An integrated dimensionality reduction and surrogate optimization approach for plant-wide chemical process operation

With liquefied natural gas becoming increasingly prevalent as a flexible source of energy, the design and optimization of industrial refrigeration cycles becomes even more important. In this article, we propose an integrated surrogate modeling and optimization framework to model and optimize the complex CryoMan Cascade refrigeration cycle. Dimensionality reduction techniques are used to reduce the large number of process decision variables which are subsequently supplied to an array of Gaussian processes, modeling both the process objective as well as feasibility constraints. Through iterative resampling of the rigorous model, this data-driven surrogate is continually refined and subsequently optimized. This approach was not only able to improve on the results of directly optimizing the process flow sheet but also located the set of optimal operating conditions in only 2 h as opposed to the original 3 weeks, facilitating its use in the operational optimization and enhanced process design of large-scale industrial chemical systems.     

Description of the thermodynamic properties and fluid-phase behavior of aqueous solutions of linear,branched, and cyclic amines

The SAFT-γ Mie group-contribution equation of state is used to represent the fluid-phase behavior of aqueous solutions of a variety of linear, branched, and cyclic amines. New group interactions are developed in order to model the mixtures of interest, including the like and unlike interactions between alkyl primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups (NH₂, NH, N), cyclic secondary and tertiary amine groups (cNH, cN), and cyclic methine-amine groups (cCHNH, cCHN) with water (H₂O). The group-interaction parameters are estimated from appropriate experimental thermodynamic data for pure amines and selected mixtures. By taking advantage of the group-contribution nature of the method, one can describe the fluid-phase behavior of mixtures of molecules comprising those groups over broad ranges of temperature, pressure, and composition. A number of aqueous solutions of amines are studied including linear, branched aliphatic, and cyclic amines. Liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) bounded by lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) have been reported experimentally and are reproduced here with the SAFT-γ Mie approach. The main feature of the approach is the ability not only to represent accurately the experimental data employed in the parameter estimation, but also to predict the vapor–liquid, liquid–liquid, and vapor–liquid–liquid equilibria, and LCSTs with the same set of parameters. Pure compound and binary phase diagrams of diverse types of amines and their aqueous solutions are assessed in order to demonstrate the main features of the thermodynamic and fluid-phase behavior.     

Feasibility study of large-scale mass customization 3D printing framework system with a case study on Nanjing Happy Valley East Gate

At present, the development and implementation of digital transformation are the keys to promoting high-quality industry development. The new digital fabrication method of robotic 3D printing is a research area being studied by many to tackle the issue of the declining productivity of traditional construction methods. Although many studies have been done, most of the current 3D printing projects are facing limitations in terms of scale. In order to bridge the gap, this article proposed a mass customization 3D printing framework system for large-scale projects. This article discusses how mass customization is made possible through the joint operation of the FUROBOT software and 3D printing hardware. By taking the east gate of Nanjing Happy Valley Plaza as a case study, the article demonstrates and studies the feasibility of the large-scale mass customization 3D printing framework system.     

Charge source and the charging mechanism of the contact electrification of polymer powder

The charge sources, as well as the charging mechanism of the contact electrification (CE) of polymers, are still debatable. Since CE is accompanied by destruction, it is considered that “hard contacting” via ball milling can induce covalent bond scission and produce naked-activated-charge sources. Regarding “soft contacting” via nano-scale sliding, which does not induce covalent bond scission, a frontier-electron, “f-electron,” of the naked-activated-charge source is crucial to electron transfer among the naked-activated-charge sources. Here, we configure naked-activated-charge-source models, naked-activated-mechano-anion, and naked-activated-mechano-cation, which are produced by mechanical energy induced heterogeneous covalent bond scission, as well as naked-activated-mechano-radicals that are produced by homogeneous covalent bond scission. Regarding “soft contacting” among naked-activated-charge sources in a vacuum, f-electron can be transferred from a donor to an acceptor if the energy level of the donor is higher than that of the acceptor. The net amount of the normalized transferred-f-electrons is obtained by adopting settings in which the average energy level of the naked-activated-charge sources (as the donors) is higher than that of the sources employed as acceptors. Thus, the surfaces comprising the donors and acceptors will exhibit positive and negative net surface charges, respectively. We conclude that net surface charges depend on the average energy level of naked-activated-charge sources. Further, we observe that the alignment of polyethylene (PE)-polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to the average energy level is identical to that of the triboelectric series.     

深孔爆破成井技术在三道庄钼矿的试验与应用研究

洛钼集团矿山公司三道庄矿区由于历史原因,露天开采境界地下内存在的采空区已危及矿山公司的正常安全生产,阻碍了洛钼集团可持续发展。为解决这一重大问题,经过充分调研和多方论证,认为深孔一次爆破成井技术是解决此类采空区难题唯一的经济上合理、技术可行、安全可靠的手段与途径。深孔爆破成井实现与采空区顶板的贯通,使采空区边岩稳定,顶岩暴露面积缩小,确保了采空区的稳定;保证了台阶正常推进。     

Implication of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Bovine Age-Related Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying sarcopenia are still not completely understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in bovine skeletal muscle in order to investigate the hypothesis that inflammasome activation may trigger and sustain a pro-inflammatory environment leading to sarcopenia. Samples of skeletal muscle were collected from 60 cattle belonging to three age-based groups. Morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis were performed to assess the presence of age-related pathologic changes and chronic inflammation, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and to determine the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in muscle tissue. Our results revealed the presence of morphologic sarcopenia hallmark, chronic lymphocytic inflammation and a type II fibers-selective NLRP3 expression associated to a significant decreased number of immunolabeled-fibers in aged animals. Moreover, we found a statistically significant age-related increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 suggesting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Taken together, our data suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome components may be normally expressed in skeletal muscle, but its priming and activation during aging may contribute to enhance a pro-inflammatory environment altering normal muscular anabolism and metabolism.     

Automatic design for shop scheduling strategies based on hyper-heuristics: A systematic review

Against the background of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, how to achieve real-time scheduling has become a problem to be solved. In this regard, automatic design for shop scheduling based on hyper-heuristics has been widely studied, and a number of reviews and scheduling algorithms have been presented. Few studies, however, have specifically discussed the technical points involved in algorithm development. This study, therefore, constructs a general framework for automatic design for shop scheduling strategies based on hyper-heuristics, and various state-of-the-art technical points in the development process are summarized. First, we summarize the existing types of shop scheduling strategies and classify them using a new classification method. Second, we summarize an automatic design algorithm for shop scheduling. Then, we investigate surrogate-assisted methods that are popular in the current algorithm field. Finally, current problems and challenges are discussed, and potential directions for future research are proposed.     

Granulation Tissue Enhanced with Aspirin and Omega-3 PUFAs as a Local Adjunct to the Surgical Treatment of Periodontitis

The topical application of aspirin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may trigger the resolution of inflammation by inducing the biosynthesis of pro-resolvers such as lipoxins and resolvins while also avoiding the side effects of systemic aspirin intake. This study assessed the effect of enhanced granulation tissue (EGT) on periodontal tissue regeneration through the local application of aspirin and omega-3 PUFAs directly to granulation tissue (GT) during periodontal surgery. This randomized controlled experiment assesses 38 pockets in 19 patients. In every patient, two similar intrabony periodontal defects are treated with an open flap debridement, one with EGT (GT extracted, enhanced with aspirin and omega-3 PUFAs, and replaced) and the other with standard GT removal. Clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) are assessed at baseline and 2 and 6 months after surgery. The experimental protocol (EGT) results in a greater CAL gain as compared to that in the controls at 6 months (p < 0.05), while PPD reduction is not affected. The retained GT does not compromise healing. EGT is proposed as a promising, inexpensive, and simple method that may improve the outcome of periodontal regenerative treatment. However, the described protocol requires optimization and further assessment. Practical Applications : The biosynthesis of mediators including resolvins and lipoxins triggered by aspirin and omega-3 PUFAs promote the resolution of inflammation, eventually leading to faster regeneration of inflamed tissues. While granulation tissue is a necessary component in wound healing, enhancing granulation tissue with aspirin and omega-3 PUFAs results in CAL gain in the surgical treatment of periodontal defects. Retained granulation tissue does not compromise periodontal healing. The EGT strategy is an inexpensive and simple method that may improve the clinical outcomes of regenerative periodontal procedures.     

Boron doping induced electronic reconfiguration of Fe-Nx sites in N-doped carbon matrix for efficient oxygen reduction reaction in both alkaline and acidic media

Developing non-precious metal-based catalysts as the substitution of precious catalysts (Pt/C) in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for energy devices. Herein, a template and organic solvent-free method was adopted to synthesize Fe, B, and N doped nanoflake-like carbon materials (Fe/B/N–C) by pyrolysis of monoclinic ZIF-8 coated with iron precursors and boric acid. Benefiting from introducing B into Fe–N–C, the regulated electron cloud density of Fe-N_x sites enhance the charge transfer and promotes the ORR process. The as-synthesized Fe/B/N–C electrocatalyst shows excellent ORR activity of a half-wave potential (0.90 V vs 0.87 V of Pt/C), together with superior long-term stability (95.5% current density retention after 27 h) in alkaline media and is even comparable to the commercial Pt/C catalyst (with a half-wave potential of 0.74 V vs 0.82 V of Pt/C) in an acidic electrolyte. A Zn-air battery assembled with Fe/B/N–C as ORR catalyst delivers a higher open-circuit potential (1.47 V), specific capacity (759.9 mA h g^?1_Zn at 10 mA cm^?2), peak power density (62 mW cm^?2), as well as excellent durability (5 mA cm^?2 for more than 160 h) compared to those with commercial Pt/C. This work provides an effective strategy to construct B doped Fe–N–C materials as nonprecious ORR catalyst. Theoretical calculations indicate that introduction of B could induce Fe-N_x species electronic configuration and is favorable for activation of OH1 intermediates to promote ORR process.