Search Results (627)

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) wireless charging using inductive power transfer (IPT) represents a transformative pathway for transportation electrification. While applications in railway systems remain limited, early studies highlight significant promises for implementation. This paper presents a hybrid energy-supply framework integrating LIB, inductive battery charging (BC) charging, and battery swapping (BS) to support a 20 km heritage trolley excursion between Belmont and Gastonia, NC. A kinematic simulation was developed to estimate traction energy demand, yielding 56 kWh per trip, or 112 kWh for two daily round trips. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to design an LCL-s compensated 3 kW IPT system. Two transmitter configurations were evaluated: W–I ferrite cores (peak coupling ~0.22) and magnetic concrete slabs (~0.20). Although ferrite offers higher efficiency, magnetic concrete demonstrates superior durability and integration potential. Simulation results indicate that wireless charging alone, whether static or dynamic, is insufficient; similarly, a single daily BS strategy provides only 96 kWh. Seven BC-BS hybridization scenarios were evaluated, showing that mid-day swaps combined with either static or dynamic IPT produce a 12–16 kWh surplus. The most practical approach is a one-pack swap supplemented by uniformly distributed static pads, providing energy neutrality. This hybrid pathway ensures operational sufficiency, structural resilience, and compatibility with heritage rail preservation. Full article

Dermatan sulfate (DS) is an animal glycosaminoglycan with significant structural heterogeneity and a high, but variable density of negative electric charge. Owing to these characteristics DS displays a high degree of biological reactivity that is subject to regulation. We previously demonstrated that structural variants of DS rapidly induce moderate necroptosis in luminal breast cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the intracellular molecular mechanism(s) that may underlie this effect, focusing on the expression of key regulators of intrinsic (BCL-2A1) and extrinsic (cFLIP) apoptosis, autophagy (Beclin-1), and oxidative stress protection (heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)). Using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and pharmacological inhibition, we have shown for the first time that DS, depending on its structure and the cancer cell line, can rapidly, albeit transiently, upregulate either the long or short cFLIP splicing variant and also reduce the level of HO-1. These effects are mediated via DS-triggered PI3K and/or NFκB signaling. Moreover, DS can also influence the intracellular distribution of these proteins. In contrast, this glycan did not affect the expression of BCL-2A1 and BECN1. These findings indicate that DS induces coordinated molecular remodeling in luminal breast cancer cells that creates an intracellular environment favorable for necroptosis induction. Full article

This study investigates the mechanism behind the heat-induced color change (brown to yellowish green) in Mn- and Fe-rich elbaite tourmaline under reducing atmosphere at 500 °C. A combination of analytical techniques including gemological characterization, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was employed. Chemical analysis confirmed the samples as intermediate members of the elbaite–fluorelbaite series, with an average formula of ^X(Na₀.₆₆ □₀.₂₆ Ca₀.₀₈) _Σ1.₀₀^Y(Li₁.₂₉Al₁.₁₀Mn₀.₃₁ Fe²⁺₀.₁₅Ti₀.₀₁Zn₀.₀₁) _Σ2.₈₇ ^ZAl₆^T[Si₆O₁₈] (BO₃)₃^V(OH)₃.₀₀^W(OH₀.₅₁F₀.₄₉) _Σ1.₀₀, enriched in Mn (17,346–20,669 μg/g) and Fe (8396–10,750 μg/g). Heat treatment enhanced transparency and induced strong pleochroism (yellowish green parallel c-axis, brown perpendicular c-axis). UV-Vis spectroscopy identified the brown color origin in the parallel c-axis direction: absorption bands at 730 nm (Fe²⁺ d–d transition, ⁵T_2g → ⁵E_g), 540 nm (Fe²⁺→Fe³⁺ intervalence charge transfer, IVCT), and 415 nm (Fe²⁺→Ti⁴⁺ IVCT + possible Mn²⁺ contribution). Post-treatment, the 540 nm band vanished, creating a green transmission window and causing the color shift parallel the c-axis. The spectra perpendicular to the c-axis remained largely unchanged. The disappearance of the 540 nm band, attributed to the reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ eliminating the Fe²⁺–Fe³⁺ pair interaction required for IVCT, is the primary color change mechanism. The parallel c-axis section of the samples shows brown and yellow-green dichroism after heat treatment. A decrease in the IR intensity at 4170 cm⁻¹ indicates a reduced Fe³⁺ concentration. The weakening or disappearance of the 4721 cm⁻¹ absorption band of the infrared spectrum and the near-infrared 976 nm absorption band of the ultraviolet–visible spectrum provides diagnostic indicators for identifying heat treatment in similar brown elbaite–fluorelbaite. Full article

With the development of embedded electronic devices, energy consumption has become a significant design issue in modern systems-on-a-chip. Conventional SRAMs cannot maintain data after powering turned off, limiting their use in applications such as battery-powered smartphone devices that require non-volatility and no leakage current. RRAM devices are recently used extensively in applications such as self-charging wireless sensor networks and storage elements, owing to their intrinsic non-volatility and multi-bit capabilities, making them a potential candidate for mitigating the von Neumann bottleneck. We propose a new RRAM-based hybrid memristor model incorporated with a permanent magnet. The proposed design (1T2R) was simulated in Cadence Virtuoso with a 1.5 V power supply, and the finite-element approach was adopted to simulate magnetization. This model can retain the data after the power is off and provides fast power on/off transitions. It is possible to charge a smartphone battery without an external power source by utilizing a portable charger that uses magnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. In an embedded smartphone self-charging device this addresses eco-friendly concerns and lowers environmental effects. It would lead to the development of magnetic field-assisted embedded portable electronic devices and open the door to new types of energy harvesting for RRAM devices. Our proposed design and simulation results reveal that, under usual conditions, the magnet-based device provide a high voltage to charge a smartphone battery. Full article

Myanmar blue jadeite jade is a rare and highly prized gemstone, yet its coloration and formative mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, petrographic analysis, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were performed on a sample of Myanmar blue jadeite with small white blocks to investigate its mineral composition, trace element distribution, and coloration mechanisms. Most of the sample was found to be blue, with surrounding white areas occurring in small ball-shaped blocks. The main mineral component in both the blue and white domains was jadeite. Although both areas underwent recrystallization, their textures differed significantly. The blue areas retained primary structural features within a medium- to fine-grained texture, reflecting relatively weaker recrystallization. The white areas, however, were recrystallized into a micro-grained texture, reflecting relatively stronger recrystallization, with the superimposed effects of external stress producing a fragmented appearance. The blue jadeite had relatively higher contents of Ti, Fe, Ca, and Mg, while the white jadeite contained compositions close to those of near-end-member jadeite. It was noted that, while white jadeite may have a high Ti content, its Fe content is low. UV–Vis spectra showed a broad absorption band at 610 nm associated with Fe²⁺-Ti⁴⁺ charge transfer and a gradually increasing absorption band starting at 480 nm related to V⁴⁺. Combining the chemical composition and the characteristics of the UV–Vis spectra, we infer that the blue coloration of jadeite is attributed to Fe²⁺-Ti⁴⁺ charge transfer; i.e., the presence of both Ti and Fe in blue jadeite plays a key role in its color formation. V⁴⁺ exhibited no significant linear correlation with the development of blue coloration. Prominent oscillatory zoning was observed in the jadeite, transitioning from NaAlSi₂O₆-dominant cores to Ca-Mg-Fe-Ti-enriched rims, reflecting the trend of fluid evolution during blue jadeite crystallization. Petrographic analysis indicated that the formation of the Myanmar blue jadeite occurred in two or three stages, with the blue regions forming earlier than the white regions. The blue jadeite also underwent significant recrystallization. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the formation of blue jadeite and the diversity of colors in jadeite jade. Full article

The endurance of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) has long been constrained by limited energy replenishment. Underwater inductive wireless power transfer (UIWPT), with its contactless power transfer capability, offers an innovative solution for efficient underwater charging of AUVs. This paper provides a systematic review of the architecture of UIWPT systems, analyzes key power loss mechanisms and corresponding optimization strategies, and summarizes the latest research progress in magnetic coupler design, compensation circuit topologies, control methods, simultaneous power and data transfer, and seawater-induced eddy current losses. Representative cases of UIWPT system integration on AUV platforms are also reviewed, with particular emphasis on environmental factors such as salinity variation, biofouling, and deep-sea pressure, as well as EMC, which critically constrain engineering applications. Finally, this paper discusses development trends including high-efficiency power transfer, enhanced reliability under extreme environments, and practical deployment challenges, and it presents a forward-looking technical roadmap towards long-term, autonomous, and intelligent underwater wireless power transfer. Full article

This work presents a novel wireless charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which employs conical-shaped coils that also function as landing gear. By integrating electromagnetic simulation, circuit modeling, and system-level evaluation, we introduce an innovative coil design that enhances wireless power transfer (WPT) efficiency while reducing misalignment sensitivity. The conical geometry naturally facilitates mechanical alignment upon drone landing, thereby improving inductive coupling. High-frequency simulations were carried out to optimize the coil parameters and evaluate the link efficiency at 6.78 MHz, an ISM-designated frequency. Our experimental testing confirmed that the proposed conical coil achieves high power transfer efficiency (up to 94%) under practical conditions, validating the effectiveness of the geometry. The characteristics of the designed coil make it highly suitable for use with Class EF amplifiers operating in the same frequency range; however, detailed amplifier hardware implementation and efficiency characterization were beyond the scope of this study and are reserved for future work. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed system for deployment in UAV field applications such as surveillance, delivery, and remote sensing. Full article

The potential health risks of DC charging piles to human health were investigated by quantifying the internal electromagnetic exposure level. In this study, the transformer in the DC/DC circuit of a DC charging pile was selected as the radiation source, and two realistic human models (adult and child) were used as exposure subjects. A simulation model, including the vehicle body, charging pile, and transformer, was established using COMSOL(COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2) Multiphysics software to calculate the magnetic induction intensity (B-field) and electric field intensity (E-field) in various organs at distances of 0.1 m, 0.3 m, and 0.6 m from the charging pile. The results show that at 0.1 m, the peak B-field (1.91 µT) and E-field (447 mV/m) in the adult body were 1.91% and 2.07% of the ICNIRP occupational exposure limits, respectively, and 7.07% and 4.14% of the public exposure limits. For the child model, the peak electromagnetic exposure levels (2.31 µT and 259 mV/m) were only 8.56% and 2.40% of the public limits. Further evaluation of exposure levels for in-vehicle occupants during charging showed that the peak B-field and E-field for an adult driver and a child in the front passenger seat were 0.0225 × 10⁻² µT, 0.0237 × 10⁻² µT, 5.81 mV/m, and 5.82 mV/m, respectively, far below the ICNIRP public limits. Additionally, analyses at multiple frequency bands (85 kHz, 90 kHz, and 95 kHz) under a typical scenario (adult at 0.1 m from the charging pile) revealed that the B-field in the human body decreased with increasing frequency, while the E-field showed minimal variation due to shielding effects. All electromagnetic exposure levels were below both ICNIRP public and occupational limits, indicating the broad applicability of the results. Under normal operating conditions of DC charging piles, the electromagnetic exposure from the DC/DC transformer fully complies with safety standards and poses no threat to human health. This study provides a scientific basis for alleviating public concerns about the health risks of electromagnetic radiation from DC charging piles for electric vehicles. Full article

This article presents an in-depth study of a dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system used to charge electric vehicles (EVs), with a focus on modeling and controlling a double-D (DD) coil structure. The chosen DD coil design improves energy transfer efficiency and minimizes mutual coupling between adjacent transmit coils, a common problem in dynamic applications. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed to account for the nonlinear dynamics of the system, i.e., when the vehicle is moving and misalignments and coupling variations occur. A robust nonlinear control method based on sliding mode control (SMC) is implemented to ensure stable operation and accurate regulation of the output voltage. The controller is tested in different scenarios where the vehicle speed changes, thus ensuring its robustness and stability under all operating conditions. Particular attention is paid to the critical transition zone, in which the receiver coil is placed between two transmitter coils in order to achieve minimal magnetic coupling. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controller offers a fast dynamic response (~0.07 s) and stable voltage tracking, even in the event of significant variations in mutual inductance and different EV movement speeds. These results confirm the effectiveness of the control approach and its potential for real-time charging of electric vehicles in large-scale DWPT applications. Full article

This study systematically investigates the color origin and coloration mechanisms of yellow-green nephrite from Ruoqiang, Xinjiang, using multiple analytical techniques including hyperspectral colorimetry, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, titrimetry, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. A pioneering quantitative model (R² = 0.942) was established between hue (H) and the Fe₂O₃ ratio (Fe₂O₃/TFe), revealing that the coloration mechanism is jointly governed by Fe³⁺ charge transfer (300–400 nm absorption band) and Fe²⁺→Fe³⁺ transitions (600–630 nm absorption band). Furthermore, the intensity variation in the 3651 cm⁻¹ Raman peak serves to further confirm the critical role of Fe³⁺ occupancy in the tremolite lattice for color modulation. In combination with the partition patterns of Rare Earth elements (REEs) (right-leaning LREE distribution with negative Eu anomaly) and trace element characteristics, this study supports the classification of Ruoqiang yellow-green nephrite as a high oxygen fugacity magnesian marble-type deposit. In this type of deposit, the ore-forming environment facilitates Fe³⁺ enrichment and yellow-green hue formation. The findings provide new theoretical insights into the chromatic genesis of yellow-green nephrite and hold significant implications for its identification, quality grading, and research on metallogenic mechanisms. Full article

The modernization of agriculture can help humanity address major challenges such as population growth, climate change, and labor shortages. Semi-autonomous agricultural robots offer clear advantages in automating tasks and improving efficiency. However, in open-field conditions, their autonomy is limited by the size and weight of onboard batteries. Wireless charging is a promising solution to overcome this limitation. This work proposes a methodology for the design, modeling, and experimental validation of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for battery recharging of agricultural robots. A brief review of WPT technologies is provided, followed by key design considerations, co-simulation, and testing results. The proposed WPT system uses a resonant inductive power transfer topology with series–series (SS) compensation, a high-frequency inverter (85 kHz), and optimized spiral planar coils, enabling medium-range operation under agricultural conditions. The main contribution lies in the first experimental assessment of WPT performance under real agricultural environmental factors such as soil moisture and water presence, combined with electromagnetic safety evaluation and robust component selection for harsh conditions. Results highlight both the potential and limitations of this approach, demonstrating its feasibility and paving the way for future integration with intelligent alignment and adaptive control strategies. Full article

This paper presents a comparative analysis of ten state-of-the-art robotic de-mining systems, grouped into (i) sensor-centric platforms for high-precision detection and (ii) rapid mechanical-contact vehicles for clearance. Building on these findings, we propose a lightweight tracked platform (~1.9 T) equipped with a four-channel sensing suite-RGB/IR camera, 32-layer LiDAR, pulsed-induction metal detector, and 2.45 GHz microwave thermography—integrated in an adaptive Bayesian “detect → confirm → neutralize” loop. The modular end-effector permits either pinpoint mechanical intervention or deployment of a linear charge. Modelling indicates an expected detection sensitivity ≥ 95% with a false-positive rate ≤ 5% in humanitarian demining mode and a clearance throughput above 1.5 ha·h⁻¹ in breaching mode. Ongoing work includes CFD analysis of the thermal front, fabrication of a prototype, and performance testing in accordance with IMAS 10.20. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with a poor prognosis driven by late diagnosis, systemic toxicity of existing therapies, and rapid development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to agents such as paclitaxel and cisplatin. MDR arises through multiple mechanisms, including overexpression of efflux transporters, alterations in apoptotic pathways, and tumour microenvironment-mediated resistance. The application of nanotechnology offers a potential solution to the aforementioned challenges by facilitating the enhancement of drug solubility, stability, bioavailability, and tumour-specific delivery. Additionally, it facilitates the co-loading of agents, thereby enabling the attainment of synergistic effects. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring aluminosilicate nanocarriers with unique dual-surface chemistry, allowing hydrophobic drug encapsulation in the positively charged lumen and functionalisation of the negatively charged outer surface with targeting ligands or MDR modulators. This architecture supports dual-delivery strategies, enabling simultaneous administration of phytocannabinoids and chemotherapeutics or efflux pump inhibitors to enhance intracellular retention and cytotoxicity in resistant tumour cells. HNTs offer additional advantages over conventional nanocarriers, including mechanical and chemical stability and low production cost. Phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) show multitarget anticancer activity in lung cancer models, including apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, and oxidative stress modulation. However, poor solubility, instability, and extensive first-pass metabolism have limited their clinical use. Encapsulation in HNTs can overcome these barriers, protect against degradation, and enable controlled, tumour-targeted release. This review examined the therapeutic potential of HNT-based phytocannabinoid delivery systems in the treatment of lung cancer, with an emphasis on improving therapeutic selectivity, which represents a promising direction for more effective and patient-friendly treatments for lung cancer. Full article

Electric vehicles offer a promising alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, mitigating air and noise pollution while reducing reliance on petroleum resources. However, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles faces several challenges, including high upfront costs, limited driving range, and the availability of charging infrastructure. The shift toward electric vehicle motors that do not rely on rare-earth elements is an important and massive engineering undertaking. Permanent magnet synchronous motors, which use copper windings instead of permanent magnets to generate the excitation field, offer an alternative approach to reducing rare-earth material usage, with research focusing on optimizing their design and control for electric vehicle applications. Induction motors are being reconsidered for the majority of electric vehicle models due to their robust design, established manufacturing infrastructure, and absence of rare-earth magnets, offering a viable alternative with ongoing research focused on improving their efficiency and power density. New electric vehicle (EV) motors using rotors outfitted with electromagnets (i.e., wire coils) are perhaps the most promising near-term solution for producing powerful motors without REEs altogether. This paper presents an overview of electric vehicles with the possible inclusion of rare-earth-free elements. Full article

This paper presents a comparative analysis of electric field (E-field) mitigation in inductive power transfer (IPT) systems. It focuses on how distributed capacitor placement interacts with coil topology to influence E-field emissions. The study compares traditional sequential-winding coils and the alternating voltage phase coil (AVPC), which employs a sequential inversion winding (SIW) structure to enforce a 180° phase voltage opposition between adjacent turns. While capacitor segmentation is a known method for E-field reduction, this work is the first to systematically evaluate its effects across both conventional and phase-inverted coils. The findings reveal that capacitor placement serves as a topology-dependent design parameter. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations and experimental validation show that while capacitor placement has a moderate influence on traditional coils due to in-phase voltage relationships, AVPC coils are highly sensitive to segmentation patterns. When capacitors align with the SIW phase structure, destructive interference significantly reduces E-field emissions. Improper capacitor placement disrupts phase cancellation and negates this benefit. This study resolves a critical design gap by establishing that distributed compensation acts as a tuning mechanism in conventional coils but becomes a primary constraint in phase-inverted topologies. The results demonstrate that precise capacitor placement aligned with the coil topology significantly enhances E-field mitigation up to 60% in AVPC coils, greatly outperforming traditional coil configurations and providing actionable guidance for high-power wireless charging applications. Full article