3D model of a Monolithic Honeycomb Adsorber for Electric Swing Adsorption for Carbon Dioxide Capture

The goal of this work was to develop a 3D model of Electric Swing Adsorption process for carbon dioxide capture from effluent gasses from power plants. Detailed 3D model of the composite honeycomb monolithic adsorber was developed for a single monolith channel and can be used to simulate and represent different physical properties: velocity, concentration and temperature. The advantage of this model is the fact that all physical properties and results can be presented visually in the 3D domain. COMSOL Multiphysics software was used for solving partial differential equations and simulations of adsorption and electrothermal desorption processes. Some simulation results are presented in this work. The results obtained from 3D simulations will be used for the adsorber model reduction to the 1D model which will be used for modeling and optimization of the whole ESA cycle due to its simplicity and computational demands. Simulation and optimization runs based on the 1D model will be performed in g-Proms software

Unraveling the complexity: A case report on spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (SDAVFs) represent a distinctive category of spinal vascular malformations, characterized by abnormal connections between arteries and veins within the spinal cords duramater. This rare condition, often overlooked, can lead to severe morbidity if left untreated. In this case report we are going to discuss a 52-year-old male who presented with a month-long onset of lower extremity weakness, gait disturbance, and urinary/stool incontinence, emphasizing the complexities in SDAVF diagnosis and underscoring the significance of early intervention.On examination, he exhibited an inability for active movements in his right arm and both legs, global muscle hypotonia, dysphonic speech, and inability to walk. Sensibility testing revealed transverse sensory loss at Th6-Th7 levels bilaterally, and reflexes were hypoactive with a positive Babinski response. No meningeal signs were noted, and sphincter control was lost. The rest of the physical examination was within normal ranges. Neuroimaging was performed.MRI showcases spinal cord edema and dilated and tortuous perimedullary veins on the cervical and proximal toracal segment, notably concentrated on the right side. Simultaneously, angiography delineates the presence of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF), originating predominantly from the meningeal branches of the vertebral arteries, with a pronounced emphasis on the right side.The effects of SDAVFs manifest as spinal cord congestion and edema, with impact on spinal cord function and development of avascular necrosis. This progression leads to irreversible dysfunction. Timely intervention in SDAVFs through prompt endovascular embolization or surgical procedures hold promise for alleviating neural damage and positive recovery process.Keywords:Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas, Vascular malformation, Endovascular embolization

Iron-deficiency anemia as a precursor to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A case report

Background and aims: : Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) poses a rare yet severe neurological challenge, with multifactorial etiology encompassing prothrombotic conditions, infections, trauma, medical procedures, hormonal factors, inflammatory disorders, dehydration, malignancies, and rare inherited disorders. This case report explores the association between iron deficiency anemia and the development of CVST, shedding light on the non-specific symptoms. Methods: A 41-year-old female presented with: headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Examination revealed impaired consciousness, left-sided hemiplegia, and brisk reflexes. Diagnosis of CVST was made with computed tomography (CT) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). A comprehensive assessment, including blood count and iron studies, was conducted to evaluate the patient's iron-deficiency anemia. The case was initially managed with anticoagulation therapy and two units of packed red blood cells. Results: Imaging studies displayed bilateral subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hematomas, and a filling defect in the superior sagittal sinus. Laboratory results indicated iron-deficiency anemia and thrombocytosis. Subsequent CT scans revealed hyperdense hemorrhagic changes, persistent SAH, and intracerebral hematomas. Physiologically, iron deficiency induces a prothrombotic state through increased platelet aggregation, alterations in clotting factor function, and impaired fibrinolysis. Additional links include endothelial dysfunction, elevated homocysteine levels, and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Conclusions: This case underscores the significance of recognizing iron deficiency as a significant contributor to a hypercoagulable state in the context of CVST. The interplay of iron in physiological processes, coupled with its deficiency, heightens the susceptibility to thrombotic events. Recognition and management of iron deficiency anemia are crucial in mitigating the risk of complications associated with CVS

Multifunctional Cotton Impregnated with Multilayer Chitosan/Lignin Nanocoating and Ag Nanoparticles

he demand for clothes with antimicrobial and UV protective properties is continually growing. In an attempt to develop a simple and efficient treatment for cotton fabrics, layer-by-layer deposition of chitosan and magnesium lignosulfonate followed by in situ synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) was performed. Magnesium lignosulfonate acts as a stabilizing agent and UV blocker while NaBH4 is applied as a reducing agent. The influence of the number of bilayers (4 and 12) and the initial concentration of AgNO3 solution (10 mM and 20 mM) on UV protection factor (UPF) and antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Grampositive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and yeast Candida albicans was studied. The presence of nanocoating on the surface of cotton fabric is confirmed by FTIR and XPS analyses. XPS and FESEM analyses reveal a successful synthesis of Ag NPs on the surface of cotton fibers with an average dimension of 35 nm. A four bilayer coating is sufficient to reach maximum 50+ UV protection. Maximum reduction of all investigated microorganisms is achieved with 12 bilayers and application of 20 mM AgNO3 solution

Did the Crisis Change it All? Evidence from Monetary and Fiscal Policy

The recent financial and economic crisis has triggered bold and diverse policy responses to prevent further, sharper and prolonged adverse effects to the financial and the real sector. The measures for alleviating the cycle were a feature both of the advanced and the emerging and developing economies, albeit less pronounced in the latter. The bulk of extraordinary measures undertaken refers to providing monetary and fiscal stimulus, implying possible change within the monetary and the fiscal policy reaction function. Hence, in this study we estimate monetary and fiscal policy reaction function, on a sample of 61 advanced and emerging and developing countries, using panel techniques. Since the purpose is to assess the potential change in the reaction functions during the recent crisis, estimates are done for the period prior and during the crisis. More precisely, we have analyzed whether monetary and fiscal policies have been more focused on closing the output gap during the recent crisis vis-à-vis the period before the crisis. Our findings prove that the magnitude of the reaction has been much stronger during the crisis period. In addition to this key research question, the analysis investigates whether policy responses in the advanced economies have been stronger compared to the ones in developing economies. Advanced economies appear to have been much more aggressive in stabilizing output during crisis compared to their emerging and developing counterparts. Finally, the role of the constraints - the exchange rate regime, the initial conditions in context of external position (the current account balance and the level of external indebtedness), as well as the fiscal space (public debt) - is also explored. We find that the pegged exchange rate regime, the high current account and the high external indebtedness have constrained monetary authorities to respond to inflation and output during crisis, while there is mixed evidence for the constraining role of the high level of public debt to the fiscal policy reaction

BLOCK CIPHER DEFINED BY MATRIX PRESENTATION OF QUASIGROUPS

Designing new cryptosystems and their cryptanalysis is the basic cycle of advancement in the field of cryptography. In this paper we introduce a block cipher based on the quasigroup transformations, which are defined by the matrix presentation of the quasigroup operations. This type of quasigroup presentation is suitable for constructing a block cipher since it doesn\u27t require too much memory space to store all the necessary data, so it can be used even for lightweight cryptographic purposes. For now, we are considering only the quasigroups of order 4. Constructions with quasigroups of higher order and examination of the strengths and weaknesses of this design will be considered in next papers

The transmission of external shocks to the Macedonian economic activity

Macroeconomists have been concerned with the structure of business cycle fluctuations and their sources for a long time. In a highly integrated and globalized world, the study of co-movement, or integration, is important because the results of the study on emerging countries could help policy-makers design more appropriate policies for those countries. In this study, we are trying to answer how much of economic volatility in Macedonia can be explained by shocks originating in the Euro area, as main trading partner and world prices and what is the dynamic response of Macedonian GDP to a such shocks. To examine this, we are estimating three variable recursive SVAR models. The results from the basic estimated model, as well as the models in the sensitivity analysis, show that only small portion of domestic GDP variation can be explained by foreign demand, whereas the prices have limited contribution. Impulse response also confirms these findings, as domestic GDP has statistically significant response to foreign demand shock, while world prices shock has no significant effect

Effects of formulation variables on the particle size and viability of L.casei-loaded in whey protein-Ca-alginate microparticles

The health benefits of the probiotics are becoming more recognized and utilized nowadays. Among lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus casei has been found to colonize human GIT and exert meany health benefits. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of the formulation variables of L. casei-loaded whey-protein-Ca-alginate microparticles on the particle size and the survival of the mentioned probiotic during the processing.Overall effects of the formulation variables pointed to the dominant influence of the concentration of whey protein on the particle size , followed by the concentration of alginate. Higher concentration of whey protein and alginate in the coating medium resulted in increased particle size. Also, the data pointed to the dominant influence of the concentration of alginate and Ca Cl2 on the viability prior to-, and this trend continues after lyophilization. Significant negative effect of the alginate-whey protein interactions on the viability after lyophilization was observed, suggesting competition of the polymers and the probiotic for the same bonding site

Effect of formulation variables on physicochemical characteristics of synbiotic microparticles with Lactobacillus casei

Synbiotic microparticles were prepared by spray-drying of aqueous dispersion of alginate, fructooligosaccharide and L.casei, followed by subsequent cross-linking and coating in solution of CaCl2 and chitosan in 1% w/w acetic acid. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the formulation variables in particle size, zeta potential, calcium content and cell entrapment using polynomial regression model at 2nd level. Experimental responese demonstrated dominant influence of the interaction between the concentration of alginate and CaCl2 on all physicochemical parameters of the particles. The concentration of chitosan significantly affected the zeta potential of the particles, while the concentration of alginate was active in determination of the content of Ca 2= in the particles

Multilayer Chitosan/Lignin Nanocoating with Silver Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Cotton

The demand for antimicrobial textiles is rapidly growing particularly in medical sector. In an effort to develop a simple and efficient antimicrobial treatment for cotton, layer-bylayer deposition of chitosan and magnesium lignosulfonate, followed by in situ synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles, was accomplished. Lignin is exploited as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent1,2, producing Ag nanoparticles in amounts even larger than those obtained with sodium borohydride as a strong reducing agent. The influence of the number of bilayers (4 and 12) and initial concentration of AgNO3 solution (10 and 20 mM) on antimicrobial activity of cotton fabric against Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, and C. albicans, yeast was examined. The presence of evenly scattered Ag nanoparticles all over the fiber surface is confirmed by FESEM analysis (Figure 1). The number of bilayers does not affect the size of nanoparticles (~56 nm), but an increase of bilayers results in greater Ag content. The samples treated with 20 mM AgNO3 solution contain more Ag than those treated with 10 mM solution. The formation of metallic Ag nanoparticles is confirmed by XPS analysis. Synthesized Ag nanoparticles provide excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria S. aureus (99.9 %), independent of the initial concentration of AgNO3 and number of bilayers. Larger content of Ag nanoparticles i.e., higher initial concentration of AgNO3 solution leads to considerably enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli. A similar trend is evident with the C. albicans yeast, but the desired yeast reduction of 99 % was not obtained