Shortest Route Research Articles

A New Quaternized Chitosan-Based Catalyst Obtained by an Environmentally-Friendly Synthesis Route for Green Production of Carbonated Molecules from Terminal Epoxides

Abstract Using CO2 as a building block to produce monomers through carbonation (cycloaddition reaction) provides an attractive approach to carbon dioxide valorization. The design of an efficient, cheap, and reusable catalyst for epoxide carbonation remains a challenge. In this paper, a new quaternized chitosan catalyst, useful for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides, was developed. The new catalyst was obtained using a short and straightforward route, including the use of non-depolymerized chitosan and benign reactants such as succinic anhydride (a food additive), at room temperature. The catalyst allowed the carbonation of glycidyl methacrylate at 100 °C, 2 MPa, and 6 h reaction without any solvent required, with 98% epoxide conversion and 87% selectivity to the carbonated product. The catalyst was reused during 3 cycles showing stable values of conversion and selectivity to the carbonated GMA. The selectivity to the carbonated GMA remained stable at 87% during seven recycles. The use of non-depolymerized chitosan as a precursor is a key point that brought durability to the catalyst in comparison to depolymerized chitosan. The catalyst was also used in the carbonation of two di-epoxides (1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether) at 100 °C and 2 MPa affording high yields to the carbonated products.

Graded Walking Energetics under Cold Strain.

Although research supports selecting steeper routes to minimize metabolic rate (Ṁ) in mountain racers, the "steeper is cheaper" strategy has yet to be confirmed for slower, more typical graded walking speeds under cold stress. Confirm whether "steeper is cheaper" is true for typical graded walking speeds in individuals exposed to incremental cold stress. Fourteen healthy, military-age adults (age, 24 ± 6 years; height, 1.72 ± 0.08 m; body mass, 72 ± 16 kg) completed four 20-min treadmill walks in three ambient temperatures (20, 10, and 0 °C) in light clothing (i.e., shorts, t-shirt, light gloves). Each walk involved five stages at incremental vertical speeds (0.00, 1.93, 3.86, 5.79, 7.79 m·min-1) but variable treadmill speeds (0.54, 0.72, 1.07 m·s-1). To verify the "steeper is cheaper" strategy, we compared Ṁ between treadmill speeds at matched vertical speeds in each temperature. We also tested if the 90% confidence interval around the mean percent paired difference between Load Carriage Decision Aid (LCDA) metabolic model predictions and measured Ṁ was within ±10%. Ṁ was significantly higher for the faster treadmill speed at matched vertical speeds in all but two comparisons at 20 °C, all but two comparisons at 10 °C, and all comparisons at 0 °C (p < 0.05). LCDA metabolic model predictions were statistically equivalent to measured Ṁ during graded walking at 20 °C (90% CI, -3.1, 0.6%) and 10 °C (-7.8, -2.6%) but not 0 °C (-16.2, -9.5%). Route planners should recommend steeper but shorter routes to minimize Ṁ in individuals that walk in temperate-to-cold environments. The LCDA metabolic model provides accurate Ṁ predictions in lightly dressed individuals in temperatures down to 10 °C, but users should expect underestimated Ṁ in 0 °C or colder.

Effect of etching time on the synthesis of MXene Ti3C2 via a short microwave-assisted radiation route

Effect of etching time on the synthesis of MXene Ti3C2 via a short microwave-assisted radiation route

Trip route optimization based on bus transit using genetic algorithm with different crossover techniques: a case study in Konya/Türkiye

With the importance of time and cost in today’s world, it is essential to solve problems in the best way possible. Optimization is a process used to achieve this goal and is applied in several areas, one of which is route planning. Route optimization minimizes the use of resources such as fuel, distance, and time. This study aims to optimize the traveler’s route, allowing the traveler to save money on fuel and visit more tourist attractions by utilizing the time saved. For this purpose, an application is developed that presents the attractions in a chosen province and then finds the acceptable route between the selected attractions. According to the obtained visit order, the bus or buses that will provide the fastest transportation between both locations are presented. The route is determined with a genetic algorithm (GA), which is known as one of the most effective optimization algorithms. In order to select the most appropriate crossover operator of the genetic algorithm, the performances of seven methods, namely One Point Crossover (OX1), Two Point Crossover (OX2), Position Based Crossover (PBX), Order Based Crossover (OBX), Partially Mapped Crossover (PMX), Cycle Crossover (CX) and Inversion Crossover (IX) are tested on the real-world problem in Konya/Türkiye. In addition, parameter tuning is performed for the values of the algorithm’s parameters such as population size, number of iterations, crossover rate, and mutation rate. As a result of the comparison, PBX is defined as the most suitable method for the problem. In addition, combinations of the four crossover methods (PMX, PBX, OX1, OX2) that obtained the best results according to the experimental analyses were compared. The comparison show that combinations of the PBX method are found to be the most suitable and the use of crossover techniques as ensemble is more effective than crossover techniques used separately. Furthermore, the best combination method named PBX + OX1 of GA was compared with ABC, ACO, SA, TSA, and PSO methods. This method is determined to find the maximum number of feasible solutions for a 14-stop real-world problem and it’s the shortest route in all trials and handling them in fewer iterations.

Utilization of the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transport Agreement (GMS-CBTA)

The aim of this study was to analyze spatial data on the current status and progress in the implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA). Problems, obstacles, and opportunities related to the agreement during implementation were examined. This qualitative research was performed using field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and brainstorming in focus groups. The results revealed that there is a need to develop road and rail transportation systems that connect with the customs houses of Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai in Thailand. Cross-border transportation with neighboring countries needs to be improved as well because the transportation through customs houses is cheap and provides certain schedules. Cross-border regulations were found to be a major obstacle. In order to promote smooth cross-border transportation, negotiations at the state-to-state level and private-to-private level are needed. The connection of logistics networks under the GMS-CBTA framework will be flexible and can be adjusted according to the changing situations in the region and globally. Cooperation of the GMS in the transportation system could provide a mainland link that connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It could provide a short and fast alternative route that could promote the potential of GMS competition at a global level, enhance bargaining power, and maintain the balance of power in the region.

Synthetic Access to l-Guluronic Acid via Fluorine-Directed C-5 Epimerization.

l-Guluronic acid is integral to the structures of alginates and to the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The exploitation of this hexose in both existing and new contexts is, however, limited by its prohibitively high commercial cost. We report on a short and efficient synthetic route to an l-GulA building block from a simple d-mannose thioglycoside. In this synthesis, the fluorine-directing effect is exploited to achieve a stereoselective C-5 epimerization. DFT calculations illuminate the substituent effects, which operate to confer this selectivity.

Regional and seasonal impact of hydrogen propulsion systems on potential contrail cirrus cover

The decarbonization of air transportation requires novel propulsion concepts in order to replace fossil kerosene powered gas turbines. Within various options, H2 based propulsion is one of the most promising candidates, at least for regional and short haul routes. However, despite the potential to reduce CO2 emissions to zero, those aircraft can still have a significant climate impact due to increased contrail formation caused by higher water emission when using H2 as a propellant. In order to understand potential changes in the climate impact of H2 powered air traffic, it is crucial to evaluate how the potential for contrail formation and the potential contrail cirrus cover would change under representative atmospheric conditions. To this end, we developed a tool which uses several years of meteorological reanalysis data (ERA-5 and MERRA-2) in combination with contrail formation conditions adjusted to H2 gas turbine and H2 Fuel Cell propulsion in order to investigate their regional and seasonal variation. Contrail formation conditions for three different propulsion settings (kerosene gas turbine, H2 gas turbine and H2 fuel cell) are calculated to obtain global statistics of potential contrail cover and potential contrail cirrus cover over 12 years. For H2 based propulsion contrails are more likely to form due to the increased water vapor emission. However, this does not necessarily translate into the climatically relevant potential for contrail cirrus formation. Focusing on three hot spots of regional air traffic, we find that the difference between kerosene and H2 scenarios has a strong systematic dependency on season, altitude and latitude. Maximum differences in potential contrail cirrus cover are found in the transition region from typically no-contrail to contrail forming conditions at a potential contrail cover around 50%. In contrast, less to no difference in potential contrail cirrus cover is found at very high (close to 100%) or rather low potential contrail cover. This study demonstrates, that the question whether H2 powered air traffic produces more climate relevant contrail cirrus can not be parameterized by a simple factor but rather strongly depends on the propulsion type, season, region and flight altitude.

Cumulative workload comparison between lifting routes of heavy lifting tasks from a biomechanical perspective

Heavy lifting tasks at work sites can cause musculoskeletal disorders. One strategy to avoid such disorders is to choose a work motion with low cumulative physical workload during the work. This study investigated whether the cumulative workload between different work motions can be compared from a biomechanical perspective. The work motions were analyzed biomechanically by a digital human model. The cumulative workload was calculated using the time integrated value of the product of the torque and the amount of motion at each joint, i.e., an index proposed by a previous study. The results showed that the lifting operation with the shortest route is not always optimal in terms of cumulative workload on the whole body. This indicates the importance of selecting work motions based on a cumulative workload index obtained by mechanical analysis.

Navigating the network: Comparing modular and non-modular neighborhoods for better pedestrian flow

This study examines the evolution implications of neighborhood planning, focusing on modular and non-modular Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs). Modular NPUs, such as those in Abu Dhabi, feature structured patterns that facilitate large-scale growth. Non-modular NPUs, like those in Dubai, have irregular street layouts lacking a clear planning language. This research analyzes 28 samples from 17 neighborhoods to evaluate the effectiveness of these configurations in promoting ordered, direct, and short routes to destinations within a 5- to 15-minute walk. Metrics used include Orientation Order (normalized entropy) and Pedestrian Route Directness (PRD). At 400 m, all neighborhoods had efficient, direct routes. However, at 1200 m, Abu Dhabi's modular neighborhoods provided more direct routes than Dubai's non-modular neighborhoods, which failed the directness test on all networks. While Orientation Order indicates network alignment, it did not correlate with directness at any tested scale; instead. block size and street density were the strongest predictors of route directness. In Abu Dhabi, even fragmented modular layouts achieved high Orientation Order and direct walking routes. Conversely, although some of Dubai's non-modular neighborhoods, had high Orientation Order, they struggled to provide direct walking routes. These results underscore the importance of modulatory and physical design in shaping planning policy.

Study on the Structural and Electrochemical Characteristics of End of Life Battery Electrode Delaminating Process

Demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been increased dramatically over the years due to the rapid market expansion of electric vehicles and Energy storage system(ESS). Current commercial lithium ion batteries mainly contain nickel, cobalt, manganese metal oxides, lithium, phosphates, aluminum, copper, graphite, organic electrolytes and other chemicals. Therefore, the recycling and reuse of used lithium-ion batteries at the end of their useful life are of great interest by many researchers. However, due to the high energy density, high safety and low price of lithium-ion batteries, the difference and variety are large, which poses great difficulties in recycling waste lithium-ion batteries.Lithium ion batteries recycling typically involves both physical and chemical processes. Physical processes typically include pretreatment and direct recovery of electrode materials. These processes typically include decomposition, crushing, screening, magnetic separation, washing, heat treatment, etc. The chemical processes can generally be divided into pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes which include leaching, separation, extraction and chemical/electrochemical precipitation. Recently, recycling technologies for lithium secondary batteries through a direct regeneration process have been attracting attention. Directly regeneration technique has the advantages of short recovery route, low energy consumption, eco-friendly compared to pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. In order to recover the cathode active material from the separated electrode plate, a process for separating the PVDF binder and the cathode active material is required. In general, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is the most common solvent for the manufacture of cathode electrodes in the battery industry. Although ~99% of the solvent used in electrode manufacturing is recovered, it is however limited in several countries due to negative environmental impacts.In this study, the cathode materials were separated electrode from used lithium ion cell using various wet-chemistry. Chemical, structural, and electrochemical characteristics of the cathode materials and substrate were investigated.

Randomly Twisted Hypercubes: Between Structure and Randomness

ABSTRACTTwisted hypercubes are generalizations of the Boolean hypercube, obtained by iteratively connecting two instances of a graph by a uniformly random perfect matching. Dudek et al. showed that when the two instances are independent, these graphs have optimal diameter. We study twisted hypercubes in the setting where the instances can have general dependence, and also in the particular case where they are identical. We show that the resultant graph shares properties with random regular graphs, including small diameter, large vertex expansion, a semicircle law for its eigenvalues and no non‐trivial automorphisms. However, in contrast to random regular graphs, twisted hypercubes allow for short routing schemes.

Solving blockage problem of the 5G mmWaves Wireless Communications using Jellyfish Search Optimizer

The 5G technologies are aimed to support a variety of vertically connected applications with heterogeneous devices and machines with significant improvements in terms of higher quality of service, increased network capacity and improved system throughput. However, 5G systems still face a number of challenges mentioned by researchers and organizations, and among these challenges, we highlight that millimeter wave links are very susceptible to blockage. If the line-of-sight communication path is blocked, reflexive path communication can help maintain communication. The shortest route was to take an alternate route when the first route was blocked. Among the proposed solutions to the blocking problem is an algorithm to distribute the power between different mmWave communication paths in order to overcome the masses of links under randomly distributed obstacles. The problem has been resolved with an exact method. In this article, we have optimized all the results of this exact method by applying a powerful metaheuristic technique called jellyfish search optimizer to maximize the overall capacity of the path between two nodes. The results showed that our approach procures an improvements exceed 100% over the results of the exact method.

Synthesis of Azabicyclic Isosteres of Piperazine 2S-Carboxylic Acid.

Methods have been developed for the stereocontrolled synthesis of bicyclic diaza [3.3.0] octane carboxylic acids as possible isosteres of piperazine 2S-carboxylic acid. In the first approach, l-pyroglutamic acid was functionalized adopting new as well as documented reaction sequences via Michael and aza-Michael reactions, leading to two of the four intended isosteres. An alternative shorter route relying on enolate chemistry starting with N-Pf 4-keto l-proline methyl ester led to two other isosteres. Calculated pKa values and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have provided some insights into the relative basicities of the nitrogen atoms in these diaza [3.3.0] octane carboxylic acids in relation to piperazine 2S-carboxylic acid.

Identifying older adults at risk for dementia based on smartphone data obtained during a wayfinding task in the real world.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the most common form of dementia and leading cause for disability and death in old age, represents a major burden to healthcare systems worldwide. For the development of disease-modifying interventions and treatments, the detection of cognitive changes at the earliest disease stages is crucial. Recent advancements in mobile consumer technologies provide new opportunities to collect multi-dimensional data in real-life settings to identify and monitor at-risk individuals. Based on evidence showing that deficits in spatial navigation are a common hallmark of dementia, we assessed whether a memory clinic sample of patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) who still scored normally on neuropsychological assessments show differences in smartphone-assisted wayfinding behavior compared with cognitively healthy older and younger adults. Guided by a mobile application, participants had to find locations along a short route on the medical campus of the Magdeburg university. We show that performance measures that were extracted from GPS and user input data distinguish between the groups. In particular, the number of orientation stops was predictive of the SCD status in older participants. Our data suggest that subtle cognitive changes in patients with SCD, whose risk to develop dementia in the future is elevated, can be inferred from smartphone data, collected during a brief wayfinding task in the real world.

Birds of passage: Rudolf Peierls and Dick Dalitz in Oxford

Abstract This paper traces the different routes that Rudolf Peierls and Dick Dalitz travelled on their way to being the founding members of a new Department of Theoretical Physics in Oxford. Peierls had had the good fortune to meet all of the originators of modern quantum mechanics in Europe and had been able to apply the new theory to many areas of physics. At Birmingham with Otto Frisch he wrote the famous Frisch-Peierls Memorandum which showed that it was possible to develop an atomic bomb. Dalitz had a shorter route to Oxford and worked with Peierls at Birmingham and Hans Bethe at Cornell before rejoining Peierls in Oxford after seven years in Chicago. His pioneering work on both the τ-θ puzzle and on the constituent quark model are then briefly described. The efforts of both Rudolf and Genia Peierls to create a ‘Bohr extended family’ model for his department in both Birmingham and Oxford are described, along with some observations about their style of theoretical physics research as ‘phenomenologists’.

The Middle Corridor in current geopolitical turbulence

The Middle Corridor is emerging as a crucial alternative trade route due to recent geopolitical shifts. It provides a viable alternative to the established Northern Corridor, which connects Europe and Asia through Russia. The Middle Corridor offers shorter routes and access to emerging markets with significant growth potential. This study aims to assess the geopolitical impact of activating the Middle Corridor, analyze cargo traffic along the route, and evaluate both operational impacts and strategic implications. Addressing infrastructure and operational challenges, as well as securing necessary investments, will be essential for the corridor’s long-term success and competitiveness in global trade. For the participating countries, this corridor represents an opportunity to diversify trade routes and reduce dependency on the Northern Corridor.

Toward green container liner shipping: joint optimization of heterogeneous fleet deployment, speed optimization, and fuel bunkering

AbstractContainer liner shipping companies, under the international shipping carbon reduction indicators proposed by the International Maritime Organization, must transform two key aspects: technology and operations. This paper defines a green liner shipping problem (GLSP) that integrates the deployment of a heterogeneous fleet, speed determination, and fuel bunkering. The objective is to achieve low‐carbon operations in liner shipping, taking into consideration the diversification of power systems, the use of alternative fuels in ships, and the continuous improvement of alternative fuel bunkering systems. For this purpose, we present a bi‐objective mixed integer nonlinear programming model and develop two methodologies: an epsilon‐constraint approach and a heuristic‐based multi‐objective genetic algorithm. We validate the effectiveness of our model and methods through a case study involving container ships of various sizes deployed on intra‐Asian short sea routes by SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd. The experimental results highlight the crucial role of dual‐fuel (DF) ships in the pursuit of low‐carbon strategies by liner companies, with liquefied natural gas and ammonia DF ships being the most widely used. Additionally, fuel cell (FC) ships, particularly those powered by ammonia and hydrogen, demonstrate significant carbon reduction potential. Furthermore, ships with larger container capacities have a greater cost advantage. For the GLSP, speed determination is an auxiliary decision, and the lowest speed is not necessarily the optimal choice. Decision‐makers must carefully balance competing economic and carbon emission reduction objectives, as deploying more alternative fuel ships may increase fuel bunkering and fuel consumption, resulting in a higher total operating cost.

Implementasi Algoritma A* (A-Star) untuk Mencari Rute Terpendek dari Kelurahan Cibubur ke Perpustakaan Nasional Republik Indonesia

Traffic congestion is a major challenge in Indonesia's big cities, including Jakarta, causing unpredictable travel times, increased pollution and reduced quality of life. The causes of traffic jams in Jakarta include limited road infrastructure, an increase in the number of vehicles, and disorderly driver behavior. One solution is to utilize available alternative routes to reduce congestion and provide more efficient travel options. The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta, although it provides complete facilities to support learning and research activities, is often difficult to access due to traffic jams. Travel from the outskirts of cities such as Cibubur to the city center can be hampered by traffic jams at certain points. Therefore, an effective method is needed to find the closest and fastest route. The A* algorithm is an optimal and efficient route finding algorithm, often used in navigation and route planning. Implementation of the A* algorithm can help drivers find the fastest and shortest routes, reduce travel time, save fuel, and increase transportation efficiency. The research results show that of the three routes studied (Jl. Raya Bogor, Jl. DI Pandjaitan, and Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said), the DI Pandjaitan route is the fastest route with a distance of 1,561.5 km. The implementation of the A* method is expected to help find community routes quickly and overcome congestion problems and lack of knowledge about alternative routes.

Does the stress axis mediate behavioural flexibility in a social cichlid, Neolamprologus pulcher?

Behavioural flexibility plays a major role in the way animals cope with novel situations, and physiological stress responses are adaptive and highly efficient mechanisms to cope with unpredictable events. Previous studies investigating the role of stress responses in mediating behavioural flexibility were mostly done in laboratory rodents using stressors and cognitive challenges unrelated to the ecology of the species. To better understand how stress mediates behavioural flexibility in a natural context, direct manipulations of the stress response and cognitive tests in ecologically relevant contexts are needed. To this aim, we pharmacologically blocked glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in adult Neolamprologus pulcher using a minimally invasive application of a GR antagonist. GR blockade prevents the recovery after a stressful event, which we predicted to impair behavioural flexibility. After the application of the GR antagonist, we repeatedly exposed fish to a predator and tested their behavioural flexibility using a detour task, i.e. fish had to find a new, longer route to the shelter when the shortest route was blocked. While the latencies to find the shelter were not different between treatments, GR blocked fish showed more failed attempts during the detour tasks than control fish. Furthermore, weak performance during the detour tasks was accompanied by an increase of fear related behaviours. This suggests that blocking GR changed the perception of fear and resulted in an impaired behavioural flexibility. Therefore, our results support a potential link between the capacity to recover from stressors and behavioural flexibility in N. pulcher with potential consequences for an effective and adaptive coping with changing environments.

Design, Synthesis, and Structural Evaluation of Acetylated Phenylthioketone Inhibitors of HDAC10.

Histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10) is unique among the greater HDAC family due to its unusually narrow substrate specificity as a polyamine deacetylase, specifically as an N 8-acetylspermidine hydrolase. Polyamines are essential for cell growth and proliferation; consequently, inhibition of polyamine deacetylation represents a possible strategy for cancer chemotherapy. In this work, we have designed six acetylated phenylthioketone inhibitors of HDAC10 containing positively charged para- and meta-substituted amino groups designed to target interactions with E274, the gatekeeper that recognizes the positively charged ammonium group of the substrate N 8-acetylspermidine. We prepared each of these inhibitors through a short synthetic route of six steps. By adapting a low-cost colorimetric activity assay, we measured low-micromolar IC50 values for these compounds against a humanized construct of zebrafish HDAC10 (A24E-D94A HDAC10). Selected inhibitors were cocrystallized with A24E-D94A zebrafish HDAC10 and zebrafish HDAC6 to provide insight into class IIb isozyme affinity and selectivity.