Plant Engineering Research Articles

Material substitution to reduce the environmental impacts in construction of car body manufacturing plants

The efficient use of resources is a key driver for reconciling nature and technology in the automotive manufacturing process. Resource efficiency not only considering the final product but also the construction of the manufacturing system is therefore essential for achieving the sustainability goals pursued by global automotive manufacturers. In this context, the substitution of energy-intensive primary materials with renewable raw materials represents a significant potential for reducing the environmental impacts of automotive plant engineering. However, the use of new materials often leads to conflicting objectives in terms of environmental and economic aspects as well as technical feasibility. To ensure an effective contribution to sustainability, it is necessary to evaluate the entire product life cycle of the substitute material, to localize the resulting secondary effects and to develop target-oriented solution concepts. Against this background, an approach is presented for the implementation of material substitution. The feasibility is demonstrated with a case-study on the substitution of energy-intensive steel with renewable wood material for the structural elements of a vertical conveyor pallet in the car body construction. The technical development and series testing is described and subsequently a comparative environmental and economic evaluation is carried out to analyze the potential benefits compared with the status quo while considering the resulting secondary effects. Finally, a potential assessment is made based on a reference body shop.

Condition Monitoring of Power Plant Engine Oil Through FTIR Analysis

Condition Monitoring of Power Plant Engine Oil Through FTIR Analysis

Recent Advances in Computational Convective Heat Transfer Study in a Sub-Channel for Nuclear Power Reactor and Future Directions

A nuclear power reactor's primary use is to generate thermal energy, which in turn produces electricity. The primary heat source is a nuclear fission event occurring inside the fuel rod. The convection heat is transmitted through the coolant by the heat energy generated at the fuel rod wall boundary. Better heat transfer is produced in the flow area by turbulence and irregularity. As a result, turbulent flow heat transfer may present a significant challenge when predicting and assessing the thermal performance of nuclear power reactors. Computational techniques in convective heat transfer have become indispensable for solving challenging issues in the fields of science and engineering thanks to the development of current sophisticated numerical methods and high-performance computer hardware. The development of novel computational techniques and models for complicated transport and multi-physical phenomena is constantly in demand throughout applicable disciplines. This chapter's objective is to provide some recent developments in computational techniques for convective heat transfer, taking into account research interests in the community of mass and heat transfer, and to showcase relevant applications in nuclear power plant engineering domains including future directions. This study describes the most recent advancements in nuclear reactor convective heat transfer research utilizing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, particularly at Ansys Fluent. This work examines the convective heat transfer and fluid dynamics fluid dynamics for turbulent flows across three rod bundle sub-channels that are typical of those employed in the PWR-based VVER type reactor. In this paper, CFD analysis is carried out using the software tool Ansys Fluent. Temperature distribution profile, velocity profile, pressure drop, and turbulence properties were investigated in this study. Boundary conditions i.e. temperature, velocity, pressure, heat flux, and heat generation rate were applied in the sub-channel domain. The main obstacles and bright spots for the CFD methods in nuclear reactor engineering are discussed, which helps to further its further uses. We intend to research a full-length fuel bundle model for VVER-1200 in the future to gather specific fluid characteristic data and use the findings to analyze safety and operate nuclear power facilities in Bangladesh. This paper presents a thorough analysis of the sub-channel thermal hydraulic codes used in nuclear reactor core analysis. This review discusses several facets of previous experimental, analytical, and computational work on rod bundles and identifies potential future directions based on those earlier studies.

Digitalization of Logistics Processes on Construction Sites - Concept for the Creation and Use of a Digital Shadow for Construction Site Logistics in Mechanical and Plant Engineering

Digitalization of Logistics Processes on Construction Sites - Concept for the Creation and Use of a Digital Shadow for Construction Site Logistics in Mechanical and Plant Engineering

Energy-saving installation of a river vessel

This article relates to diesel engineering and can be used by design organizations and river fleet vessels in operation. The device of the energy-saving installation of a river vessel uses a heat pump with a high-temperature two-stage compressor and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). In a two-stage compressor, the temperature of the low-boiling substance reaches 100°C. Further, this steam is condensed in the ORC condenser, while the coolant is heated to 95-98°C and the resulting coolant is distributed through a three-way valve: part of the coolant flow enters the heating object, the other part of the coolant enters the ORC evaporator through a three-way valve, where heat exchange with a low-boiling substance takes place. The resulting high-pressure steam then enters the turbine. In this case, the steam turbine is driven with a generator and electrical energy is generated. The proposed energy-saving installation can be used by river vessels during cargo operations and forced stops, during which the power plant: the main marine diesel engine, diesel generator and auxiliary boiler plant are inoperative, which leads to significant fuel savings of the ship power plant.

Investigation of water resistance of semi-submersible floating cranes of various designs

The paper considers the effect on water resistance of the movement of a semi-submersible floating crane model on quiet deep water in working and transport positions and different heading angles. The research was conducted in the experimental pool of Sevastopol State University. The performed towing tests of the model made it possible to plot the dependence of the coefficient of impedance on the Froude number. Each of the presented graphs refers to a certain horizontal clearance and heading angle, as well as the number of intermediate stabilization columns. According to the obtained graphs, it is possible to estimate the power of the power plant, mainline and shunting engines of a semi-submersible floating crane of the selected design scheme at the initial stages of design. In the future, it is planned to carry out research to determine the coefficient of additional resistance from the excitement of the considered cases of the hull shape.

Harnessing root exudates for plant microbiome engineering and stress resistance in plants

A wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses adversely affect plant's growth and production. Under stress, one of the main responses of plants is the modulation of exudates excreted in the rhizosphere, which consequently leads to alterations in the resident microbiota. Thus, the exudates discharged into the rhizospheric environment play a preponderant role in the association and formation of plant-microbe interactions. In this review, we aimed to provide a synthesis of the latest and most pertinent literature on the diverse biochemical and structural compositions of plant root exudates. Also, this work investigates into their multifaceted role in microbial nutrition and intricate signaling processes within the rhizosphere, which includes quorum-sensing molecules. Specifically, it explores the contributions of low molecular weight compounds, such as carbohydrates, phenolics, organic acids, amino acids, and secondary metabolites, as well as the significance of high molecular weight compounds, including proteins and polysaccharides. It also discusses the state-of-the-art omics strategies that unveil the vital role of root exudates in plant-microbiome interactions, including defense against pathogens like nematodes and fungi. We propose multiple challenges and perspectives, including exploiting plant root exudates for host-mediated microbiome engineering. In this discourse, root exudates and their derived interactions with the rhizospheric microbiota should receive greater attention due to their positive influence on plant health and stress mitigation.

Frontiers in Engine and Power Plant Combustion Technologies: Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Frontiers in Engine and Power Plant Combustion Technologies: Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Quantumness in Diagnostics of Marine Internal Combustion Engines and Other Ship Power Plant Machines

Abstract The article provides proof that the diagnostics of marine internal combustion engines and other ship power plant machines should take into account the randomness and unpredictability of certain events, such as wear, damage, the variations of mechanical and thermal loads, etc., which take place during machine operation. In the article, the energy E, like the other forms (methods) that it can be converted into (heat and work), is considered the random variable Et; at time t, this variable has the mean value E ¯ t {\bar E_t} , which is the observed value of the statistic E ¯ s t {\bar E_{st}} with an asymptotically normal distribution N ( E ( E t ) , σ t n ) N\left( {E\left( {{E_t}} \right),{{{\sigma _t}} \over {\sqrt n }}} \right) , irrespective of the functional form of the random variable Et. A proof is given that shows that the expected value estimated in the above way, considering the time t of the performance of task Z by a marine internal combustion engine or other ship power plant machine, can be used to determine the machine’s possible action (DM). When compared to the required action (DW) needed for task Z to be performed, this possible action makes it possible to formulate an operating diagnosis concerning whether the engine or machine of concern is able to perform task Z. It is assumed that an energy device of this type is able to perform a given task when the inequality DM≥DW holds. Otherwise, when DM < DW, the device cannot perform the task for which it was adopted in the design and manufacturing phase, which means that it is in the incapability state, although it still can be started and convert energy into the form of heat or work..

Low levels of flavonoids in Arabidopsis thaliana during phenanthrene exposure suggest new roles for a flavanone 3-hydroxylase

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination impacts the well-being of fauna, flora, and the environment. PAHs are a group of compounds consisting of two or more benzene rings. Due to their structure, PAHs are very stable, generally non-reactive and resistant to biodegradation; yet these compounds are cytotoxic in biological systems. In plants, PAHs induce oxidative stress and cell death, and inhibit growth. Previous PAH exposure studies from our laboratory showed an up-regulation of the Arabidopsis thaliana gene At3g51240. At3g51240 encodes a flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), an enzyme catalyzing the hydroxylation of flavanones, key intermediates in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Considering that flavonoids may act as antioxidants and protect cells against oxidative stress, we hypothesized that F3H was important in alleviating PAH-induced stress symptoms. Analysis of flavonoid content by high performance liquid chromatography showed low levels of flavonoids in phenanthrene-treated plants. Analysis of At3g51240 loss-of-function mutant plant lines growing on phenanthrene-containing growth media showed reduced phenotypic stress responses. Interestingly, low levels of H2O2 were observed in the mutant plants, suggesting that this putative flavanone 3-hydroxylase may be involved in PAH oxidation, with the consequent H2O2 generation. Furthermore, in vitro assays with purified recombinant 6xHis tagged AT3G51240 showed enzyme activity on the PAH when phenanthrene was used as a substrate. Together, these data suggest that F3H is involved in PAH detoxification in planta with the subsequent accumulation of toxic metabolites. This research also indicates the potentiality of using specialized metabolism enzymes such as oxidoreductase in the genetic engineering of plants to remediate PAH-contaminated soils.

Functions of Representative Terpenoids and Their Biosynthesis Mechanisms in Medicinal Plants.

Terpenoids are the broadest and richest group of chemicals obtained from plants. These plant-derived terpenoids have been extensively utilized in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals. Several specific terpenoids have been identified and isolated from medicinal plants, emphasizing the diversity of biosynthesis and specific functionality of terpenoids. With advances in the technology of sequencing, the genomes of certain important medicinal plants have been assembled. This has improved our knowledge of the biosynthesis and regulatory molecular functions of terpenoids with medicinal functions. In this review, we introduce several notable medicinal plants that produce distinct terpenoids (e.g., Cannabis sativa, Artemisia annua, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ginkgo biloba, and Taxus media). We summarize the specialized roles of these terpenoids in plant-environment interactions as well as their significance in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Additionally, we highlight recent findings in the fields of molecular regulation mechanisms involved in these distinct terpenoids biosynthesis, and propose future opportunities in terpenoid research, including biology seeding, and genetic engineering in medicinal plants.

Accelerated Long-Fragment Circular PCR for Genetic Manipulation of Plant Viruses in Unveiling Functional Genomics.

Molecular cloning, a crucial prerequisite for engineering plasmid constructs intended for functional genomic studies, relies on successful restriction and ligation processes. However, the lack of unique restriction sites often hinders construct preparation, necessitating multiple modifications. Moreover, achieving the successful ligation of large plasmid constructs is frequently challenging. To address these limitations, we present a novel PCR strategy in this study, termed 'long-fragment circular-efficient PCR' (LC-PCR). This technique involves one or two rounds of PCR with an additional third-long primer that complements both ends of the newly synthesized strand of a plasmid construct. This results in self-circularization with a nick-gap in each newly formed strand. The LC-PCR technique was successfully employed to insert a partial sequence (210 nucleotides) of the phytoene desaturase gene from Nicotiana benthamiana and a full capsid protein gene (770 nucleotides) of a begomovirus (tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus) into a 16.4 kb infectious construct of a tobamovirus, cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), cloned in pCambia. This was done to develop the virus-induced gene silencing vector (VIGS) and an expression vector for a foreign protein in plants, respectively. Furthermore, the LC-PCR could be applied for the deletion of a large region (replicase enzyme) and the substitution of a single amino acid in the CGMMV genome. Various in planta assays of these constructs validate their biological functionality, highlighting the utility of the LC-PCR technique in deciphering plant-virus functional genomics. The LC-PCR is not only suitable for modifying plant viral genomes but also applicable to a wide range of plant, animal, and human gene engineering under in-vitro conditions. Additionally, the LC-PCR technique provides an alternative to expensive kits, enabling quick introduction of modifications in any part of the nucleotide within a couple of days. Thus, the LC-PCR proves to be a suitable 'all in one' technique for modifying large plasmid constructs through site-directed gene insertion, deletion, and mutation, eliminating the need for restriction and ligation.

Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing Advances to Enhance Floral Attributes in Ornamental Plants: An Update.

The ornamental horticulture industry is a highly dynamic and rapidly changing market. Constant development of novel cultivars with elite traits is essential to sustain competitiveness. Conventional breeding has been used to develop cultivars, which is often laborious. Biotechnological strategies such as genetic engineering have been crucial in manipulating and improving various beneficial traits that are technically not possible through cross-breeding. One such trait is the highly desired blue-colored flower in roses and chrysanthemums, which can be achieved through transgenic technology. Advances in genome sequencing platforms have enhanced the opportunities to access the whole genome sequence in various ornamentals, facilitating the dissection of the molecular genetics and regulatory controls of different traits. The recent advent of genome editing tools, including CRISPR/Cas9, has revolutionized plant breeding. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing offers efficient and highly precise trait modification, contributing to various beneficial advancements. Although genome editing in ornamentals is currently in its infancy, the recent increase in the availability of ornamental genome sequences provides a platform to extend the frontiers of future genome editing in ornamentals. Hence, this review depicts the implication of various commercially valuable ornamental attributes, and details the research attempts and achievements in enhancing floral attributes using genetic engineering and genome editing in ornamental plants.

Microparticle-mediated CRISPR DNA delivery for genome editing in poplar.

The use of CRISPR/Cas9 is currently the method of choice for precise genome engineering in plants, including in the biomass crop poplar. The most commonly used method for delivering CRISPR/Cas9 and its components in poplar is via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, that besides the desired gene-editing event also results in stable T-DNA integration. Here we explore the delivery of the gene-editing reagents via DNA-coated microparticle bombardment into the model tree Populus tremula x P. alba to evaluate its potential for developing transgene-free, gene-edited trees, as well as its potential for integrating donor DNA at specific target sites. Using an optimized transformation method, which favors the regeneration of plants that transiently express the genes on the delivered donor DNA, we regenerated gene-edited plants that are free of the Cas9 and the antibiotic resistance-encoding transgenes. In addition, we report the frequent integration of donor DNA fragments at the Cas9-induced double-strand break, opening opportunities toward targeted gene insertions.

Enhancing lettuce yield via Cu/Fe-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles spraying

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been widely used in the field of plant engineering, such as DNA/RNA transformation and enhancing plant disease resistance. However, few studies have examined the direct effects of LDHs on plants and their potential utility as nanofertilizers. In this study, the retention capacity of Cu/Fe-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (CuFe-LDHs) was assessed by comparative experiments on vegetables. The results showed that the retention of CuFe-LDHs in leafy vegetables was high, such as lettuce. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the fresh and dry weights of lettuce leaves were both increased by spraying 10–100 μg/mL CuFe-LDHs. Using the optimal concentration of 10 μg/mL, we conducted further experiments to elucidate the mechanism of CuFe-LDHs promoting lettuce growth. It was found that the application of CuFe-LDHs had a significant effect on growth and induced physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic changes, including an increase in the chlorophyll b content, net photosynthetic rate, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, as well as modifications in gene expression patterns and metabolite profiles. This work provides compelling evidence that CuFe-LDHs can efficiently adsorb on the surface of lettuce leaves through hydrogen bonding, promote lettuce growth, mitigate the toxicity of heavy metal ions compared to their raw materials at the same concentration and offer a molecular-scale insight into the response of leafy vegetables to CuFe-LDHs.Graphical

CRISPR/Cas9 Landscape: Current State and Future Perspectives.

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 is a unique genome editing tool that can be easily used in a wide range of applications, including functional genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, biotechnology, plant engineering, livestock breeding, gene therapy, diagnostics, and so on. This review is focused on the current CRISPR/Cas9 landscape, e.g., on Cas9 variants with improved properties, on Cas9-derived and fusion proteins, on Cas9 delivery methods, on pre-existing immunity against CRISPR/Cas9 proteins, anti-CRISPR proteins, and their possible roles in CRISPR/Cas9 function improvement. Moreover, this review presents a detailed outline of CRISPR/Cas9-based diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. Finally, the review addresses the future expansion of genome editors' toolbox with Cas9 orthologs and other CRISPR/Cas proteins.

The role of photorespiration in preventing feedback regulation via ATP synthase in Nicotiana tabacum.

Photorespiration consumes substantial amounts of energy in the forms of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reductant making the pathway an important component in leaf energetics. Because of this high reductant demand, photorespiration is proposed to act as a photoprotective electron sink. However, photorespiration consumes more ATP relative to reductant than the C3 cycle meaning increased flux disproportionally increases ATP demand relative to reductant. Here we explore how energetic consumption from photorespiration impacts the flexibility of the light reactions in nicotiana tabacum. Specifically, we demonstrate that decreased photosynthetic efficiency (ϕII ) at low photorespiratory flux was related to feedback regulation at the chloroplast ATP synthase. Additionally, decreased ϕII at high photorespiratory flux resulted in the accumulation of photoinhibition at photosystem II centers. These results are contrary to the proposed role of photorespiration as a photoprotective electron sink. Instead, our results suggest a novel role of ATP consumption from photorespiration in maintaining ATP synthase activity, with implications for maintaining energy balance and preventing photodamage that will be critical for plant engineering strategies.

Predicting the allergenic risk of Phosphite-NAD+-Oxidoreductase and purple acid phosphatase 17 proteins in genetically modified canola using bioinformatic approaches

Recent advancements in the generation of high-throughput multi-omics data have provided a vast array of candidate genes for the genetic engineering of plants. However, as part of their safety assessment, newly expressed proteins in genetically modified crops must be evaluated for potential cross-reactivity with known allergens. In this study, we developed transgenic canola plants expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana PAP17 gene and a novel selectable marker composed of the ptxD gene from Pseudomonas stutzeri. To evaluate the potential allergenic cross-reactivity of the AtPAP17 and PTXD proteins expressed in transgenic canola, we applied a comprehensive approach utilizing sequence-based, motif-based, and 3D structure-based analyses. Our results demonstrate that the risk of conferring cross-reactivity with known allergens is negligible, indicating that the expression of these proteins in transgenic canola poses a low allergenic risk.

Dual-comb-based multi-axis time-of-flight measurement via high-efficiency optical cross-correlation in a semiconductor optical amplifier

Absolute distance measurement for multiple targets is required in industrial and scientific fields such as machine monitoring, detection of distortion in large structures, wafer alignment in semiconductor manufacturing, and the formation flying of satellites. Furthermore, the expansion of measurement channels is essential for the effective application of multi-target measurement. However, because measurement channels' expansion requires high power, it is difficult due to the low conversion efficiency of conventional systems that use a non-linear crystal for optical cross-correlation. In this study, for measurement channel expansion, time-of-flight based absolute laser ranging via high-efficiency dual-comb cross-correlation using a semiconductor optical amplifier is developed. The semiconductor optical amplifier acts as a cross-correlator, and it can produce a cross-correlation signal with a laser’s power of 50 µW because of its very high conversion efficiency. This method is suitable for expanding the measurement channels and measuring non-cooperative targets as it can detect low-power signals. The repeatability of the distance measurement is 4 µm at a single shot (37 µs) and 120 nm for 5 ms. The linearity is assessed by evaluating the R-square, which is equal to 1 within the range of significant figures. Moreover, the distance measurement of targets lying on the two axes was demonstrated to ensure the measurement channels' expansion. This measurement system has the potential to determine multiple distances, making it applicable to diverse fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, smart factories, plant engineering, and satellite formation flying.

Functionalized carbon nano-enabled plant ROS signal engineering for growth / defense balance

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) wave plays a crucial role as an early systemic signal in nearly all environmental response pathways. Engineering on ROS signaling may be a promising strategy to modulate plant systemic acquired acclimation and systemic acquired resistance. Recently, artificial designed materials mimicking signal transduction components have attracted attention to improve plant immunity and stress acclimation. Here, we report the bioengineering of functional carbon nanoparticles (FCN) through their regulation on ROS signaling. FCN with a C:O atom ratio of 1:2.2 were synthesized by low voltage electrolysis with graphite and carboxyl were the main oxygen-containing groups on the surface of sp2 carbon core. The active redox properties resulting from the carboxyl–rich modification provided FCN superior ROS-triggering effects compared to other carbon nanoparticles with similar core structures but different types and quantities of surface modifications. Moreover, the ROS induced by FCN were quickly scavenged to homeostasis without causing accumulation and then leading to oxidative stress. The findings from transcriptional footprinting in Arabidopsis’s genes revealed a typical and quick ROS signal transduction events and also the regulation of stress responses and adaptions to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, the application of FCN to roots have been shown to promote the growth and development of Arabidopsis, rice and wheat, and also the yields particularly when suffering stresses. In summary, our findings confirmed that the ROS burst triggered by FCN modulated the balance between growth and defense through transcriptome reprogramming. It indicates that nano-enabled plant engineering for ROS can provide an economical and efficient way to promote the crops yields, especially under stress conditions.