Search Results (1,178)

Cholestasis in children is characterized by impaired bile flow that disrupts hepatic metabolism, nutrient homeostasis, and effects trace element balance. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the metabolism, biological functions, and clinical implications of key trace elements—zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese—in pediatric cholestatic liver disease. The liver regulates trace element absorption, intracellular trafficking, storage, and biliary excretion; cholestasis alters these processes, leading to deficiencies or toxic accumulation. Zinc and selenium deficiencies are common and contribute to impaired growth, immune dysfunction, oxidative stress, and delayed hepatic regeneration. Conversely, reduced biliary excretion promotes copper and manganese accumulation, potentially exacerbating liver injury and causing manganese-related neurotoxicity. Recent advances in understanding metal-specific hepatic transporters and trafficking pathways have provided mechanistic insight into these alterations. Management strategies emphasize individualized supplementation, monitoring during enteral and parenteral nutrition, and prevention of deficiency and toxicity. Precision-based nutritional approaches may improve outcomes in pediatric cholestatic liver disease. Full article

The global population explosion and accelerated industrialization have led to an increasing shortage of fossil fuels and environmental contamination, underscoring the urgent need to develop innovative energy storage technologies to improve energy utilization efficiency. As pivotal components in thermal energy storage (TES) systems, phase change materials (PCMs) enable spatiotemporal matching between thermal energy supply and demand through latent heat absorption and release during phase transitions. Organic PCMs are considered ideal candidates for thermal energy storage due to their high energy storage density, stable phase transition temperature, low supercooling, and negligible phase separation. However, inherent drawbacks such as low thermal conductivity, liquid leakage, limited light absorption, and lack of functionality have hindered their widespread application in advanced thermal management systems. Herein, we systematically summarize cutting-edge functionalization strategies for PCMs, progressing from conventional methods like thermal conductive particle blending and microencapsulation to the emerging design of 3D porous thermally conductive skeletons, including metal foams, boron nitride aerogels, carbon-based aerogels, and MXene aerogels. These frameworks not only enhance thermal transport via continuous conductive pathways and impart shape stability through capillary encapsulation but also, when integrated with photo-thermal, electro-thermal, and magneto-thermal conversion properties, enable broad applications in solar photo-thermal/photo-thermo-electric conversion, thermal management of electronics and batteries, building efficiency, and wearable thermal regulation. The review further addresses current challenges and future directions, highlighting scalable 3D framework fabrication, the shift to active thermal management, and innovative applications beyond conventional domains. By establishing a microstructure–property–application correlation, this work provides valuable insights for developing next-generation high-performance multifunctional phase change composites. Full article

This study developed a biomimetic jumping robot inspired by frogs to enhance its obstacle-crossing capabilities. The biological principles underlying the jumping biomechanics of frog hindlimbs were integrated into the robotic mechanism; quantitative analysis of the bionic structure and its jumping performance not only provides mechanical engineering insights for investigating frog locomotion mechanics but also offers practical design references for the development of biomimetic mobile robots. Through theoretical calculations and application scenario analysis, a six-bar linkage mechanism was designed to simulate the force generation of frog hindlimbs, with tension springs mimicking the elastic energy storage function of the semimembranosus and gastrocnemius muscles. A reducer was integrated into the trunk to enable energy storage, and an adjustable single-hinge structure was adopted for the forelegs to realize take-off angle adjustment and shock absorption. Finite element simulations were conducted to validate the load-bearing capacity and strength of critical components. Multi-body dynamics and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm were employed to explore the relationship between input parameters and output performance metrics (jumping height and jumping distance), while orthogonal experimental analysis was used for comprehensive parameter evaluation. Finally, a physical prototype was fabricated, and its performance parameters were tested. The prototype has a mass of 150 g, generates a ground push force of 50 N, attains a jumping height of 380 mm, and achieves a maximum jumping distance of 500 mm. This study establishes a biologically inspired working principle for jumping robots and provides a novel practical prototype for research into biomimetic mobile robots. Full article

The primary shelf life (PSL) of fresh vegan spinach gnocchi packaged under a modified atmosphere (MAP) was investigated. Microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties were monitored during storage at three temperatures (4, 8, and 12 °C). The microbial load remained below the limit considered safe (3 log CFU g⁻¹) in all samples during storage at all tested temperatures. Storage time significantly increased the hardness of uncooked gnocchi (p < 0.05) and the water absorption index (p < 0.05). Moreover, at higher storage temperatures, the kinetic rate of hardness decreased in uncooked gnocchi (0.29 N day⁻¹ at 12 °C vs. 0.35 N day⁻¹ at 4 °C). Conversely, in cooked gnocchi, as the storage temperature increased, the rate of hardness acceleration increased. The sensory analysis results varied according to storage temperature, and the Overall Quality Index (OQI), combined with principal component analysis (PCA), was used to determine PSL values. The Arrhenius relationship successfully described the temperature dependence of reaction rate constants, and the calculated Q₁₀ value (3.0) confirmed hardness as the quality attribute most affected by temperature. OQI showed a strong correlation with cooked-gnocchi hardness, and a sensory cutoff of 6.5 was established and confirmed by the sensory panel. The corresponding hardness rejection value was 12.1 N. The PSL was estimated based on sensory and texture criteria, as microbial quality was not a limiting factor. Under non-isothermal cold-chain conditions, PSL was predicted using the time–temperature tolerance (TTT) approach, yielding a value of 42 ± 3 days. Full article

As a ferrite material with excellent magnetic and dielectric properties, CoFe₂O₄ is in high demand for applications in areas such as wave absorption and magnetic storage. Effective regulation of its nanoscale morphology is central to improving application performance. Conventional synthesis methods often face challenges including poor particle dispersion and irregular morphology, which limit further optimization of material properties. In this study, a combined approach of microwave hydrothermal synthesis and annealing was employed to systematically investigate the effects of hydrothermal temperature, reaction time, and annealing parameters on the morphology and properties of CoFe₂O₄. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and other techniques. Experimental results show that process parameters exert a notable influence on the crystallinity, particle dispersibility, magnetic and wave-absorbing properties of CoFe₂O₄: the sample prepared by microwave hydrothermal treatment at 75 °C for 30 min exhibits relatively better wave-absorbing performance, with a minimum reflection loss of less than −30 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth covering 8~16 GHz; the sample treated at 100 °C for 15 min shows a more balanced magnetic performance, with the saturation magnetization approaching 60 emu/g. The quantitative structure–property relationships of pure-phase CoFe₂O₄ across microwave hydrothermal and post-annealing processes, and achieve stable, reproducible performance enhancements under optimized mild conditions. These results supplement key experimental data for the low-temperature preparation of CoFe₂O₄ and establish a practical, energy-efficient parameter framework for future structural design and process optimization of this important magnetic material. Full article

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which Tremella fuciformis powder (TFP) improves the gel properties of soy yogurt by investigating the effects of TFP particle size on physicochemical properties and rheological behavior, combined with microstructural characterization and intermolecular interaction analyses. The results demonstrated that reducing TFP particle size (from 432.33 µm to 50.10 µm) significantly enhanced its hydration properties and increased the water holding capacity of soy yogurt to 99.44% (p < 0.05). Rheological analysis showed that reduced TFP particle size increased the apparent viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus of soy yogurt, consistent with the formation of a denser gel network observed via particle size analysis and SEM. While larger particles disrupted ordered protein cross-linking, smaller TFP particles enhanced soy yogurt gel properties by filling voids, during which volumetric expansion through water absorption reinforced gel matrix continuity. Zeta potential and intermolecular interaction analyses suggested that reduced TFP particle size enhanced non-covalent interactions in soy yogurt. These results indicate that TFP improves the gel properties of soy yogurt primarily through filler effects and protein interactions, providing a valuable reference for formulating stable plant-based yogurt products. Full article

Photovoltaic double-skin façades (PV-DSFs) can block solar radiation heat, mitigate air heat transfer, facilitate ventilation cooling, and generate electricity, making them a high-performance building envelope suitable for hot southern regions in summer. The thermal performance of DSFs is relatively well understood; however, with the addition of photovoltaic glass panels, the influence of design parameters is altered due to thermoelectric coupling effects. Then, the influence of design parameters on their thermoelectric performance remains unclear, hindering their design optimization. This paper establishes a mathematical model for DSFs with MATLAB (R2023a) to analyze their thermoelectric performance and the impact of design parameters. The results indicate that the daily power generation of PV-DSFs is primarily influenced by the solar radiation on the west-facing vertical surface. The wall exterior surface gains heat via longwave radiation during the day and loses heat at night, while convective heat dissipation occurs throughout the entire day, with radiative heat flux being the dominant mechanism. The power generation of photovoltaic cells is significantly influenced by their coverage ratio, while the impact of other factors can be neglected. The temperature of the wall’s exterior surface is significantly influenced by the heat storage of the outer cladding panel, the solar absorptivity of the exterior surface, and the emissivity of the interior surface. Among these factors, the heat storage of the outer cladding panel primarily affects the attenuation and delay of peak values and temperature fluctuations on the exterior surface. Meanwhile, the solar absorptivity of the exterior surface and the emissivity of the interior surface mainly influence the peak temperature of the wall’s exterior surface, with the effect becoming more pronounced when the interior surface emissivity is lower. Full article

Background: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient critical for vision, immune function, cellular differentiation, and metabolic homeostasis. The liver serves as the primary site of vitamin A storage and systemic distribution, delivering all-trans-retinol (ROL) to peripheral tissues, including the retina, via retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). Tight regulation of retinoid delivery to peripheral tissues is crucial for metabolic function and photoreceptor integrity. Objectives: This review provides a current understanding of intestinal absorption, hepatic storage, systemic transport, and ocular utilization of vitamin A, with a focus on the role of retinol-binding protein 4 receptor 2 (RBPR2) in mediating liver–eye communication. Results: Studies using Rbpr2 knockout mice show that loss of RBPR2 impairs hepatic ROL-bound RBP4 uptake and retinyl ester concentrations, alters circulating holo-RBP4 levels, and reduces ocular retinoid content, leading to visual dysfunction and photoreceptor structural abnormalities. These effects are amplified under dietary vitamin A-deficient conditions, highlighting its unique sensitivity to tightly regulated serum RBP4-ROL transport. In mouse models of Stargardt disease, dietary modulation of RBPR2 mRNA expression and serum RBP4-ROL levels protects against lipofuscin accumulation and attenuates retinal cell degeneration, suggesting translational relevance. Conclusions: This review article explores the liver–eye axis by focusing on the regulation of retinoid homeostasis in the liver and other systemic organs through the non-ocular RBP4 receptor protein, RBPR2, and how RBPR2 expression may influence liver and serum retinoid homeostasis, which can impact visual function. Disruption of RBPR2 markedly compromises systemic and retinal retinoid supply, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target for metabolic and retinal disorders. Full article

The incorporation of spore-forming probiotics into thermally processed foods represents a promising strategy to expand functional food availability. In this study, probiotic snacks were formulated from oat and rice-bean matrices as delivery vehicles for Heyndrickxia coagulans (formerly Bacillus coagulans) BC4 spores. The effects of baking and microwave processing, packaging, and storage conditions on spore viability and functionality were evaluated. While oven baking (180 °C) preserved viability in both matrices under mild conditions (survival > 90%), dielectric heating induced significant viability loss depending on the matrix. The starch-based rice-bean matrix, characterized by higher post-processing water activity (Aw), suffered a thermal runaway effect, resulting in significant spore inactivation (viability decreased to 6.08 log colony forming units/g (CFU/g); 1.5 min). Conversely, the oat matrix acted as a thermo-physical stabilizer, maintaining high viability (9.41 log CFU/g; 1.5 min) by limiting dielectric energy absorption via its fiber-lipid composition. Oxidative stress and premature germination likely contributed to the viability loss observed in atmospheric packaging during the 30-day storage. The oat matrix mitigated this effect through a dual-protective mode: active radical scavenging (validated by superior ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) values) and passive water binding. Simulated digestion data align with the functional preservation observed, resulting in increased survival for oat-based formulations. Overall, the results demonstrate the feasibility of developing oat and rice-bean snacks enriched with H. coagulans spores and highlight the critical role of matrix and processing conditions in preserving probiotic viability. Full article

Metal hydride-based hydrogen storage reactors combine high volumetric hydrogen density with intrinsic safety, yet their performance is fundamentally limited by inefficient thermal management arising from the strong coupling among heat transfer, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics. The highly exothermic and endothermic nature of hydrogen absorption and desorption requires rapid and spatially uniform heat removal or supply, which is difficult to achieve due to the low thermal conductivity and complex internal structure of hydride beds. This review presents a mechanistic and architectural overview of thermal management in metal hydride hydrogen storage reactors. Key heat transfer limitations within hydride beds are first analyzed, followed by a systematic classification and critical comparison of major thermal management architectures, including bed-level modifications, structural reactor designs, and heat-exchanger intensification strategies such as embedded tubes, fins, and phase-change materials. The advantages and limitations of these approaches are discussed in terms of heat transfer efficiency, hydrogen storage capacity, structural complexity, and scalability. Finally, the review highlights the central design trade-offs governing compactness, efficiency, and manufacturability, and outlines future directions toward application-oriented and scalable reactor design through integrated thermal and structural optimization. Full article

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have been used and studied for many years. In this work, we focus on an industrially available PCM—polyethylene waxes (PEW) modified with seven types of carbon black (CB) exhibiting different properties. Carbon black (CB) was selected as a more cost-effective modifier compared to carbon nanomaterials, as it is easier to implement industrially and capable of converting and storing thermal energy. The experiments were designed to evaluate the thermal properties and photothermal conversion efficiency of PCMs modified with different grades of carbon black. The influence of carbon black on selected PCM properties was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser flash analysis (LFA). Furthermore, the photothermal conversion capability was evaluated. The results indicate that modification with carbon black decreases the phase transition enthalpy for most formulations, with reductions ranging from 8 to 12% for 1 wt.% CB to 10–15% for 2.5 wt.% CB. At the same time, an improvement in the thermal conductivity of PCMs modified with carbon black was observed, with the best performance achieved for N234 carbon black, showing an increase of approximately 17–18% in the 25–55 °C temperature range. The ratio of the heat of solidification to the heat of melting (Qs/Qm) for most samples was approximately 0.90–0.98, indicating excellent thermal cycling stability. The highest photothermal conversion efficiency was observed for samples modified with N234 and N330; these materials exhibited the greatest temperature rise, reaching approximately 135 °C in about 15 min, due to enhanced light absorption of PCMs by carbon black. Overall, the results confirm that PEW/CB systems demonstrate a good balance between absorption, heat generation, and controlled phase-change behavior, making them promising candidates for solar–thermal energy storage and conversion applications. Full article

To address the recurring issue of excessive carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations at the return corner of fully mechanized mining faces under goaf conditions, this study investigated the elimination of CO at ambient temperature and pressure using deep eutectic solvents (DESs). CO, a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas, is notoriously difficult to remove under conventional conditions. A series of DESs were prepared and screened, revealing that the ethanol-modified system [Emim]Cl-CuCl-1.0E exhibited optimal CO elimination performance under conditions of 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Further investigations measured the viscosity-temperature relationship and thermal stability of this system while systematically examining the effects of temperature, CO contact time, and storage duration on its elimination efficiency. Analysis by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy indicated that Cu(I) ions play a crucial role in the CO absorption process. The introduction of ethanol significantly enhanced the activity of the Cu(I) ions, thereby effectively improving the CO elimination capacity of the system. This study proposes a novel potential method for managing CO in goaf areas and provides an experimental foundation for the application of DESs in the field of gas purification. Full article

The accelerating transition toward carbon neutrality necessitates the synergistic integration of power and hydrogen systems to mitigate renewable intermittency; however, coordinating regulatory policies with the operational flexibility of these coupled systems remains a critical challenge under deep uncertainty. Motivated by this gap, this study develops a bilevel carbon price-coupled optimization framework for integrated power–hydrogen systems, aiming to coordinate environmental policy design with operational scheduling under deep uncertainty. The upper-level model represents the decision-making of a market regulator that determines the optimal carbon price and emission allowances to maximize overall social welfare, while the lower-level model captures the coordinated operation of electricity and hydrogen subsystems that minimize total dispatch cost, including renewable utilization, electrolyzer conversion, and fuel-cell recovery.To address stochastic variations in renewable generation and load demand, a Distributionally Robust Optimization (DRO) formulation is introduced using Wasserstein ambiguity sets, ensuring decision feasibility against worst-case probability distributions. The bilevel structure is efficiently solved via a Benders–Column-and-Constraint Generation (CCG) algorithm, which decomposes policy and operation layers into tractable subproblems with provable convergence. Case studies on a 33-bus integrated power–hydrogen network demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively balances economic efficiency and carbon reduction. Results show that the optimal carbon price of approximately 45 $/tCO₂ achieves a 27% emission reduction with only a 9% cost increase, revealing a near-optimal social welfare equilibrium. Hydrogen subsystems operate flexibly, with electrolyzer utilization increasing by 30% and storage cycling deepening by 15%, enabling enhanced renewable absorption. Sensitivity analyses confirm that the DRO layer reduces operational risk by 4% compared with stochastic optimization, validating robustness against distributional shifts. The study provides a rigorous and computationally efficient paradigm for policy-coordinated decarbonization, highlighting the synergistic role of carbon pricing and cross-energy scheduling in the next generation of resilient low-carbon energy systems. Full article

The study aimed to assess the influence of two packaging methods (under vacuum, VP vs. air, AP) on the quality of fish balls from carp (Cyprinus carpio) stored at +4 °C up to 14 days after preparation. The air-packed and vacuum-packed fish balls were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, microbiological status, and sensory characteristics. The packaging method and storage time interaction significantly (p < 0.05) affected the acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV), as well as the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance index (TBARS), with lower values of these parameters observed in vacuum-packed samples at 7 d (AV, PV, TBARS), 9 d (TBARS), 12 d (PV) and 14 d (TBARS) of storage. Moreover, vacuum packaging helped maintain a beneficial oil absorption and pH, and partially slowed down the occurrence of undesirable changes in color, i.e., the decrease in redness of semi-raw fish balls or increase in yellowness of deep-fried products. Based on the overall quality values, the air-packed fish balls were sensory acceptable for up to 9 days, while the vacuum-packed fish balls were acceptable up to 12 d. The bacterial counts (total viable counts—TVC, psychrotrophic bacterial counts—PBC, total staphylococcal counts—TSC, sulfite-producing bacteria counts—SPBC, and lactic acid bacteria counts—LABC) increased during storage. Although the rate and pattern of growth varied depending on the packaging, fish balls maintained the recommended microbiological quality throughout the entire storage period. The VP method inhibited the growth of TVC, PBC, TSC, and SPBC relative to the AP method, while the VP method showed a higher increase in LABC. The results indicated that vacuum packaging appears to be an effective approach to prolong the shelf life of fish balls made from carp. Additionally, developing this convenient food product could be a valuable strategy to enhance consumer acceptance and promote the use of widely farmed carp species. Full article

This review examines the potential impact of potato biofortification on boosting climate resilience and enhancing the nutritional content of potato tubers to combat hidden hunger. It also explores future possibilities for biofortified potatoes as a food source during space travel or colonization. Widespread mineral deficiencies are prevalent globally, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, climate change could adversely affect potato production and soil nutrient absorption. In this context, developing breeding methods to develop cultivars that respond better to biofortification amid climate change is essential. These cultivars may be physiologically efficient at absorbing and transporting minerals into tubers. The review covers various approaches, including identifying germplasm accessions with enhanced micronutrient storage, understanding mechanisms of micronutrient uptake and translocation, and pinpointing genes related to micronutrient, oligopeptide transport, and ligands. It also discusses in vitro selection and screening of calli with improved capacity for micronutrient absorption and transport. Full article