique. In order to understand how geometric hinge parameters, initial opening angles, and materials affect the overall efficiency and functionality of the system, micromirror arrays have been analyzed using C-V measurements considering (i) full and broken hinge structures, (ii) 90° and 130° initial tilt angles (Φ), and (iii) different material layer combinations. The measurement results indicate that both an increase in the Young’s modulus of the applied materials and increasing the initial tilt angles increase the threshold voltages during the closing process of the micromirrors.

Integrative Enhancement of Energy‐Level Alignment and Defect Passivation for High‐Performance Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractCsGeI2Br‐based perovskites with a favorable bandgap and high absorption coefficient, show great promise as candidates for efficient lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the significant defect recombination and energy alignment mismatch at the perovskite‐transport layer interface limit both the device's performance and long‐term stability. To overcome these challenges, the photovoltaic potential of the device is unlocked by optimizing the optical and electronic parameters through a rigorous numerical simulation, including the transport layer materials, doping density, bulk/interface defect density, and carrier mobility. As a result, the optimized device achieved a champion power conversion efficiency of 28.00%. To further elucidate the inherent physical behavior, the activator energy of carrier recombination, along with the conduction and valence band offsets, are also investigated. Additionally, different types of device structures, including p‐i‐n and HTL‐free structures, are briefly examined. Finally, a detailed roadmap for enhancing the efficiency of the device is proposed, offering valuable insights for improving inorganic lead‐free CsGeI2Br perovskite solar cells in optoelectronic applications.

Microfluidic-Enabled Self-Directed Hydrogel Microspheres for Multiplexed MicroRNA Assays.

Multiplexed microRNA (miRNA) detection has proven valuable in disease diagnosis; yet, the development of advanced tools for their analysis remains a subject of broad interest. Here, we propose a novel single-particle method for multiplexed miRNA detection using self-directed hydrogel microspheres, which feature supersegmented compartments for loading analyte probes and an air-encapsulated region that grants the microsphere a unique preferred posture in aqueous solutions. By exploiting microfluidic technology, we can widely adjust the size of the microspheres and the number of compartments can be widely adjusted. The air-encapsulated region is located at the edge of the microsphere's symmetry axis, resulting in a spontaneous orientation that facilitates efficient multitarget signal readout in a standard manner without requiring active energy input. The microspheres exhibit excellent temperature stability, ensuring consistent performance under varying thermal conditions. Additionally, signal amplification strategies, such as hybridization chain reaction, are compatible with microspheres, enabling sensitive miRNA quantification. As a concept of proof, precise miRNA detection was demonstrated using these features. We hope that the proposed biocompatible microsphere tools will find broader application prospects in various clinical diagnostic settings.

IRAP Drives Ribosomal Degradation to Refuel Energy for Platelet Activation during Septic Thrombosis.

Platelets play crucial roles in multiple pathophysiological processes after energy-dependent activation. It is puzzling how such a small cellular debris has abundant energy supply. In this study, it is shown that insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), a type II transmembrane protein, is a key regulator for platelet activation by promoting energy regeneration during septic thrombosis. Through interaction with certain endosome membrane proteins, IRAP can not only promote granule release, but also facilitate lysosomal degradation of theoretically discarded ribosomes in an mTORC1- and S-acylation-dependent manner in activated platelets. Plentiful amino acids obtained from IRAP-mediated ribophagy are recruited to aerobic glycolysis and then promote energy metabolism reprogramming, thereby producing abundant energy for platelet life extension and prolonged activation. Consequently, targeted blocking IRAP can dramatically alleviate platelet hyperactivation and septic thrombosis.

Narrow elliptical motion at the outer hair cell-Deiters' cell junction explains disparate features of uniaxial displacement measurements.

Sound-evoked displacement responses at the outer hair cell-Deiters' cell junction (OHC-DC) are of significant interest in cochlear mechanics, as OHCs are believed to be in part responsible for active tuning enhancement and amplification. Motion in the cochlea is three-dimensional, and the architecture of the organ of Corti complex (OCC) suggests the presence and mechanical importance of all three components of motion. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) displacement measurements of OHC-DC motion from different experimental preparations often show disparate results, potentially due to OCT measuring only the motion component along the beam axis. In this work, we show that narrow elliptical motion at the OHC-DC - nearly along a straight line, where towards-base longitudinal motion is in phase with towards-scala-media transverse motion - can explain two such preparation-dependent differences. We present longitudinal and transverse components of displacement responses from the OHC-DC in the gerbil base in response to moderately high-level sound stimuli that exhibit precisely this near-lineal motion. The results show the potential for active longitudinal energy transfer in the OCC.

The acute effects of exercise-induced energy expenditure on physical activity energy expenditure

&amp;lt;p style=&amp;quot;text-align: justify;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Exercise-induced energy expenditure (ExEE) is commonly adopted as a mean to volitional body mass loss. ExEE can also modulate physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and potentially limit the rate of body mass loss. The detrimental effect of ExEE on PAEE may be more prevalent in women than in men. This study was to investigate the sex differences in regulation of PAEE and body mass change following an acute exercise-induced perturbation in energy balance. &amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt;In this 3-week study, 4 men and 6 women with body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 &amp;amp;plusmn; 2.3 kg/m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; were required to exercise on a leg ergometer, expending 15% of their total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in each exercise session of week two (Exercise week). Participants had to complete three exercise sessions within the same week and on non-consecutive days. PAEE was assessed via wrist-worn accelerometers over the entire study period. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition were measured at the beginning of the study. Men had significantly greater stature (p=0.021), body mass (p=0.035) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) (p=0.01) than women. Whereas women body fat % was significantly greater than men (p=0.004). At the end of the study, there was no significant difference body mass % change (p=0.409) and ExEE (p=0.91) between men and women. There was no significant main effect of time for PAEE (p=0.613), or between sex (p=0.470). Three bouts of ExEE performed within the same week did not alter PAEE in men and women with overweight and obesity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

The In silico Study: Curcumin Potential As A Topoisomerase Enzyme Inhibitor in The Replication Process of Plasmodium Falciparum That Causes Cerebral Malaria

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains the active compound curcumin, which has antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to ignite the potential of curcumin, which has the potential as an antiprotozoal through inhibition of Plasmodium Falciparim replication through the topoisomerase enzyme. The method used in this study is the One Shot Experimental Study, with several stages including preparation of active compounds, prediction of active substance binding energy, prediction of compound binding, molecular docking, prediction of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and toxicity. The results show that curcumin binds to the same site as Artemisinin, both also interact with the topoisomerase VI protein and provide similar inhibitory effects. ADME predictions show that curcumin has good potential for use as an oral drug, with both LD50s included in class 4. The binding affinity and bioactivity of curcumin are lower than Artemisinin but are still considered to have the potential as a safer antiprotozoal alternative.

Effect of Nitrogen Composition on Band Gap Energy and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-N/Zeolite Composite

In this study, the application and performance of TiO2-N/Zeolite composites for MB photodegradation under UV irradiation have been reviewed. To improve the removal performance, the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite was varied based on the concentration ratio of urea to TiO2, where urea is a precursor of nitrogen. UV-Vis DRS tests were also carried out to compare and evaluate differences in band gap energy for each variant, analysis of degradation results and MB removal mechanisms by TiO2-N/Zeolite composites are described in this study. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of the urea to TiO2 concentration ratio (urea:TiO2), on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite and also its physical characteristics, namely band gap energy. Thus, as a comparison, TiO2 and TiO2-N were also tested for photocatalytic activity and band gap energy physical characteristics. The conclusion obtained from this research is that the smaller the nitrogen composition in the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite, the greater the photocatalytic activity capability in degrading MB, in this case the TiO2-N/Zeolite (1.5) sample has the best photocatalytic activity. The next conclusion is that the higher the nitrogen composition in the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite, the smaller the band gap energy.

Phase boundaries promote chemical reactions through localized fluxes.

One of the hypothesized functions of biomolecular condensates is to act as chemical reactors, where chemical reactions can be modulated, i.e., accelerated or slowed down, while substrate molecules enter and products exit from the condensate. Similarly, the components themselves that take part in the architectural integrity of condensates might be modified by active (energy consuming, non-equilibrium) processes, e.g., by ATPase chaperones or by kinases and phosphatases. In this work, we study how the presence of spatial inhomogeneities, such as in the case of liquid-liquid phase separation, affects active chemical reactions and results in the presence of directional flows of matter, which are one of the hallmarks of non-equilibrium processes. We establish the minimal conditions for the existence of such spatial currents, and we furthermore find that these fluxes are maximal at the condensate interface. These results propose that some condensates might be most efficient as chemical factories due to their interfaces rather than their volumes and could suggest a possible biological reason for the observed abundance of small non-fusing condensates inside the cell, thus maximizing their surface and the associated fluxes.

Mitochondrial genome structural variants and candidate cytoplasmic male sterility-related gene in sugarcane

BackgroundSugarcane is a crucial crop for both sugar and bioethanol production. The nobilization breeding and utilization of wild germplasm have significantly enhanced its productivity. However, the pollen sterility in Saccharum officinarum restricts its role to being a female parent in crosses with Saccharum spontaneum during nobilization breeding, resulting in a narrow genetic basis for modern sugarcane cultivars. Mitochondria, often referred to as the intracellular “energy factories”, provide energy for plant life activities, and are also implicated in cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS).ResultsWe performed mitochondrial genome assembly and structural analysis of two Saccharum founding species. We discovered that the proportions of repeat sequences are the primary factor contributing to the variations in mitochondrial genome structure and size between the two Saccharum species. Heterologous expression of the mitochondrial chimeric gene ORF113, which is highly expressed in male-sterile S. officinarum flowers, significantly inhibits growth and ATP synthesis in yeast cells, making it a key candidate CMS-related gene in sugarcane. Furthermore, we developed two co-dominant simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers based on the mitochondrial genome, which can effectively distinguish the cytoplasmic types of the two Saccharum species.ConclusionIn this study, we identified structural variants and developed SSR molecular markers in the mitochondrial genomes of both S. officinarum and S. spontaneum. We also identified a novel mitochondrial chimeric ORF as a key candidate CMS-related gene. These findings offer valuable insights into variety identification, genetic resource development, and cross-breeding strategies in sugarcane.

Effect of basketball shooting distance and skill level on muscle activity and joint energy production of upper extremity

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of shooting distance and skill level on the arm movements (kinematics, kinetics and electromyography) during the release phase of basketball shooting. 14 males were student-athletes from local college basketball teams(skilled) and 14 were recreational basketball players from local colleges(unskilled). Each participant completed three successful shots at two distance conditions (5 m, 6.8 m). The energy generated by the joint during the shot and electromyographic variables of the anterior deltoid (AD), triceps brachii (TB), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles were evaluated. The results showed that S and US groups showed decreases in shooting success with increasing shooting distance (P &lt; 0.001), and increases in muscle activation and joint energy production in shoulder and elbow joints (P &lt; 0.001). During longer distance shooting, S and Us groups showed significant differences in wrist flexion angle (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, S demonstrated more energy production at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints (P &lt; 0.01), and greater activation (P &lt; 0.05) in the anterior deltoid (AD), triceps brachii (TB), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) corresponding to the joints (MVIC%). These results suggest that the skills of shooting arm to produce proper force, and active muscle coupling of joints to produce energy are important for adaptation to different basketball shooting distance.

MARVEL Analysis of High-Resolution Rovibrational Spectra of 16O13C18O.

A large set of validated experimental transitions and empirical rovibrational energy levels are reported for the fifth most abundant carbon dioxide isotopologue, 16O13C18O (in a shorthand notation, 638). Validation of the transitions and determination of the empirical energy levels are based on a compiled and carefully checked dataset, collected from 35 literature sources, containing 12 348/7432 measured/unique lines in the wavenumber range of 578-9318cm-1. The MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels) protocol, built upon the theory of spectroscopic networks, not only validates the vast majority of the measured transitions, but also yields 3975 empirical rovibrational energy levels, with uncertainty estimates compliant with the experimental uncertainties of the transitions.

An information gap decision theory and improved gradient-based optimizer for robust optimization of renewable energy systems in distribution network

In this paper, a robust fuzzy multi-objective framework is performed to optimize the dispersed and hybrid renewable photovoltaic-wind energy resources in a radial distribution network considering uncertainties of renewable generation and network demand. A novel multi-objective improved gradient-based optimizer (MOIGBO) enhanced with Rosenbrock’s direct rotational technique to overcome premature convergence is proposed to determine the problem optimal decision variables. The deterministic optimization framework without uncertainty minimizes active energy loss, unmet customer energy, and renewable generation costs. The study also examines the impact of dispersed and hybrid renewable resources on solving the problem. In the robust optimization framework considering the deterministic obtained results, the focus is on determining the maximum uncertainty radius (MUR) of renewable resource generation and network demand based on the uncertainty risk. The MURs and system robustness are optimally determined using information gap decision theory (IGDT) and the MOIGBO, considering various uncertainty budgets under worst-case scenarios. The deterministic results indicate that the MOIGBO effectively balances the objectives and identifies the final solution within the Pareto front, according to fuzzy decision-making. The results also reveal that the dispersed case yields better objective values than the hybrid case. Furthermore, the MOIGBO outperforms MOGBO and multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) in improving distribution network operations. The robust results show that maximum system robustness is achieved at 30% uncertainty risk due to forecasting errors, with MUR values of 0.54% for resource production and 12.56% for load demand.