Search Results (248)

The present study aimed to compare the composition structure, interfacial, and antioxidant activities of flaxseed protein isolates (FPIs) in different flaxseed varieties. The results showed that apparently intact protein bodies (PBs) were manifested as densely staining cytoplasmic inclusions with distinct boundaries and varying diameter ranges among different flaxseed varieties. Through alkali extraction with isoelectric precipitation, FPIs exhibited a relatively small and irregular lamellar strip structure with varying sizes and shapes packed with spherical particles in studied flaxseed varieties. The different composition structures of FPIs among studied flaxseed varieties were also obtained, involving the protein subunits’ intrinsic fluorescence properties, secondary structures, and amino acid profiles. These structural differences also led to differential purities, aqueous solubility, dispersion properties, and surface charges. Moreover, the varying emulsifying and foaming properties of FPIs from different flaxseed varieties were also observed due to the formation of coarse lipid droplets (5~40 μm) and foams (20~100 μm) with the specific structure of the oil/gas–water interface and bulk aqueous phase. The retention of phenolic compounds into FPIs still displayed evident variety specificity from 323 to 478 mg/100 g and 210 to 347 mg/100 g, which definitely led to escalated antioxidant activities. Thus, FPIs from Longya 13# and Neiya 9# flaxseed varieties were screened for favorable emulsifying and foaming properties due to the balanced molecular rigidity/unfolding and interfacial adsorption/stabilization behavior. Full article

Accurate prediction of mechanical properties is essential for quality control in hot strip rolling (HSR), where the relationships among chemical composition, process parameters, and mechanical properties are highly nonlinear under industrial conditions. In this work, a data-driven framework was established for the prediction and interpretation of yield strength (YS), tensile strength (TS), and elongation (EL) of hot-rolled strips based on industrial production data. A high-quality dataset was constructed through data collection, outlier removal, and feature selection. Six machine learning (ML) models were developed and compared, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) was employed for hyperparameter tuning. The results showed that random forest (RF) achieved the best overall predictive performance, with R² values of 0.979, 0.986, and 0.959 for YS, TS, and EL, respectively. In addition, faster convergence and better optimization performance were obtained by PSO than by genetic algorithm (GA) and artificial bee colony (ABC). Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) were further introduced to reveal both global feature importance and local feature contributions. The proposed framework provides an effective approach for mechanical property prediction and alloy design in HSR. Full article

A coupled modeling framework is developed to predict coating thickness after air knife wiping in hot-dip galvanizing. A 3D large eddy simulation (LES) using the WALE sub-grid scale (SGS) model is performed to resolve the jet impingement on the moving strip. Time-averaged wall static pressure $p_{\omega }\left(y\right)$ and wall shear stress ${\tau }_{\omega }\left(y\right)$ along the strip direction are extracted and used as driving inputs for a thin film model. Starting from the continuity and momentum equations, a lubrication-type formulation is derived, leading to a local cubic equation for film thickness $h\left(y\right)$ that accounts for both pressure gradient and gravity. A coupling workflow is established to preprocess the LES wall signals and compute the final coating thickness $h_{final}$. Parametric sweeps of inlet total pressure $P_0$ and the knife-to-strip distance $H$ are employed to construct operating window maps. The predicted trends show that increasing $P_0$ or decreasing $H$ intensifies wall loading and reduces $h_{final}$, while the operating window boundary is governed by the balance between the gas-induced shears. Representative results, including peak wall loading and thickness ranges, are reported for industrially relevant operating conditions. Full article

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) is a well-established surgical technique for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction, in which intracameral gas tamponade plays a critical role in graft adherence. We report the case of a 67-year-old pseudophakic woman with advanced Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and symptomatic pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the right eye, who presented with progressive visual deterioration and underwent DSAEK using an 8.25 mm donor graft inserted with a Busin glide and tamponaded with a 25% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas–air mixture. On the first postoperative day, slit-lamp examination suggested an appropriate anterior chamber configuration and satisfactory graft attachment. However, detailed multiplanar anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), defined here as assessment using vertical, horizontal, and rotational scan orientations, revealed subtle posterior migration of the gas bubble beneath the iris plane. This clinically occult finding indicated altered anterior segment anatomy associated with a risk of secondary angle-closure mechanisms and raised concern for malignant glaucoma. Prompt surgical re-intervention was undertaken on postoperative day one, involving decompression of the misdirected gas bubble and reinjection of a centrally positioned tamponade. This resulted in restoration of normal anterior chamber configuration and stable graft adherence. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.1 Snellen (1.0 logMAR) preoperatively to 0.7 Snellen (0.15 logMAR) at 2 weeks following surgery. This case highlights the added value of multiplanar AS-OCT in detecting clinically occult posterior gas migration after DSAEK, particularly when the abnormality is scan-orientation-dependent and not apparent on slit-lamp examination, thereby enabling timely intervention in the presence of a potentially sight-threatening postoperative configuration. Full article

Energy gels are widely used by athletes to maintain performance during endurance activities; however, their acidic composition may pose a risk to dental health. This study aimed to evaluate the pH of four commercial energy gels at different dilutions with artificial saliva and to assess the potential neutralizing effect of casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP–ACP). An in vitro experimental design was conducted using four commercial gels (FullGas Hydrogel, ENA Energy Gel, UltraTech Gel, and Maverick Race Gel). Serial dilutions with artificial saliva (1:2, 1:5, 1:7, and 1:10) were prepared, and pH was measured using indicator strips at 0, 15, and 30 min at 37 °C. The effect of CPP-ACP was evaluated in the 1:2 dilution. Undiluted gels showed highly acidic pH values ranging from 2.0 to 3.0. Dilutions of 1:2 and 1:5 remained significantly more acidic than artificial saliva (p < 0.001). From 1:7 dilution onward, pH values increased and approached salivary levels (approximately 7.0), with no significant differences compared with artificial saliva. The addition of CPP-ACP significantly increased pH in the 1:2 dilution (p < 0.05), although the effect was limited in more diluted conditions. These findings suggest that commercial energy gels may represent a source of acidic exposure under in vitro conditions, which could be relevant for dental health. Adequate dilution, particularly ≥1:7, was associated with a reduction in acidity under the experimental conditions tested, although its clinical relevance cannot be directly inferred, while CPP-ACP may provide a limited buffering effect under concentrated exposure conditions. Full article

Industrial production still relies heavily on thermal processes that predominantly use fossil fuels for energy. This has significant consequences for primary energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, rapid advances in electrotechnologies—defined as processes that use electrical energy to transform materials through internal heat dissipation (inductive, conductive, or dielectric/microwave) or heat transfer via resistance and infrared systems—are paving the way for a transition to a non-fossil fuel-based energy supply across a wide range of temperatures and power densities. However, replacing fuel with electricity is not simply a case of making a straightforward substitution; the feasibility of this change is determined by process requirements, constraints on installation space and grid connection, the reliability and volatility of the electricity supply, and economics. This paper therefore proposes a simple, decision-oriented methodology to assess the feasibility of defossilisation from energetic and economic perspectives. The methodology centres on a “substitution coefficient” that compares the amount of fossil energy substituted by a given amount of electrical energy and benchmarks this against the primary energy intensity of electricity generation. The methodology is demonstrated using case studies from energy-intensive sectors such as cement production (using resistance and microwave methods), steel strip processing (with inductive boosting combined with resistive holding) and metal melting for cast iron and aluminium. The case studies show under which conditions electrification can be implemented as a drop-in substitute, a hybrid booster or an enabler of new production models. The results indicate where electrotechnologies can deliver primary energy savings and CO₂ reductions today and outline the conditions under which their advantages will increase as power systems become more decarbonised. Full article

The selective removal of HCl from industrial HCl/SiF₄ mixtures was investigated using a series of alcohol-based and deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Among them, glycerol (GL) exhibited superior selectivity for HCl despite a moderate total capacity. Absorption at 60 °C ensured stable operation with minimal foaming. Desorption analysis revealed that both HCl and SiF₄ underwent partial irreversible absorption under N₂ stripping, while staged vacuum desorption enabled efficient and selective recovery—SiF₄ was fully removed at 70 °C and 6 kPa, followed by nearly complete HCl desorption at 90 °C. Cyclic tests confirmed excellent solvent stability and rapid regeneration, with complete desorption achieved within 10–15 min. A conceptual process was proposed based on these findings, demonstrating a practical and energy-efficient route for selective HCl recovery from acid–gas mixtures. Full article

Coal mine gas disasters have always been a major threat to coal mine safety production. With the increasing depth and intensity of mining, the importance of studying gas geological laws is becoming increasingly prominent. In the actual mining process in coal mines, there is often a phenomenon of sudden increase in gas accumulation and gas emission in local areas. The study and prediction of the main influencing factors of gas enrichment are important research foundations for guiding the precise implementation of gas control engineering and avoiding coal and gas outburst accidents. Research shows that gas accumulates in local areas (such as abnormal structural and coal thickness areas), and gas pressure also increases locally; in areas where coal seam thickness changes dramatically, there is a sharp increase in gas content in mines. Prominent accidents all occurred in the coal seam area with a thickness exceeding 5 m. There is a significant spatial coupling between gas enrichment zoning and outburst accidents. The strip-shaped high-enrichment area based on gas content gradient division has a northeast southwest distribution consistent with the direction of structural extension. This study reveals the cross scale occurrence law of coalbed methane under multiple disturbances during the mining process, elucidates the non-equilibrium occurrence characteristics of methane, delineates local gas enrichment areas, uses theoretical models to predict gas emission and distribution laws, and provides parameter support for constructing gas geological attribute models. Full article

EPDM is widely used as the polymer matrix for solid rocket motor (SRM) internal thermal protection because of its low density, chemical inertness, and ability to form carbonaceous residue. Practical performance is frequently limited by weak char integrity and barrier properties, char oxidation, mechanical stripping in gas-dynamic flow, and by the poor comparability of published results due to non-uniform test conditions and reporting. This review systematizes studies on 0D nanofillers in EPDM ablatives and harmonizes the key metrics, including linear and mass ablation rates (LAR, MAR), back-face temperature (T_back), and solid residue yield. The major 0D additives-nSiO₂, nTiO₂, nZnO, and carbon black (CB) are compared, and their dominant mechanisms are summarized: degradation-layer structuring, reduced gas permeability, thermo-oxidative stabilization, and effects on vulcanization. Several studies report larger improvements for hybrid systems, where CB enhances char cohesion and retention, while oxide nanoparticles improve barrier performance and resistance to oxidation. Finally, an application-oriented selection matrix is proposed that accounts for thermal protection efficiency, processability, agglomeration limits, and density penalties to support EPDM coating design and improve comparability. Full article

High regeneration energy demand remains a critical barrier to the large-scale deployment of ethanolamine-based (MEA-based) CO₂ capture. This study adopts an Al₂O₃ ceramic-membrane heat exchanger (CMHE) to recover both sensible and latent heat from the stripped gas. Experiments confirm that heat and mass transfer within the CMHE follow a coupled mechanism in which capillary condensation governs trans-membrane water transport, while heat conduction through the ceramic membrane dominates heat transfer, which accounts for more than 80%. Guided by this mechanism, systematic structural optimization was conducted. Alumina was identified as the optimal heat exchanger material due to its combined porosity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Among the tested pore sizes, CMHE-4 produces the strongest capillary-condensation enhancement, yielding a heat recovery flux (q value) of up to 38.8 MJ/(m² h), which is 4.3% and 304% higher than those of the stainless steel heat exchanger and plastic heat exchanger, respectively. In addition, Length-dependent analyses reveal an inherent trade-off: shorter modules achieved higher q (e.g., 14–42% greater for 200-mm vs. 300-mm CMHE-4), whereas longer modules provide greater total recovered heat (Q). Scale-up experiments demonstrated pronounced non-linear performance amplification, with a 4 times area increase boosting q by only 1.26 times under constant pressure. The techno-economic assessment indicates a simple payback period of ~2.5 months and a significant reduction in net capture cost. Overall, this work establishes key design parameters, validates the governing transport mechanism, and provides a practical, economically grounded framework for implementing high-efficiency CMHEs in MEA-based CO₂ capture. Full article

Piggery farming is the largest source of livestock manure in South Korea, yet greenhouse gas (GHG) data from piggery wastewater treatment systems remain limited. This study quantified methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes from a full-scale treatment facility to develop stage-, seasonal-, and diurnal-specific emission factors. Continuous laser-based monitoring using a PVC air-pool chamber was applied across raw wastewater storage, an anoxic nitrogen-conversion reactor, and strongly aerated nitrification units. Mean CH₄ fluxes ranged from 1.1 to 15.6 mg s⁻¹ m⁻² peaking in summer, while N₂O fluxes ranged from 0.01 to 17,971 mg s⁻¹ m⁻², with maxima in fall. Emissions were dominated by two functional zones: aerated basins where vigorous mixing enhanced CH₄ stripping, and an upstream anoxic reactor where oxygen instability and nitrite accumulation produced extreme N₂O peaks. Derived emission factors were 0.11 kg CH₄ head⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and 45.2 kg N₂O head⁻¹ yr⁻¹, equivalent to 3.1 and 12,300 kg CO₂-eq head⁻¹ yr⁻¹. CH₄ variability was controlled mainly by treatment stage and temperature, whereas N₂O was governed by internal redox conditions. These results refine emission factors for inventories and underscore the need for improved aeration stability and denitrification control to reduce GHG emissions from piggery wastewater systems. Full article

Two folding screens by futurist artist Giacomo Balla (1871–1958) in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum (the Netherlands) were investigated: Paravento con linea di velocità (1916–1917) and Paravento (1916/1917–1958). The screens are painted on both sides, the first on four canvases, stretched onto two wooden strainers and framed with painted wooden strips, and the second on wooden panels set into four painted stiles. In the past, damages on Paravento con linea di velocità were restored by conservators, while Paravento was probably first reworked by the artist himself and later restored by conservators. Yellowed varnish and discolored retouches on both screens led to a wish for treatment. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the painting techniques, layer buildup, pigments, binders, and varnishes of the two artworks. This information supported the decision making for treatment, and it broadens the knowledge on the materials used by Balla. Up to now, only a few published studies deal with the technical examination of paintings by this artist. Both folding screens were subjected to technical photography (UV, IR photography, and X-ray) and were examined with portable point X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, samples were taken. Cross-sections were studied with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) imaging, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Loose samples were examined with SEM-EDX, FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). For Paravento con linea di velocità, all pigments and fillers of the painted canvases are compatible with the dating of the screen (1916–1917), but they differ from those on the frame. Here, rutile, in combination with various pigments, among which are blue copper phthalocyanine (PB15) and other synthetic organic pigments, was found. This indicates that the frame has been painted later, likely after the Second World War. The composition of the binders differs as well. Drying oil and pine resin have been used on the canvases, explaining the smooth and glossy appearance and solvent-sensitivity of the paint. On the frame, oil with some alkyd resin was identified. The provenance of the screen before 1972 is not clear, nor when the frame was made and painted and by whom. The results for Paravento indicate that the palettes of the two sides—painted in different styles—are comparable. Mainly inorganic pigments were found, except for the dark red areas, where toluidine red (PR3) is present. pXRF showed high amounts of zinc; cross-sections revealed that zinc white is present in the lower layers. These pigments are compatible with the dating of the screen (1916–1917). In many of the upper paint layers though, except for some green, dark red, and black areas, rutile has been identified. This indicates that these layers were applied later, likely after the Second World War. Since this folding screen was used by the artist and his family until his death in 1958, it seems likely that Balla himself reworked the screen. Full article

The coordinated development of stems and branches, together with optimal strip spacing, is crucial for improving soybean yield in the soybean–maize relay strip intercropping system. Shading during the seedling stage often causes excessive stem elongation and reduced branching; however, the physiological mechanisms underlying stem–branch responses to changing light environments remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify how early-stage shading and subsequent light recovery regulate stem and branch development through changes in canopy light environment, phytohormones, and the expression of related genes. Shade-tolerant Nandou12 and shade-sensitive Nannong99-6 were used as experimental soybean cultivars. Six treatments were implemented: a non-shaded control with uniform strip spacing (T0: 40 cm); seedling shading (40% PAR-transmission nets for 35 days after emergence) combined with variable strip spacing (T1: 40 cm; T2: 70 cm; T3: 100 cm; T4: 130 cm; T5: 160 cm). Canopy light environment, main stem and branch traits, photosynthetic characteristics, phytohormones, related gene expression, and yield components were measured. The results indicated that shade at the seedling stage significantly upregulated auxin (IAA) biosynthesis gene GmYUCC and downregulated phytochrome gene GmPhyB in the main stem tips, corresponding to increased IAA and cytokinins (CKs). In branch tips, shading significantly downregulated GmYUCC and GmPhyB while upregulated GmMAX3B, which is consistent with reduced levels of IAA, CKs, and brassinosteroid (BR), and increased strigolactones (SLs). After light recovery, GmPhyB and GmYUCC were upregulated whereas GmMAX3B was downregulated, accompanied by higher IAA, GA, CKs, and BRs, lower SLs, and improved chlorophyll content, Rubisco content, photosynthesis, and the accumulation of soluble sugar and starch in branches. Nandou12 achieved up to 10% higher yield under shading, and a 100 cm strip spacing maintained 74–111% yield of the non-shaded soybean. These findings demonstrate that cultivars with strong shade tolerance and high branching potential, combined with a 100-cm strip spacing, effectively sustain yield in relay-intercropped soybean by enabling favorable physiological responses to early shading and subsequent light recovery. Full article

Water removal is crucial in natural gas processing to minimize water content, ensure safe transmission, and prevent operational issues like equipment corrosion and hydrate formation. Glycol absorption could be considered as one of the most effective methods used for natural gas dehydration and dew point control. However, during solvent regeneration, some pollutants, like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), are released to the atmosphere, resulting in catastrophic physical and mental health problems. Minimizing such pollutants that have negative impacts is highly needed to avoid the related negative environmental consequences. The objective of the current work is to investigate alternative strategies targeted to minimize BTEX emissions and guarantee efficient control of the dew point. Two strategies are introduced and investigated in this work; the first strategy is based on revamping an existing unit by adding a new cooler upstream glycol inlet separator, while the second strategy is based on using alternative glycols. The proposed strategies are applied to an Egyptian natural gas dehydration unit to select the optimum scenario that achieves the minimum BTEX emissions with efficient dew point control. It is found that natural gas dehydration using monoethylene glycol (MEG) is the best scenario in reducing BTEX emissions with efficient dew point control. The impact of operating conditions on BTEX emissions, along with natural gas water content, is also investigated. Lingo optimization software, v. 18, as well as HYSYS, v. 14, are used to find the optimum operating conditions for efficient dew point control with minimum BTEX emissions. It is demonstrated that stripping gas, MEG circulation rate, and inlet feed gas temperature have remarkable effects on BTEX emissions. Two quadratic correlations are also introduced in this study to efficiently relate BTEX emissions and water dew point to the influencing operating conditions. Full article

A rigorous rate-based absorption model integrated with an improved thermodynamic framework was developed to simulate natural gas desulfurization using TMS–MDEA (Tetramethylene Sulfone–Methyldiethanolamine) aqueous solutions. The model was validated against 50 sets of industrial and experimental data, achieving R² values above 0.98 and average deviations within 5%. The model was formulated for steady-state operation of a trayed absorber integrated with flash and packed-bed regeneration and applicable over industrially relevant ranges (absorber pressure 3–6.4 MPa; gas–liquid ratio 350–720; flash pressure 0.3–0.6 MPa; packing height ≥ 3 m). The results indicate that H₂S can be removed almost completely (>99.9%); CO₂ and COS achieve 70–85% and 75–83% removal, respectively; and CH₃SH removal exceeds 90% under typical conditions. Parametric analysis revealed that higher tray numbers, weir heights, and pressures enhance absorption efficiency, whereas hydrocarbon solubility increases with carbon number and is strongly affected by pressure and the gas–liquid ratio. In the desorption section, flash regeneration efficiently strips light hydrocarbons, with decreasing desorption efficiency from CH₄ to C₆H₁₄. This study provides quantitative insights into the coupled absorption–desorption process and offers practical guidance for process design, solvent selection, and energy-efficient operation in natural gas purification. Full article