Abstract: This article provides an overview of the pretreatments that can be applied to lignocellulosic biomass and their different benefits. It focuses and compiles information on the main physical pretreatments applied to lignocellulose biomass. Concept, advantages, disadvantages and parameters of the pretreatments (milling, ultrasound and microwave). As well as a review of research carried out on different types of biomasses and what was obtained from them. Milling provides an essential mechanical change to optimize the surface, while microwave and ultrasonic methods provide sophisticated techniques that greatly increase the efficiency of transforming biomass through selective structural modification.

Abstract: Sicily, an Italian region in the south of Italy, is candidate to become an energy "hub" in the Mediterranean in the coming years. Its geographical location, between the African continent and Europe, makes it a crucial hub for the distribution of electricity flows. The region has a high potential for exploiting renewable energy sources. Inspired by the Australian “Renewable Energy Zones” model, identifying existing Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and properly designing future REZs on the territory will simplify and enhance the operation of the grid.A very effective tool in managing REZs is Dynamic Thermal Rating (DTR) technology. This technology allows dynamic rating on the high voltage transmission system, ensuring the maximum allowable current is transported while preventing the annealing of the electrical conductor and adhering to all necessary safety parameters.In the work carried out in collaboration with Terna S.p.A (Italian Transmission System Operator), the goal was to assess the application of this technology on the Sicilian electricity grid, to reduce potential network congestion and system inefficiencies.The results obtained demonstrate the significant potential of Dynamic Thermal Rating in Sicily. These devices would allow a substantial increase in the current flow on electrical lines without violating safety limits.

Abstract: The most commonly used membranes are of the "thin film composite" (TFC) type, consisting of three layers of polymers. Membrane modification has been explored through two main approaches: optimizing the polymer before fabrication or modifying the surface after fabrication. This study focuses on membrane modification by depositing ultrathin films of zinc oxide (ZnO) using the sputtering process. The impact on permeability and monovalent ion rejection is examined. The results show that an increase in ZnO deposition time leads to a reduction in permeate flux density, albeit with an improvement in monovalent ion rejection. The Spielger-Kedem model is demonstrated to effectively predict the behavior of these membranes. Collectively, the findings suggest that membrane modification with ZnO through sputtering can offer significant advantages in water purification applications, albeit with considerations regarding reduced permeate flux density.

Abstract:

To predict the mid-span deflection and crack width of reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (R-UHPC) shallow T-shaped beams, a simplified analysis model has been introduced in this paper, considering several factors including shrinkage and creep, tension contribution of UHPC, the interface bond and tension stiffening effect. Four-point bending tests are conducted on six R-UHPC shallow beams with T-shaped sections to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed analysis model. The results show that: (1) the experimental load-deflection curves of R-UHPC shallow T-shaped beams exhibit sequential phases: a linear elastic phase, a nonlinear phase with multiple microcracks, a tension stiffening phase with rapid crack propagation, and a yielding phase with localized macro-cracks; (2) Regarding mid-span deflection, a comparison between the theoretical values from the simplified analysis model and the experimental measurements reveals a high degree of agreement prior to reinforcement yielding, while the load-bearing level at reinforcement yielding remains stable despite a substantial increase in mid-span deflection; (3) The ratios of cracking loads and crack widths at reinforcement yielding, calculated using the simplified analysis model, to the counterparts from experimental measurements are found to be within a range of 0.95 and 0.9, respectively. The average percentage differences between experimental and predicted values for cracking load and crack width at reinforcement yielding are 2.8% and 3.5% respectively, indicating that the theoretical analysis model accurately predicts cracking loads and crack widths. These findings demonstrate that the simplified analysis model proposed for reinforced UHPC shallow T-shaped beams exhibits both practical accessibility and high predictive accuracy for deflection and crack width calculations, which can serve as a valuable reference for the design and calculation of such beam configurations.

Abstract: Cybersecurity challenges are increasing in the rail industry because of constant technological evolution that includes the Internet-of-Things, blockchains, automation, and artificial intelligence. Consequently, many railroads and supply chain stakeholders have implemented strategies and practices to address these challenges. However, the pace of cybersecurity implementation in the railroad industry is slow even as cyberthreats escalate. This systematic review incorporates bibliometric analysis to analyze 70 articles focusing on cybersecurity practices in the rail freight industry, structured around four research questions relating to: (1) challenges, (2) measures, (3) emerging trends, and (4) innovations. Key findings are that implementing cybersecurity practices in the rail freight industry comes with numerous challenges and risks. The study concludes that new threats will constantly emerge with technological advancements. Therefore, there is a need for continuous human training, collaboration, and coordination with stakeholders. This study also highlights research gaps and recommends how stakeholders can most appropriately execute cybersecurity strategies and best coordinate them with the various technological functions in the rail freight industry.

Abstract:

3D printing was introduced in the 1980s, though bioprinting started developing a few years later. Today 3D bioprinting is making inroads in medical fields, including production of biomedical supplies intended for internal use, such as biodegradable staples. Medical bioprinting enables versatility and flexibility on demand and is able to modify and individualize production using several established printing methods. A great selection of biomaterials and bioinks is available, natural, synthetic and mixed; they are biocompatible and non-toxic. Many bioinks are biodegradable and they accommodate cells so upon implantation they integrate within the new environment. Bioprinting is suitable for printing of tissues using living or viable components, such collagen scaffolding, cartilage components, cells, and also for printing parts of structures, such as teeth, using artificial, man-made materials that will become embedded in vivo. Bioprinting is an integral part of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The addition of newly developed smart biomaterials capable of incorporating dynamic changes in shape depending on the nature of stimuli led to adding the 4th dimension of time in the form of changing shape to the three static dimensions. 4D bioprinting is already making significant inroads in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, including new ways to create dynamic tissues. Its future lies in constructing partial or whole organ generation.

Abstract:

This study presents the optimization of the friction stir welding (FSW) process using polynomial regression to predict the maximum tensile load (MTL) of welded joints. The experimental design included varying spindle speeds from 600 to 2200 rpm and welding speeds from 100 to 350 mm/min over 28 experimental points. The resulting MTL values ranged from 1912 to 15336 N. A fifth degree polynomial regression model was developed to fit the experimental data. Diagnostic tests, including the Shapiro-Wilk test and kurtosis analysis, indicated a non-normal distribution of the MTL data. Model validation showed that fifth-degree polynomial regression provided a robust fit with high fitted and predicted R² values, indicating strong predictive power. Hill-climbing optimization was used to fine-tune the welding parameters, identifying an optimal spindle speed of 1100 rpm and a welding speed of 332 mm/min, which was predicted to achieve an MTL of 16852 N. Response surface analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the identified parameters and demonstrated their significant influence on the MTL. These results suggest that the applied polynomial regression model and optimization approach are effective tools for improving the performance and reliability of the FSW process.

Abstract: The purpose of the experiment was to indicate which element of the production process of flexible Printed Circuit Board is optimum in terms of the reliability of final products. According to the Taguchi method in the experiment five factors, two levels each, were chosen for the subsequent analysis. These include: the number of conductive layers, the thickness of the laminate layer, type of the laminate, the diameter of the plated holes, the current density in the galvanic bath. The reliability of the PCBs in produced variations was verified using the Interconnect Stress Test environmental test. The qualitatively best variant of the board construction was indicated using the signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance method for each factor. The factors that turned out to be the most important in terms of reliability are the number of conductive layers and the current density in the galvanic bath. The optimal variant of the board construction is two conductive layers, on a polyimide laminate, where laminate layer is 100 μm thick, hole diameter equal to 0.4 mm and current density of 2 A/dm2 in the galvanic bath. Therefore the plated experiment indicated factors needed to obtain a high-quality product with a low failure rate.

Abstract:

The migration system, serving as the direct carrier that connects hydrocarbon source rocks and traps, is an important aspect of the research on oil and gas migration, accumulation, and reservoir formation. This paper mainly relies on the relevant sample data collected from the Upper Paleozoic in the Ordos Basin. By measuring the permeability, porosity values, and ratios of mudstone (coal) samples and sandstone samples under different conditions, it explores the migration and conduction mechanism of oil and gas in different lithological strata. The results indicate that the permeability and porosity of mudstone (coal) and sandstone samples in the direction parallel to the bedding plane are higher than those in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane, and the permeability and porosity of sandstone are higher than those of mudstone (coal). In the presence of fractures, the permeability and porosity of fractured mudstone (coal) and sandstone samples are significantly higher than those without fractures. Based on this, the following conclusions can be drawn: When there is no fracture development, the permeability and porosity of hydrocarbon source rocks and sandstone in the direction parallel to the bedding plane are better than those in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane, and the permeability and porosity of sandstone are better than those of hydrocarbon source rocks (mudstone and coal rock). When fractures are developed, the permeability and porosity in the fracture direction are the best, followed by sandstone, and hydrocarbon source rocks are the worst. The research conclusions lay a foundation for further improving the relevant theoretical research on the oil and gas migration system and also play an important guiding role in the exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs.

Abstract: Stress and strain analysis in lifted segments has been a prominent subject, especially with the increasing use of thin plates and higher pre-outfitting rates, which has brought to light the previously overlooked issue of torsional deformation. This research focused on investigating the mechanics of torsional deformation in thin-plate open-section segments with nonuniform weight distributions during lifting. By simulating the effect of the pre-outfitting weight using offset weights, establishing reasonable lifting point constraints, and creating a typical segment lifting analysis model, the results obtained through nonlinear and linear finite element analyses were compared. Extensive data was employed to establish the relationship between the torsional deformation and offset weights, using the principle of energy and the linear regression method. This analysis uncovered substantial disparities between the linear and nonlinear methods, with the linear approach failing to provide accurate stress and strain for torsion. Furthermore, the stress distribution obtained from nonlinear finite element analysis adhered to contemporary torsional theory. This paper underscores the nonlinear nature of torsional deformation, elucidates the influence of the weight distribution, and establishes a functional relation between the torsional deformation and offset weights, offering a robust tool for optimizing outfitting design and construction schemes.