Modelling of blended Diesel and biodiesel fuel droplet heating and evaporation

The paper presents a new approach to the modelling of heating and evaporation of dual-fuel droplets with a specific application to blends of biodiesel (represented by the widely used soybean methyl ester, SME) and Diesel fuels in conditions representative of internal combustion engines. The original compositions, with up to 105 components of Diesel and biodiesel fuels, are replaced with a smaller number of components and quasi-components using the recently introduced multi-dimensional quasi-discrete (MDQD) model. Transient diffusion of these components and quasi-components in the liquid phase and temperature gradient and recirculation inside droplets are taken into account. The results are compared with the predictions of the case when blended biodiesel/Diesel fuel droplets are represented by pure biodiesel fuel or pure Diesel fuel droplets. It is shown that droplet evaporation time and surface temperature predicted for 100% SME, representing pure biodiesel fuel, are close to those predicted for pure Diesel fuel. Also, it is shown that the approximations of the actual compositions of B5 (5% SME and 95% Diesel) and B50 (50% SME and 50% Diesel) dual-fuels by 17 quasi-components/components, using the MDQD model, lead to under-predictions in droplet lifetimes by up to 9% and 4%, respectively, under the same engine conditions. The application of the latter model has resulted in above 83% reduction in CPU time compared to the case when all 105 components are taken into account using the discrete component model

Global Perspectives on Task Shifting and Task Sharing in Neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical task shifting and task sharing (TS/S), delegating clinical care to non-neurosurgeons, is ongoing in many hospital systems in which neurosurgeons are scarce. Although TS/S can increase access to treatment, it remains highly controversial. This survey investigated perceptions of neurosurgical TS/S to elucidate whether it is a permissible temporary solution to the global workforce deficit. METHODS: The survey was distributed to a convenience sample of individuals providing neurosurgical care. A digital survey link was distributed through electronic mailing lists of continental neurosurgical societies and various collectives, conference announcements, and social media platforms (July 2018-January 2019). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and univariate regression of Likert Scale scores. RESULTS: Survey respondents represented 105 of 194 World Health Organization member countries (54.1%; 391 respondents, 162 from high-income countries and 229 from low- and middle-income countries [LMICs]). The most agreed on statement was that task sharing is preferred to task shifting. There was broad consensus that both task shifting and task sharing should require competency-based evaluation, standardized training endorsed by governing organizations, and maintenance of certification. When perspectives were stratified by income class, LMICs were significantly more likely to agree that task shifting is professionally disruptive to traditional training, task sharing should be a priority where human resources are scarce, and to call for additional TS/S regulation, such as certification and formal consultation with a neurosurgeon (in person or electronic/telemedicine). CONCLUSIONS: Both LMIC and high-income countries agreed that task sharing should be prioritized over task shifting and that additional recommendations and regulations could enhance care. These data invite future discussions on policy and training programs

The Impact of SOCS1 and SOCS3 Peptide Mimetics on RHO and CDC42 Proteins Expression, F-actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangements, and Cytokines Production of Uninfected and HSV-1 Infected M1 and M2 RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages

The immune system plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of HSV-1 during the lytic phase of the disease, orchestrating the inflammatory response, retaining the virus in its latent phase and preventing the recurrence of HSV-1 infection. Macrophages display a vital role in the innate and adaptive immune responses during multiple phases of HSV-1 infection. Polarized macrophages are categorized into two distinct classes with diverse functions. The classically activated M1 can engulf and destroy the microbial agents, produce proinflammatory cytokines, and participate in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. The alternatively activated M2 induces anti-inflammatory mediators and stimulates tissue remodeling and wound healing. The reorganization of filamentous actin is a prerequisite for polarized macrophages functions. Rho and Cdc42 are highly expressed Rho GTPase proteins in Raw 264.7 murine macrophages. Rho and Cdc42 proteins play a critical role in altering the organization of structural networks of actin microfilaments. These GTPases are cycling between an active (GTP bound) and inactive (GDP bound) form. Activation of Rho proteins leads to dynamic changes in macrophage\u27s cytoskeleton, cell migration, and phagocytic function. SOCS1 and SOCS3 are structurally related proteins that are induced endogenously in macrophages. They are involved in the down-regulation of the JAK-STAT pathways that lead to production of inflammatory cytokines. The present study indicated that SOCS1 challenged M1 macrophages expressed lower levels of Cdc42 and Rho A proteins and higher level of F- actin in the presence or absence of HSV-1. SOCS1 challenged M1 also exhibited significant reduction in TNF-a production and percentage of viable cells. This study also indicated that SOCS1 challenged M2 polarized macrophages did not show change levels of Cdc42 and Rho proteins and F-actin staining intensities from that of unchallenged M2 cells. These cells expressed a significant increase in IL-10 as compared to unchallenged M2 cells. In contrast, this study demonstrated that SOCS3 has a transient effect on M1 and M2 polarized cells in the early hours of infection. At 2, 4, and 6 hours of infection, SOCS3 potentiated the effect of M1 by promoting the activation of Rho GTPase proteins, and increasing proinflammatory TNF-a cytokine secretion. On the other hand, SOCS3 challenged M2 cells expressed a significant increase in levels of RhoA and Cdc42 proteins. They also showed a significant decrease in F actin staining intensity and IL-10 secretion compared to unchallenged cells. SOCS3 effects on polarized macrophages disappeared at late (24 and 48) hours. This data suggests that during an active infection, SOCS1 regulates M1-macrophages indirectly by constraining the activation of Cdc42 and Rho GTPase proteins. This hinders their intracellular signaling pathways and impacts F-actin organization which can interfere with the phagocytic properties of macrophages. During the resolution phase of infection, SOCS1 upregulates M2 polarization and potentiates the M2 secretion of IL-10. SOCS3 has a transient effect on M1 and M2 cells in the early hours of infection. SOCS3 potentiates the effect of M1 cells, promotes the activation of Rho GTPase proteins, and increases proinflammatory cytokine secretion. SOCS3 downregulated M2 cell function that may help to make M1 more efficient, favoring the inflammatory process to eliminate invading pathogens. During the resolution phase of infection, SOCS3 may display an endogenous regulation role in macrophages through the activation of the JAK-STAT3-IL10 pathway

Analyzing global research trends in combined cycle power plants: A bibliometric study

Over the last two decades, extensive research has focused on enhancing operational efficiency, emission reduction, and technological advancements in combined cycle power plants. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis encompassing over 4100 peer-reviewed publications within the Scopus database (2000–2022) related to combined cycle power plants. The outcomes reveal a burgeoning global research landscape, primarily led by the United States, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Encompassing diverse domains such as engineering, energy, environment, and others, this research delves into technical areas like carbon capture, exergy analysis, and optimization, while hinting at emerging research directions involving machine learning and power-to-gas technologies. Renowned authors such as Bolland, Tsatsaronis, and Dincer, alongside influential institutions like Tsinghua University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, form significant research networks. International collaboration underscores widespread knowledge exchange, with the United States and China leading in total citations, while Italy boasts the highest average citations per article. A comprehensive analysis of keywords underscores the interdisciplinary nature of research, spanning technical, economic, and environmental dimensions. Further affirmation is found in the extensive publication span across general energy and specialized thermoscience journals. This study offers a comprehensive overview of research productivity, impact, and trends in combined cycle power plant research over the past two decades, providing actionable insights for strategic research planning and global performance enhancement

New alternative techniques for strengthening deep beams with circular and rectangular openings

Numerous deep beam design models have been proposed; however, even the most recent design manuals provide limited guidance for deep beam design, especially when the beams have complicated features such as web openings. The openings cause a geometric discontinuity, which makes the distribution of nonlinear stress along the depth of the beam more complicated. In this paper, the structural behavior of the deep beams with openings was investigated experimentally via a total of twenty concrete beam specimens and analytically in four themes. In the first theme, eleven concrete beam specimens with circular and rectangular openings, including the reference solid specimen, were tested to examine how the shape, size, and position of the openings affected the structural behavior of the deep beams. According to earlier studies, the crack patterns and modes of failure for the specimens were discussed in the first theme, and various techniques for strengthening the openings, whether circular or rectangular, were suggested in the second theme. Six concrete beam specimens with rectangular openings were strengthened; three of them were internally strengthened using various thickness plates around the openings, and the other three were strengthened using external fasteners subjected to torque moments. As for the concrete beam specimens with circular openings, these openings were strengthened with three different reinforcement techniques in the three tested beams. The load capacity, deflection, and crack patterns for the strengthened and unstrengthened specimens were recorded and discussed. The experimental results indicated that the load capacity and stiffness of the tested beams were significantly reduced by the presence of openings. Additionally, there was a distinct variety in how the size, position, and shape of the openings affected the beams performance. The results also demonstrated that concrete beam specimens with rectangular openings that were strengthened externally by the fasteners were the best, whereas the efficiency of the remaining strengthening was lower than expected. In the third theme, a numerical study using the nonlinear finite element model (NLFE), the program ANSYS V-19.2, 2018 was conducted on some of the tested strengthened and unstrengthened specimens. The analytical study's findings demonstrated the effectiveness of the NLFE model by comparing with load carrying capacity and load-deflection curve of the tested specimens. In the fourth theme, based on Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO), an algorithm developed in MATLAB and integrated with the FEA solver SAP software was used to build the optimal strut and tie model (OSTM) for two concrete beam specimens with rectangular and circular openings. This was undertaken with the objective of seeking and finding a strengthening technique that is more effective and is dependent on a clear methodology, not on trial and expectation. In agreement with the final obtained OSTM, new alternative strengthening techniques were proposed and evaluated using NLFE. In comparison to the other techniques that were described in this research, the proposed strengthening techniques based on BESO was the best and most effective, they increased the ultimate load in some cases by 72.7 %. BESO can be used efficiency for strengthening the deep beams with openings

The Young Ageing Crew (YAC) : bringing fresh ideas to the scientific community

Abstract: The ageing phenomenon in asphalt pavements has been studied in depth by various researchers worldwide. Ongoing and recently completed doctoral dissertations and post-doctoral research reports around the world focus on different aspects of ageing, varying from molecular to macroscale. Although several targeted technical and research-oriented task groups exist in the United States and Europe, a task force at the early-stage phase to bring together junior researchers was missing until recently. The necessity of such a group is motivated by overcoming common fallacies in research works and synchronising independent, similar studies around the globe. As such, this position paper introduces the efforts and thoughts of the \u2018Young Ageing Crew,\u2019 a group established in 2021 consisting of 35 active junior researchers from 4 continents, to the broader scientific community. This work provides a historical development of the ageing concept and highlights the necessity of new and future advancements to enhance the understanding of the overall phenomenon