Optimal Depth Research Articles

Biocompatibility and performance of new generation dental composites

Dental composites have undergone significant advancements in recent years, with new-generation materials being developed to improve both biocompatibility and mechanical performance. These innovations have led to the increased use of dental composites in restorative dentistry, particularly in both anterior and posterior restorations. Biocompatibility remains a key concern, as the release of unreacted monomers, such as bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA), can cause local tissue irritation or systemic effects. Modern composites aim to reduce these risks by incorporating alternative resin systems and advanced photo initiators. Nanotechnology has further enhanced the performance of these materials by improving mechanical strength and wear resistance, but questions about the safety of nanoparticles and their long-term biological effects continue to be explored. In addition to biocompatibility, the mechanical properties of new-generation composites have been significantly optimized. The introduction of bulk-fill composites allows for deeper polymerization and faster placement, reducing clinical procedure times while maintaining high mechanical integrity. Polymerization shrinkage, a common issue in traditional composites, has been minimized in newer formulations, reducing the risk of marginal gaps and microleakage. The effectiveness of different light-curing units, such as light-emitting diode (LED) versus halogen lights, plays a crucial role in achieving optimal polymerization depth, especially in posterior restorations where light penetration can be limited. Long-term clinical outcomes depend on several factors, including material choice, placement technique, and patient adherence to oral hygiene. Despite the improvements in composite materials, the longevity of restorations still faces challenges such as wear, fracture, and degradation over time. Continued research into the safety, effectiveness, and clinical performance of new-generation composites is essential to ensuring patient safety and enhancing the durability of restorations in the future. These advancements promise to address many of the limitations seen in earlier dental materials while offering superior performance and patient satisfaction.

Lubrication mechanism analysis of textures in journal bearings using CFD simulations

Purpose This paper aims to study the lubrication mechanism of textured journal bearings. Design/methodology/approach CFD models for textured journal bearings are established. The effect of texture coverage on the pressure distribution is studied to find the proper texture distribution. To enhance the local load-carrying capacity at textures, the micro-hydrodynamic pressure and microflow at different texture depth ratios are captured. The interaction between the texture-induced microflow and the bearing lubrication film is analyzed from the microflow perspective. Findings The bearing performance is on the one hand enhanced by the micro-hydrodynamic pressure generated by textures. On the other hand, the main bearing land and maximum pressure can be interfered by textures, leading to the reduction of load-carrying capacity. To minimize the interference effect, textures are suggested to distribute downstream of the minimum film thickness location. As the lubrication film thickness increases, the corresponding optimum texture depth ratio rises. The vortices influence the local flow rate through the lubrication film at textures and further affect the micro-hydrodynamic pressure and local load-carrying capacity. The texture depth ratio, at which vortices begin to occur, generates the maximum micro-hydrodynamic pressure. Originality/value The proper texture distribution is introduced, which is capable to generate the micro-hydrodynamic pressure without interfering with the primary load-carrying capacity of the bearing. The microflow effect is found to considerably influence the local load-carrying capacity at textures. The necessity of sub-regional optimization in textured journal bearings is pointed out. This study provides the fundamental reference for the design and optimization of textured journal bearings.

A Vision-Guided Robotic System for Safe Dental Implant Surgery

Background: Recent advancements in dental implantology have significantly improved outcomes, with success rates of 90–95% over a 10-year period. Key improvements include enhanced preplanning processes, such as precise implant positioning, model selection, and optimal insertion depth. However, challenges remain, particularly in achieving correct spatial positioning and alignment of implants for optimal occlusion. These challenges are pronounced in patients with reduced bone substance or complex anthropometric features, where even minor misalignments can result in complications or defects. Methods: This paper introduces a vision-guided robotic system designed to improve spatial positioning accuracy during dental implant surgery. The system incorporates advanced force-feedback control to regulate the pressure applied to bone, minimizing the risk of bone damage. A preoperative CBCT scan, combined with real-time images from a robot-mounted camera, guides implant positioning. A personalized marker holder guide, developed from the initial CBCT scan, is used for patient–robot calibration. The robot-mounted camera provides continuous visual feedback of the oral cavity during surgery, enabling precise registration of the patient with the robotic system. Results: Initial experiments were conducted on a 3D-printed mandible using a personalized marker holder. Following successful patient–robot registration, the robotic system autonomously performed implant drilling. To evaluate the accuracy of the robotic-assisted procedure, further tests were conducted on 40 identical molds, followed by measurements of implant positioning. The results demonstrated improved positioning accuracy compared to the manual procedure. Conclusions: The vision-guided robotic system significantly enhances the spatial accuracy of dental implants compared to traditional manual methods. By integrating advanced force-feedback control and real-time visual guidance, the system addresses key challenges in implant positioning, particularly for patients with complex anatomical structures. These findings suggest that robotic-assisted implant surgery could offer a safer and more precise alternative to manual procedures, reducing the risk of implant misalignment and associated complications.

CII] line intensity mapping the epoch of reionization with the Prime-Cam on FYST. II. CO foreground masking based on an external catalog

The Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST) line intensity mapping (LIM) survey will measure the power spectrum (PS) of the singly ionized carbon 158 $ fine-structure line CII to trace the appearance of the first galaxies that emerged during and right after the epoch of reionization (EoR, $6<z<9$). We aim to quantify the contamination of the (post-)EoR CII LIM signal by foreground carbon monoxide (CO) line emission ($3 < J_ up < 12$) and assess the efficiency to retrieve this CII LIM signal by the targeted masking of bright CO emitters. Using the IllustrisTNG300 simulation, we produced mock CO intensity tomographies based on empirical star formation rate-to-CO luminosity relations. Combining these predictions with the CII PS predictions of the first paper of this series, we evaluated a masking technique where the interlopers are identified and masked using an external catalog whose properties are equivalent to those of a deep Euclid survey. Prior to masking, our CII PS forecast is an order of magnitude lower than the predicted CO contamination in the 225 GHz ( CII emitted at $z=6.8-8.3$) band of the FYST LIM survey, at the same level in its 280 GHz ( CII emitted at $z=5.3-6.3$) and 350 GHz ( CII emitted at $z=4.1-4.8$) bands, and an order of magnitude higher in its 410 GHz ( CII emitted at $z=3.4-3.9$) band. For our fiducial model, the optimal masking depth is reached when less than 10<!PCT!> of the survey volume is masked at 350 and 410 GHz but around 40<!PCT!> at 280 GHz and 60 <!PCT!> at 225 GHz. At these masking depths we anticipate a detection of the CII PS at 350 and 410 GHz, a tentative detection at 280 GHz, whereas at 225 GHz the CO signal still dominates our model. In the last case, alternative decontamination techniques will be needed.

Numerical Estimation of Potable Water Production for Single-Slope Solar Stills in the Caspian Region

This study provides a detailed numerical assessment of the productivity of single-slope solar stills across key cities in the Caspian region, including Aktau, Atyrau, Astrakhan, Makhachkala, Baku, Tehran, and Turkmenbashi. Employing a mathematical model based on heat balance equations and the Fourth Order Runge–Kutta method, we simulated the distillation process under various climatic conditions. The results reveal that productivity is significantly influenced by geographic location and local meteorological conditions. Tehran demonstrated the highest productivity across all seasons, with values of 1.75 × 103 kg/(m2·year) and an efficiency of 0.53, due to its optimal solar irradiation and ambient temperature. In contrast, Atyrau and Makhachkala exhibited lower productivity, particularly in colder months, highlighting the effect of ambient temperature on solar still efficiency. The analysis identified the optimal water depth at 2 cm and insulation thickness between 4 and 9 cm for enhancing productivity in continental climates like Aktau. Additionally, the lowest cost of distilled water was USD 0.024 per kilogram in Baku. These findings align with the existing literature, validating the numerical model’s accuracy. Future research will explore integrating solar stills with other renewable and fossil fuel-based technologies.

Effect of screw insertion depth into fractured vertebrae in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

PurposeThe study’s objective was to assess the effect of the screw insertion depth into fractured vertebrae in treating thoracolumbar fractures.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 92 patients with thoracolumbar fractures from December 2018 to February 2020. Patients had AO type A2, A3 thoracolumbar fractures. The patients were divided into two groups according to the screw insertion depth. The vertebral wedge angle (VWA), Cobb angle (CA), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), middle vertebral body height (MVBH), visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared preoperatively and at one week and 12 months postoperatively. The correlation between Vertebral height loss and potential risk factors, such as sex, age, BMD and BMI was evaluated.ResultsCompared with the preoperative data, the postoperative clinical and radiographic findings were significantly different in both groups, But no significant difference between the two groups at 1 week. At 1 year postoperatively, there was a significant difference in the CA (p < 0.0001), VWA (p = 0.047), AVBH (p < 0.0001), MVBH (p < 0.0001), VAS score (p < 0.0001), and ODI (p < 0.0001) between the two groups, Except for age, bone density and other influencing factors the long screw group had better treatment results than the short screw group.ConclusionA longer screw provides greater grip on the fractured vertebral body and stronger support to the vertebral plate. The optimal screw placement depth exceeds 60% of the vertebral body length on the lateral view.

A clinical study on the optimal placement depth for peripherally inserted central catheter through the great saphenous vein in preterm infants

To investigate the correlation between optimal placement depth (OPD) and physical measurement parameters in preterm infants receiving placement of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) through the great saphenous vein (GSV), and to establish a predictive formula for OPD during the placement of PICC through the GSV. A retrospective analysis was performed for the preterm infants who received the placement of PICC through the GSV in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from December 2022 to February 2024. According to the site of puncture [GSV of the knee joint (KJ) or the ankle joint (AJ)], they were divided into a GSV-KJ placement group (n=38) and a GSV-AJ placement group (n=33). The infants were measured in terms of body weight (BW), body length, the length of the upper and lower parts of the body, head circumference, and abdominal circumference at the time of placement. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between the above variables and OPD. A predictive formula was established for OPD in the placement of PICC via the GSV in preterm infants, and the predicted residual between the predicted depth and the ideal OPD was compared between the conventional predictive formula and the new predictive formula. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that PICC OPD was significantly positively correlated with BW, body length, the length of the upper and lower parts of the body, head circumference, and abdominal circumference in both the GSV-KJ placement group and GSV-AJ placement group (P<0.05), with the highest degree of correlation between OPD and BW. The univariate linear regression analysis showed a linear relationship between PICC OPD and BW in both groups. The predictive formulas for OPD were as follows: GSV-KJ PICC OPD (cm) = 13.1 + 2.7 × BW (kg) and GSV-AJ PICC OPD (cm) = 13.4 + 6.0 × BW (kg), and the new predictive formulas had a significantly lower predicted residual than the conventional predictive formula (P<0.05). OPD for PICC through the GSV is positively correlated with BW, and the prediction results of the new predictive formula based on BW are closer to the ideal OPD.

Enhancing Load-Bearing Capacity of Weak Soils Using Geosynthetics: A Finite Element Analysis

In the context of mining applications and the increasing demand for high load-bearing soils, utilizing weak soils poses a significant challenge. This study investigates the effectiveness of geosynthetics in stabilizing weak soils through numerical modeling using Abaqus software (R2016X)and validation via laboratory model testing. We examined the impact of various geosynthetic lengths and embedment depths across three soil types: clay loam (ML), sand (SM), and well-graded sand (SW). Our results reveal that ML and SM soil types exhibit local shear failure, while SW soil types demonstrate general shear failure. Notably, the bearing capacity of soils increases with coarser particle sizes due to higher Meyerhof parameters, leading to soil failure at lower settlements. Optimal geotextile embedment depths were determined as H/B = 0.125 for ML soil, H/B = 0.250 for SM soil, and H/B = 0.5 for SW soil. Additionally, the effect of geotextile length on bearing capacity is more pronounced in ML soil, suggesting greater effectiveness in fine-grained soils. The optimal geotextile lengths for installation are approximately 1.5 times the width for ML soil, 1.0 times for SM soil, and 1.0 times for SW soil. We also found that SW soil typically fails at lower settlements compared to ML and SM soils. Consequently, geotextile placement at shallower depths is recommended for SW soil, where the soil experiences higher tension and pressure. These findings contribute to enhance soil stabilization and load management in mining geotechnics.

Ultrasonographic study and anatomical guidelines for botulinum neurotoxin injection into the parotid gland.

Benign enlargement of the parotid gland hypertrophy results in a bulky lateral facial contour and esthetic appearance. This study aimed to determine the depth from the skin surface to the parotid fascia, which encompasses the parotid gland. The anatomical properties of the parotid glands were evaluated in 40 patients using ultrasonography. An up-to-date understanding of the localization of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection based on anatomy could lead to better localization of the injection into the parotid gland through morphological measurements using data previously published from cadaveric studies. Measurement using the otobasion inferius as a landmark revealed parotideomasseteric fascia thickness averaging 4-6 mm from the skin surface, with the parotid gland extending approximately 15 mm anteriorly. Analysis showed a 3-7 mm thickness range, indicating an optimal injection depth for safety and efficacy in BoNT procedures. Utilizing the otobasion inferius as an anatomical landmark offers a practical approach for measuring parotideomasseteric fascia thickness, addressing cadaveric study limitations. These guidelines aim to maximize the effects of BoNT therapy, which can be useful in clinical settings, by minimizing its deleterious effects.

Tracking the Development of Lit Fisheries by Using DMSP/OLS Data in the Open South China Sea

Nightly images offer a special data source for monitoring fishing activities. This study used images from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)/Operational Linescan System (OLS) to analyze the early development of lit fisheries in the open South China Sea (SCS), which mainly occurred around the Zhong Sha and Xi Sha Islands. Based on peak detection and a fixed threshold, lit fishing positions were extracted well from filtered, high-quality DMSP/OLS images. The results indicated that fisheries experienced an apparent rise and fall from 2005 to 2012, with the numbers of lit fishing boats rising to a maximum of ~60 from 2005 to 2008, almost disappearing in 2009, peaking at ~130 from 2010 to 2011, and starting to decline in 2012. The fish price of major fishing targets declined by ~60% in 2009, which obviously impacted the year’s fishing operations. The reason for declined fishing operations in 2012 was that most of the lit fishing operations shifted farther south to fishing grounds around the Nan Sha Islands. We also explored factors shaping the distribution patterns of lit fisheries by using MaxEnt models to relate fishing positions to environmental variables. Major environmental factors influencing the distribution of lit fishing boats varied with years, of which water depth was the most important factor across years, with an optimal depth range of 1000–2000 m. In addition to depth, the distribution of lit fisheries was also influenced by SST, especially for the years 2005–2008, and a suitable SST was found between 26 and 28 °C. This study fills the knowledge gaps of the inception of lit fisheries and their dynamic changes in the SCS.

The largest single-species Nanozostera japonica seagrass meadow of China: Its decline, restoration attempts, and short-term effects on macrobenthos and soil bacterial communities

Seagrass beds support vital ecological functions so that when seagrass experience severe degradation, their ecosystem service functions are diminished or lost. The largest Nanozostera japonica seagrass bed in China, situated in the Yellow River Delta, has undergone significant degradation due to Spartina alterniflora invasion and the impact of Typhoon Lekima (2019). The lack of seeds and overwintering shoots makes natural seagrass recovery challenging, prompting the urgent need for seagrass ecological restoration. In the present study, seed sowing experiments were conducted with varying burial depths, seed sources, and sowing times, as well as transplantation experiments with different transplant unit sizes and intervals in the severely degraded seagrass bed. Subsequently, changes in macrobenthos and soil bacterial diversity were tracked after seagrass recovery. According to the results, the optimal burial depth for N. japonica seeds varies across different sediment types, with 4 cm being suitable for sandy soil and 2 cm for silty soil. Seeds sown in May did not survive due to high temperatures. Seeds from Dalian exhibited superior growth after sowing, making them ideal material for seed restoration projects. Transplanting N. japonica sods with 25 × 25 cm transplant units and 50-cm intervals resulted in the most robust growth, indicating it as a suitable method for adult transplantation. Following seagrass re-establishment, macrobenthos and soil bacterial diversity increased significantly. The findings of the present study provide valuable technical guidance and theoretical support for the ecological restoration of N. japonica. Future efforts should prioritize the restoration of seagrass bed ecological functions, with longer-term effects examined.

Study on the pullout bearing characteristics of bio-inspired root piles in coral sand foundation under different root buried depths

Root foundation is a new type of bio-inspired foundation, which has a broad application prospect in the development and construction of China's South China Sea area due to its good bearing characteristics such as pullout bearing capacity. The effect of root buried depth on the uplift bearing characteristics of root piles is analyzed through the model test of uplift bearing of root piles with different root buried depths in coral sand foundation. The results show that increasing the root buried depth can improve the ability of the root pile to control the uplift displacement, and there exists an optimal buried depth or range of buried depths that can effectively improve the pile foundation's uplift bearing capacity and control the ultimate displacement. The attenuation of axial force at the root is in the form of a step; with the increase of root buried depth, the maximum value of lateral friction resistance develops from the lower part of the pile body without root to the upper part of the pile body without root. The range of the bearing ratio of the root section of the pile with root buried depth of 260mm, 340mm and 420mm is 12.33%-15.68%, 9.98%-17.82% and 7.61%-21.65%, respectively; the smaller the root buried depth is, the higher is the ratio of the bearing ratio of the root section at the beginning of loading, and the bigger the root buried depth is, the bigger is the ratio of the root's final bearing ratio. The change of soil pressure around the pile increases and then decreases, and the densest point of soil compacting moves upward with the increase of root buried depth. The research results provide scientific basis for the design of root pile buried depth and root arrangement in actual projects.

Assessment of Energy Recovery Potential in Urban Underground Utility Tunnels: A Case Study

Underground spaces contain abundant geothermal energy, which can be recovered for building ventilation, reducing energy consumption. However, current research lacks a comprehensive quantitative assessment of its energy recovery. This research evaluates the energy recovery potential of the Xingfu Forest Belt Urban Underground Utility Tunnels. Field experiments revealed a 7 °C temperature difference in winter and a 2.5 °C reduction during the summer-to-autumn transition. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to assess the impact of design and operational factors such as air exchange rates on outlet temperatures and heat exchange efficiency. The results indicate that at an air change rate of 0.5 h−1, the tunnel outlet temperature dropped by 10.5 °C. A 200 m tunnel transferred 8.7 × 1010 J of heat over 30 days, and a 6 m × 6 m cross-sectional area achieved 1.1 × 1011 J of total heat transfer. Increasing the air exchange rate and cross-sectional area reduces the inlet–outlet temperature difference while enhancing heat transfer capacity. However, the optimal buried depth should not exceed 8 m due to cost and safety considerations. This study demonstrates the potential of shallow geothermal energy as an eco-friendly and efficient solution for enhancing building ventilation systems.

Optimal Twirling Depth for Classical Shadows in the Presence of Noise.

The classical shadows protocol is an efficient strategy for estimating properties of an unknown state ρ using a small number of state copies and measurements. In its original form, it involves twirling the state with unitaries from some ensemble and measuring the twirled state in a fixed basis. It was recently shown that for computing local properties, optimal sample complexity (copies of the state required) is remarkably achieved for unitaries drawn from shallow depth circuits composed of local entangling gates, as opposed to purely local (zero depth) or global twirling (infinite depth) ensembles. Here, we consider the sample complexity as a function of the depth of the circuit, in the presence of noise. We find that this noise has important implications for determining the optimal twirling ensemble. Under fairly general conditions, we (i)show that any single-site noise can be accounted for using a depolarizing noise channel with an appropriate damping parameter f, (ii)compute thresholds f_{th} at which optimal twirling reduces to local twirling for Pauli operators, (iii)nth order Renyi entropies (n≥2), and (iv)provide a meaningful upper bound t_{max} on the optimal circuit depth for any finite noise strength f, which applies to observables and entanglement entropy measurements. These thresholds strongly constrain the search for optimal strategies to implement shadow tomography and are easily tailored to the experimental system at hand.

Pontederia cordata Pickerel Weed

This document provides an overview of the pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata), a native aquatic plant found in Florida and other parts of eastern North America. It describes the plant’s habitat, growth characteristics, and ornamental features, highlighting its adaptability to shallow wetland areas and its attractive purple-blue flowers. The document also covers planting guidelines, including optimal water depth and spacing, and notes the plant’s aggressive growth habit and potential for use in water gardens and pond stabilization. Additionally, it mentions the plant’s pest resistance and propagation methods. Original publication date October 1999.

Research on parameter selection criteria and design method for leachate pumping using vertical shafts

High leachate levels in landfills not only threaten the environment but also seriously affect the stability of piles. Therefore, it is crucial to pump leachate from piles, and vertical pumping wells have demonstrated their effectiveness in practical engineering. This paper establishes a model of vertical pumping wells, taking into account the non-homogeneous distribution of geotechnical parameters of the pile. The accuracy of this model is then validated through existing test results and numerical models. The main findings of the study are as follows: the radius of influence R is primarily influenced by the pumping time T, pumping pressure P, and anisotropy coefficient A. On the other hand, the depth of influence h is mainly determined by the burial depth h1 of the pumping section. The optimal pumping time Tb coincides with the time at which the well reaches its maximum radius of influence Rm. Similarly, the optimal pumping pressure Pb corresponds to the inflection point in the relationship between the radius of influence R and the pumping pressure P. The optimal pumping section burial depth is h1b = 20 m, and the optimal setback distance db is equal to the maximum setback distance dm. Additionally, this paper provides the criteria for parameter selection under each working condition at the optimal burial depth of the pumping section, as well as the design process for the vertical pumping system. The parameter design diagram and design method presented in this paper serve as valuable references for the design of real guide drainage projects.

Optimization strategies for bifacial floating photovoltaic systems on different water bodies: A 10E performance evaluation

This study investigates the performance and optimization of standalone floating bifacial solar photovoltaic systems through a comprehensive 10E analysis, covering energy, exergy, economic, environmental, energo-economic, exergo-economic, enviro-economic, energo-environmental, exergo-environmental, energy payback time, and embodied energy factors. The research evaluates energy efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact using various water coolants. Fresh water emerged as the best performer, delivering the highest output power (399 W), final yield (371.94 W), and performance ratio (59.082). Capacity utilization factors were comparable, with fresh water (0.517) and black water (0.516) leading. Fresh water also showed the lowest energy loss (−365.64) and highest exergy efficiency (32.10%). It achieved the lowest levelized cost of energy at 3.39 $/MWh and the highest enviro-economic parameter (243.497). The exergo-environmental analysis demonstrated consistent efficiency, with energy payback time ranging from 37.28 to 37.36, and the embodied energy for the panels was 2840.67 units. Optimization techniques such as random forest, gradient boosting, XGBoost gain, neural network, and response surface methodology were used to identify optimal panel heights, water depths, and azimuth angles. Fresh water was identified as the most effective coolant, balancing high energy efficiency, minimal energy loss, and environmental sustainability. Response surface methodology proved to be the most accurate method for predicting power output and bifacial gain. This study provides valuable insights into improving the efficiency and sustainability of floating bifacial photovoltaic systems under various environmental conditions.

Analytical derivation of optimal irrigation water depth for efficient irrigation scheduling.

Optimal irrigation water depth is a crucial parameter in irrigation engineering, often referred to as root zone depth. It is typically assumed to lie between 1 and 1.5m below the ground surface, depending on the crop and soil types as well as the practitioner's skill and experience. This approach can lead to inefficient irrigation scheduling. Coupling Richards' equation with the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) concept and using the three-phase diagram of soil column widely used in geotechnical engineering, this paper suggests an analytical expression for optimal irrigation water depth providing the maximum storage capacity of a soil depending on its hydraulic/storage properties. The results for winter wheat crop in different hydrologic soil groups show that the use of the proposed concept can lead to savings of 71.79% and 57.69% of irrigation water in sandy soils (HSG-A) compared to that used in traditional irrigation considering lump-sum 1.5m and 1m optimal irrigation water depths, respectively. In the case of silty loam soils (HSG-C), these savings can assume 52.42% and 28.62%, respectively. The proposed relation can also be of great help in volumetric assessment of field capacity, moisture content, maximum water storage capacity (of different agricultural soils), and avoiding the issue of waterlogging that may arise from over-irrigation and thus is useful in efficient irrigation scheduling as well as in sustainable agricultural water management.

Exergo and enviro-economic analysis of thermal energy storage assisted finned solar still

The current investigation focuses on improving the performance of a single slope solar still integrated with Phase Change Material as energy storage media. The problem of low thermal conductivity of PCM which hinders the energy storage capability has been addressed by incorporating fins with different profiles into the energy storage unit. Initially, an experimental investigation was conducted and analyzed to assess the effective performance of a Conventional Single Slope Solar Still (CSS) using various water depth levels: 1–4 cm. The optimal basin water depth for testing solar still with energy storage material along with fins was identified as 2 cm. Subsequently, the CSS was subjected to performance enhancement investigation under three different conditions: Case 1 – Solar Still (SS) with PCM storage unit, Case 2 – SS with fins at the PCM storage unit, and Case 3 – SS with fins at the storage unit and a parallel plate attached to the other end of the fins. The experimental results demonstrated the production of fresh water and efficiency improvements are as follows 26.95%, 55.86%, 69.14% and 24.34%, 52.83%, 68.83% for cases I, II, and III, respectively. Further, it was observed that Case III exhibited a lower cost of water production and a shorter payback period compared to CSS. The enviro-economic analysis revealed that the net CO2 emissions (NCEM) and Carbon Credits Earned (CCE) for Case III were 15.60 tons and 312.07 USD respectively against 9.22 tons and 184.31 USD for CSS.

Optimization of phosphorus and potassium use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa L) under different flood depths within the Everglades Agricultural Area

Rice cultivation in South Florida, especially within crop rotation systems, presents a promising avenue for mitigating phosphorus (P) levels in drainage water by optimizing nutrient absorption across varying flooding conditions. This study aimed to assess the impacts of different flooding depths on rice growth and nutrient efficiency while exploring the interrelationships among these factors. Conducted over a two-year period, the field study involved planting a single rice variety (Diamond: 95 kg ha−1, long-grain, short-season) at four distinct flooding depths (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm) without fertilizer application. Results revealed minimal effects of flooding depths on root and shoot length or dry matter accumulation. Additionally, concentrations of total P and potassium (K) in both shoot and root tissues remained consistent across the different flooding depths. Despite the absence of P and K fertilizer inputs, no significant changes were observed in P use efficiency (PUE), K use efficiency (KUE), or water use efficiency (WUE). Cultivating rice under optimal flood depths of 5 cm within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) demonstrated potential for conserving water and essential nutrients such as P and K. These findings highlight the feasibility of rice cultivation in fertile soils as a means to decrease nutrient (P and K) concentrations in drainage water, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.