ThyssenKrupp (Germany)

Nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs) are integral constituents of ferrous materials, but almost always have a negative impact on their properties. Therefore, it is best to implement strategies during production to avoid NMIs as much as possible or at least control their formation. To gain a better understanding of these mechanisms, this study investigated the population of nonmetallic inclusions in liquid high‐silicon electrical steel (Si ≈ 3 mass‐%) depending on the contact with different MgO–C refractories. Both conventional refractory materials and those containing MgO–C recyclate and environmentally friendly binder systems, such as collagen, fructose, and lignin, were considered. Immersion tests were carried out for 30 min at a temperature of 1600°C in accordance with DIN CEN/TS 15 418. Surface phenomena, diffusions reactions, and corrosion mechanisms occurring in the refractory materials were characterized after the tests using SEM and EDX analyses. The change in the chemical composition of the steels was determined using spark spectroscopy, and the NMI population was evaluated after the tests using an automated feature analysis (AFA).

Desalination is a vital solution to global water scarcity, yet its substantial energy demand persists as a major challenge. As the core energy-consuming components, pumps are fundamental to both membrane and thermal desalination processes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of renewable energy source (RES)-driven pumping systems for desalination, focusing on the integration of solar photovoltaic and wind technologies. It examines the operational principles and efficiency of key pump types, such as high-pressure feed pumps for reverse osmosis, and underscores the critical role of energy recovery devices (ERDs) in minimizing net energy consumption. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of advanced control and energy management systems (EMS) in mitigating the intermittency of renewable sources. It details essential control strategies, including maximum power point tracking (MPPT), motor drive control, and supervisory EMS, that optimize the synergy between pumps, ERDs, and variable power inputs. By synthesizing current technologies and control methodologies, this review aims to identify pathways for designing more resilient, energy-efficient, and cost-effective desalination plants, supporting a sustainable water future.

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">New highly ductile advanced high strength steel (AHSS) grades with tensile strength greater than 980 MPa have been developed with the aim of achieving a combination of high strength and excellent formability. The new jetQ<sup>TM</sup>-Family [<span class="xref">1</span>, <span class="xref">2</span>] offers high local and global ductility, which is expected to contribute to the improvement of vehicle crash performance.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">For the reliable design and management of vehicle crash performance, material modeling, including work hardening behavior and material failure strain, plays an important role in numerical simulation. Especially, the accuracy of material failure prediction is important for the development of crash performance.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">In this study, the fracture behaviors of 980jetQ<sup>TM</sup>, 1180jetQ<sup>TM</sup>, and conventional Dual-Phase (DP) steels are investigated through simple tensile and V-bending fracture tests incorporating experimental-numerical hybrid ductile fracture analysis. Based on the experimental results, the ductile fracture parameters in the Hosford-Coulomb fracture model [<span class="xref">3</span>] are determined for numerical crash simulation.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">To investigate the validity of the calibrated ductile fracture model, axial crushing tests of hat-shaped square columns are performed for the 980 MPa grade. Numerical simulations of axial impact are also performed by ANSYS LS-DYNA [<span class="xref">4</span>] under the same conditions as in the experimental tests, and three-point bending tests are carried out for the 1180 MPa grade to simulate side crash deformation. Both the numerical simulations of the axial crash and the three-point bending crash show good agreement with the experimental results.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The developed material model can express the excellent local elongation performance of the jetQ materials. The crash simulation with the material model shows good crash performance with a low risk of fracture during crash deformation.</div></div>

Systematic review briefs provide a summary of the findings from systematic reviews evaluated in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association's Evidence-Based Practice Program. Each systematic review brief summarizes the evidence on a theme related to a systematic review topic. This systematic review brief presents findings from the systematic review on the effectiveness of sensory-based interventions (excluding Ayres Sensory Integration® [ASI]) for children and youth 0-21 yr of age.

Protein intake is fundamental to growth, well-being and long-term health. Unfortunately, many diets rely upon animal-based proteins, which are environmentally costly. To feed a growing population, alternative protein sources will be necessary. To determine the health implications of switching entirely away from animal-based diets, we fed alternative proteins to a model vertebrate during development. Zebrafish were fed diets including protein from fishmeal, pea, milk and whey, and their growth and health were monitored. Most diets supported growth, with the exception of those high in whey and milk protein, which resulted in fish that were ∼10% shorter in body length and had muscle fibers ∼30% smaller than control. Of interest, genes associated with insulin sensitivity and fat storage were upregulated in some diets (lepr, 2 to 3.5 fold, and fasn, 2.5 to 4 fold, respectively). The microbiome changed dramatically between animal and alternative proteins, shifting from Fusobacteriota to Proteobacteria dominance, with Cetobacterium positively affecting health, and Aeromonas doing the opposite. Our findings indicate that more environmentally friendly diets can lead to healthy outcomes, but that the protein source is critically important.