Valorization of Camellia oleifera oil processing byproducts to value-added chemicals and biobased materials: A critical review

The C.oleifera oil processing industry generates large amounts of solid wastes,including C.oleifera shell(COS)and C.oleifera cake(COC).Distinct from generally acknowledged lignocellulosic biomass(corn stover,bamboo,birch,etc.),Camellia wastes contain diverse bioactive substances in addition to the abundant lignocellulosic components,and thus,the biorefinery utilization of C.oleifera processing byproducts involves complicated processing technologies.This reviewfirst summarizes various technologies for extracting and converting the main components in C.oleifera oil processing byproducts into value-added chemicals and biobased materials,as well as their potential applications.Microwave,ultrasound,and Soxhlet extractions are compared for the extraction of functional bioactive components(tannin,flavonoid,saponin,etc.),while solvothermal conversion and pyrolysis are discussed for the conversion of lignocellulosic components into value-added chemicals.The application areas of these chemicals according to their properties are introduced in detail,including utilizing antioxidant and anti-in-flammatory properties of the bioactive substances for the specific application,as well as drop-in chemicals for the substitution of unrenewable fossil fuel-derived products.In addition to chemical production,biochar fabricated from COS and its applications in thefields of adsorption,supercapacitor,soil remediation and wood composites are comprehensively reviewed and discussed.Finally,based on the compositions and structural characteristics of C.oleifera byproducts,the development of full-component valorization strategies and the expansion of the appli-cationfields are proposed.

Pyloric Sympathectomy: A Novel Way to Get Pylorus Relaxation? Report of Two Bariatric Cases

Objective: This case report aimed to demonstrate a possible neuromuscular effect of pyloric sympathectomy on the pylorus motility, leading to its permanent relaxation, observed in two bariatric surgical cases, one primary and the other, revisional. Background: Pyloric sphincter is a physiological barrier to free gastric emptying. In sleeve gastrectomy and in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass revisions, that put the remnant stomach in transit, the pylorus can contribute to generate a high intragastric pressure, which could lead to acute gastric fistulas and/or chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. The possibility of functionally relaxing the pylorus, promoting intragastric pressure reduction, could represent a protective maneuver against these complications. Methods: We describe herein a surgical maneuver applied in two cases of bariatric surgeries, with the intention of facilitating antrum-duodenal region exposure, in a sleeve gastrectomy and in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion to SADI-S. For this, a ligation of terminal peripyloric vessels was done, allowing a passage of a tape, which surrounded the pylorus, for its traction. In both cases, 30-day and 1-year endoscopic evaluations were done, to assess esophagitis signs, anastomosis healing and anatomical pouch aspect. A clinical evaluation was also done, to assess gastroesophageal symptoms (validated questionnaire). Results: In the postoperative endoscopic evaluations, no esophagitis were observed in any case and the gastric pouches had normal aspect, with the expected anatomical findings, compatible with the surgeries performed. The anastomosis healed without problems, in the revisional case. Interestingly, in both cases, it was observed a complete pyloric sphincter relaxation, which lasted until 1-year endoscopic evaluation. There were no fistulas, nor esophagitis in any of these cases. Clinically, there were no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (validated questionnaire). Conclusion: The observation of a pyloric durable atomy, that followed peripyloric dissection and vessels ligation (arterial branches), with its concomitant sympathectomy, can represent a new way of decompressing gastric chamber, either in primary or revisional bariatric surgeries. This maneuver can be protective against acute fistulas and gastroesophageal disease. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Design method of extractant for liquid-liquid extraction based on elements and chemical bonds

In the petrochemical industry process, the relative volatility between the components to be separated is close to one or the azeotrope that systems are difficult to separate. Liquid-liquid extraction is a common and effective separation method, and selecting an extraction agent is the key to extraction technology research. In this paper, a design method of extractants based on elements and chemical bonds was proposed. A knowledge-based molecular design method was adopted to pre-select elements and chemical bond groups. The molecules were automatically synthesized according to specific combination rules to avoid the problem of “combination explosion” of molecules. The target properties of the extractant were set, and the extractant meeting the requirements was selected by predicting the correlation physical properties of the generated molecules. Based on the separation performance of the extractant in liquid-liquid extraction and the relative importance of each index, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation membership function was established, the analytic hierarchy process determined the mass ratio of each index, and the consistency test results were passed. The results of case study based on quantum chemical analysis demonstrated that effective determination of extractants for the analysis of benzene-cyclohexane systems. The results unanimously prove that the method has important theoretical significance and application value.

Edge effect during microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition diamond-film:Multiphysics simulation and experimental verification

This study focused on the investigation of the edge effect of diamond films deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor de-position.Substrate bulge height△h is a factor that affects the edge effect,and it was used to simulate plasma and guide the diamond-film deposition experiments.Finite-element software COMSOL Multiphysics was used to construct a multiphysics(electromagnetic,plasma,and fluid heat transfer fields)coupling model based on electron collision reaction.Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterize the experimental growth and validate the model.The simulation results reflected the experimental trends observed.Plasma discharge at the edge of the substrate accelerated due to the increase in△h(△h=0-3 mm),and the values of electron density(n_(c)),molar concentration of H(C_(H)),and molar concentration of CH_(3)(C_(CH_(3)))doubled at the edge(for the special concave sample with△h=−1 mm,the active chemical groups exhibited a decreased molar concentration at the edge of the substrate).At=0-3 mm,a high diamond growth rate and a large diamond grain size were observed at the edge of the substrate,and their values increased with.The uniformity of film thickness decreased with.The Raman spectra of all samples revealed the first-order characteristic peak of dia-mond near 1332 cm^(−1).When△h=−1 mm,tensile stress occurred in all regions of the film.When△h=1-3 mm,all areas in the film ex-hibited compressive stress.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbons from Palm Nut Shells: Effects of Calcination Temperature on Porosity and Chemical Properties

Activated carbons (ACs) calcined at 400˚C, 500˚C, and 600˚C (AC-400, AC-500, and AC-600) were prepared using palm nut shells from Gabon as raw material and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a chemical activating agent. Prepared ACs were characterized by physisorption of nitrogen (N2), determination of diode and methylene blue numbers for studies of porosity and by quantification and determination of surface functional groups and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) respectively, for studies of chemical properties of prepared ACs. Then, effects of calcination temperature (Tcal) on porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs were studied. The results obtained showed that when the calcination temperature increases from 500˚C to 600˚C, the porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs are modified. Indeed, the methylene blue and iodine numbers determined for activated carbons AC-400 (460 and 7.94 mg·g−1, respectively) and AC-500 (680 and 8.90 mg·g−1, respectively) are higher than those obtained for AC-600 (360 and 5.75 mg·g−1, respectively). Compared to the AC-500 adsorbent, specific surface areas (SBET) and microporous volume losses for AC-600 were estimated to 44.7% and 45.8%, respectively. Moreover, in our experimental conditions, the effect of Tcal on the quantities of acidic and basic functional groups on the surface of the ACs appears negligible. In addition, results of the pHpzc of prepared ACs showed that as Tcal increases, the pH of the adsorbents increases and tends towards neutrality. Indeed, a stronger acidity was determined on AC-400 (pHpzc = 5.60) compared to those on AC-500 and AC-600 (pHpzc = 6.85 and 6.70, respectively). Also according to the results of porosity and chemical characterizations, adsorption being a surface phenomenon, 500˚C appears to be the optimal calcination temperature for the preparation of activated carbons from palm nut shells in our experimental conditions.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Multi-Product Parallel Disassembly Line Balancing Problem Considering Multi-Skilled Workers Using a Discrete Chemical Reaction Optimization Algorithm

This work investigates a multi-product parallel disassembly line balancing problem considering multi-skilled workers.A mathematical model for the parallel disassembly line is established to achieve maximized disassembly profit and minimized workstation cycle time.Based on a product’s AND/OR graph,matrices for task-skill,worker-skill,precedence relationships,and disassembly correlations are developed.A multi-objective discrete chemical reaction optimization algorithm is designed.To enhance solution diversity,improvements are made to four reactions:decomposition,synthesis,intermolecular ineffective collision,and wall invalid collision reaction,completing the evolution of molecular individuals.The established model and improved algorithm are applied to ball pen,flashlight,washing machine,and radio combinations,respectively.Introducing a Collaborative Resource Allocation(CRA)strategy based on a Decomposition-Based Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm,the experimental results are compared with four classical algorithms:MOEA/D,MOEAD-CRA,Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm Ⅱ(NSGA-Ⅱ),and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm Ⅲ(NSGA-Ⅲ).This validates the feasibility and superiority of the proposed algorithm in parallel disassembly production lines.

Engineering the coordination structure of Cu for enhanced photocatalytic production of C_(1) chemicals from glucose

Photocatalytic decomposition of sugars is a promising way of providing H_(2),CO,and HCOOH as sus-tainable energy vectors.However,the production of C_(1) chemicals requires the cleavage of robust C−C bonds in sugars with concurrent production of H_(2),which remains challenging.Here,the photo-catalytic activity for glucose decomposition to HCOOH,CO(C_(1) chemicals),and H_(2) on Cu/TiO_(2)was enhanced by nitrogen doping.Owing to nitrogen doping,atomically dispersed and stable Cu sites resistant to light irradiation are formed on Cu/TiO_(2).The electronic interaction between Cu and nitrogen ions originates valence band structure and defect levels composed of N 2p orbit,distinct from undoped Cu/TiO_(2).Therefore,the lifetime of charge carriers is prolonged,resulting in the pro-duction of C_(1) chemicals and H_(2) with productivities 1.7 and 2.1 folds that of Cu/TiO_(2).This work pro-vides a strategy to design coordinatively stable Cu ions for photocatalytic biomass conversion.

Mo_(2)B_(2)O_(2) MBene for Efficient Electrochemical CO Reduction to C_(2) Chemicals:Computational Exploration

Emerging as a new class of two-dimensional materials with atomically thin layers,MBenes have great potential for many important applications such as energy storage and electrocatalysis.Toward mitigating carbon footprint,there has been increasing interest in CO_(2)/CO conversion on MBenes,but mostly focused on C_(1) products.C^(2+) chemicals generally possess higher energy densities and wider applications than C_(1) counterparts.However,C–C coupling is technically challenging because of high energy requirement and currently few catalysts are suited for this process.Here,we explore electrochemical CO reduction reaction to C_(2) chemicals on Mo_(2)B_(2)O_(2) MBene via density-functional theory calculations.Remarkably,the most favorable CO–COH coupling is revealed to be a spontaneous and barrierless process,making Mo_(2)B_(2)O_(2) an efficient catalyst for C–C coupling.Among C_(1) and C_(2) chemicals,ethanol is predicted to be the primary product.Furthermore,by charge and bond analysis,it is unraveled that there exist significantly more unbonded electrons in the C atom of intermediate*COH than other C_(1) intermediates,which is responsible for the facile C–C coupling.From an atomic scale,this work provides microscopic insight into C–C coupling process and suggests Mo_(2)B_(2)O_(2) a promising catalyst for electrochemical CO reduction to C_(2) chemicals.

Shock-induced chemical reaction characteristics of PTFE-Al-Bi_(2)O_(3)reactive materials

A ternary system of PTFE/Al/Bi_(2)O_(3)is constructed by incorporating PTFE-based reactive material and thermite for enhancing the energy release of the PTFE-based reactive material.The effects of Bi_(2)O_(3)in the PTFE/Al/Bi_(2)O_(3)on both mechanical properties and the energy release were investigated through various tests such as thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry,adiabatic oxygen bomb test and split Hopkinson pressure bar test.The microstructure observed through scanning electron microscope and Xray diffraction results are used to analyze the ignition and reaction mechanism of PTFE/Al/Bi_(2)O_(3).The results indicate that the PTFE/Al/Bi_(2)O_(3)are capable of triggering the exothermic reaction of molten PTFE/Bi_(2)O_(3)and Al/Bi_(2)O_(3)over the PTFE/Al reactive materials,thereby promoting reactions.The excessive aluminum in the ternary system is beneficial for increasing energy release.The ignition of shock-induced chemical reactions in PTFE/Al/Bi_(2)O_(3)is closely related to the material fracture.The dominant mechanism for hot-spot generation under Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar test is the frictional temperature rise at the microcrack after failure.

Casson Nanofluid Flow with Cattaneo-Christov Heat Flux and Chemical Reaction Past a Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Porous Medium

In the current work,inclined magnetic field,thermal radiation,and the Cattaneo-Christov heat flux are taken into account as we analyze the impact of chemical reaction on magneto-hydrodynamic Casson nanofluid flow on a stretching sheet.Modified Buongiorno’s nanofluid model has been used to model the flow governing equations.The stretching surface is embedded in a porousmedium.By using similarity transformations,the nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into a set of dimensionless ordinary differential equations.The numerical solution of transformed dimensionless equations is achieved by applying the shooting procedure together with Rung-Kutta 4th-order method employing MATLAB.The impact of significant parameters on the velocity profile f(ζ),temperature distributionθ(ζ),concentration profileϕ(ζ),skin friction coefficient(Cf),Nusselt number(Nux)and Sherwood number(Shx)are analyzed and displayed in graphical and tabular formats.With an increase in Casson fluid 0.5<β<2,the motion of the Casson fluid decelerates whereas the temperature profile increases.As the thermal relation factor expands 0.1<γ1<0.4,the temperature reduces,and consequently thermal boundary layer shrinks.Additionally,by raising the level of thermal radiation 1<Rd<7,the temperature profile significantly improves,and an abrupt expansion has also been observed in the associated thermal boundary with raise thermal radiation strength.It was observed that higher permeability 0<K<4 hinders the acceleration of Casson fluid.Higher Brownian motion levels 0.2<Nb<0.6 correspond to lower levels of the Casson fluid concentration profile.Moreover,it is observed that chemical reaction 0.2<γ2<0.5 has an inverse relation with the concentration level of Casson fluid.The current model’s significant uses include heat energy enhancement,petroleum recovery,energy devices,food manufacturing processes,and cooling device adjustment,among others.Furthermore,present outcomes have been found in great agreementwith already publishedwork.

Progress of Electrocatalytic Technology in Treating Organic Chemical Wastewater

In recent years,extensive research has been conducted on the preparation of high catalytic performance electrodes and the development of electrocatalytic water treatment processes.This article introduces the basic principles of electrochemical water treatment,the preparation of electrode materials,and the research progress of electrocatalytic technology for degrading organic chemical wastewater.It analyzes the problems faced by electrocatalytic degradation of organic chemical wastewater and looks forward to the development trend of electrocatalytic technology in the field of organic chemical wastewater treatment.

Enhancing Hazardous Chemical Management in Chinese University Laboratories:Strategies for Safety and Efficiency

This paper examines the management of hazardous chemicals in Chinese university laboratories,identifying key challenges and proposing improvements.It reviews current practices and safety measures,highlighting deficiencies such as inadequate safety systems and insufficient awareness among personnel.The study emphasizes the necessity of tailored safety management systems,the integration of digital tracking technologies like Radio Frequency Identification,and enhanced safety training for staff.The proposed recommendations aim to mitigate risks and enhance laboratory safety and efficiency.In conclusion,the paper asserts that a comprehensive approach,encompassing improved management systems,technological advancements,and educational initiatives,is essential for safer chemical handling in academic research environments.

Jet formation and penetration performance of a double-layer charge liner with chemically-deposited tungsten as the inner liner

This paper proposes a type of double-layer charge liner fabricated using chemical vapor deposition(CVD)that has tungsten as its inner liner.The feasibility of this design was evaluated through penetration tests.Double-layer charge liners were fabricated by using CVD to deposit tungsten layers on the inner surfaces of pure T2 copper liners.The microstructures of the tungsten layers were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM).The feasibility analysis was carried out by pulsed X-rays,slug-retrieval test and static penetration tests.The shaped charge jet forming and penetration law of inner tungsten-coated double-layer liner were studied by numerical simulation method.The results showed that the double-layer liners could form well-shaped jets.The errors between the X-ray test results and the numerical results were within 11.07%.A slug-retrieval test was found that the retrieved slug was similar to a numerically simulated slug.Compared with the traditional pure copper shaped charge jet,the penetration depth of the double-layer shaped charge liner increased by 11.4% and>10.8% respectively.In summary,the test results are good,and the numerical simulation is in good agreement with the test,which verified the feasibility of using the CVD method to fabricate double-layer charge liners with a high-density and high-strength refractory metal as the inner liner.

A novel method for simulating nuclear explosion with chemical explosion to form an approximate plane wave: Field test and numerical simulation

A nuclear explosion in the rock mass medium can produce strong shock waves,seismic shocks,and other destructive effects,which can cause extreme damage to the underground protection infrastructures.With the increase in nuclear explosion power,underground protection engineering enabled by explosion-proof impact theory and technology ushered in a new challenge.This paper proposes to simulate nuclear explosion tests with on-site chemical explosion tests in the form of multi-hole explosions.First,the mechanism of using multi-hole simultaneous blasting to simulate a nuclear explosion to generate approximate plane waves was analyzed.The plane pressure curve at the vault of the underground protective tunnel under the action of the multi-hole simultaneous blasting was then obtained using the impact test in the rock mass at the site.According to the peak pressure at the vault plane,it was divided into three regions:the stress superposition region,the superposition region after surface reflection,and the approximate plane stress wave zone.A numerical simulation approach was developed using PFC and FLAC to study the peak particle velocity in the surrounding rock of the underground protective cave under the action of multi-hole blasting.The time-history curves of pressure and peak pressure partition obtained by the on-site multi-hole simultaneous blasting test and numerical simulation were compared and analyzed,to verify the correctness and rationality of the formation of an approximate plane wave in the simulated nuclear explosion.This comparison and analysis also provided a theoretical foundation and some research ideas for the ensuing study on the impact of a nuclear explosion.

Integrated Effects of Phosphate Rock and Chemical Fertilizers on the Dynamics of Soil Bacterial in Acidic Rice Paddy Soils of Man (Ivory Coast)

In agricultural soils, phosphorus is often limited, leading farmers to employ artificial supplementation through both inorganic and organic fertilization methods due to its restricted availability. Soil fertilization has the potential to augment both the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities. Our study aimed to assess the effects of phosphate amendments, derived from natural phosphate rock, and chemical fertilizers (TSP, NPK), on the density and diversity of bacterial communities within the study plots. We developed and applied eight phosphate amendments during the initial cultivation cycle. Soil samples were collected post 1st and 2nd cultivation cycles, and the quantification of both total and cultivable phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was conducted. Additionally, we analyzed bacterial community structure, α-diversity (Shannon Diversity Index, Evenness Index, Chao1 Index). The combination of natural phosphate rock (PR) and chemical fertilizers (TSP, NPK) significantly increased (p 7 bacteria/g dry soil) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (0.01 to 6.8 × 107 PSB/g dry soil) in comparison to unamended control soils. The diversity of bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Halobacterota, Chloroflexia) observed under each treatment remained consistent regardless of the nature of the phosphate amendment applied. However, changes in the abundance of the bacterial phyla populations were observed as a function of the nature of the phosphate amendment or chemical fertilizer. It appears that the addition of excessive natural phosphate rock does not alter the number and the diversity of soil microorganisms population despite successive cultivation cycles. However, the addition of excessive chemical fertilizer reduces soil microorganisms density and structure after the 2nd cultivation cycle.

Experimental investigation into effects of the natural polymer and nanoclay particles on the EOR performance of chemical flooding in carbonate reservoirs

This paper aims to investigate the tragacanth gum potential as a natural polymer combined with natural clay mineral(montmorillonite,kaolinite,and illite)nanoparticles(NPs)to form NP-polymer suspension for enhanced oil recovery(EOR)in carbonate reservoirs.Thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA)tests were conducted initially in order to evaluate the properties of tragacanth gum.Subsequently,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX)tests were used to detect the structure of clay particles.In various scenarios,the effects of natural NPs and polymer on the wettability alteration,interfacial tension(IFT)reduction,viscosity improvement,and oil recovery were investigated through contact angle system,ring method,Anton Paar viscometer,and core flooding tests,respectively.The entire experiment was conducted at 25,50,and 75℃,respectively.According to the experimental results,the clay minerals alone did not have a significant effect on viscosity,but the addition of minerals to the polymer solution leads to the viscosity enhancement remarkably,resulting mobility ratio improvement.Among clay NPs,the combination of natural polymer and kaolinite results in increased viscosity at all temperatures.Considerable wettability alteration was also observed in the case of natural polymer and illite NPs.Illite in combination with natural polymer showed an ability in reducing IFT.Finally,the results of displacement experiments revealed that the combination of natural polymer and kaolinite could be the best option for EOR due to its substantial ability to improve the recovery factor.

Rational design of F,N-rich artificial interphase via chemical prelithiation initiation strategy enabling high coulombic efficiency and stable micro-sized SiO anodes

Silicon monoxide(SiO)is regarded as a potential candidate for anode materials of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Unfortunately,the application of SiO is limited by poor initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and unsteady solid electrolyte interface(SEI),which induce low energy,short cycling life,and poor rate properties.To address these drawbacks of SiO,we achieve in-situ construction of robust and fast-ion conducting F,N-rich SEI layer on prelithiated micro-sized SiO(P-μSiO)via the simple and continuous treatment ofμSiO in mild lithium 4,4′-dimethylbiphenyl solution and nonflammable hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene solution.Chemical prelithiation eliminates irreversible capacity through pre-forming inactive lithium silicates.Meanwhile,the symbiotic F,N-rich SEI with good mechanical stability and fast Li^(+)permeability is conductive to relieve volume expansion ofμSiO and boost the Li+diffusion kinetics.Consequently,the P-μSiO realizes an impressive electrochemical performance with an elevated ICE of 99.57%and a capacity retention of 90.67%after 350 cycles.Additionally,the full cell with P-μSiO anode and commercial LiFePO_(4) cathode displays an ICE of 92.03%and a high reversible capacity of 144.97 mA h g^(-1).This work offers a general construction strategy of robust and ionically conductive SEI for advanced LIBs.

Mn-doped SrCoO_(3-δ) Perovskite Oxides for Ethylene Production via Chemical Looping Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane

Chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation (CL-ODH) is an economically promising method for convertingethane into higher value-added ethylene utilizing lattice oxygen in redox catalysts, also known as oxygen carriers. Inthis study, perovskite-type oxide SrCoO_(3-δ) and B-site Mn ion-doped oxygen carriers (SrCo_(1-x)MnxO_(3-δ), x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3)were prepared and tested for the CL-ODH of ethane. The oxygen-deficient perovskite SrCoO_(3-δ) exhibited high ethyleneselectivity of up to 96.7% due to its unique oxygen vacancies and lattice oxygen migration rates. However, its low ethyleneyield limits its application in the CL-ODH of ethane. Mn doping promoted the reducibility of SrCoO_(3-δ) oxygen carriers,thereby improving ethane conversion and ethylene yield, as demonstrated by characterization and evaluation experiments.X-ray diffraction results confirmed the doping of Mn into the lattice of SrCoO_(3-δ), while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) indicated an increase in lattice oxygen ratio upon incorporation of Mn into the SrCoO_(3-δ) lattice. Additionally, H2temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) tests revealed more peaks at lower temperature reduction zones and a declinein peak positions at higher temperatures. Among the four tested oxygen carriers, SrCo0.8Mn0.2O_(3-δ) exhibited satisfactoryperformance with an ethylene yield of 50% at 710 °C and good stability over 20 redox cycles. The synergistic effect of Mnplays a key role in increasing ethylene yields of SrCoO_(3-δ) oxygen carriers. Accordingly, SrCo0.8Mn0.2O_(3-δ) shows promisingpotential for the efficient production of ethylene from ethane via CL-ODH.

Causal temporal graph attention network for fault diagnosis of chemical processes

Fault detection and diagnosis(FDD)plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and stability of chemical processes.With the development of artificial intelligence(AI)and big data technologies,data-driven approaches with excellent performance are widely used for FDD in chemical processes.However,improved predictive accuracy has often been achieved through increased model complexity,which turns models into black-box methods and causes uncertainty regarding their decisions.In this study,a causal temporal graph attention network(CTGAN)is proposed for fault diagnosis of chemical processes.A chemical causal graph is built by causal inference to represent the propagation path of faults.The attention mechanism and chemical causal graph were combined to help us notice the key variables relating to fault fluctuations.Experiments in the Tennessee Eastman(TE)process and the green ammonia(GA)process showed that CTGAN achieved high performance and good explainability.

Plant Chemical Defenses against Insect Herbivores—Using theWild Tobacco as a Model

The Nicotiana genus, commonly known as tobacco, holds significant importance as a crucial economic crop. Confrontedwith an abundance of herbivorous insects that pose a substantial threat to yield, tobacco has developed adiverse and sophisticated array of mechanisms, establishing itself as a model of plant ecological defense. Thisreview provides a concise overview of the current understanding of tobacco’s defense strategies against herbivores.Direct defenses, exemplified by its well-known tactic of secreting the alkaloid nicotine, serve as a potent toxinagainst a broad spectrum of herbivorous pests. Moreover, in response to herbivore attacks, tobacco enhancesthe discharge of volatile compounds, harnessing an indirect strategy that attracts the predators of the herbivores.The delicate balance between defense and growth leads to the initiation of most defense strategies only after aherbivore attack. Among plant hormones, notably jasmonic acid (JA), play central roles in coordinating thesedefense processes. JA signaling interacts with other plant hormone signaling pathways to facilitate the extensivetranscriptional and metabolic adjustments in plants following herbivore assault. By shedding light on these ecologicaldefense strategies, this review emphasizes not only tobacco’s remarkable adaptability in its natural habitatbut also offers insights beneficial for enhancing the resilience of current crops.