The number of secondary feathers varies among orders of birds with some orders exhibiting a positive relationship with ulna length,whereas in other orders secondary number is invariant.This difference has implications...The number of secondary feathers varies among orders of birds with some orders exhibiting a positive relationship with ulna length,whereas in other orders secondary number is invariant.This difference has implications for scaling of the width of the feather vane within orders.In those species where the number of secondary remiges is invariant with ulna length,vane width should scale isometrically with ulna size to maintain an aerodynamic flight surface.Where feather count increases with increasing ulna length then vane width should exhibit negative allometry.Vane length should also correlate with ulna length,irrespective of the number of feathers.Data were compiled from an online library of images for the vane length and the width of the vane at 50%of the vane length for the fifth secondary feather for 209 bird species from 24 different orders.The results supported the hypotheses that vane width is a function of ulna size,and the number of secondary feathers as associated with different orders.Vane length was unaffected by the number of secondaries but varied between orders.The results suggest that birds have solved the problem of maintaining the aerodynamic surface of the proximal wing in two ways.Hence as ulna length increases the first solution involves more feathers that exhibit negative allometry for vane width,or in the second where feather count doesn't change,the vane width simply scales isometrically.The implications for the mechanical properties of the vane,and how it affects wing function,have not yet been explored in a range of birds.展开更多
Floating Storage and Regasification Units(FSRU)form a rapidly expanding sector of LNG business.In many cases,FSRU now provide a more cost-effective and very flexible way to deliver natural gas to end users in comparis...Floating Storage and Regasification Units(FSRU)form a rapidly expanding sector of LNG business.In many cases,FSRU now provide a more cost-effective and very flexible way to deliver natural gas to end users in comparison with shore-based terminals.Due to enhanced operations FSRU are more complex compared to LNG carriers(LNGC).FSRU are essentially merge of the attributes of shore-based terminals and LNGC.The existing FSRU fleet is formed of new-build vessels and converted LNGC.Together with their advantages FSRU come with the inherent problems of handling and storing LNG.Here we focus on the rollover issues that occur on FSRU and suggest ways to improve handling to minimize the impacts of those events.Rollover is a physical mixing process in a single tank with two or more different parcels of LNG of different compositions,temperatures and densities that can manifest in large boil-off rates,beyond handling-equipment capacities,and large tank pressure increases culminating rapidly.If prevention/mitigation actions are not implemented,uncontrolled venting of boil off gas in vapor form to the atmosphere is a likely consequence involving flammability hazards and tank structure over-pressurization with potential damage.This study provides in-depth analysis of FSRU rollovers based on observations of more than twenty rollovers on many different FSRU.The analysis focuses on LNG saturated vapor pressure(SVP)rather than the traditional approach of focusing on boil-off rate(BOG).This approach allows efficient rollover management without any in-built rollover prevention means.Strategies are developed for managing a combination of FSRU tanks utilizing rollover prevention and mitigation actions,as well as efficient pre-planning for LNG stock management.Novel rules of thumb for predicting time to rollover onset,based on many observed FSRU rollovers provide operators with real-time insight to what rollover preventive and mitigating actions are effective in specific circumstances.展开更多
Determining the saturated vapor pressure(SVP)of LNG requires detailed thermodynamic calculations based on compositional data.Yet LNG compositions and SVPs evolve constantly for LNG stored in tanks.Moreover,the SVP of ...Determining the saturated vapor pressure(SVP)of LNG requires detailed thermodynamic calculations based on compositional data.Yet LNG compositions and SVPs evolve constantly for LNG stored in tanks.Moreover,the SVP of the LNG in a tank influences boil-off rates and tank pressure trends.In order to make improved tank pressure control decisions it would be beneficial for LNG tank operators to be made more constantly aware of the SVP of the LNG in a tank.Machine learning models that accurately estimate LNG SVP from density and temperature inputs offer the potential to provide such information.A dataset of five distinct,internationally traded LNG cargoes is compiled with 305 data records representing a range of temperature and density conditions.This can be used graphically to interpolate LNG SVP.However,two machine learning methods are applied to this dataset to automate the SVP predictions.A simple multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network(MLP-ANN)predicts SVP of the dataset with root mean square error(RMSE)=6.34 kPaA and R^(2)=0.975.The transparent open-box learning network(TOB),a regression-free optimized data matching algorithm predicts SVP of the dataset with RMSE=0.59 kPaA and R^(2)=0.999.When applied to infill unknown LNG compositions the superior TOB method achieves prediction accuracy of RMSE~3kPaA and R^(2)=0.996.Predicting LNG SVP to this level of accuracy is beneficial for tank-pressure management decision making.展开更多
Using the new soft X-ray data from the Macao Science Satellite-1,we studied a solar flare that occurred on 22 June 2023.We found that the centroids of the Ca(around 3.9 keV)and Fe(around 6.7 keV)line features exhibit ...Using the new soft X-ray data from the Macao Science Satellite-1,we studied a solar flare that occurred on 22 June 2023.We found that the centroids of the Ca(around 3.9 keV)and Fe(around 6.7 keV)line features exhibit a rapid shift toward higher energy channels during the flare's rising phase,followed by a gradual decrease during the decay phase.Through precise energy calibration,the centroids are determined with high accuracy.Temperature and velocity are then self-consistently derived by comparing the centroids with those calculated from the synthesized line features using the latest CHIANTI atomic database(ver.10.1).The calculated maximum velocity reaches up to 710±60 km s-1,which significantly exceeds the previously reported values.Our results suggest that the entire shift of soft X-ray lines may occur during the process of chromospheric evaporation.展开更多
Biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses are presented for the Garau Formation of the Cretaceous Age,an important source rock in western Iran,to reveal its potential as an oilprone source rock.The C_(28)/C_(29)ste...Biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses are presented for the Garau Formation of the Cretaceous Age,an important source rock in western Iran,to reveal its potential as an oilprone source rock.The C_(28)/C_(29)sterane ratio value range(0.72 to 0.83)of bitumen samples from the formation suggests that they were likely formed during phytoplankton blooms.Sterane,hopane,and isoprenoid/n-alkane ratios indicate that the formation's organic matter predominantly consists of algae,and bacteria,accompanied by some reworked material derived from higher plants.Due to the predominance of anoxic conditions and the actions of sulfate-reducing bacteria,the bitumen present is enriched with sulfur compounds.The percentages of saturates,aromatics,and nitrogen-sulfuroxygen(NSO)fractions in the bitumen samples classify them as naphthenic oils.Isotope analysis reveals that biodegradation and water-washing have reduced the concentrations of some volatile saturates and low molecular weight aromatics in the bitumen samples.These actions have resulted in distinctiveδ^(13)C values for the formation's kerogen and bitumen fractions.The formation's organic matter has been subjected to high-temperature thermal regimes and has entered the oil-generation window at the sampled localities,with vitrinite reflectance(%R_(C))varying between 0.7%and 0.75%.展开更多
Powered fight in birds is reliant on feathers forming an aerodynamic surface that resists air pressures.Many basic aspects of feather functionality are unknown,which hampers our understanding of wing function in birds...Powered fight in birds is reliant on feathers forming an aerodynamic surface that resists air pressures.Many basic aspects of feather functionality are unknown,which hampers our understanding of wing function in birds.This study measured the dimensions of primary and secondaryfight feathers of 19 species of parrots.The maximum force the feathers could withstand from below was also measured to mimic the pressuresexperienced during a downstroke.The analysis tested whether:(1)feather dimensions differed along the wing and among secondary and primary remiges;(2)the force that feathers could withstand varied among the remiges;and(3)there would be isometric relationships with bodymass for feather characteristics.The results show that body mass signifcantly affected vane width,rachis thickness,maximum force,and ultimate bending moment,but the relationship for feather length only approached signifcance.Many of the proximal secondary feathers showedsignifcantly lower values relative to the frst primary,whereas for distal primaries the values were greater.There were isometric relationships forforce measurements of primary and secondary feathers with body mass,but there was positive allometry for feather lengths and vane widths.The forces feathers can withstand vary along the wing may be a proxy for the aerodynamic properties of the feathers in situ.Broader taxonomicstudies that explore these topics are required for other species representing a range of different orders.A better understanding of the functionality of feathers will improve our understanding of how avian fight works particularly considering the variety in fight style and wing shape in birds.展开更多
The aim of this study is to determine the level to which the public is aware about ITS(intelligent transportation systems)technologies and how they perceive the potential advantages and inhibitors of ITS in Michigan.A...The aim of this study is to determine the level to which the public is aware about ITS(intelligent transportation systems)technologies and how they perceive the potential advantages and inhibitors of ITS in Michigan.A survey was performed with 200 participants living in Michigan,in urban,suburban and rural areas.Questions covered in the survey included how often and how bad traffic congestion occurred,how familiar travelers were with ITS technologies(adaptive traffic signals,real time monitoring of the traffic)and how much support travelers would provide for ITS initiatives.Results reveal that there is a high degree of traffic congestion awareness,there is low public awareness of ITS technologies.While respondents who were aware of ITS solutions had positive views about deploying them,especially in urban areas,they were less supportive of ITS solutions than they were among those who did not know much about these.Factors including area of residence,commute time and age were perceived to influence ITS along with more positive attitudes to ITS amongst urban dwellers and younger respondents.Analysis of key barriers to ITS implementation reflected high initial costs,challenges with technical integration and users’concerns surrounding privacy.展开更多
Avian incubation is characterised by the contact between the eggs and the bird's skin to transfer heat to increase egg temperature above ambient conditions. Birds can be attentive to the clutch all of the time or,...Avian incubation is characterised by the contact between the eggs and the bird's skin to transfer heat to increase egg temperature above ambient conditions. Birds can be attentive to the clutch all of the time or, particularly if only one parent incubates, attentiveness may be quite low. Attentiveness is related to egg size with large eggs having high attentiveness, whereas small eggs (<10 g) can have attentiveness ranging from 50% to 100%. Previous studies have suggested that incubation duration is a function of attentiveness albeit for small birds. This study tested the hypothesis that, after controlling for egg size and phylogeny, incubation duration would be a function of attentiveness. Data for 444 bird species representing 24 orders were analysed. Whilst egg mass had a significant relationship with incubation duration, there was no relationship with attentiveness for all of the species or a subset of the passerines. Despite egg temperature drops during an incubation recess, average day-time and night-time temperatures are similar in a range of species. Re-examination of previously reported temperature profiles recorded by dummy eggs over a 24-h period shows that after an incubation recess there seems to be an additional heat flux that raises egg temperature above that seen during night-time periods of constant incubation. The reasons why eggs under intermittent incubation are not considerably cooler than eggs during constant incubation are discussed.展开更多
BACKGROUND Paracetamol overdose(POD)is the most common cause of acute hepatic failure(AHF)in the United Kingdom.Without urgent orthotopic liver transplant(OLT),mortality is high.Psychiatric assessment for transplant i...BACKGROUND Paracetamol overdose(POD)is the most common cause of acute hepatic failure(AHF)in the United Kingdom.Without urgent orthotopic liver transplant(OLT),mortality is high.Psychiatric assessment for transplant is time-pressured and often undertaken by psychiatrists without transplant experience.Assessors may identify absolute psychiatric contraindications(APCIs)precluding transplant in otherwise medically suitable patients.It is unknown how often this occurs.The combination of high but unknown mortality,time pressure,and relative inexperience is likely to provoke anxiety in assessors.This study hypothesised that the proportion of POD patients assessed for OLT who die because psychiatric contraindications preclude transplant would be small but not negligible.AIM To determine the proportion of patients with paracetamol-induced AHF,for whom psychiatric contraindications preclude transplantation,and the consequent mortality.METHODS This is an 18-year single-centre retrospective cohort study based in a national liver transplant centre.524 participants were identified from a departmental database and included if they had AHF from suspected POD and received a psychiatric assessment for OLT.For those who died before discharge,records were reviewed for medical and psychiatric contraindications to transplant,alongside age,sex,and primary psychiatric diagnosis.We calculated the proportion of patients assessed for whom APCIs precluded transplant,resulting in death.RESULTS Among 524 patients undergoing psychiatric assessment for OLT,there were 102 in-episode deaths(19.5%).APCIs were identified in 46 patients who were otherwise medically suitable for transplant and went on to die.This statistic represents 8.8%of the number of persons evaluated and 45%of the number of deaths.Within this subgroup,27(59%)were female,with a mean age of 44.6 years(ranging from 19-72 years).The most common primary psychiatric diagnosis was alcohol dependence syndrome,which accounted for 67%(n=31).CONCLUSION 8.8%of medically suitable patients with AHF following POD died with APCIs to transplant.This indicates a need for ongoing assessor training and support,and(inter)national comparisons of practice.展开更多
1 Introduction With the continuous increase in global population,the demand for energy is upgrading at an unprecedented rate.At present,fossil fuels dominate the global energy landscape,but their limitations lay the g...1 Introduction With the continuous increase in global population,the demand for energy is upgrading at an unprecedented rate.At present,fossil fuels dominate the global energy landscape,but their limitations lay the groundwork for the upcoming global energy crisis[1].The non renewable nature of fossil fuels,coupled with increasing energy consumption,poses a significant threat to the long-term energy security of the world.In addition,the combustion of fossil fuels releases a large amount of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide,leading to serious environmental pollution and climate change.These environmental issues have far-reaching impacts,including rising sea levels,extreme weather events,and loss of biodiversity[2–4].展开更多
Additive manufacturing(AM)is an advanced production method for layer-by-layer fabrication,offering a paradigm shift in manufacturing.However,the sustainability of AM processes is poor,since suppliers recommend reusing...Additive manufacturing(AM)is an advanced production method for layer-by-layer fabrication,offering a paradigm shift in manufacturing.However,the sustainability of AM processes is poor,since suppliers recommend reusing 50%-70%of reprocessed powder,contributing to a significant increase in material disposal.To explore the possibility of fully reusing the polymeric material,we conduct a comprehensive characterisation of the powder particulates,in combination with analysis of the final prints.Utilizing optical and scanning electron microscopes,we statistically evaluate the size,morphology,and shape of the particles.Furthermore,tensile strength and deformation of printed bars is evaluated,showcasing the impact of aging on the print properties.The findings reveal that consecutive reuse of used powder significantly influences dimensional accuracy of the printed parts.We detect a 30.63%relative value of shrinkage after six printing iterations,which corresponds to an absolute shrinkage increase by 0.98%.This is significant considering the standard shrinkage for the material used is already 3.2%.Additionally,parts that are printed with reused material exhibit a small increase in elongation at yield,as well as an unexpected rise in tensile strength.Significant agglomeration of small particles is observed in the aged powder,since there are particles of less than 10μm,which are not found in the virgin powder.These results contribute to a better understanding of the issues related to the reusing of aged material,and offer invaluable insights for mitigating the environmental impact that is associated with material disposal in AM.展开更多
The use ofrenewable energyisan important way toachieve sustainable agriculturalandeconomic development.However,there are differences in accessto renewable energy between the Global North and Global South.This study ut...The use ofrenewable energyisan important way toachieve sustainable agriculturalandeconomic development.However,there are differences in accessto renewable energy between the Global North and Global South.This study utilisedan autoregressive distributed lag-error correctionmodel and thedata spanning from 1991to 2021 to comparatively analyse the dynamic relationship amongrenewable energy consumption,the value of agricultural production,gross domestic product(GDP),economic diversificationindex,urban population,the total water extraction for agricultural withdrawal,and trade balancein the Netherlands and South Africa.In the shortrun,renewable energy consumption was increased by the value of agricultural productionbut decreased by GDPin South Africa.In the longrun,renewable energy consumption and GDP increased the value of agricultural production,while the value of agricultural production also increased GDP in South Africa.However,in the Netherlands,there was no short-and long-run relationship betweenrenewable energy consumption and agricultural and economic development.The results revealedthat there was a short-and long-run relationship in South Africa.Moreover,in the Netherlands,the adjustment speed was-1.46 forrenewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.68 a(8.22 months).In South Africa,the adjustment speedwas-1.28 forrenewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.78 a(9.38 months).Therefore,compared to South Africa,renewable energy consumptionin the Netherlands takes less time to return to balance after a shock.Thesefindings signify different trajectories on sectoral and economic transition initiatives spurred usingrenewable energy between the Netherlands and South Africa.Policy relating to initiatives such as“agro-energy communities”in Global South countries such as South Africa should be emphasised to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.展开更多
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but da...BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.展开更多
Ultrafine-grained(UFG)materials exhibit high strengths due to grain boundary strengthening,but grains can grow rapidly if post heat treatment is required,making it challenging to achieve grain boundary and precipitati...Ultrafine-grained(UFG)materials exhibit high strengths due to grain boundary strengthening,but grains can grow rapidly if post heat treatment is required,making it challenging to achieve grain boundary and precipitation strengthening simultaneously.Grain growth stagnation at 525℃(0.87 T_(m),melting point)was observed in a Mg-4Y-3RE alloy fabricated by additive friction stir deposition(AFSD),a novel solidstate additive manufacturing technology.The AFSD processing produced a UFG microstructure and two major second phases,Mg_(41)RE_(5)and nanoparticles containing Y and O.After solid solution treatment(SST)at 525℃for 72 h,no noticeable grain growth occurred.While Mg_(41)RE_(5)particles dissolved into the matrix within 4 h of SST,the nanoparticles remained stable and unaltered.The observed grain growth stagnation is attributed to Zener pinning by these thermally stable nanoparticles.These new findings offer a novel approach to designing UFG materials with exceptional thermal stability for high-temperature applications.展开更多
Two hundred and fifty single first-order Arrhenius reactions are simulated to generate S2 pyrograms at three heating rates 25,15,and 5°C·min-1.The activation energy(E)and pre-exponential factor(A)of the reac...Two hundred and fifty single first-order Arrhenius reactions are simulated to generate S2 pyrograms at three heating rates 25,15,and 5°C·min-1.The activation energy(E)and pre-exponential factor(A)of the reactions simulated follow a long-established trend of those variable values displayed by shales and kerogens.The characteristics of the transformation fraction(TF)profiles(product generation window temperatures)of the simulated single reactions are compared to the TF profiles of recorded shale pyrograms generated by multiple reactions with different E-A values lying near the defined E-A trend.Important similarities and differences are observed between the TF profile values of the two datasets.The similarities support the spread of E-A values involved in shale pyrogram best fits.The differences are most likely explained by the complexity of the multiple kerogen first-order and second-order reactions contributing to the recorded shale pyrograms versus the simplicity and crispness of the single first-order reactions simulated.The results also justify the validity of using the previously described“variable E-A pyrogram-fitting method”of multi-heating-rate shale pyrograms enabling optimizers to choose multiple reactions from an unlimited range of E-A values.In contrast,further doubt is cast on the validity of the constant-A pyrogram-fitting method used by the Easy%Ro technique,in that a distribution of reactions with a single A value is unlikely to represent the complex variety of kerogen macerals observed in shale formations.TF profiles generated by the variable E-A pyrogram-fitting method lie close to the established E-A trend and are likely to provide more realistic TF generation window temperatures than TF profiles generated by the constant-A pyrogram-fitting method.展开更多
The United Nations(UN)’s call for a decade of“ecosystem restoration”was prompted by the need to address the extensive impact of anthropogenic activities on natural ecosystems.Marine ecosystem restoration is increas...The United Nations(UN)’s call for a decade of“ecosystem restoration”was prompted by the need to address the extensive impact of anthropogenic activities on natural ecosystems.Marine ecosystem restoration is increasingly necessary due to increasing habitat degredation in deep waters(>200 m depth).At these depths,which are far beyond those accessible by divers,only established and emerging robotic platforms such as remotely operated vehicles(ROVs),autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs),landers,and crawlers can operate through manipulators and multiparametric sensor arrays(e.g.,optoacoustic imaging,omics,and environmental probes).The use of advanced technologies for deep-sea ecosystem restoration can provide:①high-resolution three-dimensional(3D)imaging and acoustic mapping of substrates and key taxa,②physical manipulation of substrates and key taxa,③real-time supervision of remote operations and long-term ecological monitoring,and④the potential to work autonomously.Here,we describe how robotic platforms with in situ manipulation capabilities and payloads of innovative sensors could autonomously conduct active restoration and monitoring across large spatial scales.We expect that these devices will be particularly useful in deep-sea habitats,such as①reef-building cold-water corals,②soft-bottom bamboo corals,and③soft-bottom fishery resources that have already been damaged by offshore industries(i.e.,fishing and oil/gas).展开更多
The development of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-Q-MS/MS)opens new opportunities to rapidly date a variety of hydrothermal minerals.Here we present in situ Lu-Hf ...The development of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-Q-MS/MS)opens new opportunities to rapidly date a variety of hydrothermal minerals.Here we present in situ Lu-Hf and Re-Os dates for hydrothermal apatite and molybdenite,respectively.We further report the first in situ Lu-Hf dates for bastnäsite,dolomite,and siderite,and assess their potential for constraining ore deposit geochronology.For method validation,we report isotope-dilution Lu-Hf dates for apatite reference material Bamble-1(1102±5 Ma)and calcite reference material ME-1(1531±7 Ma),enabling improved accuracy on matrix-matched calibration for LA-ICP-MS/MS Lu-Hf dating.The new methods are applied to the Vulcan Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold(IOCG)prospect in the Olympic Cu-Au Province of South Australia.Such deposits have been difficult to accurately date,given the general lack of reliable mineral geochronometers that are cogenetic with IOCG mineralisation.Hydrothermal apatite Lu-Hf dates and molybdenite Re-Os dates demonstrate that mineralisation at Vulcan largely occurred at ca.1.6 Ga,contemporaneous with the world class Olympic Dam deposit.Our data also indicates that the Lu-Hf system in apatite is more robust than the U-Pb system for determining the timing of primary apatite formation in an IOCG system.We further demonstrate that dolomite can retain Lu-Hf growth ages over an extended time period(>1.5 billion years),providing constraints on the timing of primary ore mineral crystallisation during brecciation and IOCG mineralisation.Finally,late Neoproterozoic(ca.589–544 Ma)and Carboniferous(ca.334±7 Ma)Lu-Hf dates were obtained for texturally late Cubearing carbonate veins,illustrating that the carbonate Lu-Hf method allows direct dating of Cu remobilisation events.This has important implications for mineral exploration as the remobilised Cu may have been transferred to younger deposits hosted in Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins overlaying the Olympic IOCG province.展开更多
文摘The number of secondary feathers varies among orders of birds with some orders exhibiting a positive relationship with ulna length,whereas in other orders secondary number is invariant.This difference has implications for scaling of the width of the feather vane within orders.In those species where the number of secondary remiges is invariant with ulna length,vane width should scale isometrically with ulna size to maintain an aerodynamic flight surface.Where feather count increases with increasing ulna length then vane width should exhibit negative allometry.Vane length should also correlate with ulna length,irrespective of the number of feathers.Data were compiled from an online library of images for the vane length and the width of the vane at 50%of the vane length for the fifth secondary feather for 209 bird species from 24 different orders.The results supported the hypotheses that vane width is a function of ulna size,and the number of secondary feathers as associated with different orders.Vane length was unaffected by the number of secondaries but varied between orders.The results suggest that birds have solved the problem of maintaining the aerodynamic surface of the proximal wing in two ways.Hence as ulna length increases the first solution involves more feathers that exhibit negative allometry for vane width,or in the second where feather count doesn't change,the vane width simply scales isometrically.The implications for the mechanical properties of the vane,and how it affects wing function,have not yet been explored in a range of birds.
文摘Floating Storage and Regasification Units(FSRU)form a rapidly expanding sector of LNG business.In many cases,FSRU now provide a more cost-effective and very flexible way to deliver natural gas to end users in comparison with shore-based terminals.Due to enhanced operations FSRU are more complex compared to LNG carriers(LNGC).FSRU are essentially merge of the attributes of shore-based terminals and LNGC.The existing FSRU fleet is formed of new-build vessels and converted LNGC.Together with their advantages FSRU come with the inherent problems of handling and storing LNG.Here we focus on the rollover issues that occur on FSRU and suggest ways to improve handling to minimize the impacts of those events.Rollover is a physical mixing process in a single tank with two or more different parcels of LNG of different compositions,temperatures and densities that can manifest in large boil-off rates,beyond handling-equipment capacities,and large tank pressure increases culminating rapidly.If prevention/mitigation actions are not implemented,uncontrolled venting of boil off gas in vapor form to the atmosphere is a likely consequence involving flammability hazards and tank structure over-pressurization with potential damage.This study provides in-depth analysis of FSRU rollovers based on observations of more than twenty rollovers on many different FSRU.The analysis focuses on LNG saturated vapor pressure(SVP)rather than the traditional approach of focusing on boil-off rate(BOG).This approach allows efficient rollover management without any in-built rollover prevention means.Strategies are developed for managing a combination of FSRU tanks utilizing rollover prevention and mitigation actions,as well as efficient pre-planning for LNG stock management.Novel rules of thumb for predicting time to rollover onset,based on many observed FSRU rollovers provide operators with real-time insight to what rollover preventive and mitigating actions are effective in specific circumstances.
文摘Determining the saturated vapor pressure(SVP)of LNG requires detailed thermodynamic calculations based on compositional data.Yet LNG compositions and SVPs evolve constantly for LNG stored in tanks.Moreover,the SVP of the LNG in a tank influences boil-off rates and tank pressure trends.In order to make improved tank pressure control decisions it would be beneficial for LNG tank operators to be made more constantly aware of the SVP of the LNG in a tank.Machine learning models that accurately estimate LNG SVP from density and temperature inputs offer the potential to provide such information.A dataset of five distinct,internationally traded LNG cargoes is compiled with 305 data records representing a range of temperature and density conditions.This can be used graphically to interpolate LNG SVP.However,two machine learning methods are applied to this dataset to automate the SVP predictions.A simple multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network(MLP-ANN)predicts SVP of the dataset with root mean square error(RMSE)=6.34 kPaA and R^(2)=0.975.The transparent open-box learning network(TOB),a regression-free optimized data matching algorithm predicts SVP of the dataset with RMSE=0.59 kPaA and R^(2)=0.999.When applied to infill unknown LNG compositions the superior TOB method achieves prediction accuracy of RMSE~3kPaA and R^(2)=0.996.Predicting LNG SVP to this level of accuracy is beneficial for tank-pressure management decision making.
文摘Using the new soft X-ray data from the Macao Science Satellite-1,we studied a solar flare that occurred on 22 June 2023.We found that the centroids of the Ca(around 3.9 keV)and Fe(around 6.7 keV)line features exhibit a rapid shift toward higher energy channels during the flare's rising phase,followed by a gradual decrease during the decay phase.Through precise energy calibration,the centroids are determined with high accuracy.Temperature and velocity are then self-consistently derived by comparing the centroids with those calculated from the synthesized line features using the latest CHIANTI atomic database(ver.10.1).The calculated maximum velocity reaches up to 710±60 km s-1,which significantly exceeds the previously reported values.Our results suggest that the entire shift of soft X-ray lines may occur during the process of chromospheric evaporation.
文摘Biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses are presented for the Garau Formation of the Cretaceous Age,an important source rock in western Iran,to reveal its potential as an oilprone source rock.The C_(28)/C_(29)sterane ratio value range(0.72 to 0.83)of bitumen samples from the formation suggests that they were likely formed during phytoplankton blooms.Sterane,hopane,and isoprenoid/n-alkane ratios indicate that the formation's organic matter predominantly consists of algae,and bacteria,accompanied by some reworked material derived from higher plants.Due to the predominance of anoxic conditions and the actions of sulfate-reducing bacteria,the bitumen present is enriched with sulfur compounds.The percentages of saturates,aromatics,and nitrogen-sulfuroxygen(NSO)fractions in the bitumen samples classify them as naphthenic oils.Isotope analysis reveals that biodegradation and water-washing have reduced the concentrations of some volatile saturates and low molecular weight aromatics in the bitumen samples.These actions have resulted in distinctiveδ^(13)C values for the formation's kerogen and bitumen fractions.The formation's organic matter has been subjected to high-temperature thermal regimes and has entered the oil-generation window at the sampled localities,with vitrinite reflectance(%R_(C))varying between 0.7%and 0.75%.
文摘Powered fight in birds is reliant on feathers forming an aerodynamic surface that resists air pressures.Many basic aspects of feather functionality are unknown,which hampers our understanding of wing function in birds.This study measured the dimensions of primary and secondaryfight feathers of 19 species of parrots.The maximum force the feathers could withstand from below was also measured to mimic the pressuresexperienced during a downstroke.The analysis tested whether:(1)feather dimensions differed along the wing and among secondary and primary remiges;(2)the force that feathers could withstand varied among the remiges;and(3)there would be isometric relationships with bodymass for feather characteristics.The results show that body mass signifcantly affected vane width,rachis thickness,maximum force,and ultimate bending moment,but the relationship for feather length only approached signifcance.Many of the proximal secondary feathers showedsignifcantly lower values relative to the frst primary,whereas for distal primaries the values were greater.There were isometric relationships forforce measurements of primary and secondary feathers with body mass,but there was positive allometry for feather lengths and vane widths.The forces feathers can withstand vary along the wing may be a proxy for the aerodynamic properties of the feathers in situ.Broader taxonomicstudies that explore these topics are required for other species representing a range of different orders.A better understanding of the functionality of feathers will improve our understanding of how avian fight works particularly considering the variety in fight style and wing shape in birds.
文摘The aim of this study is to determine the level to which the public is aware about ITS(intelligent transportation systems)technologies and how they perceive the potential advantages and inhibitors of ITS in Michigan.A survey was performed with 200 participants living in Michigan,in urban,suburban and rural areas.Questions covered in the survey included how often and how bad traffic congestion occurred,how familiar travelers were with ITS technologies(adaptive traffic signals,real time monitoring of the traffic)and how much support travelers would provide for ITS initiatives.Results reveal that there is a high degree of traffic congestion awareness,there is low public awareness of ITS technologies.While respondents who were aware of ITS solutions had positive views about deploying them,especially in urban areas,they were less supportive of ITS solutions than they were among those who did not know much about these.Factors including area of residence,commute time and age were perceived to influence ITS along with more positive attitudes to ITS amongst urban dwellers and younger respondents.Analysis of key barriers to ITS implementation reflected high initial costs,challenges with technical integration and users’concerns surrounding privacy.
文摘Avian incubation is characterised by the contact between the eggs and the bird's skin to transfer heat to increase egg temperature above ambient conditions. Birds can be attentive to the clutch all of the time or, particularly if only one parent incubates, attentiveness may be quite low. Attentiveness is related to egg size with large eggs having high attentiveness, whereas small eggs (<10 g) can have attentiveness ranging from 50% to 100%. Previous studies have suggested that incubation duration is a function of attentiveness albeit for small birds. This study tested the hypothesis that, after controlling for egg size and phylogeny, incubation duration would be a function of attentiveness. Data for 444 bird species representing 24 orders were analysed. Whilst egg mass had a significant relationship with incubation duration, there was no relationship with attentiveness for all of the species or a subset of the passerines. Despite egg temperature drops during an incubation recess, average day-time and night-time temperatures are similar in a range of species. Re-examination of previously reported temperature profiles recorded by dummy eggs over a 24-h period shows that after an incubation recess there seems to be an additional heat flux that raises egg temperature above that seen during night-time periods of constant incubation. The reasons why eggs under intermittent incubation are not considerably cooler than eggs during constant incubation are discussed.
文摘BACKGROUND Paracetamol overdose(POD)is the most common cause of acute hepatic failure(AHF)in the United Kingdom.Without urgent orthotopic liver transplant(OLT),mortality is high.Psychiatric assessment for transplant is time-pressured and often undertaken by psychiatrists without transplant experience.Assessors may identify absolute psychiatric contraindications(APCIs)precluding transplant in otherwise medically suitable patients.It is unknown how often this occurs.The combination of high but unknown mortality,time pressure,and relative inexperience is likely to provoke anxiety in assessors.This study hypothesised that the proportion of POD patients assessed for OLT who die because psychiatric contraindications preclude transplant would be small but not negligible.AIM To determine the proportion of patients with paracetamol-induced AHF,for whom psychiatric contraindications preclude transplantation,and the consequent mortality.METHODS This is an 18-year single-centre retrospective cohort study based in a national liver transplant centre.524 participants were identified from a departmental database and included if they had AHF from suspected POD and received a psychiatric assessment for OLT.For those who died before discharge,records were reviewed for medical and psychiatric contraindications to transplant,alongside age,sex,and primary psychiatric diagnosis.We calculated the proportion of patients assessed for whom APCIs precluded transplant,resulting in death.RESULTS Among 524 patients undergoing psychiatric assessment for OLT,there were 102 in-episode deaths(19.5%).APCIs were identified in 46 patients who were otherwise medically suitable for transplant and went on to die.This statistic represents 8.8%of the number of persons evaluated and 45%of the number of deaths.Within this subgroup,27(59%)were female,with a mean age of 44.6 years(ranging from 19-72 years).The most common primary psychiatric diagnosis was alcohol dependence syndrome,which accounted for 67%(n=31).CONCLUSION 8.8%of medically suitable patients with AHF following POD died with APCIs to transplant.This indicates a need for ongoing assessor training and support,and(inter)national comparisons of practice.
基金supported by Yunnan Provincial Basic Research Project(202401AT070344)National Natural Science Foundation of China(62263014).
文摘1 Introduction With the continuous increase in global population,the demand for energy is upgrading at an unprecedented rate.At present,fossil fuels dominate the global energy landscape,but their limitations lay the groundwork for the upcoming global energy crisis[1].The non renewable nature of fossil fuels,coupled with increasing energy consumption,poses a significant threat to the long-term energy security of the world.In addition,the combustion of fossil fuels releases a large amount of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide,leading to serious environmental pollution and climate change.These environmental issues have far-reaching impacts,including rising sea levels,extreme weather events,and loss of biodiversity[2–4].
文摘Additive manufacturing(AM)is an advanced production method for layer-by-layer fabrication,offering a paradigm shift in manufacturing.However,the sustainability of AM processes is poor,since suppliers recommend reusing 50%-70%of reprocessed powder,contributing to a significant increase in material disposal.To explore the possibility of fully reusing the polymeric material,we conduct a comprehensive characterisation of the powder particulates,in combination with analysis of the final prints.Utilizing optical and scanning electron microscopes,we statistically evaluate the size,morphology,and shape of the particles.Furthermore,tensile strength and deformation of printed bars is evaluated,showcasing the impact of aging on the print properties.The findings reveal that consecutive reuse of used powder significantly influences dimensional accuracy of the printed parts.We detect a 30.63%relative value of shrinkage after six printing iterations,which corresponds to an absolute shrinkage increase by 0.98%.This is significant considering the standard shrinkage for the material used is already 3.2%.Additionally,parts that are printed with reused material exhibit a small increase in elongation at yield,as well as an unexpected rise in tensile strength.Significant agglomeration of small particles is observed in the aged powder,since there are particles of less than 10μm,which are not found in the virgin powder.These results contribute to a better understanding of the issues related to the reusing of aged material,and offer invaluable insights for mitigating the environmental impact that is associated with material disposal in AM.
基金research supported wholly by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africathe Dutch Research Council (NWO) Project (UID 129352)
文摘The use ofrenewable energyisan important way toachieve sustainable agriculturalandeconomic development.However,there are differences in accessto renewable energy between the Global North and Global South.This study utilisedan autoregressive distributed lag-error correctionmodel and thedata spanning from 1991to 2021 to comparatively analyse the dynamic relationship amongrenewable energy consumption,the value of agricultural production,gross domestic product(GDP),economic diversificationindex,urban population,the total water extraction for agricultural withdrawal,and trade balancein the Netherlands and South Africa.In the shortrun,renewable energy consumption was increased by the value of agricultural productionbut decreased by GDPin South Africa.In the longrun,renewable energy consumption and GDP increased the value of agricultural production,while the value of agricultural production also increased GDP in South Africa.However,in the Netherlands,there was no short-and long-run relationship betweenrenewable energy consumption and agricultural and economic development.The results revealedthat there was a short-and long-run relationship in South Africa.Moreover,in the Netherlands,the adjustment speed was-1.46 forrenewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.68 a(8.22 months).In South Africa,the adjustment speedwas-1.28 forrenewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.78 a(9.38 months).Therefore,compared to South Africa,renewable energy consumptionin the Netherlands takes less time to return to balance after a shock.Thesefindings signify different trajectories on sectoral and economic transition initiatives spurred usingrenewable energy between the Netherlands and South Africa.Policy relating to initiatives such as“agro-energy communities”in Global South countries such as South Africa should be emphasised to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.
文摘BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.
基金supported by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship,[MR/T019123/2]。
文摘Ultrafine-grained(UFG)materials exhibit high strengths due to grain boundary strengthening,but grains can grow rapidly if post heat treatment is required,making it challenging to achieve grain boundary and precipitation strengthening simultaneously.Grain growth stagnation at 525℃(0.87 T_(m),melting point)was observed in a Mg-4Y-3RE alloy fabricated by additive friction stir deposition(AFSD),a novel solidstate additive manufacturing technology.The AFSD processing produced a UFG microstructure and two major second phases,Mg_(41)RE_(5)and nanoparticles containing Y and O.After solid solution treatment(SST)at 525℃for 72 h,no noticeable grain growth occurred.While Mg_(41)RE_(5)particles dissolved into the matrix within 4 h of SST,the nanoparticles remained stable and unaltered.The observed grain growth stagnation is attributed to Zener pinning by these thermally stable nanoparticles.These new findings offer a novel approach to designing UFG materials with exceptional thermal stability for high-temperature applications.
文摘Two hundred and fifty single first-order Arrhenius reactions are simulated to generate S2 pyrograms at three heating rates 25,15,and 5°C·min-1.The activation energy(E)and pre-exponential factor(A)of the reactions simulated follow a long-established trend of those variable values displayed by shales and kerogens.The characteristics of the transformation fraction(TF)profiles(product generation window temperatures)of the simulated single reactions are compared to the TF profiles of recorded shale pyrograms generated by multiple reactions with different E-A values lying near the defined E-A trend.Important similarities and differences are observed between the TF profile values of the two datasets.The similarities support the spread of E-A values involved in shale pyrogram best fits.The differences are most likely explained by the complexity of the multiple kerogen first-order and second-order reactions contributing to the recorded shale pyrograms versus the simplicity and crispness of the single first-order reactions simulated.The results also justify the validity of using the previously described“variable E-A pyrogram-fitting method”of multi-heating-rate shale pyrograms enabling optimizers to choose multiple reactions from an unlimited range of E-A values.In contrast,further doubt is cast on the validity of the constant-A pyrogram-fitting method used by the Easy%Ro technique,in that a distribution of reactions with a single A value is unlikely to represent the complex variety of kerogen macerals observed in shale formations.TF profiles generated by the variable E-A pyrogram-fitting method lie close to the established E-A trend and are likely to provide more realistic TF generation window temperatures than TF profiles generated by the constant-A pyrogram-fitting method.
基金conceived within the preparation of the Project Restoration of Deep-sea habitats to Rebuild European Seas (REDRESS):HORIZON CL6-2023-BIODIV-Restoration of deepsea habitats carried out within the framework of the activities of the Spanish Government through the"Severo Ochoa Centre Excellence"granted to ICM-CSIC (CEX2019-000928-S)and the Research Unit Tecnoterra (ICM-CSIC/UPC)supported the work were those of the Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2017-2020 of the Spanish government:BITER-LANDER (PID2020-114732RB-C32),BITER-ECO (PID2020-114732RB-C31),BITER-AUV (PID2020-114732RB-C33),PLOME (PLEC2021-007525/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)+3 种基金the conceptual development,falls within the framework of EU LIFE Project ECOREST (LIFE20 NAT/ES/001270)funded by a Juan de la Cierva Formación Post-doctoral Fellowship (FJC2021-047734-Ifinanced by Ministerio de Cuyltura e Innovación/Agencia Española de Investigación and European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR funds)funded by the Spanish Government (Agencia Española de Investigación-AEI)through the‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S).
文摘The United Nations(UN)’s call for a decade of“ecosystem restoration”was prompted by the need to address the extensive impact of anthropogenic activities on natural ecosystems.Marine ecosystem restoration is increasingly necessary due to increasing habitat degredation in deep waters(>200 m depth).At these depths,which are far beyond those accessible by divers,only established and emerging robotic platforms such as remotely operated vehicles(ROVs),autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs),landers,and crawlers can operate through manipulators and multiparametric sensor arrays(e.g.,optoacoustic imaging,omics,and environmental probes).The use of advanced technologies for deep-sea ecosystem restoration can provide:①high-resolution three-dimensional(3D)imaging and acoustic mapping of substrates and key taxa,②physical manipulation of substrates and key taxa,③real-time supervision of remote operations and long-term ecological monitoring,and④the potential to work autonomously.Here,we describe how robotic platforms with in situ manipulation capabilities and payloads of innovative sensors could autonomously conduct active restoration and monitoring across large spatial scales.We expect that these devices will be particularly useful in deep-sea habitats,such as①reef-building cold-water corals,②soft-bottom bamboo corals,and③soft-bottom fishery resources that have already been damaged by offshore industries(i.e.,fishing and oil/gas).
基金supported by an Accelerated Discovery Initiative Grant(ADI RD02/260),entitled‘Integrated Exploration Under Deep Cover‘with joint funding from Fortescue and the Government of South AustraliaSG was further supported by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship(FT210100906)The acquisition of isotope-dilution Lu-Hf dates was financially supported by the Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre whose activities are funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program。
文摘The development of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-Q-MS/MS)opens new opportunities to rapidly date a variety of hydrothermal minerals.Here we present in situ Lu-Hf and Re-Os dates for hydrothermal apatite and molybdenite,respectively.We further report the first in situ Lu-Hf dates for bastnäsite,dolomite,and siderite,and assess their potential for constraining ore deposit geochronology.For method validation,we report isotope-dilution Lu-Hf dates for apatite reference material Bamble-1(1102±5 Ma)and calcite reference material ME-1(1531±7 Ma),enabling improved accuracy on matrix-matched calibration for LA-ICP-MS/MS Lu-Hf dating.The new methods are applied to the Vulcan Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold(IOCG)prospect in the Olympic Cu-Au Province of South Australia.Such deposits have been difficult to accurately date,given the general lack of reliable mineral geochronometers that are cogenetic with IOCG mineralisation.Hydrothermal apatite Lu-Hf dates and molybdenite Re-Os dates demonstrate that mineralisation at Vulcan largely occurred at ca.1.6 Ga,contemporaneous with the world class Olympic Dam deposit.Our data also indicates that the Lu-Hf system in apatite is more robust than the U-Pb system for determining the timing of primary apatite formation in an IOCG system.We further demonstrate that dolomite can retain Lu-Hf growth ages over an extended time period(>1.5 billion years),providing constraints on the timing of primary ore mineral crystallisation during brecciation and IOCG mineralisation.Finally,late Neoproterozoic(ca.589–544 Ma)and Carboniferous(ca.334±7 Ma)Lu-Hf dates were obtained for texturally late Cubearing carbonate veins,illustrating that the carbonate Lu-Hf method allows direct dating of Cu remobilisation events.This has important implications for mineral exploration as the remobilised Cu may have been transferred to younger deposits hosted in Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins overlaying the Olympic IOCG province.
