Temperature Values Research Articles

Quantifying and simulating the weather forecast uncertainty for advanced building control

Weather forecast uncertainty is unavoidable despite technological advancements. Accurately quantifying and modelling this uncertainty is essential for developing and comparing advanced building controllers. In this study, we present a structured approach using a first-order autoregressive model (AR(1)) to model uncertainty in ambient temperature and global solar irradiation (GHI) forecasts. We analyzed weather data from four cities and employed Jensen–Shannon divergence (JSD) to evaluate the similarity between synthetic and actual forecast errors. The average JSD values for temperature are 0.027 (Berkeley), 0.021 (Leuven), 0.018 (Berlin), and 0.008 (Oslo), and for GHI, the average JSD values are 0.016 (Berkeley), 0.058 (Leuven), and 0.013 (Berlin). The low JSD values indicate a high similarity between the synthetic and real forecast error distributions. Our approach successfully generates synthetic weather forecasts that mirror the statistical properties of actual forecasts. The implementation of our method for uncertain forecast generation is being added to the BOPTEST framework.

The Formation of Cavansite and Pentagonite in the Wagholi Quarries, Pune, India

Formation conditions of dimorphic minerals cavansite and pentagonite were previously based on theoretical assumptions. In doing so, the associations with other minerals, especially zeolites, that actually occur in nature, were disregarded or incorrectly taken into account. As a result, formation conditions were assumed that are not consistent with those for the associated minerals in the Deccan Volcanic Province. This relates in particular to overestimated high pressure and temperature values, as well as chronological processes of alteration. Long-term field studies and evaluations of numerous samples led to the conclusion that cavansite and pentagonite formed under temperature (approx. 120 °C to 200 °C) and pressure (0.01–0.03 GPa) conditions that are relevant for the associated low-temperature zeolites. Integration of geological and petrographic conditions, as well as crystallization sequences enabled the presentation of a multi-stage mineralization model. It is also explained that, contrary to the original assumption, characteristic pentagonite fivelings are not formed from five, but from six individuals.

Extreme Weather Patterns in Ethiopia: Analyzing Extreme Temperature and Precipitation Variability

Climate change is significantly altering Ethiopia’s weather patterns, causing substantial shifts in temperature and precipitation extremes. This study examines historical trends and changes in extreme rainfall and temperature, as well as seasonal rainfall variability across Ethiopia. In this study, we employed the Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, and empirical orthogonal function (EOF), with data from 103 stations (1994–2023). The findings provide insights into 16 climate extremes of temperature and precipitation by utilizing the climpact2.GUI tool in R software (v1.2). The study found statistical increases were observed in 59.22% of the annual maximum value of daily maximum temperature (TXx) and 77.67% of the annual maximum value of daily minimum temperature (TNx). Conversely, decreasing trends were found in 51.46% of the annual maximum daily maximum temperature (TXn) and 85.44% of the diurnal temperature range (DTR). The results of extreme precipitation found that 72.82% of yearly total precipitation (PRCPTOT), 73.79% of consecutive wet days (CWD), and 54.37% of the number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm) showed increasing trends. In contrast, at most selected stations, 61.17% of consecutive dry days (CDD), 55.34% of maximum 1-day precipitation (RX1day), 56.31% of maximum 5-day precipitation (RX5day), 66.02% of precipitation from very wet days (R95p), and 52.43% of precipitation from extremely wet days (R99p) were decreasing. The results of seasonal precipitation variability during Ethiopia’s JJAS (Kiremt) season found that the first three EOF modes accounted for 59.78% of the variability. Notably, EOF1, which accounted for 35.84% of this variability, showed declining rainfall patterns, particularly in northwestern and central-western Ethiopia. The findings of this study will help policymakers and stakeholders understand these changes and take necessary action, as well as build effective adaptation and mitigation measures in the face of climate change impacts.

Computational prediction of novel two-dimensional tungsten nitride superconductors

Transition metal nitrides are well-known 3D superconductor materials. However, there is a lack of knowledge related to their two-dimensional (2D) counterparts, which have several potential technological applications. In this work, we predict, using an evolutionary algorithm coupled with a first-principles approach, a set of novel 2D superconductive structures based on tungsten nitride. Through a systematic process including energetic and dynamical analysis, three thermodynamically stable compositions along with metastable compounds were studied in the following stoichiometries: W4N2, W2N2, and W2N3. Their superconductive temperature (Tc) values, estimated by means of the Eliashberg superconductive theory and the McMillan equation, range from 2.3 to 21.6 K, where the highestTcvalue corresponds to a W2N3metastable hexagonal system. A systematic analysis of the structural, electronic, vibrational and electron-phonon (e-ph) properties, allowed us to recognize the variables that modulate theTcin theses systems. The superconductive behavior is strongly affected by changes in the nitrogen density of states at Fermi level, the e-ph coupling constant and the lattice symmetry. The present results aim to encourage further theoretical and experimental efforts over non fully explored superconductors in two dimensions.

ЖАЙЫҚ ӨЗЕНІНДЕГІ МҰЗ ҚҰБЫЛЫСТАРЫ МЕН МЕТЕОЭЛЕМЕНТТЕРДІҢ КӨПЖЫЛДЫҚ ӨЗГЕРІСІН БАҒАЛАУ

This article examines the changes in ice phenomena and meteorological parameters of the Zhaiyk River during the period from 1936 to 2021. The changes in ice phenomena observed over many years along the Zhaiyk River were analyzed. For this, long-term data on the start and end of ice phenomena at various stations along the river were used. As a result, it was established that the formation of ice on the river has shifted to later dates, the clearing of the river from ice has shifted to earlier dates, and the duration of the ice cover has decreased. The Mann-Kendall test and the Sen’s Slope method were used to assess the changes in long-term average air temperatures in the region. As a result, it was determined that the annual air temperature increase is within the range of 0,032...0,035. Additionally, changes in long-term values of temperature and precipitation, as well as their impact on river discharge, were analyzed. The study results show that global and local climate changes have a significant impact on ice phenomena and the hydrological characteristics of the Zhaiyk River.

Evaluating Water Quality and Organo-Pesticide Contamination in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) in Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dam, Kazaure, Jigawa State:

The study investigated the presence of freshwater pollutants and their effects on Oreochromis niloticus(nile tilapia) in the Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dams of Kazaure, Jigawa State. The water samples were found to be within the World Health Organization's permissible guideline for temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The mean value of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity (EC) ranged between 23.13±0.8 and 28.25±0.7, 6.5-8.5mg/l, 7.347±0.3, 145.6±16 and 158.3±6.1. The mean turbidity obtained from all stations was far higher than the 5 NTU (Nephelometric turbidity unit) value recommended by the WHO, indicating that the water samples were more turbid than needed. Total dissolved solids content (TDS) levels in the water samples were above the WHO's recommended level, but TSS's mean values fell below the WHO's recommended limits of 450-2000mg/L. Mean hemoglobin levels varied between 6.230 g/dL and 7.570 g/dL, with low levels likely due to heavy metals altering hemoglobin's properties. The study found that Oreochromis niloticus had mean red blood cells (RBC) ranging from 1.180x1012/mL to 1.45x1012/mL, and mean white blood cells (WBC) ranging from 153.100 x 109/mL to 167.67 x 109/mL. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was unaffected by blood volume and the number of blood cells. The data suggests that Oreochromis niloticus has a unique cellular structure and composition. Heavy metals in water can significantly impact the life and lifespan of aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates. The average mean value of Lead (Pb) in the water sample falls above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 0.01mg/l in all stations. Chromium levels are higher than the WHO permitted chromium level of 0.05mg/L, which can affect fish organs like gills and liver. Zn levels are lower than the WHO permissible level of 3 mg/L. The fish concentration of heavy metals analyzed in both Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dam had a highest value of Pb (mg/L) 0.1550±0.0, Cr (mg/L) 0.14205±0.0, Zn (mg/L) 1.7750±0.0, Cu (mg/L) 0.5400±0.,Cd (mg/L) 0.07850±0.0, and Ni (mg/L) 0.0475±0.0which are within permissible limit except for Pb, which is slightly higher than the recommended level. Various organo-pesticide were also detected in fish and water samples of both Wawan Rafi and Dambo Dam of which long-term exposure may lead to bioaccumulation in food chains, posing a threat to human health through dietary exposure. Recommendations include proper waste treatment, strict enactment of government policies on pesticide use, waste disposal, and proper sanitation around water sources. Further studies should focus on oxidative stress enzymes on Oreochromis niloticus in the study area.

Numerical Analysis of Temperature Stress Generated by Hydration Heat in Massive Concrete Pier

Thermal crack induced by the hydration heat of massive concrete is the main problem that needs to be strictly controlled during the pouring process of concrete. In this study, the hydration heat of massive concrete pier and its influencing factors are studied numerically. The stress of massive concrete pier caused by the hydration heat of concrete is analytically derived. The influences of adiabatic temperature rise, ambient temperature and convection coefficient between the pier outer surface and environment on the temperature and stress of pier are studied. The results show that the peak values of temperature and stress of the pier increase with the increase of the maximum adiabatic temperature rise, the reaction rate coefficient and the ambient temperature. The peak value of stress reduces with the decrease of convection coefficient because the heat dissipation and the temperature change on the cross-section of the pier are reduced.

Load-Bearing Capacity of Klein’s Ceiling Under Fire Conditions

The aim of this study was to determine the load-bearing capacity of Klein’s floors under fire conditions using analytical and numerical analyses. Analytical and numerical simulations were performed considering different structural variants of Klein’s floors. A numerical FEM model was developed in Abaqus to create temperature profiles of the beam-to-beam slabs and steel beams, and the fire load-bearing capacity of Klein’s celling after being exposed to fire for 30, 60, and 120 min was calculated analytically. The analytical method of assessing the fire load-bearing capacity of Klein’s floors uses temperature profiles, which allow for calculations to verify fire resistance in the time domain of different structural variants of Klein’s floors. (1) Introduction: The structural solutions of Klein’s floors are widely known, but no studies in the literature have addressed the mechanics of these elements under fire conditions. Both the beam-to-beam slab and steel beams are sensitive to high temperatures. Providing the required level of fire safety in buildings with Klein’s ceilings is a complex issue that requires detailed analysis. This often involves the assessment of technical and material solutions that are not currently used, and a verification of their fire resistance may be necessary to adapt existing buildings to the presently applicable technical and construction regulations. (2) Methodology: This study was prepared based on domestic and foreign sources, including standards presenting available methods for verifying the fire resistance of Klein’s ceilings in terms of their load-bearing capacity. A calculation scheme was indicated that takes into account the inter-beam slab, treated as a reinforced masonry element subjected to bending, and steel ceiling beams. In addition, this article presents an original method for determining the temperature profiles of individual elements of Klein’s ceilings, based on numerical methods, to determine their reduced values of material properties. The temperature profiles included in this study take into account both different construction variants of Klein’s ceilings and different ways of finishing the lower surface of these ceilings. The presented analytical method of fire load-bearing capacity assessment is supported by a calculation example. (3) Conclusions: The calculation methodology presented in this paper, which is part of the analysis of the fire load-bearing capacity of Klein’s ceilings, allows for a safe estimation of their durability in fire conditions. The presented temperature profiles of individual Klein’s ceiling elements allow for the verification of their fire resistance in terms of load-bearing capacity, in accordance with the literature on the subject. The temperature values of individual Klein’s ceiling elements, presented in the form of a table, depending on the fire duration, indicate that the applied structural solutions of the ceilings have a significant influence on the rate of temperature increase in the partition. Based on the conducted analyses, it was found that steel beams in an unplastered Klein’s ceiling lose their fire load-bearing capacity before the 30 min fire duration, defined by the standard temperature–time curve. The use of gypsum plaster with a thickness of at least 1.5 cm can provide fire resistance of the above elements for up to 120 min of fire duration. It was found that the quality of the plaster is important, influencing its adhesion to the lower surface of the ceiling. The fire resistance of the inter-beam slabs is significantly influenced by the temperature of their reinforcement, which largely depends on the distance of the reinforcement from the lower edge of the slab.

Monitoring and optimization of the microenvironment in a gravity-driven microfluidic system placed on a slow-tilting table.

Gravity-driven microfluidic chips offer portability and flexibility in different settings because pumps and connecting tubes are unnecessary for driving fluid flow. In a previous study, human induced pluripotent stem cells were cultured using gravity-driven microfluidics, with the liquid flow rate regulated by a tilting table. However, instability in cell culture has been observed, occasionally leading to cell death owing to unknown causes. This study measured the ability of a gravity-driven microfluidic system to maintain essential microenvironments, specifically the flow rate, CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity. The incubation procedure was improved to stabilize the parameters at target values. Improvements in the incubation process reduced the time required to reach the stabilized value for CO2, temperature, and humidity by 85, 67, and 5%, respectively, compared to previous methods. The system demonstrated a precise flow rate, confirmed by a consistent increase in the downstream tank's medium volume after 4h of perfusion. In addition, the adjustment of the tilting table maintained a steady angle and effectively regulated the flow rate, with the measured flow rate consistent with the theoretical value. The gravity-driven microfluidic system effectively facilitated the culture and differentiation of human iPSCs into the mesodermal lineage after bone morphogenetic protein 4 induction, as indicated by positive SSEA1 immunostaining, demonstrating its potential for stem cell research. Gravity-driven microfluidic systems satisfy these requirements and are suitable for stem cell culture experiments.

A Study on Structural Changes During the Thermal Stabilization Stage of Hemp Fibers Impregnated with Phosphoric Acid Before Carbonization and Activation

Abstract After being wet treated with 4% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) aqueous solution, industrial hemp fiber was subjected to thermal stabilization processes at temperatures of 160, 180, 200, 220, 240 and finally 250 °C and holding times of 30 min. Some basic analyses were used to determine the structural and characteristic changes of all samples for the thermal stabilization of hemp fibers in an oxygen environment before the carbonization and activation processes. These included linear density, fiber thickness, flame testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurements. DSC analysis showed that impregnation of the phosphoric acid (PA) mixture increased thermal stabilization and prevented the formation of volatile products by blocking the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose structure. TGA thermograms showed an increase in carbon yield at increasing stabilization temperature values. The results from XRD indicated that the cellulose II crystal structure disappears with the increase of the stabilization temperature and an amorphous structure appears. IR spectra show that the partial loss of intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds continues as a result of the simultaneous removal of hydroxyl groups and water removal reactions. After a 250 °C stabilization, the carbon yield at 900 °C was 42%. These findings highlight the importance of H3PO4 in accelerating the formation of an aromatic structure, which is critical for withstanding the high temperatures of subsequent carbonization and activation stages. Graphical abstract

Comparison of Brake Cooling System on Bus: Simulation and Evaluation of Natural vs Forced Air through Machine Learning Processing

Intense braking can cause heat accumulation that can reduce the braking system’s efficiency and damage the braking system components due to changes in material structure. The high temperature in the braking system of heavy vehicles requires an air-cooling system that produces high-pressure air. This study compares the cooling process results between natural air and forced air. CFD modeling was chosen as the method to simulate the cooling process of bus drum brakes. The CFD method works by involving a network of elements in a system called a mesh. In CFD, the mesh is a component that focuses on dividing the fluid domain into small elements to analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and dynamic phenomena. Using a cooling process, the brake system temperature gradually decreased as the wind speed increased. The examination proved that natural air could reach the highest temperature of 168.73 °C and the lowest temperature of 63.01 °C. Meanwhile, forced air could reach the highest temperature of 73.8 °C and the lowest temperature of 30.73 °C. Statistical models and machine learning were carried out to predict the accuracy of simulation from SOLIDWORKS. The values of average temperature after the cooling process are examined by employing the Gradient Boosting algorithm with the highest accuracy of prediction (R2) value of 0.999895 in natural conditions and 0.999822 in forced conditions. Overall, forced air shows better temperature reduction than natural air. By lowering the operating temperature, drum brake systems can extend their lifespan.

Will Olive Groves have a Future Under Climate Change Conditions in The North Aegean Sub-Region, a Mediterranean Agricultural Ecosystem of Türkiye?

The study is aimed at investigating future changes in sustainability of olive farming by means of climate change, and changes in agricultural climatic suitableness and phenology of olive tree cultivation in the North Aegean sub-region of Türkiye mainly characterised with dry summer subtropical Mediterranean climate. According to projected changes based on RCP8.5 scenario, projected warming reaches an average of 5-6°C increase indicating most negative condition on olive cultivation. According to RCP8.5 scenario annual precipitation projections, present suitable areas of olive groves will decrease in the period of 2049-2073, and almost the entire study area will be in the category of medium suitable. With respect to projected Emberger Bioclimate classification, for RCP 8.5 scenario, there will be a significant increase in dry-sub humid areas in the period of 2049-2073. This increase will cover up the coastal areas in the period of 2074-2098, and even all the study region will be very likely characterised with dry-sub humid and semi-arid Mediterranean bioclimatic types except for some coastal areas. An increase of about 6°C is expected in maximum values of maximum air temperatures during the bud swelling periods in the spring, especially after 2050 under RCP8.5 scenario. This increase in extreme maximum temperatures may cause olive trees to bloom earlier and prolong the growth period. By regarding the high vernalization requirement of main olive variety in the study area, a 6°C temperature increase may significantly decrease olive yields and will force farmers to transition to new varieties with relatively low vernalization requirements. According to both RCP scenarios, there is a possibility of extension of suitable areas for olive cultivation towards low to mid-elevation plateaus and mid-elevation slopes of mountainous areas and high plateaus particularly facing suitable aspects to lower negative effects of projected future warming and dryness.

Microstructure and Thermal Cyclic Behavior of FeNiCoAlTaB High-Entropy Alloy.

This study investigates the grain morphology, microstructure, magnetic properties and shape memory properties of an Fe41.265Ni28.2Co17Al11Ta2.5B0.04 (at%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) cold-rolled to 98%. The EBSD results show that the texture intensities of the samples annealed at 1300 °C for 0.5 or 1 h are 2.45 and 2.82, respectively. This indicates that both samples were formed without any strong texture. The grain morphology results show that the grain size increased from 356.8 to 504.6 μm when the annealing time was increased from 0.5 to 1 h. The large grain size improved the recoverable strain due to a reduction in the grain constraint. As a result, annealing was carried out at 1300 °C/1 h for the remainder of the study. The hardness decreased at 24 h, then increased again at 48 h; this phenomenon was related to the austenite finish temperature. Thermo-magnetic analysis revealed that the austenite finish temperature increased when the samples were aged at 600 °C for between 12 and 24 h. When the aging time was prolonged to 48 h, the austenite finish temperature value decreased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the peak of the precipitates emerged and intensified when the aging time was increased from 12 to 24 h at 600 °C. From the three-point bending shape memory test, the samples aged at 600 °C for 12 and 24 h had maximum recoverable strains of 2% and 3.6%, respectively. The stress-temperature slopes of the austenite finish temperature were 10.3 MPa/°C for 12 h and 6 MPa/°C for 24 h, respectively. Higher slope values correspond to lower recoverable strains.

Structural alterations in butyrylated and recrystallized high-amylose maize starch and their effect on gut microbiota during in vitro fermentation.

In this study, type-3 resistant starch (RS) with enhanced thermal stability and excellent short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was obtained through the butyrylation and subsequent recrystallization at 4 °C of high-amylose maize starch (HAMS). We comprehensively examined and contrasted the structural attributes and in vitro human fecal fermentation behavior of butyrylated RS (BRS) with varying degrees of substitution. Fourier-transform infrared analysis validated the successful integration of carbonyl groups into the starch matrix. This phenomenon was evident through the characteristic peaks at 1727 cm-1. X-ray diffraction and thermal stability analyses delineated the distinct B-type crystalline structure and high relative crystallinity of 25.31 % and 22.23 % of the 10 % and 15 % butyric anhydride BRS-10 and BRS-15, respectively, which differed from that of HAMS. Their second peak gelatinization temperature values reached 95.6 °C and 92.6 °C. The in vitro fermentation of BRS fostered SCFA production, boosting the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Ligilactobacillus and Roseburia). Meanwhile, the extensively modified BRS favored the propagation of Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium, maintaining intestinal microbiota advantage. These findings underscore the significant effects of butyrylation modification on fermentation kinetics, metabolite profiles, and gut microbiota composition, providing invaluable insights into the development of functional food products that aim to bolster colonic health.

Investigation of tribological performance of PAI and PAI/graphite/PTFE composites under different mediums and working conditions

Purpose This study aims to investigate the tribological performance of neat polyamide-imide (PAI) and PAI composite (PAI + 12% graphite + 3% polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) under varying mediums and conditions, including dry sliding, distilled water and seawater lubrication, to determine their suitability for high-stress applications. Design/methodology/approach Tribological tests were conducted using a pin-on-disc setup with AISI 316 L stainless steel (SS) as counterface. Experiments were carried out under loads of 150 and 300 N and sliding speeds of 1.5 and 3.0 m/s. Values of temperatures, friction coefficients and wear rates were recorded to analyze the effect of fillers and lubrication mediums. Findings The PAI composite outperformed the neat PAI under all conditions, showing significant reductions in friction coefficients and wear rates. Seawater lubrication yielded the best results, achieving friction coefficients of 0.05 and 0.01 and specific wear rates of 18.10−16 m²/N and 1.10 −15 m²/N, for neat PAI and PAI composite, respectively. Graphite and PTFE fillers enhanced lubrication, reduced surface temperatures and mitigated abrasive and adhesive wear mechanisms. Superior cooling and lubrication effects of the seawater contributed to these improvements. Originality/value Previous studies mainly focused on dry sliding and distilled water lubrication for the PAI and its composites, with no research on the seawater conditions. This study compares the tribological behaviors of the neat PAI and PAI composite against AISI 316 L SS under dry sliding, distilled water and seawater lubrication. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0302/

Experimental Investigation on Thermo-Economic Analysis of Direct Contact Membrane Distillation for Sustainable Freshwater Production

Treatment of extremely saline water such as the brine rejected from reverse osmosis water desalination plants, and produced water from shale oil and non-conventional gas extraction, is considered a global problem. Consequently, in this work, hollow fiber membrane distillation (HFMD) is experimentally evaluated for desalinating extremely saline water of a salinity ranging from 40,000 to 130,000 ppm. For the purpose of comparison, the HFMD is also tested for desalinating brackish (3000–12,000 ppm) and sea (25,000–40,000 ppm) water. Firstly, the HFMD is tested at two values of feed water temperature (65 and 76 °C) and flow rate (600 and 850 L/h). The experimental results showed that the HFMD productivity significantly increases when the temperature of feed water increases. Increasing the feed water flow rate also has a positive effect on the productivity of HFMD. It is also concluded that the productivity of the HFMD is not significantly affected by increasing the salt concentration when brackish and sea water are used. The productivity also slightly decreases with increasing the salt concentration when extremely saline water is used. The decrement in the productivity reaches 27%, when the salt concentration increases from 40,000 to 130,000 ppm. Based on the conducted economic analysis, the HFMD shows a good potential for desalinating extremely saline water especially when the solar collector is used as a heat source. In this case, the cost per liter of freshwater is reduced by 21.7–23.1% when the evacuated tube solar collectors are used compared to the system using electrical heaters. More reduction in the cost per liter of freshwater is expected when a high capacity solar-powered HFMD plant is installed.

IoT-Based Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring and Sensor Calibration for Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability

The increasing water pollution levels and the growing demand for clean water necessitate advanced monitoring solutions. This study aims to develop an Internet of Things (IoT)-based real-time water quality monitoring system that addresses the limitations of traditional methods, which are often time-consuming and lack continuous monitoring capabilities. The system integrates pH, temperature, and turbidity sensors with an Arduino microcontroller and NodeMCU for Wi-Fi connectivity, transmitting data to a cloud platform for real-time access and analysis. The methodology involved interfacing these sensors with the microcontroller, displaying LCD data, and providing LED alerts. The findings indicate that the prototype’s readings closely align with laboratory measurements, with minor deviations in pH and temperature values and slightly more significant differences in turbidity readings. This demonstrates the prototype’s reliability and accuracy in real-time environmental monitoring. The conclusion emphasises the system’s potential to enhance water resource management through continuous and accurate tracking, enabling timely interventions. Future recommendations include improving sensor calibration, expanding the range of monitored parameters, and integrating advanced data analytics for predictive capabilities. The system’s real-time data logging capabilities significantly enhance water management by providing timely alerts and enabling proactive responses to water quality issues. The impact of this system is substantial, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for continuous monitoring, thus contributing to improved water resource management and public health protection.

Serum assisted PD-L1 aptamer screening for improving its stability

Aptamers have shown potential for diagnosing clinical markers and targeted treatment of diseases. However, their limited stability and short half-life hinder their broader applications. Here, a real sample assisted capture-SELEX strategy is proposed to enhance the aptamer stability, using the selection of specific aptamer towards PD-L1 as an example. Through this developed selection strategy, the aptamer Apt-S1 with higher binding affinity and specificity towards PD-L1 was obtained as compared to the aptamer Apt-A2 which was screened by the traditional capture-SELEX strategy. Moreover, Apt-S1 exhibited a greater PD-L1 binding associated conformational change than Apt-A2, indicating its suitability as a biorecognition element. These findings highlight the potential of Apt-S1 in clinical applications requiring robust and specific targeting of PD-L1. Significantly, Apt-S1 exhibited a lower degradation rate in 10% diluted serum or pure human serum, under the physiological temperature and pH value, compared to Apt-A2. This observation suggested that Apt-S1 possesses higher stability and is more resistant to damage caused by the serum environmental factors, highlighting the superior stability of Apt-S1 over Apt-A2. Furthermore, defatted and deproteinized serum were used to investigate the potential reasons for the improved stability of Apt-S1. The results hinted that the pre-adaptation to nucleases present in serum during the selection process might have contributed to its higher stability. With its improved stability, higher affinity and specificity, Apt-S1 holds great potential for applications in PD-L1 assisted cancer diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, the results obtained in this work provide further evidence of the advantages of the real capture-SELEX strategy in improving aptamer stability compared to the traditional strategy.

Heat Transfer Analysis of Cryogenic EXLO Specimen Handling.

A conduction heat transfer analysis of ex situ lift-out specimen handling under cryogenic conditions (cryo-EXLO) is performed and compared with experimentally determined temperature values using a type K thermocouple. Using a finite-volume solver for heat conduction, the analysis confirms that manipulation of a specimen by a probe above a working surface cooled at liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures can remain below the critical vitreous temperature up to several hundreds of micrometers above the working surface, allowing for ample distance for lift out and specimen manipulation. In addition, the temperature above the cryogenic shuttle sample holder working surface remains below the vitreous temperature for several tens of minutes without adding cryogen, yielding sufficient time to complete multiple manipulations. Periodically topping off the cryogen level may allow for unlimited cryo-EXLO manipulations with this hardware and geometry.

Experimental study of the possibility of detecting contamination of high-voltage insulators with the help of a thermal imager

ACTUALITY. External insulation is one of the most damaged elements of high-voltage equipment. Changes in climate, ecology have an increasing impact on it’s condition. The proportion of overhead transmission line (OTL) outages due to pollution varies by region and specific operating conditions, but on average it can range from 20% to 40% of all OTL failures. In regions with high levels of industrial pollution or near sea coasts, this figure can reach 50% or more. The main causes of outages are related to the accumulation of contaminants on insulators, which leads to overtopping in wet conditions. It is precipitation such as drizzle, fog or dew that has the greatest impact, combined with various solid conductive particles deposited on the insulator surface from the air, and forming a layer of surface contamination. Methods for diagnosing insulation are various, including thermal imaging. OBJECT. To study the effect of wetted contaminated surface of glass and polymer insulators on their temperature under laboratory conditions and to evaluate the possibility of diagnosing the contaminated condition. METHODS. Three dozen laboratory experiments with suspended glass and polymer insulators in a fog chamber with thermograms, control of leakage current and degree of contamination were carried out to achieve the goal. During the experiments, the degree and method of contamination and humidification conditions were changed. RESULTS. In the course of laboratory studies it was shown that thermal imaging cameras can diagnose even lightly contaminated insulation in the wetted state. The mean and rms values of temperature contrasts depend more on the level of contamination (greasiness) than on the degree of uniformity of contamination application. The methodology of construction of the insulation control system on overhead power lines and the algorithm of automated data processing are proposed.