Stages Of Process Research Articles

Mechanism of highly efficient oil removal from spent hydrodesulfurization catalysts by ultrasound-assisted surfactant cleaning methods

The removal of crude oil from spent hydrodesulfurization catalysts constitutes the preliminary stage in the recovery process of valuable metals. However, the traditional roasting method for the removal exhibits massive limitations. In view of this, the present study used an ultrasound-assisted surfactant cleaning method to remove crude oil from spent hydrodesulfurization catalysts, which demonstrated effectiveness. Furthermore, the study investigated the mechanism governing the process with calculation and experiments, so as to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cleaning method’s efficacy. The surfactant selection was predicated on the performance in the IFT test, with SDBS and TX-100 finally being chosen. Subsequent calculations and analysis were then conducted to elucidate their frontier molecular orbitals, electrostatic potential, and polarity. It has been found that both SDBS and TX-100 possess the smallest LUMO-HOMO energy gap (ΔE), registering at 4.91 eV and 4.80 eV, respectively, and presenting the highest interfacial reactivity. The hydrophilic structure in the surfactant regulates the wettability of the oil-water interface, and the long-chain alkanes have excellent non-polar properties that promote the dissolution of crude oil. The ultrasonic-assisted process further improves the interface properties and enhances the oil removal effect. Surprisingly, the crude oil residue was reduced to 0.25% under optimal conditions. The final phase entailed the techno-economic evaluation of the entire process, revealing that, in comparison to the roasting method, this process saves $0.38 per kilogram of spent HDS catalyst, with the advantages of operational simplicity and emission-free. Generally, this study shed new light on the realization of efficient oil removal, with the salience of green, sustainable, and economical.

Improved extended empirical wavelet transform for accurate multivariate oscillation detection and characterisation in plant-wide industrial control loops

The conventional extended empirical wavelet transform (EEWT) proposed recently is intended to decompose multivariate signals with clear peaks in power spectra without considering the cases where the signals contain high noise levels. Even when dealing with signals with distinct peaks, the EEWT method can still encounter challenges in properly decomposing the signals. However, plant-wide data from industrial control loops, including controllers’ outputs, process variables, and manipulated variables, are commonly corrupted by high levels of noise, which can be introduced at various stages of data acquisition, transmission, and processing within the control system. To address these limitations and ensure the applicability of the EEWT to real-world industrial data with diverse and challenging characteristics, this paper presents an improved version called the improved extended empirical wavelet transform (IEEWT). The IEEWT incorporates noise-reduced power spectra and detrended fluctuation analysis techniques to enhance the decomposition. The proposed method demonstrates accurate multivariate data decomposition for both simulated and real data sets, surpassing the limitations associated with the conventional EEWT.

Filtering politicisation towards a more social Europe? The European Parliament and EU social legislation

ABSTRACT The European Parliament (EP) has historically positioned itself as an advocate of social Europe. Although the EP has been repositioned from an agenda-setter to a co-legislator, increasing polarisation and politicisation have potentially made agreements on social issues more challenging. This article contributes to the debate on increased politicisation within the EP and its consequences for social Europe, as well as literature on politicisation management, by analysing how politicisation manifests itself and is managed during the committee stage of the EP legislative process. The article asks, to what extent is social Europe politicised within the EP during the committee amendment phase, and how is such politicisation managed at the committee level? Empirically, it analyses three recent directives: the Work-Life Balance Directive (2019), the Minimum Wage Directive (2022) and the Pay Transparency Directive (2023). It finds that the considerable politicisation during the amendment phase is managed by separate, yet simultaneously occurring mechanisms of technocratic filtering and normative filtering. This filtering steers the EP towards a stronger position of social Europe than the initial political division and opposition would suggest while aligning this position to the logic and framing of the Commission’s proposal rather than aiming for a radical expansion of the scope of social Europe.

Insights into fluid evolution and Re enrichment by mineral micro-analysis and fluid inclusion constraints: Evidence from the Maronia Cu-Mo ± Re ± Au porphyry system in NE Greece

AbstractPorphyry-epithermal veins hosting Re-rich molybdenite and rheniite (ReS2) from the Maronia Cu-Mo ± Re ± Au porphyry in Thrace, NE Greece, provide new insights into the hydrothermal processes causing extreme Re enrichment. Quartz trace element chemistry (Al/Ti, Ge/Ti), Ti-in-quartz thermometry, and cathodoluminescence imaging reveal multiple quartz generations in consecutive hydrothermal quartz-sulfide veins associated with potassic, sericitic, and argillic alteration. Fluid inclusions in different quartz generations indicate that phase separation and fluid cooling are the main ore-forming processes in the porphyry stage (~ 500 – 350 °C), whereas mixing of a vapor-rich fluid with metalliferous (e.g., Pb, Zn, Au) meteoric water forms the epithermal veins (~ 280 °C). These processes are recorded by trace element ratios in pyrite that are sensitive to changes in fluid temperature (Se/Te), fluid salinity (As/Sb, Co/As), and mixing between fluids of magmatic and meteoric origin (Se/Ge). Highly variable intra-grain δ34S values in pyrite record S isotope fractionation during SO2 disproportionation and phase separation, emphasizing the importance of in situ δ34S analysis to unravel ore-forming processes. High δ34S (~ 4.5‰) values of sulfides are indicative of low SO42−/H2S fluid ratios buffered by the local host rocks and mixing of the magma-derived fluid with meteoric water. The formation of Re-rich molybdenite (~ 6600 ppm) is favored by cooling and reduction of a magma-derived, high-temperature (~400 °C), oxidized, and Re-rich fluid triggering efficient Re precipitation in early veins in the potassic alteration zone. The systematic temporal fluid evolution therefore reveals that coeval cooling and reduction of oxidized Re-rich fluids cause extreme Re enrichment at the Maronia porphyry system.

Overt Word Reading and Visual Object Naming in Adults with Dyslexia: Electroencephalography Study in Transparent Orthography.

The study aimed to investigate overt reading and naming processes in adult people with dyslexia (PDs) in shallow (transparent) language orthography. The results of adult PDs are compared with adult healthy controls HCs. Comparisons are made in three phases: pre-lexical (150-260 ms), lexical (280-700 ms), and post-lexical stage of processing (750-1000 ms) time window. Twelve PDs and HCs performed overt reading and naming tasks under EEG recording. The word reading and naming task consisted of sparse neighborhoods with closed phonemic onset (words/objects sharing the same onset). For the analysis of the mean ERP amplitude for pre-lexical, lexical, and post-lexical time window, a mixed design ANOVA was performed with the right (F4, FC2, FC6, C4, T8, CP2, CP6, P4) and left (F3, FC5, FC1, T7, C3, CP5, CP1, P7, P3) electrode sites, within-subject factors and group (PD vs. HC) as between-subject factor. Behavioral response latency results revealed significantly prolonged reading latency between HCs and PDs, while no difference was detected in naming response latency. ERP differences were found between PDs and HCs in the right hemisphere's pre-lexical time window (160-200 ms) for word reading aloud. For visual object naming aloud, ERP differences were found between PDs and HCs in the right hemisphere's post-lexical time window (900-1000 ms). The present study demonstrated different distributions of the electric field at the scalp in specific time windows between two groups in the right hemisphere in both word reading and visual object naming aloud, suggesting alternative processing strategies in adult PDs. These results indirectly support the view that adult PDs in shallow language orthography probably rely on the grapho-phonological route during overt word reading and have difficulties with phoneme and word retrieval during overt visual object naming in adulthood.

Understanding the Interplay of Race in the Criminal Justice System

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate and understand the interplay of race in the criminal justice system. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the interplay of race, class and gender in the criminal justice system. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that pervasive racial disparities exist within this institution, as evidenced by disproportionate treatment of racial minorities at various stages of the criminal justice process. It found that despite efforts to promote fairness and equity, implicit biases and systemic racism continued to influence decision-making, leading to disparities in arrests, prosecutions, and sentencing. The study highlighted the interconnectedness of race with other social factors such as socioeconomic status and neighborhood characteristics and underscored the urgency of implementing evidence-based interventions and policy reforms to address racial disparities effectively. Recommendations included diversifying law enforcement agencies, implementing implicit bias training programs, and reforming sentencing guidelines to promote fairness and reduce disparities in incarceration rates. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Critical Race theory, Labeling theory and Structural Functionalism may be used to anchor future studies on the interplay between race and the outcomes within criminal justice. The study provided recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It integrated critical race theory into the analysis to explore systemic racism's role in perpetuating racial disparities. Practically, evidence-based policing strategies and procedural justice principles were emphasized, alongside community policing initiatives and accountability measures to address bias and misconduct. Policy recommendations included reforming sentencing laws, investing in alternatives to incarceration, and addressing social determinants of crime. The study contributed to theory by examining intersecting identities' impact and advocated for community-driven interventions, trauma-informed approaches, and reforms to reduce racial bias and enhance accountability within the criminal justice system.

Unraveling the Mechanisms Involved in the Beneficial Effects of Magnesium Treatment on Skin Wound Healing.

The skin wound healing process consists of hemostatic, inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases, with a complex cellular response by multiple cell types in the epidermis, dermis, and immune system. Magnesium is a mineral essential for life, and although magnesium treatment promotes cutaneous wound healing, the molecular mechanism and timing of action of the healing process are unknown. This study, using human epidermal-derived HaCaT cells and human normal epidermal keratinocyte cells, was performed to investigate the mechanism involved in the effect of magnesium on wound healing. The expression levels of epidermal differentiation-promoting factors were reduced by MgCl2, suggesting an inhibitory effect on epidermal differentiation in the remodeling stage of the late wound healing process. On the other hand, MgCl2 treatment increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), a cell migration-promoting factor, and enhanced cell migration via the MEK/ERK pathway activation. The enhancement of cell migration by MgCl2 was inhibited by MMP7 knockdown, suggesting that MgCl2 enhances cell migration which is mediated by increased MMP7 expression. Our results revealed that MgCl2 inhibits epidermal differentiation but promotes cell migration, suggesting that applying magnesium to the early wound healing process could be beneficial.

Low-Carbon Ecological Tea: The Key to Transforming the Tea Industry towards Sustainability

The realization of the value of ecological products has led to an economic means for reducing carbon emissions in China. Tea is one of the most important cash crops and one of the most popular beverages in the world. Due to the complex the tea industrial chain, it is considered to be an industry with high carbon emissions. Ecological tea products with low-carbon attributes can be considered a linkage of ecology, economy, and society. Based on this, this paper presents research on low-carbon ecological tea (LCT). Herein, we construct the formational logic of low-carbon ecological products, explore the connotations of LCT, and form a conceptual pathway for realizing LCT to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This paper starts from the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the industrial chain; it establishes three value realization pathways that keep, as a priority, the promotion of ecological industrialization, focus on restoration to improve the ecology of the industrial chain, and innovate technology to expand the industrial chain. The pathways are a set of low-emission production solutions that use techniques to enhance carbon sequestration in soil, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and help shift to clean energy from low-emission sources in the stages of plantation, processing, and distribution. In the process of realizing LCT, the government plays an important role, and its support and guidance are needed. Based on stakeholder theory, this paper builds an implementation mechanism that focuses on the micro perspective (users, organizations), integrates the mesoscopic perspective (industry), and relies on the macro perspective (government).

Modality-specific impacts of distractors on visual and auditory categorical decision-making: an evidence accumulation perspective.

Our brain constantly processes multisensory inputs to make decisions and guide behaviors, but how goal-relevant processes are influenced by irrelevant information is unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of intermodal and intramodal task-irrelevant information on visual and auditory categorical decision-making. In both visual and auditory tasks, we manipulated the modality of irrelevant inputs (visual vs. auditory vs. none) and used linear discrimination analysis of EEG and hierarchical drift-diffusion modeling (HDDM) to identify when and how task-irrelevant information affected decision-relevant processing. The results revealed modality-specific impacts of irrelevant inputs on visual and auditory categorical decision-making. The distinct effects on the visual task were shown on the neural components, with auditory distractors amplifying the sensory processing whereas visual distractors amplifying the post-sensory process. Conversely, the distinct effects on the auditory task were shown in behavioral performance and underlying cognitive processes. Visual distractors facilitate behavioral performance and affect both stages, but auditory distractors interfere with behavioral performance and impact on the sensory processing rather than the post-sensory decision stage. Overall, these findings suggested that auditory distractors affect the sensory processing stage of both tasks while visual distractors affect the post-sensory decision stage of visual categorical decision-making and both stages of auditory categorical decision-making. This study provides insights into how humans process information from multiple sensory modalities during decision-making by leveraging modality-specific impacts.

ПРОЦЕССЫ РЕГЕНЕРАЦИИ КОСТНОЙ ТКАНИ ПРИ ПЕРЕЛОМАХ НИЖНЕЙ ЧЕЛЮСТИ

Item. The review of literature devoted to the actual problem of maxillofacial surgery — processes of bone tissue regeneration in mandibular fractures is presented. The purpose of the study — to study and analyze the materials of publications on the processes of bone tissue regeneration in mandibular fractures. Methodology. The publications of domestic and foreign authors devoted to the processes of bone tissue regeneration in mandibular fractures were studied. The publications were analyzed using scientific search library databases: PubMed Central, Google, Cyberleninka, eLibrary. Materials were selected by keywords. Full-text articles were included in the search. Results. In domestic and foreign literature, the processes of restoration of bone structures of the maxillofacial region as an organism's response to damage have been studied and described in detail. It has been established that two processes are simultaneously launched: resorption of damaged osteocytes and formation of osteoid tissue, one of which may be predominant at the moment. Conclusions. The article presents modern data on the key moments of bone tissue regeneration in the region of the mandible. All stages of the reparative process in bone tissue are described at the cellular level, and information about the main mechanisms, pathways and cell types involved in bone tissue regeneration is presented in detail, taking into account the stage of osteogenesis. Knowledge of the regularities of biological processes in the bone tissue regeneration zone allows scientific search and development of effective methods of treatment of mandibular fractures.

Association between physical health and neurocognition in first-episode schizophrenia

IntroductionImpaired cognition is a core feature of schizophrenia that is evident early in the first episode and is frequently accompanied by compromised physical health. Although physical health confers benefits to cognition, it remains unclear whether physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with neurocognition in first episode schizophrenia patients. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in stimulus categorization and motor response selection processes between first-episode schizophrenia patients compared to age-matched controls and explore associations between physical health and these stages of information processing.MethodsFourteen young adult patients receiving care following a first episode of psychosis and a matched sample of nonpsychiatric controls completed a visual oddball task from which the P3 and LRP (lateralized readiness potential) event-related potential (ERP) components were extracted to assess stimulus categorization and response selection processes, respectively. Physical activity, aerobic fitness, and BMI were correlated with ERP measures.ResultsCompared with controls, patients had lower physical activity levels and longer P3 and LRP latencies. Regardless of stimulus probability, patients had reduced accuracy and slower reaction times relative to controls. In patients, marginal associations were found between physical activity and P3 difference waveform amplitude, and BMI was negatively associated with parent P3 waveform amplitude.DiscussionThe present findings suggest that cognitive impairment in first-episode schizophrenia spans both stimulus- and response-related stages of information processing, and may be targeted through physical activity interventions.

Analysis of the Carbon Footprint of Academic Gowns: A Case Study of Thai University

The apparel industry has a significant impact on climate change due to the substantial amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Academic gowns commonly used in Thailand may be a significant contributor to high GHG levels due to apparel consumption. The objective of this study was to quantify the carbon footprint (CF) of an academic gown for bachelor degree students worn during the commencement ceremony at a private Thai university. The evaluation complies with the national guidelines on Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) established by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) in line with ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification. Considering only a single impact category: climate change, GHG emissions were calculated for the entire product life cycle, including raw material acquisition, production process, distribution, use, and the end-of-life (EoL) treatment, and relevant transportation/delivery. Data in this study were collected from the entrepreneur producing academic gowns for rental purposes. The numerical results revealed that CFP of an academic gown with a length of 40 inches, weighing 1,284.30 g, is 42.7 kgCO2-eq over its entire life cycle with 39.71% contributing from use phase and EoL treatment. The stages of raw material acquisition, use phase and production process caused most of the emissions at 41.08%, 33.69% and 18.49%, respectively. The carbon footprint of this gown serves as an important baseline data to enhance design development and the production process for emission reductions.

Improving the photovoltaic performance of CIGS solar cells with the modified 3-stage co-evaporation process

The 3-stage co-evaporation process has been adopted as one of the standard deposition techniques for developing high efficiency CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells. This method often results in a double-graded [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) or x value, leading to a double-graded bandgap in the CIGS films. The main challenge is to increase open-circuit voltage (Voc) without losing short-circuit current density (Jsc) of the devices. To achieve this goal without extra elemental sources or processes during fabrication, the standard 3-stage co-evaporation process could be modified by adjusting the deposition rate of Ga in the 1st and 3rd stages to enhance the double-graded profile of x. In the 1st stage, x1 is varied in the range of 0.37–0.60, whereas x3 is varied in the range of 0.15–0.37 in the 3rd stage. This is to be compared with our reference 3-stage process using constant x1 = x3 = 0.37. The effects of the x values on the photovoltaic properties of the CIGS devices and the elemental depth profiles of the CIGS absorber have been examined. In this work, the champion device has a maximum efficiency of 17.61 %, a Voc of 698.4 mV, a Jsc of 33.81 mA/cm2 and a fill factor (FF) of 76.12 %. This was achieved by using x1 = 0.55 and x3 = 0.25. These parameters demonstrate a significant beneficial improvement over reference 3-stage process and result in the notch position (the minimum of the x value) being approximately 500–800 nm below the surface of the CIGS films.

Fractionation in young cores: Direct determinations of nitrogen and carbon fractionation in HCN

Context. Nitrogen fractionation is a powerful tracer of the chemical evolution during star and planet formation. It requires robust determinations of the nitrogen fractionation across different evolutionary stages. Aims. We aim to determine the 14N/15N and 12C/13C ratios for HCN in six starless and prestellar cores and to compare the results between the direct method using radiative transfer modeling and the indirect double isotope method, assuming a fixed 12C/13C ratio. Methods. We present IRAM observations of the HCN 1–0, HCN 3–2, HC15N 1–0 and H13CN 1–0 transitions toward six embedded cores. The 14N/15N ratio was derived using both the indirect double isotope method and directly through non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) 1D radiative transfer modeling of the HCN emission. The latter also provides the 12C/13C ratio, which we compared to the local interstellar value. Results. The derived 14N/15N ratios using the indirect method are generally in the range of 300-550. This result could suggest an evolutionary trend in the nitrogen fractionation of HCN between starless cores and later stages of the star formation process. However, the direct method reveals lower fractionation ratios of around ~250, mainly resulting from a lower 12C/13C ratio in the range ~20–40, as compared to the local interstellar medium value of 68. Conclusions. This study reveals a significant difference between the nitrogen fractionation ratio in HCN derived using direct and indirect methods. This can influence the interpretation of the chemical evolution and reveal the pitfalls of the indirect double isotope method for fractionation studies. However, the direct method is challenging, as it requires well-constrained source models to produce accurate results. No trend in the nitrogen fractionation of HCN between earlier and later stages of the star formation process is evident when the results of the direct method are considered.

AGV maneuverability simulation and design based on pure pursuit algorithm with obstacle avoidance

This paper discusses the simulation of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with the differential-drive mobile robot (DDMR) concept. Using this wheel configuration, the AGV can maneuver in tight workspaces. However, controlling a self-driving AGV with obstacle avoidance is not easy. Therefore, this paper proposes a control system to drive an AGV with several process stages. First, a kinematic model is formulated to represent the AGV with the concept of two wheels that can be controlled differentially. In the second stage, the pure pursuit control method is applied to the model so that the AGV can follow the waypoint coordinates determined and combine them with obstacle avoidance. Finally, the effectiveness of the control system was verified using simulation. The look-ahead parameter with a value of 0.2 meters shows optimal results so that pure pursuit control can reach all waypoint coordinates. Based on this simulation, the AGV prototype was then designed, assembled, and equipped with an internet of things-based obstacle avoidance system. While the simulation proves promising, the anticipated challenges identified in the AGV field test, such as GPS inaccuracies and signal obstructions, underscore the need for ongoing improvements in real-world applications.

Fenoldopam-mediated increase in autophagy associates with recruiting WIPI2 protein in early endosomes in vascular smooth muscle cells

Autophagy, a crucial cellular homeostatic process, has protective roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Dopamine, a monoamine neurotransmitter, regulates autophagy in the kidney and vascular system. However, the exact roles and mechanisms of dopaminergic system on the regulation of autophagy is not well known. In rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, fenoldopam (FEN, 25 nM/15 min), a D1-like receptor agonist, increased the ATG5 and LC3-II (a late autophagosome maker) protein expression. Consistently, FEN decreased p62/SQSTM1 protein expression. The FEN-mediated increase in ATG5 was attenuated by SCH39166 (1 μM/15 min), a D1- like receptor antagonist, indicating that FEN increased autophagy in the autophagosome formation stage through its D1-like receptors. FEN increased the protein expression of WD Repeat Domain, Phosphoinositide Interacting 2 (WIPI2) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which is important in the early steps of autophagosome formation. FEN (25 nM, 15 min) increased the WIPI2 puncta fluorescence intensity and the colocalization of WIPI2 with EEA1 (Veh: 7.12±1.1% vs FEN: 9.96±0.9%, N=5, P < 0.001, Student’s t test), a typical phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate binding protein in early endosomes, indicating that WIPI2 recruitment in early endosomes is important in the early stage of FEN-mediated autophagic process. Taken together, FEN increases autophagy with WIPI2 recruitment in the early endosomes in vascular smooth muscle cells. This work was supported by US National Institutes of Health grants R01DK134574 and R01DK119652. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effect of Turbulence on the Collision Rate between Settling Ice Crystals and Droplets

Abstract In mixed-phase clouds, graupel forms by riming, a process whereby ice crystals and supercooled water droplets settling through a turbulent flow collide and aggregate. We consider here the early stage of the collision process of small ice crystals with water droplets and determine numerically the geometric collision kernel in turbulent flows (therefore neglecting all interactions between the particles and assuming a collision efficiency equal to unity), over a range of energy dissipation rate 1–250 cm2 s−3 relevant to cloud microphysics. We take into account the effect of small, but nonzero fluid inertia, which is essential since it favors a biased orientation of the crystals with their broad side down. Since water droplets and ice crystals have different masses and shapes, they generally settle with different velocities. Turbulence does not play any significant role on the collision kernel when the difference between the settling velocities of the two sets of particles is larger than a few millimeters per second. The situation is completely different when the settling speeds of droplets and crystals are comparable, in which case turbulence is the main cause of collisions. Our results are compatible with those of recent experiments according to which turbulence does not clearly increase the growth rate of tethered graupel in a flow transporting water droplets.

Aerostructural Wing Optimization Using a Structural Surrogate in a Coupled Adjoint Formulation

As the number of disciplines included in the multidisciplinary design-optimization process continues to increase, it is envisioned that some of the disciplinary tools will take the form of surrogate models, whereas others remain physics-based, depending on the requirements and stage of the design process. To simulate this in the context of an aerostructural optimization of an aircraft wing, the work presented herein features a high-fidelity aerodynamic flow solver, while a surrogate is employed to model the wing structure. This approach includes the evaluation of the sensitivities of both the aerodynamic and structural disciplines, using a coupled-adjoint formulation to enable gradient-based optimization. An important aspect of the method is that the surrogate is trained only once, prior to the optimization, and held fixed throughout. The surrogate in effect parameterizes the structural design process, and outputs the weight and stiffness of an optimized structure, given inputs of geometry parameters and sizing loads. To minimize the number of surrogate inputs and enable the representation of the entire structural design space, parameterized loads are used to build the surrogate. The method is applied to the optimization of the NASA Common Research Model, illustrating the effectiveness of the new approach.

Microfluidic paper analytic device (μPAD) technology for food safety applications.

Foodborne pathogens, food adulterants, allergens, and toxic chemicals in food can cause major health hazards to humans and animals. Stringent quality control measures at all stages of food processing are required to ensure food safety. There is, therefore, a global need for affordable, reliable, and rapid tests that can be conducted at different process steps and processing sites, spanning the range from the sourcing of food to the end-product acquired by the consumer. Current laboratory-based food quality control tests are well established, but many are not suitable for rapid on-site investigations and are costly. Microfluidic paper analytical devices (μPADs) are a fast-growing field in medical diagnostics that can fill these gaps. In this review, we describe the latest developments in the applications of microfluidic paper analytic device (μPAD) technology in the food safety sector. State-of-the-art μPAD designs and fabrication methods, microfluidic assay principles, and various types of μPAD devices with food-specific applications are discussed. We have identified the prominent research and development trends and future directions for maximizing the value of microfluidic technology in the food sector and have highlighted key areas for improvement. We conclude that the μPAD technology is promising in food safety applications by using novel materials and improved methods to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the assays, with low cost.

Optimizing of nanofilm based on polycaprolactone modified with silver vanadate/ turmeric for wound dressing usage

In recent times, wound healing has emerged as a multifaceted biological process, necessitating the development of innovative strategies for designing wound dressing materials with improved properties. These materials should exhibit high antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. The aim is to create wound dressings that possess ideal properties, addressing the diverse requirements of effective wound management. This study involves the fabrication of a special biodegradable scaffold made of polycaprolactone (PCL) using a straightforward and environmentally friendly process called polymer casting. The scaffold is then enhanced with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and Ag3VO4 NPs and turmeric (Tur). As illustrated in cell viability, The fabricated HAP/Ag3VO4/Tur@PCL scaffold reached a significantly high value of viable cells (109 % ± 3 %) using human fibroblast cell line, which is reflecting its great biocompatibility. Furthermore, its (TGA) analysis shows high thermal stability with a weight loss (88.5 %) at 460 ◦C, The UV–vis spectra of the HAP/Ag3VO4/Tur@PCL demonstrated that the scaffold has an extended absorption range reached (427 nm) with a narrow band gap compared to the other samples. Thus, this innovative method of modifying composites based on PCL takes into account intelligent biomedical scaffolds wound healing procedures, featuring uncomplicated designs and improved capabilities.