Search Results (15)

Nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) have emerged as nano-scale contaminants with superior mobility and biological barrier-crossing capacity, yet risk assessment fails due to unstandardized analytical methods and a lack of realistic exposure data. This perspective proposes an “Exposome–Microbiome–Immune” (EMI) framework as a One Health paradigm to integrate detection, toxicokinetics, and systemic effects. We prioritize the following actions: (i) validated nano–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (nanoFTIR) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for environmental/human monitoring; (ii) multigenerational studies in zebrafish and organoids; (iii) longitudinal cohorts for biomonitoring. Without shifting from descriptive reviews to systems toxicology, NP risk will remain underestimated. Full article

The optimization of the MOSFET gate drive parameters is crucial for the trade-off between switching loss and electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, the nonlinear coupling among gate drive parameters, board-level parasitic, and switching performance limits the effectiveness of traditional MOSFET drive design methods. This paper proposes an adaptive tuning framework based on the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm. An analytical switching model incorporating board-level parasitics is first derived to analyze the coupling between drive parameters and switching performance. The optimization problem is then formulated as a Markov decision process (MDP). Within this framework, domain randomization is applied during training. This enables the agent to learn a generalizable optimization strategy that remains robust across the varying parasitic inductances encountered in different PCB layouts. Compared to the traditional Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), the proposed method uses the trained policy for direct inference. This reduces computation time by $98.7\%$ while maintaining a multi-objective performance difference within $10.06\%$. In addition, hardware verification shows a 10.7% average deviation between the measured and simulated results. These results demonstrate that the proposed method provides an efficient and scalable solution for MOSFET gate drive optimization. Full article

High-spectral-resolution retrievals of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) provide detailed atmospheric absorption information, but they usually involve large data volume, low computational efficiency, and complex instrument requirements. To address these limitations, we employ a low-spectral-information retrieval strategy for fast atmospheric monitoring. In this study, the Discrete-Wavelength Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DWDOAS) technique is applied by selecting 14 representative wavelength samples in the 420–450 nm window. Multiple wavelength–resolution configurations are constructed and quantitatively assessed using an entropy-weighting scheme to identify the optimal setup. Using TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and Environmental Trace Gases Monitoring Instrument (EMI-II) measurements as case studies, we show that at a spectral resolution of ~2 nm, DWDOAS-derived NO₂ vertical column density (VCD) are highly consistent with those from conventional DOAS retrievals (correlation coefficient R > 0.7) and exhibit relative differences of approximately ±30%. Monte Carlo simulations further demonstrate method robustness, yielding mean uncertainties below 2 × 10¹⁴ molecules·cm⁻². The results indicate that DWDOAS effectively suppresses high-frequency spectral noise while preserving key differential absorption structures, thereby achieving a favorable trade-off between information retention and noise robustness. Nevertheless, increased retrieval uncertainty is observed under low-NO₂ background conditions or strong aerosol loading, which reduces sensitivity to weak absorption features. Overall, this study confirms that reliable NO₂ retrieval performance can be maintained while substantially reducing spectral information requirements, offering practical implications for low-resolution spectrometer design, onboard data compression, and rapid, wide-area atmospheric trace-gas monitoring. Full article

This paper presents an experimental framework that allows damage identification and retrofitting assessment in reinforced concrete (RC) beam with implemented piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sensors embedded into the concrete matrix. The study was conducted with concrete prepared from 30% refuse-derived fuel (RDF) fly ash and 70% cement as part of research on sustainable materials for structural health monitoring (SHM). Electromechanical impedance (EMI) was employed for detecting structural degradation, with progressive damage and evaluation of recovery effects made using root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) and conductance changes. Concrete beam specimens with dimensions of 700 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm and embedded with 10 mm × 10 mm × 0.2 mm PZT sensors were cast and later subjected to three damage stages: concrete chipping (Damage I), 50% steel bar cutting (Damage II), and 100% steel bar cutting (Damage III). Three retrofitting stages were adopted: reinforcement welding (Retrofitting I and II), and concrete patching (Retrofitting III). The results demonstrated that the embedded PZT sensors with EMI and RMSD analytics represent a powerful technique for early damage diagnosis, reserved retrofitting assessment, and proactive infrastructure maintenance. The combination of SHM systems and sustainable retrofitting strategies can be a promising path toward resilient and smart civil infrastructure. Full article

The imperative for EMC-optimized gate drivers in Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based automotive DC-DC converters stems from the stringent CISPR 25 standards and GaN’s intrinsic high-speed switching characteristics, which paradoxically exacerbate electromagnetic interference (EMI). This review distinguishes itself by proposing a novel frequency-domain classification framework (Zone I: <50 MHz for conducted harmonics; Zone II: >50 MHz for switching noise and ringing), which systematically organizes and assesses gate driving techniques against the triad of fundamental GaN EMC challenges: pronounced capacitance nonlinearity, low threshold voltage, and extreme parasitic sensitivity. Unlike prior surveys that primarily catalog techniques, the analysis elevates the gate driver from a simple switch interface to the central “electromagnetic actuator” of the power stage, explicitly elucidating its pivotal role in mediating the critical trade-offs among switching speed, loss, and EMC performance. A comprehensive evaluation and comparison of advanced techniques—from spread-spectrum modulation for Zone I to adaptive current shaping and resonant topologies for Zone II—are provided, alongside an analysis of their design trade-offs. Furthermore, this review presents a first-of-its-kind, phased implementation roadmap towards holistic EMC compliance, integrating intelligent hybrid control, heterogeneous integration, and system-level co-design. This review bridges the gap between device physics and system engineering, offering structured design methodologies and a clear future direction for achieving electromagnetic integrity in next-generation automotive power electronics. Full article

Wheat possesses inherently low concentrations and bioavailability of the essential micronutrients (EMis) zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), limiting its capacity to sufficiently address human nutritional requirements. Biofortification of wheat with EMis through agricultural methods is a strategy aimed at addressing EMi deficiencies in human populations that emphasize cost-effectiveness and sustainability. All EMis are usually applied foliarly as sulfates, which indicates sulfur (S)-assisted biofortification. The formation of EMi complexes provides solubility as well as protection during long-distance transport. Several small molecules are possible candidates as ligands—the S-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine among them—linking EMi homeostasis to S homeostasis, which represents another aspect of S-assisted biofortification. In this study, we delve into the S-assisted agronomic biofortification strategy by applying sulfate micronutrients coupled with a sulfur-containing amino acid and we explore the effect of the selected accompanying cation (Zn, Fe, Mn, or Cu) on the EMi metallome of the grain, along with the biofortification effectiveness, whilst the type of the incorporated surface active agent seems to affect this approach. A field experiment was conducted for two years with durum wheat cultivation subjected to various interventions at the initiation of the dough stage, aiming to biofortify the grain with EMis provided as sulfate salts coupled with cysteine or methionine as potential biofortification enhancers. The mixtures were applied alone or in combination with commercial surfactants of the organosilicon ethoxylate (SiE) type or the alcohol ethoxylate (AE) type. The performance of two relevant preparations, FytoAmino-Bo (FABo) and Phillon, has been studied, too. The interventions affected the accumulation of the EMi metallome into the grains, along with the interactions of the EMis within this metallome. Several interventions increased the EMi metallome of the grain and affected the contribution of each EMi to this metallome. Many interventions have increased Zn and Fe, while they have decreased Mn and Cu. An increase in Zn corresponded (i) to a decrease in Cu, (ii) to an increase or no increase in Fe, and (iii) to a variable change in Mn. Cys increased the metallome by 34% and Zn and Fe within it. ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ increased the metallome by 5% and 9%, whilst MnSO₄ and CuSO₄ increased the metallome by 36% and 33%, respectively. The additives improved the contribution to increasing the metallome in most cases. Without surfactant, the efficacy ranking proved to be MnSO₄ > CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of SW7 sustained the order CuSO₄ > MnSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of Saldo switched the order to CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄ > MnSO₄. In the case of Phillon, the order was CuSO₄ > FeSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > MnSO₄. The effect of Cys or Met was case-specific. The differentiations in the intensity of both the agronomic performance (grain weight, grain weight per spike, and yield) and the biofortification performance (concentrations vs. accumulations of each EMi within the grain) among the various combinations of EMis and additives are depicted by adopting a grading scale, which highlighted the intensity of the acclimation reaction of the biofortified grain to the applied intervention. Full article

Ethiopia is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in Africa, with agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster risk management highly exposed to climate variability and change. This study examines the role of climate services in supporting climate change adaptation in Ethiopia by combining analyses of historical climate trends, future projections, national policy frameworks, and survey data from both users and providers of climate information. Results show that rainfall and temperature time-series exhibit significant variability, with increasing frequency of droughts and rising temperatures already threatening livelihoods and food security. Climate projections indicate continued warming and uncertain but increasingly extreme rainfall patterns, underscoring the urgency of adaptation. National strategies—including the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP I and II), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP-ETH)—highlight the centrality of climate services in guiding adaptation across sectors. Survey findings reveal that climate services provided by the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) are widely valued, particularly seasonal climate predictions, but challenges persist in accessibility, capacity, infrastructure, and alignment with user needs. Despite high satisfaction levels among users and providers, gaps remain in technical expertise, dissemination mechanisms, and service co-production. Strengthening climate services—through improved technical capacity, institutional coordination, and user-driven design—will be critical for enhancing Ethiopia’s resilience. The lessons drawn are also relevant to other African countries where climate services can play a critical role in bridging the gap between climate science and climate-resilient development. Full article

The Environmental Trace Gases Monitoring Instrument (EMI-II) onboard the Chinese GaoFen-5B (GF5B) and DaQi-1 (DQ1) satellites is the successor of the previous EMI onboard the Chinese GaoFen-5 (GF5) satellite, and has a higher spatial resolution and a better signal-to-noise ratio. The GF5B and DQ1 were launched in September 2021 and April 2022, respectively. As part of China’s ultraviolet-visible hyperspectral satellite instrument series, the EMI-II aims to conduct network observations of pollution gases globally in the morning and early afternoon. In this study, NO₂ data were retrieved from the EMI-II payloads on the GF5B and DQ1 satellites using the Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) algorithm. The two satellites were consistently compared, and the results showed strong consistency on various spatial and temporal scales (R² > 0.8). In four representative regions worldwide, NO₂ data from the EMI-II exhibited good spatial consistency with those from the TROPOMI. The correlation coefficient (R²) of the total vertical column density (VCD) between the EMI-II and TROPOMI exceeded 0.85, and that of the tropospheric NO₂ VCD exceeded 0.57. Compared with single-satellite observations, the dual-satellite network of the GF5B and DQ1 can effectively increase the observation frequency. On a daily scale, dual-satellite observations can reduce the impact of cloud coverage by 6–8% compared to single-satellite observations, and there are two valid observations of nearly 50% of the world’s regions. Additionally, the differences between the two satellites can reflect the NO₂ diurnal variations, which demonstrates the potential for studying pollutant gas diurnal variations. Full article

Dielectric quality tests require a high AC voltage with a frequency range of 0.0001 Hz to 1000 Hz. However, providing a high AC voltage with such a frequency variety is challenging. Providing a high DC voltage and then applying such a voltage to an inverter to adjust the frequency can be an acceptable solution for such a challenge. Notably, a high DC voltage is required for DC tests. This study proposes an improved form of the cascaded boost converter, whose merits are as follows: (i) the high voltage gain providing low duty cycles is possible; (ii) the input current is continuous, which decreases the current ripple of the input filter capacitor; (iii) the current stress of the semiconductors is less than the input current, and most of them have a large difference with it; (iv) the voltage stress of the semiconductors is less than the output voltage with a large difference; (v) only one switch with a simple drive circuit is used; (vi) the common ground of the load and input source decreases the EMI noise; (vii) besides the high voltage gain, the voltage density of the converter based on the number of inductors, capacitors, switches, diodes, and whole components is greater than that of the recently proposed converters; (viii) only two stacked connections of the proposed topology can provide a 2.6 kV voltage for a higher DC voltage test of dielectrics. The functional details of the converter are extracted in ideal and continuous conduction (CCM) modes. Moreover, the converter’s voltage gain and density are compared with the recently proposed converters to show the superiority of the proposed converter. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate the theoretical relations in a 140 W output power. Full article

An integrated study based on field observation, petrography, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the Early–Middle Eocene carbonate rocks has been carried out, which were deposited in the Ceno-Tethys Ocean. The study area of the Yadgaar Section lies on the eastern margin of the Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan. The Early–Middle Eocene Margalla Hill Limestone and Chorgali Formation act as reservoir rocks in other parts of the basin and are also present in the Yadgaar Section. The lack of comprehensive study in this area makes these reservoir rocks highly attractive for sedimentological evaluations and future exploration of hydrocarbons. The Early–Middle Eocene carbonate rocks are divided into nine microfacies: dolomicritic foraminiferal mudstone–wackestone microfacies (EMI); green algae dominated, mixed foraminiferal wackestone–packstone microfacies (EMII); ostracod, green algae and gypsum dominating mudstone–wackestone microfacies (EMIII); algae and mixed foraminiferal wackestone–packstone microfacies (EMIV); Nummulites dominating mudstone–wackestone microfacies (EMV); algal limestone mudstone microfacies (EMVI); Assilina bed wackestone–packstone microfacies (EMVII); micritized larger benthic foraminiferal wackestone–packstone microfacies (EMVIII); and algal limestone, mudstone microfacies (EMIX). The transgressive-regressive environment in the Ceno-Tethys Ocean leads to the deposition of these microfacies in the platform interior, open marine platform, platform edge, platform margin reef, toe of the slope apron, arid–humid platform interior, platform edge, open marine platform interior, and restricted marine platform interior, respectively. Initial post-depositional diagenetic stages are identified from the base to the top of the strata by their respective cement types, i.e., the base–lower middle part of the strata demonstrates an eogenetic sub-stage with the appearance of drusy cement, the middle section indicates a mesogenetic sub-stage by the appearance of blocky cement, while the top portion again reveals an eogenetic sub-stage of diagenesis by the presence of drusy and blocky types of cement. The ascending–descending hierarchy of cement generations is directly proportional to the grade of diagenesis from the base to the top of the carbonate strata. Variable diagenetic effects on the various microfacies also increase the secondary porosity range and enhance the reservoir characteristics of the Formations. The presence of foraminifera microfossils determined that these carbonate formations date from the Early–Middle Eocene. Full article

Greater adoption and better management of spatially complex, conservation systems such as agroforestry (AF) are dependent on determining methods suitable for delineating in-field variability. However, no work has been conducted using repeated electromagnetic induction (EMI) or apparent electrical conductivity (EC_a) surveys in AF systems within the Ozark Highlands of northwest Arkansas. As a result, objectives were to (i) evaluate spatiotemporal EC_a variability; (ii) identify EC_a-derived soil management zones (SMZs); (iii) establish correlations among EC_a survey data and in situ, soil-sensor volumetric water content, sentential site soil-sample EC, and gravimetric water content and pH; and (iv) determine the optimum frequency at which EC_a surveys could be conducted to capture temporal changes in field variability. Monthly EC_a surveys were conducted between August 2020 and July 2021 at a 4.25 ha AF site in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The overall mean perpendicular geometry (PRP) and horizontal coplanar geometry (HCP) EC_a ranged from 1.8 to 18.0 and 3.1 to 25.8 mS m⁻¹, respectively, and the overall mean HCP EC_a was 67% greater than the mean PRP EC_a. The largest measured EC_a values occurred within the local drainage way or areas of potential groundwater movement, and the smallest measured EC_a values occurred within areas with decreased effective soil depth and increased coarse fragments. The PRP and HCP mean EC_a, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) were unaffected (p > 0.05) by either the weather or growing/non-growing season. K-means clustering delineated three precision SMZs that were reflective of areas with similar EC_a and EC_a variability. Results from this study provided valuable information regarding the application of EC_a surveys to quantify small-scale changes in soil properties and delineate SMZs in highly variable AF systems. Full article

Bidimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, respond to the rising demand for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, followed by the advancements in wireless technology and increased signal sensitivity in electronic devices, especially for the safety of aircraft and other structures. Lightweight nanocomposites reinforced with 2D carbonaceous nanofillers can replace metals thanks to their ability to attenuate electromagnetic waves and low susceptibility to corrosion. In this work, the EMI shielding properties in the X band (8–12 GHz) of high content graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposites have been investigated. Both the effect of filler content and the nanoarchitecture have been studied. For this purpose, two different configurations have been considered, compact and porous, varying the filler content (from 10 wt% to 90 wt%) and the thickness of the samples. Specifically, four different systems have been tested: thin (i) and thick (ii) compact laminates and thin (iii) and thick (iv) porous coatings. The morphology of the material significantly influences its electromagnetic response in terms of reflection and absorption capacity. Maximum effective absorption of 80% was found for disordered structures, while a maximum reflection of about 90% was found for system highly aligned structures. Full article

Autophagy is a pleiotropic and evolutionarily conserved process in eukaryotes that encompasses different types of mechanisms by which cells deliver cytoplasmic constituents to the lysosome for degradation. Interestingly, in mammals, two different and specialized autophagic pathways, (i) the chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and (ii) the endosomal microautophagy (eMI), both rely on the use of the same cytosolic chaperone HSPA8 (also known as HSC70) for targeting specific substrates to the lysosome. However, this is not true for all organisms, and differences exist between species with respect to the coexistence of these two autophagic routes. In this paper, we present an in-depth analysis of the evolutionary history of the main components of CMA and eMI and discuss how the observed discrepancies between species may contribute to improving our knowledge of these two functions and their interplays. Full article

Precision agriculture (PA) involves the management of agricultural fields including spatial information of soil properties derived from apparent electrical conductivity (EC_a) measurements. While this approach is gaining much attention in agricultural management, farmed podzolic soils are under-represented in the relevant literature. This study: (i) established the relationship between EC_a and soil moisture content (SMC) measured using time domain reflectometry (TDR); and (ii) evaluated the estimated SMC with EC_a measurements obtained with two electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors, i.e., multi-coil and multi-frequency, using TDR measured SMC. Measurements were taken on several plots at Pynn’s Brook Research Station, Pasadena, Newfoundland, Canada. The means of EC_a measurements were calculated for the same sampling location in each plot. The linear regression models generated for SMC using the CMD-MINIEXPLORER were statistically significant with the highest R² of 0.79 and the lowest RMSE (root mean square error) of 0.015 m³ m⁻³ but were not significant for GEM-2 with the lowest R² of 0.17 and RMSE of 0.045 m³ m⁻³; this was due to the difference in the depth of investigation between the two EMI sensors. The validation of the SMC regression models for the two EMI sensors produced the highest R² = 0.54 with the lowest RMSE prediction = 0.031 m³ m⁻³ given by CMD-MINIEXPLORER. The result demonstrated that the CMD-MINIEXPLORER based measurements better predicted shallow SMC, while deeper SMC was better predicted by GEM-2 measurements. In addition, the EC_a measurements obtained through either multi-coil or multi-frequency sensors have the potential to be successfully employed for SMC mapping at the field scale. Full article

Because of their excellent thermal and electric conductivities, copper foams are ideally suited for applications such as heat exchangers, catalyst supports and EMI-shields. Here, we demonstrate the preparation of copper with ~80% aligned, elongated, interconnected pores via directional freeze casting, a well established processing technique for porous ceramics. First, an aqueous slurry of 40−80 nm cupric oxide powders was directionally solidified, resulting in a preform consisting of elongated, aligned dendrites of pure ice separated by interdendritic ice walls with high oxide powder content. Oxide rather than metallic nanometric particles are used, as the latter would oxidize rapidly and uncontrollably when suspended in the aqueous solution used during directional casting. The preforms were then freeze-dried to sublimate the ice and sintered in a hydrogen-bearing atmosphere to reduce the copper oxide to metallic copper particles and densify these copper particles. Microstructural analysis of the copper foams shows that three types of porosities are present: (i) aligned, elongated pores replicating the ice dendrites created during the freeze-casting process; (ii) micro-porosity in the partially sintered copper walls separating the elongated pores; and (iii) cracks in these copper walls, probably created because of shrinkage associated with the reduction of the oxide powders. Full article