Provider autonomy is increasingly asserted as an important attribute in health systems, but is rarely interrogated in-depth, particularly at primary care level. This article examines the current state of evidence on the role of financial autonomy in primary care, focusing on the public sector in low and middle income settings (LMICs). It draws from a scoping review of the literature (91 documents), 12 expert interviews and the knowledge of the research team. Findings were also discussed with health financing and public financial management experts at a meeting in 2023 to deepen the reflections. In the article, we discuss definitions of financial autonomy and the reforms which have been associated with triggering or at least raising the profile of financial autonomy as an important attribute. We highlight the picture on current patterns of autonomy at primary level across countries. While financial autonomy is prima facie a positive attribute, the understanding of autonomy over what, for which purposes and by whom is still not clearly addressed in the literature, along with the implications for purchasing and public financial management (which is key to enable financial autonomy, as well as being affected by it). This paper moves the field forward by developing a typology of levels and features of financial autonomy, structured by the budget cycle and a conceptual framework. The framework highlights key considerations in terms of contextual influencers of financial autonomy, prerequisites for it to be deployed, and the potential positive and negative effects of financial autonomy at primary care level.

Organelle genomes serve as crucial datasets for investigating the genetics and evolution of plants and animals, genome diversity, and species identification. To enhance the collection, analysis, and visualization of such data, we have developed a novel open-source software tool named Organelle Genome Utilities (OGU). The software encompasses three modules designed to streamline the handling of organelle genome data. The data collection module is dedicated to retrieving, validating, and organizing sequence information. The evaluation module assesses sequence variance using a range of methods, including novel metrics termed stem and terminal phylogenetic diversity, as well as observed resolution. The primer module could design universal primers for downstream applications. Finally, a visualization pipeline has been developed to present comprehensive insights into organelle genomes across different lineages rather than focusing solely on individual species. The performance, compatibility, and stability of OGU have been rigorously evaluated through benchmarking with four datasets, including one million mixed GenBank records, plastid genomic data from the Lamiaceae family, mitochondrial data from rodents, and 308 plastid genomes sourced from various angiosperm families. Based on software capabilities, we have identified 30 plastid intergenic spacers that exhibit a moderate evolutionary rate and offer practical utility comparable to coding regions, which highlights the potential applications of intergenic spacers in organelle genomes. We anticipate that OGU will substantially enhance the efficient utilization of organelle genomic data and broaden the prospects for related research endeavors.

In the dynamic landscape of global trade and logistics, the optimization of inventory control has risen as a crucial topic of academic discourse. Acknowledging that inventory management functions as the intersection of production and sales, these domains often manifest significant uncertainty, which consequently poses formidable challenges to the inventory management optimization. This paper leverages uncertainty theory in a novel approach to articulate the optimal production strategy for navigating time-varying demand with inherent fluctuations. And the inventory state equation, characterized by fluctuations, is proposed as a constraint condition. By factoring in the residual value of terminal inventory, a production inventory model catering to time-varying demand is devised, and the optimal production strategy is ascertained. Simultaneously, solutions along the α- Path are introduced to procure more intuitive numerical results. Finally, a case study of Chinese clothing sales was harnedded to substantiate the reliability of the model conclusion. This research amplifies the application of uncertainty theory to the optimization of production strategies, offering a novel perspective on inventory control in the ambit of uncertain factors. It provides a theoretical paradigm for companies with uncertain customer needs to orchestrate production, thereby bolstering the operational efficiency and profitability of the company.

This prospective, randomized controlled trial assessed the therapeutic effects of major ozone autohemotherapy (O 3-MAH) in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Seventy-three eligible participants were randomly assigned to an O 3-MAH plus conventional therapy group (n=35) or an conventional therapy alone group (n=38). Symptom score, pulmonary function, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters were evaluated before and after the interventions. Both groups demonstrated improvements in various parameters post-intervention, but efficacy was greater in the O 3-MAH group than the conventional treatment group; with intervention effectiveness defined as a ≥50% reduction in symptom score, 25 of 35 patients (71%) responded to O 3-MAH, while 17/38 patients (45%) responded to conventional treatment alone (P=0.0325). Significant improvements in symptom scores (P=0.0478), tidal volume (P=0.0374), predicted 6MWD (P=0.0032), and coagulation and inflammatory indicators were noted in the O 3-MAH group compared with the conventional treatment group. O­ 3-MAH was more likely to be effective in patients with elevated CRP levels. Furthermore, O 3-MAH markedly improved cellular immunity, and this improvement became more pronounced with extended treatment duration. In summary, combining O 3-MAH with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional therapy alone in improving symptoms, pulmonary function, inflammation, coagulation, and cellular immunity in patients with PASC. Further research is now warranted to validate these findings and establish the longer-term benefits of O 3-MAH for PASC.

Background. Surveillance programmes for influenza and other respiratory pathogens are important to generate vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates and to inform vaccine composition. We aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of home-based testing. Methods In 3/9 provinces in South Africa, we established a self-referral system for individuals aged ≥18 years with respiratory symptoms of ≤10 days duration. Following electronic consent, swab collection material was delivered to participants who also completed a questionnaire including self-reported vaccination status. Swabs were tested by PCR for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2. A test negative methodology was used to estimate influenza VE. Results Of 1456 samples collected between 1 December 2021 and 31 August 2022, 73 (5%) tested positive for influenza, 38 (3%) tested positive for RSV and 394 (27%) for SARS-CoV-2. We subtyped 55% (40/73) of the influenza positive specimens; 16/40 (40%) were influenza A (A(H1N1)pdm09; 10/40 (25%)A (H3N2)) and all 14/40(35%) influenza B were B/Victoria. Only 20% (279/1451) of participants reported influenza-like illness case definition symptoms of fever and cough. Influenza vaccine coverage was 11% (157/1454). The overall influenza VE was 26% (95% confidence interval, -73%;69%). Of the completed acceptability questionnaires, 123/127 (97%) participants would make use of the service again. 36% (46/127) of enrolled participants were recruited through the testing centre’s webpage and 13% (17/127) through social media. Conclusions Home-based swabbing was feasible and acceptable. We were able to calculate an influenza VE, although a large sample size and verification of vaccine status may improve the VE estimate in the future.

In this study, we present the results of an analysis of the morphological features of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) over South America. In this context, we analyzed data from the Disturbance Ionosphere indeX (DIX) maps calculated using around 450 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations. To mitigate the influence of magnetic disturbances on bubble development, only data from geomagnetically quiet days were utilized. This study covered the period from the post-peak of solar cycle 24 (2015) to the pre-peak of solar cycle 25 (2023), totaling 1321 nights with EPB occurrences, representing the largest dataset of EPBs ever compiled for South America. Our analysis unveiled several key findings regarding EPBs and their behavior over the South American region. Firstly, we observed that the amplitude of plasma depletions and the EPB latitudinal development follow an approximately 11-year cycle driven by solar radiation levels. Furthermore, our analysis highlights the significant influence of factors such as vertical plasma drift velocity during the pre-reversal enhancement (PRE), longitudinal variations associated with magnetic declination, as well as the saturation behavior of EPB development with extreme solar flux. Finally, we outline an empirical model to calculate the maximum latitudinal extent of EPBs based on solar flux and magnetic declination as an attempt to provide insights for anticipating EPB behavior across different solar cycle stages and in different longitude sectors.

In this study, the relationship between the interannual variability of Arctic-midlatitude thermal gradient (AMG) and the winter atmospheric blocking frequency in the Ural region (UBF) is investigated in the ERA5 reanalysis product from 1940 to 2023. In particular, the paper focuses on the large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns associated with high UBF concomitant to weak AMG and vice versa, revisiting the more common and documented relationship connecting intense Ural blocking activity to strong AMG. Results show that displacements of the atmospheric blocking from the Ural region towards the Arctic lead to anomalous southerly thermal advections at polar latitudes and stronger AMG. On the other hand, high blocking frequency co-occurring in the Ural, Greenland and Chukotka regions lead to weaker AMG by limiting northward heat advections towards the Arctic region. These findings highlight a more complex picture of the role of subpolar atmospheric circulation in controlling the AMG.

Summary: This paper presents a minimum phase high step-up DC-DC converter. In addition to the common ground sharing between the input and output ports, the converter draws a low ripple current from the input source, prolonging the input source’s life cycle. Moreover, eliminating the right half plane zero from the control to output transfer function enables the converter to provide fast dynamic responses. Theoretical analysis, including the principle of operation, the mathematical calculation for steady-state operation, and small-signal modelling derivation, are clarified in detail. At last, to verify these analyses and mentioned features of the proposed converter, a 25-100V laboratory prototype has been implemented, and the main experimental results have also been outlined.

Southern African countries increasingly recognize that long-term growth and productivity challenges are tightly related to the capacity to innovate and to introduce new products, processes, services, and organizational routines in policy practice. This research assessed policy capacity for innovative governance as practices that aim to satisfy socio-political transformations. It is based on original data collected through a comprehensive survey of 30 purposively selected senior policy managers working within the region as provincial and national policy managers. These officials were strategically situated to assess and reflect upon the capacity for innovative governance in their areas of jurisdiction. The findings appear to show that Southern African countries are affected by the government overload challenges, bureaucracy bashing, public skepticism about the role of government; deplorable state of support for public policy infrastructure, and others. The research thus concludes that innovative approaches are needed to satisfy socio-political transformations. The research recommends rethinking the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of current policy and practice models and implores countries to embrace a collective reflection on finding new sources of growth for supporting a transition towards stronger, cleaner, and fairer economies.

Background Ganglioneuroblastoma intermixed (GNBi) and ganglioneuroma (GN) are benign subtypes of neuroblastic tumors. Primary observation has become accepted management for some patients with surgical operative strategies evolving to be less aggressive. Objectives Our study examines evolving management in a UK cohort investigating natural history, biology and clinical features of GN and ganglioneuroblastoma-intermixed (GNBi) in those having observation or surgery. Methods Retrospective review of histologically confirmed GN and GNBi managed over a 30 year period. Clinical, pathological features, tumor dimensions, management and outcomes are all recorded. Results A total of 259 patients were identified (GN= 163, GNBi = 93, median age = 62 months). 201(78%) had upfront surgery and 58 (22%) were actively observed. Of the 58 observed - 21 (36%) later required surgery due to progressive tumour growth (52%). Gross total resection was achieved in 79% of patients with a 19% complication rate. Presence of image defined risk factors and large tumour size correlated with incomplete resection (p < 0.05 in both). Forty-five index cases (39%) had change in pathology between biopsy and surgery with 14 patients (12%) altered from ‘favourable‘ to ‘unfavourable’. Conclusion Our findings show surveillance alone may be considered a safe approach. However, a significant number of index patients may eventually require operative surgery with development of symptoms. Extent of surgical resection did not impact overall survival (OS); however it improved symptom(s) resolution.

Pediatric germ cell tumor(GCT) with extensive tumor thrombus of inferior vena cava(IVC) presenting as an oncological emergency is extremely rare .Thirteen months female child with sacrococcygeal GCT having IVC and right atrial thrombus presenting with anasarca and respiratory distress is reported. Due to worsening symptoms post initiation of chemotherapy tumour thrombus debulking from right atrium and distal end of IVC was performed on day 9 on emergency basis. Her symptoms improved and after planned chemotherapy tumor excision with coccygectomy could be done. The IVC thrombus remained inoperable due to sclerosis. She remains recurrent-free now 12 months post therapy.

Purpose: Investigate the incidence of ocular complications in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), focusing on steroid-induced ocular hypertension, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and fungal chorioretinitis. Methods: We performed a retrospective study among pediatric patients with ALL during the period from January 2013 to December 2022. The ocular manifestations, complications, and patients’ condition were recorded and analyzed. Results: This retrospective study analyzed 167 patients with ALL diagnosed between 2013-2022. Ocular examinations (including intraocular pressure and/or retinal evaluation) were performed for 114 patients. Among examined patients, 37% (32/87) developed steroid-induced ocular hypertension with mean intraocular pressure (IOP): 25.08 mmHg, 95% CI [24.11, 26.06] which demonstrated a significant difference compared to the study’s population’s (18.94 mmHg, 95% CI [17.98,19.90]). One patient had unilateral cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and three had fungal chorioretinitis. Conclusion: This 10-year retrospective study highlights the substantial occurrence of ocular hypertension, and infectious chorioretinitis, emphasizing the importance of early ophthalmic evaluation and prompt intervention for pediatric ALL patients. Further prospective studies are needed to refine risk assessment and optimize management strategies.

Background: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy provides promising outcomes in relapsed/refractory B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) yet still carries high toxicities rates and relatively poor long-term survival. Efficacy has yet to be demonstrated in other diagnoses while toxicity and risk profiles remain formidable. To date, treatment-related symptom burden is gleaned from clinical trial toxicity reports; the patient perspective remains understudied. Methods: English or Spanish-speaking patients (ages 8-25 years) undergoing CAR T cell therapy for any malignancy and their primary caregiver were recruited from Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH), and the Pediatric Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Both patient and caregiver completed semi-structured dyadic interviews 3-months post-treatment. We used directed content analysis for codebook development and thematic network analysis for inductive qualitative analysis. Results: Twenty families completed interviews (13 patients, 15 parents). Patients were a median age 16.5 years, predominantly female (65%), white (75%), and diagnosed with ALL (75%). Global themes included “A clear decision,” “Coping with symptoms,” and “Unforeseen psychosocial challenges.” When families were asked to describe the “most challenging part of treatment,” most described “the unknown.” Most reported “the symptoms really weren’t that bad,” even among patients hospitalized for severe toxicity events. Fatigue, pain, and nausea were the most prevalent symptoms. Importantly, only one family would have chosen a different therapy, if given another opportunity. Conclusions: Although physical symptoms were largely tolerable, recognizing supportive care opportunities remains imperative, particularly psychosocial concerns.

Title: Mixed Coagulopathy in Patient with Peroxisomal Disorder, Zellweger SyndromeAuthors: Nicholas Farris, MD1; Angela Sandell, MD2AffiliationsAssistant Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Rochester, NYAssistant Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Rochester, NYCorresponding Author:Nicholas FarrisEmail: Nicholas_farris@urmc.rochester.eduAddress: 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 777, Rochester NY, 14642Phone: 585-273-4189Fax: 575-273-1039Word Count: 462Tables, Figures, Supporting files: 0Running Title: Mixed Coagulopathy in Patient with ZellwegersKeywords: Coagulopathy, Peroxisome, Zellwegers, Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background: Survival data for recurrent or treatment refractory pediatric atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), and its association to molecular groups is extremely limited. Methods: Single-institution retrospective study of sixty-four children <21 years old with AT/RT that was recurrent or refractory to frontline therapies (PD) treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from January 2000 to December 2020. Demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment, molecular grouping (SHH, TYR and MYC) and germline SMARCB1/SMARCA4 mutational data were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS2: time from initial PD to subsequent first progression) and overall survival (OSpostPD: time from PD to death/last follow up) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Median age at and time from initial diagnosis to PD were 2.1 years (range: 0.5-17.9 years) and 5.4 months (range: 0.5-125.6 months), respectively. Only 5/64 children (7.8%) are alive at median follow-up of 10.9 (range: 4.2-18.1) years from PD. The 2/5-year PFS2 and OSpostPD were 3.1% (±1.8%)/1.6% (±1.1%) and 20.3% (±4.8%)/7.3% (±3.5%), respectively. Children with TYR group (n=10) had a better OSpostPD compared to those with MYC (n=11) (2-year survival estimates: 60.0% ±14.3% vs. 18.2% ±9.5%; p=0.019), or those with SHH (n=21; 4.8% ±3.3%; p=0.014). In univariate analyses, OSpostPD was better with older age at diagnosis (p=0.037), female gender (p=0.008), and metastatic site of PD compared to local or combined sites of PD (p<0.001). Conclusions: Children with recurrent/refractory AT/RT have dismal outcomes. Older age at diagnosis, female gender, TYR group, and metastatic site of PD were associated with relatively longer survival in our study.

Animal migration is multifaceted in nature, but the relative strength of different cues that trigger resulting patterns of migration is not well understood. Partially migratory populations offer an opportunity to test hypotheses about migration more broadly by comparing trait differences of migrants and residents. We quantitatively reviewed 45 studies that statistically modeled migration propensity, extracting132 effect sizes for internal and external proximate drivers across taxa. Our meta-analysis revealed that internal and external drivers had medium (Cohen’s d > 0.3) and large (Cohen’s d > 0.5) effect sizes on migration propensity respectively. Predator abundance and predation risk had a large effect, as did individual behaviour (e.g., personality). The abiotic environment and individual physiology had a medium effect on migration propensity. Of the studies that examined genetic divergence between migrants and residents, 64% found some genetic divergence between groups. These results clarify broad proximate drivers of migration and offer generalities across taxa.

1. Herbivores adopt foraging strategies to maximize efficiency in diverse, resource-constrained environments. However, the effectiveness of these strategies may be more constrained by their capacity for energy cost rather than their ability to acquire resources. The swift utilization of resources during acquisition is crucial for optimizing energy conversion efficiency in animals. Nonetheless, the energy expended in this process inherently limits food conversion efficiency (FCE), an aspect that remains insufficiently explored in current research. 2. In this study, we introduced a concept framework that integrates harvest rate (HR) and energy expenditures (EE) into evaluating herbivore FCE. Utilizing high-resolution tri-axial accelerometry within a grazing treatments platform, we analyzed the behaviors of herbivores (Ovis aries) to determine the energy costs and time allocation for both lamb and dry ewe groups. 3. Our analysis demonstrated an inverse correlation between HR and EE, exhibiting both positive and negative influences on FCE. Notably, the impact of EE was more pronounced in larger-sized grazers (dry ewes), while HR significantly influenced smaller-sized grazers (lambs). However, the interaction effects between these variables tended to neutralize the variations in FCE observed across both groups. 4. Our research highlights how the behavioral patterns of grazers, in terms of resource acquisition and relative energy costs, are pivotal in determining resource utilization efficiency. Additionally, it reveals the trade-offs in these behaviors, which transition from being beneficial to restrictive as the body grows. This finding substantiates the theory that the behavior of herbivores is a reliable predictor of their efficiency in resource utilization.

Climate change is projected to alter the structure of plant communities due to increasing temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns, particularly in midlatitude dryland ecosystems. Modifications to climatic suitability may lead to major community changes such as altered dominant plant functional types. Previous studies have indicated that climatic suitability is likely to increase for C4 grasses and decrease for C3 grasses in the western United States. However, if no C4 grass species currently exist to serve as a propagule source, expansion into areas of increased suitability will be limited. We conducted a field and modeling study in the Upper Green River Basin (UGRB) of western Wyoming to determine if 1) C4 grasses are present to provide a propagule source and 2) C4 grasses are likely to increase in importance relative to C3 grasses due to climatic changes. We searched 44 sites for C4 grasses to establish presence, and modeled suitability at 35 sites using 17 Global Climate Models, two greenhouse gas Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs; 4.5 and 8.5), and two time-periods (mid- and late-century; 2030-2060 and 2070-2099, respectively). We found C4 grasses at 10 of the 44 sites, indicating that there is a present propagule source. Our model projected increases in suitability for both C3 and C4 grasses across sites for all RCPs and time-periods. In the mid-century RCP 4.5 scenario, the C3 functional type increased in projected biomass in 29 of 35 sites, and the C4 type increased in 31 sites. In this scenario, C3 grasses increased in projected biomass by a median 4 gm-2 (5% change), and C4 grass biomass increased by a median 8 gm-2 (21% change). Our study suggests that climate change will increase climatic suitability for grasses across the UGRB, and that all requirements are in place for C4 grasses to increase in abundance.

In this paper, we introduce some explicit formulas for the positive integer order q-derivative of a quotient of two functions. We establish the connections between linear algebra, the homomorphisms between the commutative algebras and the properties of q-operators. Especially, the third formula is a beautiful one involving the determinant of the functions and their q-derivatives. Then, we show that the formulas in the classical mathematical analysis are their special cases. Finally, the last formula is used for proving of some interesting identities. MSC CLASSIFICATION: 05A30, 26A24

Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid that acts by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), has been widely applied to treat leukemia and lymphoma, however the precise mechanism underlying Dex action is still not well elucidated. DOT1L, a histone H3-lysine79 (H3K79) methyltransferase, has been linked to multiple cancer types, particularly mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearranged leukemia, but its contribution to lymphoma is yet to be delineated. Analysis from TCGA database displayed that DOT1L was highly expressed in lymphoma and leukemia. In the present study, we initially demonstrated that DOT1L served as a newly target gene controlled by GR, and downregulation of DOT1L was critical for the killing of B lymphoma cells by Dex. Further study revealed that Dex had no impact on the transcriptional activity of DOT1L promoter, rather it reduced the mRNA level of DOT1L through decreasing mRNA stability. In addition, knockdown of DOT1L remarkably inhibited the B lymphoma cells growth. Overall, our findings indicated that DOT1L may serve as a potential drug target and a promising biomarker of Dex sensitivity when it comes to treating B lymphoma.

This paper is a continuation of the study conducted by Ko and Ryu (2024) [5], which introduces and analyzes a generalized predator-prey reaction-diffusion system incorporating (repulsive) prey-taxis and a hunting cooperation effect in predators, under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. In the study, the existence and uniqueness of global and classical solutions for the time- and space-dependent system are analytically examined. Furthermore, the study examines the local and global stability and convergence rate at the constant predator-extinction and coexistence states. In our paper, we analyze the stationary system corresponding to the system in [5], with a specific focus on examining the existence and nonexistence of positive and nonconstant solutions. The nonexistence occurs when the diffusion rate of prey is sufficiently high. On the other hand, the existence occurs when the prey-tactic rate is sufficiently high, indicating a strong repulsive prey-taxis, and the diffusion rate of prey is sufficiently low. For this investigation, we separately employ the energy method and the Leray-Schauder degree theory.

Thermoelectric materials, capable of converting temperature gradients into electrical power, have been traditionally limited by a trade-off between thermopower and electrical conductivity. This study introduces a novel, broadly applicable approach that enhances both the spin-driven thermopower and the thermoelectric figure-of-merit (zT) without compromising electrical conductivity, using temperature-driven spin crossover. Our approach, supported by both theoretical and experimental evidence, is demonstrated through a case study of chromium doped-manganese telluride, but is not confined to this material and can be extended to other magnetic materials. By introducing dopants to create a high crystal field and exploiting the entropy changes associated with temperature-driven spin crossover, we achieved a significant increase in thermopower, by approximately 136 μV/K, representing more than a 200% enhancement at elevated temperatures within the paramagnetic domain. Our exploration of the bipolar semiconducting nature of these materials reveals that suppressing bipolar magnon/paramagnon-drag thermopower is key to understanding and utilizing spin crossover-driven thermopower. These findings, validated by inelastic neutron scattering, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, thermal transport, and energy conversion measurements, shed light on crucial material design parameters. We provide a comprehensive framework that analyzes the interplay between spin entropy, hopping transport, and magnon/paramagnon lifetimes, paving the way for the development of high-performance spin-driven thermoelectric materials.

In an inclined artery with a non-uniform cross-section, this work investigates the changing viscosity and thermal conductivity of a single wall carbon nanotube with numerous, symmetrical stenoses. Assuming that the flow is experiencing no-slip conditions and the stenoses are mild, a mathematical model is proposed. To obtain the equations characterizing heat conduction, axial velocity, flow resistance, and wall shear stress under the effect of SWCNT, governing equations are formulated and solved. The differences resulting from varying amounts of SWCNT are compared numerically. It has been noted that when stenoses get higher, the impedance (or resistance to the flow) λ rises but the wall shear stress (τ) falls. Additionally, flow patterns is illustrated using streamlines.

This study is motivated by the challenges of global warming and energy issues, as well as the need to overcome the difficulties in injection and combustion that lead to high NOx emissions, to encourage research on improving the physicochemical properties of biodiesel as an alternative diesel fuel. In this context, the effects of adding acetone and magnesium oxide (MgO) as additives to the fuel obtained by blending biodiesel, produced from Pistacia terebinthus oil - a naturally occurring oil in Turkey notable for its high content of free fatty acids, renewable but non-edible, with diesel fuel, on engine performance, combustion, and emissions have been examined. Nanoparticles and acetone were used as additives in a blend of 80% diesel and 20% biodiesel (B20), and their effects on combustion parameters were evaluated. The fuels obtained by adding acetone and acetone + MgO resulted in decreases in the rate of pressure rise, instantaneous energy release rate, cylinder pressure, average gas temperature, and cumulative heat release rate. Regarding performance parameters, a general trend of increase in specific fuel consumption was observed, while a general trend of decrease was noted in brake thermal efficiency. CO emissions showed a reduction of 6.65% in the B20 fuel mixture with added acetone and 2.10% in the fuel mixture with added acetone + MgO compared to diesel fuel. Additionally, the inclusion of only acetone to the B20 fuel resulted in a 41.64% decrease in NOx emissions, while the addition of acetone + MgO resulted in a 46.03% decrease, but led to a 26.48% increase in HC emissions. These results demonstrate that improved biodiesel formulations have the potential to offer a viable alternative to traditional diesel fuel while addressing energy and environmental challenges.