Low Fr Research Articles

Numerical investigations on the start-Up characteristics and heat transfer performance of a single-loop oscillating heat pipe with different surface wettable vertical tubes

Abstract The heat transfer performance of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) was significantly enhanced by changing the inner wall surface wettability and filling ratios. Among the various wettability types, a hybrid surface, where the evaporator and condenser have different wettability, has shown enhancement of heat transfer performance significantly. The effects of different surface wettable vertical tubes are yet to be investigated. Therefore, in the present study, a single-loop OHP with three different surface wettable vertical tubes, namely, alternate wettability OHP (AWOHP) were numerically investigated at different filling ratios of 30%-90%. The different wettability rates of two vertical tubes caused an uneven distribution of slugs and plugs, which generated an unbalanced pressure difference between the tubes, thereby reducing the start-up time by 60-79%. The bulk mean temperature of the left and right adiabatic tubes was investigated to understand the nature of fluid flow. For FRs of 30%-70%, the right tube temperature was always higher than the left tube in AWOHP 3 (hydrophilic left tube, super-hydrophobic right tube), indicating unidirectional circulatory flow, with an occasional change in direction at 70% FR. At lower FR of 30%, AWOHP 2 (super-hydrophilic left tube, super-hydrophobic right tube) exhibited the highest heat transfer performance. In contrast, at higher FRs of 50%-90%, AWOHP 3 exhibited the highest heat transfer performance with conductance (G) of 1075 W/m2K at an FR of 70%, 55% higher than COHP.

On the role of the Froude number on flow, turbulence, and hyporheic exchange in open-channel flow through boulder arrays

In this paper, the results of numerical simulations of open-channel flow through boulder arrays at varying Froude numbers are reported. The simulations aim at clarifying the role of the Froude number on flow, turbulence, and hyporheic exchange. At low and intermediate Fr, the boulder top is above the water surface, and time-averaged streamwise flow velocity, Reynolds shear stresses, and the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) are relatively low in the wake of boulders. Conversely, at high Fr values, the boulders are submerged, hence the flow separates at the boulder crest, creates vertical recirculation, and reattaches on the bed downstream, resulting in an area of elevated Reynolds shear stresses and TKE downstream of the boulders. Two dominant turbulence structures are observed: (i) flapping of boulder wakes with a characteristic length of 2.1 times the boulder diameter (D) at low and intermediate Fr and (ii) an upstream oriented hairpin vortex with a length scale of 1.0D at high Fr. These turbulence structures influence hyporheic exchange downstream of boulders within a limited region of x/D<2.0. In other locations, hyporheic flow is driven by downwelling flow immediately upstream of boulders with a wavelength larger than 2.9D. Finally, the normalized time-averaged hyporheic flux increases with increasing Fr, but it decreases at higher Fr values once the overtopping flow disrupts the formation of the boulder wake.

O-071 Stringent statistical analysis of 108,684 oocyte donation cycles identifies 2.6% of donors with specific oocyte/embryo developmental arrest phenotypes for genome association studies

Abstract Study question Can statistical modelling accurately identify an outlier group of presumed fertile donors with specific reduced embryological outcomes suggestive of an underlying infertility-related genomic condition? Summary answer Statistical modelling identified a highly specific group of donors as embryologically under-performing outliers across multiple treatment cycles for the optimisation of downstream genomic association studies. What is known already Female infertility has a wide range of clinical presentations. While some causes of infertility are well defined, the aetiology of most infertility remains unexplained. Since IVF allows for in vitro monitoring of oocyte and embryo, it is now possible to identify subtle infertility endophenotypes, characterized by specific developmental failure that would otherwise go undetected in natural conception. Currently, the lack of large and well-categorized datasets of infertility endophenotypes has limited research in the area. Therefore, a clear and methodological definition of infertility endophenotypes in IVF is the first crucial step towards a better understanding of their mechanism and biological/genetic aetiology. Study design, size, duration A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical and embryological data from 40497 egg donors, undergoing 108.684 stimulations, with 4.235.036 oocytes retrieved. The data also included information on the 85482 recipients and their 190996 oocyte reception cycles, spanning from 1999 to 2023. Infertility endophenotypes were able to be well categorized as oocyte donors are presumed fertile based on their young age and on normal ranges displayed for the parameters assessed during typical oocyte donation work-up. Participants/materials, setting, methods Donor performance was calculated according to: (I) oocyte maturation rate (MR); (ii) survival rate of cryopreserved oocytes (SR); (iii) oocyte fertilization rate (FR;2PN/Injected MII); and (iii) blastulation rate (BR;blastocyst/2PN). Donors with significantly impaired rates, considering ≥2 stimulations and/or recipients, were identified as outliers using probabilistic modelling (Binomial test, Bonferroni corrected P < 0.05). Outliers were computed for each rate on data subsets after applying this stringent filtering criteria and excluding inconsistent or missing data. Main results and the role of chance 2.6% of donors were identified as underperforming outliers when summing the rate observed for each embryological outcome using the stringent statistical modelling. The average MR was 79.8% (95%CI: 79.6-80). Taking into account the correlation of follicle size during ultrasound tracking and the number of mature oocytes collected, a total of 168/29768 (0.56%) donors with statistically lower MR (mean MR = 43% 95%CI:40.1-45.7) across ≥2 egg collection cycles were identified as outliers. The average SR was 88% (95%CI:87.9-88.2). A total of 176/18544 (0.95%) donors with ≥2 stimulations and ≥2 recipient cycles were deemed outliers, showing a statistically reduced SR (mean SR = 51% 95%CI:48.9-53.1). The average FR was 74% (95%CI: 73.8-74.2). 164/31657 (0.52%) donors were found to have statistically low FR (mean FR = 37% 95%CI:34.6-38.7) and deemed outliers when assessed over ≥2 stimulation cycles with ≥2 recipient cycles. The average BR was 53.4% (95%CI: 53.1-53.7). After considering only donors with ≥2 recipients and ≥2 stimulations, a total of 142/24716 (0.57%) donors with statistically low BR (mean BR = 14% 95%CI:12.4-15.3) were considered outliers. Limitations, reasons for caution The stringent criteria applied to our statistical modelling has likely resulted in underestimating the true level of outlier donors. This is also likely compounded by the selection bias associated with donor recruitment and the retention policies after the first stimulation cycle preventing the evaluation of recurrent patterns in some cases. Wider implications of the findings The analytical tools developed on this unprecedentedly large dataset are fundamental to define a methodological workflow for accurately identifying unexpectedly infertile individuals. This is crucial for investigating the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying infertility endophenotypes, leading to improvements in treatment and developing screening tool to predict infertility and related pathologies. Trial registration number not applicable

Dead space volumes in cats and dogs with small body mass ventilated with a fixed tidal volume

ObjectiveTo compare the portion of tidal volume (VT) ventilating dead space volumes in nonbrachycephalic cats and dogs with small body mass receiving volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) with a fixed VT. Study designProspective, experimental study. AnimalsA group of eight healthy adult cats and dogs [ideal body weight (IBW): 3.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 1.1 kg, respectively]. MethodsAnesthetized cats and dogs received VCV with a 12 mL kg–1 VT (inspiratory pause ≥ 0.5 seconds). Respiratory rate (fR) was adjusted to maintain normocapnia. Airway dead space (VDaw) and alveolar tidal volume (VTalv) were measured by volumetric capnography. Physiological dead space (VDphys) and VDphys/VT ratio were calculated using the Bohr–Enghoff method. Data recorded before surgery were compared by an unpaired t-test or Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05 considered significant). ResultsThe IBW (p = 0.07), PaCO2 (p = 0.40) and expired VT [VT(exp)] (p = 0.77) did not differ significantly between species. The VDaw (mL kg–1) was lower in cats (3.7 ± 0.4) than in dogs (7.7 ± 0.9) (p < 0.0001). The VTalv (mL kg–1) was larger in cats (8.3 ± 0.7) than in dogs (4.3 ± 0.7) (p < 0.0001). Cats presented a smaller VDphys/VT ratio (0.33 ± 0.03) and VDphys (4.0 ± 0.3 mL kg–1) than dogs (VDphys/VT: 0.60 ± 0.09; VDphys: 7.2 ± 1.4 mL kg–1) (p < 0.0001). The fR and minute ventilation (VT(exp) × fR) were lower in cats than in dogs (p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). Conclusions and clinical relevanceA fixed VT results in more effective ventilation in cats than in dogs with small body mass because of species-specific differences in and VDaw and VDphys. Because of the smaller VDaw and VDphys in cats than in dogs, a lower fR is required to maintain normocapnia in cats.

Comparison of cardiopulmonary effects of propofol, ketamine–propofol and isoflurane anesthesia in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of propofol, ketamine–propofol and isoflurane, at similar anesthetic depth, on cardiopulmonary variables in unpremedictated chickens. Study designProspective, randomized, crossover experimental trial. AnimalsA total of 10 male Leghorn domestic chickens, aged 3 months and body mass 1.4–2.0 kg. MethodsBirds were randomly assigned to each of three anesthetic protocols, 7 days apart: intravenous propofol, intravenous ketamine–propofol or isoflurane. Anesthesia was induced (indicated by loss of righting reflex and tracheal intubation) and maintained with propofol (10 mg kg–1 minute–1, then 1.1 mg kg–1 minute–1), ketamine–propofol (5 mg mL–1 ketamine and 5 mg mL–1 propofol combined; 10 mg kg–1 minute–1, then 1.1 mg kg–1 minute–1) or isoflurane [5% vaporizer setting initially, then end-tidal concentration (Fe′Iso) of 2%] for 65 minutes. Anesthesia was maintained at a similar anesthetic depth based upon positive or negative responses to toe pinch. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), noninvasive arterial blood pressure and arterial blood gases were measured during anesthesia. Propofol or ketamine–propofol infusion rates and Fe′Iso required to prevent movement in response to a noxious stimulus and recovery times were recorded. ResultsAnesthesia induction dose was 9.0 ± 0.8 (mean ± SD) and 12.2 ± 0.3 mg kg–1 for propofol and ketamine–propofol, respectively. Propofol and ketamine–propofol infusion rates and Fe′Iso required to prevent movement in response to the noxious stimulus were 0.88 ± 0.14 mg kg–1 minute–1, 0.92 ± 0.14 mg kg–1 minute–1 and 1.45 ± 0.28%, respectively. Cardiopulmonary variables remained clinically acceptable, but ketamine–propofol was associated with a significantly higher HR (p = 0.0001) and lower fR (p = 0.0001). Time to extubation did not differ among treatments. Conclusions and clinical relevanceCardiovascular and respiratory variables were maintained within normal ranges in all treatments. Coadministration of ketamine with propofol significantly reduced the induction and maintenance dose of propofol.

Thermal effectiveness enhancement in heat exchange tube using louver-punched V-baffles

An efficient technique for reducing frictional loss by punching holes on the surface of vortex generators has been extensively researched, particularly in the form of louver-punched holes. This article describes an experimental and numerical examination of thermal effectiveness in a heat exchange tube with louvered baffle vortex generators (LBVG). As air was directed to the LBVG-inserted tube with a consistent heat flux, the flow was measured in a turbulent regime. The LBVGs were set at 30° attack angle (α) and mounted at regular intervals on a two-sided flat tape with one relative baffle height (b/D = RB = 0.25) and pitch (P/D= RP = 1) at the first step. The baffles had five different louver angles (θ = 0 ˗ 90°) and three different relative louver sizes (LR= e/b = 0.4, 0.56, and 0.72). The Nusselt number ratio (NuR), friction factor ratio (fR), and thermal effectiveness factor (TEF) were utilized to quantify the performance of LBVGs. The findings showed that LBVGs had much lower fR values than solid baffles (without holes), whereas NuR values decreased slightly. When θ and LR were reduced, the fR and NuR for LBVGs increased until they resembled those for solid baffles. Through numerical simulations using the realizable k-ε turbulent model based on the finite volume method, the flow and temperature fields of various cases were generated; their results were verified via analysis of the fluid flow patterns. The computational findings revealed that the jet flow from the louver hole could boost heat transfer, and TEF of LBVGs varied depending on the placement of the hole. According to the computations, the optimal TEF at RP = 0.75, LR = 0.4, and θ1 = 20° is roughly 2.64, and the hole should be placed toward the baffle ends rather than in the middle.

Relationship between solar energetic particle intensity and coronal mass ejections and its associated type II radio bursts

Based on the multiple-vantage observations of STEREO, SOHO, wind and other spacecraft, the fast and wide coronal mass ejections (CME) during the 24th solar cycle from January 2010 to September 2014 are selected in this paper. Using the outputs of Richardson’s (2014) empirical model of solar energetic particle (SEP) intensity under different conditions, the effects of its associations such as CME, pre-CME, and type II radio bursts, on SEP intensity are analyzed, and the relationship between SEP event and these characteristics is also discussed. The main conclusions are as follows. 1) The presence or absence of pre-CME within 13 h before fast CME significantly improves the model prediction effect and has a significant influence on whether fast CME produces SEP event. Compared with the events without pre-CMEs, the events with pre-CMEs have a low proportion of false alarms (FR: 47.7% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 70%). However, the number of pre-CMEs does not improve the model output. 2) CMEs with type-II radio bursts have significantly lower FR to generate SEP events than fast CMEs without type-II radio bursts (42% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 68%). And selecting type-II radio bursts as a constraint will filter out some small/weak SEP events, the relationship between model predictions and observations especially for large SEP events (e.g. &lt;i&gt;I&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; ≥ 0.01 pfu/MeV) will stand out. Moreover, if the type-II radio enhancement is taken into account, FR can be further reduced to 29.4%, and the proportion of hits can be further increased (HR: 48.5%), and the model prediction is significantly improved. 3) The larger the start frequency of type II radio bursts, the smaller the end frequency is, and FR decreases slightly, but at the same time, a large number of SEP events are excluded by this condition, and the results show that the constraints on the start/end frequency of type-II radio bursts do not improve the model predictions distinctly. 4) If the sub-classification of type-II radio bursts is considered as the model constraint, the CMEs associated with multi-band type-II radio bursts have better model predictions than those with single-band events. For example, m-DH-km type-II radio bursts have lower FR (35.4%) and higher HR (48%), and the accuracy of empirical model is higher. In summary, we find that in addition to the velocity and angular width of CME, the associations of pre-CME, type II radio bursts and their enhancement, and multi-band sub-classification are the favorable conditions for CME to generate SEP events. The SEP intensities obtained by the empirical model have better consistency with the observations, and better predictions can be obtained. This investigation indicates that SEP events are more likely generated by fast and wide CMEs accompanied by pre-CMEs, multi-band type II radio bursts and their enhancements, which seem to serve as discriminative signal for SEP-rich and SEP-poor CMEs.

INVESTIGATION OF THE TRANSMEMBRANE POTENTIAL OF MITOCHONDRIA AND THE GENERATION OF FREE RADICAL COMPOUNDS IN LYMPHOCYTES OF CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS

Summary. Important indicators that reflect changes in the functional state of non-malignant cells from the tumor environment and can be used as predictors of the occurrence of complications as a result of radiation and chemo radiation therapy are the level of polarization of the mitochondrial membrane and the intensity of production of reactive forms of oxygen and nitrogen (free radical compounds, FR). Aim: To investigate changes in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) and the intensity of FR formation in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of cervical cancer (CC) patients before the chemo radiation therapy. Object and methods: In the study used peripheral blood samples of 26 patients with СС before starting chemo radiation therapy and 29 apparently healthy individuals (AHI, control group). PBL isolation was performed on Histopaque®-1077. The level of TMP in lymphocytes was determined using the dye JC-1, the intensity of FR formation using the dye DCFH-DA. Results: It was shown that the tendency to lower TMP (by 1.46 times) and significantly lower FR formation (by 2.84 times) was observed in the PBL of patients with CC. In the examined patients with a greater degree of the size of the primary tumor and its’ invasion (T2 compared to T1) or a greater degree of tumor differentiation (G2 compared to G2/3-3), the TMP level was higher (by 1.35 and 1.47 times, respectively). In CC patients, in contrast to AHI, a significant correlation was found between the TMP level and the intensity of FR formation (r=0.473). It has been shown that in the PBL of CC patients with the stage of the tumor process T1N0M0 and the degree of the tumor differentiation G2, the level of TMP and the intensity of BP formation are significantly lower (by 1.91 times and 1.88 times, respectively) than in similar patients with uterine cancer, who has been examined before. Conclusions: The functioning of lymphocytes of patients with CC before chemo radiation therapy is already changed according to the indicators of TMP value and FR formation, which are significantly lower than in AHI lymphocytes. In contrast to the control group, a significant correlation was found between the TMP levels and BP formation in the PBL of the examined CC patients. It has been shown that in CC patients with a disease stage of T1N0M0 and a G2 tumor differentiation degree changes in the level of TMP and the FR formation are more pronounced than in a similar group of patients with uterine cancer. The obtained results are background for evaluating the changes occurring in the cells from the tumor environment after radiation therapy.

Allometric scaling of metabolic rate and cardiorespiratory variables in aquatic and terrestrial mammals.

While basal metabolic rate (BMR) scales proportionally with body mass (Mb ), it remains unclear whether the relationship differs between mammals from aquatic and terrestrial habitats. We hypothesized that differences in BMR allometry would be reflected in similar differences in scaling of O2 delivery pathways through the cardiorespiratory system. We performed a comparative analysis of BMR across 63 mammalian species (20 aquatic, 43 terrestrial) with a Mb range from 10 kg to 5318 kg. Our results revealed elevated BMRs in small (>10 kg and <100 kg) aquatic mammals compared to small terrestrial mammals. The results demonstrated that minute ventilation, that is, tidal volume (VT )·breathing frequency (fR ), as well as cardiac output, that is, stroke volume·heart rate, do not differ between the two habitats. We found that the "aquatic breathing strategy", characterized by higher VT and lower fR resulting in a more effective gas exchange, and by elevated blood hemoglobin concentrations resulting in a higher volume of O2 for the same volume of blood, supported elevated metabolic requirements in aquatic mammals. The results from this study provide a possible explanation of how differences in gas exchange may serve energy demands in aquatic versus terrestrial mammals.

Mixed convection heat transfer and entropy generation of water inside a square vented enclosure with and without four vibrating cylinders in horizontal and vertical directions

The control and improvement of heat transfer in enclosures is very important in several engineering applications. In the current two-dimensional numerical study, the mixed convection and entropy generation of water flowing inside a square vented enclosure that contains four vibrating cylinders with relatively low frequencies fr = 1, 2, 3, 5 Hz in the vertical and horizontal directions are reported. The effects of Reynolds and Richardson numbers, vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and the direction of the cylinders’ vibration on heat transfer and entropy generation are presented for various cases. The horizontal walls of the enclosure are kept adiabatic while the vertical left and right walls are hot and cold, respectively. The linear regression analysis was used to reveal the rate of increase in the Nusselt number with the Reynolds and Richardson numbers number for each cases. Series of analyses show that the existence and the vibration of the cylinders increases heat transfer but the vibration in the horizontal direction is more effective since the top and bottom walls of the enclosure are adiabatic. It is found that the entropy generation due to heat transfer is low at the center of the enclosure. The direct relationship between the heat transfer and both Reynolds and Richardson numbers is reported. In terms of heat transfer, it is found that the critical vibration frequency and amplitude are fr = 4 and A = 0.05L and 0.075L.

Low Pre-Season Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Strength Ratio Identified in Players Who Further Sustained In-Season Hamstring Strain Injuries: A Retrospective Study from a Brazilian Serie A Team

A common pre-season injury prevention assessment conducted by professional football clubs is the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio calculated by peak torque (PT). However, it is debatable whether players that present low pre-season H:Q ratios are more susceptible to further sustaining in-season hamstring strain injuries (HSI). Based upon retrospective data from a Brazilian Serie A football squad, a particular season came to our attention as ten out of seventeen (~59%) professional male football players sustained HSI. Therefore, we examined the pre-season H:Q ratios of these players. H:Q conventional (CR) and functional (FR) ratios, and the respective knee extensor/flexor PT from the limbs of players further sustaining in-season HSI (injured players, IP) were compared to the proportional number of dominant/non-dominant limbs from uninjured players (UP) in the squad. FR and CR were ~18-22% lower (p < 0.01), whereas quadriceps concentric PT was ~25% greater for IP than UP (p = 0.002). Low scores of FR and CR were correlated (p < 0.01) with high levels of quadriceps concentric PT (r = -0.66 to -0.77). In conclusion, players who sustained in-season HSI had lower pre-season FR and CR compared to UP, which appears to be associated with higher levels of quadriceps concentric torque than hamstring concentric or eccentric torque.

Genomic-based genetic parameters for milkability traits derived from automatic milking systems in North American Holstein cattle

The number of dairy farms adopting automatic milking systems (AMS) has considerably increased around the world aiming to reduce labor costs, improve cow welfare, increase overall performance, and generate a large amount of daily data, including production, behavior, health, and milk quality records. In this context, this study aimed to (1) estimate genomic-based variance components for milkability traits derived from AMS in North American Holstein cattle based on random regression models; and (2) derive and estimate genetic parameters for novel behavioral indicators based on AMS-derived data. A total of 1,752,713 daily records collected using 36 milking robot stations and 70,958 test-day records from 4,118 genotyped Holstein cows were used in this study. A total of 57,600 SNP remained after quality control. The daily-measured traits evaluated were milk yield (MY, kg), somatic cell score (SCS, score unit), milk electrical conductivity (EC, mS), milking efficiency (ME, kg/min), average milk flow rate (FR, kg/min), maximum milk flow rate (FRM, kg/min), milking time (MT, min), milking failures (MFAIL), and milking refusals (MREF). Variance components and genetic parameters for MY, SCS, ME, FR, FRM, MT, and EC were estimated using the AIREMLF90 software under a random regression model fitting a third-order Legendre orthogonal polynomial. A threshold Bayesian model using the THRGIBBS1F90 software was used for genetically evaluating MFAIL and MREF. The daily heritability estimates across days in milk (DIM) ranged from 0.07 to 0.28 for MY, 0.02 to 0.08 for SCS, 0.38 to 0.49 for EC, 0.45 to 0.56 for ME, 0.43 to 0.52 for FR, 0.47 to 0.58 for FRM, and 0.22 to 0.28 for MT. The estimates of heritability (± SD) for MFAIL and MREF were 0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.09 ± 0.01, respectively. Slight differences in the genetic correlations were observed across DIM for each trait. Strong and positive genetic correlations were observed among ME, FR, and FRM, with estimates ranging from 0.94 to 0.99. Also, moderate to high and negative genetic correlations (ranging from -0.48 to -0.86) were observed between MT and other traits such as SCS, ME, FR, and FRM. The genetic correlation (± SD) between MFAIL and MREF was 0.25 ± 0.02, indicating that both traits are influenced by different sets of genes. High and negative genetic correlations were observed between MFAIL and FR (-0.58 ± 0.02) and MFAIL and FRM (-0.56 ± 0.02), indicating that cows with more MFAIL are those with lower FR. The use of random regression models is a useful alternative for genetically evaluating AMS-derived traits measured throughout the lactation. All the milkability traits evaluated in this study are heritable and have demonstrated selective potential, suggesting that their use in dairy cattle breeding programs can improve dairy production efficiency in AMS.

Characteristics of phase-change flow and heat transfer in loop thermosyphon: Three-dimension CFD modeling and experimentation

Two-phase loop thermosyphon (TPLT) shows an oscillation phenomenon since the complex phase-change heat transfer and flow behaviors, decreases the system reliability in practice. A combined three-dimension CFD simulating/experimental investigation was carried out to investigate the phase-change flow inside TPLT. Results of the 3D-CFD model show good agreement with the experiments, with a maximum deviation of 2.86% and 3.98% for temperature distribution and pressure, respectively. In the vertical evaporator heating mode, the filling ratio of 23.3% produced the lowest total thermal resistance of 0.28–0.22K/W since the dominant heat transfer mechanism of phase-change in the loop. With the increasing FR, from 48.0 to 84.1%, the dominant heat transfer mechanism might be transformed to single-phase convection. Thermal performance with the horizontal evaporator heating mode is better than that with the vertical evaporator heating mode since the good flowability at high FR = 84.1%. In the horizontal evaporator heating mode, a bidirectional flow was observed in the loop with the horizontal evaporator even at low FR = 23.3%, which caused pressure fluctuation and reduced thermal performance. But the flow stability could increase by 90% with the auxiliary of a porous media in the horizontal evaporator, indicating that the porous media had a positive effect on avoiding bidirectional flow.

Experimental study on prediction model of wet gas pressure drop across single-orifice plate in horizontal pipes in the low gas phase Froude number region

The pressure drop prediction of wet gas across single-orifice plate in horizontal pipes had been solved satisfactorily under an annular-mist flow in the upstream of orifice plates. However, this pressure drop prediction is still not clearly determined when the upstream is in an intermittent flow or stratified flow, which is corresponding to a region of low Fr G (gas phase Froude number) in the flow pattern map of wet gases. In this study, the wet gas pressure drop across a single-orifice plate was experimentally investigated in the low Fr G region. By the experiment, the flow pattern transition in the downstream of single-orifice plates, as well as the effects of Fr G and Fr L (liquid phase Froude number) on Φ G (gas phase multiplier), were determined and compared when the upstream is in the flow pattern transition and the stratified flow region, respectively. Prediction performances were examined on the available pressure drop models. It was found that no model could be capable of jointly predicting the wet gas pressure drop in the low Fr G region with an acceptable accuracy. With a new method of correlating Fr G and Fr L simultaneously, new correlations were proposed for the low Fr G region. Among which the modified Chisholm model shows the best prediction accuracies, with the prediction deviations of Φ G being within 7% and 3% when the upstream is in flow pattern transition and stratified flow region, respectively.

An analysis of the effect of the bow entrance angle on ship resistance

Modifying the hull shape is one of the challenges in designing a ship. The angle of the ship's entrance is a significant determinant of the total resistance of the ship. This research aimed to analyze the total resistance of the ship due to changes in the shape of the ship's bow. This research used the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method with overset mesh technique to predict the ship's total resistance and trim angle. Parameters used in the five-speed numerical simulations. This research indicated that a change in the bow angle of the ship results in a 5% change in the ship's resistance for every change in the bow entrance angle. Therefore, the prediction of total resistance shows significant results in planning conditions. Compared to another bow entrance angle at low Fr, total resistance has no noticeable differences. Angle changes of the entrance of the ship's bow also significantly affected the trim conditions on the ship according to the speed. At Fr 1.03, the stern trim angle tended to decrease dramatically. As a result, the trim by stern under porpoising probably oscillates considerably.

Drag force on a circular cylinder in stratified flow: A two-dimensional numerical study

Using two-dimensional numerical simulations, we investigate a circular cylinder in a stratified flow with a pycnocline of a smooth density profile. We are particularly concerned about the difference between stratified flows and their homogeneous, or unstratified, counterparts in drag coefficients. It is well known that the characteristics of a stratified flow depend on the Reynolds number Re and the internal Froude number Fr. First, we change the incoming flow velocity, with the Reynolds number and the internal Froude number varying simultaneously, in the ranges of 76≤Re≤579 and 0.14≤Fr≤1.046, respectively. We find that the flow experiences a sequence of flow patterns, namely “multiple centerline structures,” “isolated mixed regions,” and “vortex shedding,” as we increase this combination, agreeing well with the previous experiments in the low Re and Fr ranges. Meanwhile, the mean drag coefficient decreases, and it drops below the value for a homogeneous state as an empirical stability parameter, k, drops below unity, indicating the transition from a lee-wave dominant wake to an unsteady, vortex shedding wake. This unique variation of drag coefficient is more clearly shown in another situation, when we fix the Reynolds number at Re = 234 while varying the Froude number within 0.094≤Fr≤4.192. In such a situation, we observe a stable “double eddy” pattern at Fr = 1.87, around which a minimum of mean drag coefficient is reached. At this critical point, we understand that the stratification in the flow inhibits lee-side separation, while the internal waves have not yet played a significant role. Although we observe turbulence-like, strong mixing regions in the far downstream wake for some specific cases, it is argued that the current two-dimensional simulations might not be able to resolve the high Reynolds number or high Froude number cases.

Experimental investigation on the effect of dry and multi-jet cryogenic cooling on the machinability and hole accuracy of CFRP composites

In this work, the drilling performance of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites is analysed in terms of thrust force (Fn), torque (Mz), specific cutting energy (SCE), delamination factor (Fd), and hole quality under dry and cryogenic cooling conditions. An in-house developed multi-jet liquid nitrogen (LN2) delivery setup is used for experimental trials. This LN2 delivery system is retrofitted to an existing machine tool to enable the movement of jets along the axis of the spindle for better reachability of LN2 to the cutting zone during the drilling operation. Experiments are conducted using the full factorial technique considering four levels of spindle rotational speed (N), four levels of feed rate (fr), and two cutting conditions i.e., dry and cryogenic cooling. Results show increased Fn up to 35% and decreased Mz up to 24.46% using cryogenic drilling as compared to dry drilling. Moreover, SCE is reduced up to 35% using cryogenic drilling than in dry drilling. Entry Fd is decreased up to 21.55% under cryogenic drilling as compared to dry drilling. At higher N input and lower fr, the exit Fd can be reduced by up to 9% using cryogenic drilling as compared with dry drilling. In terms of hole quality, cylindricity (CYL) decreased by up to 42.69%, lower deviation in average hole size, and decreased average surface roughness (Ra) up to 20% when using cryogenic drilling. The results show that using the multi-jet cryogenic cooling system provides enhanced composite machinability and sustainability for industrial use.

Effects of High Starch and Supplementation of an Olive Extract on the Growth Performance, Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of high-starch diets and the supplementation of an olive extract (OE) on the growth performance, liver health and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared: two basal diets containing low (9.0%) and high (14.4%) levels of starch (named as LS and HS), and 0.125% OE was supplemented to each basal diet (named LSOE and HSOE). The results show that high-starch diets had significant negative effects on growth performance, with lower FR, SGR and higher FCR, whereas OE significantly lowered FCR, determined by two-way ANOVA analysis. High-starch diets induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and liver function injury, with significant increases in the content of plasmatic AKP, AST, ALT, hepatic SOD and MDA, and up-regulation of hepatic TNFα, IL1β, and TGFβ1 gene expression. In addition, a high-starch diet decreased the phosphorylation of AMPK and upregulated the expression of SREBP, together with higher hepatic liver lipid and HSI. The oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders indicate metabolic liver disease (MLD) of largemouth bass fed high-starch diets. Feeding on OE-supplemented diets increased the hepatic antioxidant capacity by decreasing the content of MDA and SOD. Fish fed the HSOE diet had an activated phosphorylation of JNK and decreased expression of pro-inflammatory IL1β compared with those fed the HS diet, which strongly indicated that the degree of inflammatory responses was reduced after OE supplementation. Interestingly, this study demonstrated that OE regulates hepatic lipid metabolism in fish by inhibiting the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes (ACC1 and FASN) and promoting lipolysis (ATGL) and β-oxidation (CPT1α) to prevent TG accumulation. In conclusion, high-starch feed induced oxidative stress and lipid metabolic disorder of largemouth bass, while supplementation with OE improved its antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. However, hepatic histopathological results suggested that OE supplementation could not completely repair the MLD caused by the high level of starch in largemouth bass.

A study of the moving rate of positive results for use in a patient-based real-time quality control program on a procalcitonin point-of-care testing analyzer.

ObjectiveTo establish an applicable and highly sensitive patient‐based real‐time quality control (PBRTQC) program based on a data model constructed with patients’ results of a procalcitonin point‐of‐care testing (POCT) analyzer.MethodsPatients’ results were retrospectively collected within one year. The Excel software was used to establish quality control (QC) programs of the moving average (MA) and the moving rate of positive results (MR). A Monte Carlo simulation was used to introduce positive and negative biases between 0.01 and 1 ng/ml at random points of the testing data set. Different parameters were used to detect the biases, and the detection efficiency was expressed using the median number of patient samples affected until error detection (MNPed). After comparing the MNPeds of different programs, MA and MR programs with appropriate parameters were selected, and validation plots were generated using MNPeds and maximum number of the patient samples affected (MAX). β curves were generated using the power function of the programs, the performances were compared with that of the conventional QC program.ResultsNeither the conventional QC nor MA program was sensitive to small bias, While MR program can detect the minimum positive bias of 0.06 ng/ml and negative of 0.4 ng/ml at an average daily run size of 10 specimens, with FRs < 1.0%, βs < 1%.ConclusionThe MR program, which is more sensitive to small biases than conventional QC and MA programs, with low FR and β. As such, it can be used as a PBRTQC program with high performance.

Hydrodynamic regimes and drag on horizontally pulled floating spheres

We use high-speed imaging to investigate the movement of a floating sphere pulled horizontally along a water surface. The model sphere is 10 cm in diameter and has half of the water density resulting in a half-submerged static sphere. By varying the pulling force, we investigate the flow dynamics in the subcritical Reynolds number range, of Re ≈ 2 × 104 to 2 × 105. We characterize three hydrodynamic regimes with the increase in the pulling force, to which we refer to as: low Froude number, Fr &amp;lt; 0.6, intermediate, 0.6 &amp;lt; Fr &amp;lt; 1.2 and high Froude number, Fr &amp;gt; 1.2 regimes. In the low Fr regime, the sphere moves with little disturbance of the water surface and the drag is close to half of the drag on a fully submerged sphere. In the intermediate Fr regime, a pronounced wave pattern is developed which together with the dipping of the sphere below the water level leads to an increase in the drag force. Based on a potential flow approximation for the downward force on the sphere moving along the surface, we derive a semiempirical relation for the sphere dipping as a function of the Froude number. Finally, in the high Fr regime, the sphere movement switches to a mode of periodic dipping below and surfacing above the water surface. The periodic vertical motion portrays a decrease in the average drag force.