Performance Characteristics Research Articles

Enhancing Hadoop distributed storage efficiency using multi-agent systems

<p>Distributed storage systems play a pivotal role in modern data-intensive applications, with Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) being a prominent example. However, optimizing the efficiency of such systems remains a complex challenge. This research paper presents a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of distributed storage by leveraging multi-agent systems (MAS). Our research is centered on enhancing the efficiency of the HDFS by incorporating intelligent agents that can dynamically assign storage tasks to nodes based on their performance characteristics. Utilizing a decentralized decision-making framework, the suggested approach based on MAS considers the real-time performance of nodes and allocates storage tasks adaptively. This strategy aims to alleviate performance bottlenecks and minimize data transfer latency. Through extensive experimental evaluation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in improving HDFS performance in terms of data storage, retrieval, and overall system efficiency. The results reveal significant reductions in job execution times and enhanced resource utilization, there by offering a promising avenue for enhancing the efficiency of distributed storage systems.</p>

Multicarrier PWM techniques for three phase modular multilevel converter application in MRI systems

This research paper presents about the performance analysis of three phase modular multilevel converter with level shifted (phase disposition pulse width modulation) and phase shifted pulse width modulation (PWM) method. This research not only discusses the significance of different modulation procedures in the context of modular multilevel converters but also carefully evaluates each of their unique performance characteristics. This research is based on the fundamental creation of pulses and patterns that can only be acquired by comparing sinusoidal reference signals with triangular carrier signal. Both levels shifted (phase disposition) and phase shifted PWM procedures are used to calculate the phase output voltage of a converter at 2N+1 level. The output waveform is crucially shaped by these modulation techniques, which also ensure effective energy conversion and lower harmonic content. On the basis of the output voltage waveform's quality, the comparative research is conducted and simulated results were presented.

Enactment of HBMMC five-level inverter based D-STATCOM using robust controllers

This paper provides the results of a concerted investigation into developing a robust voltage controller for the modular multilevel converter (MMC) used in the D-STATCOM. The simplicity of the half bridge (HB) sub-module, along with the fact that it has minimal conduction losses, led to its adoption in the MMC. For the purpose of controlling the HB MMC switches, an enhanced modulation strategy based on the phase disposition (PD) scheme has been implemented. In the presence of nonlinear load conditions, the converters are experiencing difficulties with the DC voltage balancing. The sliding mode controller (SMC) is utilized so that the DC voltage can be maintained in a balanced state. Performance characteristics including active power, reactive power, dc voltage control and THD are shown and compared. For the purpose of simulating the indicated methodology, MATLAB/Simulink is the tool of choice.

Quantitative Measurement and Evaluation of High-Resolution Ultrasonic Sound Fields using a Novel Automated Ultrasonic Immersion Scanner

Ultrasonic probes are an integral part of the automated ultrasonic non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) systems to detect and size the defects in a wide range of structural materials in production lines. A complete quantitative assessment of the performance characteristics of an application-specific UT probe is needed to be evaluated on the basis of the international standard DIN EN ISO 22232-2. This requirement of full assessment not only improves the quality assurance of the manufactured probes by evaluating the acceptance criteria but also provides the useful technical information to the end-user to optimize the automated ultrasonic testing on-site. In addition, the evaluation of probe characteristics should be carried periodically throughout their service life. In this work, we developed a novel high-precision ultrasonic immersion scanner to evaluate the full ultrasonic probe characteristics which include the squint angle measurement in three different reference planes (XY, XZ, and YZ), RF-signal and its frequency spectrum at water-steel interface, focal distance, focal range, focal width, focal length and also the angle of beam divergence in different planes of the sound field distribution. In the newly developed UT immersion scanner, for the first time, we successfully integrated the high-precision Hexapod with six axes to achieve a few micrometer (~15 µm) spatial-resolution in the measured sound field patterns and a good angular resolution (~0.05°) in the squint angle measurement. In addition, we used a verified UT instrument in accordance with the standard DIN EN ISO 22232-1 to obtain more accurate amplitude values (±0.5 dB) while scanning a test block. The automated scanning, data acquisition, evaluation, visualization and the automated test report generation are carried based on the standard DIN EN ISO 22232-2. The measured sound beam characteristics of both focused and non-focused application-specific ultrasonic probes with center frequencies ranging from 0.2 - 15 MHz using the pulse-echo technique on a 3 mm half-ball steel reflector are presented. In addition, the measured sound beams of an application-specific 5 MHz multi-element transmit-receive (TR) probe using the 3 mm flat-bottomed-hole (FBH) reflector in a steel reference plate are discussed. Finally, the quantitative analysis of the measured sound field results and the acceptance criteria in accordance with DIN EN ISO 22232-2 are discussed.

Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Stability Study of Lippia origanoides Essential Oil-Based Nanoemulsion as a Topical Delivery System.

Fungal diseases are a priority in research, development, and health care, according to the WHO, mainly due to Candida spp. Essential oils (EOs) of the genus Lippia have demonstrated broad antimicrobial biological activity. Previous studies identified the anti-Candida potential of a thymol/p-cymene chemotype EO from Lippia origanoides H.B.K coded "0018". Nanoemulsions favor the biological activity of EOs and overcome limitations such as low solubility, instability against oxidizing agents, pH, light, and low permeability. To develop, characterize, and adjust a prototype of an O/W nanoemulsion containing the "0018" EO from Lippia origanoides for its evaluation in an In vitro permeability study. Nanoemulsions were obtained using a high energy high shear method. Their particle size distribution, Z potential, viscosity, pH, encapsulation efficiency (EE), thermodynamic stability and the Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) were evaluated. The nanoemulsion prototype was adjusted to improve performance characteristics and microbiological efficacy. Thymol was used as an analyte in the EO quantification using UHPLC-DAD. An O/W nanoemulsion with hydrodynamic diameter <200 nm and polydispersity index <0.3, EE >95%, with TSI < 1.5, anti-Candida albicans efficiency >95% was obtained; permeable with a flow of 6.0264 µg/cm2/h and permeability coefficient of 1.3170x10-3 cm/h. A pharmaceutical formulation prototype is obtained that maintains the physical and physicochemical characteristics over time. Permeability is verified in an in-vitro model. It is proposed to evaluate its antifungal activity in preclinical or clinical studies as a contribution to the treatment of topical fungal diseases caused by Candida spp., through the use of biological resources and Colombian biodiversity.

Peak Performance: Characteristics and Key Factors in the Development of the World Top-8 Swimmers Based on Longitudinal Data.

This study aimed to investigate the peak performance characteristics of the world top-8 swimmers and the key factors involved in the journey toward achieving better peak performance. The results of the world top-8 swimmers from 2001 to 2022 were collected from the World Aquatics performance database. Progression to peak performance was tracked with individual quadratic trajectories (1191 cases). Utilizing k-means clustering to group competitive feature variables, this study investigated key developmental factors through a binary logistic regression model, using the odds ratio (OR) to represent whether a factor was favorable (OR > 1) or unfavorable (OR < 1). Significant differences (P < .001) in the peak age between men (23.54/3.80) and women (22.31/4.60) were noticed, while no significant differences (P > .05) in the peak-performance window for both sexes appeared. Peak performance occurred at later ages for the sprint for both sexes, and women had a longer duration in peak-performance window for sprint (P < .05). Peak-performance occurred at later ages for the breaststroke and butterfly for both sexes (P < .05). Binary logistic regression revealed that high first-participation performance (OR = 1.502), high major-competition performance (OR = 4.165), early first-major-competition age (OR = 1.441), participation frequency above 4 times/year in both phase 2 (4.3-8.0 times/y, OR = 3.940; 8.1-20.0 times/y, OR = 5.122) and phase 3 (4.1-7.5 times/y: OR = 5.548; 7.7-15.0 times/y: OR = 7.526), and a career length of 10years or more (10-15y, OR = 2.102; 16-31y, OR = 3.480) were favorable factors for achieving better peak performance. Peak performance characteristics varied across sex, swimming stroke, and race distance in the world top-8 swimmers. Meanwhile, the research indicated that certain specific developmental factors were key conditions for the world top-8 swimmers to achieve better peak performance in the future.

Https://epg.science.cmu.ac.th/ejournal/journal-detail.php?id=11813

In this study, waste magnesite (WM) particles with different weight fractions (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) were used as particulate material in 6061 aluminium alloy to produce composites with improved properties. The composite material was manufactured using a stir-casting method. A surface morphology investigation confirms the uniform distribution and good interfacial bonding of the WM particles within the alloy base. The addition of 5% WM particles was found to improve the values of tensile strength of 146.68 MPa, hardness of 131.6 HV and coefficient of friction of 0.565. Incorporating 7.5% WM was found to give a low wear of 161 μm and a corrosion current of 8.5 x 10-6 A. The results obtained confirm that such a proportion of WM particles in Al 6061 alloy provides excellent anticorrosion protection, wear properties, and good mechanical properties. Adding 5% WM to Al 6061 improves overall performance characteristics among other ratios.

Оценка нестабильности последовательных впрыскиваний топливной аппаратуры дизелей

The issues of uneven cyclic feed in sequential injections by diesel fuel equipment are considered, which is directly related to solving the problem of ensuring the quality of operation of engines of various types and purposes when operating at low loads and rotational speeds. The special importance of solving these problems from the standpoint of ensuring fuel efficiency, environmental pollution, solving issues of engine reliability and improving their operational properties was noted. The features of the formation of residual fuel pressure in the high-pressure pipeline are revealed. The periodic fluctuations of the cyclic feed and injection parameters from cycle to cycle are estimated. A study of possible options for the operation of fuel equipment in low fuel supply modes has been carried out. Based on the analysis, a criterion for evaluating the instability of successive injection cycles for diesel fuel equipment during its operation in various modes has been introduced. By studying numerical examples, the conditions of unstable fuel supply processes in successive injections of various characteristic modes are determined. The criterion determines the quality of the fuel equipment of marine diesel engines and diesel generators in terms of ensuring a minimum stable idle speed and the possibility of ensuring stable reduced fuel supplies. The variability of fuel supply processes in sequential feeds is the cause of increased exchange processes of electric power flow during parallel operation of diesel alternators and reduces the performance characteristics of diesels for various purposes when operating in partial modes. In the process of carrying out development work, scientific research and during the refinement of diesels, the instability criterion allows us to assess the quality of the fuel equipment precisely in partial modes. This is of particular importance for diesel engines of fishing vessels operating for a long time at shared loading modes and low idle speeds, as well as for engines of the tugboat fleet and auxiliary diesel generator sets of all types of facilities used.

Verification of the analytical performance of the serum magnesium assay on Abbott Architect ci8200

Magnesium is recognized as the fourth most important cation in the body and the second most abundant intracellular cation, following potassium. Its physiological significance lies in its capacity to form complexes with crucial intracellular anionic ligands, notably ATP, and its ability to compete with calcium for specific binding sites on proteins and cell membranes. Over 300 enzyme reactions rely on magnesium. The concentration of free magnesium within cells determines the magnesium content of these enzymes. Magnesium influences myocardial contraction and the electrical activity of myocardial cells, as well as the specialized conduction systems of the fetus, by modulating the transmembrane movements of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Furthermore, magnesium can affect the contractility of vascular smooth muscle, and alterations in intracellular magnesium levels may impact cell proliferation or contraction. Magnesium is involved in nucleic acid and protein metabolism, intermediary metabolism, energy production, and consumption reactions, and it plays specific roles in various physiological systems such as the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. Our research aims to assess the analytical accuracy of the serum magnesium assay method utilizing an Abbott kit on the Architect ci8200 automated system in the biochemistry laboratory of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda. The evaluation of the kit's analytical accuracy was conducted within the flexible scope A by conducting a performance analysis on the Architect ci8200. We examined repeatability, reproducibility, measurement imprecision, and compared results between two Architect ci8200 instruments. All findings align with the acceptability criteria recommended by the supplier and the Valtec protocol of the Société Française de Biologie Clinique (SFBC), indicating overall satisfactory outcomes for the study. The Architect ci8200 automated system demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance for reliably determining serum magnesium levels. Method verification in medical laboratories is essential to guarantee the accuracy, precision, and reliability of test results. Verification entails confirming that the test method used is suitable for its intended purpose, yields result consistent with the claimed performance characteristics, and meets the laboratory's quality control and quality assurance standards.

Effects of dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia Coli F4.

We evaluated the effects of supplementing yeast mannan-reach-fraction on growth performance, jejunal morphology and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with E. Coli F4. A total of 20 crossbred piglets were used. At weaning, piglets were assigned at random to one of four groups: piglets challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (C-MRF, n = 5); piglets challenged and fed the basal diet (C-BD, n = 5); piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (NC-MRF, n = 5), and piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet (NC-BD). Each dietary treatment had five replicates. On days 4, 5 and 10, piglets were orally challenged with 108 CFU/mL of E. Coli F4. C-MRF piglets had higher BW (p = 0.002; interactive effect) than C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.02; interactive effect) ADG in comparison with C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.04; interactive effect) ADFI than C-BD piglets. The diameter of lymphoid follicles was larger (p = 0.010; interactive effect) in the tonsils of C-MRF piglets than C-BD piglets. Lymphoid cells proliferation was greater in the mesenteric lymphnodes and ileum (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) of C-MRF piglets. A reduction (p > 0.05) in E. Coli adherence in the ileum of piglets fed MRF was observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation was effective in protecting weaned piglets against E. Coli F4 challenge.

A novel penalty function-based interval constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm for uncertain problems

To directly address problems involving uncertain objectives and constraints, a novel penalty function-based interval constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm (PF-ICMOA) was developed. It comprises three main components: an uncertainty propagation-based interval constraint solver, an interval constraint violation function, and a two-stage penalty function. The uncertainty violation of interval constraints can be accurately evaluated by the proposed advanced multi-objective optimization algorithm using a segmentation function without requiring multiple interval analyses. Additionally, by applying penalties to infeasible solutions in the two-stage process, partially feasible and superior infeasible solutions are retained in the early stages of evolution, while superior feasible solutions are favored in the later stages. A novel benchmark was designed and the effect of the imprecision factor on the Pareto front was examined in details. Comparisons with seven deterministic constraint handling techniques demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for solving interval constrained multi-objective optimization problems, demonstrating that PF-ICMOA is a highly competitive method for balancing the feasibility, convergence, and diversity performance characteristics.

Improvement of Traditional Energy-Saving Cold Alley Spaces: Case Study of Shixiangyuan Garden Renovation and Expansion Project in Guangzhou

Traditional cold alleys have the ability to adapt to hot climates with cooling and insulation, which is a traditional design method that conforms to sustainable development. Due to the limited depth of space and the adoption of mechanical ventilation in most contemporary architectural design, this passive energy-saving method is gradually being ignored. In this study, we use ventilation measurement and simulation to explore the characteristics of ventilation performance in the cold alleys of the renovation and expansion project of Shixiangyuan Garden. The research, using anemometers and thermometers for measurement, aims to explore how Shixiangyuan Garden can utilize its existing environment and improve it to adapt to local conditions, and also discusses the methods of increasing the number of air vents to improve the overall ventilation performance of the alleys, as well as the effects of form changes caused by utilizing water and plants to supplement the soft interface. Although many studies have explored the mechanisms of cold alleys in traditional architecture, few have discussed the variance of cold alley forms that could adapt to the limited depths of newly constructed buildings. This study attempts to explore the potential for this through simulation. The purpose is to find new ways to inherit the sustainable advantages of cold alleys in new projects.

Study on triaxial compression performance and damage characteristics of fiber-reinforced ecological matrix cementing gangue gypsum fill material.

Polypropylene fiber was equally mixed into alkali-activated slag fly ash geopolymer in order to ensure the filling effect of mine goaf and improve the stability of cemented gangue paste filling material with ecological matrix. Triaxial compression tests were then conducted under various conditions. The mechanical properties and damage characteristics of composite paste filling materials are studied, and the damage evolution model of paste filling materials under triaxial compression is established, based on the deviatoric stress-strain curve generated by the progressive failure behavior of samples. Internal physical and chemical mechanisms of the evolution of structure and characteristics are elucidated and comprehended via the use of SEM-EDS and XRD micro-techniques. The results show that the fiber can effectively improve the ultimate strength and the corresponding effective stress strength index of the sample within the scope of the experimental study. The best strengthening effect is achieved when the amount of NaOH is 3% of the mass of the solid material, the amount of fiber is 5‰ of the mass of the solid material, and the length of the fiber is about 12 mm. The action mode of the fiber in the sample is mainly divided into single-grip anchoring and three-dimensional mesh traction. As the crack initiates and develops, connection occurs in the matrix, where the fiber has an obvious interference and retardation effect on the crack propagation, thereby transforming the brittle failure into a ductile failure and consequently improving the fracture properties of the ecological cementitious coal gangue matrix. The theoretical damage evolution model of a segmented filling body is constructed by taking the initial compaction stage end point as the critical point, and the curve of the damage evolution model of the specimen under different conditions is obtained. The theoretical model is verified by the results from the triaxial compression test. We concluded that the experimental curve is in good agreement with the theoretical curve. Therefore, the established theoretical model has a certain reference value for the analysis and evaluation of the mechanical properties of paste filling materials. The research results can improve the utilization rate of solid waste resources.

Theoretical modeling of a bottom-raised oscillating surge wave energy converter structural loadings and power performances

This study presents theoretical formulations to evaluate the fundamental parameters and performance characteristics of a bottom-raised oscillating surge wave energy converter (OSWEC) device. Employing a flat plate assumption and potential flow formulation in elliptical coordinates, closed-form equations for the added mass, radiation damping, and excitation forces/torques in the relevant pitch-pitch and surge-pitch directions of motion are developed and used to calculate the system's response amplitude operator and the forces and moments acting on the foundation. The model is benchmarked against numerical simulations using WAMIT and WEC-Sim, showcasing excellent agreement. The sensitivity of plate thickness on the analytical hydrodynamic solutions is investigated over several thickness-to-width ratios ranging from 1:80 to 1:10. The results show that as the thickness of the benchmark OSWEC increases, the deviation of the analytical hydrodynamic coefficients from the numerical solutions grows from 3 % to 25 %. Differences in the excitation forces and torques, however, are contained within 12 %. While the flat plate assumption is a limitation of the proposed analytical model, the error is within a reasonable margin for use in the design space exploration phase before a higher-fidelity (and thus more computationally expensive) model is employed. A parametric study demonstrates the ability of the analytical model to quickly sweep over a domain of OSWEC dimensions, illustrating the analytical model's utility in the early phases of design.

A Microfluidic, Multi-Antibody Cell Capture Method to Evaluate Tumor Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients With Suspected Leptomeningeal Metastases.

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a clinical sequela of central nervous system metastasis involving the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), often seen in late-stage solid tumors. It has a grave prognosis without urgent treatment. Standard of care methodologies to diagnose LMD include CSF cytology, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical evaluation. These methods offer limited sensitivity and specificity for the evaluation of LMD. Here, we describe the analytic performance characteristics of a microfluidic-based tumor cell enrichment and detection assay optimized to detect epithelial cells in CSF using both contrived samples as well as CSF from patients having suspected or confirmed LMD from carcinomas. To demonstrate the feasibility of using a microfluidic, multi-antibody cell capture assay to identify and quantify tumor cells in CSF. An artificial CSF solution was spiked with 34 different human carcinoma cell lines at different concentrations and assayed for the ability to detect tumor cells to assess analytic accuracy. Two cell lines were selected to assess linearity, intra-assay precision, interinstrument precision, and sample stability. Clinical verification was performed on 65 CSF specimens from patients. Parameters assessed included the number of tumor cells, coefficient of variation percentage, and percentage of tumor cell capture (TCC). Among contrived samples, average tumor cell capture ranged from 50% to 82% (261 of 522; 436 of 531), and coefficients of variation ranged from 7% to 67%. The cell capture assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95% among clinical samples. This assay demonstrated the ability to detect and enumerate epithelial cells in contrived and clinical specimens in an accurate and reproducible fashion. The use of cell capture assays in CSF may be useful as a sensitive test for the diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of LMD from solid tumors.

Combustion and emission characteristics of distilled waste plastic pyrolysis oil-gasoline blends using single cylinder motorcycle petrol engine

ABSTRACT This study assessed the performance and emissions characteristics of a single cylinder, 2-stroke motorcycle spark ignition engine (Esoo 150 cc) utilising clay-catalytically produced distilled waste plastic pyrolysis oil (DWPPO) fuel. The clay catalyst and fuel properties were analysed using established standard testing procedures. The engine performance and exhaust gas emissions were determined for various fuel blends and compared with those of commercial gasoline at various parameters. Results showed that distilled pyrolysis fuel properties (kinematic-viscosity: 6.4 × 10–7 m2/s; caloric-value: 47.82 MJ/kg) were enhanced compared to kinematic viscosity of 1.92 × 10–6 m2/s and caloric value of 44.41 MJ/kg for Crude Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil. Notably, chemical composition of distilled fuel collected within a temperature range of 90°C-180°C closely resembled those of pure gasoline. It was also shown that 50% Distilled Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil (D50WPPO) significantly improved the brake power, brake thermal efficiency and reduction in brake specific fuel consumption while operating at full load conditions with various DWPPO-Gasoline blends and pure gasoline. Unburned hydrocarbon emissions reduced by 40% when the engine was fuelled with D50WPPO. The study concluded that DWPPO can potentially be employed as a substitute of conventional gasoline without any engine modifications.

Physical Capacities and Combat Performance Characteristics of Male and Female Olympic Boxers

ABSTRACT Purpose: The study characterized the anthropometrical and cardiorespiratory profile, and the cardiorespiratory, bio-chemical and immunological responses to 3 × 3 min round (R) free-contact/combat boxing simulation, in elite Olympic Boxers (4 female and 10 male). Methods: The evaluation consisted of resting metabolic rate, anthropometric measurement, maximal graded test exercise (visit 1), free combat simulation (3 × 3 min R, 1 minute rest), and blood samples collected before, during and after the combat (visit 2). Results: Respectively, females and males had (mean±SD; or median: for non-parametric data) body fat percentage (17.2[3.5] and 4.6[0.8]%), predominantly mesomorphic somatotyping, and V ˙ O 2 MAX (50.0 ± 2.5 and 56.2 ± 5.2 ml.kg−1.min−1). The free combat simulation resulted in high cardiovascular strain [mean heart rate corresponding to R1: 92 ± 3; R2: 94 ± 2; and R3: 95 ± 2% of maximal HR] and blood chemistry indicative of acidosis (following R3: 7.21 ± 0.08 pH, bicarbonate 13.1 ± 3.6 mmol.L−1, carbon dioxide 13.9 ± 3.8 mmol.L−1, lactate 15.1 ± 3.8 mmol.L−1, and glucose 8.4 ± 1.3 mmol.L−1). Further, notable general catabolism, hematological and immune responses were evident post combat simulation (1-hour post R3: creatinine 95.2 ± 14.5 µmol.L−1, urea 6.4 ± 1.3 mmol.L−1, white blood cell accumulation 7.8 ± 2.6 × 109.L−1, hemoglobin 14.9 ± 0.8 g.dL−1 and hematocrit 43.7 ± 1.9%). Conclusions: Notable cardiovascular strain and acidosis are seen from the 3 × 3 free combat simulation whilst pronounced catabolism and immune responses are evident 1-hour post R3. This characterization is the first in male and female (who recently adopted the 3 × 3 min R format, as used by males) elite Olympic boxers and provides a characterization framework to assist practitioners and athletes in their attempts to deliver evidence-informed practice for specific conditioning session design.

Investigation of engine performance, exhaust emissions, and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with Adansonia digitata methyl ester doped with nanosilica additive extracted from agricultural waste

AbstractRecent studies have used nanoparticle additions to enhance the fuel properties of biodiesel. However, it is unclear how these additives would affect engine operation. The effects of commercial nanoadditives on engines have been the subject of several studies. The current study focuses on nanoparticles derived from agricultural waste – specifically rice husk (RH) – to enhance their value. This study therefore examined silica (SiO2) doped with Adansonia digitata methyl ester (ADME) and tested it in a diesel engine. All nanofuel blends were prepared using an ultrasonication process, incorporating 400 ppm of SiO2 nanoparticles, fuels, and 1% surfactants. The results revealed that the brake thermal efficiencies (BTE) at maximum brake power (BP), for B20, B20 + SiO2, B100, and B100 + SiO2 fuels, were 29.9%, 28.2%, 28.44%, and 27.1%, respectively. Brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC) was also reduced when the engine ran from 4 to 16 kW BP. The exhaust gas temperature (EGT) of B100 and B100 + SiO2 increased more than that of B20. The peak heat release rates (HRR) of the B100 + SiO2 and B20 + SiO2 were slightly higher by 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively than the neat B100 at medium BP. However, in‐cylinder gas pressure (CGP) increased in the following order: B20 + SiO2 &lt; B20 &lt; B100 &lt; B100 + SiO2 &lt; B0. Moreover, the exhaust emissions of nanofuel blends showed a greater reduction in CO, total hydrocarbon (THC), CO2, NOX, and particulate matter (PM) in comparison with B20 and B100. Overall, this study recommends that SiO2 nanoadditive is a beneficial substitute fuel additive to use with biodiesel and its blends due to enhanced engine performance efficiency and reduced emissions.

Responsiveness and validity of the Normal Hand Score in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression.

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Selective dual sensing strategy for free and vitamin D3 micelles in food samples based on S,N-GQDs photoinduced electron transfer.

A reliable nanotechnological sensing strategy, based on anS,N-co-doped graphene quantum dot (GQD) platform, has been developed to distinctly detect two key variants of vitamin D3, specifically the free (VD3) and the nanoencapsulated form (VD3Ms). For this purpose, food-grade vitamin D3 micelles were self-assembled using a low-energy procedure (droplet size: 49.6 nm, polydispersity index: 0.34, ζ-potential: -33 mV, encapsulation efficiency: 90 %) with an innovative surfactant mixture (Tween 60 and quillaja saponin). Herein, four fluorescent nanoprobes were also synthesized and thoroughly characterized: S,N-co-doped GQDs, α-cyclodextrin-GQDs, β-cyclodextrin-GQDs, and γ-cyclodextrin-GQDs. The goal was to achieve a selective dual sensing strategy for free VD3 and VD3Ms by exploiting their distinctive quenching behaviors. Thus, the four nanosensors allowed the individual sensing of both targetsto be performed (except α-CD-GQD for VD3Ms), but S,N-GQDs were finally selected due to selectivity and sensitivity (quantum yield, QY= 0.76) criteria. This choice led to a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism associated with static quenching, where differentiation was evidenced through a displayed 13-nm hypsochromic (blue) shift when interacting with VD3Ms. The reliability of this dual approach was demonstrated through an extensive evaluation of analytical performance characteristics. The feasibility and accuracy were proven in commercial food preparations and nutritional supplements containing declared nanoencapsulated and raw VD3, whose results were validated by a paired Student's t-test comparison with a UV-Vis method. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first non-destructive analytical approach addressing the groundbreaking foodomic trend to distinctly detect different bioactive forms of vitamin D3, while also preserving their native nanostructures as achemical challenge, thus providing reliable information about their final stability and bioavailability.