Search Results (143)

The growing demand for high-energy, safe, and sustainable lithium-ion batteries has increased interest in nickel-rich cathode materials and solid-state electrolytes. This study presents a scalable wet-processing method for fabricating composite cathodes for all-solid-state batteries. The cathodes studied herein are high-nickel LiNi_0.90Mn_0.05Co_0.05O₂, NMC955, the sulfide-based electrolyte Li₆PS₅Cl, and alternative binders—polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyisobutylene (PIB)—dispersed in toluene, a non-polar solvent compatible with the electrolyte. After fabrication, the cathodes were characterized using SEM/EDX, sheet resistance, and Hall effect measurements. Electrochemical tests were additionally performed in all-solid-state battery half-cells comprising the synthesized cathodes, lithium metal anodes, and Li₆PS₅Cl as the separator and electrolyte. The results show that both PIB and PVA formulations yielded conductive cathodes with stable microstructures and uniform particle distribution. Electrochemical characterization exposed that the PVA-based cathode outperformed the PIB-based counterpart, achieving the theoretical capacity of 192 mAh·g⁻¹ even at 1C, whereas the PIB cathode reached a maximum capacity of 145 mAh.g⁻¹ at C/40. Post-mortem analysis confirmed the structural integrity of the cathodes. These findings demonstrate the viability of NMC955 as a high-capacity cathode material compatible with solid-state systems. Full article

In offshore oil and gas extraction, riser pipes serve as the first isolation barrier for wellbore integrity, playing a crucial role in ensuring operational safety. Protective coatings represent an effective measure for corrosion prevention in riser pipes. To address issues such as electrochemical corrosion and poor adhesion of existing coatings, this study developed an underwater-curing composite material based on a polyisobutylene (PIB) and butyl rubber (IIR) blend system. The material simultaneously exhibits high peel strength, low water absorption, and stability across a wide temperature range. First, the contradiction between material elasticity and strength was overcome through the synergistic effect of medium molecular weight PIB internal plasticization and IIR crosslinking networks. Second, stable peel strength across a wide temperature range (−45 °C to 80 °C) was achieved by utilizing the interfacial effects of nano-fillers. Subsequently, an innovative solvent-free two-component epoxy system was developed, combining medium molecular weight PIB internal plasticization, nano-silica hydrogen bond reinforcement, and latent curing agent regulation. This system achieves rapid surface drying within 30 min underwater and pull-off strength exceeding 3.5 MPa. Through systematic laboratory testing and field application experiments on offshore oil and gas well risers, the material’s fundamental properties and operational performance were determined. Results indicate that the material exhibits a peel strength of 5 N/cm on offshore oil risers, significantly extending the service life of the riser pipes. This research provides theoretical foundation and technical support for improving the efficiency and reliability of repair processes for offshore oil riser pipes. Full article

Although lithium-ion batteries are considered an ideal postulant for renewable energy harvesting, storage and applications, these batteries show promising performance; however, at the same time, these harvesting devices suffer from some major limitations, including scarce lithium resources, high cost, toxicity and safety concerns. Potassium ion batteries (PIBs) can be proven a favorable alternative to metal ion batteries because of their widespread potassium reserves, low costs and enhanced protection against sparks. In this study, DFT simulations were employed using the B3LYP/6-311⁺⁺g(d p) method to explore the application of graphene and its doped variants (N,B,P-graphene) as potential anode materials for PIBs. Various key parameters such as adsorption energy, Gibbs free energy, molecular orbital energies, non-covalent interactions, cell voltage, electron density distribution and density of states were computed as a means to evaluate the suitability of materials for PIB applications. Among the four structures, nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped graphene exhibited negative Gibbs free energy values of −0.020056 and −0.021117 hartree, indicating the thermodynamic favorability of charge transfer processes. Doping graphene with nitrogen and phosphorus decreases the HOMO-LUMO gap energy, facilitating efficient ion storage and charge transport. The doping of nitrogen and phosphorus increases the cell voltage from −1.05 V to 0.54 V and 0.57 V, respectively, while boron doping decreases the cell voltage. The cell voltage produced by graphene and its doped variants in potassium ion batteries has the following order: P-graphene (0.57 V) > N-graphene (0.54 V) > graphene (−1.05 V) > B-graphene (−1.54 V). This study illustrates how nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped graphene can be used as a propitious anode electrode for PIBs. Full article

Diseases and weeds occupy a leading place among the factors limiting the yield of agricultural crops, including rice. These factors can be overcome through the use of chemical protective agents, as well as through the creation and introduction into agricultural production of rice varieties resistant to these stressors. The use of DNA marking technologies for target genes of economically valuable traits in the creation of promising varieties allows not only for the identification of genes but also the monitoring of their transmission during crosses and the selection of breeding-valuable genotypes with genes of interest. In addition, this ensures a reduction in the volume of breeding nurseries, as well as time and material costs during variety modeling, and rapid rotation of new high-yield varieties with specified characteristics. We have selected effective marker systems based on the use of DNA marking technologies for target genes for resistance to blast (Pi) and submergence tolerance (Sub1A). These systems allow for precise targeted selection of hybrid plants with these genes in the breeding process. In addition, we have automated the detection of transferred Pi-ta and Pi-b genes, which greatly relieves the DNA analysis during mass screening of breeding material. The final result of this work is the created rice varieties Al’yans, Lenaris and Kapitan with the Pi-ta blast resistance gene and the Pirouette rice variety with the Pi-1, Pi-2, and Pi-33 genes. These varieties exceed the standards by 0.64–2.2 t/ha, and their involvement in production makes it possible to obtain additional products by increasing yields in the amount of about RUB 80 thousand/ha. Full article

Rice blast caused by the ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzea is one of the most widespread and destructive rice diseases worldwide. The most economical and effective strategy for controlling rice blast is the rational use and promotion of disease-resistant varieties. To enhance disease resistance, it is essential to analyze the resistance levels of rice varieties and the role of resistance (R) genes. To investigate blast resistance, R gene distribution, and their contributions in japonica rice, 287 varieties were evaluated through artificial inoculation. PCR detection was also performed using specific primers for eleven R genes. The results showed that 24.4% of the varieties exhibited moderate resistance (MR), indicating an overall moderate resistance level. The frequency of R genes varied significantly: Pib was the most prevalent (89.2%), followed by Pi5 (73.5%), Pita (62.4%), Pia (54.4%), Pikh (48.4%), Pik (41.1%), Pi9 (35.5%), Pizt (23.7%), Pit (10.8%), and Pi1 (10.5%). No Pigm was detected. Among these, Pik, Pi9, Pizt, and Pita contributed most significantly to disease resistance, with contributions of 42.4%, 38.2%, 38.2%, and 33.5%, respectively. The number of R genes detected in the tested varieties ranged from 0 to 9, with most varieties containing more than three genes. The highest proportion of resistant varieties was observed in those carrying six genes. The most common R gene combinations in resistant varieties were ‘Pib + Pita + Pi5 + Pikh + Pik + Pi9’ and ‘Pizt + Pib + Pita + Pia + Pi5 + Pik + Pi9’. In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the breeding and utilizing blast-resistant japonica rice varieties in Anhui Province. Full article

Molecular modeling calculations for the design and improvement of next-generation additives for motor oils have reached a level that can support and improve experimental results. The regulation of insoluble sludge nanoparticle aggregations within oil and on engine pistons is a critical performance metric for lubricant oil additives. There is a general agreement regarding the mechanism of deposit formation which is attributed to the self-aggregation of nano-sized carbon rich insoluble structures. Dispersants are a primary category of additives employed to inhibit aggregation in lubricant formulations. Along with the base oil, they are crucial in dispersing and stabilizing insoluble particles to manage the formation of deposits. In this study, multiscale modeling methods were used to elucidate molecular mechanism of deposit control via polyisobutylene-bis-succinimide (PIBSI) dispersants by using density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of cells constructed by statistical sampling of molecular configurations, and coarse-grained (CG) simulations. The aim of this study was to understand the role of different groups such as succinimide, amine center, and two polyisobutylene (PIB) tails in PIBSI dispersants. It was demonstrated that the mechanism of deposit control by the polymer-based PIBSI dispersant can be elucidated through the interactions among various constituents, including hydrogen bonding and hydrophilic–hydrophobic interactions. We showed that sludge type nanoparticle aggregation is mitigated by intercalation of polar amine central groups of dispersant between the nanoparticles followed by the extension of two hydrophobic PIB chains into the oil phase that decreases coalesce further by forming a hydrophobic repulsive layer. Full article

The biological value of protein is mainly determined by its amino acid composition, and primarily depends on the optimal content of individual exogenous amino acids. The synthesis of these compounds in oat grain is influenced by genetic factors, habitat conditions and the agrotechnology used in cultivation. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of production technology (integrated, intensive) on the yield, content and amino acid profile of protein in the grain of hulled and naked oats. Field studies were conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station Kępa—Pulawy, Osiny farm of IUNG—PIB (Poland) during two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). It was found that the total protein content of oat grain and its amino acid composition significantly depended on genotype and production technology. Naked oat grain was characterised by significantly higher protein content. The higher the intensity of production, the higher the content of total protein and exogenous and endogenous amino acids. Lysine was the amino acid that limited the biological value of protein in the grain of both oat cultivars. Its deficit was more frequent in grain from intensive production technology. Full article

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication is usually associated with dyslipidemia. Most studies in this field have focused on genotype-specific direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), with research on pangenotypic DAAs being limited. This study examined how two pangenotypic DAA regimens, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), affect lipid profiles and insulin resistance after viral eradication in chronic HCV patients. A total of 100 patients (57 with GLE/PIB and 43 with SOF/VEL) treated between September 2020 and January 2022 were included in the retrospective analysis. This study found a significant increase in LDL and TC levels after treatment (p < 0.001), but no significant changes in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, HbA1C, or the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance. According to a logistic regression analysis, higher baseline LDL or TC and lower baseline glucose are predictors of the degree of increase in LDL or TC following a sustained virological response. Both pangenotypic DAA regimens significantly impact lipid profiles, particularly LDL and TC, but not insulin resistance. This study emphasizes the need for more research into the long-term metabolic effects of DAAs. Full article

The influence of organosilicon compounds on butyl sealant blends’ mechanical and processing properties was investigated, particularly under increased humidity conditions. The addition of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTES), (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMOS), and (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) to elastomeric blends containing butyl rubber (IIR) and polyisobutylene (PIB) was studied. Key rheological parameters, including Mooney viscosity and melt volume rate (MVR), along with mechanical attributes such as peel resistance and cone penetration, were evaluated. Results indicated that functionalized silanes enhance sealant cohesion when their functional groups interact with the matrix and form cross-links under humid conditions. The presence of unreacted silanes acts as a plasticizer, increasing MVR and reducing viscosity. A notable MVR increase, up to 109 mL/10 min, was observed for the APTES-10 system. The most significant mechanical property enhancements were observed in blends containing MPTES and APTES, resulting in increased cohesion and peel resistance. The findings of this research are of considerable practical relevance, demonstrating that the modification of rubber sealants with monofunctional silanes improves their cohesion, delamination resistance, and processability, thereby making these materials suitable for the production of more durable sealants. Full article

The neuropathological diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) relies on amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in brain tissues. To study the relationship between Aβ deposition and brain structure, as determined using ¹¹C-Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively, we developed a regression model with PiB and MRI data as the predictor and response variables, respectively, and proposed a regression method for studying the association between them based on a supervised sparse multivariate analysis with dimension reduction based on a composite paired basis function. By applying this method to imaging data of 61 patients with AD (age: 55–85), the first component showed the strongest correlation with the composite score, owing to the supervised feature. The spatial pattern included the hippocampal and parahippocampal regions for MRI. The peak value was observed in the posterior cingulate and precuneus for PiB. The differences in PiB scores among the diagnosis groups 12 months after PiB imaging were significant between the normal and AD groups (p = 0.0284), but not between the normal and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups or the MCI and AD groups (p = 0.3508). Our method may facilitate the development of a dementia biomarker from brain imaging data. Scoring imaging data allows for visualization and the application of traditional analysis, facilitating clinical analysis for better interpretation of results. Full article

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are regarded as a potential substitute for LIBs owing to the benefits of potassium’s abundance, low cost, and high safety. Nonetheless, the practical implementation of potassium-ion batteries still encounters numerous challenges, with the selection and design of anode materials standing out as a key factor impeding their progress. Hard carbon, characterized by its amorphous structure, high specific surface area, and well-developed pore structure, facilitates the insertion/extraction of potassium ions, demonstrating excellent rate performance and cycling stability. This review synthesizes the recent advancements in hard carbon materials utilized in PIB anodes, with a particular focus on the potassium storage mechanism, electrochemical properties, and modification strategies of hard carbon. Ultimately, we present a summary of the current challenges and future development directions of hard carbon materials, with the objective of providing a reference for the design and optimization of hard carbon materials for PIBs. Full article

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are effective in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but there is little information about real-world effectiveness in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLH). The aim of this study was to determinate the effectiveness of DAA to achieve sustained virologic response at week 12 post-treatment (SVR12) in PLH with HCV coinfection and in people with HCV-monoinfection. We conducted a prospective cohort. The full analysis set (FAS) included all subjects enrolled in the study; the modified analysis set (MAS) excluded cases with missing data to evaluate SVR12. A total of 278 people were included, 130 (46.7%) with HCV/HIV-coinfection and 148 (53.2%) with HCV-monoinfection. In the HCV/HIV-coinfection group, 82 (63%) received GLE/PIB for 8 weeks, 45 (34.6%) received SOF/VEL for 12 weeks, and 3 (2.3%) were treated with SOF/VEL + RBV for 12 weeks. In the HCV-monoinfection group, 62 (41.8%) received GLE/PIB for 8 weeks, 28 (18.9%) received SOF/VEL for 12 weeks, and 58 (39.1%) participants were treated with SOF/VEL + RBV for 12 weeks. In the FAS analysis, SVR12 was 81.6% in the HCV/HIV-coinfection group and 86.4% in the HCV-monoinfection group (p = 0.128). In the MAS analysis, both groups achieved 100% of SVR12. In this cohort, the effectiveness of DAA to achieve SVR12 was similar between HCV/HIV-coinfection and HCV-monoinfection cases, regardless of advanced liver disease with no differences between treatment regimens. Full article

Looking from the perspective of the importance of beekeeping production for agriculture, and its impact on production sustainability, biodiversity and food security, research on food self-sufficiency in the honey market is important. The aim of this article was to assess food self-sufficiency in the honey market in Poland in terms of the sustainability of production. The research covered the years 2002–2023. The research material consisted of secondary sources of information from the FAOSTAT 2024 database, reports of the Institute of Horticulture, Department of Beekeeping in Puławy, and market reports of IERiGŻ-PIB. The research used dynamic indicators, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, self-sufficiency ratios (SSR) and intra-industry trade (IIT) indicators. The analysis showed that Poland is not food self-sufficient in honey production. Environmental issues and related food security will be important for a change in the model of beekeeping in Poland, as this sector plays an important role in maintaining sustainability and biodiversity; hence, the assessment of food self-sufficiency in honey production should be treated broadly, including the benefits for agriculture. Full article

Currently, the EU is focusing on less intensive agrotechnology and sustainable development. It is important to minimize the occurrence of mycotoxins (including Fusariotixins) in food, and to monitor mycotoxin concentration in the food chain. Therefore, this study evaluated Fusarium mycotoxin contamination, specifically type A and B trichothecenes and ergosterol concentration, in wheat grain from a three-year field experiment (2019–2021) conducted at IUNG-PIB in Osiny (Poland), along with its byproducts (bran, flour, bread). Four wheat cultivars were grown under different farming systems: organic (ORG), integrated (INT), and conventional (CONV). Ergosterol was analyzed using HPLC with an absorbance detector while Type A and B trichothecenes were analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results showed that the farming system significantly influenced type B trichothecenes concentration in grain, with the highest concentration established in ORG-grown wheat. However, the grain concentration from the INT farming system was comparable to that from CONV. Type A trichothecenes concentrations were low and not significantly affected by the farming system. Bran exhibited the highest ergosterol and mycotoxin concentration, while flour and bread exhibited the lowest. Full article

The aim of the present research was to test the hypothesis that rate of force development (RFD) during a handgrip task of the dominant arm in three different positions is associated with maximal post-impact ball speed of flat serve (PIBS). Altogether 23 elite junior boys (aged 14.84 ± 2.47 years; weight 59.51 ± 13.83 kg; height 170.47 ± 16.34 cm) tennis players participated in the study. To assess the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and RFD during the task, four handgrip tests and a serve test were applied to estimate PIBS. Spearman’s rank correlation showed a significant positive correlation between RFD of dominant arm in each three position and PIBS (r = 0.82–0.86; p < 0.001). A very large, significantly positive correlation was also found between MVC of the dominant arm and PIBS (r = 0.88; p < 0.01). The result of the present study indicated that rapid force generation of muscles in the forearm and wrist may probably play a role in the formation of a stable contact point, and it is in connection with PIBS. It is in contrast to the slow maximal force exertion that much rather characterizes the general strength state of players. Therefore, measurement of the RFD during a handgrip task is suggested in the testing session of the flat serve of junior tennis players. Full article