Open Air Research Articles

Multiscale analysis of fine slag from pulverized coal gasification in entrained-flow bed

Fine slag (FS) is an unavoidable by-product of coal gasification. FS, which is a simple heap of solid waste left in the open air, easily causes environmental pollution and has a low resource utilization rate, thereby restricting the development of energy-saving coal gasification technologies. The multiscale analysis of FS performed in this study indicates typical grain size distribution, composition, crystalline structure, and chemical bonding characteristics. The FS primarily contained inorganic and carbon components (dry bases) and exhibited a "three-peak distribution" of the grain size and regular spheroidal as well as irregular shapes. The irregular particles were mainly adsorbed onto the structure and had a dense distribution and multiple pores and folds. The carbon constituents were primarily amorphous in structure, with a certain degree of order and active sites. C 1s XPS spectrum indicated the presence of C–C and C–H bonds and numerous aromatic structures. The inorganic components, constituting 90% of the total sample, were primarily silicon, aluminum, iron, and calcium. The inorganic components contained Si–O-Si, Si–O–Al, Si–O, SO42−, and Fe–O bonds. Fe 2p XPS spectrum could be deconvoluted into Fe 2p1/2 and Fe 2p3/2 peaks and satellite peaks, while Fe existed mainly in the form of Fe(III). The findings of this study will be beneficial in resource utilization and formation mechanism of fine slag in future.

Effect of multi‐pin (open air) atmospheric plasma on the rheological characteristics of locust bean gum

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of atmospheric cold plasma on locust bean gum (LBG) rheology using a multi‐pin configuration. LBG undergoes plasma treatment at 30 kV for durations of 10, 20, and 30 min. Evaluation of color attributes and total color difference revealed enhancements in LBG post‐plasma treatment. The linear viscoelastic region, determined at a 0.5% strain, demonstrated improved storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) concerning frequency compared to the control. Additionally, viscosity and shear stress displayed an inverse relationship with increasing shear rate, indicating the pseudoplastic nature of LBG samples. Consistent trends in G′ and G″ values of treated LBG were observed across three temperature stages, except for the 30 kV and 10 min. Infrared spectra analysis of plasma‐treated LBG samples indicated the preservation of most polysaccharide groups, with no significant peak alterations. Overall, cold plasma treatment modifies LBG rheology, making it suitable for diverse food applications.

Can a stapling device with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid felt reduce intraoperative air leak?

Currently, it is unknown whether polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt staplers can reduce the occurrence of intraoperative air leaks. We investigated whether staplers with bioabsorbable PGA felt reduced intraoperative air leakage compared to the conventional stapler in patients undergoing lung resection. From 2013 to 2021, 211 patients diagnosed with lung cancer or pulmonary metastasis underwent lung resection using only PGA felt (n=88) or conventional (n=123) staplers at Tokyo Rosai Hospital. One-to-one propensity score matching was used to compare intraoperative air leak rates, operation time, and intraoperative bleeding between the two groups. The PGA felt group required more staples than the conventional stapler group. The forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted in the PGA felt stapler group was lower than that in the conventional stapler group. In the PGA felt stapler group, 56.8% of patients had undergone anatomic lung resection, whereas 29.3% of patients in the conventional stapler group had undergone wedge resection. In a propensity-matched analysis of 67 pairs, the occurrence of intraoperative air leaks was significantly lower in the PGA felt stapler group than in the conventional stapler group (16.4% vs. 56.7%, P<0.001). The operation time was significantly shorter and intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the PGA felt stapler group than in the conventional stapler group (P=0.001 and P=0.016, respectively). Pulmonary resection using staplers with a PGA felt could reduce the occurrence of intraoperative air leaks among patients undergoing lung resection.

Functional states in shift personnel at an oil exploration enterprise in the southeast of the Russian Federation

Introduction. Work in oil and gas exploration is intense, carried out on a shift (fly-in-fly-out) basis in the open air with alternating day and night shifts. &#x0D; The analysis of the studies revealed the lack of information regarding the trend in the functional states of workers with different shift modes.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved fifty eight shift workers at an oil exploration enterprise in the southeast of the Russian Federation with a 30 days shift period. &#x0D; The study aim was to identify and describe the features of the trend in functional states in shift personnel at an oil exploration enterprise in the southeast of the Russian Federation with various work and rest regimes. To solve the tasks set, daily the functional states’ monitoring in morning and evening by workers was carried out using objective hardware (VCM, CVMR) and subjective (WAM, M. Luscher test) methods. Statistical methods are multivariate analysis of variance and descriptive statistics.&#x0D; Results. The features of trend in objective and subjective parameters of the functional states in the shift personnel at an oil exploration enterprise in the southeast of the Russian Federation with various work and rest regimes are revealed: 30D, 15D / 15N and 15N / 15D. It has been established that the personnel at an oil exploration enterprise with a work regime of 15D/15N is characterized by a greater severity of unfavourable functional states by the end of the shift period. &#x0D; Limitations. The study limitations are the small sample size, which is due to the study being carried out at one site with the inclusion of the maximum number of workers located at the facility during the expedition. Workers with work regimes 15D/15N and 15N/15D differed in functional duties from the group of employees with work regime 30D. &#x0D; Conclusion. The results and conclusions obtained make it possible to expand knowledge about the changes in the workers’ states at oil and gas producing enterprises with different shift regimes during the shift period and develop practical recommendations for their optimization.

A Metallomicellar Catalyst for Controlled Oxidation of Alcohols and Lignin Mimics in Water using Open Air as Oxidant.

Alcohol groups and β-O-4 (C-C) linkages are widespread in biomass feedstock that are abundant renewable resource for value-added chemicals. The development of sustainable protocols for direct oxidation or oxidative cleavage of feedstock materials in a controlled fashion, using open air as an oxidant is an intellectually stimulating task to produce industrially important value-added carbonyls. Further, the oxidative depolymerization of lignin into fine chemicals has evoked interest in recent times. Herein, we report the first example of a catalyst system that could activate molecular oxygen from atmospheric air for controlled oxidation and oxidative cleavage/depolymerization of feedstock materials such as alcohols, β-O-4 (C-C) linkages and real lignin in water under open air conditions. The selectivity of carbonyl products is controlled by altering the pH between ~7.0 and ~12.0. The current strategy highlights the non-involvement of any external co-catalyst, oxidant, radical additives, and/or destructive organic solvents. The catalyst shows a wide substrate scope and eminent functional group tolerance. The upscaled multigram synthesis using an inexpensive catalyst and easily available oxidant evidences the practical utility of the developed protocol. A plausible mechanism has been proposed with the help of a few controlled experiments, and kinetic and computational studies.

Self‐Purification Affecting the Optical Performance of Mn‐Doped Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

AbstractComponent doping is the fundamental topic for modulating the properties of semiconductor materials. The introduction of doping ions into lead halide perovskites (LHPs) can not only maintain the excellent photoelectric properties but also enhance the stability of LHPs in open air and thermal environments. However, due to the “self‐purification” effect in crystallography, there is an inherent trend to pop doping ions out of LHPs lattice. In this work, it is confirmed that in Mn2+ doped LHPs nanocrystals (NCs) the discharge of Mn2+ will be accelerated at higher temperatures. It is also proved that even at room temperature, the dopants in LHPs NCs will also actively “migrate”, resulting in declined optical performance. Therefore, for cation alloying/doping LHPs NCs, the migration of doping ions in the material should be considered in addition to the intrinsic halide migration characteristics. This work will provide a benign reference for application of doped LHPs NCs.

Implementation of scouting techniques material on first aid for accidents in scouts of Gudep Bumi Bahari

Scouting is one of the activities of forming discipline, morals, character, and mental development with a learning process outside the school environment and outside the family environment which is packaged in an interesting and fun way carried out in the open air. There are two kinds of scout learning material, namely knowledge learning and scouting techniques. In scouting activities there are several scouting techniques that are often used for example camping, exploration, terrain orientation, and mountain climbing. Therefore, it is necessary to implement the scouting technique of scout first aid material for scouts through a Community Service program that is integrated with lecture activities at the project location to implement the scouting technique of scout first aid material for scouts in Gudep Bumi Bahari so that scouts in Gudep Bumi Bahari can know and apply every step in performing first aid in accidents during scouting activities. The purpose of this service is to increase the knowledge and skills of the first aid of the Cub Scouts, because the knowledge of first aid in the accident of the Cub Scouts of Gudep Bumi Bahari is still lacking. The method used in this community service is lecture-based coaching, practice and educational games, interviews are conducted as a final evaluation. The service program carried out with the project implementation team can be carried out according to targets such as increasing the understanding and skills of Scouts related to first aid material at Gudep Bumi Bumi Bahari in SD Negeri Pulias Abaling.

Acid-Doped Pyridine-Based Polybenzimidazole as a Positive Triboelectric Material with Superior Charge Retention Capability.

The energy conversion efficiency of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is severely limited by the charge density of triboelectric materials, while drastic and unavoidable charge decay happens during contact due to the insufficient charge retention capacity of positive triboelectric materials. Here, elaborately synthesized acid-ion-doped pyridine-based polybenzimidazole processing with strong charge retention capability is demonstrated to couple with negatively corona-polarized electrets. As illustrated by thermal stimulation and an ion mass spectrometer, the formation of acid-ion chimerism processes high activation energy for stored charges, and the selective anion migration can compensate the escape of polarized charge. Accordingly, the charge density can reach up to 596 μC m-2 and the charge retention rate reaches 49.7%, which is so far the highest intrinsic charge density obtained in the open air. Thus, the ionic chimerism strategy provides an effective way to suppress the charge escaping in the open air and gives a great expandable avenue for the material challenges of TENG's practical deployment.

Investigation on different parameters associated with purchase of electric vehicle in India

The primary characteristics of electric vehicles (EVs) from urban areas place an emphasis on clean air and silent operation to protect the city's atmospheric pollution conditions. Thereby, EVs are coming on the Indian road with great popularity; however, some factors such as charging infrastructure, battery life of EVs are still challenging. Therefore, the present attempt is made to analyse the numerous factors associated with purchase of EVs. To gather technical data; a total of 398 participants with different vehicles such as EV two wheelers, EV four wheelers, IC engine vehicles from different Pune Metropolitan Region areas have replied. The ANOVA was used to determine the statistical significance of purchase of EVs in relation to gender, vehicle use, profession and driving experience. Furthermore, hypothesis has been checked to assess the significance of different parameters associated with purchase of EVs in India. The results of hypotheses testing show that the purchase of electric vehicle is significantly different according to EV owner’s gender. The Z-Score is 3.89391. The p-value is 0.0001. The result is significant at p < 0.05. Subsequently, the choice of electric vehicle is not unlike according to driving experience of electric vehicle drivers. TheZ-Score is 0.29779. Thep-value is 0.76418. The result isnotsignificant atp < 0.05. Furthermore, Electric vehicles are more popular among Indian people irrespective of distance of travel as thez-score is 0.00582. Thep-value is 0.99202. The result isnotsignificant atp < 0.05. The outcome of the study will be helpful for EV manufacturers for getting popularity and selling of vehicle according to demand.

Open Air Direct Oxidative Coupling of Alcohols and Amines to Imines Catalyzed by Ruthenium Nanoclusters Supported on a Mesoporous Carbon (CMK-8) in/on Water

Open Air Direct Oxidative Coupling of Alcohols and Amines to Imines Catalyzed by Ruthenium Nanoclusters Supported on a Mesoporous Carbon (CMK-8) in/on Water

Effects of pressure waves on the cooling-fan performance and indoor flow of air-conditioning units on the roof of a high-speed maglev train

Air-conditioning units (ACUs) are important components of trains, and their performance directly affects the thermal environment of train cabins. Their operational performance is affected by the ventilation capacity of its core component, the cooling fan. The compressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stockes (URANS) and the shear-stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model were used to simulate the flow field and pressure waves of high-speed maglev trains, both in open air and tunnels with different lengths, at 600 km/h. We validated the numerical method and settings using a scaled model test. The effects of pressure waves on the fan flow of the ACUs and the flow field around them on the roof of the train were analyzed. The results demonstrated reduced cooling-fan flow due to the high-speed flow generated by the train operation, with the flow of the downstream fan affected by the indoor flow from the upstream fan in the same ACU. The pressure waves from trains passing each other in the open air can cause significant fluctuations in the cooling-fan flow and are positively correlated with the pressure wave amplitude. Moreover, the cooling-fan flow of the ACUs was significantly affected by the tunnel pressure wave, particularly that coming from two trains passing each other in the tunnel. The impact of airflow caused by trains exiting the tunnel on the cooling-fan flow was significantly greater than that entering the tunnel, and the amplitude of the sudden change in the cooling-fan flow was closely related to the gradient of the tunnel pressure wave. Some Findings would help improve the cooling-fan performance and the internal construction design of ACUs.

Sirukam Dairy Farm Agrotourism Development Model in Solok Regency

Basically, agrotourism is placing the primary sector (agricultural sector) in the tertiary sector (tourism sector) which aims to help increase farmers' income. Farmers and the agricultural sector will benefit from agrotourism activities. Agrotourism can maintain the sustainability of the agricultural sector and prevent the agricultural sector from being marginalized. There are many reasons why tourists are interested in seeing the beauty of nature and carrying out various activities in the open air, including enjoying the beauty that agrotourism provides. A number of areas in Solok Regency are currently being developed as agrotourism areas, one of which is Sirukam Dary Farm, but this agrotourism management model is very different from the others. The diversity of agrotourism management models becomes material for study to develop agrotourism development models that apply in different conditions at these agrotourism objects. This article explains in detail the agrotourism development model at Sirukam Dairy Farm and it is hoped that it can be used for agrotourism management in other regions throughout Indonesia.

A sonochemical approach to 4-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines via Cu-catalyzed N-arylation followed by Wang resin/air promoted oxidative cyclization strategy

The 4-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline framework was explored for the identification of possible inhibitors of SIRT1. To access the target compounds a general and ultrasound assisted two-step approach was developed for the first time involving the Cu-catalyzed N-arylation followed by Wang resin/air promoted oxidative cyclization strategy. Thus, CN coupling of 2-iodoanilines with pyrrole gave the 1-(2-aminophenyl)pyrrole derivatives in the first step which on CN/CC bond formation with aldehydes afforded the desired products. The second step proceeded in pure water under open air and recovery as well as reuse of the Wang resin catalyst was demonstrated. The methodology offers advantages such as shorter duration, use of eco-friendly energy and wider substrate scope. Further application of this sonochemical method was also demonstrated via Suzuki coupling of a bromo product. Some of the pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines showed encouraging (52–77 %) inhibition of SIRT1 in vitro (better than nicotinamide) and were identified as initial hits.

Synergic effect of metal-organic frameworks and process parameters on the properties of concrete subjected to accelerated carbonation

This study aims to develop a novel concrete that integrates a metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and accelerated carbonation curing to offset the emissions attributed to cement production. A MOF, NH2-MIL-125(Ti), was synthesized to sequester CO2 in concrete through accelerated carbonation curing. Its impact on the concrete properties was assessed while examining various process parameters, including MOF content, initial curing duration, carbonation curing duration, and carbonation curing pressure. The parameters were evaluated through CO2 uptake, phenolphthalein indicator solution, compressive strength, water absorption, and volume of permeable voids. The microstructure of carbonated MOF-incorporating concrete was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Experimental results showed that the addition of MOF promoted a higher degree of carbonation of cement, especially with a longer initial curing duration and higher pressure. Incorporating up to 6% MOF, by cement mass, in concrete cured for 20 h in open air, followed by 20 h of carbonation curing at a pressure of 1 bar, led to a CO2 uptake of 19%, carbonation depth of 11 mm, and 28-day strength of 46 MPa, water absorption of 4%, and permeable pore voids volume of 11%. Exceeding 6% MOF addition did not improve the uptake or performance. Microstructure characterization highlighted the formation of calcite, aragonite, and calcium silicate hydrate and the consumption of calcium hydroxide. The MOF-incorporating concrete can be used in construction applications to mitigate CO2 emissions while maintaining concrete performance.

Microfiber pollution from Dhobi Ghats (open air laundry centers) and commercial laundries in a north Indian city.

In regions like Southeast Asia, Dhobi Ghats-traditional open-air laundromats-hold cultural significance and provide livelihoods to many people. These centers are near the riverbanks for easy access to water for washing. These Dhobi Ghats are among major sources of microfibers (MFs) in the waterbodies. However, there is no ample data that confirms their level of MF release into the waterbodies. This study reports for the first time the prevalence of microfibers (MFs) in wastewater from Dhobi Ghats in a North Indian city and comparatively assess them with the MF pollution from commercial laundries. A mean microfiber concentration of 3204 ± 270 MFs/L was observed in the discharged effluents of Dhobi Ghats, while a concentration at 36,923 ± 389 MFs/L was observed in effluents from commercial laundries. Pertinently, microfibers measuring less than 75µm dominated in effluents of commercial laundries, accounting for 53% of the total. Conversely, microfibers within the 75-150-µm range were present in effluents of Dhobi Ghats, constituting 52%. Spectroscopic analyses by FTIR showed polyester and polyamides as the main polymers released from Dhobi Ghats. Ecological risk assessment demonstrated a potential environmental risk from the MF pollution from Dhobi Ghats and commercial laundries. The study also proposed a mitigation framework prioritizing both environmental protection and the sustenance of local livelihoods for reducing the microfiber pollution by the Dhobi Ghats.

Facile Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(amino acid)s by Relay Polymerization.

Poly(amino acid)s (PAAs) are one kind of favorable biopolymer that can be used as a drug or gene carrier. However, conventional ring-opening polymerization of PAAs is slow and needs a strict anhydrous environment with an anhydrous reagent as well as the product without enough high molecular weight (Mn), which limits the expanding of PAAs' application. Herein, we took BLG-NCA as the monomer to quickly synthesize one kind of high Mn amphiphilic copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamic acid) (PEG-PBLG), by relay polymerization with a simple one-pot method within 3 h in mild conditions (open air, moisture insensitive). In the polymerization process, ring-opening polymerization-induced self-assembly in sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution first occurred to obtain low Mn PEG-PBLG seeds without purification. Then γ-benzyl-l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) dichloromethane solution was added into PEG-PBLG seeds directly and stirred vigorously to form am emulsion; during this process, the amphiphilic PEG-PBLG seeds will anchor on the interface of DCM and water to ensure the concentration of α-helix rigid PBLG in DCM to maintain the following relay polymerization. Then, high Mn PEG-PBLG was obtained in mild conditions in one pot. We found that the α-helix rigid structure was essential for relay polymerization by studying the synthetic speed of amphiphilic copolymer with different secondary structures. MOE simulation results showed that PBLG and BLG-NCA tended to form a double hydrogen bond, which was beneficial to relay polymerization because of higher local concentrations that can produce more double hydrogen bonds. Our strategy can quickly obtain high Mn PEG-PBLG (224.9 KDa) within 3 h from PEG-NH2 and BLG-NCA in one pot and did not need an extra initiator. After deprotection, the poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-glutamate acid) (PEG-PGA) with high Mn as a second product can be used as an excellent antitumor drug carrier. The high Mn PEG-PGA can achieve an encapsulation rate of 86.7% and a drug loading rate of 47.3%, which is twice that of the low Mn PEG-PGA. As a result, the synthesis of PEG-PBLG by relay polymerization simplified the process of PEG-PAA polymerization and increased the Mn. In addition, this method opened a way to obtain other kinds of high Mn PEG-PBLG values in the future.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide marigold shaped clusters using Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract as robust photocatalyst for dyes degradation under sunlight

This paper reports a facile route to synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles assembled into marigold shaped clusters utilizing the Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract. Synthesized ZnO marigold shaped clusters were examined as catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of non-degradable organic dyes under the natural sunlight. The structural properties of as-synthesized ZnO marigold shaped clusters were demonstrated by powder-X-ray diffraction confirming the high crystallinity with hexagonal phase. Moreover, detailed structural and crystallographic analyses for as-synthesized ZnO marigold shaped clusters were analyzed through Rietveld refinement using FULLPROF software which further confirmed the wurtzite-type structure with P63mc space group. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the morphology of the synthesized ZnO, which revealed that nanoparticles assembled in clusters and eventually transformed into marigold shaped structures. Transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that as-synthesized ZnO marigold shaped clusters consist of spherical and hexagonal nanoparticles with average crystallite size of 6 ± 2 nm. The role of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract for the formation of ZnO clusters was discussed in detail by the plausible reaction mechanism. As-synthesized ZnO marigold shaped clusters exhibited the excellent photocatalytic behavior by observing almost 98 % photocatalytic performance towards organic dyes under open air sunlight condition. The aim of such investigation of the synthesized ZnO clusters has potential as solar based photocatalytic application towards efficient degradation of organic dyes.

Physiochemical aspect of different CuO catalyst surface to APC thermochemical transformation

Ammonium perchlorate (APC) as an oxidizer component of solid propellant is studied experimentally due to its complex nature of decomposition reactions concerning solid-stated theories. To reveal the surface-structure chemistry of copper oxide (CuO) as a catalyst to decomposition reactions of APC, CuO (26∼675 nm) in cubical, leaf, leaf sphere, and rod-like structures successfully prepared and crystallized with APC to distinctive CuO/APC (10–20 μm) composites. HAADF-STEM, XPS along Raman, and BET characterize copper oxide's chemically enhanced surface activity. TG-DSC-QMS detects the reaction process between CuO and APC, and a high-speed camera records the combustion process of CuO/APC in the open air. The results show that other than surface area, the surface adsorption oxygen property is the key parameter to control the catalytic effect. The CuO-nanorods provided the highest chemical species of higher Cu1+/Cu2+ along maximal surface adsorb oxygen to chemisorption of NH4+ and ClO4−. The kinetic analysis found an increase in conversion rate, activation energy with a higher frequency factor, and rate constant by CuO addition to APC.

Raising calves using cold methods at an early age

The article discusses the results of scientific and economic experience carried out in the winter - in the spring period, which showed that when raising newborns and calves in dispensary houses in the open air, it is necessary to strictly comply with a number of favorable conditions; calving of cows should take place in stalls: newborn calves in must be kept in a place with their mothers for 24 hours; Calves should be provided with more careful care and their own - temporary feeding, daily addition of dry straw bedding. Young animals raised in the open air, subject to all these specified conditions, are significantly less susceptible to gastrointestinal diseases, grow better and use high-quality roughage more.

Aqueous photo-RAFT polymerization under ambient conditions: synthesis of protein–polymer hybrids in open air

A photoinduced reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (photo-RAFT) polymerization technique in the presence of sodium pyruvate (SP) and pyruvic acid derivatives was developed.