Separation Strategy Research Articles

Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy: Unraveling the molecular mechanisms: A cross-sectional study.

Epilepsy is characterized by having two or more unprovoked seizures. Understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy, requires deep investigation into the molecular mechanisms. This helps develop diagnostic techniques, treatments, and pharmacotherapy. It also enhances precision medicine and individualized treatment processes. This article reviews all the molecular mechanisms predisposing to epileptogenesis, presents the current diagnostic techniques and drug therapy, and suggests future perspectives in treating Epilepsy in a more comprehensive and holistic approach. Four authors searched keywords concerning epilepsy at a molecular level, Epilepsy diagnostic techniques and technologies, and antiepileptic drug therapy and precision medicine. Separate search strategies were conducted for each concern and retrieved articles were reviewed for relevant results. The traditional diagnostic techniques for Epilepsy and its pathogenesis are insufficient in highlighting dynamic brain changes. For this, emerging technologies including genetic sequencing and profiling, and functional neuroimaging techniques are prevailing. Concerning treatment, the current approach focuses on managing symptoms and stopping seizures using antiseizure medications. However, their usage is limited by developing resistance to such drugs. Some therapies show promise, although most antiseizure drugs do not prevent epilepsy. Understanding epileptogenesis at a molecular and genetic level aids in developing new antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. The aim is to develop therapies that could prevent seizures or modify disease course, decreasing the severity and avoiding drug resistance. Gene therapy and precision medicine are promising but applications are limited due to the heterogeneity in studying the Epileptic brain, dynamically. The dynamic investigation of the epileptic brain with its comorbidities works hand-in-hand with precision medicine, in developing personalized treatment plans.

Distinct optical soliton solutions to the fractional Hirota Maccari system through two separate strategies

The real-world phenomena are characterized with the assistance of nonlinear evolution equations. The present study explores interesting and effective appropriate solitary wave solutions of Hirota Maccari system (HMs) in the sense of beta fractional derivative. This nonlinear model is popular for its significant role in explaining the phenomena relating to plasma physics, optical fibers, and marine engineering. The solitons arise in the mentioned model state how the waves maintain amplitude and shape during the propagation in fiber which is important for long distance data transmission and fiber optic technology. We impose the improved auxiliary equation and improved tanh approaches on the suggested model and accumulate numerous wave solutions in a successful manner. The well-furnished solutions are characterized through graphical representations in 3D, 2D and contour profiles to illustrate the dynamic nature of nonlinear optical solitons. The effects of the wave phase are brought out with the assistance of multiple 2D outlines. A variety of solitons are noticed alongside peakon, kink, anti-kink, singular kink, cuspon, singular bell, anti-bell, bell, periodic and compacton etc. N-shape soliton and M-shape soliton are also constructed in this study. A comparison view of the achieved solutions with the existing results of literature is drawn for highlighting the novelty and diversity of the present entire work. The achieved optical solitons alongside other solutions might be significant to analyze the nonlinear phenomena in signal processing and optic fiber communication.

An efficient and clean treatment of spent carbon cathode via fluorination roasting: Deep separation strategy for insoluble aluminosilicates

Currently, the efficient recovery of graphite from spent carbon cathode (SCC) remains challenging under conventional conditions due to the coexistence of insoluble aluminosilicates. This study aimed to explore deep separation strategies for insoluble aluminosilicates. A fluorination roasting process for efficient separation of insoluble aluminosilicates was developed based on thermodynamic calculations. The parameters of fluorination roasting and water leaching were sequentially optimized. In-situ XRD, TG-MS, and molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the dissociation of insoluble aluminosilicates during fluorination roasting. The separation mechanism of insoluble aluminosilicate was proposed. Subsequently, the recovered graphite carbon (RGC) was deeply purified. Results showed that the purified graphite carbon with high carbon content (99.52 wt%) and low fluorine leaching toxicity (7.6 mg·L−1) was obtained. On this basis, SCC, RGC, and PGC were used to partially replace calcined petroleum coke (CPC) to prepare carbon anodes for aluminum electrolysis. The carbon anode prepared by PGC blending demonstrated comparable performance to that of the CPC-based carbon anode. Finally, ammonium fluoride was successfully regenerated through the cascade utilization of exhaust gas, water, and acid leachate. The proposed dissociation and resource utilization strategy were anticipated to achieve the simultaneous safe disposal and efficient recycling of SCC.

The Business Process Management for Healthcare (BPM+ Health) Consortium: motivation, methodology, and deliverables for enabling clinical knowledge interoperability (CKI).

To enhance the Business Process Management (BPM)+ Healthcare language portfolio by incorporating knowledge types not previously covered and to improve the overall effectiveness and expressiveness of the suite to improve Clinical Knowledge Interoperability. We used the BPM+ Health and Object Management Group (OMG) standards development methodology to develop new languages, following a gap analysis between existing BPM+ Health languages and clinical practice guideline knowledge types. Proposal requests were developed based on these requirements, and submission teams were formed to respond to them. The resulting proposals were submitted to OMG for ratification. The BPM+ Health family of languages, which initially consisted of the Business Process Model and Notation, Decision Model and Notation, and Case Model and Notation, was expanded by adding 5 new language standards through the OMG. These include Pedigree and Provenance Model and Notation for expressing epistemic knowledge, Knowledge Package Model and Notation for supporting packaging knowledge, Shared Data Model and Notation for expressing ontic knowledge, Party Model and Notation for representing entities and organizations, and Specification Common Elements, a language providing a standard abstract and reusable library that underpins the 4 new languages. In this effort, we adopted a strategy of separation of concerns to promote a portfolio of domain-agnostic, independent, but integrated domain-specific languages for authoring medical knowledge. This strategy is a practical and effective approach to expressing complex medical knowledge. These new domain-specific languages offer various knowledge-type options for clinical knowledge authors to choose from without potentially adding unnecessary overhead or complexity.

An exploration of novel natural gas leak detection based on the efficient CH4/N2 separation of polymer blend membrane

The CH4/N2 high-efficiency membrane separation technology is capable of effectively enriching CH4 from natural gas, and holds great potential for application in the fields of biogas purification and natural gas pipeline leak detection. However, preparing high-performance separation membranes is challenging due to the similarity between CH4 and N2 molecules. To enhance the CH4/N2 separation performance, block polyetheramide copolymer (Pebax)/EVA blended membranes were fabricated in this study. Additionally, a novel gas leakage detection tube was prepared. The EVA14 (14 wt% VA) membrane exhibits an optimal transport-facilitated channel among a series of pure EVA membranes, resulting in a CH4 permeability of 21.41 Barrer and CH4/N2 selectivity reaches 1.80 under mixed-gas feed conditions at 35 °C. The CH4 permeability of Pebax/EVA (30 wt%) reaches 120.5 Barrer by physical blending, and the CH4 permeability is increased by 191 % in comparison with pure EVA14 membrane. The Pebax/EVA (10 wt%) membrane exhibits the optimum CH4/N2 selectivity, and compared with pure EVA membrane increased by 35.5 %. EVA and Pebax polymers are blended for the first time for CH4/N2 separation, and the blending of block polyetheramide copolymer intensifies the membrane's separation performance comprehensively. The natural gas leak detection tube was fabricated with a membrane, offering a new and efficient CH4/N2 separation strategy.

Temperature and pH dual response flexible silica aerogel with switchable wettability for selective oil/water separation

Silica aerogels are attractive oil-absorbing agents due to their low density, high porosity. However, how to discharge the oil which adsorbed by silica aerogels is a difficult issue. To address this challenge, new separation strategies with high efficiency are needed. In this study, we prepared the temperature and pH dual response flexible silica aerogel have temperature response and pH response effect, which can change its wettability by adjusting temperature or pH. On the one hand, the temperature and pH responsive flexible silica aerogel can be used to adsorb water at the temperature below 34.73 °C or pH > 7. On the other hand, it can adsorb oil at a temperature above 34.73 °C or pH < 7. The automatic desorption of oil can be achieved without consuming additional energy and damaging the pore structure. Therefore, the sample could continuously adsorb and filtrate efficiently and realize the recovery of oil and adsorption materials.

Soap-Film Membranes for CO2/Air Separation.

Thin liquid films are a potential game changer in the quest for efficient gas separation strategies. Such fluid membranes, which are complementary to their solid counterparts involving porous materials, can achieve complex separation by combining permeability and adsorption mechanisms in their liquid core and at their surface. In addition, unlike porous solid membranes that must be regenerated between separation steps to recover a gas-free porosity, thus preventing continuous operation, liquid membranes can be regenerated using continuous liquid flow through the fluid film. Here, building on the self-sustained mobile film technique, we propose a simple experimental setup allowing direct quantitative assessment of the gas permeability of soap films stabilized by different surfactant types. Using a simple prototypical example involving O2/N2 mixtures, the measurement principle is first presented to establish a proof of concept. As the gas solubilities and diffusivities are known, the results of such experiments can be compared with microscopic models to disentangle the liquid core and surface permeabilities from a direct macroscopic transport response of the film subjected to a gas concentration difference. The same dynamical experiments performed for air enriched in CO2 indicate that the permeability of the soap film varies with the molar fraction in the gas compartment, a feature not observed for O2/N2. These experimental findings pave the way for the design of novel separation technologies in fields and situations where porous solid membranes are of limited efficiency.

The route for commercial photoelectrochemical water splitting: a review of large-area devices and key upscaling challenges.

Green-hydrogen is considered a "key player" in the energy market for the upcoming decades. Among currently available hydrogen (H2) production processes, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has one of the lowest environmental impacts. However, it still presents prohibitively high production costs compared to more mature technologies, such as steam methane reforming. Therefore, the competitiveness of PEC water splitting must rely on its environmental and functional advantages, which are strongly linked to the reactor design, to the intrinsic properties of its components, and to their successful upscaling. This review gives special attention to the engineering aspects and categorizes PEC devices into four main types, according to the configuration of electrodes and strategies for gas separation: wired back-to-back, wireless back-to-back, wired side-by-side, and wired separated electrode membrane-free. Independently of the device architecture, the use of concentrated sunlight was found to be mandatory for achieving competitive green-H2 production. Additionally, feasible strategies for upscaling the key components of PEC devices, especially photoelectrodes, are urgently needed. In a pragmatic context, the way to move forward is to accept that PEC devices will operate close to their thermodynamic limits at large-scale, which requires a solid convergence between academics and industry. Research efforts must be redirected to: (i) build and demonstrate modular devices with a low-cost and highly recyclable embodiment; (ii) optimize thermal and power management; (iii) reduce ohmic losses; (iv) enhance the chemical stability towards a thousand hours; (v) couple solar concentrators with PEC devices; (vi) boost PEC-H2 production through the use of organic compounds; and (vii) reach consensual standardized methods for evaluating PEC devices, at both environmental and techno-economic levels. If these targets are not met in the next few years, the feasibility of PEC-H2 production and its acceptance by industry and by the general public will be seriously compromised.

Experimental study on Q-learning control of airfoil trailing-edge flow separation using plasma synthetic jets

In this paper, a continuous Q-learning algorithm is deployed to optimize the control strategy of a trailing-edge airfoil flow separation at a chord-based Reynolds number of 2×105. With plasma synthetic jets issued at the middle chord and a hot wire placed in the separated shear layer acting as the actuator and sensor, respectively, a high-speed reinforcement learning control at an interaction frequency of 500 Hz is realized by a field-programmable gate array. The results show that in the Q-learning control, the controller only needs several seconds to elevate the instantaneous reward to a level close to the final mean reward, and convergence of the control law typically takes less than 100 s. Although the relative drag reduction achieved by Q-learning control (10.2%) is only slightly higher than the best open-loop periodical control at F∗=4 (9.6%), the maximum power saving ratio is improved noticeably by 62.5%. Physically, Q-learning control creates more turbulent fluctuations, earning more rewards by increasing the transition possibilities toward high-value states. With increasing penalty strength of plasma actuation, the final control laws obtained from Q-learning exhibit a decreasing number of active states. Detailed comparisons between the open-loop and Q-learning control strategies show that the statistics of the controlled velocity fields remain similar, yet the turbulent fluctuations contributed by the vortex shedding mode are reduced by constant-frequency plasma actuation.

Preparation of chiral metal–organic framework l-his-MIL-53-NH2@SiO2 composite by in situ growth and chiral post-modification strategies for HPLC enantiomeric separation

l-his-MIL-53-NH2@SiO2 core–shell composite microspheres were prepared by in situ growth and chiral post-modification strategies for chiral separation.

Rapid analysis of the chemical constituents in Qiangli Dingxuan tablets using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

Qiangli Dingxuan (QLDX) tablet is a widely recognized traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been extensively used in China for decades to treat vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness owing to its outstanding therapeutic outcomes. However, the complexity of the chemical components in this tablet makes it challenging to separate and identify these components. This study presented an effective and sensitive strategy for the rapid separation and simultaneous structural identification of QLDX tablet components using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and the UNIFI platform. Based on retention times, accurate masses, fragment ions, related literature, and authentic standards, 119 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized; these included 9 iridoids, 12 lignans, 21 phenylpropanoids, 27 flavonoids, 7 phthalides, and 43 others. Among them, 36 were confirmed using reference standards. The representative compounds with various chemical structures were studied by analyzing their fragmentation patterns and characteristic ions. In conclusion, this study established a rapid approach for characterizing the chemical constituents in QLDX tablet. The proposed approach provides a basis for qualitative analysis and quality control in the manufacturing process and is beneficial for advancing investigations into the efficacy and mechanism of action of this tablet.

Green and efficient separation of vanadium and chromium from high-chromium vanadium slag: a review of recent developments

Strategies for efficient extraction and separation of vanadium and chromium from high-chromium vanadium slag with green chemistry principles are summarized.

A highly efficient in situ redox stabilization strategy for Am-Cm separation using AgBiO3.

AgBiO3 is reported for the exclusive oxidation of Am3+ → AmO2+ at near-neutral pH conditions. Literature methods of AmO2+ generation are generally two-step processes; i.e., Am3+ → AmO22+ oxidation followed by AmO22+ → AmO2+ reduction. These methods for Am3+ → AmO2+ oxidation use high temperatures (80-100 °C) and/or several reagents, causing the in situ presence of the AmO2+-complex rather than the AmO2+aq ions. This not only interferes with the much-needed Am-Cm selectivity but also limits the use of AmO2+aq in any other experimental study. The single-step Am3+ → AmO2+ oxidation in the present work using AgBiO3 is done at 25 °C in a non-complexing medium at pH ∼4, making it a first-of-its-kind report. Am-Eu and Am-Cm separation in a single contact, with a separation factor >104, was achieved using the present method, which is unprecedented among aqueous feed solutions. The AmO2+ generated using the present method under non-complexing pH conditions makes it also suitable for exploring the fundamental chemistry of the higher valent americyl ion. A complexation study using the thus-generated AmO2+ ion with acetate ion supports the concept.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ДЕРЖАВНОГО РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ЕКОЛОГІЗАЦІЇ АГРАРНОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА

The article considers the ecologization of agricultural production as a key factor for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, which ensures the production of environmentally friendly agricultural products. The necessity of adapting the agricultural sector to the new market conditions of management, where state regulation and support for the ecologization of agricultural production is important, which is aimed at reducing the negative impact of agricultural activities on the environment, is substantiated. The importance of the process of state regulation of the agricultural sector, aimed at ensuring the food security of the country and the priority increase in the efficiency of agricultural production, is investigated. The reasons for the negative impacts of the use of agricultural land due to hostilities on the territory of the country, which have worsened their ecological condition, are revealed. The main factors affecting the environmental situation in the agricultural sector of our country are highlighted. The basics of state policy in the field of environmental development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine are determined, which are represented by separate goals, concepts and strategies for its development in the domestic regulatory and legal legislation for the future. The main measures of ecologization of agricultural production are highlighted, which will contribute to the conservation of natural resources, increase environmental safety and sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The mechanism of state support for the ecologization of agricultural production, which acts as the legislative embodiment of the means of state regulation to ensure the development of agriculture on an environmental basis, is described. In order to ensure the process of ecologization of agricultural production, the components of such a mechanism are disclosed. The importance of forming a state strategy for the ecologization of agricultural production within the framework of the functioning of the mechanism of its state support is indicated. The main tasks of the authorities in the process of creating a system for managing the harmonization of agriculture and livestock relations are highlighted. It was found that effective state regulation and support for the ecologization of agricultural production ensures the creation of conditions for the formation of a developed and modern market of domestic high-quality environmental products, the rational use of natural resources and their preservation for future generations.

Research Model Analysis of Muscle Power and Measuring Methods

Momentum is one of the most common sources of power for collecting. This article is important in the development of human power as it is a motivational investigation into the wood chipping process. An effective computational framework was established for the following variables: the power required to accelerate the spinning wheel, arterial pressure rise, and time needed for achieving spinning wheel speed. Five people with different physical characteristics pedaled. The energy production unit and output necessary for every individual are to be evaluated. The method of cycling and engaging the power transmitter can be considered a different subject of inquiry in this study. A separate experimental strategy was devised to measure human energy, and many factors were identified for further investigation for the first time, an effort was made to calculate the amount of human power necessary to operate any machine. The originality of the present study is regarded as of the utmost significance since it is transferable to any mathematical framework developed.

Strategie akulturacyjne wśród międzynarodowych studentów anglojęzycznych programów zarządzania w Polsce

The primary objective of this study was to identify the acculturation strategies employed by international students enrolled in English-speaking management programs in Poland. The study employed two research models: the Tridimensional Acculturation Model developed by Ferguson et al. (2012) and the Relative Acculturation Extended Model (RAEM) proposed by Navas et al. (2005). Both models conceptualize acculturation as a multifaceted and context-dependent process. International students pursuing full-time management study programs exemplify a group susceptible to remote acculturation conditions (Ferguson and Bornstein, 2012). The study was based on in-depth interviews with 19 individuals and was carried out with the use of the Cultural Identity Mapping technique (Ferguson, 2018). Three acculturation strategies employed by students have been identified: separation (an orientation towards the culture of origin while rejecting elements of other cultures), integration (a simultaneous orientation towards two cultures), and multicultural strategy (an orientation towards more than two cultures). The identification of the third strategy contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the limitations of twodimensional acculturation models which fail to encapsulate the increasing complexity and diversity of individuals’ acculturation experiences (e.g., Sam &amp; Ward, 2021; Rudmin, 2006). Finally, remote acculturation turned out to play an important role in the processes associated with the acquisition of the third culture.

Interlayer confinement mediated oxidation of americium by sodium bismuthate and stability of its higher redox states in acidic solution.

Mutual separation of trans-plutonium actinides (Ans) from lanthanides (Lns) or adjacent Ans is challenging as they exhibit great chemical similarity. Selective Am oxidation-based Am-Lns or Am-Cm separation strategies give very high separation factors. There exist several reports on different aspects of Am3+ oxidation by NaBiO3·xH2O (x = 2-3), which suggests that the oxidation mechanism is still not well understood. We, therefore, carefully performed several experiments taking advantage of the difference in the redox chemistry of Eu3+ and Am3+. The ion exchange of Eu3+ with the interlayer Na+ in NaBiO3 was confirmed by an ionic strength variation experiment. The shift in the 001 peak of NaBiO3 in XRD and the appearance of peaks corresponding to the trivalent Ln ions in XRF after Ln3+ loading give direct evidence for Na+ exchange with Ln3+. The stability of the higher oxidation state of Am was monitored spectrophotometrically. The experimental investigations also suggested the role of Am3+ → AmO22+ transformation in NaBiO3·xH2O (x = 2-3) dissolution even at pH ∼ 1, which otherwise is difficult to achieve even with >1 M HNO3. The role of colloidal NaBiO3 particles and dissolved BiO3- in controlling or stabilizing different oxidation states of Am was also discussed.

Bioinspired superwetting oil–water separation strategy: toward the era of openness

Bioinspired superwetting oil–water separation strategy is summarized from confined-space to open-space, from static to dynamic devices. Strategies are evaluated and compared and current challenges and feasible solutions are emphasized.

Multi-step PDMS curing and a controlled separation method for mass manufacturing of high-performance and user-friendly micro-devices: valved micropumps.

Although valved micropumps have powerful performance, their popularized application is limited by high technical barriers and high costs brought by complex microstructures. Herein, we propose a multi-step PDMS curing method and a local PDMS separation strategy to achieve mass, standardized, and low-cost manufacturing of valved micropumps, solving their popularized problems by promoting role separation between manufacturers and users. The multi-step curing and the centralized structural layout enable a volume 20 times smaller than other valved micropumps. The lithography mold quality is the main reason for only 74% yield, and using metal molds would be a better alternative. Theoretical analysis shows that the thickness and diameter of the pump membrane are the main factors in designing different driving capabilities of the micropump. By driving the micropump through periodic fluid pressure, the results show that the flow rate is positively related to the input pressure and exhibits two flow rate formation mechanisms at high and low frequencies. Its powerful back pressure generating ability also indicates that the micropump has wide application prospects as injection pumps. The micropump also demonstrates tremendous flexibility and convenience in integration, driving, and application. The multi-step PDMS curing and controlled separating ideas show popularization value for other microfluidic components, such as one-way valves, hoping to innovate the microfluidics field.

Passive fractionating mechanism for oil spill using shear-wettability modulation.

Oil spillage and organic solvent leakage have been a frequent occurrence in recent years, which pose a significant threat not only to the aquatic ecosystems but also result in substantial economic burdens. This has necessitated the search for materials capable of separating oil from water at enhanced efficiency with superior mechanical and thermal properties. In this study, we conduct a set of systematic molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the potential of two-dimensional graphene-like channels under extreme confinement to achieve efficient oil-water separation. Effective modulation of the wetting characteristics of graphene-like surfaces juxtaposed with unconventional flow behavior at the nanoscale unveils differential interaction of water and oil molecules towards the wall, thereby resulting in distinct separation zones for varying compositions of the oil-water mixture. Such separation zones have been observed to be highly correlated with mixture temperature, which provides effective separation pathways across diverse environmental conditions. Our study offers a paradigm shift in oil-water separation strategies, which not only provides deeper insights into the equilibrium and dynamic behavior of a two-phase mixture but also holds immense implications for the development of smart, wettability-based oil separation devices.