Individual Parameters Research Articles

ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF CLOUD SERVICES FOR DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

The article examines the most popular cloud services for creating educational presentations and seeks to determine the effectiveness of their integration within the educational framework. A webometric analysis of these cloud services resulted in the identification of the top 10 resources commonly employed for presentation creation, including Prezi, Sway, Slides, PowToon, Canva, ZohoShow, Genial.ly, Emaze, Piktochart, VideoScribe, among others. Our research conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of these platforms, utilizing web analytics tools such as Ahrefs, Moz, and Similarweb to establish their respective rankings. This approach facilitated an encompassing selection of cloud-based educational tools capable of meeting the multifaceted requirements of all stakeholders in the educational process. The analytical process unfolded across multiple stages: an initial description and assessment of key parameters of each cloud service, subsequent expert evaluations encompassing both parameter specifics and overall service quality, determination of individual parameter impact coefficients on service efficiency, service evaluations based on specific parameters, and a synthesis of both objective and subjective data to summarize outcomes. In-depth analysis was conducted on the presentation creation features inherent to each cloud service, leading to the identification of evaluation parameters encompassing functionality, usability, cost-effectiveness, unique attributes, and overall user impression. Each parameter was assigned an impact factor to gauge its significance within the overall assessment of a given cloud service. The culmination of expert evaluations culminated in the recognition of Prezi, Canva, and Google Slides as highly effective tools. This determination is grounded in their extensive functionality, provision of free accounts, and user-friendly interfaces. Analysis of domain ratings further highlighted the popularity of Sway, Canva, and Prezi, underscoring the pronounced demand for these platforms among users. The evaluation methodology proposed within this study holds potential for application to other cloud services designed for educational content creation. By fostering effective organization of educational activities across diverse subject domains, this approach contributes to the enhancement of the educational process as a whole.

Insights from a Patent Portfolio Analysis on Sensor Technologies for Measuring Fruit Properties

A patent portfolio focusing on sensors for the measurement of fruit properties was generated and analyzed with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the trends in the development and application of sensors intended for measuring fruit properties and their changes. A patent portfolio of 189 patents, utility models and patent applications was formed. Three groups of patents were identified: (i) sensor-based measurement of individual parameters, (ii) multisensor solutions for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple relevant aspects and (iii) solutions integrating sensor-derived data with artificial intelligence tools and techniques. The analysis of the patent portfolio pointed out the main driving forces of technology strengthening in the field of fruit property measurement. The development of sensing technologies enables the real-time, rapid and cost-effective determination of ever-increasing and more sophisticated sets of fruit properties and environmental conditions. Solutions integrating different sensing technologies into multisensor systems for monitoring fruit quality, ripening or freshness as holistic concepts opens avenues for the introduction of a new approach to fresh produce management. Increasing numbers of solutions introducing the application of artificial intelligence tools such as computer vision, machine learning and deep learning into the fresh produce supply chain contribute to the possibilities of substituting human decision-making at points of relevance for fresh produce management with optimal evidence-based solutions.

Evaluation of the health-related quality of life in dogs following intracranial meningioma resection using a specifically developed questionnaire.

As advanced treatments are becoming increasingly feasible in veterinary medicine, the evaluation of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of treated animals is becoming more relevant. We evaluated owner-perceived HRQOL of 10 dogs that underwent craniotomy for meningioma resection between 2002 and 2022 at our institution through telephone interview. For this purpose, we developed a disease-specific questionnaire containing 52 items (mostly of scoring nature) patterned after previously validated instruments and organised into eight domains. Approval by the Human Ethical Committee and respondents' consent were obtained. We analysed the scores for all domains and dogs. The effect of different variables on the HRQOL score was determined via log-rank test and Pearson correlation. Scores for all included dogs (range, 0-235 points) were totaled, with a higher number of points indicating a better HRQOL. The dogs included in this study yielded a mean score of 200.6 points (range, 176-227 points), implying a good overall quality of life. There were no significant associations between individual parameters and outcomes. Our questionnaire represents a structured tool for the specific evaluation of postoperative HRQOL in dogs with meningioma, placing a minimal burden on respondents. Few instruments have been developed to assess animal welfare in a disease-specific context. Implementing these tools, however, is essential to accurately evaluate not only the impact of treatments on biologic parameters, but also their implications on patient welfare. Thus, treatment plans may consider HRQOL for a more comprehensive clinical decision-making process.

Which is the best diet to reduce cardiometabolic risk: dietary counseling or home-delivered diet?

Non-compliance with medical nutrition therapy can lead to an increase in cardiometabolic risk factors, resulting in an increase in the frequency of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two different medical nutrition therapies designed to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors. The study was conducted on voluntary overweight and obese women who sought services at a specialized Nutrition and Dietary Counseling Clinic. The clinic offered dietary counseling (n = 47) and home-delivered diet (n = 53) services, and the participants themselves decided which method they preferred. Both groups were followed for a period of 4 weeks. The general information, physical activity (PA) status, biochemical findings, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of the voluntary participants were evaluated. Taking into consideration the participants' dietary habits and health status, an appropriate dietary plan (55-60% carbohydrates, 15-20 protein%, 25-30% fat) was prepared. The anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters of overweight and obese individuals who received dietary counseling and home-delivered diet services were evaluated before and after the diet. In both groups, cardiometabolic risk factors were found to decrease. It was determined that those who received the home-delivered diet service had a greater reduction in body weight, Body Mass Index values, body fat percentages, and waist circumferences compared to those who received dietary counseling (P < 0.001). Similarly, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and blood pressure values were found to decrease more significantly in individuals receiving the home-delivered diet service (P < 0.001). Additionally, both groups showed an increase in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, with a greater increase observed in those receiving the home-delivered diet service (P < 0.001). According to the findings of this study, participants who received the home-delivered diet service, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with healthy meal preparation and portion control, exhibited better adherence to medical nutrition therapy and experienced a greater reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors compared to those who received dietary counseling.

Nitrogen-containing compounds of Kazakhstan petroleum vacuum gas oil

Relevance. The need to accumulate data on nitrogen-containing compounds of heavy fractions, the share of which in secondary oil refining is steadily increasing every year. With the weight of raw materials the amount of sulfur-, nitrogen- and oxygen-containing components in it increases. The high content of heteroatomic compounds has a negative impact on catalytic processing, the quality and performance characteristics of the products obtained, and the environment. One of the widespread processes for upgrading crude oil, in particular, vacuum gas oil, is hydrotreating. However, during the catalytic hydrodesulfurization of heavy distillates the reactions of hydrogenolysis of organic sulfur compounds are inhibited in the presence of nitrogen-containing compounds. At the same time, the degree of hydrodenitrogenation of heavy oil fractions is relatively low. It is known that petroleum nitrogen-containing compounds are divided into nitrogenous bases titrated with acid solutions and nonbasic nitrogen compounds. Nitrogenous bases are represented mainly by alkylbenzo- and alkylnaphthenobenzo derivatives of pyridine. Nonbasic compounds may include benzologs of pyrrole and amides. Determining the composition of nitrogen-containing compounds in vacuum gas oil and studying their transformations during hydrotreatment is an important and actual problem. Aim. Comparative study of high- and low-molecular nitrogenous bases and nonbasic nitrogen-containing compounds of vacuum gas oil of Kazakhstan oil before and after hydrotreating. Objects. Samples taken before and after the catalytic hydrotreatment of vacuum gas oil from Kazakhstan oil. Methods. Hydrotreatment, elemental analysis, potentiometric titration, benzene cryoscopy, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, structural group analysis. Results. The paper introduces a comparative characteristic of the composition and structure of high and low molecular weight nitrogenous bases from the original and hydrotreated vacuum gas oil. Under the conditions of hydrotreatment, the total removal of nitrogen was 6.56 wt %, and the content of Nbas. decreased by 36%. At the same time, nitrogenous bases in the hydrotreated product are characterized by low molecular weights. Using IR spectroscopy, similar structural fragments were identified in the nitrogen compounds of the original and hydrotreated vacuum gas oil: pyridine rings (1573–1574 cm–1), carboxylic (3209–3225 and 1701–1709 cm–1) and sulfoxide (1032–1033 cm–1) groups. Among the nitrogen-containing compounds of the original vacuum gas oil, amides (1647–1648 cm–1) were identified, which are absent in the composition of nitrogen-containing compounds of the hydrotreated vacuum gas oil. Hydrocarbon skeletons of molecules include aromatic (1599–1602 cm–1) and aliphatic fragments (2860–2960 and 1454–1460, 1377, 723–727 cm–1). In accordance with the results of the structural group analysis, the averaged molecules of high and low molecular weight nitrogenous bases of the original and hydrotreated vacuum gas oil are represented by naphthenoaromatic structures with different alkyl framing. The differences observed between the values of individual structural parameters of the nitrogenous bases average molecules of the original and hydrotreated vacuum gas oil may indicate the compounds transformations under study during hydrotreatment.

Analysis of The Influence of Information Quality, Ease of Use, and Trust on Online Purchase Decisions on Shopee (Research On Users Of The Shopee E-Commerce Platform At Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta)

Research Aims: This study aims to analyze of the influence of information quality, ease of use, and trust on online purchase decisions on shopee (study of shopee.co.id buying and selling site users at yogyakarta muhammadiyah university). Methodology: The study employs a quantitative survey approach, targeting all students, particularly female students, at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta. The sample comprises 100 respondents from the Faculty of Economics and Business. The data analysis involves Multiple Linear Regression, Simultaneous Significance Test (F Test), Individual Parameter Significance Test (t-test), and Coefficient of Determination Analysis (R²). Research Findings: The findings indicate a notable and positive impact of information quality, ease of use, and mutual trust on online purchasing decisions at Shopee. Specifically, information quality, ease of use, and trust each individually exhibit a significant positive influence on online purchasing decisions at Shopee. Theoretical Contribution: The theoretical contribution of this research lies in its comprehensive assessment of multiple factors and their individual impacts on online purchasing decisions. The study enriches existing theoretical frameworks related to e-commerce and consumer behavior, paving the way for more nuanced and context-specific investigations in the field. Implication: The implications suggest actionable steps for Shopee to enhance its online platform, build trust, and tailor strategies to influence information quality, ease of use, and trust for more effective online purchasing decisions.

Substantiation of source data on the parametric algorithms for the classification of weather hazards

The meteorological situation is one of the decisive factors determining the safety and frequency of civil aviation flights. Weather hazards (WH), associated with cumulonimbus clouds, such as a heavy shower, thunderstorm, hail, combined with high atmosphere turbulence, quite often lead to aviation events and even accidents. Currently, a domestic weather radar system of the near airfield zone (WR) “Monocle” has been developed and successfully operated. The criteria for the classification of meteorological phenomena (MP), used in the WR, have been developed individually for each phenomenon and have some heuristic character. These criteria are cumbersome and complicate the process of automating the WH classification. In this case, there is a natural desire to generalize the criteria and optimize them in accordance with the theory of distinguishing statistical hypotheses. This article discusses the application of the Bayesian approach to the WH classification. The statistical Bayesian decision theory assumes decision-making in terms of the probability theory when all significant probabilistic values, so-called sufficient statistics, are known. In order to obtain statistical descriptions of the probability distributions of reflectivity and the eddy dissipation rate (EDR), an analysis of radar signals, reflected from such MP as a rain shower, thunderstorm, hail was carried out. The article provides brief descriptions of the methods of conducting experiments to form statistical database and its analysis. Based on the above methods, the statistical parameter H(EDRmax) analysis for a rain shower, the amplitude distribution of reflectivity parameters and the EDR (Zmax, EDRmax) for thunderstorms and hail was carried out, which showed the low distinguishing ability of each individual parameter when solving the problem to classify MP within the assigned alphabet. The obvious solution is dictated by the theory of recognition. To increase the classification confidence, it is essential to share information parameters, for example, in the form of multidimensional distribution densities of the probabilities of random parameters. The article presents a parametric description of the MP “rain shower-thunderstorm-hail” classification features. An analysis to evaluate the probabilistic characteristics of the WH classification for the adopted empirical classification criteria in the WR shows that the adopted criteria are far from optimal in terms of the probabilities of the correct classification, especially in the rain shower case. It is obvious that a problem solution of the assigned classification confidence is associated with the optimization of the feature space and classification criteria. Based on the data obtained, it is necessary to build an algorithm to classify the WH “rain shower-thunderstorm-hail”.

Examining Antarctic sea ice bias sensitivity in the multi-variate parameter space using a global coupled climate modelling system

Coupled global numerical climate models (GCMs) typically underestimate mean Antarctic sea ice area and extent, particularly during the austral summer months, contributing to uncertainties in climate prediction. This study examines the climatological behaviour of Antarctic sea ice in a coupled GCM in the multivariate sea ice model parameter space. Individual parameters dominate the ice response in different seasons and regions, with a compensatory effect in some parameter combinations and an amplified effect in others; however, certain parameter combinations are found to improve aspects of Antarctic sea ice climatology well beyond the limitations of a univariate approach. For example, the disparity between observed and simulated summer sea ice extent and area is halved, and the tendency towards very low-concentration ice (<15 %) reduced in favour of a more compact summer and autumn ice pack. Regardless, clear limitations in the extent to which a coupled GCM can be calibrated with sea-ice model parameters also emerge. Relatively unconsolidated winter ice cover persists and, in some experiments, becomes looser still, exacerbating the already overestimated maximum sea ice extent. Furthermore, the seasonal evolution of sea ice and the exaggerated asymmetry of the seasonal cycle, with the onset of ice advance too slow and maximum sea ice reached too late, sees negligible improvements. We note that, even with the large gains under certain parameter combinations, bias and other deficiencies still remain. Using coupled data assimilation to optimise parameters in both sea-ice and ocean models will likely assist in contributing to further model improvements.

Optimization of extrinsic parameters for beneficiation of coal with the help of Cronobacter sp

ABSTRACT Beneficiation increases the calorific value of low-grade coal and extracts environmentally sensitive elements. Bacteria may be used as eco-friendly coal cleaning tool, but the treatment is influenced by several extrinsic and intrinsic factors. This study examined five extrinsic factors, namely particle size of coal, pulp density, bacterial biomass concentration, number of bacterial beads (immobilized bacterial cells) and the duration of treatment. For optimization, the test runs were designed using Taguchi L16 orthogonal array, determining optimal values through S/N ratio analysis and individual parameter contribution using ANOVA. The optimal conditions obtained for sub-bituminous coal beneficiation using Cronobacter sp. are 80–120 mesh particle size, 30% pulp density, 750 mg bacterial biomass/g coal, 25 bacterial beads, and six days of treatment resulting in 13.36% ash yield reduction. Particle size had the highest impact (69.4%), followed by treatment duration (13.1%), pulp density (6.3%), bacterial biomass (6.3%), and bacterial bead number (4.8%). A regression model attributed only 42% influence of these extrinsic factors on inorganic removal from coal. Therefore, further research on other factors, particularly intrinsic ones, in inorganic matter liberation is imperative. These findings can be used for designing experiments that optimize the extraction of cleaner fuel from various types of low-grade coal.

Analysis of Heat Transfer Pathways That Affect Mitigation of Cascading Thermal Runaway

As the energy density of systems of lithium-ion batteries increases, and as they are employed in larger-scale energy storage systems, greater attention must be paid to the safety of these systems. Failure of a single cell can trigger thermal runaway processes that cascade through the system, endangering first responders and nearby structures. This cascading failure is driven by heat transfer through the system to vulnerable cells and other combustible materials. To understand how to mitigate thermal runaway, the most important heat transfer pathways must be characterized in terms of their magnitude and time scale.Heat must be removed from cells that have gone into thermal runaway without leading vulnerable cells into thermal runaway. The onset of thermal runaway typically occurs around 200oC and depends on the heating time (i.e. cells heated slowly in an oven will begin thermal runaway around 150oC). The objective then becomes avoiding these thermal runaway temperatures for surrounding cells while dissipating any heat released from an initial thermal runaway event.While there are many individual parameters that describe the cells and system, in this work it will be seen that the thermal analysis can be reduced to a collection of non-dimensional parameters. These parameters describe heat conduction within the cell, heat capacity of a cell, total heat released by a cell in thermal runaway, conductive heat transfer to adjacent cells and surroundings, and convective heat transfer to surrounding gases.A simple cell-to-cell propagation scenario is constructed to separately investigate the heat transfer parameter space. In this model scenario, an “initiating” cell is assumed to have just completed thermal runaway and exhausted all its reactants. This heats that cell to a high temperature that depends on the cell chemistry and state of charge. Adjacent to this “initiating” cell is the “target” cell. We use canonical heat transfer problems to identify a set of parameters that determine the temperature of the “target” cell. The attached figure depicts the prominent heat transfer pathways for a notional propagation scenario. The parameters space of interest includes the thermal resistance (left), the heat capacity of the involved materials (center), and heat losses to the ambient surroundings (right). The relative time scales of these heat transfer rates determine the propagation speed and ultimately the point at which cascading thermal runaway is mitigated.The thermal parameter space is interrogated by solving the transient heat transfer problem with a combination of analytical techniques, a quasi-1D finite volume software, and 3D finite element software. The maximum temperature reached by the edge of the target cell is recorded and used as the criteria for the boundary between propagation and mitigation. The scaling relationships developed through this analysis can provide thermal engineers and system designers with a framework for predicting the safety of battery pack designs in the context of cascading thermal runaway. SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525 SAND2023-02583A Figure 1

WEDDING SONGS IN THE MIDDLE DNIEPER REGION: MORPHOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF ONE TYPE OF STROPHIC MELODIES WITH 6-BEAT METRICS

The results of a morphological research of the Middle Dnieper (Dnipro) collection of wedding melodies of a lyrical function are presented, which are based on a six-metre rhythm-scheme with second-generation rhythms and verses, arranged in a three-line stanza (conditional macromodel ‹V*63 ›). This genre sub-group has the established definition of «lyrical wedding songs» (LWS), its key functional characteristics: lyrics of lyrical content (conveying the emotions of the Bride and her mother) and melo-intonations of «lyrical stylistics».&#x0D; About 350 samples (recorded in the years 1985–2023 in the current Cherkasy and Kirovohrad regions) were involved in the research, 80 of them were studied in detail, using multi-level analysis (toolkit – modeling of rhythmicsyllabic formulas, intonation contours, mode and sound-scale analysis). The constructed typical local models were mapped, the results are shown on six maps according to individual morphological parameters: differences in rhythm and composition (maps B2, B3); tempo deviations (B3); texture differences (B4); differences in the mode and soundscale organization (scale, key tones, their syntactic positions, B5 and B6 maps).&#x0D; The purpose of the publication is to identify the features of the Middle-Dnipro region subspecies of the polyethnic (Ukrainian-Belarusian) macrotype ‹V*63 › and to present the areology of its morphological varieties on the territory of the Middle-Dnipro region. Several important structural positions have been established:&#x0D; &#x0D; a specific Middle-Dnipro verse formula prevails in the studied area – V{456} with the possibility of its expansion to V{567} due to the mechanism of superfragmentation;&#x0D; the basic three-line composition has a traditional full and local reduced form;&#x0D; in the areas adjacent to the Dnipro, polyphonic textural developments of the musical canvas and the related specific textural composition of the stanza with the special role of the soloist in the opening part of the stanza are recorded;&#x0D; most of the samples belong to the three-base wedding mode with a characteristic system of final tones (SFT) of melodic lines, where the second and third melodic lines have fixed cadences on 1 and 2 stairs, and in the first line three pitch options are allowed – 2, 3 or 5 stairs (degrees). According to the degree of prevalence, these are the following SFTs – ‹2;1;2› (widespread, including Podillia, Polissia), ‹5;1;2›, ‹3;1;2›. The permanent ending of the stanza with an open cadence on the 2d stair, formed using the apocope, is the most characteristic feature of the studied melotype.&#x0D; &#x0D; A summary analysis of the localization of a series of morphological markers revealed the specificity of the spatial attribution of the studied meloform in territories located on both banks of the Dnipro (within the studied areas – map B7). Different combinations of morphological parameters formed 6 local groups of melodies, which can be combined into 4 varieties, opposite in terms of their basic habitats – two from Podillia (Gnyly Tikich and Sinyukha basins) and two from Middle-Dnipro region.&#x0D; Arguments have been made in favor of the fact that at least the western border of the Middle Dnipro region can be drawn quite clearly (although, as it is expected, in the form of a blurred border).&#x0D; The areals created are guidelines for further research steps: the perspective of the functional study of LWS is opened – the identification of a complete corpus of poetic texts with lyrical content and melodies of the corresponding stylistics; the search for terrains on which the lyricization of songs of the six-metre three-line form could unfold, attempts to outline the hypothetical chronology of these processes.&#x0D; The article is accompanied by tables of sources, notations (10 examples), maps.

In-Situ Quantification of the Ageing Dynamics in Lithium-Ion Cells up to Failure-Near Conditions

Implementing end-of-life (EOL) lithium-ion batteries from automotive applications in stationary energy storages is of utmost relevance for a sustainable handling of scarce resources. Beneficial from an economic and ecological perspective, such second-life applications urgently require a guarantee for safe operation. Unlike the state of health (SOH), defined by classical performance indicators such as capacity and voltage, the state of safety (SOS) of an aged battery cannot be assessed straightforward. Its determination requires a plethora of cells to be tested which is a particular challenge for new technologies with limited access to EOL batteries.For providing cells with a defined SOH at a reasonable timescale, we herein propose a novel method of greatly accelerating the ageing process of lithium-ion batteries. In a preliminary test series, lithium-ion NMC pouch cells are exposed to incrementally increasing temperatures, current rates and/or states of charge (SOC), until thermal runaway is induced. In this manner, the critical state in proximity to cell failure is spotted for individual and combined stress parameters. Based on this knowledge, cell-specific test parameters for heavily accelerated ageing are developed. In this protocol, electrical abuse conditions are defined by over/under charging and high current rates. Typically, the cells are cycled utilizing a depth of discharge above 100 %.The accelerated aging dynamics under these critical conditions are monitored by systematic capacity, open circuit voltage and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. This enables a comparative assessment of the electrical behaviour, following conventional vs. heavily accelerated ageing. Such knowledge will in turn help to define the threshold to which cyclic ageing can be accelerated without changing the characteristic degradation mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries.

The Impact of Blood Morphological Parameters on Treatment Outcomes in Tennis Elbow Patients Receiving Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A Prospective Study.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy holds substantial promise for the treatment of tennis elbow, a complex and challenging musculoskeletal condition. The aim of the study was to assess whether there are correlations between the levels of individual morphotic elements determined in whole blood and the outcomes of tennis elbow treatment with PRP injection, as measured using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QDASH), and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE). A prospective analysis was conducted on 107 patients (132 elbows) undergoing lateral epicondylitis treatment with (PRP) injections. Patients completed VAS, PRTEE, and QDASH questionnaires on the day of PRP administration and at established checkpoints (2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 52, and 104 weeks). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was employed to assess the treatment effects. Then, correlations were measured within each PROM, and the impact of the concentration of individual blood parameters on the MCID outcomes was assessed. Analyzing the relationships between the MCID+ and MCID- groups, significant correlations for the VAS and QDASH scales were observed. The level of individual morphotic elements in the blood may have influenced the treatment outcome, as measured using specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Regarding the VAS scale, factors favoring a positive treatment outcome included higher values of eosinophils (EOS) and basophils (BASO). For the QDASH scale, these factors were a lower value of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and a higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). The levels of certain blood parameters, such as EOS and BASO, in the current study influenced the classification of patients into MCID+ or MCID- groups, based on the VAS and QDASH scales.

A Comparative Study of Electrode Parameters of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries for Improved Design and Performance

Large-scale energy storage has become an urgent priority to integrate variable renewable energy sources into the electricity grid. Redox flow batteries offer attractive energy storage platforms due to the ease of integration of renewable energy, higher round-trip efficiency, location flexibility, and scalability [1]. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) have already received widespread attention due to their recent commercialization for large-scale storage applications [2]. The electrode plays a significant role in determining the performance of the VRFB, which is composed of a porous microstructure characterized by fiber diameter, porosity, specific surface area, and permeability. These properties control various parameters that affect the performance of the VRFB system, such as pressure differences between the inlet and outlet of the electrode, overpotentials, cell potential, and crossover from the membrane. Various studies have reported varying electrode porosity's influence on cell charge-discharge cycles of VRFB systems [3–5]. However, these studies lack a consistent link between porous electrode microstructures and cell performance. Hence, the interrelated nature of the individual parameters and accurately predicting their effect on cell performance pose a challenge in predicting cell performance.In this work, we present a comparative study of porous electrode parameters using a 2-dimensional physics-based model of a VRFB incorporating mass, momentum, charge transport, and kinetics. We have established a consistent relationship between electrode parameters and cell performance which is incorporated into the model to verify the dependency of overpotential, pressure difference, and crossover of ions on porosity and fiber diameter by utilizing a correlation for the surface area and permeability as a function of these parameters in the porous electrode. Pressure difference at the inlet and out of the electrode is one of the driving forces for the crossover of ions across one electrode to another, decreasing with the higher value of fibre diameters during the charging of the cell (as shown in Figure 1(a)). The effect of the operating parameter, flow rate, is negligible on the ion crossover. However, the crossover is impacted by the current, which further increases by increasing the current value, as shown in Figure 1(b). We also found that the system efficiency increases with an increase in the fibre diameter and reaches a maximum at the range of 40-70 µm, but voltage efficiency decreases with the higher value of fibre diameter, as shown in Figure 1(c). This study/analysis/work will include the impact on the crossover of vanadium ions by varying the electrode and operating parameters. The system's efficiency with and without considering the pumping energy will also be presented for various parameters. Our key findings provide important insight for optimizing VRFB design. Developing a 2D model that considers multiple key parameters enables a better understanding of the complex interactions between electrode microstructure and system performance.

Optimal design of infusion tests for the identification of physiological models of acquired von Willebrand syndrome

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a bleeding disorder resembling inherited Von Willebrand disease (VWD) characterised by a qualitative and/or quantitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF) that occurs in patients with no personal or family history of bleeding as a result of underlying pathological conditions. To treat AVWS patients, desmopressin (DDAVP) and plasma-derived VWF concentrates are the primary therapies for spontaneous acute bleeding episodes and for preventing bleeding during invasive or surgical procedures. Pharmacokinetic (PK) models have been recently developed and applied to characterize VWD and AVWS, but these models cannot be calibrated from infusion tests data, and their calibration requires stressful 24-hours long tests to be carried out on subjects to achieve a satisfactory estimation of the individual haemostatic parameters. The objectives of this paper are: i) to present a new physiological model of VWD including exogenous infusion of plasma-derived VWF concentrates, suitable to describe AVWS; ii) to validate the newly proposed model from clinical data; iii) to quantify the information that can be obtained from clinical tests using different VWF concentrates by applying model-based design of experiments (MBDoE) techniques. Results show that the newly developed model calibrated from infusion data allows to estimate precisely the full set of haemostatic parameters for a subject affected by AVWS preserving the same level of information obtained from conventional tests. Most importantly, results demonstrate that the overall duration of infusion tests for the identification of key haemostatic parameters can significantly be reduced from 24 h to 2.5 h.

CRITICAL INCIDENTS AND PERIOPERATIVE EMERGENCIES: ARE FINAL YEAR RESIDENTS AND ANESTHESIOLOGISTS ARE READY?

A critical incident (CI) is any failed event that could have been prevented and carries the risk of undesirable consequences for the patient. The study of critical incidents and physicians' preparedness for their occurrence helps to reduce their consequences, risks of recurrence and improve patient safety. The aim of the study was to investigate how well are graduate residents and anesthesiologists prepare to manage critical incidents (CI) and perioperative emergencies (PE) during anesthesia. Methods and Materials: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Bogomolets National Medical University, the postgraduate department of surgery, anesthesiology and intensive care. The study was conducted from May 2022 to June 2023. Anesthesiologists and final year residents were assessed for the acquired competencies in the management of CI and PE: they conducted a self-assessment of their own competencies; passed 1 simulation scenario with an assessment on the CEХ scale during the scenario. Results. The study included 60 final year residents and 24 anesthesiologists. Many of residents (55 %) and anesthesiologists (63 %) generally assessed their readiness to manage CI and PE as high: 45% and 47% respectively considered their level of readiness to be insufficient, including 27% and 8% who assessed it as low. When stratified by the type of CI and PE, it was found that residents and anesthesiologists were best prepared to provide care in case of CI and PE from the side of breathing and airway patency cardiovascular system. Significantly worse anesthesiologists assessed their readiness for rare emergencies, such as malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis, local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) (OR 0.35 [0.17- 0.74], p=0.009 for residents and OR 0.25 [0.07-0.8], p=0, 04 for anesthesiologists) and events related to apparatus malfunction, lack of power supply, and catching fire in the respiratory circuit (OR 0.4 [0.2-0.8], p=0.03 for residents and OR 0.25 [0.07-0.8], p=0.04 for anesthesiologists). Anesthesiologists had a significantly higher level of readiness and competence for all individual parameters and the overall mean score during simulation scenarios (7.69±0.53 vs. 5.94±1.6, p&lt;0.0001). Conclusions. Anesthesiologists generally showed higher results in readiness to manage CI and PE during anesthesia. Difficult competencies for both residents and anesthesiologists were the resource management, organizational competencies, and stress resistance.

Consensus on pharmacological treatment of obesity in Latin America.

A panel of 10 experts in obesity from various Latin American countries held a Zoom meeting intending to reach a consensus on the use of anti-obesity medicines and make updated recommendations suitable for the Latin American population based on the available evidence. A questionnaire with 16 questions was developed using the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (Result) methodology, which was iterated according to the modified Delphi methodology, and a consensus was reached with 80% or higher agreement. Failure to reach a consensus led to a second round of analysis with a rephrased question and the same rules for agreement. The recommendations were drafted based on the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice. This panel of experts recommends drug therapy in patients with a body mass index of ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 plus at least one comorbidity, when lifestyle changes are not enough to achieve the weight loss objective; alternatively, lifestyle changes could be maintained while considering individual parameters. Algorithms for the use of long-term medications are suggested based on drugs that increase or decrease body weight, results, contraindications, and medications that are not recommended. The authors concluded that anti-obesity treatments should be individualized and multidisciplinary.

Evaluation of Machining Variables on Machinability of Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 Using Coated Carbide Tools

The current work was undertaken with the research aim of experimental examination of tool wear, surface roughness and burr formation during the micro-milling of Inconel 718 using different coated tools. Inconel 718 is one of the most widely used materials for purpose-oriented utilization owing to its preferred mechanical and physical properties, including high strength and corrosion resistance. On the opposite end, the machining of Inconel 718 poses certain machinability challenges, which significantly elevates tool wear and subsequently surface roughness. Cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were selected as variable machining inputs. With reference to tool wear, all input variables were found to be significant, with tool coating having the highest contribution ratio of 36.19%. In case of surface roughness, cutting speed and tool coating were identified as effective input parameters with contribution ratios of 51.24% and 34.27%, respectively. Similarly, depth of cut proved to be an influential factor for burr height formation (in both up-milling and down-milling), whereas feed rate had the highest contribution ratios for burr width formation during up-milling and down-milling, i.e., 39.28% and 36.26%, respectively. Consequently, contour plots for output responses were drawn between significant parameters to analyze machinability. One of the vital research outcomes was the identification of a tool coating parameter that is significant for all four analyzed aspects of burr formation. In addition, regression equations were formulated for machining responses. The best- and worst-case scenarios for individual input parameters, as identified from main effects plots, were validated during confirmatory experimentation. Moreover, effects of input variables on output response were characterized using close-up imagery, and dominant wear mechanisms were also identified. The utility of the research is underlined by the optimization of the sustainability and productivity of the manufacturing process.

Effects of posture on heart rate variability in non-frail and prefrail individuals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFrailty is an aging-related syndrome leading to high mortality in older adults. Without effective assessment and prevention of frailty, the incidence of frailty and relevant adverse outcomes will increase by 2050 as worldwide populations age. Although evidence suggested heart rate variability (HRV) is a potential measure of frailty, the role of HRV in frailty assessment remains unclear because of controversial findings. This study examined the effects of posture on HRV parameters in non-frail and prefrail individuals to understand the role of HRV in assessing frailty.MethodsForty-six participants aged ≥ 50 years were recruited between April and August 2022. Frailty was defined using Fried’s criteria. HRV was measured in standing, sitting, and lying postures, respectively, using a Polar Watch, and analyzed using Kubios HRV Standard 3.5.0 (Kubios). The five most commonly used parameters were examined, including standard deviations of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF. Independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney tests were used for inter-group comparisons. Friedman tests were used for intra-group comparisons across postures.ResultsThe non-frail group showed significant differences in HRV parameters across postures (all p < 0.05), whereas the prefrail group did not demonstrate any difference (all p > 0.05). The differences in the non-frail group included higher RMSSD and HF in the lying posture compared to those in the standing posture (29.54 vs 21.99 p = 0.003, 210.34 vs 96.34 p = 0.001, respectively), and higher LF and LF/HF in the sitting posture compared to those in the lying posture (248.40 vs 136.29 P = 0.024, 1.26 vs 0.77 p = 0.011, respectively).ConclusionsThe effects of posture on HRV were blunted in the prefrail group, which suggests an impaired cardiac autonomic functioning. Measuring the effects of posture on HRV parameters may contribute to frailty assessment. However, further evidence from larger cohorts and including additional HRV parameters is needed.

SEAM: An integrated activation-coupled model of sentence processing and eye movements in reading

Models of eye-movement control during reading, developed largely within psychology, usually focus on visual, attentional, lexical, and motor processes but neglect post-lexical language processing; by contrast, models of sentence comprehension processes, developed largely within psycholinguistics, generally focus only on post-lexical language processes. We present a model that combines these two research threads, by integrating eye-movement control and sentence processing. Developing such an integrated model is extremely challenging and computationally demanding, but such an integration is an important step toward complete mathematical models of natural language comprehension in reading. We combine the SWIFT model of eye-movement control (Seelig et al., 2023) with key components of the Lewis and Vasishth sentence processing model (Lewis and Vasishth, 2005). This integration becomes possible, for the first time, due in part to recent advances in successful parameter identification in dynamical models, which allows us to investigate profile log-likelihoods for individual model parameters. We present a fully implemented proof-of-concept model demonstrating how such an integrated model can be achieved; our approach includes Bayesian model inference with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling as a key computational tool. The integrated Sentence-Processing and Eye-Movement Activation-Coupled Model (SEAM) can successfully reproduce eye movement patterns that arise due to similarity-based interference in reading. To our knowledge, this is the first-ever integration of a complete process model of eye-movement control with linguistic dependency completion processes in sentence comprehension. In future work, this proof of concept model will need to be evaluated using a comprehensive set of benchmark data.