Low Flow Research Articles

Non-aqueous solvent extraction of cobalt and nickel using undiluted ionic liquids in milliflow contacting devices

Non-aqueous solvent extraction at elevated temperatures using undiluted ionic liquids in milliflow contacting devices has been identified as a feasible and alternative approach to accelerate and intensify such critical metal purification and recovery. In the present research, aforementioned principles were applied on the separation of a mixture of cobalt and nickel using two quarternary phosphonium-based extraction systems. For both investigated systems, selectivity towards extraction of cobalt to the extractant was observed. Extraction performance of the system involving EG and Cyphos IL 101 was found to be superior during batch trials. As a result, this system was selected for additional experiments involving the continuous milliflow setup, making it the first application of non-aqueous solvent extraction using ionic liquids in a milliflow reactor. Depending on the processing conditions such as tube diameter (0.08” or 0.04” ID) and flow rate (0.10 mL/min to 6.00 mL/min), different flow regimes and percentages extraction were attained. Best performance in flow was obtained for more elevated temperatures (80 °C and 140 °C) and low flow rates (<0.25 mL/min), as a result of the improved kinetics and advantageous hydrodynamics. Variations of the reactor length to compare residence times under identical flow rates suggest kinetic limitations exist at lower temperatures.

Global Stability and Forced Response Analysis of Swirling Flows In Aviation Combustors

Abstract Swirling jets are canonical flow fields used to stabilize flames in many gas turbine combustion systems. These flows amplify background acoustic disturbances and perturb the flame, producing combustion noise and potentially combustion instabilities. Hydrodynamic flow response to acoustic excitations in reacting flows is an important modeling task for understanding combustion noise and combustion instabilities. This study utilizes a global hydrodynamic stability analysis in a Bi-Global and Tri-Global framework to model the vortical hydrodynamic modes of a reacting, swirling LES mean flow based on a commercial nozzle. After conducting an unforced, natural Bi-Global stability analysis to study the unstable eigenmodes of the flow, linearized equations of motion are used to study flow response of the flow to forcing. An empirical velocity transfer function is constructed by determining the flow response to a harmonically varying 150-1500 Hz u' velocity disturbance at the inflow boundary. These disturbances are strongly amplified, with amplification factors ranging from about 20 to 50 and peaking at about 1050 Hz, or st = 0.375. A comparison study with a cartesian, three-dimensional reacting base flow is also performed where the base-flow varies spatially in three-dimensions. The study utilizes a stable, high accuracy, but computationally effective centered finite difference scheme based on a three-dimensional structured mesh. Illustrative results present the qualitative modes and quantitative transfer functions for Bi-Global and Tri-Global stability analyses.

Outcomes and relevance of emergency percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention after resuscitated cardiac arrest: a retrospective study

BackgroundIn patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest and displaying no ST-segment elevation on initial electrocardiogram (ECG), recent randomized trials indicated no benefits from early coronary angiography. How the results of such randomized studies apply to a real-world clinical context remains to be established.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a clinical database including all patients 18 yo or older admitted to our tertiary University Hospital from January 2017 to August 2020 after successful resuscitation of out-of-Hospital (OHCA) or In-Hospital (IHCA) cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac origin, and undergoing immediate coronary angiography, regardless of the initial rhythm and post-resuscitation ECG. The primary outcome of the study was survival at day 90 after cardiac arrest. Demographic data, characteristics of cardiac arrest, duration of resuscitation, laboratory values at admission, angiographic data and revascularization status were collected. Comparisons were performed according to the initial ECG (ST-segment elevation or not), and between survivors and non-survivors. Variables associated with the primary outcome were evaluated by univariate and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsWe analyzed 147 patients (130 OHCA and 17 IHCA), including 67 with STEMI and 80 without STEMI (No STEMI). Immediate revascularization was performed in 65/67 (97%) STEMI and 15/80 (19%) no STEMI. Day 90 survival was significantly higher in STEMI (48/67, 72%) than no STEMI (44/80, 55%). In the latter patients, survival was not influenced by the revascularization status. In univariate and multivariate analyses, lower age, a shockable rhythm, shorter durations of no flow and low flow, and a lower initial blood lactate were associated with survival in both STEMI and no STEMI. In contrast, metabolic abnormalities, including lower initial plasma sodium and higher potassium were significantly associated with mortality only in the subgroup of no STEMI patients.ConclusionsOur results, obtained in a real-world clinical setting, indicate that an immediate coronary angiography is not associated with any survival advantage in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac etiology without ST-segment elevation on initial ECG. Furthermore, we found that some early metabolic abnormalities may be associated with mortality in this population, which should deserve further investigation.

Utility of an Instantaneous Salt Dilution Method for Measuring Streamflow in Headwater Streams.

Streamflow records are biased toward large streams and rivers, yet small headwater streams are often the focus of ecological research in response to climate change. Conventional flow measurement instruments such as acoustic Doppler velocimeters (ADVs) do not perform well during low-flow conditions in small streams, truncating the development of rating curves during critical baseflow conditions dominated by groundwater inflow. We revisited an instantaneous solute tracer injection method as an alternative to ADVs based on paired measurements to compare their precision, efficiency, and feasibility within headwater streams across a range of flow conditions. We show that the precision of discharge measurements using salt dilution by slug injection and ADV methods were comparable overall, but salt dilution was more precise during the lowest flows and required less time to implement. Often, headwater streams were at or below the depth threshold where ADV measurements could even be attempted and transects were complicated by coarse bed material and cobbles. We discuss the methodological benefits and limitations of salt dilution by slug injection and conclude that the method could facilitate a proliferation of streamflow observation across headwater stream networks that are highly undersampled compared to larger streams.

Unified framework for laser-induced transient bubble dynamics within microchannels

Oscillatory flow in confined spaces is central to understanding physiological flows and rational design of synthetic periodic-actuation based micromachines. Using theory and experiments on oscillating flows generated through a laser-induced cavitation bubble, we associate the dynamic bubble size (fluid velocity) and bubble lifetime to the laser energy supplied—a control parameter in experiments. Employing different channel cross-section shapes, sizes and lengths, we demonstrate the characteristic scales for velocity, time and energy to depend solely on the channel geometry. Contrary to the generally assumed absence of instability in low Reynolds number flows (<1000\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$<1000$$\\end{document}), we report a momentary flow distortion that originates due to the boundary layer separation near channel walls during flow deceleration. The emergence of distorted laminar states is characterized using two stages. First the conditions for the onset of instabilities is analyzed using the Reynolds number and Womersley number for oscillating flows. Second the growth and the ability of an instability to prevail is analyzed using the convective time scale of the flow. Our findings inform rational design of microsystems leveraging pulsatile flows via cavitation-powered microactuation.

Machine-learning based location of the 2021 MW 7.4 Maduo, Qinghai, China earthquake sequence: Insight into intraplate seismogenesis

On 22 May 2021, an MW 7.4 earthquake occurred in Maduo County, Qinghai Province, China, which is located on the Kunlun Mountain Pass-Jiangcuo fault inside the Bayan Har block, providing a good opportunity to investigate seismogenesis of large intraplate earthquakes. We analyze two years of continuous seismic data from June 2021 to June 2023, which were recorded at 34 portable seismic stations of the MaduoArray deployed in the source zone by our group. The LOC-FLOW workflow of automatic detection and location is applied to construct a complete and high-precision seismic catalog for the region, which includes machine-learning phase picking (PhaseNet), earthquake phase association (REAL), velocity model updating and station correction (VELEST), absolute earthquake location (HypoInverse), and relative location (HypoDD). As a result, 78,832 Maduo aftershocks and other local earthquakes are detected and relocated precisely. Our results show that the length of the Maduo aftershock zone is ∼170 km, which is mainly distributed along the NWW-SEE oriented Kunlun Mountain Pass-Jiangcuo fault, and there is a horsetail bifurcation feature at the eastern end of the aftershock sequence. The seismogenic fault is nearly vertical, and local seismicity occurs on both sides of the fault. Our results also show that there is no seismic gap or aftershock sparse area in the region. Previous studies have revealed a low-velocity and high-conductivity anomaly below the source zone, reflecting fluids ascending from the lower crustal flow. These results provide new insights into the cause of the 2021 Maduo earthquake.

Cerebral blood flow and structural connectivity after working memory or physical training in paediatric cancer survivors – Exploratory findings

ABSTRACT Paediatric cancer survivors often suffer from cognitive long-term difficulties. Consequently, strengthening cognition is of major clinical relevance. This study investigated cerebral changes in relation to cognition in non-brain tumour paediatric cancer survivors after working memory or physical training compared to a control group. Thirty-four children (≥one-year post-treatment) either underwent eight weeks of working memory training (n = 10), physical training (n = 11), or a waiting period (n = 13). Cognition and MRI, including arterial spin labelling and diffusion tensor imaging, were assessed at three time points (baseline, post-training, and three-month follow-up). Results show lower cerebral blood flow immediately after working memory training (z = −2.073, p = .038) and higher structural connectivity at the three-month follow-up (z = −2.240, p = .025). No cerebral changes occurred after physical training. Short-term changes in cerebral blood flow correlated with short-term changes in cognitive flexibility (r = −.667, p = .049), while long-term changes in structural connectivity correlated with long-term changes in working memory (r = .786, p = .021). Despite the caution given when interpreting data from small samples, this study suggests a link between working memory training and neurophysiological changes. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Pharmaceutical Pollution of the English National Parks.

England's 10 national parks are renowned for their landscapes, wildlife, and recreational value. However, surface waters in the national parks may be vulnerable to pollution from human-use chemicals, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), because of factors like ineffective wastewater treatment, seasonal tourism, a high proportion of elderly residents, and the presence of low-flow water bodies that limit dilution. The present study determined the extent of API contamination in the English national parks by monitoring 54 APIs in 37 rivers across all national parks over two seasons. Results were compared to existing data sets for UK cities and to concentration thresholds for ecological impacts and antimicrobial resistance selection. Results revealed widespread contamination of the national parks, with APIs detected at 52 out of 54 sites and in both seasons. Thirty-one APIs were detected, with metformin, caffeine, and paracetamol showing the highest mean concentrations and cetirizine, metformin, and fexofenadine being the most frequently detected. While total API concentrations were generally lower than seen previously in UK cities, locations in the Peak District and Exmoor had higher concentrations than most city rivers. Fourteen locations had concentrations of either amitriptyline, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, diltiazem, metformin, paracetamol, or propranolol above levels of concern for fish, invertebrates, and algae or for selection for antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, API pollution of the English national parks appears to pose risks to ecological health and potentially human health through recreational water use. Given that these parks are biodiversity hotspots with protected ecosystems, there is an urgent need for improved monitoring and management of pharmaceutical pollution and pollution more generally not only in national parks in England but also in similar environments across the world. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2422-2435. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Performance optimization of a printed circuit heat exchanger for the recuperated gas turbine

To further improve the thermal efficiency of gas turbines, the recuperator needs to be employed and the printed circuit heat exchanger with airfoil fins meets the recuperator's requirements of high heat transfer capacity, low flow resistance, and high reliability. However, the effect of airfoil fin pitches is not clear and the structure optimization method should be developed. In this study, the heat transfer quantity and pressure drop per length of the flue gas in the airfoil channels are numerically investigated under different Reynolds numbers and airfoil fin pitches. The results show that the effect of the airfoil transverse pitch has a great effect on the performance of the flue gas and the heat transfer quantity is increased by 82.39 %–96.08 % when the transverse pitch is decreased from 6.0 mm to 1.2 mm. At the same time, the pressure drop per length is increased to 189.39–842.47 Pa/m. The heat transfer performance is varied not obviously when the airfoil longitudinal pitch is varied from 4 mm to 15 mm. Based on the numerical data, the multiple-objective genetic algorithm combined with the backpropagation neural network is proposed for the performance predictions and optimizations. The corresponding Pareto front is obtained and the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution method is employed to obtain the optimal point. Under the current conditions, the heat transfer quantity of the optimal point is 521.25 kW/m2, which is decreased by 34.5 % compared to the highest value, and the pressure drop per length of the optimal point is 108.45 Pa/m, which is decreased by 85.2 % compared to the highest value.

Spotting Portfolio Greenwashing in Environmental Funds

AbstractThis paper examines greenwashing practices in environmental funds. We utilize a unique data set of US equity mutual fund holdings between 2012 and 2021 to calculate the funds’ carbon footprints. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, we find that, following their commitments to sustainability, environmental funds fail to reduce their carbon footprints relative to a matched group of conventional funds. We also find, using an event study, a significant increase in the flows of environmental funds in response to these commitments. The combination of the failure to reduce carbon footprints and the surge in inflows provides evidence of greenwashing by environmental funds, raising concerns about their fiduciary duty. Our findings also show that greenwashers tend to initially have low flows and high portfolio carbon emissions suggesting that they announce their commitments to sustainability just to attract investors.

Microcontroller-based integrated data logging system for solar air heater performance assessment

ABSTRACT Efficiency curves for assessing solar air heater (SAH) performance are determined by measuring different parameters under certain operating conditions recommended by different test standards such as American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. In this work, development and testing of a low cost integrated datalogging system for tracing efficiency curves are presented. Pyranometer (CMP11) and temperatures sensors (DS18B20) are integrated with microcontroller (AT89S52) for continuous data recording at desired time interval. Switching devices are integrated to automatically control operations of electric heater for maintaining inlet air stream temperature as per testing requirements. Using the system, efficiency curves of a 1.46 m2 SAH installed in Tezpur University, India, are determined at two mass flow rates of air. Results are comparable with published literatures revealing negative slope (energy loss component, F R U L ) and positive intercept (energy absorption component, F R (τα) n ) of efficiency curves. SAH shows better performance at lower mass flow rate of air (0.0235 kg/m2-s), with F R U L as 13.5 W/m2-K compared to operation at 0.0430 kg/m2-s mass flow rate of air where slope increases by around 23% with same intercept. Higher slopes of the SAH demonstrate its highest sensitivity to prevailing wind compared to three previously published designs. Present study shows that the integrated system can replace individual traditional measuring instruments for respective parameters like solar irradiance and temperatures as well as additional control equipment required to maintain desired test conditions. Further development of the system can lead to a modular and portable efficiency curve tracer for SAH performance assessment.

Numerical and Experimental Approach to Evaluate Microplastic Transport in Saturated Porous Media

Under varying flow rate conditions, the transport and retention of polydisperse microplastics (MPls), with an average particle size of 16 ± 6 µm, were investigated in saturated porous media. First-order reversible and irreversible kinetic sorption models were used to describe the sorption kinetics. Sensitivity analyses provided insight into the effects of each sorption parameter. Both numerical modeling and experimental measurements were utilized to evaluate the retention rates of sand filters. The influence of flow rate on sorption was reflected in variations in the distribution coefficient (Kd), the mass transfer coefficient (β), and the irreversible sorption rate (K1). Lower flow rates were associated with higher Kd and β values, indicating increased sorption and reduced mass transfer rates. An increase in Kd resulted in a more gradual sorption process, with a decrease in peak concentration, whereas changes in β had a comparatively smaller impact on sorption rate and peak concentration. Lower K1 values were linked to higher peak concentrations and decreased retention efficiency. Numerical modeling revealed retention rates of 28 ± 1% at a flow rate of 31 mL min−1 and 17 ± 1% at 65 mL min−1. The introduction of MPls into saturated sand environments modifies the transport dynamics within the medium. Consequently, these alterations affect the hydrological characteristics of porous media, impacting groundwater quality and agricultural output. The mean absolute error (MAE) of 6% between the modeled and observed retention rates indicated a high level of accuracy. This study underscores the importance of examining retention efficiency and the accuracy of numerical models in understanding MPl transport in porous media.

Hemodynamic characteristics in ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a prospective cohort study utilizing the AneurysmFlow™ tool.

Hemodynamic factors significantly influence the onset, progression, and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Current rupture risk prediction scores focus primarily on the clinical, anatomical and morphological aspects. This study aimed to investigate the hemodynamic characteristics differences between ruptured and unruptured IAs. Conducted from July 2021 to July 2022, this prospective cohort study involved patients with ruptured and unruptured IAs undergoing digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Hemodynamic characteristics were assessed using the AneurysmFlow™ tool. Hemodynamic, clinical, anatomical and morphological parameters were compared between ruptured and unruptured IA groups. The study included 127 patients with 135 aneurysms (67 ruptured, 68 unruptured). Complex flow patterns (type 3 and 4) were observed more frequently in ruptured aneurysms compared to unruptured aneurysms (odds ratio [OR], 5.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.49-12.45; P < 0.001) in univariate analysis, and were also more common in unruptured aneurysms associated with daughter sacs features (P = 0.015). The mean aneurysm flow amplitude (MAFA) was lower in ruptured aneurysms, and associated with lower flow velocity in the parent artery related to vasospasm. MAFA in the aneurysmal dome or any additional daughter sacs was lowest compared to other regions inside the aneurysms. The technical failure rate of AneurysmFlow™ measurements was 8.5% (12 out of 139 patients). Additionally, hypertension (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.54; P < 0.001), bifurcation location (AcomA/ACA/MCA/PcomA/posterior circulation) (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05-0.29; P = 0.005), and irregular shape (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35; P = 0.012) were identified as independently associated with rupture. Complex flow patterns identified on the AneurysmFlow™ tool are significantly more common in ruptured and unruptured aneurysms associated with daughter sac features. The lowest MAFA in the aneurysmal dome and daughter sacs likely indicates specific pathophysiological changes within the aneurysm wall associated with rupture incidence. Hypertension, bifurcation location, and an irregular shape are independently associated with the risk of rupture. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings. ACA = anterior cerebral artery; AcomA = anterior communicating artery; IAs = intracranial aneurysms; ICA = internal carotid artery; MAFA = mean aneurysm flow amplitude; MCA = middle cerebral artery; PcomA = posterior communicating artery; RIAs = ruptured intracranial aneurysms; SAH = subarachnoid hemorrhage; UIAs = unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Runoff Prediction of Tunxi Basin under Projected Climate Changes Based on Lumped Hydrological Models with Various Model Parameter Optimization Strategies

Runoff is greatly influenced by changes in climate conditions. Predicting runoff and analyzing its variations under future climates are crucial for ensuring water security, managing water resources effectively, and promoting sustainable development within the catchment area. As the key step in runoff modeling, the calibration of hydrological model parameters plays an important role in models’ performance. Identifying an efficient and reliable optimization algorithm and objective function continues to be a significant challenge in applying hydrological models. This study selected new algorithms, including the strategic random search (SRS) and sparrow search algorithm (SSA) used in hydrology, gold rush optimizer (GRO) and snow ablation optimizer (SAO) not used in hydrology, and classical algorithms, i.e., shuffling complex evolution (SCE-UA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), to calibrate the two-parameter monthly water balance model (TWBM), abcd, and HYMOD model under the four objective functions of the Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) variant based on knowable moments (KMoments) and considering the high and low flows (HiLo) for monthly runoff simulation and future runoff prediction in Tunxi basin, China. Furthermore, the identified algorithm and objective function scenario with the best performance were applied for runoff prediction under climate change projections. The results show that the abcd model has the best performance, followed by the HYMOD and TWBM models, and the rank of model stability is abcd &gt; TWBM &gt; HYMOD with the change of algorithms, objective functions, and contributing calibration years in the history period. The KMoments based on KGE can play a positive role in the model calibration, while the effect of adding the HiLo is unstable. The SRS algorithm exhibits a faster, more stable, and more efficient search than the others in hydrological model calibration. The runoff obtained from the optimal model showed a decrease in the future monthly runoff compared to the reference period under all SSP scenarios. In addition, the distribution of monthly runoff changed, with the monthly maximum runoff changing from June to May. Decreases in the monthly simulated runoff mainly occurred from February to July (10.9–56.1%). These findings may be helpful for the determination of model parameter calibration strategies, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of hydrological modeling for runoff prediction.

Turbulence and sediment deposition in a channel with floating vegetation

Floating canopies of vegetation alter the vertical profile of flow velocity within and below canopies, which in turn impacts sediment deposition below canopies. This study explored the impacts of channel-average velocity (U0), vegetation density (a), and relative flow depth (hg/H, where hg is the height of the free flow region below the floating canopy and H is the entire flow depth) on the longitudinal distributions of near-bed turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and sediment deposition in a channel with a floating vegetation canopy. Below a floating canopy, sediment deposition was correlated with the near-bed TKE. For the low-density and low-velocity cases, sediment deposition was spatially uniform across the entire channel because the near-bed TKE was lower than the critical value for sediment resuspension. As the vegetation density and channel-average velocity increased, the near-bed TKE increased and surpassed the critical TKE, which caused resuspension and reduced deposition below the canopy relative to the upstream reference. For the same vegetation density and channel-average velocity, a lower relative flow depth (hg/H) produced a higher below-canopy depth-averaged velocity and near-bed TKE, resulting in less deposition below the canopy. A model was proposed for predicting the longitudinal evolution of near-bed TKE based on the predicted flow velocity below the canopy throughout the channel. The longitudinal evolution of deposition below a floating canopy was predicted by combining the predicted near-bed TKE with the deposition probability. The predicted near-bed TKE and deposition matched laboratory measurements. Finally, the proposed model can be used to predict the longitudinal profile of deposition below a real Eichhornia crassipes canopy.

Investigating hydrodynamics and turbulent effects in rivers for different flow conditions using spatial complexity metrics

In non-uniform river flows, hydrodynamic features, such as gradients of velocity in flow directions, are of particular importance for explaining the abundance of aquatic habitats. Hydraulic complexity metrics referred to as M1, M2, and M3 play an important role when it comes to the analysis of habitat metrics on a 3D spatial level. Parameter M1 is proportional to the drag force experienced by an organism, parameter M2 represents how much more energy an organism must expend if it moves from the lower velocity to the higher velocity location, and parameters M3 illustrates the circulation in flow. The specific aim of the present study is to apply those parameters to characterize, under different flow conditions, the cross-sectional distribution of kinetic energy and coherent structures which are both relevant for many aquatic organisms. To this aim, laboratory data as well as field observations along Tiber River, in central Italy, were considered and the hydraulic complexity metrics were investigated in dimensionless form. On the laboratory-scale, the dimensionless parameters M1*, M2* and M3* identify the velocity gradient related to the high/low cross-sectional velocity and the high/low vorticity areas in selected cross-sections along the flume. Then, the evaluation of the parameter M2* in the horizontal plane allows to verify the relation between the localization of the high/low kinetic energy areas in the longitudinal direction. For the field-scale, the parameters were investigated, under high, moderate and low flow conditions, in a gauged site in the Tiber River. The results indicate that an aquatic organism should spend more energy where M3*, which is related to flow circulation, assumes high values. Furthermore, significant values of M1* and M2* are observed, which are linked to gradients in the cross-sectional distribution of velocity. These values are predominantly found at the river centerline for M1* and at the banks for M2*. In terms of echo-hydraulics, the results based on both laboratory and field data indicate that they are complementary, showing that for the larger magnitudes of M1 and M3, which are related to the kinetic energy and flow circulation, respectively, an aquatic organism should spend more energy in these zones. Overall, the results based on both laboratory and field studies suggest that parameters M1 and M2 are inversely linked, i.e., M1 decreased with increasing M2, while, there is no relationship between parameters M3 and M1. The findings of the present research would be of particular interest in quantifying biologically important flow patterns occurring at different spatial scales within different streams and under different flow conditions.

Analyzing prejudice against immigrants in sending countries: The Brazilian case

AbstractPrejudice against immigrants has been widely studied in the literature, but analyzing immigrant‐receiving countries is not the same as analyzing sending countries, where the number of immigrants is very low. To address this gap, we examine the case of Brazil, a country that has witnessed numerous anecdotal episodes of prejudice against immigrants despite having a very low flow of migrants and therefore minimal material effects on the local population. Our study focuses on the levels of discrimination against immigrants in Brazil, with a specific analysis of four groups—Haitians, Germans, Venezuelans, and internal migrants known as nordestinos. We consider three policy‐related scenarios—housing, health care, and job training. To mitigate social desirability bias, we employ a combination of list and endorsement survey experiments in a face‐to‐face national sample of 1850 respondents conducted in January 2019. The results reveal a widespread negative perception of all groups of foreigners across all scenarios except the local group of migrants. The findings suggest that the Brazilian public's discrimination against foreigners is linked to a pervasive misperception of the social and economic threat immigrants allegedly pose to the nation.

Performance enhancement of evacuated U-tube solar collector integrated with phase change material

In this research, a numerical simulation was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of an Evacuated tube solar collector (ETSC). The study explored the efficacy of merging a parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) and copper fins into the U-tube ETSC design. Two types of fins, namely annular fins and disk-shaped fins, were evaluated. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze the influence of operational and geometric parameters, such as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) mass flow rate and the U-tube bend radius, on the performance of the U-tube ETSC. Furthermore, a comparative examination was carried out to identify the most suitable type of phase change material (PCM) for the U-tube ETSC. Finally, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the performance of the U-tube ETSC in comparison to that of the coaxial tubes ETSC. The results clearly demonstrated that the integration of an PTSC, PCM, and disk-shaped fins substantially improved the overall performance of the ETSC in comparison to the conventional solar collector. This improvement led to a remarkable increase in energy efficiency, with an impressive gain of 42.94 %. The ETSC displayed remarkable performance, particularly at lower HTF mass flow rates and a reduced U-tube bend radius, achieving an average HTF temperature of 430 K. Additionally, among the tested PCMs, RT 82 emerged as the most suitable choice, providing an energy gain of 9.27 % in comparison with the case without PCM.

Relocation of the 2021 MW 7.4 Maduo, Qinghai, China earthquake sequence and implications for seismogenic structure

An MW 7.4 earthquake struck Maduo County, Qinghai, China on 22 May 2021. To better understand the seismogenic structure of this region, we collect local earthquake arrival time data at the MAD station in the China Earthquake Networks Center observational bulletins during 1 June to 20 September 2021, and manually pick P and S wave arrival times from high-quality seismograms recorded at 34 recently deployed MaduoArray portable seismic stations. Using these arrival times, we relocate the Maduo earthquake sequence using earthquake association, absolute location and relative location methods. Our results show that the 2021 Maduo earthquake sequence occurred along the Kunlun Mountain Pass-Jiangcuo fault zone in the NWW-SEE direction and the aftershocks are located on both sides of the mainshock, showing characteristics of bilateral rupture. Vertical cross-sections of the aftershock distribution illustrate a nearly vertical shape of the seismogenic fault that tilts toward the northeast and southwest in different sections, reflecting a complex geometry of the fault plane. There is a horsetail bifurcation phenomenon at the eastern end of the fault zone. A sparse area of aftershocks appears at about 30 km east of the mainshock epicenter, which may be associated with a uniform fault friction and sufficient release of rupture energy caused by super-shear rupture of the mainshock. Taking into account many geophysical results including seismic tomography and magnetotelluric soundings, we speculate that the occurrence of the Maduo earthquake could be affected by crustal fluids in the fault zone. The fluids may ascend from the lower crustal flow beneath northeastern Tibet.

Investigation of the immersion cooling system for 280Ah LiFePO4 batteries: Effects of flow layouts and fluid types

The widespread use of high-capacity LiFePO4 batteries (LFPB) is crucial for meeting the growing demand for energy storage systems (ESSs). This requires effective thermal management systems, and single-phase immersion cooling (SPIC) is emerging as a promising option due to its superior cooling capability. This paper investigates the effects of flow layout and fluid type on 280 Ah LFPB under SPIC through experimental and numerical analyses. Three flow layouts (opposite sides, same side, and jet impingement) are proposed, and six fluids are used for simulations. Results show that the jet impingement achieves the lowest temperature and pressure drop. During 1P discharge with DF1 flowing at 0.006 m/s, the maximum temperature, temperature difference, and pressure drop are 317.67 °C, 4.71 °C, and 0.09 Pa, respectively. Varying flow velocities within 0.006–0.053 m/s significantly impact battery temperature in the same-side layout. The volatility due to different fluid types, including CV,ΔP (pressure drop), CV,Tmax (maximum temperature) and CV,ΔT (temperature difference) are presented. As the flow velocity increases, CV,ΔP decrease by 35.9 %, 39.4 %, and 36.2 % for opposite sides, jet impingement, and same side, respectively. CV,Tmax increases with the P-rate, and the same-side layout has the lowest CV,Tmax, below 0.9 % at 0.5P and 0.6 % at 1P. This study emphasizes that the effect of fluid type should be considered in the design of flow layouts, especially at low flow rates. Experimental observation indicates that no ignition or explosion occurred during battery thermal runaway under SPIC. The maximum battery temperature during thermal runaway is 241.9 °C. This research provides valuable insights into SPIC application and fluid selection for ESS.