Search Results (128)

The global energy transition and increasingly rigorous legal regulations aimed at climate protection are driving the search for alternative energy sources, including renewable energy sources (RESs) and waste heat. However, the mismatch between supply and demand presents a significant challenge. Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, particularly mobile thermal energy storage (M-TES), offer a potential solution to address this gap. M-TES can not only balance supply and demand but also facilitate the transportation of heat from the source to the recipient. This paper reviews the current state of M-TES technologies, focusing on their technology readiness level, key operating parameters, and advantages and disadvantages. It is found that M-TES can be based on sensible heat, latent heat, or thermochemical reactions, with the majority of research and projects centered around latent heat storage. Regarding the type of research, significant progress has been made at the laboratory and simulation levels, while real-world implementation remains limited, with few pilot projects and commercially available systems. Despite the limited number of real-world M-TES implementations, currently existing M-TES systems can store up to 5.4 MWh in temperatures ranging from 58 °C to as high as 1300 °C. These findings highlight the potential of the M-TES and offer data for technology selection, simultaneously indicating the research gaps and future research directions. Full article

This study examines how memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) influence tourists’ intention to recommend coastal tourism destinations. Using a quantitative approach of PLS-SEM analysis and a disjoint two-stage approach, this study examines MTE as a higher-order construct (HOC) with its seven dimensions and the moderating role of coastal destination competitiveness (CDC) in structural relationships. Data were collected through purposive sampling from 339 tourists who had visited Likupang, one of the priority tourism destinations in Indonesia. The results show that MTE plays a crucial role in increasing perceived economic value (PEV) and place attachment (PLA), and it is directly related to the intention to recommend the destination (ITRD). In addition to the prominent mediation role of PEV, these findings reveal that the CDC can strengthen or weaken the influence of these factors on tourists’ intention to provide recommendations. Specifically, the CDC can strengthen PLA influence towards intention to recommend, whereas, in contrast, it weakens the PEV in driving these intentions. The findings of this study expand the horizon of managing coastal tourism with an understanding of tourist behavior, particularly through a focus on improving MTE from the dynamics of its seven dimensions in encouraging promotion through tourist recommendations while optimizing the natural competitiveness elements of Likupang. Full article

Mulberry (Morus alba) twigs and leaves, rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and alkaloids with multi-target regulatory properties on glucose/lipid metabolism, were evaluated for their anti-obesity effects using methanol-extracted twigs (MTE) and aqueous-extracted leaves (MLE) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Both extracts significantly ameliorated obesity-related metabolic dysregulation, as evidenced by attenuated body weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, serum lipid profiles, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and hepatic inflammation compared to HFD controls (p < 0.05). Concurrently, MTE and MLE enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Notably, high-dose MTE (MTEH, 1000 mg/kg) markedly reduced perirenal adiposity while increasing brown adipose tissue mass (p < 0.05). Mechanistic investigations revealed that MTEH reshaped gut microbiota composition by suppressing Firmicutes and Enterococcus, while enriching beneficial Faecalibaculum and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiling demonstrated MTEH and MLEH-mediated metabolic reprogramming, characterized by increased propionic acid and decreased butyric acid, suggesting microbiota-dependent modulation of host energy metabolism. These findings collectively highlight the potential of mulberry extracts as multi-targeted nutraceuticals for obesity intervention via gut microbiota–SCFA axis regulation. Full article

This study presents a novel Basalt-based grafted graphitic carbon nitride composite (Basalt–MTES/g-C₃N₄) for the efficient pretreatment of Cr(VI) in ethylene wastewater. The composite was synthesized by the acid purification of natural Basalt, surface modification with hydroxymethyl triethoxysilane (MTES), and the subsequent grafting of g-C₃N₄. Characterization confirmed the uniform distribution of nano-sized g-C₃N₄ particles on a Basalt surface with intact chemical bonding, where 82.63% of melamine participated in g-C₃N₄ crystallization. The material exhibited a high specific surface area (403.55 m²/g) and mesoporous structure (34.29 nm). Acidic conditions promoted the protonation of amino groups in g-C₃N₄, significantly enhancing Cr(VI) adsorption via ion exchange. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, while isotherm data fitted the Langmuir monolayer adsorption mechanism. The composite achieved 97% Cr(VI) recovery through chromatographic extraction and retained 96.87% removal efficiency after five regeneration cycles. This work demonstrates a cost-effective, recyclable green pretreatment material for high-sensitivity Cr(VI) monitoring in ethylene industry wastewater, offering dual benefits in environmental remediation and regulatory compliance. The design synergizes natural Basalt’s stability with g-C₃N₄’s adsorption affinity, showing practical potential for sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. Full article

Social bots increasingly mimic real users and collaborate in large-scale influence campaigns, distorting public perception and making their detection both critical and challenging. Traditional bot detection methods, constrained by single-source features, often fail to capture the complete behavioral and contextual characteristics of social bots, especially their dynamic behavioral evolution and group coordination tactics, resulting in feature incompleteness and reduced detection performance. To address this challenge, we propose CB-MTE, a social bot detection framework based on multi-source heterogeneous feature fusion. CB-MTE adopts a hierarchical architecture: user metadata is used to construct behavioral portraits, deep semantic representations are extracted from textual content via DistilBERT, and community-aware graph embeddings are learned through a combination of random walk and Skip-gram modeling. To mitigate feature redundancy and preserve structural consistency, manifold learning is applied for nonlinear dimensionality reduction, ensuring both local and global topology are maintained. Finally, a CatBoost-based collaborative reasoning mechanism enhances model robustness through ordered target encoding and symmetric tree structures. Experiments on the TwiBot-22 benchmark dataset demonstrate that CB-MTE significantly outperforms mainstream detection models in recognizing dynamic behavioral traits and detecting collaborative bot activities. These results confirm the framework’s capability to capture the complete behavioral and contextual characteristics of social bots through multi-source feature integration. Full article

Phytoremediation strategies present promising approaches for mitigating metal contamination in soils. This study examines the effectiveness of compost and biochar amendments, applied separately or in combination, in altering the properties of sandy mining waste soils (Sw) and affecting levels of metallic trace elements (MTEs). The research evaluates changes in soil physicochemical parameters, metal concentrations in soil pore water (SPW), and metal accumulation in Phaseolus vulgaris. Compost and biochar addition significantly affected SPW pH, which remained alkaline, while increasing SPW electrical conductivity (EC). A treatment combining 20% compost and 2% biochar (SwC20B2) enhanced soil enzymatic activities, with the highest values observed for FDA and ALP activities. Metal availability in the SPW appeared higher on D(0) compared to D(12), with notable reductions in Pb and Zn concentrations observed in the SwC20B2 treatment. Despite this decline, metal accumulation in plant shoots did not significantly differ from that in plants grown in unamended Sw, although all plants exhibited substantial growth. The minor decrease in SPW pH, likely due to compost, may have enhanced metal mobility at D(0). Notably, SPW Pb and Zn concentrations increased with higher compost rates, with SwC20B2 registering the highest Pb and Zn. Although these amendments did not directly alleviate metal mobility, they show potential for use in phytostabilization strategies by using suitable plant species. Full article

Time-series anomaly detection is a critical task in various domains, including industrial control systems, where the early detection of unusual patterns can prevent system failures and ensure operational reliability. This paper introduces ChaMTeC (CHAnnel Mixing and TEmporal Convolution Network), a novel deep learning framework designed for time-series anomaly detection. ChaMTeC integrates an inverted embedding strategy, multi-layer temporal encoding, and a Mean Squared Error (MSE)-based feedback mechanism with dynamic thresholding to enhance anomaly detection performance. The framework is particularly tailored for industrial environments, where anomalies are rare and often subtle, making detection challenging. We evaluate ChaMTeC on six publicly available datasets and a newly introduced dataset, WaterLog, which is specifically designed to reflect real-world industrial control system scenarios with reduced anomaly rates. The experimental results demonstrate that ChaMTeC outperforms state-of-the-art models, achieving superior performance in terms of F1-CPA (Coverage-based Point-Adjusted F1) scores. The WaterLog dataset, which has been made publicly available, provides a more realistic benchmark for evaluating anomaly detection systems in industrial settings, addressing the limitations of existing datasets that often contain frequent and densely packed anomalies. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of combining channel-mixing techniques with temporal convolutional networks and dynamic thresholding for detecting anomalies in complex industrial environments. The proposed framework offers a robust solution for real-time anomaly detection, contributing to the reliability and sustainability of critical infrastructure systems. Full article

Mobilized thermal energy storage (M-TES) systems present a viable alternative to traditional heating systems to meet the heat demands of dispersed consumers. This report uses a case study in Lebanon to provide a techno-economic evaluation of the M-TES system. The compatibility of M-TES with current heating systems was assessed by investigating the design specifications of the heating system. The results show that underfloor heating systems and fan coil heating systems are compatible with M-TES. Several operating schedules for M-TES were also developed, considering various transit methods. The study calculated the payback period (PBP) and net present value (NPV) for each case while estimating the costs and revenues for M-TES. Additionally, this study computed the quantity of CO₂ emissions reduction for different M-TES configurations. The optimal operating strategy involves using two containers and three transportation cycles per day, achieving the highest NPV, a PBP of 3 years, and a yearly CO₂ emissions reduction of 44,787.9 kg. Full article

This study investigates the use of Mobilized Thermal Energy Storage (MTES) systems to enhance energy efficiency in large-scale Mediterranean buildings, focusing on a university campus in Tripoli, Lebanon. The research question addresses whether MTES can effectively utilize waste heat from a power plant to meet heating, cooling, and water heating needs. We hypothesize that MTES, using Erythritol as the phase change material (PCM) and Therminol55 as the heat transfer fluid (HTF), will improve energy efficiency and reduce costs compared to conventional systems. The methodology involves simulating the MTES system’s performance, including charge, self-discharge, and discharge phases, using Simulink-MATLAB. Key findings reveal that increasing the HTF flow reduces the charging time by 29% and enhances the efficiency by 8%, while larger project scales decrease heat costs. Economic analysis shows a payback period (PBP) of 2 years 11 months for heating only and 2 years 1 month for heating and cooling, with annual maintenance costs considered at 5%. These results demonstrate MTES as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for thermal energy storage, with potential applications in the energy sector. Full article

Assessing handling qualities is crucial for ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft control characteristics. The growing interest in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has increased the focus on electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft; however, a comprehensive assessment of eVTOL handling qualities remains a challenge. This paper proposed a handling qualities framework to assess eVTOL handling qualities, integrating pilot compensation, task performance, and qualitative comments. An experiment was conducted, where eye-tracking data and subjective ratings from 16 participants as they performed various Mission Task Elements (MTEs) in an eVTOL simulator were analyzed. The relationship between pilot compensation and task workload was investigated based on eye metrics. Data mining results revealed that pilots’ eye movement patterns and workload perception change when performing Mission Task Elements (MTEs) that involve aircraft deficiencies. Additionally, pupil size, pupil diameter, iris diameter, interpupillary distance, iris-to-pupil ratio, and gaze entropy are found to be correlated with both handling qualities and task workload. Furthermore, a handling qualities and pilot workload recognition model is developed based on Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), which is subsequently trained and evaluated with experimental data, achieving an accuracy of 97%. A case study was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Overall, the proposed framework addresses the limitations of the existing Handling Qualities Rating Method (HQRM), offering a more comprehensive approach to handling qualities assessment. Full article

Electrical and thermal transport measurements on quenched NaCl-type Ag_1/3Pb_1/3Sb_1/3Se reveal an n-type semiconductor with a Seebeck coefficient up to −140 μVK⁻¹ and a thermal conductivity as low as 0.52 WmK⁻¹. Short-range order is indicated by disorder diffuse scattering in electron diffraction patterns. In contrast, ⁴L-Ag_0.61Pb_1.79Sb_2.61Se₆ (space group Cmcm with a = 4.2129(1) Å, b = 13.852(1) Å, and c = 20.866(1) Å, Z = 4) features the first lillianite-type structure in the system Ag/Pb/Sb/Se. It consists of slab-like NaCl-type building blocks that are interconnected via trigonal [PbSe₆] prisms. As such structures typically do not form with Te as an anion, the first “sulfosalt-like” compound, Ag_0.38Pb_0.25Sb_2.38Te₄, in the system Ag/Pb/Sb/Te forms a layered tetradymite-like structure (space group R$\stackrel{-}{3}$m with a = 4.2887(1) Å, c = 41.544(1) Å, Z = 3). Its slabs, which are separated by van der Waals gaps, are built up from three layers of distorted [MTe₆] octahedra. Crystals of Ag_0.38Pb_0.25Sb_2.38Te₄ were grown by chemical transport. Full article

China’s rapid economic development and rising energy consumption have led to significant challenges in energy supply and demand. While wind and solar energy are clean alternatives, they do not always align with the varying energy needs across different times and regions. Concurrently, China produces substantial amounts of industrial waste heat annually. Effective recycling of this waste heat could substantially mitigate energy supply and demand issues. The Mobile Thermal Energy Storage (M-TES) system is a key solution to address these challenges, as it helps manage the uneven distribution of energy over time and space. This article establishes a packaged M-TES based on a plate-type phase change unit. Based on different placement methods of the plate-type phase change unit, different inlet temperatures and phase change temperature differences, and different inlet and outlet directions, the complete charging and discharging process of the packaged phase change thermal storage system was simulated using ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1 software. The results showed that during the heating process of the entire system, the horizontal placement of the plate-type phase change unit and the inlet and outlet methods of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) significantly improved the heating effect of the system, increasing it by 15.9%. Increasing the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid and the melting temperature of the phase change material (PCM) from 4 K to 19 K can increase the melting rate of PCM by approximately 54.9% Full article

A wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) prototype coupled with Moringa oleifera seeds (MOSs) was developed to evaluate its effectiveness to reduce metallic trace elements (MTEs) in domestic wastewater. The WWTP is composed of a septic tank (F0) where wastewater is treated by biological processes under anaerobic conditions, followed by a bacterial filter (F1) where wastewater is filtered under aerobic conditions, followed by an infiltration well (F2), which provides additional filtration of wastewater before discharge into the soil. MTEs present in waters can bind with humic substances contained in colloid particles and then be eliminated by coagulation–flocculation with a cationic polyelectrolyte. MOSs contain positively charged cationic polymers that can neutralize the colloids contained in waters, which are negatively charged. Based on this observation, 300 mg·L⁻¹ of MOS was added into F0, 50 mg·L⁻¹ into F1, and 50 mg·L⁻¹ into F2 mg·L⁻¹. MOS activation in samples was performed by stirring rapidly for 1.5 min, followed by 5 min of gentle stirring and 3 h of settling. The data analysis shows that wastewater samples had significant concentrations of MTEs, particularly for Cu, Ni, Sr, and Ti, and sediment samples had high amounts of Cr, Cu, Ni, Sr, Ti, and V. The addition of MOS to F0, F1, and F2 samples resulted in reductions in MTE concentration of up to 36%, 71%, 71%, 29%, 93%, 81%, 13%, 52%, and 67% for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Ti, and V, respectively. The quantified MTEs (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se and V) in treated samples were reported to be lower than UN-EP standards for a safe reuse for irrigation and MOS proved to be as effective as chemical coagulants such as lime and ferric iron for the removal of MTEs contained in wastewater. These results highlight the potential of MOSs as natural coagulants for reducing MTE content in domestic wastewater. This study could be the first to evaluate the effectiveness of MOS in reducing 10 MTEs, including As, Co, Se, Sr, Ti, and V, which are currently understudied. It could also provide a better understanding of the origin of MTEs found in domestic wastewaters and how an effective treatment process can result in high-quality treated wastewaters that can be reused for irrigation without posing health or environmental risks. However, more research on MOSs is needed to determine the type and composition of the coagulant substance found in the seeds, as well as the many mechanisms involved in the decrease in MTEs by MOSs, which is currently understudied. A better understanding of MOS structure is required to determine the optimum alternative for ensuring the optimal effect of MOS paired with WWTP in removing MTEs from domestic wastewaters. Full article

Over the past two decades, the landscape of research on mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) has grown considerably. One particular area of interest has focused on MTE knowledge and the ways in which it is developed and used in teaching practice. However, studies have conceptualized MTE knowledge in different ways and have employed considerably different methodologies and approaches to its study. In an effort to understand this varied landscape, we conducted an extensive review of research on the nature and development of MTE knowledge. This review provides a broad descriptive analysis of the existing theoretical and empirical research on MTEs’ knowledge, explores the theoretical underpinnings of the existing frameworks for and studies on MTE knowledge, and considers implications for future research. Full article

Thermal Magnetic Resonance (ThermalMR) integrates Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostics and targeted radio-frequency (RF) heating in a single theranostic device. The requirements for MRI (magnetic field) and targeted RF heating (electric field) govern the design of ThermalMR applicators. We hypothesize that helmet RF applicators (HPA) improve the efficacy of ThermalMR of brain tumors versus an annular phased RF array (APA). An HPA was designed using eight broadband self-grounded bow-tie (SGBT) antennae plus two SGBTs placed on top of the head. An APA of 10 equally spaced SGBTs was used as a reference. Electromagnetic field (EMF) simulations were performed for a test object (phantom) and a human head model. For a clinical scenario, the head model was modified with a tumor volume obtained from a patient with glioblastoma multiforme. To assess performance, we introduced multi-target evaluation (MTE) to ensure whole-brain slice accessibility. We implemented time multiplexed vector field shaping to optimize RF excitation. Our EMF and temperature simulations demonstrate that the HPA improves performance criteria critical to MRI and enhances targeted RF and temperature focusing versus the APA. Our findings are a foundation for the experimental implementation and application of a HPA en route to ThermalMR of brain tumors. Full article