An experimental study is carried out in a cavitation tunnel on a propeller operating downstream of a non-uniform wake. The goal of this work is to establish quantitative correlations between the near pressure field and the cavitation pattern that takes place on the propeller blades. The pressure field is measured at the walls of the test section and in the near wake of the propeller, and is combined with quantitative high-speed image recording of the cavitation pattern. Through simple harmonic analysis of the pressure data and image processing techniques that allow to retrieve the cavitation extension and volume, we discuss the potential sources that generate the pressure fluctuations. Time correlations are unambiguously established between pressure peak fluctuations and cavitation collapse events, based upon the Rayleigh collapse time. Finally, we design a model to predict the cavitation-induced pressure fluctuations from the derivation of the cavitation volume acceleration. This simple model demonstrates a remarkable agreement with the actual pressure field.

Therapeutic proteins are used to successfully treat hemophilia, Crohn’s Disease, diabetes, and cancer. Recent product recalls have occurred because of sub-visible particle formation resulting from the inherent instability of proteins. It has been suggested that particle formation is associated with late stage processing steps of filling, shipping, and delivery. Previous works demonstrated that cavitation might occur in therapeutic vials subjected to agitation or accidentally dropped, but that mitigation can be achieved with fluid property manipulation. The goal of this research was to (1) assess the risk of cavitation under common pharmaceutical manufacturing conditions (i.e., pipe contraction and pumps), (2) establish a simple threshold criterion for when particulate will form, and (3) suggest a series of mitigation techniques based on these thresholds. To accomplish these tasks, computational fluid dynamic simulations for a variety of pipe contraction and fluid properties were performed. The results of this research show that reducing the turbulence in a fluid system will reduce the likelihood of cavitation. Additionally, threshold bounds were created that establish a definitive transition at which cavitation will occur.

A numerical method using combined detached-eddy simulation (DES) and cavitation model considering the rotation effect is used for unsteady cavitation flow field of the centrifugal pump. Closed type pump test system was established to obtain the pump performance and pressure pulsation characteristics under different flow rates and cavitation condition, which provide boundary conditions and verification of calculations. Based on the calculation results of the unsteady flow field of the centrifugal pump cavitation, the entropy generation analysis of the flow field and the pressure fluctuation characteristics were carried out. Then the relationship between cavitation and the deterioration of the centrifugal pump performance and the generation of the unstable operation excitation force was tried to reveal. The internal energy loss is mainly concentrated in the impeller, volute, and pump cavity area, which accounts for more than 85% of the total entropy generation. The characteristic frequency of about 0.333 Strouhal Number appears at the volute tongue due to the cavitation flow spread downstream.

The cornerstone of molecular magnetism is a detailed understanding of the relationship between structure and magnetic behaviour, i.e. the development of magneto-structural correlations. Traditionally, the synthetic chemist approaches this challenge by making multiple compounds that share a similar magnetic core but differ in peripheral ligation. Changes in the ligand framework induce changes in the bond angles and distances around the metal ions which are manifested in changes to magnetic susceptibility and magnetisation data. This approach requires the synthesis of series of different ligands and assumes that the chemical/electronic nature of the ligands and their coordination to the metal, the nature and number of counter ions and how they are positioned in the crystal lattice, and the molecular and crystallographic symmetry have no effect on the measured magnetic properties. In short, the assumption is that everything outwith the magnetic core is innocent, which is a huge oversimplification. The ideal scenario would be to have the same complex available in multiple structural conformations, and this is something that can be achieved through the application of external hydrostatic pressure, correlating structural changes observed through high pressure single crystal X-ray crystallography with changes observed in high pressure magnetometry, in tandem with high pressure inelastic neutron scattering (INS), high pressure electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and high pressure absorption/emission/Raman spectroscopy. In this review, which summarises our work in this area over the last 15 years, we show that the application of pressure to molecule-based magnets can (reversibly): (1) lead to changes in bond angles, distances and Jahn-Teller orientations; (2) break and form bonds; (3) induce polymerisation/depolymerisation; (4) enforce multiple phase transitions; (5) instigate piezochromism; (6) change the magnitude and sign of pairwise exchange interactions and magnetic anisotropy and (7) lead to significant increases in magnetic ordering temperatures.

Due to environmental concerns, natural refrigerants and their use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems are receiving more attention from manufacturers, end users and the scientific community. The study of heat transfer and pressure drop is essential for accurate design and more energy efficient cycles using natural refrigerants. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the latest outcomes related to heat transfer and pressure drop correlations for ammonia, propane, isobutane and propylene and to investigate the current state of the art in terms of operating conditions. Available data on the existing correlations of heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop for natural refrigerants have been collected through a systematic search. Whenever possible, validity intervals are given for each correlation and the error is quantified. It is the intention of the authors that this could be a valuable support for researchers and an aid to design, with particular reference to heat pumps. A procedure based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was adopted, and the Scopus database was used to query the relevant literature. A total of 135 publications qualified for inclusion in the survey; 34 articles report experimental investigations for not usual geometric conditions. Of the 101 selected papers related to usual geometric conditions, N = 50 deal only with HTC, N = 16 deal only with pressure drop and the remainder (N = 35) analyse both HTC and pressure drop. Among the 85 HTC papers (N = 53) deal with the evaporating condition, N = 30 with condensation and only N = 2 with the heat transfer correlations under both conditions. Most of the 101 articles concern propane and isobutane. The high temperatures are less widely investigated.

Experimental investigations were conducted to uncover the impact of cavitation control - through the use of riblets (mesoscale surface structuring) - on cavitating flows around a circular cylinder. First, the dynamics of cavitation in the flow behind a finite cylinder (without riblets) was unveiled by visualizing the cavitation clouds and measuring the lift force fluctuations acting on the cylinder. Second, as a significant step forward, a comprehensive explanation was provided for the mechanism of cavitation control using two bio-inspired riblet morphologies positioned in different orientations and locations on the cylinder. For the first time, the effects of these tiny structures on the flow dynamics and the associated cavitation process were scrutinized. This showed that scalloped riblets, with their curved design, induced secondary vortices near their tips and distorted primary streamwise vortices, and that high velocity gradients near the jagged pattern peaks of sawtooth riblets delayed flow separation, which affected cavitation.

Pistol shrimps generate cavitation bubbles. Cavitation impacts due to bubble collapses are harmful phenomena, as they cause severe damage to hydraulic machineries, such as pumps and valves. However, cavitation impacts can be utilized for mechanical surface treatment to improve the fatigue strength of metallic materials, which is called “cavitation peening”. Through conventional cavitation peening, a cavitation is generated by a submerged water jet, i.e., a cavitating jet or a pulsed laser. The fatigue strength of magnesium alloy when treated by the pulsed laser is larger than that of the jet. In order to drastically increase the processing efficiency of cavitation peening, the mechanism of pistol shrimp (specifically when used to create a cavitation bubble), i.e., alpheus randalli, was quantitatively investigated. It was found that a pulsed water jet generates a cavitation bubble when a shrimp snaps its claws. Furthermore, two types of cavitation generators were developed, namely, one that uses a pulsed laser and one that uses a piezo actuator, and this was achieved by mimicing a pistol shrimp.

During submerged laser peening using a pulsed laser, a bubble that behaves like cavitation is generated after laser ablation (LA). The bubble is referred to as laser cavitation (LC). The amplitude of the shock-wave in LA water is larger than that of LC; however, the impact passing through the target metal during LC is larger than that of LA. Thus, submerged laser peening is referred to as “laser cavitation peening”, as the peening method using the cavitation impact is known as “cavitation peening”. The impact induced by a hemispherical bubble is more aggressive than that of a spherical bubble with a microjet. Laser cavitation peening can improve the fatigue strength of metallic materials by producing work-hardening and the introduction of compressive residual stress. Three-dimensional additive manufactured metals (3D metals) such as titanium alloy are attractive materials for aviation components and medical implants; however, the fatigue strength of as-built components is nearly half that of bulk metals, and this is an obstacle for the applications of 3D metals. In the present study, published research papers were reviewed to identify the key factors of laser cavitation peening, with additional visualization of LC and data. Then, improvements in the fatigue strength of metallic materials, including 3D metals produced by laser cavitation peening, were summarized.

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a process that enables high-speed deposition with a sub-millimeter thickness using laser technology. Thus far, defect studies on additive manufacturing, including DED, have focused mostly on preventing pores and crack defects that reduce fatigue strength. On the other hand, evaporation products, fumes and spatters, generated by the high energy have often been neglected despite being some of the main causes of porosity and defects. In high-quality metal deposition, the problems caused by evaporation products are difficult to solve, but they have not yet caught the attention of metallurgists and physicists. This review examines the effect of the laser, material, and process parameters on the evaporation products to help obtain a high-quality metal film layer in thin-DED.

In this paper, we design a quantum heat exchanger which converts heat into light on relatively short quantum optical time scales. Our scheme takes advantage of collective cavity-mediated laser cooling of an atomic gas inside a cavitating bubble. Laser cooling routinely transfers individually trapped ions to nano-Kelvin temperatures for applications in quantum technology. The quantum heat exchanger which we propose here is expected to provide cooling rates of the order of Kelvin temperatures per millisecond and is expected to find applications in micro and nanotechnology.

This review considers the generation of relatively simple biomolecules, e.g., primary amino acids, resulting from the rapid collapse of bubbles in aqueous solutions containing various, low molar mass, gases. Some of the possible primary reactions occurring to produce the biomolecules are introduced and discussed. A brief discussion is included on the possible involvement of hydrodynamic cavitation, at the primordial seashore, as the initiating processes for the formation of the first organic molecules on prebiotic earth and the origins of life on Earth some 4 billion years ago.

An inducer is one of the most important components of centrifugal pumps, whose presence will result in a significant increase in hydraulic performance and pump efficiency. The primary function of the inducer, however, is to delay the destructive phenomenon of cavitation, which has presented a considerable design challenge. Nevertheless, the amount of improvement and increase in inducer performance in both cavitation and non-cavitation modes depends critically on the radial laxity of the blade tip. As part of this study, the performance of the inducer in the cavitation state has been simulated and compared with the experimental data, which are in good agreement. This paper examines the effect of blade tip lagging on cavitation, and the results indicate that this will improve cavitation ­and delay this destructive phenomenon ­but will negatively affect the non-cavitation performance. With the increase in clearance, the range of the return current will increase at the tip of the inducer blade as well.

Maize, a crop of international relevance, frequently undergoes xylem embolism due to water shortage, negatively impacting growth, yield, and quality. Consequently, a refined comprehension of xylem embolism is vital for enhancing maize cultivation. Notwithstanding extensive research and the generation of analytical models for embolism mechanisms, prevalent models often disregard crop-specific hydraulic processes and the formation of embolisms via air bubbles in the xylem conduit. In this research, we present an inventive model applying pipe cavitation parameters to discern water potential and bubble formation in maize leaf xylem. The model integrates pivotal physiological traits of maize—leaf count, leaf vein count, and average leaf radius—demonstrating robust correlations. Furthermore, we constructed a percentage conductivity loss (PLC) curve based on pre-dawn leaf water potential and compared it with our model, offering interval data to observe embolisation events triggered by air bubbles. Utilizing experimental data, our novel cavitation-parameters based model effectively corresponds with observed bubble phenomena and appropriately characterizes water transport in plant xylem conduits. This method enabled us to observe the transition from bubble occurrence to cavitation embolism microscopically, which aligned with the embolism intervals provided by the model. This procedure reveals potential trends in bubble-induced embolism and deepens our knowledge of microscopic plant hydraulics and crop embolism. This work establishes a basis for understanding the generation of bubble embolisms in maize, assists in evaluating maize plant water status for efficient water supply management throughout the growth cycle, and contributes towards potential water management strategies for maize.

Coccidioides spp are thermally dimorphic fungi found in geographically defined areas of the Western Hemisphere. The primary portal of entry is respiratory, with a symptomatic pneumonic disease as the most common presentation. Subsequent pulmonary complications as well as extrapulmonary metastatic infection may occur, either of which may be the presenting disease manifestation. Cavitary lung disease may be found incidentally or when investigating symptoms such as cough or hemoptysis. This study aims to explore the spectrum of coccidioidal cavities and the evaluation and management in a cohort of patients seen at Kern Medical over the last 12 years.

Lemon pectin extracted along with water-soluble flavonoids and other phytochemicals from citrus industry’s waste lemon peel via hydrodynamic cavitation in water, directly at pre-industrial scale and further isolated via freeze drying, shows exceptionally high antioxidant and non-cytotoxic activity. Preliminary investigation indicates also significant antimicrobial activity. These findings open the route to the development of new nutraceutical and healthcare application of a versatile biopolymer endowed with new functionality, rapidly and conveniently obtained from an abundant by-product of the agrofood industry.

Pectin extracted via hydrodynamic cavitation in water only from waste lemon peel and further isolated via freeze drying displays significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram positive pathogen which easily contaminates food. The antibacterial effect of the new IntegroPectin is largely superior to that of commercial citrus pectin, opening the way to advanced applications of a new bioproduct now obtainable in large amounts and at low cost from citrus juice industry’s waste.

Elastic bodies entering the water might experience Fluid-Structure Interaction phenomena introduced by the mutual interaction between the structural deformation and the fluid motion. Cavity formation, often misleadingly named cavitation, is one of these. This work presents the results of an experimental investigation on the water entry of deformable wedges impacting a quiescent water surface with pure vertical velocity in free fall. The experimental campaign is conducted on flexible wedges parametrically varying the flexural stiffness, deadrise angle, and drop height. It is found that under given experimental conditions cavity pockets forms beneath the wedge. Their generation mechanism is found to be ruled by a differential between structural and fluid velocities, which is introduced by the structural vibrations. Results show that the impact force during water entry of stiff bodies is always opposing gravity, while in case of flexible bodies might temporarily reverse its direction, with the body that is being sucked into the water within the time frame between the cavity formation and its collapse. Severe impacts might also generate a series of cavity generation and collapses.

This study explores the use of remote ultrasound vibration to enhance welding strength. It examines the effects of 20 kHz, and 40 kHz High Power Ultrasound Transducers (HPUT) in contact and contactless modes during ultrasonic assistance laser welding. Employing shear tests and microscopy for assessment, the research evaluates ultrasound's impact on welding strength and identifies the optimal transducer. Theoretical and numerical analyses investigate vibration transmission into the welding area, particularly examining the vibration distribution and cavitation initiation within the molten pool area. Results indicate that ultrasound-assisted welding increases pull test performance, including the resistance force and strain, and improves microscopic structural integrity. Numerical simulations suggest that narrow-band vibration intensifies pressure in specific welding zones. Contactless ultrasound application also shows enhanced welding quality, offering a promising alternative to current methods. This work contributes to electric car technology by suggesting improvements in welding techniques for power battery systems.

Computational studies suggest that hesperidin, a flavonoid abundant in citrus peel, binding the three main cellular receptors of SARS-CoV-2 virus can act in the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. Herein we urge the uptake of hydrodynamic cavitation industrial-scale reactors based on the low cost, reliable Venturi tube for the extraction of citrus pectin rich in hesperidin (and in other bioflavonoids including naringing) by very fast processing of waste orange peel or waste lemon peel in water only. A device able to process up to 500 kg of waste peels per session, similar to the one lately deployed in Italy for hydrodynamic cavitation-assisted brewing, is capable to provide 36,000 doses of 1000 mg hesperidin per day.

A qualitative analysis of pressure acting within the human eye is presented. The situation emerging within the human eye in rest and human eye of accelerated/training person should be distinguished. When the person is in rest, the hydrostatic pressure is much larger than the Laplace pressure. The dynamic (Bernoulli pressure) emerging from intraocular flows in this case is negligible. The situation is rather different for accelerated or decelerated person. In this case, the dynamical pressure and the water hammer pressure become dominant. Under certain circumstances, the water hammer pressure may be larger than the ultimate tensile strength of retina, choroid and the Bruch membrane‐choroid complex, which may possibly affect the retina. As a recommendation: physical training, which is not accompanied with ultimate acceleration/acceleration of the body, may be performed after posterior vitreous detachment; however, potentially traumatic activities such as boxing or competitive diving should be avoided.

In this work, we conducted a numerical study on the cavitation flow around a circular cylinder through the implementation of a porous coating. The primary objective addressed the effectiveness of utilizing a porous surface to control cavitation. We analyzed the cavitation dynamics around the cylinder and the hydrodynamic performance at different permeability levels of the porous surfaces. The flow was governed by the density based homogeneous mixture model and the volume penalization method was used to deal with the porous layer. A high-order accurate numerical method was adopted for the simulation of the cavitating flow through solving the preconditioned multiphase equations. The results revealed that the application of porous layer led to effective suppression of the cavitation vortex shedding. In addition, a reduction of the shedding frequency was obtained which accompanied by thinner and elongated vortices in the wake region of the cylinder. With the proper porous layer, the inception of the cavitation on the cylinder was suppressed and the amplitude of pressure pulsations due to the cavitation shedding mechanism was mitigated.

The impact induced by cavitation bubble collapse can be utilized for mechanical surface treatment to improve fatigue properties of metals including additive manufactured metallic materials. A peening method using cavitation impact induced by a pulsed laser is called “laser cavitation peening (LCP)”. Normally, a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, whose pulse width is a few nanoseconds, is used for LCP, which improves the fatigue strength. The problem with LCP is that the processing time is too slow. If a laser pulse whose pulse width is a few hundred microseconds can be utilized for LCP, the repetition frequency can be increased drastically using other types of laser systems such as a fiber laser. In the present paper, in order to reveal the possibility of LCP using a pulsed laser width of a few hundred microseconds, the use of LCP with a normal-oscillation Nd:YAG laser (pulse width ≈ 200 us) was investigated. It is demonstrated that LCP with the normal-oscillation Nd:YAG laser produced curvature in an aluminum alloy plate.

Named herein “CytroCell”, the cellulosic material obtained via hydrodynamic cavitation of citrus processing waste in water is cellulose of low crystallinity, high porosity, good water holding capacity and good dispersibility in water. These properties, here demonstrated for the first time for lemon and grapefruit CytroCell, open the route to mass scale production of a useful functional material from a cheap and abundant biowaste. The process, indeed, does not require any pre-treatment of the raw material, and does not use acid, alkali, chemical oxidants or enzymes.

In order to reveal the mechanism and influencing factors of high pressure jet cavitation of nozzle in submerged environment, this study focused on the evolutionary process of cavitation bubbles and combined finite volume method and mixed multi-phase flow model to analyze the cavitation, velocity distribution and experimental cavitation intensity of fishing net cleaning equipment. Results show that the cavitation inception, growth and collapse mainly occurred in the peripheral region of the flow field. Ring-shaped cavitation erosion zone appeared on the test sample target. A lot of small dense erosion pits were densely distributed in the ring-shaped erosion zone, erosion marks were observed in the center. The cavitation erosion intensity was greatly affected by the nozzle structure. As the diameter of nozzle increased from 0.6 mm to 1 mm, the maximum gas volume fraction increased by 8.53%. The nozzle outlet enlargement angle greatly increased the cavitation intensity. The nozzle with an outlet angle of 30° exhibited the optimal cavitation erosion performance . The cavitation volume fraction of the nozzle with short necking structure was slightly larger than that of the nozzle with long necking structure at the same level in the necking length rang of 3mm to 7mm. In terms of the influence of nozzle structure on the cavitation erosion effect, the nozzle diameter D ranked the first, followed by the outlet angle α, and the necking length L was at the last.

Background: High blood pressure (BP) has been implicated as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in several global populations, including in individuals of African ancestry. Despite the elevated burden of high BP-induced cardiovascular diseases in Africa and other global populations with African ancestry, limited genetic studies have been carried out to explore the genetic machinery driving this phenomenon. Methods: We performed univariate and multivariate analyses using Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and summary statistics data of 77,850 individuals of African ancestry for systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) traits. The six independent cohorts used included individuals derived from the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR), the UK Biobank, and the Million Veteran Program (MVP). Subsequently, we annotated, prioritized, visualized, and interpreted our meta-analyses results using FUMA, to gain further insight into the molecular mechanism(s) that contribute to the genetics of BP traits. Finally, loci attaining genome-wide significance, GWS (p<5x10-8) were also followed up with Bayesian fine-mapping to identify potential causal variants. Results: Our meta-analyses altogether identified 350 GWAS SNPs for SBP (166 SNPs) and DBP (184 SNPs, including two novel loci) whilst our multivariate GWAS method identified 166 SNPs (including three novel loci). Interestingly, in FUMA there was significant tissue enrichment of up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the sigmoid and transverse colon for SBP, as well as 10 significant gene sets from MAGMA gene set analyses, However, for DBP, no significant DEGs nor gene sets in MAGMA were found; instead, in DBP for gene property analysis for tissue specificity nine candidates were found to be significant and all nine were in different brain regions. Finally, Bayesian fine-mapping revealed that only 11 variants from the lead SNPs had >50% posterior probability (PP) of being causal and they included novel variant rs562545 (MOBP, PP = 77%) and 10 other previously published variants. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the importance of performing GWAS in large sample sizes of global populations of African ancestry, including continental Africans; which yield novel insights, from novel loci to novel pathways/tissue expression candidates. Large-scale genomic datasets are required to enhance further discovery and fine-mapping of high-risk loci/variants in highly susceptible groups for cardiovascular disease and other related traits. Our study highlights the need for diversity in genetic research and the importance of expanding large GWASs to include ancestrally diverse populations.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of athletes' respiratory muscle strength, as assessed through maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), on aerobic endurance, as indicated by maximal oxygen consump-tion (Max VO2) kinetics. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using a digital spirometer (Pony FX Cosmed, Italy), while maximal oxygen utilization capacity was measured using a breath-by-breath automatic portable gas analysis system (Cosmed K5, Italy). Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS 22.0. Based on the standardized regression coefficients (β), it was found that MEP (mean ± SD: 130.95 ± 42.82) and inspiratory diaphragmatic circumference values significantly influenced ventilatory equivalent (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide pro-duction (VCO2). Conversely, the remaining predictor variables did not exhibit a sig-nificant effect on VE (mean ± SD: 134.80 ± 36.69), VO2 (mean ± SD: 3877.52 ± 868.47 ml), and VCO2 (mean ± SD: 4301.27 ± 1001.07 ml). In contrast, measurements of chest circumference (mean ± SD: 91.40 ± 10.72 cm), MEP, and diaphragmatic cir-cumference during inspiration (mean ± SD: 95.20 ± 10.21 cm) were found to signifi-cantly impact Max VO2 (mean ± SD: 58.52 ± 10.74 ml/kg/min), while the other pre-dictor variables did not demonstrate a significant effect on Max VO2. Conclusively, the study revealed that measured values of diaphragmatic circumference during inspiration and MEP exerted a notable influence on Max VO2, VE, VO2, and VCO2. Our findings underscore the importance of considering respiratory muscle strength in assessing and enhancing athletes' aerobic performance. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between respiratory function and exercise capacity, offering potential avenues for optimizing training regimens and perfor-mance outcomes in athletic contexts.

1) Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a frequently applied open abdomen (OA) treatment. There are only a few experimental data supporting this method and describing the optimal settings and pressure distribution in the abdominal cavity during this procedure. The aim of our study was to evaluate pressure values at different points of the abdominal cavity during NPWT in experimental abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) animal model. 2) Methods: In this study (permission Nr. 13/2014/UDCAR) 27 Hungahib pigs (15.4- 20.2 kg) were operated. ACS was generated by implanting a plastic bag in the abdomen through mini-laparotomy and filled with 2100- 3300 ml saline solution (37 C°) to an intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 30 mmHg. After 3 hours, NPWT (Vivano Med ® Abdominal Kit, Paul Hartmann AG, Germany) or Bogota bag was applied. NPWT group was divided into -50, -100 and 150 mmHg suction group. Pressure distribution to the abdominal cavity was monitored at 6 different points of the abdomen via a multichannel pressure monitoring system. 3) Results: The absolute pressure levels were significantly higher above than below the layer. The values of the pressure were similar in the midline than laterally. Amongst the bowels, the pressure values changed periodically between 0 and -12 mmHg which might be caused by the peristaltic movements. 4) Conclusions: The porcine model of the present study seems to be well applicable for investigating ACS and NPWT. It was possible to provide valuable for clinicians. The pressure was well distributed by the protective layer to the lateral parts of the abdomen and this phenomenon did not change considerably during the therapy.

Cavitation bubbles are commonly existing in shipbuilding engineering, ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, and aerospace. Asymmetric deformation of bubble occurs near the boundary, and the non-spherical cavitation bubbles have strong destructive effects, inducing high amplitude loading at the nearby boundary. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the laser-induced of cavitation bubble, non-spherical collapse behavior near the boundary. In this study, experimental data such as bubble pulsation process and bubble surface velocity distribution were obtained by high-speed camera technique and full-field velocity calculation. The results show that the bubble appeared non-spherical collapse shapes, near different boundaries, with near-hemispherical, near-ellipsoidal, near-cone and near-pea shapes, and the bubble surface velocity distribution is not uniform. When bubble near the free surface or rigid boundary, the smaller the stand-off r is, the more obvious the repulsive effect of the free surface and the attractive effect of the rigid boundary are. As the stand-off r decreases, the larger the Bjerknes force and the bubble surface velocity difference, the more pronounced the non-spherical shape.

The use of aerobic granular sludge is a promising and future-proof solution for wastewater treatment. The implementation of this technology requires the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for the management of excess sludge. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effects of hydrodynamic cavitation on the efficiency of aerobic granular sludge digestion. Respirometric measurements were performed at a temperature of 38°C and an initial organic load of 5.0 gVS/L. The changes in the properties of the pre-treated biomass, the kinetics of methane fermentation, the amount and composition of the biogas produced and an energetic evaluation of the process were carried out. A significant influence of hydrodynamic cavitation on the transfer of organic compounds into the dissolved phase was demonstrated. The degree of solubilisation was 37% for COD and 42% and for TOC. The efficiency of CH4 production from the pre-treated sludge reached a value of 496±12 mL/gVS, which corresponds to an increase of 19.6% compared to the raw biomass. The influence of cavitation on the CH4 content of the biogas was not observed. Strong correlations were found between the efficiency of anaerobic digestion and the concentration of dissolved organic compounds and the hydrodynamic cavitation time used. The highest net energy production of 2.89 Wh/gTS was achieved after 15 minutes of pre-treatment.

Practically important properties of real liquids, including seawater, are their nonlinear properties, which include a nonlinear acoustic parameter, as well as cavitation strength – a rupture of the continuity of a liquid at high intensities in an acoustic wave. The manifestation of nonlinear effects is greatly facilitated by the presence of various nuclei in the liquid – gas bubbles, foreign particles, and other inclusions of various origins. For practical applications, it is important to study the properties of real liquids with inclusions in them. Due to the difficulties of measuring cavitation strength by acoustic methods, other methods are being sought. It is proposed to use an optoacoustic method associated with the use of laser radiation that causes optical breakdown - optical cavitation, that accompanied by a strong sound generation effect. The connection between optical breakdown thresholds and acoustic cavitation thresholds has been established, which can later be used to identify cavitation thresholds at high static pressures (at great depths in the sea), where the use of acoustic emitters is extremely difficult. The paper studies the bubble size distribution function in seawater, combined with studies of the acoustic nonlinearity parameter and cavitation strength at various depths. The interrelation of these characteristics for seawater is shown.

Spray technology is widely used in various industries, including medicine, food production, mechanical engineering, and nanopowder manufacturing. Achieving high dispersion and a narrow particle size distribution is crucial for many applications. Ultrasonic spraying is commonly used to achieve this. On other hand, hydraulic nozzles provide high atomization performance. Combining these two technologies promises to offer significant benefits, but the complex processes that occur simultaneously in such a device require careful study. This work proposes a fundamental design for an acoustic-hydraulic nozzle and investigates the physical processes when a liquid is sprayed using this nozzle, both theoretically and experimentally. The study identifies the critical modes of spraying and confirms that the simultaneous use of ultrasound and hydraulic pressure can produce a fine spray (droplet size less than 50 μm) with high productivity (5-10 ml/s). This approach has significant potential for modern industries and technologies.

The affordable production of valuable antioxidant extracts from plant resources depends on the availability of enabling technologies, such as hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), characterized by unrivalled effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability in the extraction of natural products. As sources of phytochemicals showing biological effects on human health, including anti-cancer properties, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits were processed using HC. Fractions collected during the process (M1-M5) were lyophilized (L), filtered (A), or used as such (C), for identifying their best conservation practice. Biochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant power were investi-gated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic assays. The antiproliferative effect of L-M3, resulting from just 15 minutes of extraction, was tested on human breast cancer line (AU565-PAR) and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMCs) cells from healthy donors. M3-M4 fractions from L and C series revealed the highest antiradical activity and phenolic content. Cell growth, death, and redox state were assessed, showing that the pomegranate extract M3 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and intracellular oxygen reactive species. No effect on PBMCs was de-tected. Thus, the use of antioxidants isolated using HC as adjuvants in anticancer therapies might be advantageous and affordable; moreover, since oxidative stress contributes to cancer devel-opment, its reduction might be the leading mechanism.

Al-6%Mg-Sc-Zr alloys with the total ratio of Sc + Zr = 0.32 wt.% make up the target of this research. The content of scandium and zirconium varied with an increment of 0.02%. The alloys were produced by induction casting. Their ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructure was formed with Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). Such cast alloys have a homogeneous macrostructure formed by small equiaxed grains in the central part of the ingot and columnar crystals along the edges of the cross section. After ECAP, the average grain size in the alloy specimens is 0.5–1 µm. The average grain size does not depend on the ratio of Sc and Zr in these alloys. Superplasticity tests were performed at temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 °C and at a strain rate varying between 3.3·10-3 and 3.3·10-1 s-1. UFG Al-6%Mg-0.20%Sc-0.12%Zr and Al-6%Mg-0.18%Sc-0.14%Zr alloys exhibit the highest superplasticity. It was suggested that changes in Sc:Zr ratio affect spatial distribution and composition of the following precipitating particles: Al3Sc, Al3Zr, Al3(ScxZr1-x). An increase in Zr concentration is shown to reduce the susceptibility of UFG alloys to cavitation fracture.

This manuscript deals with the cavitation erosion resistance of low-velocity oxy-flame (LVOF) sprayed Al2O3–40%TiO2/NiMoAl cermet coatings, a new functional application of cermet coatings. The aim of the study was to investigate the cavitation erosion mechanism and determine the effect of feedstock powder ratio (Al2O3–TiO2/NiMoAl) of LOVF cermet coatings on their cavitation erosion resistance. As-sprayed coatings were investigated for roughness, porosity, hardness, Young’s modulus. Microstructural characteristics of the cross-section and the surface of as-sprayed coatings were examined by light optical microscopy (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with the EDS and XRD methods. Coatings cavitation tests were conducted in accordance with the ASTM G32 standard with usage of reference samples made from steel, copper and aluminum alloys. Cavitation erosion resistance was measured by weight and volume loss, and normalised cavitation erosion resistance was calculated. Surface eroded due to cavitation was examined in successive time intervals by LOM and SEM-EDS. On the basis of coating properties and cavitation investigations, a phenomenological model of the cavitation erosion of Al2O3–40%TiO2/NiMoAl cermet coatings was elaborated. General relationships between their properties, microstructure and cavitation wear resistance were established. The Al2O3–40%TiO2/NiAlMo composite coating containing 80% of ceramic powder has a higher cavitation erosion resistance than the reference aluminium alloy.

Purpose: Nycthemeral (24-hour) glaucoma inpatient intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring has been used in Europe for more than 100 years to detect peaks missed during regular office hours. Data supporting this practice is lacking, partially because it is difficult to correlate manually drawn IOP curves to objective glaucoma progression. To address this, we deployed automated IOP data extraction tools and tested for a correlation to a progressive retinal nerve fiber layer loss on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). Methods: We created and deployed a machine-learning image analysis software to extract IOP data from hand-drawn, nycthemeral IOP curves of 225 retrospectively identified glaucoma patients. The relationship between demographic parameters, IOP and mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) data to SDOCT data was analyzed. Sensitivities and specificities for the historical cut-off values of 15 mmHg and 22 mmHg in detecting glaucoma progression were calculated. Results: IOP data could be extracted efficiently. The IOP average was 15.2±4.0 mmHg, nycthemeral IOP variation was 6.9±4.2 mmHg, and MOPP was 59.1±8.9 mmHg. Peak IOP occurred at 10 AM and trough at 9 PM. Disease progression occurred mainly in the temporal-superior and -inferior SDOCT sectors. No correlation could be established between demographic, IOP, or MOPP parameters and SDOCT disease progression. The sensitivity and specificity of both cut-off points (15 and 22 mmHg) were insufficient to be clinically useful. Outpatient IOPs were non-inferior to nycthemeral IOPs. Conclusion: IOP data obtained during a single visit make for a poor diagnostic tool, no matter whether obtained using nycthemeral measurements or during outpatient hours.

Background: Pressure ulcers (PU) affect millions of people worldwide and always occur over bony areas of the body where pressure and tissue distortion is greatest. The national pooled prevalence of pressure ulcer remains unknown. Hence, the aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of position change on pressure ulcer among hospitalized clients in Ethiopia. Methods: Studies were retrieved through search engines in PubMed, Scopus, WHO afro library, Google Scholar, Africa journal online, PsycINFO and web-science following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Analysis was done using STATA version 14 software. We checked the between-study heterogeneity using the I² and examined a potential publication bias by visual inspection of the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test statistic. The random-effect model was fitted to estimate the summary effects, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence interval (CIs) across studies. Results: Out of the reviewing 401 studies, 7 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of pressure ulcer in Ethiopia was 11.7% (95% CI (7.28, 16.13%)). Based on the subgroup analysis, the estimated magnitude of pressure ulcer was 15.89% (95% CI: 35.34, 54.04) among studies their sample size were greater than or equals to 250. Those clients who have position change during hospitalization were 85% less likely to develop pressure ulcer [(OR 0.15, 95%CI (0.06, 0.4)] than their counter part. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of pressure ulcer in Ethiopia was relatively high. Position change of the client during hospitalization had paramount benefit to reduce the burden of pressure ulcer. Therefore, policymakers could give special attention to minimize the magnitude of pressure ulcer in order to improve the overall quality of healthcare service. Further meta-analysis study is need to identify individual and health care service related factors to the occurrence of pressure ulcer.

The diffusion coefficient (D) is a key parameter characterizing gas transport in coal seams. Usually, the D is calculated from the desorption curve of particle coal, which cannot accurately reflect the diffusion characteristics under the stress constraint conditions of in-situ coal seams. In this paper, based on Fick's law of counter diffusion, different metamorphic deformed coals of medium and high coal rank are taken as the research object. The change laws of D under different confining pressure, gas pressure, and temperature conditions are tested and analyzed, and the influencing mechanisms on the D are discussed. The results show that the D of different metamorphic deformed coals decreases exponentially with the increase of confining pressure, and increases exponentially with the increase of gas pressure and temperature. There is a limit diffusion coefficient. The influence of confining pressure on the D is essentially determined by the change of effective stress, and the D has a negative effect of effective stress similar to permeability. The effect of gas pressure on the D involves two mechanisms, namely, mechanical and adsorption effects, which are jointly restricted by effective stress and coal particle shrinkage and expansion deformation. The effect of temperature on the D is mainly achieved by changing the root mean square speed and average free path of gas molecules. Under the same temperature and pressure conditions, the D increases first and then decreases with the increase of deformation degree, and the D of fragmented coal is the largest. Under similar deformation conditions, the D of high-rank anthracite is greater than that of medium-rank fat coal. It is considered that porosity is the key factor affecting the change of D in different metamorphic deformed coals.

Cavitation resulting from underwater explosions in compressible multiphase or multicomp-onent flows presents significant challenges due to the dynamic nature of shock-cavitation-structure interactions, as well as the complex and discontinuous nature of the involved interfaces. Achieving accurate resolution of interfaces between different phases or components, in the presence of shocks, cavitating regions, and structural interactions, is crucial for modeling such problems. Furthermore, pressure convergence in simulations involving shock-cavitation-structure interactions requires accurate algorithms. In this research paper, we employ the diffuse interface method, also known as the interface capturing scheme, to investigate cavitation in various underwater explosion test cases near different surfaces; free surface and a rigid surface. The simulations are conducted using the Unstructured Compressible Navier-Stokes (UCNS3D) finite volume framework employing central-weighted essentially non-oscillatory (CWENO) reconstruction schemes, utilising the five-equation diffuse interface family of methods. Quantitative comparisons are made between the performance of both models. Additionally, we examine the effects of cavitation as a secondary loading source on structures, and evaluate the ability of the CWENO schemes to accurately capture and resolve material interfaces between fluids with minimal numerical dissipation or smearing. The results are compared with existing high-order methods and experimental data, where possible, to demonstrate the robustness of the CWENO schemes in simulating cavitation bubble dynamics, as well as their limitations within the current implementation of interface capturing.

The cavitation behavior of cryogenic liquids in the field of cryogenic engineering is distinct, showcasing fundamental differences from the cavitation behavior observed in ambient temperature water. Cavitation occurrence imposes severe limitations on the operational stability of cryogenic media transportation equipment, leading to safety concerns and increased manufacturing costs. Investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of cavitation in cryogenic fluids holds significant value for both academia and engineering. The complexity of cavitation in cryogenic fluids primarily manifests through the coupled effects of thermodynamics, vortices, and bubbles during the cavitation process. In order to further explore the coupling mechanism, numerical simulations employing the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) turbulence model and Sauer-Schnerr cavitation model are conducted to validate the accuracy of the numerical calculations using the Hord experiment hydrofoil as a benchmark. Subsequently, the unsteady cavitation flow of liquid nitrogen around the NACA 0015 hydrofoil is simulated by the same numerical calculation method. The results indicate that the simulated results best coincide with experimental results when the bubble number density in the Sauer-Schnerr cavitation model reaches 108. The upstream development of the re-entrant jet under the driving force of inverse pressure gradient is the fundamental reason for the detachment of the primary cavitation zone. Under the same inflow cavitation number, the thermodynamic effect significantly inhibits the generation of bubbles and changes the range of the inverse pressure gradient, thus affecting the separation behavior of the primary cavitation zone.

Shock waves, as used in medicine, can induce cell permeabilization, genetically transforming filamentous fungi; however, little is known on the interaction of shock waves with the cell wall. Because of this, the selection of parameters has been empirical. We studied the influence of shock waves on the germination of Aspergillus niger, to understand their effect on the modulation of four genes related to the growth of conidia. Parameters were varied in the range reported in protocols for genetic transformation. Vials containing conidia in suspension were exposed to either 50, 100 or 200 single-pulse or tandem shock waves, with different peak pressures (approximately 42, 66 and 83 MPa). In the tandem mode, three delays were tested. To equalize the total energy, the number of tandem “events” was halved compared to the number of single-pulse shock waves. Our results demonstrate that shock waves do not generate severe cellular effects on the viability and germination of A. niger conidia. Nevertheless, increase in the aggressiveness of the treatment induced a modification in the four genes tested. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant changes to the cell wall of the conidia. Under optimized conditions, shock waves could be used for several biotechnological applications, surpassing conventional techniques.

Citrus flavonoids are well-known for beneficial effects at the cardiovascular and cardio-metabolic level, but often the encouraging in vitro results are not confirmed by in vivo approaches; also clinical trials are inconsistent. The limited bioavailability of them can be, at least in part, the reason of these discrepancies. Therefore many efforts were performed towards the improvement of their bioavailability. Hydrodynamic cavitation methods were successfully applied to the extraction of byproducts of the Citrus fruits industry, showing high process yields and affording stable phytocomplexes, known as IntegroPectin, endowed with great amounts of bioactive compounds and high water solubility. Cardioprotective effects of grapefruit IntegroPectin were evaluated by an ex vivo ischemia/reperfusion protocol. A further pharmacological characterization was carried out to assess the involvement of mitochondrial potassium channels. Grapefruit IntegroPectin, where naringin represented 98% of flavonoids, showed anti-ischemic cardioprotective activity, better than pure naringenin (the bioactive aglycone of naringin). On cardiac isolated mitochondria, this extract confirmed that naringenin/naringin were involved in the activation of mitochondrial potassium channels. The hydrodynamic cavitation-based extraction confirmed a valuable opportunity for the exploitation of Citrus fruits waste, with the end product presenting high levels of Citrus flavonoids and an improved bioaccessibility that enhances its nutraceutical and economic value.

The HS-SPME GC-MS analysis of the volatile compounds adsorbed at the outer surface of lemon and grapefruit pectins obtained via hydrodynamic cavitation of industrial waste streams of lemon and grapefruit peels in water only suggests important new findings en route to understanding the powerful and broad biological activity of these new pectic materials. In agreement with the ultralow degree of esterification of these pectins, the high amount of highly bioactive α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol points to limonene decomposition catalyzed by residual citric acid in the citrus waste peel residue of the juice industrial production.

We herein provide an overview of the most recent multidisciplinary process advances that have occurred in the food industry as a result of changes in consumer lifestyle and expectations. The demand for fresher and more natural foods is driving the development of new technologies that may efficiently operate at room temperature. Moreover, the huge amount of material discarded by the agro-food production chain lays down a significant challenge for emerging technologies that can provide new opportunities by recovering valuable by-products and creating new applications. Aiming to design industrial processes, there is a need of pilot scale plants such as the “green technologies development platform” that was established by the authors. The platform is made up of a series of multifunctional laboratories that are equipped with non-conventional pilot reactors developed in direct collaboration with partner companies in order to bridge the enormous gap between academia and industry via the large-scale exploitation of relevant research achievements. Selected key, enabling technologies for process intensification make this scale-up feasible. We make use of two selected examples, the grape and olive production chains, to show how cavitational reactors, which are based on high-intensity ultrasound and rotational hydrodynamic units, can assist food processing and the sustainable recovery of waste to produce valuable nutraceuticals as well as colouring and food-beverage additives.

Controlling injection parameters is paramount when it comes to producing high-quality green parts using powder injection molding. This work combines experimental and numerical approaches to study the impact of injection parameters on mold in-cavity pressure and on the overall quality of green parts produced by low-pressure powder injection molding. The properties of two low-viscosity feedstocks (formulated from a water-atomized stainless-steel powder and wax-based binder system) were measured and implemented in an Autodesk Moldflow numerical model to quantify the molding pressures, which were finally validated using experimental real-scale injections. The results confirmed that an increase in mold temperature, an increase in feedstock temperature, and a decrease in solid loading decrease the mold in-cavity pressure, which was correlated with the feedstock viscosity. As a key result, real-scale injections confirmed that a minimum flow rate was required to avoid atypical high in-cavity pressure leading in several visual defects such as weld lines, flow marks, cracks, sinks, and incomplete filling. Due to differences in its thermal transfer properties, this flow rate threshold value decreases as the feedstock solid loading increases. For injection speeds higher than this value, the injection pressure measured experimentally was linearly correlated with the injection flow rate.

In order to realize the accurate measurement of wearable sphygmomanometer, this paper selects the micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor with small size, low cost and high accuracy, and proposes a flexible packaging method combining Parylene and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The flexible packaging sensor protects the sensor chip while ensuring the comfort of the measured person. It can be worn for a long time, and the encapsulated sensor has good accuracy and sensitivity. At the same time, the encapsulated MEMS pressure sensor was used to collect good pulse signals and extract multiple pulse wave characteristic parameters. A blood pressure measurement method based on the combination of arterial tonometry method and pulse wave parameters method was proposed, and multiple machine learning algorithms were compared and analyzed to select the algorithm model with the smallest error as the optimal regressor. The experimental results show that the blood pressure measurement method combining the arterial tonometry method and the pulse wave parameters method can effectively improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. The experimental results demonstrate that the combination of arterial tonometry and pulse wave parameter methods can effectively enhance the accuracy of blood pressure measurement, with the random forest model serving as the optimal regressor. The average deviation between the systolic blood pressure measured by our self-made sphygmomanometer and the commercial sphygmomanometer was 0.86mmHg, with a standard deviation of 4.04mmHg. The average deviation of diastolic blood pressure was 0.63mmHg, with a standard deviation of 5.15mmHg, meeting the AAMI standard for clinical practice.

Rocks are materials with a wide variety of structures and properties. These can be unprocessed conglomerates of conglomerated minerals as well as crystallized outcrop or metamorphic rocks. Their processing, especially shaping, poses many technological difficulties. Therefore, it is very important to answer the question of how these natural materials yield to high-pressure water jet and abrasive water. It is equally important to determine the effect of key process parameters such as pressure, water nozzle diameter and feed rate on cutting efficiency. The first two parameters determine the water output and power of the jet, while the third determines the jet erosion time per unit volume of material. Their interdependence, using appropriate evaluation indicators, allows to determine the energy intensity of processing and directions for its minimization.

There is a need to find methods to intensify the anaerobic digestion process. One possibility is the use of pre-treatment techniques. Many laboratory tests confirm their effectiveness, but in most cases, there is no verification work carried out on industrial plants. The aim of the research carried out under laboratory conditions and on a large scale was to determine the technological and energy efficiency of the use of hydrodynamic cavitation in the pre-treatment of a waste mixture from dairy farms. It has been shown that hydrodynamic cavitation significantly increases the concentration of organic compounds in the dissolved phase. In the most effective variants, the increase in the content of these indicators was over 90% for both COD and TOC. The degree of solubilisation achieved was 49±2.6% for COD and almost 52±4.4% for TOC. Under laboratory conditions, the highest effects of anaerobic digestion were achieved after 10 minutes of pre-treatment. The amount of biogas was on average 367±18 mL/gCOD and the amount of methane 233±13 mL/gCOD. Further large-scale optimisation trials showed that after 8 minutes of hydrodynamic cavitation, the biogas yield was 327±8 L/kgCOD with a CH4 content of 62.9±1.9%. With this variant, the net energy yield was 66.4±2.6 kWh/day, a value that was 13.9% higher than the original variant with 10 minutes of disintegration and 3.1% higher than the variant without pre-treatment.

Stainless steel grade AISI 304 is one of the most widespread modern structural material, alas its sliding wear and cavitation wear resistance are limited. Thus, AlTiN and TiAlN coatings can be deposited for increasing the resistance to wear of stainless steel components. The aim of the work was to investigate the cavitation erosion and sliding wear mechanisms of magnetron sputtered AlTiN and TiAlN coatings deposited on SS304 stainless steel. Films surface morphology and structure were examined using a profilometer, light optical microscope (LOM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) were tested by nanoindentation tester. The adhesion of deposited coatings was determined by means of the scratch test and Rockwell test. Cavitation erosion tests were performed according to ASTM G32 (vibratory apparatus) with stationary specimen procedure. Sliding wear tests were conducted using a nano-tribo testes i.e. ball-on-disc apparatus. Wear mechanisms are strongly contingent upon the structure and morphology of the tested materials. In relation to stainless steel substrate, the PVD films present a superior resistance to sliding wear and cavitation erosion. Higher resistance was noticed for AlTiN than for TiAlN film, mainly due to its superior hardness and elastic modulus. Cavitation erosion mechanism of both, AlTiN and AlTiN coatings is prone to embrittlement, imputable to fatigue processes that result in coating rupture and spallation that consist in coating fragmentation, formation of pits and finally detachment from the substrate. Additionally, films nanoindentation results measured before and after cavitation testing indicate changes in coatings structure, that acknowledged wear mechanism that starts with coating internal delamination in flake spallation mode. In contrary to PVD coatings, steel substrate is characterized by developed cavitation erosion wear with roughened surface and plastically deformed, semi-brittle, eroded surface. Sliding wear of thin films is based on micro-ploughing mechanism. For stainless steel adhesive sliding wear mode and plastic deformation with smearing, material transfer and grooving were observed. It was confirmed that various fluid machinery components made from austenitic stainless steel that undergo cavitation erosion, can be prevented by deposition of AlTiN and TiAlN films.

In the field of engineering, tracked vehicles play a significant role in accessing challenging terrains. Maintaining trafficability is of the utmost importance when it comes to tracked vehicles traversing rugged terrains; it provides stability, traction, and adaptability for a wide range of applications, including deep-sea exploration. The terrain characteristics pertain to the interactions that determine the mobility of tracked vehicles. Traditional Terramechanics models are in-adequate in depicting the correlation between tracks and soil. An important issue is the lack of consideration for the moisture content in the soil and the rate at which sinking occurs in these models. Examining sinkage speed helps describe the ability of tracked vehicles to move at high speeds. The focus is on the critical factors influencing the mobility of tracked vehicles, precisely the sinkage speed and its relationship with pressure. Experimental tests in a soil bin, utilizing Bentonite/Diatom sediment soil, aim to measure these terrain factors. The study introduces a rubber-tracked vehicle, pressure, and moisture sensors to monitor pressure sinkage and moisture, evaluating cohesive soils (Bentonite/Diatom) in combination with sand and gravel mixtures. Findings reveal that higher moisture content in Bentonite soil leads to increased track slippage and sinkage compared to Diatom soil. Regarding soil behavior, diatom soil exhibited notable compaction and sinkage characteristics in contrast to bentonite soil. The distinct behaviors of these soils underscore the complexity of terrains, emphasizing the need for a meticulous understanding of soil properties before applying them in natural environments. Furthermore, this study contributes precision in assessing natural terrains, enhancing tracked vehicle design, and advancing terrain mechanics comprehension for off-road exploration. This knowledge contributes to better vehicle design and a deeper comprehension of terrain mechanics.

Tracked vehicles play a vital role in accessing challenging terrains, offering stability, traction, and versatility for various applications, including deep-sea exploration. However, the seafloor and sediment contain valuable but poorly understood resources, making it a significant challenge for tracked vehicles during exploration. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive studies before considering these terrains for off-road purposes. In this study, we developed a rigid, flexible track vehicle equipped with various sensors, focusing on monitoring pressure sinkage. Cohesive soils like Bentonite and Diatom soil, particularly when combined with sand and gravel mixtures, were used for the investigation and assessed for ground pressure, bearing capacity, and sinkage in rigid-flexible tracked vehicles on these characterized terrains under varying moisture conditions. Our findings indicated that increased moisture content in bentonite soil resulted in significantly higher track slippage and sinkage compared to diatomaceous earth soil. Regarding soil behavior, diatom soil exhibited notable compaction and sinkage characteristics compared to bentonite soil. These significant variations between these two soil types under changing moisture conditions highlight the complexity of such terrains. Therefore, understanding the soil and its physical properties is crucial before applying them to natural terrains. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of precision in assessing the physical properties of natural terrains for the development of tracked vehicles for off-road exploration. This knowledge contributes to better vehicle design and a deeper comprehension of terrain mechanics.

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is linked with acute alterations in blood pressure (BP). We examined the cumulative short-term effect of black carbon (BC) exposure on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP and assessed effect modification by participant characteristics. SBP and DBP were repeatedly measured on 152 traffic enforcers. Using a linear mixed-effects model with random intercepts, quadratic (QCDL) and cubic (CCDL) constrained distributed lag models were fitted to estimate the cumulative effect of BC concentration on SBP and DBP during the 10-hours (daily exposure) and 7-days (weekly exposure) before the BP measurement. Ambient BC was related to increased BP with QCDL models. An interquartile range change in BC cumulative during the 7-days before the BP measurement was associated with increased BP [1.2% change in mean SBP, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1 to 2.3; and 0.5% change in mean DBP, 95% CI, –0.8 to 1.7]. Moreover, the association between the 10-hours cumulative BC exposure and SBP was stronger for females (4.0% change, 95% CI: 2.1–5.9) versus males, and for obese (2.9% change, 95% CI: 1.0–4.8) vs. non-obese traffic enforcers. Short-term cumulative exposure to ambient traffic-related BC could bring about cardiovascular diseases through mechanisms involving increased BP.

Combustion parameters are the important aspects in the development and research of an internal combustion engines. Hence present work is an attempt to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model for anticipating the combustion characteristics of computerized CI DI VCR, four strokes, single cylinder, and water cooled engine using mixture of two biodiesel and diesel blends as a fuel. The two biodiesel selected are Jatropha and Simarouba and mixed in the ratio of 75:25. Two biodiesel mixtures is used for the preparation of various blends with diesel. Experiments are carried out at different compression ratio, at different % load and blends B20, B40, B60and neat diesel (B00) fuel to accumulate the assorted combustion data. The input variables are % load, compression ratio, blends and crank angle. The outputs well thought-out are cylinder pressure (CP), net heat release rate (NHRR), cumulative heat release (CHR), rate of pressure rise (RPR), mass fraction burned (MFB) and maximum cylinder pressure. The assessment is focused on developing artificial neural network for the prediction and verifying the combustion characteristics of engine. MATLAB software is used for analysis of different combustion aspects of the engine. Multilayer neural network perceptions are used with Feed-Forward Back Propagation algorithm with performance function for mapping the input and output parameters. The experimental outcomes are compared with ANN estimated results for the analysis. The outcome from the study authenticate that experimental results are in match with ANN results. The accuracy of the ANN model shows the developed model can effectively predict the engine combustion characteristics with excellent regression coefficients ‘R’ and its values are close to unity and the mean square errors are extremely less. ANN model approach is competent towards predicting the combustion aspect of diesel engine with good accuracy

Based on recent computational and experimental studies, hesperidin, a bioactive flavonoid abundant in citrus peel, stands out for its high binding affinity to the main cellular receptors of SARS-CoV-2, outperforming drugs already recommended for clinical trials. Thus, it is very promising for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19, along with other coexistent flavonoids such as naringin, which could help restraining the pro-inflammatory overreaction of the immune system. Controlled hydrodynamic cavitation processes showed the highest speed, effectiveness and efficiency in the integral and green aqueous extraction of flavonoids, essential oils and pectin from citrus peel waste. After freeze-drying, the extracted pectin showed high quality and excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activities, attributed to flavonoids and essential oils adsorbed and concentrated on its surface. This study reviews the recent evidence about hesperidin as a promising molecule, and proposes a feasible and affordable process based on hydrodynamic cavitation for the integral aqueous extraction of citrus peel waste resulting in hesperidin-rich products, either aqueous extracts or pectin tablets. The uptake of this process on a relevant scale is urged, in order to achieve large-scale production and distribution of hesperidin-rich products. Meanwhile, experimental and clinical studies could determine the effective doses either for therapeutic and preventive purposes.

Waste orange peel represents a heavy burden for the orange juice industry, estimated in several million tons per year worldwide; nevertheless, this by-product is endowed with valuable bioactive compounds, such as pectin, polyphenols and terpenes. The potential value of the waste orange peel has stimulated the search for extraction processes, alternative or complementary to landfilling or to the integral energy conversion. This study introduces controlled hydrodynamic cavitation processes, as a new route to the integral valorization of this by-product, based on simple equipment, speed, effectiveness and efficiency, scalability, and compliance with green extraction principles. Waste orange peel, in batches of several kg, was processed in more than 100 L of water, absent any other raw materials, in a device comprising a Venturi-shaped cavitation reactor. The extractions of pectin, endowed with a very low degree of esterification, polyphenols (flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives), and terpenes (mainly d-limonene) were effective and fast (high yield, few min of process time), as well as the biomethane generation potential of the process residues was effectively exploited. The achieved results proved the viability of the proposed route to the integral valorization of waste orange peel, though wide margins exist for further improvements.

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with higher risk of mortality in general population however not studied in cancer population. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of OH in cancer patients compared to the non-cancer population. Methods: A total of 411 patients (mean age 63.5 ± 10.6 years) were recruited: patients with active cancer (n = 223) and patients hospitalized for other reasons but without cancer diagnosis (n = 188). Medical history was collected and an orthostatic challenge test was performed. OH was defined as blood pressure (BP) decrease on standing ≥ 20 mmHg for systolic or ≥ 10 mmHg for diastolic BP in 1 or 3 minutes; or systolic BP decrease &lt; 90 mmHg. Results: The prevalence of OH in cancer was significantly higher than in subjects without cancer- 28.7% vs. 16.5%, respectively, P = 0.003). OH was the most common in lung cancer, 57.5%. In single variable analysis, the predictors of OH were: cancer presence, age ≥ 65 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. In the multivariable model, the strongest independent predictor of OH was cancer status doubling the risk of OH; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and diabetes. Conclusions: Cancer patients are characterized by a high prevalence of OH. In this population, the recommendation of routine orthostatic challenge tests should be considered.

Background: Several kinds of research say that adjuvant blood glucose and blood pressure are usual, but an efficient solution for medical application count remains. This review analyzes the pandemic blood pressure and blood glucose to identify the publications which tell about the clinical practices and research gaps in systematic research.Methods: A study guides to identify the research of Blood Pressure (BP) and Blood Glucose. In order to analyze the recent innovations and research on BP and Blood glucose, the relevant publications and literature from journals were identified.Results: Co-morbidity of BP and Blood glucose is reported as very high. The commonness of blood pressure is thrice as high in type I diabetes patients and almost two times higher in type II diabetes patients when compared to others without Diabetes. The pervasiveness of getting depression is more in the female when compared with men. A detailed study about the linkage of BP and blood glucose tells that the relationship between them is not exactly clear.Limitations: Nearly all reviews providing the linkage of BP and blood glucose are with some limitations and they are not providing any clear conclusion.Conclusions: Present research tells that people having high blood glucose will have a greater chance of getting high blood pressure. More research is needed to state the linkage between BP, blood glucose, and the growth of diabetes mellitus issues and to provide support for managing Diabetes.

Over the last two decades, microfluidics has received significant attention from both academia and industry, and researchers report thousands of new prototype devices each year for use in a broad range of environmental, pharmaceutical, and biomedical engineering applications. While lab-on-a-chip fabrication costs have continued to decrease, the hardware required for monitoring fluid flows within microfluidic devices themselves remains expensive and often cost prohibitive for researchers interested in starting a microfluidics project. As microfluidic devices become capable of handling complex fluidic systems, low-cost, precise and real time pressure and flow rate measurement capabilities has become increasingly important. While many labs use commercial platforms and sensor, these solutions can often cost thousands of dollars and can be too bulky for on-chip use. Here we present a new inexpensive and easy -to-use piezoresistive pressure and flow sensor that can be easily integrated into existing on-chip microfluidic channels. The sensor consists of PDMS-Carbon black conductive membranes and uses an impedance analyzer to measure impedance change due fluid pressure. The sensor costs several orders of magnitude less than existing commercial platforms and can monitor local fluid pressures and calculate flow rates based on pressure gradient.

Burn patients still represent an important challenge in critical care medicine today. These patients can develop significant neurological conditions up to intracranial hypertension, but as they find themselves hospitalized outside of neurocritical care and are often subjected to sedation for the complex management, they are sometimes underestimated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of non-invasive methods for the early diagnosis of intracranial hypertension in these patients. In this prospective observational study, adult burn patients admitted to intensive care within the first 8 hours of the event were enrolled. These patients were studied through ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter and intracranial vessel velocimetry with transcranial Doppler. In the 20 patients studied, no frankly pathological values were identified in the 3 different measurement stages (within 8 hours of the burn, then at 48 and 96 hours) and no correlations were identified between the measured values and the extension of the burn with the related risk of mortality. However, this study, one of a kind, demonstrates that these non-invasive methods are applicable to this specific patient population, and can represent an effective method for reducing the incidence of complications that are dangerous for survival.

Approximately 2 TCF (Trillion Cubic Feet) of acid gas are projected to be injected into the Surmeh formation. The recommended injection rate is 180 MMSCFD (Million standard cubic feet per day), based on acid gas content and gas in place of the source of injection. The tight nature of the Surmeh formation limits injectivity, with a maximum achievable rate of 7 MMSCFD for permeability of 1 mD (millidarcy). However, higher porosity (12%) and permeability of 100 mD enable more efficient injection without fracturing the formation. This study provides valuable insights into the feasibility of AGI in saline aquifers, emphasizing reservoir characterization, geomechanics, caprock integrity, and rock properties. The findings contribute to the implementation of environmentally sustainable acid gas disposal at offshore reservoirs.

In a power plant that uses seawater as a coolant, a debris filter is required to remove foreign substances from the seawater, and differential pressure leads to a decrease in the coolant flow rate, leading to a decrease in power generation efficiency. In this study, analysis was performed under different initial flow velocity conditions of 1.5m/s, 2.0m/s, and 2.5m/s for a debris filter used in a power plant to understand flow characteristics in CTCS. The flow and differential pressure characteristics of a CTCS with an installed debris filter were considered in a comparative analysis of velocity, pressure, and turbulent kinetic energy distribution. The results confirmed that a vortex was generated in the pipe with the debris filter, apparently due to the collision of the flow with the bracket of the debris filter. As the flow rate increased, the range of the vortex increased, causing a loss in flow.

Pressure fluctuations beneath hydraulic jumps downstream of Ogee spillways potentially damage stilling basin beds. This paper deals with the extreme pressures underneath free hydraulic jumps along a smooth stilling basin. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory flume. From the probability distribution of measured instantaneous pressures, the pressures with different non-exceedance probabilities (P*a%) could be determined. It was verified that the maximum pressure fluctuations, as well as the negative pressures, are located at the positions closest to the spillway toe. The minimum pressure fluctuations are located at the downstream of hydraulic jumps. It was possible to assess the cumulative curves of P*a% related to the characteristic points along the basin, and different Froude numbers. To benchmark, the results, the dimensionless forms of mean pressures, standard deviations, and pressures with different non-exceedance probabilities were assessed. It was found that an existing methodology can be used to interpret the present data, and pressure distribution in similar conditions, by using a new third-order polynomial relationship for the standard deviation (σ*X) with the determination coefficient (R2) equal to 0.717. It was verified that the new optimized adjustment gives more accurate results for the estimation of the maximum extreme pressures than the minimum extreme pressures.

Peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC) is a yellow-orange lesion, located at the outer border of the myopic conus. First described as a localized detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium, its intrachoroidal location was later disclosed, justifying its current name. PICC is related to other myopic complications like posterior staphyloma, but its pathogenesis is not clear to date. Although it has been considered a benign condition, most eyes with PICC show visual field defects, leading to diagnostic uncertainty as these deficits resemble those observed in glaucoma. Furthermore, eyes with PICC can develop macular detachment with retinoschisis. Finally, misdiagnosis of PICC as a metastatic choroidal tumor may lead to unnecessary and anxiety-provoking investigation. Advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging have improved the visualization of ocular structures, contributing to the understanding of PICC. Recently high optic nerve sheaths traction forces during eye movements in highly myopic eyes have been suggested as promoters of PICC, renewing interest around this condition. However, a review of PICC is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current state of the art, focusing on OCT documentation, pathophysiology and potential future perspectives based on biomechanics of the optic nerve.

From the wide range of engineering materials traditional Stellite 6 alloy exhibits excellent cavitation erosion (CE) resistance. In this work, the effect of nitrogen ion implantation of HIPed Stellite 6 on the improvement of CE resistance and both cobalt-rich matrix phase transformation due to nitrogen implantation and CE were stated. The CE resistance of stellites ion-implanted by 120 keV N+ ions two fluences: 5x1016 cm-2 and 1x1017 cm-2 were comparatively analysed with the unimplanted stellite and AISI 304 stainless steel. CE tests were conducted according to ASTM G32 with stationary specimen method. Erosion rate curves and mean depth of erosion confirm that the nitrogen implanted HIPed Stellite 6 two times exceeds the resistance to CE than unimplanted stellite, and has almost 10 times higher CE reference than stainless steel. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that HIPed Stellite 6 nitrogen ion implantation favours transformation of the ɛ(hcp) to γ(fcc) structure. Unimplanted stellite ɛ-rich matirx is less prone to plastic deformation than γ and consequently, increase of γ phase effectively holds carbides in cobalt matrix and prevents Cr7C3 debonding. This phenomenon elongates three times the CE incubation stage, slows erosion rate and mitigates the material loss. Metastable γ structure formed by ion implantation consumes the cavitation load for work-hardening and γ → ɛ martensitic transformation. In further CE stages, phases transform as for unimplanted alloy namely, the cavitation-inducted recovery process, removal of strain, dislocations resulting in increase of fcc phase. The CE mechanism was investigated using a surface profilometer, atomic force microscopy, SEM-EDS and XRD. HIPed Stellite 6 wear behaviour relies on the plastic deformation of cobalt matrix, starting at Cr7C3/matrix interfaces. Once the Cr7C3 losing their restrain, are debonding and removed. Carbides detachment creates cavitation pits which initiate cracks propagation through cobalt matrix, the loss of matrix phase and CE proceeds with a detachment of massive chunk of materials.

The likelihood of pre-hypertensive young adults developing hypertension has been steadily increasing over the past few years. Despite the fact that aerobic exercise training (AET) has demonstrated positive results in lowering high blood pressure, the efficacy of different types of AET among pre-hypertensive young adults has not been well-established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous moderate-intensity training (CMT) on blood pressure (BP) of physically inactive pre-hypertensive young adults. 32 adults (age 20.0±1.1 years and BMI 21.5±1.8) were randomly assigned into 3 groups: HIIT, CMT and control (CON). HIIT and CMT groups participated in 5 weeks of AET; while the CON group followed a DASH diet plan only. The HIIT protocol consisted of 1:4 minute work to rest ratio of participants 80%-85% heart rate reserve (HR-reserve) and 40%-60% HR-reserve respectively for 20-minutes, CMT group exercised at 40%-60% of HR-reserve continuously for 20-minutes. In both HIIT and CMT groups, systolic blood pressure (SBP) (3.8±2.8 mmHg, P=0.002 VS 1.6±1.5 mmHg, P=0.011) was significantly reduced. While, significant reductions in the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (2.9±2.2 mmHg, P=0.002) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (3.1±1.6mmHg, P<0.0005) were noted only in the HIIT group. No significant differences in SBP (-0.4±3.7 mmHg, P=0.718), DBP (0.4±3.4 mmHg, P=0.714), or MAP (0.1±2.5mmHg, P= 0.892) were observed in the CON group. Both HIIT and CMT decreased the BP in physically inactive pre-hypertensive young adults; however, HIIT yielded more beneficial results in terms of reducing the SPB, DBP and MAP.

Improving the quality of natural water purification is one of the priority areas in the research of scientific communities in the field of ecology. At the same time, the task is to achieve optimal efficiency at a low cost of the technological process. The solution in this case is the use of materials necessary for cleaning, in particular, sorbents from natural raw materials, including agricultural waste. At present, a sufficient number of research results have been published confirming the effectiveness of the sorbent from biochar of various agricultural wastes, as well as from rice straw biochar. This article proposes an innovative method for modifying biochar from rice straw, which allows the use of the material as a sorbent with a disinfecting effect. The method consists in processing biochar in a process activation apparatus (PAP) in a solution of silver nitrate with the release in the form of a carbon nanomaterial with attached metallic silver ions on the surface of biochar particles. Rice straw biochar was mixed in distilled water with silver nitrate AgNO3 and placed in the AAP in a replaceable insert with ferromagnetic particles that have a magnetostrictive effect under the influence of an electromagnetic field. Next, the contact of biochar impregnated with a solution of silver nitrate and ferromagnetic particles was carried out for 2 minutes under electromagnetic influence, after which the treated sample was dried in an oven for 4 hours at t=105ºС, followed by calcination in a muffle furnace at 450ºС for 3 hours. The resulting silver-containing sorbent was subjected to a physicochemical analysis of its properties, photographs of electron microscopy were also obtained, and a bacteriological analysis of the effectiveness of the sorbent on natural water was carried out. According to the results of the analyzes, the silver-containing sorbent is a mesoporous nanomaterial with an average mesopore diameter for desorption of 196 Å, a relative volume of pores with a diameter of up to 900 Å 0.034 cm³/g,, specific surface 7.45 m²/g and a content of metallic silver ions on the surface of the sorbent particles of (Ag) 16.7%, oxygen (O) 54.9%, unexpectedly (С) 13.7%, silicon (Si) 8.1%. Laboratory studies for the bacteriological analysis of natural water consisted in the sorption processing of the selected samples in the carbonization mode, followed by sedimentation after the introduction of the reagent (a mixture of coagulant and flocculant). The analysis was carried out on three indicators - total microbial count (TMC), total coliform bacteria (TCB) and thermotolerant coliform bacteria (TCB). According to the research results, the sorbent showed its disinfecting properties and confirmed its high efficiency (90,48%-100%).

Almond beverages are gaining ever-increasing consumer preference in the growing market of non-alcoholic vegetable beverages, ranking in first place among oilseed-based drinks, mainly due to the perceived healthy benefits. However, the high cost of the raw material, time and energy consuming pre-treatments such as soaking, blanching and peeling, and post-treatments such as thermal sterilization, leading also to the loss of valuable macronutrients and micronutrients, hinder the sustainability, affordability and spread of almond beverages. Hydrodynamic cavitation processes were applied, as a single-unit operation, to the extraction in water of almond skinless kernels in the form of flour and fine grains, and to whole almond seeds in the form of coarse grains, up to high concentrations. The results showed full compliance with a high-end commercial product and with the expected levels based on the properties of the raw materials. The concentrated extract obtained from whole almond seeds showed a comparatively much higher antiradical activity, likely due to the contribution of the almond kernel skin. In conclusion, hydrodynamic cavitation could represent a convenient alternative processing route to the production of conventional and new integral almond beverages, avoiding multiple and costly technological steps, while affording fast production cycles of potentially healthier beverages.

For paramagnetic and elastic materials in the presence of quasi-static magnetic field, there is correspondingly quasi-static magnetic pressure, in contrast to the radiational electromagnetic pressure associated with electromagnetic momentum density. A thermodynamic pressure demagnetization is demonstrated. For the elastic dielectrics in the presence of quasi-static electrical field, its dual effect can be easily obtained by variable transformation.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) as a semiconductor in its crystalline or amorphous form is still a promised material, especially under isobaric and isothermal ensembles. In this work, Parallel and Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics and DL_POLY_4 software are employed to predict the relationship between the behavior of ZnO chemical bonds and the phase transition literatures, using correlation function g(r) of Zn-Zn, Zn-O, and O-O pairs. Our system is composed of 5832 atoms of ZnO rocksalt structure (2916 atoms of Zn2+ and 2916 atoms of O2-), under the temperature of 300 (K) and the range of pressure 0-400 (GPa). The lengths of ZnO bonds, the standard error, standard deviation, the maximum of g(r), and the percentage of the variation of the bonds are analyzed. The interatomic interactions are modeled by the potential of Buckingham for short-range and Coulomb for long-range interactions. The calculations were run on the RAVEN Supercomputer of Cardiff University (UK). Our data are mostly in the vicinity of available information of bonds lengths; the rest can be deduced from the pressure of phase transition to use it as a new approach of phase transition confirmation. However, the rest of our results are still a prediction because of no results under extended pressure used in this work.

Unidirectional flow of a fluid with pressure-dependent viscosity through a porous structure is considered when the viscosity-pressure relationship is an exponential function of a pressure power function in order to investigate effects of the viscosity-pressure relation on the flow characteristics. The flow is governed by the generalized Brinkman’s equation with constant permeability, and a model flow domain of flow down an inclined porous channel is chosen for the sake of studying flow behaviour. Although the current work considers flow in a constant permeability porous structure, it does represent a first step in studying the more general, flow through a variable permeability porous channel. The arising governing equations are solved numerically using MATLAB and the flow is simulated to illustrate the effects of fluid properties as well as flow and medium parameters on the velocity profiles and shear stress.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or serotonin plays a crucial role as a neuromodulator and/or neurotransmitter of several nervous system functions. Its actions are complex and depend on multiple factors, including the type of effector or receptor activated. Briefly, 5-HT can activate: (i) metabotropic (G-protein-coupled) receptors to promote inhibition (5-HT1, 5-HT5) or activation (5-HT4, 5-HT6, 5 HT7) of adenylate cyclase, as well as activation (5-HT2) of phospholipase C; and (ii) ionotropic receptors (5-HT3), which form a ligand-gated Na+/K+ channel. Regarding blood pressure regulation (and beyond the intricacy of central 5-HT effects), this monoamine also exerts direct postjunctional (on vascular smooth muscle and endothelium) or indirect prejunctional (on autonomic and sensory perivascular nerves) effects. At the prejunctional level, 5-HT can facilitate or preclude the release of autonomic (e.g., noradrenaline and acetylcholine) or sensory (e.g., calcitonin gene-related peptide) neurotransmitters facilitating hypertensive or hypotensive effects. Hence, we cannot formulate a specific impact of 5-HT on blood pressure level, since an increase or decrease in neurotransmitter release would be favoured depending on the type of prejunctional receptor involved. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the prejunctional mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation by 5-HT and its impact on some vascular-related diseases.

Background of the Study: We investigated the link between hypertension and cancer since it has been suggested that hypertension may raise the long-term risk of cancer. Previous large observational cohort studies found that greater blood pressure (BP) was related to a higher risk of cancer. Mendelian randomization (MR) was utilized to produce less confounded blood pressure estimates (BP) on overall and site-specific malignancies. The study aims to draw conclusions on the relationship between high blood pressure and cancer. Methods: Studies on high blood pressure and various malignancies are inconclusive, except for renal cell carcinoma. However, given that most meta-analyses only contained a limited number of trials, some relative risks had small to moderate magnitudes, and several may have been impacted by residual confounding, careful interpretation is necessary. The study was conducted using the meta-analysis technique. Cochran's Q test and I2 test were used to assess statistical heterogeneity between studies in the current investigation for research involving two or more cause and outcome combinations. Results: Positive correlations were also reported between high blood pressure and esophageal adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, liver, and squamous cell carcinoma. However, most studies lacked multivariable adjustments. Physical and numerical risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to bowel cancer but no other cancers. According to a meta-analysis, hypertensive persons could also be at increased danger of gastrointestinal and breast cancer. Most meta-analyses comprised several trials with moderate or mild hazard ratios.ConclusionDifferent types of cancers have been noted to be directly caused by hypertension. In addition, some treatments have also been associated with the side effects of cancer treatments to cause hypertension. Women facing hypertension have an increased risk of getting breast cancer. Although some cancers showed a real relationship with hypertension, others had no connection at all.

The main aim of this work is to report an alternative energy efficient technique of fabricating flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) using printable ink. In this process, we have fabricated thermoelectric (TE) composite thick film and we are experimenting several ways to overcome the challenges of conventional and additive manufacturing methods. Two different mesh sizes of n-type bismuth particle, various binder to thermoelectric (TE) material weight ratio, and two different pressure (200 MPa and 300 MPa) were employed for optimizing the thermoelectric properties of TE composite films. We are also exploring naturally occurring chitosan as a binder. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) dissolved chitosan was used for the binder and less than 0.2 wt% of chitosan was sufficient for the fabrication of TE inks and composite films. Low energy intensive curing process was employed to evaporate the solvent from the drop casted inks. External uniaxial pressure not only eliminated high energy intensive curing processes but also increased the packing density of the film by removing pores and voids in the chitosan-bismuth composite film. The microstructure analysis reveals that bulk-like structure, which rarely has voids, pores and grain boundaries, was observed in the composite films pressed at sufficiently high pressures. The highest performing composite film was obtained with the conditions of 1:2000 binder to bismuth weight ratio, 100 mesh of particle size, and 300 MPa of pressure. The best performing bismuth chitosan composite film pressed at 300 MPa had the power factor as 4009 ± 391 μW/m·K² with high electrical conductivity value of 7337 ± 522 S/cm. The measured thermal conductivity of the best performing chitosan-bismuth composite film was 4.4 ± 0.7 W/m·K and the figure of merit calculated from the thermal conductivity was 0.27 at room temperature.

The purpose of this study is to determine the equilibrium conditions for the formation of a mixture of propane and normal butane hydrates including temperature, pressure and mole fraction. In order to prevent the formation of hydrates in the cooling path, it is necessary to examine the conditions of hydrate formation and provide solutions. Modeling of hydrate formation conditions was performed using Hydoff software and compared with experimental results in this field, which obtained an acceptable error percentage. The range of temperature is between 267-276 °C and the molar percentage of propane is 0.7,0.8 and 0.9 and the mathematical equation was presented to predict hydrate formation. By analyzing the results, it was found that by increasing the concentration of ethane in the presence of other compounds, hydrate growth increased and hydrates formed more stable, also by increasing the concentration of propane and normal butane the amount of equilibrium pressure will decrease.

Polymer-based composites reinforced with nanocarbonaceous materials can be tailored for functional applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene with different filler contents have been developed as potential piezoresistive materials. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites depend of the PVDF matrix, filler type and filler content. PVDF 6010 is a relatively more ductile material, whereas PVDF-HFP shows larger maximum strain near 300% strain for composites with CNT, 10 times higher than the pristine polymer. This behaviour is similar for all composites reinforced with CNT. On the other hand, rGO/PVDF composites decrease the maximum strain compared to neat PVDF. It is shown that the use of different PVDF copolymers does not influence the electrical properties of the composites. On the other hand, CNT as filler leads to composites with percolation threshold around 0.5 wt.%, whereas reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites shows percolation threshold at ≈2 wt.%. Both nanocomposites present excellent linearity between applied pressure and resistance variation, with pressure sensibility (PS) decreasing with applied pressure, from PS≈ 1.1 to 0.2 MPa^-1. A proof of concept demonstration is presented, showing the suitability of the materials for industrial pressure sensing applications.

This manuscript discusses a novel method to map pressure results from one 3D surface shell mesh onto another. This technique is especially important when transferring results from one numerical analysis to another. This method works independent of the actual pressures, and only focuses on ensuring the surface areas consistently match. By utilizing this approach, the cumulative forces consistently match for all input pressures. This method is demonstrated to work for pressure profiles with precipitous changes in pressures, and with small quadrangular source elements being applied to a mix of large quadrangular and triangular target elements, and the forces at all pressure profiles match remarkably.

Expressions for the axial pressure profiles in a cylindrical channel and between parallel plates or a rectangular channel with large aspect ratio, with Maxwell slip gas flow are derived from first principles. The resulting expressions, which only involve the inlet and outlet pressures and the channel dimensions, will be useful in modelling or simulations of channel flows at Knudsen numbers in the range 0.001–0.1, such as in MEMS and NEMS. The expression for a cylindrical channel is validated by deriving from it an expression for the channel mass flow, which is shown to agree with a known expression for the mass flow through cylindrical channels with Maxwell slip flow. The expression for flow between parallel plates is found to agree with the zeroth order relation derived by Arkilic et al. using perturbation analysis. The effect of the accommodation coefficient on the pressure profile in a cylindrical channel is shown.

The financial equilibrium of the enterprise is an important company function ensuring by itself the maintenance of the enterprise of the competitive market. The financial equilibrium is analysed in numerous empirical studies. In this empirical study we highlight for the first time in a research the impact that taxation has on the financial equilibrium of some companies over ten years, period that includes the pre-crisis, the financial crisis and post-crisis periods.

This paper presents a piezoresistive pressure sensor with a shield layer for improved stability. Compared with the conventional piezoresistive pressure sensors, p-type piezoresistors are covered by an n-type shield layer, which is formed by ion implantation. The proposed pressure sensors have been successfully fabricated by bulk micromachining techniques. The impact of electrical field on piezoresistors is studied by simulation. The temperature drift of the pressure sensor has been investigated by both simulation and experimental measurement. Characteristics of developed pressure sensors are tested from -40 C to 125 C. A sensitivity of 0.022 mV/V/KPa and a maximum non-linearity of 0.085% FS are measured for the fabricated sensor in a pressure range of 1 MPa. The temperature coefficients of resistance of shielded piezoresistors are found to be smaller than those of un-shielded ones. It is demonstrated that the shield layer is able to reduce the drift caused by electrical field and ambient temperature variation.

As the demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) continues to increase worldwide, more LPG facilities are being constructed. However, the design and manufacture of pressure vessels used to store dangerous liquids or pressurised fluids, such as LPG, has been a major cause of hazards, including explosions and leakage. In this study, we aim to address this issue by designing and analysing a vertical pressure vessel with a capacity of 10 m3 of pressurised LPG in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code. Safety is the primary concern in designing pressure vessels due to the potential risks posed by accidents. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to design a pressure vessel that is safe from failure. The vessel is cylindrical with two elliptical heads, two nozzles, a manway and four leg supports, and we used Autodesk Inventor Professional 2023 for geometric modelling and Inventor Nastran for FEA analysis. To investigate the displacements, deflections and Von-Mises stresses in the pressure vessel, we used the finite element method, and Autodesk Inventor Nastran was employed for the analysis. Our results showed that changes to the structure of the pressure vessel were needed to reduce stress in the structure. Specifically, the displacement showed an inverse relationship with the tank section shell thickness. Moreover, we observed that the factor of safety increased linearly with shell thickness. We carefully considered permissible pressures and determined the required wall thickness to ensure acceptable maximum stresses. Our results indicate that the design is safe from failure, and the highest stresses are experienced by the manway followed by the shell, while the heads, nozzles and legs support experienced the lowest stresses. We also performed a theoretical calculation for the entire model and checked the results to ensure they were within the acceptable limits. In summary, our study highlights the importance of designing pressure vessels in accordance with ASME codes to ensure safety and prevent hazards caused by improper design and manufacturing. By using the finite element method, we identified potential stress points in the pressure vessel and were able to make modifications to improve its safety.

Precise association of serum leptin with body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP; both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is not well known for understanding their involvement in health and disease. Hence, the present study was planned to be conducted for investigating the association of BP, BMI and serum leptin levels in young normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW) male Saudi students. The NW (n: 198) and OW male subjects (n: 192) in the age range of 18-20 years were consulted. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with a mercury sphygmomanometer. Leptin Human ELISA Kits were employed for the determination of the serum leptin levels. The mean ± SD values of BMI (kg/m2), serum leptin (ng/ml), SBP (mmHg), and DBP (mmHg) all showed significant difference for young OW vs. NW male university students as: 27.52± 1.42 vs. 21.49± 2.03; 10.70± 4.67 vs. 4.68± 1.91; 121.37±2.59 vs.118.51±1.54 and 81.44±1.97 vs. 78.79±1.44 respectively. All associations (among BMI, leptin, SBP and DBP) showed positive linear and significant correlation except nonsignificant correlation of BMI and SBP for NW group. The present study in the young Saudi male students, presents significant variations for BP and serum leptin levels and significant positive linear association among serum leptin, BMI and BP.

High pressure crystallization technique has been successfully used to prepare an elusive form II of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Mefenamic acid. Single crystal of form II was grown at 0.3 GPa from an 4:1 methanol/ ethanol mixture as a solvent using Diamond Anvil Cell. Comparison of crystal structures show that the efficient packing of MA molecules in Form II results from the structural flexibility of MA acid molecules. Compression studies performed on the single crystal of form I resulted in 14 % decrease of unit cell volume up to 2.5 GPa. No phase transition was observed up to this pressure. A reconstructive phase transition is required to induce conformational changes in the structure, which is confirmed by crystallization at high pressure results.

This research investigated high-temperature corrosion (500 °C) of Cr-Mo steel processed using water jet peening or multifunction cavitation (MFC), and the suitability of such steel for high-temperature boilers and reaction vessels. High-temperature corrosion was induced using an embedment test and a coating test using sulfide-type K2SO4-Na2SO4 powder. To measure the relaxation of the residual stress due to the decrease in work hardening caused by an increase in specimen temperature and the difference in thermal shrinkage between the surface and interior of the specimen, a thermal cycling test was conducted. For the MFC-processed specimen, the oxide film that formed on the surface suppressed mass loss, prevented crack formation, and reduced the compressive residual stress caused by high-temperature corrosion. MFC-processed Cr-Mo steel is thus suitable for a high-temperature corrosion environment.

Abstract: The promotion and development of healthy cities are vital for enhancing human habitats and fostering sustainable economic growth. Based on the core database of Web of Science and the knowledge graph software, this paper makes a quantitative analysis of the literature related to attention recovery abroad. It is found that in recent years, the research on attention recovery has developed rapidly, the number of related literature has been increasing, and the research content presents the characteristics of interdisciplinary integration. By further analyzing the characteristics of research literature, research context, and knowledge basis, this paper summarizes the empirical research based on the existing quantitative analysis, reviews the research field based on the mechanism of attention recovery, and analyzes the development process and trend based on the research basis of attention recovery. Due to the change of modern life style, human health problems are becoming more and more prominent. Attention restoration design provides a new research idea and method to balance the relationship between humans and the urban environment.

Abstract:High-pressure water jet technology has received extensive attention and application due to its high efficiency and environmental protection characteristics. The high-pressure water jet nozzle is its core component, and the research on the high-pressure water jet nozzle is conducive to improving the jet performance and improving the jet efficiency. This paper introduces the characteristics of water jet and the working principle of pure water jet, abrasive water jet, pulsed water jet and cavitation water jet, reviews the theoretical analysis and experiment of the predecessor's nozzle, briefly explains the application of high-pressure water jet and looks forward to the development trend of this technology.

Abstract Several studies have been conducted to strengthen weak road layers, regardless of whether they are un-der construction or are undergoing maintenance. Using substrates filled with different materials has proven effective for increasing the strength of these layers. In this study, I evaluated the coefficient of lateral soil pressure under various conditions when using reinforced and unreinforced piles filled with in-expensive material and the extent of their contribution to strengthening road layers. The results con-firmed that there was a difference in the coefficient of lateral soil pressure when the sand-filled piles were reinforced. The sand-filled piles were divided into several parts by arming. The maximum coeffi-cient of lateral soil pressure was 0.38 in the case of sand (1 mm) with reinforcement, whereas it was 0.29 in the same case without reinforcement as shown in Figure 1. The maximum coefficient of lateral soil pressure was 0.27 in the case of granite grain (2 mm) with reinforcement, whereas it was 0.17 in the same case without reinforcement. Moreover, the maximum lateral pressure coefficient was 0.26 in the case of granite grain (3 mm) with reinforcement, and it was 0.30 in the same case without reinforce-ment.

Compressed gas storage of hydrogen has emerged as the preferred choice for fuel cell vehicle man- ufacturers, as well as for various applications like road transport, and aviation. However, designers face increasing challenges in designing safe and efficient composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for hydrogen storage. One challenge lies in the development of precise software that con- sider a multitude of factors associated with the filament winding process. These factors include layer thickness, stacking sequence, and the development of particularly robust models for the dome region. Another challenge is the formulation of predictive behavior and failure models to ensure that COPVs have optimal structural integrity. The present study offers an exploration of numerical methods used in modeling COPVs, aiming to enhance our understanding of their performance characteristics. The methods examined include finite element analysis in Abaqus, involving conventional shell elements, continuum shell elements, three-dimensional solid elements, and specialized homogenization tech- niques for multilayered composite pressure vessels. Through rigorous comparisons with type-III pressure vessels from the literature, the research highlights the most suitable choice for simulating COPVs and their practicality. Finally, we propose a new design for type-IV hydrogen composite pressure vessels using one explored method, paving the way for future developments in this critical field.

The well-known equations for the process of powder compaction (PCP) in a rigid die published over the period from the beginning of the last century to the present are considered. Most of the considered equations are converted into the dependence of the densification pressure on the relative density. The equations were analyzed and their ability to describe PCP was assessed by determining the coefficient of determination when approximating experimental data on the compaction of various powders. It is shown that most of the equations contain two constants, the values of which are determined by fitting the mathematical dependence to the experimental curve. Such equations are able to describe PCP with high accuracy in the case of compaction of powders up to a relative density of 0.9-0.95. It is also shown that different equations can describe PCP in the range of density change from the initial to 0.9 with the same and sufficiently high accuracy, but when the process of compaction is extrapolated to higher values of density, the curves diverge. This indicates the importance of equations that can unambiguously describe PCP to a relative density equal to or close to 1.0. For an adequate description of PCP to a relative density greater than 0.95, equations containing three or four constants have proven themselves well.

Ischemia, the inadequate blood flow, can arise from pre-existing or traumatic events, remain an undetectable issue, and impact the body's ability to provide oxygen to necessary limbs, organs, muscles, or tissue. New technology involving wearable ultrasonic devices allows medical professionals to gain real-time insight into the cardiovascular system of their patients. A non-invasive, postage-stamp-sized ultrasonic sensor can be attached to a patient, allowing for continuous monitoring of the patient’s blood pressure outside of the hospital. After reviewing 16 papers on ultrasonic sensors, this paper intends to review the current use of wearable ultrasonic sensors and the advantages and limitations of the technology used to obtain accurate blood pressure readings. This review will bring attention to the evolving and expanding world of wearable ultrasonic sensors for medical applications.

This research aims to investigate the effects of parental pressure on students' academic achievement at the school level. The research objectives include examining the relationship between parental pressure and academic achievement and identifying potential moderating variables. A sample of middle and high school students will be utilized in this study.

Background: The mental state is important in the health/illness process. Including stress, depression and anxiety. Nature immersion therapies have been implemented as a valid method for reducing these disorders. The aim will evaluate the effect of forest intervention therapies on levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials related to stress, anxiety and depression levels. Risk of bias was assessed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for International Systematic Reviews. Results: We identified and synthesized eight publications. Two studies for cortisol showed significant differences between the pre-test and post-test levels in the intervention groups. One study including Natural killer cells, that reported a significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group. Two studies used the Stress Response Inventory, indicated a significant reduction in stress levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. Regarding Restorative Out-come Scale, no significant differences were found. Three studies were selected for the evaluation of anxiety and depression levels according to the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Four studies used The Profile of Mood States scale; no significant difference was observed. Conclusions: There is limited evidence to recommend forest bathing for reducing these disorders.

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) elevation during capnoperitoneum can cause adverse cardiovascular and respiratory effects. This study aimed to determine if a sequentially increased IAP affects cardiovascular and respiratory variables in anesthetized dogs and evaluate the effects of constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on cardiovascular and respiratory variables with increased IAP. Five dogs were anesthetized, instrumented, and the Veress needle was equipped to adjust the IAP using a carbonic anhydrase insufflator. Stabilization was conducted for 1 h, and physiological variables were measured in IAPs of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mmHg and after desufflation. After the washout period, the dogs underwent similar procedures along with constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine. Cardiovascular effects of increased IAP up to 20 mmHg were not significant in healthy beagle dogs and those administered with dexmedetomidine. In the control group, the arterial pressure slightly increased, but not statistically significant, at an IAP of 20 mmHg compared with that at baseline (mean arterial blood pressure, p = 0.399; systolic arterial blood pressure, p = 0.293; diastolic arterial blood pressure, p = 0.141). When comparing the control and dexmedetomidine groups, overall significant effects of dexmedetomidine were noted on heart rate, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance during the experiment. Respiratory effects were not affected by abdominal insufflation when compared between different IAPs and between the two groups. Overall, an increased IAP of until 20 mmHg did not significantly affect cardiovascular and respiratory variables in both control and dexmedetomidine groups. This study suggests that dexmedetomidine infusion administration is applicable in laparoscopic procedures in healthy dogs.

Background: Due to the importance of brain death (BD) diagnostic do not mistake, reliable confirmatory exams should be performed to enhance its security. This study aims to evaluate the intracranial pressure (ICP) pulse morphology behavior in brain-dead patients through a noninvasive monitoring system. Methods: A pilot case-control study was conducted in adults that met the BD national protocol criteria. Quantitative data from the ICP waveforms were extracted and analyzed comparing BD patients and health subjects. Results: Fifteen patients were included. ICP waveforms presented substantial differences amidst BD patients when compared to the control group. Moreover, pulse amplitude and time to peak variables values in the case group were also statistically significant. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, noninvasive ICP waveforms have shown potential as a screening method in patients with suspected brain death. Future studies should be carried out in a larger population.

Background: Hypertension is a condition of a person's blood pressure being at a level above normal, hypertension treatment can be done herbally using avocado leaves. Avocado leaves can lower blood pressure because they contain active substances, namely flavonoids and quercetin. This research was conducted in the working area of the Tilango Health Center. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of giving boiled water of avocado leaves on reducing blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension. Methods: Design This study used a two-group quasi-experimental pre-test - post-test design. The sample is the elderly who have hypertension, amounting to 125 people with purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used a questionnaire. Results: Statistical test using T-Test on blood pressure before and after the intervention was given a significance value of 0.000 (p-value < 0.05 ). Conclusion : This study concludes that there is a significant effect between giving avocado leaf boiled water on reducing blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension in the working area of the Tilango Health Center.

Background: At altitudes beyond 2500 m the risk of developing high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) grows with the increases in pulmonary arterial pressure. HAPE is characterized by severe pulmonary hypertension, though the incidence and relevance of individual risk factors are not yet predictable. However, the systolic pulmonary pressure (SPAP) and peak in tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TVR) are crucial factors when diagnosing pulmonary hypertension by echocardiography. Methods: The SPAP and TVR of 27 trekkers aged 20-65 years en route in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal was assessed. Echocardiograph measurements were performed at Lukla (2,860 m), Gorak Shep (5170 m), and the summit of Kala Patthar (5,675 m). The altitude profile and the participant’s characteristics were also compiled for correlation with the measured data. Results: The results showed a highly significant increase of SPAP and TVR after ascending Kala Patthar. The study revealed a lower increase of SPAP and TVR in the group of older participants, although the initial respective measurements in Gorak Shep were significantly higher for this group. A similar finding occurred in those using Diamox® as prophylaxis. There was an inverse relationship between TVR and SPAP, the peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and heart rate. Conclusions: The echocardiograph results indicate that older people are a risk group for developing a HAPE. The prophylactic use of acetazolamid led to higher initial SPAP values in Gorak Shep, and a lower increase of SPAP as well as TRV after ascending Kala Patthar. Arterial oxygen saturation measurements can provide an indicator for the self-assessment for the risk of developing HAPE and provide a rule of thumb for the altitude profile but does not replace a HAPE diagnosis. The collected data variables concerning backpack weight, sex, workload (actual ascent speed), and pre-existing diseases were not statistically significant factors related to SPAP and TVR (p=<0.05).

The formation of rock fractures in nature has a certain relationship with water seepage. In order to analyze the shape of rock fracture, we propose a rock deformation theoretical model in three-dimensional space considering with the condition of seepage water pressure, and establish the mass conservation equation, seepage equation, surrounding rock displacement equation, so as to deduce the rock deformation control equation under seepage pressure action. The numerical analysis of the nonlinear quadratic partial differential equation obtains the fracture deformation distribution in the example, and verifies with the calculated fracture morphology. And we further use this principle to analyze the fracture morphology in nature and prove the rationality of the theory.

Purpose: The evaluation of the efficacy of topical hypotensive treatment and/or systemic corticosteroids therapy in patients with elevated intraocular pressure and Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). Methods: 172 eyes in 86 individuals with duration of GO ≥ 3 months, intraocular pressure in either eye ≥ 25.0 mmHg and GO ranked ≥ 3 at least in one eye in modified CAS form, were included. The study subjects were divided into three treatment subgroups: subgroup I was administered latanoprost QD; subgroup II was administered a combined preparation of brimonidine and timolol BID; subgroup III was the control group, not receiving any topical hypotensive treatment. All the study participants received systemic treatment – intravenous corticosteroid therapy at the same dose, according to the EUGOGO guideline Results: On the final visit, the mean IOP value was significantly lower in all treatment subgroups comparing to the initial values. In both subgroups receiving topical treatment the IOP reduction was higher than in the control group receiving systemic corticosteroids only. However, the latanoprost eye drops decreased intraocular pressure more effectively than drops containing brimonidine and timolol. Conclusion: Topical ocular hypotensive treatment is effective in reducing intraocular pressure in GO and decreases intraocular pressure more effectively than systemic corticosteroid therapy alone.

While visual assessment is the standard technique for burn evaluation, computer-aided diagnosis is increasingly sought due to high number of incidences globally. Patients are increasingly facing challenges which are not limited to shortage of experienced clinicians, lack of accessibility to healthcare facilities, and high diagnostic cost. Certain number of studies were proposed in discriminating burn and healthy skin using machine learning leaving a huge and important gap unaddressed; whether burns and related skin injuries can be effectively discriminated using machine learning techniques. Therefore, we specifically use pre-trained deep learning models due to deficient dataset to train a new model from scratch. Experiments were extensively conducted using three state-of-the-art pre-trained deep learning models that includes ResNet50, ResNet101 and ResNet152 for image patterns extraction via two transfer learning strategies: fine-tuning approach where dense and classification layers were modified and trained with features extracted by base layers, and in the second approach support vector machine (SVM) was used to replace top-layers of the pre-trained models, trained using off-the-shelf features from the base layers. Our proposed approach records near perfect classification accuracy of approximately 99.9%.

Several common and functional genes are known to contribute to responsiveness to blood pressure (BP) therapy. BP therapy is typically guided by algorithms that do not include a patient’s genetic information. This study aimed to determine the impact of a multi-organ genetic panel on BP response to pharmacotherapy. Eighty-six patients completed one study visit consisting of a buccal swab collection, measurement of office BP, and a medical chart review for BP history. Genes analyzed included those that encode for one drug metabolizing enzyme, renal Na+ handling, vascular, and cardiac function. Relationships between genotype and control of BP (<140/<90), ∆ systolic BP, ∆ diastolic BP, and ∆ mean arterial BP were assessed. SLC12A3 resulted in a significant association between the target drug and the functional genotype for BP control (<140/<90 cut off) (p<0.05). Conversely, three of five renal genotypes were associated with BP control using 120/80 as a cut-off (p<0.05). Three of four cardiac genotypes were associated with the BP control at <140/<90, with one being statistically significant (position 49 of ADRB1). Only one vascular genotype was predictive of blood pressure control at <140/<90. We found a significant drop in mean BP from baseline in six genes, three important in the diuretic response and three in β-blockade (p<0.05 on target drug vs. not). These results demonstrate that a multi-gene panel for renal Na+ handling, vascular function, and cardiac output may influence the BP response to therapy, but larger studies with more statistical power are needed.

We previously reported how the loss of CHIP expression (Carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-Interacting Protein) during pressure overload resulted in robust cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by a failure to maintain ATP levels in the face of increased energy demand. In this study, we analyzed the cardiac metabolome after seven days of pressure overload and found an increase in long- and medium-chain fatty acid metabolites in wild-type hearts, a response that was attenuated in mice that lack expression of CHIP (CHIP^-/-). These findings suggest that CHIP may play an essential role in regulating oxidative metabolism, pathways that are regulated in part by the nuclear receptor PPARα (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha). Next, we challenged CHIP^-/- mice with the PPARα agonist, fenofibrate. Surprisingly, treating CHIP^-/- mice with fenofibrate for five weeks under non-pressure overload conditions resulted in a loss of skeletal muscle mass and a marked increase in cardiac fibrosis, accompanied by a decrease in cardiac function. Isolated CHIP^-/- cardiac fibroblasts treated with fenofibrate did not increase synthesis of collagen or TGFβ, suggesting that the fibrosis observed in CHIP^-/- hearts likely depends on signaling from other cell types or circulating factors. In conclusion, in the absence of functional CHIP expression, fenofibrate results in unexpected cardiac pathologies. These findings are particularly relevant to patients harboring loss-of-function mutations in CHIP and are consistent with a prominent role for CHIP in regulating cardiac metabolism.

We evaluated the association of blood pressure with blood levels of cadmium, lead, and cadmium and lead together (cadmium+lead) in a representative sample of adolescents from Korea by use of 2010-2016 data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). This cross-sectional study enrolled adolescents aged at 10-18 years-old who completed a health examination survey and had blood measurements of lead and cadmium. The association of adjusted mean differences in diastolic and systolic blood pressure with doubling of blood lead and cadmium were estimated by regression of blood pressure against log₂-transformed blood metals and their quartiles after covariate adjustment. Adjusted odds ratios for prehypertension were calculated for log₂-transformed blood levels of lead and cadmium and their quartiles. Our analysis of adolescents in Korea indicated that blood levels of lead and cadmium were not significantly associated with increased blood pressure or risk of pre-hypertension. However, the cadmium+lead level was associated with pre-hypertension. Previous studies showed that blood levels of lead and cadmium were associated with increased blood pressure and risk of hypertension in adult populations. We found no such effect in Korean adolescents, although the cadmium+lead level was associated with prehypertension. These differences may be because adolescents generally have lower levels of these blood metals or because adolescents only rarely have hypertension.