Test System Research Articles

Monitoring of Viral Infections in Vegetable Crops in Agroecosystems of Ukraine

Information on the abundance and diversity of phytopathogenic viruses in Ukraine is very variable and limited. There is a high importance of a complex study of the species composition and ways of spreading crop viruses, as well as the development of epiphytotic forecasting systems, which will help to limit the ranges of these viruses and save crop yields. Consequently, the aim of our study was to explore the species composition and frequency of mono- and mixed virus infection of vegetable crops in Ukrainian agrocenoses and to identify the possible etiology of its occurrence. Methods. The samples were analyzed for the presence of viral antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sandwich and indirect modifications. For the detection of viral antigens in ELISA, test systems manufactured by Loewe were used. To identify the virus, the material was homogenized and purified, and then registered on a reader. Results. The frequency of vegetable crops damaged by diseases of viral etiology increased by 25–27% compared to the previous years of the study. Serological analysis showed that 59% of the studied samples of the Cucurbitaceae family and 54% of the Solanaceae family were affected by the main viral diseases most common in Ukraine. The seed way of transmission of vegetable viruses in Ukraine was demonstrated as one of the sources of viruses in agrocenoses. The presence of antigens to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in 14.3% of the studied seeds, zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) – 11.2%, and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) – 12.6% was shown. This allows us to suggest that sowing those seeds in the future will contribute to the spread of these viruses across Ukraine. Analysis of soil samples showed the presence of antigens of cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco mosaic virus, and potato virus X. The lowest level of antigens to CMV was detected in the soils of Vinnytsia region, to PVX – in the Kyiv and Cherkasy regions, and to TMV – in the Odesa region. Conclusions. Vegetable agrocenoses in Ukraine are more often affected by viruses belonging to the Tobamovirus, Cucumovirus, Potyvirus, and Tospovirus genera of the Bromoviridae, Potyviridae, and Bunyaviridae families. In addition to the increasing areas of viral monoinfection, there is an active spread of mixed infection, or "superinfection", in Ukrainian agrocenosis. Mixed infections are mainly formed during the growth and development of the tested vegetable crops. All of this leads to further significant spread of not only mono- but also mixed virus infection of vegetable crops.

Multi-type energy conversion for managing the consumption by enhancing the resiliency of electrical distribution networks

The climatic circumstances of the world have altered due to the world warming up, and this issue has increased high-impact and low-probability (HILP) events more than before. Supplying energy requirements has turned into one of the main challenges of utilities especially electrical distribution companies considering the frequency and intensity of HILP events. On the other hand, developments in storing electricity have varied expectations and will change the solutions leading to resilient electrical distribution networks (EDNs). Some researchers have studied and analyzed numerous aspects of resilient EDNs but hybridization of different types of energy storage systems (ESSs) has not evaluated before. This paper considers energy management of emergency-operated EDNs equipped with two different types of energy storage systems which are batteries and flywheels. Convex equations in all parts of the problem, including different types of energy storage systems are proposed and modeled as an MIQCP to optimize the resilient networks considering all limitations. The proposed framework is developed in GAMS software and the results are provided in the form of Pareto optimal solutions. Applicability of the conducted model is evaluated by the IEEE 33-bus test system aiming at outstanding the effects of flywheels in improving the resiliency of electrical distribution networks. The proposed model analyzed by various energy storing scenarios based on technical and economical limitations. Results showed that among the considered case studies, the 50 % of the cases included with flywheel while batteries participated in 30 % that were the most expensive ones. On the other hand, the lowest amount of objective function belongs to the case that is only included with flywheels. Accordingly, by considering flywheels as a newly born energy storage system in the emergency-operated EDNs, the flexibility of energy management is facilitated and can be developed economically.

Shear behavior at the interface of rough surfaces and cohesive soils under axial loading

Foundation elements with rough (textured) surfaces mobilize larger interface shear resistance than ones with conventional smooth or random rough surfaces when sheared against soils under monotonic loading. The overall performance of foundation elements such as piles supporting offshore wind turbines, suction caissons supporting tidal energy converters, soil nails, and soil anchors installed in cohesive soils could be enhanced through utilizing rough (textured) surfaces to resist applied static and/or cyclic loading. This paper describes the shear behavior of smooth and rough (textured) surfaces in kaolinite clay and kaolinite clay-sand mixture soils under static and cyclic axial loading. The experimental investigation presented herein consists of a series of interface shear tests performed on 3D printed rough (textured) surfaces and a 3D printed smooth reference surface utilizing the Cyclic Interface Shear Test system. The paper includes a description of the interface testing system components, cohesive soil specimens’ preparation procedure, smooth and rough (textured) surfaces details, testing procedure, and results of static and cyclic tests. Test results indicate that kaolinite clay-sand mixture soil mobilized larger static and post-cyclic interface shear resistance and volume contraction relative to kaolinite clay soil when sheared against the smooth reference surface. When tested against rough (textured) surfaces with variable asperity height, larger shear resistance was mobilized and larger soil dilation greater than that mobilized by the reference untextured surface in both soils. The results also indicate rough (textured) surfaces exhibited a prevalent frictional anisotropy increases with asperity angle and height in cohesive soils, the surfaces mobilized larger shear resistance and volume change in one direction (i.e., against the asperity right-angled side) than the other direction (i.e., along the asperity inclined side).

Perancangan Prototype Monitoring dan Akuisi Data Pengujian Noise Trafo Berbasis ESP32

The noise level on the transformer is very important to be considered, because it can cause problems if it does not meet the standards. Excessive noise can violate regulations set by the Ministry of Environment regarding noise limit thresholds, In addition, excessive noise also indicates an indication of a bad transformer construction and will result in the performance of the transformer itself. PT Trafoindo Prima Perkasa, as one of the largest and first transformer manufacturers in Indonesia, tests every transformer produced, including its noise level, The testing is conducted in the Quality Check division. However, testing that is still done manually often causes queue buildup in the production line, along with the increasing demand, especially from PLN, a faster testing process is needed but still meets the set standards. Therefore, a faster, safer, and more efficient testing method is needed to support a continuous production. Based on this requirement, the author designs a prototype monitoring system and data acquisition of ESP32-based transformer noise testing to help speed up and simplify the testing process, so that the finished product can be sent immediately without reducing the quality and standards that have been set.

MDM System Performance Test Recommendations

The paper provides detailed guidance for a Performance Test Process and Recommendations for a Master Data Management System, focusing on the IBM Infosphere MDM Server. And outlines the Importance of early involvement of the Business and systems owners in setting performance benchmarks, and the stakeholders’ collaboration, during the test and the steps to establish monitoring, change control, and document the test results and the performance test processes and system scalability Testing recommendations.

Saving energy resources during operation of rolling stock of underground electrified transport

Purpose. To analyze the energy saving reserves under the conditions of implementation and integration of the system in order to find rational driving modes in the general system of managing underground electrified transport. Methodology. The work presents the method for processing data arrays obtained experimentally with the help of a measuring system and theoretically with the use of the “Rational Trajectory” software. Findings. Experimental studies were carried out using a testing system created on the basis of a refurbished train with energy recovery system. Theoretical studies were carried out using the “Rational Trajectory” software, which is based on the principle of solving a multi-criteria problem by the method of the main criterion. The minimum amount of electricity consumption from the overhead contact line was chosen as the main criterion. The software was developed in the LabVIEW graphical programming environment in order to determine the rational modes of driving rolling stock and energy indicators in a given area of its operation. The amount of electricity consumed for traction and the amount of electricity generated by the train during regenerative braking were determined based on the results of experimental and theoretical studies, respectively, under typical and rational modes of driving the train for given identical operating conditions. Originality. Further research on the analysis of energy saving reserves on the rolling stock of underground electrified transport was achieved due to the introduction of a system for finding a rational driving mode. Practical value. It has been established that the implementation and incorporation of the “Rational Trajectory” software into the train control system will save up to 14.7 % of the amount of electricity consumed for traction, compared to typical modes operation on a given track section.

STUDYING THE ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM-DOPED SODIUM-MANGANESE OXIDE CATHODE MATERIALS FOR SODIUM-ION BATTERIES

The development of layered sodium manganese oxide cathode materials with high capacity and long life is one of the keys to boosting the performance of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but it remains a great challenge. In this work, a potassium doped P2-type sodium manganese oxide, Na0.8K0.1Mn0.9O2 (NKMO), is developed as a high-capacity and long-lasting cathode for high-performance SIBs. Sodium-potassium-manganese oxide Na0.8K0.1Mn0.9O2 was synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. Crystal structure and morphology of the NKMO material were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The NKMO material was utilized to fabricate CR2032-type coin cells, and later evaluated for its electrochemical characteristics. The electrochemical characteristics of NKMO were evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charging-discharging (GCD) at different current densities on a NEWARE battery testing system. The NKMO material had a superior initial charge and discharge capacity, approximately 130 mAh.g-1 and 125 mAh.g-1, respectively, within the voltage range of 1.5-4 V at a current density of 0.1 C. Remarkably, the capacity remained stable at 100 mAh.g-1 even after 100 cycles. These findings indicate that NKMO is a highly promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Morphological, biochemical and genotoxic effects of non-ionizing radiation at 1800MHz and 2400MHz frequencies in Allium cepa L.

The frequent use of electronic devices in daily lives, predominantly reliant on non-ionizing radiation, has increased the prevalence of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in natural environment. In light of this, effects of EMR at frequencies of 1800MHz and 2400MHz characterized by a power of 10.0 dBm (0.01 W), across varying exposure durations of 1h/day, 2h/day, 4h/day, 6h/day, and 8h/day for 7days, in Allium cepa L. were studied. The effects of the treatment on the morphological features (root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of roots) and biochemical characteristics (protein content and antioxidative enzymes, namely, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and dehydroascorbate (DHAR)) were studied in roots and bulbs of Allium cepa L. Further genotoxicity for different exposure periods at both frequencies was also conducted. Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at both frequencies was found to reduce root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of plant. Furthermore, significant effects were observed on protein content, indicating a reduction with prolonged exposure duration. Investigation into the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as APX, GR, GST, DHAR, CAT, SOD, and POD at a frequency of 1800MHz and 2400MHz in roots and bulbs demonstrated a significant enhancement in enzyme activity during 6h/day and 8h/day exposure periods. Additional investigation during genotoxicity studies demonstrated the induction of chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells of the Allium cepa L. plant test system. The current study revealed the initiation of oxidative stress and genotoxicity resulting from long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the studied plant test systems.

Study on the Mechanical and Permeability Evolution of a Composite Rock Mass in an Aquifuge Under Hydraulic Coupling

The lithology and composition type of an aquifuge in overburden play a crucial role in influencing the crack evolution and permeability changes of the aquifuge. This study utilized the high-temperature and high-pressure rock triaxial seepage test system to conduct triaxial compression tests on mudstone, sandstone, and their combined rock samples. The mechanical characteristics and permeability evolution of each lithology law during the failure were investigated. Furthermore, computed tomography (CT) scanning technology was utilized for the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and theoretical permeability calculation of single and combined rock samples. The results indicated that the stress–strain curves for single and combined rock samples exhibited similar patterns, which were divided into four stages: pore compaction, linear elasticity, yield deformation, and post-peak residual deformation. The peak strength of rock samples positively correlated with confining pressure. Permeability trends for mudstone and sandstone exhibited an “N”-type pattern characterized by “slow decrease–gradual stabilization–sudden increase–rebound decrease”, while the permeability of mudstone–sandstone combined rock followed a “U”-type pattern of “initial decrease–stabilization–subsequent increase”. Notably, the permeability of the combined rock samples was significantly lower compared to the single rock samples. The failure mode indicated that fractures in a single rock sample transversed the entire sample, whereas failures in the combined rock samples were confined to the mudstone component. This observation accounted for the differences in the permeability changes between the rock sample types. Additionally, the theoretical permeability results from the 3D reconstruction correlated with the experimental results.

Explosion characteristics of two-phase ejecta from large-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries

When a thermal runaway accident occurs in a lithium-ion battery energy storage station, the battery emits a large amount of flammable electrolyte vapor and thermal runaway gas, which may cause serious combustion and explosion accidents when they are ignited in a confined space. With the gradual development of large-scale energy storage batteries, the composition and explosive characteristics of thermal runaway products in large-scale lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage remain unclear. In this paper, the content and components of the two-phase eruption substances of 340Ah lithium iron phosphate battery were determined through experiments, and the explosion parameters of the two-phase battery eruptions were studied by using the improved and optimized 20L spherical explosion parameter test system, which reveals the explosion law and hazards of the two-phase battery eruptions. Studies have shown that in a two-phase system explosion, EMC can make the two-phase system more explosive and more powerful, and the thermal runaway gas expands its explosion concentration range. The coupling explosion of the two enhanced the sensitivity and explosive power of the two-phase ejecta. Increasing the concentration of any combustible in a two-phase system will cause the explosion intensity parameters of the system to increase. However, when the combustible concentration exceeds the optimal explosion concentration, the explosion intensity parameters will decrease or even no explosion will occur. Both explosion intensity parameters and sensitivity parameters are more sensitive to EMC concentration, and the higher the EMC concentration, the stronger its dominant role in the explosion of the two-phase system. This work can lay the foundation for revealing the disaster-causing mechanism of explosion accidents in lithium-ion battery energy storage power stations, guide the safe design of energy storage systems and the prevention and control of explosion accidents, and provide theoretical and data support for the investigation of explosion accidents in energy storage power stations.

Development and Experimental Study of an Experimental Setup for an Online Vibrating Tube Liquid Densitometer

Density is a crucial parameter for quantitatively describing the physical properties of liquids. It serves as an important indicator for scientific research, production process control, pipeline transportation, and other aspects. In oil pipeline transportation and raw material processing, the real-time online measurement of liquid density is of great significance. This paper analyzes the working principle of an online vibrating tube densitometer and derives the fitting equation for temperature, pressure, and density; it also conducts experiments with an online vibrating tube liquid densitometer and establishes a traceability chain for the experimental device. The experimental setup includes a desktop densitometer system, a multi-temperature field constant-temperature stirring system, a walk-in constant-temperature box, an automatic blowing system, and a frequency acquisition and calculation system. The uncertainty of the device’s evaluation is U = 0.08 kg/m3, k = 2. We built a set of pressure-density static test systems, statically testing the online vibrating tube’s liquid-density meter vibration frequency at different pressures; the whole set of systems can be used to assess the specific density, temperature, and pressure range of online vibrating tube liquid density meters in the experimental research to derive the standard temperature. Through the experimental research, we can accurately derive the fitting coefficients under the standard temperature, specific temperature, and pressure of online vibrating tube liquid densitometers, and calculate the fitting error of online vibrating tube liquid densitometers under different temperatures and pressures within the experimental range through fitting equations and coefficients, so as to realize the practical application of online vibrating tube liquid densitometers in engineering by utilizing straight-tube-type and curved-type online vibrating tube densitometers. A preliminary study was conducted on the effects of different densities, temperatures, and pressures on the vibrating tube system’s vibration cycle. The fit coefficient and error were calculated, and the experimental results were compared to the theoretical analysis to confirm the device’s conformity. The study verified the device’s scientific and reasonable design, and demonstrated that it is feasible to use the device for follow-up research. Using this device in subsequent experiments can verify the effects of viscosity, inlet, installation, and other factors on the online vibrating tube liquid densitometer’s metrological performance. Further experimental research on the pressure–frequency–density test system and the establishment of a wide range of temperatures and pressures within the pressure standard density test system are needed to achieve a wide range of temperatures and pressures under the standard density test.

Use of modified human hemangioma tissue cultures and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures to gain mechanistic insights into imiquimod treatment for infantile hemangioma.

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are a common entity encountered by dermatologists, otolaryngologists, and other surgeons. Oral propranolol is a mainstay of treatment for IH and is well-tolerated, though propranolol-refractory IH and other drug-related adverse events are documented and can limit its usage. There are few in vitro testing systems for putative treatment agents. To address this, we modified a tissue culture system for human hemangioma treatment testing to evaluate the treatment impact of the immune modifier, imiquimod. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and hemangioma cultures were treated with several concentrations of imiquimod followed by MTT assays, reporter gene assays, PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting for IL-8, VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IFNα and immunohistochemistry for Cyclin D1 and Ki-67. HUVEC showed acute decreases in IL-8, VEGF, and Cyclin D1 promoter activity and increases in IFNα mRNA after imiquimod treatment. Hemangioma samples showed no change in Ki-67 or Cyclin D1 staining after treatment with imiquimod after 27 d, with significantly increased IL-8 and VEGF. From this preliminary analysis, we discerned that hemangioma tissues can be grown in tissue culture and used for drug treatment studies. We also conclude acute and chronic modulation of cell cycle, angiogenesis factors, and immunostimulatory conditions may be associated with imiquimod mechanisms of action in hemangioma involution.

Congestion Management in Interconnected Power System using Water Cycle Algorithm

Nowadays, it is desirable for the power industry to transmit power between different sites of the transmission system in the most cost-effective manner. Congestion management is one of the system operator's most challenging responsibilities in a deregulated context. Congestion would increase electricity costs and transmission loss and have a negative impact on the system's stability and security, so system operators work on it to reduce congestion in deregulated power systems. In this investigation, congestion is handled by considering three objective functions. The first objective is to minimize the generation cost and the second objective is to minimize the transmission loss of the system and third objective is to minimize the total congestion expanse. A water cycle algorithm is employed to mitigate the proposed congestion management and an IEEE 30 bus and 118 bus test system is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested approach.

Distribution Grid Hosting Capacity Improvement using Reactive Power Control Optimization Algorithm of Inverter-based Photovoltaic Generation System

This paper uses a reactive power control optimization algorithm to present an inverter-based photovoltaic generation system for increasing the distribution grid host capacity. The main objective of this study is to regulate bus voltages by providing sufficient minimal reactive power consumption, which is obtained by a Particle Swarm Optimization-based optimization algorithm. A modeling study of the system network is developed using DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and the control algorithm is implemented in MATLAB. The proposed approach is efficient for various scenarios of the IEEE 13-bus test system and practical distribution network. The analysis results are compared with outcomes from other control methods, including technical and economic assessments. The performance of the proposed optimization-based power system has shown that the proposed algorithm method yielded significantly superior mitigated voltage rises and increased hosting capacity compared to those achieved by existing control methods of a specific distribution network.

Investigation of the Inhibition Mechanism of Process Porosity in Laser-MIG Hybrid-Welded Joints for an Aluminum Alloy

In this paper, 4 mm thick 7075 aluminum alloy was utilized for conducting laser-MIG hybrid welding tests to investigate the correlation between the dynamic behavior of keyholes and process-induced porosity. Additionally, the generation and inhibition mechanisms of process porosity were elucidated. Utilizing a high-speed camera test system of our own design, the formation position and movement characteristics of keyholes in the molten pool under different welding parameters were captured using a “sandwich” method. The dynamic behavior of keyholes during the hybrid welding process was analyzed, and the porosity of each welded joint was quantified, revealing an intrinsic relationship between keyhole dynamics and aluminum alloy laser-MIG hybrid welding porosity. The findings indicate that variations in the defocusing amount can influence both the morphology and stability of keyholes in the molten pool, consequently impacting welding porosity. The dynamic behavior of keyholes under different defocusing amounts can be categorized into five types: no keyhole formation, collapse of the keyhole root, complete instability of the keyhole, instability of the keyhole root, and stability of the keyhole. At a defocus of +12 mm, stable keyholes were observed, and no defects in the welded joints were identified.

Comparison of Conjugates Obtained Using DMSO and DMF as Solvents in the Production of Polyclonal Antibodies and ELISA Development: A Case Study on Bisphenol A

When developing immunochemical test systems, it is necessary to obtain specific antibodies. Their quality depends, among other things, on the immunogen used. When preparing hapten–protein conjugates to obtain antibodies for low-molecular-weight compounds, the key factors are the structure of the hapten itself, the presence of a spacer, the size of the carrier protein and the degree of its modification by hapten molecules. This work shows that one additional factor—the conditions for obtaining the hapten–protein conjugate—is overlooked. In this work, we have synthesized conjugates of bisphenol A derivative 4,4-bis(hydroxyphenyl)valeric acid (BVA), the protein carrier soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in reaction media combining water with two organic solvents: dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Namely, BSADMF–BVA, STIDMF–BVA, BSADMSO–BVA and STIDMSO–BVA conjugates were obtained. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the BSADMF–BVA conjugate demonstrated basically different interactions in the developed ELISA systems using either STIDMF–BVA or STIDMSO–BVA conjugates. The use of the STIDMF–BVA conjugate demonstrated the absence of competition in combination with antisera obtained from BSADMF–BVA in an ELISA. A competitive interaction was observed only with the use of the STIDMSO–BVA conjugate. Under the selected conditions, the detection limit of bisphenol A was 8.3 ng/mL, and the working range of determined concentrations was 18.5–290.3 ng/mL. The obtained data demonstrate the possibility of achieving sensitive immunoassays by simply varying the reaction media for the hapten–protein conjugation, which could provide an additional tool in the development of immunoassays for other low-molecular-weight compounds.

Muscle Compensation Strategies to Maintain Glenohumeral Joint Stability in Rotator Cuff Tears: A Cadaveric Study.

Superior translation of the humeral head is often identified in large and massive rotator cuff (RC) tears. However, the ability of the remaining RC muscles to compensate for the forces causing such superior translation in RC tears remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of compensatory forces exerted by the remaining RC muscles on humeral head translation using a progressive RC tear model. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean donor age, 57 years) were tested using a custom shoulder testing system. In addition to an intact RC model, 3 RC tear models were created: a supraspinatus tear (Tear I); combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears (Tear II); and combined tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and superior one-third of the subscapularis (Tear III). Compensatory conditions were simulated by increasing the loading of the remaining RC muscles in each RC tear model. Humeral head translation was measured at different abduction and neutral rotation angles in each condition with normal and high deltoid muscle loading. Significant superior translation of the humeral head was observed in Tears II and III (but not Tear I), compared with the intact state, under high loading of the deltoid during abduction and during rotation. In Tear II, compensatory conditions involving increased loading of the teres minor and subscapularis muscles effectively reduced superior translation, so that no significant differences were observed compared with the intact state, even under high deltoid muscle loading. However, in Tear III, significant superior translation was still observed, regardless of the compensatory conditions. ompensation by the remaining RC muscles, particularly the teres minor and subscapularis, effectively reduced superior translation of the humeral head in the posterosuperior RC tear model, whereas this compensatory strategy was insufficient if tears also involved the superior one-third of the subscapularis. Patients with posterosuperior RC tears may find conservative treatment focusing on strengthening the remaining RC muscles, especially the subscapularis and teres minor, to be beneficial. Conversely, patients with repairable massive RC tears also involving the subscapularis tendon may benefit from surgical interventions aimed at primarily repairing the subscapularis tendon to restore the transverse force couple. Massive tears deemed not to be repairable should be evaluated for arthroplasty or other procedures.

A portable fluorescence sensing system for timely onsite perfluorooctane sulfonate detection based on an aggregate induced emission fluorescence sensor.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a ubiquitous persistent organic pollutant, has aroused growing concern due to its adverse effects on human health. Timely onsite monitoring of PFOS in heavily contaminated areas is crucial for effective pollution management and prevention of its spread. However, relevant PFOS detection methods have rarely been reported. Herein, we developed a fluorescence sensing system capable of achieving timely onsite detection of PFOS under outdoor conditions. First, aggregate induced emission (AIE) fluorescence sensors, TPE-PAs, were synthesized. The optimized sensor could selectively interact with PFOS through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding and exhibited prominent fluorescence enhancement after treating with PFOS. There was a good linear relationship between the fluorescence enhancement and PFOS concentration in the range of 0.05-30 ppm, and the limit of detection was measured to be 0.047 ppm. In addition, owing to the AIE fluorescence mechanism and high concentration of TPE-PAs in the sensing medium, the sensor demonstrated excellent anti-interference performance. Second, we developed a portable fluorometer, by modifying the power supply and sample cell of a tiny fluorometer, and further integrated this modified fluorometer, the prepared fluorescence sensor, standard PFOS solutions and other consumables into a portable test system. This test system showed good detection accuracy and reliability and successfully achieved timely onsite PFOS detection in real water samples.

Accidental Detection of Cocaine in Urine in Pediatric Patients: Case Series and Literature Review

Infantile occult exposure to cocaine in domestic environments represents a complex clinical and medico-legal problem, which can be associated with abuse and neglect and with potential short- and long-term health risks for children. The authors present a retrospective study on 764 children under 14 years old who accessed the Emergency Department of IRCCS Meyer from 2016 to 2023 and were included in the GAIA (Child and Adolescent Abuse Group) protocol for suspected maltreatment and abuse, and for which a urine toxicology analysis was performed. The aim is to discuss the medico-legal implications and highlight the need for a thorough evaluation and management of such situations. Urine screening tests for substances of abuse (e.g., cocaine, opiates, etc.) were performed with an EMIT® Siemens VIVA-E drug testing system (Siemens, Newark DE) in 124 cases for which the child’s clinical condition raised suspicion of intoxication, or the family context indicated distress or substance abuse dependency. The screening results revealed the presence of cocaine and its main metabolite, benzoylecgonine, in the urine of 11 children. In one case, a single girl was brought to the Emergency Department by staff from the facility where she and her mother were staying. In most of the cases, children were brought to the Emergency Department by their parents who accessed the Emergency Department due to various clinical manifestations (drowsiness, agitation, seizures, hypotonia, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.), except for one case of eye trauma suspected to be caused by abuse or neglect by one of the parents. Three of the children did not have signs or symptoms attributable to substance exposure, whilst eight of the cases presented some of the symptoms associated with occult infant exposure to cocaine, such as neurological manifestations, seizures, gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory depression. The probable mode of intake was mostly through breastfeeding and continuous environmental exposure due to domestic contamination or inhalation of “crack”. In the case of a 12-hour-old infant, there was probable prenatal in utero exposure. All the children were hospitalized, some for medical reasons and others solely as a precautionary measure for proper care. In all cases, a report was made to the Prosecutors as required by the Italian Penal Code, as well as to the Court of Minor. The study highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, social workers, and forensics, as well as close collaboration with the relevant authorities, as the Gaia service at IRCCS Meyer offers. The occasional detection of cocaine in cases that showed no suspicion of intoxication led to a modification of the procedure and the development of a standardized protocol at IRCCS Meyer both in terms of prevention and in the detection and interception of hidden cases, in order to intervene early and initiate the necessary care pathways (secondary prevention). This protocol includes routine toxicological urine testing in all suspected or confirmed cases of child abuse, not just in those where symptoms might suggest a suspicion of intoxication.

Optimal planning of electric vehicle charging stations and distributed generators with network reconfiguration in smart distribution networks considering uncertainties

This paper proposes an optimal planning technique for placing the multiple renewable energy (RE) based distributed generators (DGs), Distribution Static Compensators (DSTATCOMs), and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) in the radial distribution network (RDN) considering the related uncertainties. This approach gives optimal placement and sizes for DGs and DSTATCOMs as well as a number of electric vehicles (EVs) that can be charged at the EVCSs by considering the network reconfiguration (NR). The optimal allocation of EVCSs fulfills the power demand from EVs at various locations and minimizes the negative impact on the power network. The RE-based DGs considered for this work are solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind. The uncertainties related to RE-based DGs and EVCSs have been modeled by using the probabilistic-based two-point estimate method (2PEM). The best locations and sizes are identified by optimizing the individual objectives that is active power losses and voltage stability index (VSI) using the teaching learning based optimization (TLBO) algorithm. Then both objectives are optimized by using the non-dominated sorting-based TLBO algorithm. Furthermore, the optimal planning approach is implemented on IEEE 33 and 69 bus test systems to demonstrate the suitability, practicality, and efficiency of the proposed optimal planning strategy. The obtained results reveal that the proposed technique is beneficial for determining the optimal locations for DGs, DSTATCOMs, and EVCSs without affecting the grid stability. The proposed planning approach can search better network structure with reduced power losses and voltage deviation, enhanced voltage profile, and improved voltage stability.