Tube Length Research Articles

Monte Carlo uncertainty quantification method of pneumatic measurement tube frequency response

Abstract The pneumatic tube plays a critical role in the frequency response of the pressure measurement system, which also greatly affects the accuracy of the measurement data. This paper applied the Monte Carlo uncertainty qualification method to the pressure measurement tube system frequency response and studied the effects of four parameters, including tube length, radius, temperature, and source pressure, on uncertainty characteristics for a given tube system configuration. The reported results show the technique's applicability and flexibility and the limitations of GUM. It is found that the frequency response and corresponding uncertainty are not directly related to frequency but are closely related to the natural frequencies. Comparative experimental results show that the longer tube significantly reduces the system's natural frequencies and intensifies the phase lag. In addition, larger tube radius and source pressure result in larger amplitude response peaks. Closed to the natural frequencies, with the increase of the parameter, the uncertainties of frequency response value and the corresponding variation range increase for tube radius and source pressure while decreasing for temperature and tube length.

Temperature Distribution of Frozen Wall Formed by Irregular Hole Arrangement During In Situ Repair of Underground Shield Machine

In order to study the development law of the irregular hole freezing temperature field, combined with the shield solution project of the Nanjing Water Supply Corridor, the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the irregular freezing temperature field of the river bottom shield machine are studied by numerical simulation. The following conclusions are obtained: (1) The extension length of the outer ring pipe is correlated approximately positively with the thickness and average temperature of the freezing wall at the bottom of the cup. The thickness increases by 0.25 m, and the average temperature decreases by 1.25 °C for every 1 m increase in the extension length. (2) The intersection time decreases logarithmically with the increase in the extension length of the outer ring tube. (3) As the ratio of the axial angle between the two adjacent tubes in the weak area of the outer ring tube becomes larger, the temperature of the weak point in the center of the two tubes increases approximately linearly. The midpoint temperature of the two tubes increases by 3.3 °C for every 1 increase in the angle coefficient. (4) With the increase in the opening angle of the inner ring hole, the thickness and average temperature change, respectively, at 150 d are not more than 0.15 m and 0.6 °C. The results show that under the irregular freezing form, the angle and length of the outer ring pipe have a great influence on the temperature field, and the angle of the inner ring pipe has little influence on the final distribution of the temperature field. The average temperature and the temperature distribution of the weak points show a trend of decreasing first and then increasing along the shield advancing direction, reaching a minimum near the cutterhead.

Study on characterization of flame propagation of spontaneous ignition caused by high-pressure hydrogen leakage

As an ideal energy source, hydrogen is highly susceptible to spontaneous ignition once leaked, which is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Based on the shock tube model, this paper investigates flame propagation under various pressures, tube lengths, and diameters by employing the LES approach and a detailed hydrogen/air combustion mechanism. The results indicate that within the tube, the ignition kernels gradually evolve into tulip flames when specific conditions are satisfied. As pressure and tube length increase, the likelihood of forming a complete flame rises significantly; with the increase of tube diameter, the flame front is flatter and the flame intensity is more uniformly distributed. Furthermore, this paper develops a model to predict the formation of a complete flame: Pb/Pa=570.64(L/D)−0.6. Outside the tube, once the intact flame passes out of the tube and evolves into a jet flame, structures such as flame envelopes and jet vortices will appear. Higher release pressures make it more difficult for the flame to propagate steadily, whereas increasing tube length and diameter promotes combustion and sustains the flame outside the tube.

Phrenic nerve infiltration: a good practice to combine pulmonary expansion and pain control in patients with high-risk of prolonged air leak.

ObjectiveProlonged air leak (PAL) due to residual air space after lung resection is a main challenge. To date, few surgical options have been described to prevent this complication. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and the efficacy of intra-operative phrenic nerve infiltration with long-acting anaesthetics in producing transient hemidiaphragm paralysis in patients at high risk for PAL, thus improving pulmonary expansion after surgery, and reducing air leaks, while controlling post-operative pain. MethodsBetween January 2021-2023, 65 consecutive patients at risk for PAL (defined in accordance with “2019 Society of Thoracic Surgery score-criteria of PAL”) who underwent lung resection (lobectomy or anatomical segmentectomy) for malignancy were prospectively included in the study. They have been randomly (1:2 ratio) assigned to receive (group A, 22 patients) intra-operative phrenic nerve infiltration with Ropivacaine 10 mg/ml in the peri-neurotic fat on the pericardium or not to receive intra-operative phrenic nerve infiltration (group B, 43 patients). Five patients of Group B have been excluded because they did not undergo anatomical resection. Data on pulmonary re-expansion, prolonged air leaks, pain at 24- and 72-hours post-surgery, referred shoulder pain, length of hospital stay, length of chest tube permanence, were collected and compared. ResultsHemidiaphragm elevation (p=0.006) and pulmonary expansion (p=0.000) were significantly higher in Group A. Patients in Group A showed lower pain at 24 and 72 hours compared to Group B (p=0.004). Shoulder pain (0.001) and prolonged air leak (0.000) were higher in Group B. Length of chest tube was longer in group B. No difference in hospital stay length was observed. ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate two combined effects of phrenic nerve anaesthetic infiltration (hemidiaphragm elevation and pain control), with potential enhancement of patient’s recovery after surgery. Intraoperative phrenic nerve infiltration in patients with risk for PAL appears a safe and effective clinical practice to improve pulmonary expansion in this set of patients, reducing post-operative air leak. This result is associated with an additional improvement in pain control, especially for shoulder pain.

Design and performance analysis of multi-section expansion chamber muffler based on Actran

Abstract. In order to compare and analyze the influence of different structural parameters on the muffler performance of multi-section expansion chamber muffler, this paper explores the main factors affecting the noise suppression performance through the transmission loss formula, and it establishes the model of two cylindrical expansion chamber silencer. The muffler expansion chamber is analyzed by changing the section number of the muffler expansion chamber, the cross-section diameter of the front and rear expansion chamber, the length of the front and rear expansion chamber, the length of connecting tube, the arrangement order of expansion chamber with different cross-section area and the arrangement order of expansion chamber with different length. The simulation results show that the muffler volume can be effectively increased by increasing the number of expansion chamber and the cross-section diameter of expansion chamber. The length of the expansion chamber does not show the peak value of the transmission loss curve, which only affects the span of the transfer loss curve; the order of the expansion chamber with different diameters and the arrangement order of the expansion chamber with different lengths have little influence on the transmission loss peak value of the muffler; the change of the length of the connecting tube affects the span of the transmission loss curve, but the peak value of the transfer loss curve is not affected. This study can be used as a reference for the design of a multi-section expansion chamber silencer.

3D printed TC4 titanium alloy bone scaffolds with TNTs-VA-PLGA composite coating on the surface:improved infection resistance and biocompatibility

Titanium-based bone scaffolds are prone to aseptic infection and loosening after implantation,which seriously limits their clinical applications. Preparation of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) on the surface of the scaffolds and loading of anti-infective drugs is an effective method to solve this problem, but the current TNTs prepared on the surface of titanium-based scaffolds have a high internal and external variability in morphology and low drug loading capacity. In this study, we prepared TNTs on the surface of three kinds of TC4 titanium alloy scaffolds with TPMS structure with controllable morphology, tube diameter of 90-125 nm and tube length of 14-35 μm,and the difference between inner and outer diameters of the tubes was less than 2 μm,and the drug released from the composite scaffolds was maintained at a concentration of more than 1.5 μg/ml within 11 days after loading anti-infective drug Vancomycin-polylactic acid-hydroxyacetic acid copolymer(VA-PLGA) on the surface of the TNTs. Based on the simulation of drug release, the TNTs-VA-PLGA drug delivery system conforms to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Cell experiments confirmed that the composite scaffolds significantly increased cell proliferation by 65.33% compared with the unmodified scaffolds. The results indicated that the TNTs coating containing vancomycin and polylactic acid-hydroxyacetic acid copolymer had a promising application in orthopedic implants.

Manuscript title: Experimental investigations of concrete-filled double skin steel tube column-column grouted connection under axial compression

This paper presents a novel grouted connection joint for prefabricated CFDST columns. In order to ascertain the reliability of this grouted connection, axial compression tests were conducted on 24 CFDST columns with grouted connections and 3 CFDST columns without grouted connections. The test parameters were grout strength, casing tube length, and length-to-diameter ratio. The results showed that the stub columns failed due to local buckling and the slender columns failed due to global buckling with significant lateral flexural deformation. CFDST columns with grouted connections exhibited a similar or even higher ultimate bearing capacity and much higher later bearing capacity than conventional CFDST columns. The ultimate bearing capacity of CFDST columns with grouted connections is influenced by the casing tube length and the length-to-diameter ratio. The increase in casing tube length leads to an increase in bearing capacity, while an increase in length-to-diameter ratio results in a decrease. Enhancing the grout strength does not significantly improve the ultimate bearing capacity. Furthermore, the effects of each test parameter on the stiffness, strength and ductility of the CFDST column-column grouted connections were evaluated. Finally, by considering the interaction between components and the impact of casing tube length on bearing capacity, a prediction equation for the ultimate bearing capacity of CFDST column-column grouting connections was developed. This equation can offer accurate predictions with an average error of less than 1% to provide a reference for the joint design.

Enhancing human capillary tube network assembly and maturation through upregulated expression of pericyte-derived TIMP-3

In this study, we identify and characterize new molecular determinants that optimize human capillary tube network assembly. Our lab has previously reported a novel, serum free-defined 3D co-culture model using human endothelial cells (ECs) and human pericytes whereby EC-lined tubes form and co-assemble with pericytes, but when these cultures are maintained at or beyond 5 days, tubes become progressively wider and unstable. To address this issue, we generated novel human pericytes that carry a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3 transgene which can be upregulated following doxycycline addition. EC-pericyte co-cultures established in the presence of doxycycline demonstrated marked enhancement of capillary network assembly including dramatic narrowing of capillary tube widths to an average of 8 µm (physiologic capillary tube width), increased tube lengths, increased tube branching, and robust stimulation of basement membrane matrix assembly, particularly with collagen type IV and fibronectin deposition compared to controls. These substantial changes depend not only on induction of pericyte TIMP-3, but also on recruitment of pericytes to EC tubes. Blockade of pericyte recruitment prevents these dramatic capillary network alterations suggesting that EC-pericyte interactions and induction of pericyte TIMP-3 are necessary together to coordinate and facilitate capillary assembly and maturation. Overall, this work is critical for our basic understanding of capillary formation, but also for the ability to reproducibly generate stabilized networks of capillary tubes.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Modified Gastric Tube Length on Enteral Nutrition in Stroke Patients

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effect of modified length of gastric tube implantation in stroke patients. Methods: Randomized controlled studies on the effect of narrative therapy on negative emotions of malignant tumor patients were published in PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKY. Wanfang Data, VIP Database and CBM disc from database establishment to May 2021. RewMan 5.2 software was used for the meta-analysis. Results: Ten articles were included, involving 1140 patients in total. Results of meta-analysis showed that improved length of gastric tube implantation could reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients with enteral nutrition [OR = 0.18, 95% CI (0.10, 0.31), P < 0.00001], reduce gastroesophageal reflux rate (OR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.04, 0.38), P < 0.0002], the incidence of aspiration (OR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.11, 0.38), P < 0.00001], the incidence of abdominal distension and diarrhea (OR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.06, 0.28), P < 0.00001], the incidence of choking cough (OR = 0.20, 95% CI (0.07, 0.61), P < 0.005], but no difference between the two groups in terms of reducing gastric residual (OR = 0.10, 95% CI (2.40, 2.60), P = 0.94]. Conclusions: The modified length of the gastric tube can replace the traditional length of the gastric tube in the application of stroke patients, can reduce the complications of enteral nutrition, is safe and feasible. However, due to the limitation of the quality and quantity of the included studies, we should be cautious about the results of this meta-analysis and expect to carry out more large-sample and high-quality randomized controlled trials for demonstration.

MiRNA-519e promotes cardiomyocyte cell division accompanied by pro-angiogenic and anti-apoptotic effects

Abstract Background MicroRNAs have the therapeutic potential for heart repair after myocardial infarction(MI). Using a functional high-throughput screening approach, we identified microRNA-519e(miR-519e) as an inducer of cell-cycling in human-derived iPSC-cardiomyocytes(hiPSC-­CM). Purpose This study examines miR-519e for cell division in hiPSC-­CM, additional beneficial functions in heart-related non-CMs, and direct target identification and validation in vitro and in vivo. Methods MiR-519e-mimics or miR-scrambled(miR-scr) were transfected into hiPSC-­CM, human aortic endothelial cells(HAEC) and human cardiac fibroblasts(cFB). Proliferative markers (EdU(5-Ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine), H3P(Phospho-Histone H3) and AURKB(Aurora B-kinase)) and apoptotic response using MTT assay after exposure to doxorubicin were assessed in hiPSC­-CMs. Angiogenic capacity of HAEC was evaluated by tube formation assay and fibrotic response of cFBs using EdU and α-SMA(smooth muscle actin) staining. In vivo, a mouse MI model with ligation of the left anterior descending followed by intramyocardial injection of miR-519e or miR-scr was used. Direct target identification of miR-519e was assessed using in silico analysis combined with RNA-Seq of miR-519e-mimic treated hiPSC-CMs and validated using Ago2-RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP) followed by qPCR. Results After transfection of miR-519e-mimics in hiPSC-­CM, a significant proliferative response indicative of cell division was observed in immunofluorescence staining and on protein level as compared with miR-scr treated hiPSC-CMs (EdU, H3P and AURKB, p<0.01). Apoptosis was blunted in miR-519e-treated hiPSC-CMs (p<0.05). MiR-519e-treatment of HAEC resulted in more meshes (p<0.01) and longer tube length (p<0.05), indicating enhanced pro-angiogenic capacity. Importantly, EdU-uptake and α-SMA were similar in miR-519e-treated cFB as compared to miR-scr, suggesting neutral effects of miR-519e on myofibroblast transition. In mice undergoing MI, injection of miR-519e-mimics significantly downregulated CDKN1A/P21(Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A) (p<0.05 vs. miR-scr), a direct target of miR-519e and negative master regulator of cell-cycling. For further novel target identification of miR-519e, we performed in silico analysis combined with RNA-Seq data from miR-519e-treated hiPSC-CM and validation using Ago2-RIP followed by qPCR. Herein, we identified PTEN(Phosphatase and tensin homolog) and TGFBR2(Transforming growth factor β receptor 2) that are involved in cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypoxic response, as direct targets of miR-519e. Conclusion Collectively, miR-519e is a potent inducer of cell division in human cardiomyocytes, with anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic capacity in the absence of pro-fibrotic effects. We show that miR-519e treatment downregulates key negative cell-cycle regulators in vivo and we identified novel direct targets of miR-519e that are involved in regulatory pathways for heart regeneration.

Mini-Invasive Thoracic Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Which Is the Surgeon’s Best Approach for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery?

Objectives: The choice of the best Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) surgical approach is still debated. Surgeons are often faced with the choice between innovation and self-confidence. The present study reports the experience of a high-volume single institute, comparing data of uni-portal, bi-portal and tri-portal VATS, to find out the safest and most effective mini-invasive approach, leading surgeon’s choice. Methods: Between 2015 and 2022, a total of 210 matched patients underwent VATS lobectomy for early-stage cancer, using uni-portal (fifth intercostal space), bi-portal (seventh space for optic and the fifth), and tri-portal (seventh and the fifth/four) access. Patients were matched for age, BPCO, smoke, comorbidities, lesions (size and staging) to obtain three homogenous groups (A: uni-portal; B: bi-portal; C: tri-portal). The surgeons had comparable expertise. Data were retrospectively collected from institutional database and analyzed. Results: No differences were detected considering time of surgery, length of hospital stay, complications, conversion rate, specific survival, and days of chest tube length of stay. Better results on chest tube removal were described in group A (mean 1.1 days) compared to B (mean 2.6 days) and C (mean 4.7 days); nevertheless, they not statistically significant (p = 0.106). Conclusions: No significant differences among the groups were described, except for the reduction in chest tube permanence in group A. This allows to hypothesize an enhanced recovery after surgery in this group but the different approaches in this series seem to guarantee comparable safety and effectiveness. Considering no superiority of one method above the others, the best suggested approach should be the one for which the surgeon feels more confident.

Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Nanotubes for High-Performance Gas Sensor Applications

In this study, we investigated the fabrication, properties, and sensing applications of TiO2 nanotubes. A pure titanium metal sheet was used to demonstrate how titanium dioxide nanotubes can be used for gas-sensing applications through the electrochemical anodization method. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction indicated the crystallization of the titanium dioxide layer. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy then revealed the average diameter of the TiO2 nanotubes to be approximately 100 nm, with tube lengths ranging between 3 and 9 µm and the thickness of the nanotube walls being about 25 nm. This type of TiO2 nanotube was found to be suitable for NO2 gas sensor applications. With an oxidation time of 15 min, its detection of NO2 gas showed a good result at 250 °C, especially when exposed to a NO2 gas flow of 100 ppm, where a maximum NO2 gas response of 96% was obtained. The NO2 sensors based on the TiO2 nanotube arrays all exhibited a high level of stability, good reproducibility, and high sensitivity.

A long-term follow-up study of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) in a large cohort of patients with postsurgical gastroparesis.

Postoperative gastroparesis occurs after surgeries which affect the upper digestive tract. Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a treatment for postoperative gastroparesis. The present study boasts the long-term efficacy and safety of G-POEM in a large cohort of patients. Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) were utilized for the assessment of postsurgical gastroparesis symptoms. Gastroscope was used to observe the anastomotic site. Three-dimensional ultrasound was used to measure the morphological structure of the gastric antrum and pylorus tube. Gastric emptying time was calculated by analyzing the volume change of gastric antrum. Significant clinical effectiveness of G-POEM was observed. The GCSI score, including each subscale score, showed significant decrease after G-POEM. Before G-POEM, there was a negative correlation between GCSI score and the inner diameter of pylorus, as well as a positive correlation with the length of pyloric tube. The similar results were found in the scores of nausea/vomiting and postprandial fullness/early satiety subscales. No correlation was observed between GCSI score and the emptying time, nor between the emptying time and the parameters of antrum morphology. After G-POEM, no correlation was found between GCSI (including subscales) score, the emptying time, and the parameters of antrum morphology. Patients who exhibited as clinical non-responders often accompanied with GERD symptoms. After G-POEM, the score of GERDQ decreased significantly. Either before or after G-POEM, no correlation was noticed between GERDQ scores, the emptying time and the parameters of antrum morphology. The technique of G-POEM was demonstrated as a minimally invasive approach with the long-term efficacy and safety in therapying postoperative gastroparesis.

Pollinator-mediated selection on flowering start and corolla tube length differed between mating systems in a primrose species

Pollinator-mediated selection on flowering start and corolla tube length differed between mating systems in a primrose species

Effects of propranolol on the biological behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the expression of SOX18, MMP-7, and VEGFA

To investigate the effects of propranolol on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), as well as its impact on the expression of sex-determining region Y-box 18 (SOX18), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). HUVEC were treated with different concentrations of propranolol, and cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 method to determine the optimal concentration and treatment duration. The experiment consisted of a control group and groups treated with different concentrations of propranolol (50, 100, 150 μmol/L). Apoptosis, migration, and tube formation of HUVEC were observed using flow cytometry, wound healing assays, and tube formation assays. Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression levels of SOX18, MMP-7, and VEGFA proteins and mRNA. Compared to the control group, the apoptosis rate in the propranolol treatment groups increased significantly (P<0.05), and it rose significantly with increasing drug concentration (P<0.05). The wound healing rate decreased in the propranolol treatment groups, and both the number of tube formation nodes and total tube length were reduced (P<0.05). The expression levels of SOX18, MMP-7, and VEGFA proteins and mRNA were downregulated in the propranolol treatment groups (P<0.05). Propranolol can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of HUVEC and promote cell apoptosis, resulting in decreased expression levels of SOX18, MMP-7, and VEGFA.

Magnetic coupling through flux branching of adjacent type-I and -II superconductors in a neutron star

Abstract The inner and outer cores of neutron stars are believed to contain type-I and -II proton superconductors, respectively. The type-I superconductor exists in an intermediate state, comprising macroscopic flux-free and flux-containing regions, while the type-II superconductor is flux-free, except for microscopic, quantized flux tubes. Here, we show that the inner and outer cores are coupled magnetically, when the macroscopic flux tubes subdivide dendritically into quantized flux tubes, a phenomenon called flux branching. An important implication is that up to ∼1012(r1/106 cm) erg of energy are required to separate a quantized flux tube from its progenitor macroscopic flux tube, where r1 is the length of the macroscopic flux tube. Approximating the normal-superconducting boundary as sharp, we calculate the magnetic coupling energy between a quantized and macroscopic flux tube due to flux branching as a function of, f1, the radius of the type-I inner core divided by the radius of the type-II outer core. Strong coupling delays magnetic field decay in the type-II superconductor. For an idealised inner core containing only a type-I proton superconductor and poloidal flux, and in the absence of ambipolar diffusion and diamagnetic screening, the low magnetic moments (≲ 1027 G cm3) of recycled pulsars imply f1 ≲ 10−1.5.

Cyclic axial loading tests on mortar-filled rectangular tube with various connection details

Although a mortar-filled rectangular hollow structural section (RHS) under monotonic loading has achieved large tensile capacity using various connection details and buckling capacity of RHS members, the structural capacity of the mortar-filled RHS tubes has not been investigated under cyclic loading. In this study, the seismic performances of newly developed mortar-filled RHS tubes with various connection details were evaluated under cyclic axial loading. The major test parameters included the end connection type, the thicknesses of the RHS tube, cap plate, and cleat plate, as well as the length of the RHS tube. The test results showed that the RHS tube in all specimens failed by tensile fracture before axial compression failure. The seismic performance of the embedded shear plate end connection with penetrating rebar was superior to that of a conventional welded T-end connection. The test results were compared with the current design code to evaluate the seismic capacity of the RHS tube according to the connection details. Design considerations for the connections of the mortar-filled rectangular tubes were also provided.

Experimental investigation of heat transfer coefficient and frictional pressure drop in flow boiling of R513A: Comparative analysis of micro-fin and smooth tubes

The heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and frictional pressure drop (FPD) of R513A in flow boiling conditions experimentally investigated in the present article. The study employed micro-fin tubes (MFT1 and MFT2) and smooth tubes (ST1 and ST2) as testing tubes under various operational parameters. The test sections featured standardized tube lengths (1000 mm) and outer diameter (9.52 mm) across all tubes, with variations in mass flux (50–300 kg·m−2·s−1), vapor quality (0.02–0.96), saturation temperature (12°C, 17°C, and 22 °C) and heat flux (6, 18, and 30 kW·m−2). Research focused on evaluating influence of micro-fin enhancement on flow boiling characteristics, specifically comparing HTC and FPD between micro-fin and smooth tubes. Results indicate significant improvement on HTC within micro-fin tubes compared to smooth tubes, accompanied by reasonable increase in FPD. Additionally, the study validated experimental data against established correlations and conducted sensitivity analysis to understand influence of key parameters on HTC and FPD. Overall, findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing heat exchanger design and thermal system efficiency in flow boiling applications.

Glucose Oxidation Performance of Zinc Nano-Hexagons Decorated on TiO2 Nanotube Arrays

Electrochemically anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) were used as a support material for the electrodeposition of zinc nanoparticles. The morphology, composition, and crystallinity of the materials were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was performed to evaluate the electrochemical properties of TiO2 NTAs. Annealing post-anodization was shown to be effective in lowering the impedance of the TiO2 NTAs (measured at 1 kHz frequency). Zinc nanohexagons (NHexs) with a mean diameter of ~300 nm and thickness of 10–20 nm were decorated on the surface of TiO2 NTAs (with a pore diameter of ~80 nm and tube length of ~5 µm) via an electrodeposition process using a zinc-containing deep eutectic solvent. EIS and CV tests were performed to evaluate the functionality of zinc-decorated TiO2 NTAs (Zn/TiO2 NTAs) for glucose oxidation applications. The Zn/TiO2 NTA electrocatalysts obtained at 40 °C demonstrated enhanced glucose sensitivity (160.8 μA mM−1 cm−2 and 4.38 μA mM−1 cm−2) over zinc-based electrocatalysts reported previously. The Zn/TiO2 NTA electrocatalysts developed in this work could be considered as a promising biocompatible electrocatalyst material for in vivo glucose oxidation applications.

Residence time density (RTd) identification through deconvolution of finite time horizon input output data and its Application to a novel analytical dispersion process RTd model

This work presents first an approach to the identification of Residence Time density (RTd) and Residence Time Distribution (RTD) functions, through deconvolution of finite time horizon, input/output data generated by a zero-order hold input, using the novel concept of zero-order hold, average, impulse response coefficients. Subsequently, a novel RTd analytical expression is derived for an open-open axial dispersion process with a finite experimental section in a tube of infinite length, and an explanation is provided for this RTd model’s differences from the literature. This new RTd expression is then employed in two case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed identification through a deconvolution conceptual framework in identifying RTd model parameters, and in assisting in the selection of RTd models which are compatible with experimental data.