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Search Results (18,066)

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21 pages, 4762 KiB  
Article
Directed Energy Deposition: A Scientometric Study and Its Practical Implications
by Mehran Ghasempour-Mouziraji, Daniel Afonso, Behrouz Nemati and Ricardo Alves de Sousa
Metrics 2025, 2(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/metrics2030014 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Directed Energy Deposition is an additive manufacturing subgroup that uses a laser beam to melt the wire or powder to create a melt pool. In the current study, a scientometric analysis has been carried out to analyze the contribution of countries, publication type [...] Read more.
Directed Energy Deposition is an additive manufacturing subgroup that uses a laser beam to melt the wire or powder to create a melt pool. In the current study, a scientometric analysis has been carried out to analyze the contribution of countries, publication type analysis, distribution of publications over the years, keywords analysis, author analysis, cited journal, categories, institutes of publication, and report the practical implications. Firstly, the database was extracted from the Web of Science and then post-processed with CiteSpace 6.2.R4 and VOSviewer 1.6.20 software. Afterward, the associated results had been extracted and reported. It was found that China is the leader according to publication, followed by the USA and Germany, which mostly published their achievements in article and proceeding paper formats, which are increasing annually. According to the keywords, additive manufacturing, Laser Metal Deposition, and fabrication are the most commonly used. Based on the CiteSapce and VOSviewer results, Lin, Xin and Huang, Weidong are the authors with the highest publication rates. In addition, Additive Manufacturing, Materials & Design, and Materials Science and Engineering: A are the most cited journals, and regarding the categories, materials science, multidisciplinary, applied physics, and manufacturing engineering are the most commonly used DED processes. Northwestern Polytechnical University, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) have performed the most research in the field of DED. Full article
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23 pages, 2216 KiB  
Article
Development of Financial Indicator Set for Automotive Stock Performance Prediction Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
by Tamás Szabó, Sándor Gáspár and Szilárd Hegedűs
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080435 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the predictive performance of financial indicators in forecasting stock prices within the automotive sector using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In light of the growing complexity of global financial markets and the increasing demand for automated, data-driven forecasting models, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the predictive performance of financial indicators in forecasting stock prices within the automotive sector using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In light of the growing complexity of global financial markets and the increasing demand for automated, data-driven forecasting models, this research aims to identify those financial ratios that most accurately reflect price dynamics in this specific industry. The model incorporates four widely used financial indicators, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), earnings per share (EPS), and profit margin (PM), as inputs. The analysis is based on real financial and market data from automotive companies, and model performance was assessed using RMSE, nRMSE, and confidence intervals. The results indicate that the full model, including all four indicators, achieved the highest accuracy and prediction stability, while the exclusion of ROA or ROE significantly deteriorated model performance. These findings challenge the weak-form efficiency hypothesis and underscore the relevance of firm-level fundamentals in stock price formation. This study’s sector-specific approach highlights the importance of tailoring predictive models to industry characteristics, offering implications for both financial modeling and investment strategies. Future research directions include expanding the indicator set, increasing the sample size, and testing the model across additional industry domains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economics and Finance)
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9 pages, 1868 KiB  
Communication
Research on the Temperature Dependence of Deformation and Residual Stress via Image Relative Method
by Haiyan Li, Lei Zhang, Yudi Mao, Jinlun Zhang, Detian Wan and Yiwang Bao
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080913 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Temperature dependence of the deformation behavior and the residual stress in 304 stainless steel beams with single-sided Al2O3 coatings of varying thicknesses are analyzed using the image relative method. The results demonstrate that, due to the mismatch of thermal expansion [...] Read more.
Temperature dependence of the deformation behavior and the residual stress in 304 stainless steel beams with single-sided Al2O3 coatings of varying thicknesses are analyzed using the image relative method. The results demonstrate that, due to the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficient between the coating and substrate, residual stresses were produced, which caused the bending deformation of the single-side coated specimens. Moreover, coating thickness significantly influences the deformation behavior of specimens. Within the elastic deformation regime, the single-side coated specimens would exhibit alternating bending and flattening deformations in response to the fluctuations of temperature. The higher ratio of the coating thickness to the substrate thickness is, the smaller bending curvature of specimens becomes, and the lower residual compressive stresses in the coating are. For the specimens undergoing elastic deformation, residual stresses can be effectively calculated through the Stoney’s formula. However, as the thickness of coating is close to that of substrate (the corresponding specimens would be regarded as the laminated composites), plastic deformation occurs. And the residual stresses in those specimens vary along the direction of the thickness and the length. In addition, the residual stress decreased with increasing temperature because of the stress relaxation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
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11 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Nudging Safety in Elementary School Zones: A Pilot Study on a Road Sticker Intervention to Enhance Children’s Dismounting Behavior at Zebra Crossings
by Veerle Ross, Kris Brijs, Dries Vanassen and Davy Janssens
Safety 2025, 11(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11030076 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this pilot study, the crossing behavior of elementary school students commuting on bicycles was investigated with the objective of enhancing safety around pedestrian crossings within school zones. With a noticeable increase in crashes involving young cyclists near schools, this research assessed the [...] Read more.
In this pilot study, the crossing behavior of elementary school students commuting on bicycles was investigated with the objective of enhancing safety around pedestrian crossings within school zones. With a noticeable increase in crashes involving young cyclists near schools, this research assessed the effectiveness of visual nudges in the form of red strips displaying “CYCLISTS DISMOUNT” instructions. Initial observations indicated a lack of compliance with dismounting regulations. After the initial observations, a specific elementary school was selected for the implementation of the nudging intervention and additional pre- (N = 91) and post-intervention (N = 71) observations. The pre-intervention observations again revealed poor adherence to the regulations requiring cyclists to dismount at specific points. Following our targeted intervention, the post-intervention observations marked an improvement in compliance. Indeed, the visual nudge effectively communicated the necessity of dismounting at a critical location, leading to a higher rate of adherence among cyclists (52.74% pre-intervention, 97.18% post-intervention). Although it also indirectly affected the behavior of the accompanying adult, who more often held hands with their children while crossing, this effect was weaker than the direct effect on dismounting behavior (20.88% pre-intervention, 39.44% post-intervention). The findings of the current pilot study underscore the possible impact of nudging on behavior and advocate for a combined approach utilizing physical nudges to bolster safety within school zones. Follow-up research, including, for instance, multiple sites, long-term effects, or children traveling alone, is called for. Full article
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11 pages, 1539 KiB  
Article
Heat Exchange and Flow Resistance in a Heat Exchanger Based on a Minimal Surface of the Gyroid Type—Results of Experimental Studies
by Krzysztof Dutkowski, Marcin Kruzel and Marcin Walczak
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4134; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154134 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The gyroid minimal surface is one type of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS). TPMS is a minimal surface replicated in the three main directions of the Cartesian coordinate system. The minimal surface is a surface stretched between two objects, known as the smallest [...] Read more.
The gyroid minimal surface is one type of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS). TPMS is a minimal surface replicated in the three main directions of the Cartesian coordinate system. The minimal surface is a surface stretched between two objects, known as the smallest possible area (e.g., a soap bubble with a saddle shape stretched between two parallel circles). The complicated shape of the TPMS makes its production possible only by additive methods (3D printing). This article presents the results of experimental studies on heat transfer and flow resistance in a heat exchanger made of stainless steel. The heat exchange surface, a TPMS gyroid, separates two working media: hot and cold water. The water flow rate was varied in the range from 8 kg/h to 25 kg/h (Re = 246–1171). The water temperature at the inlet to the exchanger was maintained at a constant level of 8.8 ± 0.3 °C and 49.5 ± 0.5 °C for cold and hot water, respectively. The effect of water flow rate on the change in its temperature, the heat output of the exchanger, the average heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and overall resistance factor was presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section J1: Heat and Mass Transfer)
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20 pages, 3145 KiB  
Article
Determination of Dynamic Elastic Properties of 3D-Printed Nylon 12CF Using Impulse Excitation of Vibration
by Pedro F. Garcia, Armando Ramalho, Joel C. Vasco, Rui B. Ruben and Carlos Capela
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152135 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Material Extrusion (MEX) process is increasingly used to fabricate components for structural applications, driven by the availability of advanced materials and greater industrial adoption. In these contexts, understanding the mechanical performance of printed parts is crucial. However, conventional methods for assessing anisotropic elastic [...] Read more.
Material Extrusion (MEX) process is increasingly used to fabricate components for structural applications, driven by the availability of advanced materials and greater industrial adoption. In these contexts, understanding the mechanical performance of printed parts is crucial. However, conventional methods for assessing anisotropic elastic behavior often rely on expensive equipment and time-consuming procedures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the impulse excitation of vibration (IEV) in characterizing the dynamic mechanical properties of a 3D-printed composite material. Tensile tests were also performed to compare quasi-static properties with the dynamic ones obtained through IEV. The tested material, Nylon 12CF, contains 35% short carbon fibers by weight and is commercially available from Stratasys. It is used in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, a Material Extrusion technology, and exhibits anisotropic mechanical properties. This is further reinforced by the filament deposition process, which affects the mechanical response of printed parts. Young’s modulus obtained in the direction perpendicular to the deposition plane (E33), obtained via IEV, was 14.77% higher than the value in the technical datasheet. Comparing methods, the Young’s modulus obtained in the deposition plane, in an inclined direction of 45 degrees in relation to the deposition direction (E45), showed a 22.95% difference between IEV and tensile tests, while Poisson’s ratio in the deposition plane (v12) differed by 6.78%. This data is critical for designing parts subject to demanding service conditions, and the results obtained (orthotropic elastic properties) can be used in finite element simulation software. Ultimately, this work reinforces the potential of the IEV method as an accessible and consistent alternative for characterizing the anisotropic properties of components produced through additive manufacturing (AM). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Characterization of Polymer Composites)
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20 pages, 907 KiB  
Review
Challenges and Future Prospects of Pakistan’s Animal Industry: Economic Potential, Emerging Trends, and Strategic Directions
by Ejaz Ali Khan, Muhammad Rizwan, Yuqi Wang, Furqan Munir and Jinlian Hua
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080733 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal [...] Read more.
Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal industry in Pakistan. Livestock, poultry, and fisheries provide an economically beneficial source of milk, meat, and eggs; however, they face challenges such as disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, natural disasters, and a lack of proper policies. Likewise, humans benefit from companion animals that provide emotional attachment. Moreover, the pet food market has also shown potential growth, contributing to the country’s economy. Due to the close association between animals and humans, both are at risk for infectious disease transmission. Challenges such as the lack of strong animal welfare laws and the increasing number of stray dogs and cats threaten human safety and that of other animals. We highlight current problems and additional approaches to the management of livestock, poultry, fisheries, and pets, which need to be addressed to further advance the animal industry in Pakistan. Full article
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14 pages, 6826 KiB  
Article
Crack-Mitigating Strategy in Directed Energy Deposition of Refractory Complex Concentrated CrNbTiZr Alloy
by Jan Kout, Tomáš Krajňák, Pavel Salvetr, Pavel Podaný, Michal Brázda, Dalibor Preisler, Miloš Janeček, Petr Harcuba, Josef Stráský and Jan Džugan
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153653 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The conventional manufacturing of refractory complex concentrated alloys (RCCAs) for high-temperature applications is complicated, particularly when material costs and high melting points of the materials processed are considered. Additive manufacturing (AM) could provide an effective alternative. However, the extreme temperatures involved represent significant [...] Read more.
The conventional manufacturing of refractory complex concentrated alloys (RCCAs) for high-temperature applications is complicated, particularly when material costs and high melting points of the materials processed are considered. Additive manufacturing (AM) could provide an effective alternative. However, the extreme temperatures involved represent significant challenges for manufacturing defect-free alloys using this approach. To address this issue, we investigated the preparation of a CrNbTiZr quaternary complex concentrated alloy from an equimolar blend of elemental powders using commercially available powder-blown L-DED technology. Initially, the alloys exhibited some defects owing to the internal stress caused by the temperature gradients. This was subsequently resolved by optimizing the deposition strategy. SEM, XRD and EDS were used to analyze the alloy in the as-deposited condition, revealing a BCC phase and a secondary Laves phase. Furthermore, Vickers hardness testing demonstrated a correlation between the hardness and the volume fraction of the Laves phase. Finally, successfully performed compression tests confirmed that the prepared material exhibits high-temperature strength and therefore is promising for high-temperature application under extreme conditions. Full article
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10 pages, 615 KiB  
Article
Translating SGRT from Breast to Lung Cancer: A Study on Frameless Immobilization and Real-Time Monitoring Efficacy, Focusing on Setup Accuracy
by Jang Bo Shim, Hakyoung Kim, Sun Myung Kim and Dae Sik Yang
Life 2025, 15(8), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081234 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Objectives: Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) has been widely adopted in breast cancer radiotherapy, particularly for improving setup accuracy and motion management. Recently, its application in lung cancer has attracted growing interest due to similar needs for precision. This study investigates the feasibility and [...] Read more.
Objectives: Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) has been widely adopted in breast cancer radiotherapy, particularly for improving setup accuracy and motion management. Recently, its application in lung cancer has attracted growing interest due to similar needs for precision. This study investigates the feasibility and clinical utility of SGRT in lung cancer treatment, focusing on its effectiveness in patient setup and real-time motion monitoring under frameless immobilization conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 204 treatment records from 17 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent radiotherapy at Korea University Guro Hospital between October 2024 and April 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were initially positioned using the Identify system (Varian) in the CT suite, with surface data transferred to the treatment room system. Alignment was performed to within ±1 cm and ±2° across six degrees of freedom. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) was acquired prior to treatment for verification, and treatment commenced when the Distance to Correspondence Surface (DCS) was ≤0.90. Setup deviations from the Identify system were recorded and compared with CBCT in three translational axes to evaluate positioning accuracy and PTV displacement. Results and Conclusions: The Identify system was shown to provide high setup accuracy and reliable real-time motion monitoring in lung cancer radiotherapy. Its ability to detect patient movement and automatically interrupt beam delivery contributes to enhanced treatment safety and precision. In addition, even though the maximum longitudinal (Lng) shift reached up to −1.83 cm with surface-guided setup, and up to 1.78 cm (Lat) 5.26 cm (Lng), 9.16 cm (Vrt) with CBCT-based verification, the use of Identify’s auto-interruption mode (±1 cm in translational axes, ±2° in rotational axes) allowed treatment delivery with PTV motion constrained within ±0.02 cm. These results suggest that, due to significant motion in the longitudinal direction, appropriate PTV margins should be considered during treatment planning. The Identify system enhances setup accuracy in lung cancer patients using a surface-guided approach and enables real-time tracking of intra-fractional errors. SGRT, when implemented with systems such as Identify, shows promise as a feasible alternative or complement to conventional IGRT in selected lung cancer cases. Further studies with larger patient cohorts and diverse clinical settings are warranted to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment)
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45 pages, 1506 KiB  
Review
Direct Air Capture Using Pyrolysis and Gasification Chars: Key Findings and Future Research Needs
by Wojciech Jerzak, Bin Li, Dennys Correia da Silva and Glauber Cruz
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4120; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154120 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 58
Abstract
Direct Air Capture (DAC) is gaining worldwide attention as a negative emissions strategy critical to meeting climate targets. Among emerging DAC materials, pyrolysis chars (PCs) and gasification chars (GCs) derived from biomass present a promising pathway due to their tunable porosity, surface chemistry, [...] Read more.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) is gaining worldwide attention as a negative emissions strategy critical to meeting climate targets. Among emerging DAC materials, pyrolysis chars (PCs) and gasification chars (GCs) derived from biomass present a promising pathway due to their tunable porosity, surface chemistry, and low-cost feedstocks. This review critically examines the current state of research on the physicochemical properties of PCs and GCs relevant to CO2 adsorption, including surface area, pore structure, surface functionality and aromaticity. Comparative analyses show that chemical activation, especially with KOH, can significantly improve CO2 adsorption capacity, with some PCs achieving more than 308 mg/g (100 kPa CO2, 25 °C). Additionally, nitrogen and sulfur doping further improves the affinity for CO2 through increased surface basicity. GCs, although inherently more porous, often require additional modification to achieve a similar adsorption capacity. Importantly, the long-term stability and regeneration potential of these chars remain underexplored, but are essential for practical DAC applications and economic viability. The paper identifies critical research gaps related to material design and techno-economic feasibility. Future directions emphasize the need for integrated multiscale research that bridges material science, process optimization, and real-world DAC deployment. A synthesis of findings and a research outlook are provided to support the advancement of carbon-negative technologies using thermochemically derived biomass chars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B3: Carbon Emission and Utilization)
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33 pages, 3776 KiB  
Review
The Role of Additive Manufacturing in Dental Implant Production—A Narrative Literature Review
by Ján Duplák, Darina Dupláková, Maryna Yeromina, Samuel Mikuláško and Jozef Török
Sci 2025, 7(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7030109 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 139
Abstract
This narrative review explores the role of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in the production of dental implants, focusing on materials and key AM methods. The study discusses several materials used in implant fabrication, including porous titanium, trabecular tantalum, zirconium dioxide, polymers, and composite [...] Read more.
This narrative review explores the role of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in the production of dental implants, focusing on materials and key AM methods. The study discusses several materials used in implant fabrication, including porous titanium, trabecular tantalum, zirconium dioxide, polymers, and composite materials. These materials are evaluated for their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and suitability for AM processes. Additionally, the review examines the main AM technologies used in dental implant production, such as selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). These technologies are compared based on their accuracy, material limitations, customization potential, and applicability in dental practice. The final section presents a data source analysis of the Web of Science and Scopus databases, based on keyword searches. The analysis evaluates the research trends using three criteria: publication category, document type, and year of publication. This provides an insight into the evolution and current trends in the field of additive manufacturing for dental implants. The findings highlight the growing importance of AM technologies in producing customized and efficient dental implants. Full article
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23 pages, 3940 KiB  
Article
Recovery Strategies for Combined Optical Storage Systems Based on System Short-Circuit Ratio (SCR) Thresholds
by Qingji Yang, Baohong Li, Qin Jiang and Qiao Peng
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154112 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
The penetration rate of variable energy sources in the current power grid is increasing, with the aim being to expand the use of these energy sources and to replace the traditional black start power supply. This study investigates the black start of a [...] Read more.
The penetration rate of variable energy sources in the current power grid is increasing, with the aim being to expand the use of these energy sources and to replace the traditional black start power supply. This study investigates the black start of a photovoltaic storage joint system based on the system’s short-circuit ratio threshold. Firstly, the principles and control modes of the photovoltaic (PV) system, energy storage system (ESS), and high-voltage direct current (DC) transmission system are studied separately to build an overall model; secondly, computational determinations of the short-circuit ratio under different scenarios are introduced to analyze the strength of the system, and the virtual inertia and virtual damping of the PV system are configured based on this; finally, the change trend of the storage system’s state of charge (SOC) is computed and observed, and the limits of what the system can support in each stage are determined. An electromagnetic transient simulation model of a black start system is constructed in PSCAD/EMTDC, and according to the proposed recovery strategy, the system frequency is maintained in the range of 49.4~50.6 Hz during the entire black start process; the fluctuation in maximum frequency after the recovery of the DC transmission system is no more than 0.1%; and the fluctuation in photovoltaic power at each stage is less than 3%. In addition, all the key indexes meet the requirements for black start technology, which verifies the validity of the strategy and provides theoretical support and a practical reference for the black start of a grid with variable energy sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Control of Power System Stability)
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14 pages, 3201 KiB  
Article
Coupled Eu Anomalies and Fe Isotopes Reveal a Hydrothermal Iron Source for Superior-Type Iron Formations: A Case Study from the Wilgena Hill Iron Formation, South Australia
by Shuo Chen, Jian Sun, Xiangkun Zhu and Yuelong Chen
Minerals 2025, 15(8), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080824 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 92
Abstract
Superior-type iron formations (IFs) represent a globally significant source of iron ore; yet, their origin remains a subject of ongoing debate. Early models proposed a continental weathering source for the iron, whereas later interpretations—mainly supported by positive europium (Eu) anomalies—favored a hydrothermal source. [...] Read more.
Superior-type iron formations (IFs) represent a globally significant source of iron ore; yet, their origin remains a subject of ongoing debate. Early models proposed a continental weathering source for the iron, whereas later interpretations—mainly supported by positive europium (Eu) anomalies—favored a hydrothermal source. However, the hydrothermal model largely relies on REE systematics, and whether iron and REEs in Superior-type IFs share the same source remains uncertain. As iron isotopes directly trace the sources and fractionation history of iron, a spatial co-variation between Fe isotopes and Eu anomalies would shed new light on the iron source issue of IFs. In this study, we present new Fe isotope and REE data from the drill core WILDD004 at Wilgena Hill and integrate them with reported data for two additional drill cores: HKDD4 (Hawks Nest) and GWDD1 (Giffen Well). All three cores are stratigraphically equivalent to the Wilgena Hill Jaspilite Formation but span a lateral distance of ~100 km across the Gawler Craton, South Australia. While the Hawks Nest and Giffen Well samples exhibit both positive Eu anomalies and elevated δ56Fe values, the Wilgena Hill samples show positive yet smaller Eu/Eu* (1.17–2.41) and negative δ56Fe values (−0.60‰ to −1.63‰). The consistent presence of Eu anomalies and the systematic spatial correlation between δ56Fe and Eu/Eu* across all three locations provide direct, Fe-based geochemical evidence for a hydrothermal source of iron in this Superior-type IF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemical, Isotopic, and Biotic Records of Banded Iron Formations)
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41 pages, 4692 KiB  
Review
Progress and Challenges in the Process of Using Solid Waste as a Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis
by Zhaolin Dong, Kaili Dong, Haotian Li, Liangyi Zhang and Yitong Wang
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3243; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153243 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 143
Abstract
Biodiesel, as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, faces significant challenges in large-scale industrial production due to its high production costs. In addition to raw material costs, catalyst costs are also a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. This review summarizes various [...] Read more.
Biodiesel, as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, faces significant challenges in large-scale industrial production due to its high production costs. In addition to raw material costs, catalyst costs are also a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. This review summarizes various methods for preparing biodiesel catalysts from solid waste. These methods not only enhance the utilization rate of waste but also reduce the production costs and environmental impact of biodiesel. Finally, the limitations of waste-based catalysts and future research directions are discussed. Research indicates that solid waste can serve as a catalyst carrier or active material for biodiesel production. Methods such as high-temperature calcination, impregnation, and coprecipitation facilitate structural modifications to the catalyst and the formation of active sites. The doping of metal ions not only alters the catalyst’s acid-base properties but also forms stable metal bonds with functional groups on the carrier, thereby maintaining catalyst stability. The application of microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted methods reduces reaction parameters, making biodiesel production more economical and sustainable. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for the reuse of solid waste and ecological protection, emphasizes the development potential of waste-based catalysts in biodiesel production, and offers unique insights for innovation in this field, thereby accelerating the commercialization of biodiesel. Full article
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12 pages, 8945 KiB  
Article
Effect of Si Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of SiC Ceramic Fabricated by Direct LPBF with CVI Technology
by Yipu Wang, Pei Wang, Liqun Li, Jian Zhang, Yulei Zhang, Jin Peng, Xingxing Wang, Nan Kang, Mohamed El Mansori and Konda Gokuldoss Prashanth
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8585; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158585 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 140
Abstract
In this paper, SiC and Si/SiC ceramics were fabricated using direct laser powder bed fusion with chemical vapor infiltration. Their microstructure, mechanical properties and the impacts of silicon addition were analyzed. The incorporation of silicon led to an increase in the relative density [...] Read more.
In this paper, SiC and Si/SiC ceramics were fabricated using direct laser powder bed fusion with chemical vapor infiltration. Their microstructure, mechanical properties and the impacts of silicon addition were analyzed. The incorporation of silicon led to an increase in the relative density of the silicon carbide ceramics from 76.4% to 78.3% and the compression strength increased from 39 ± 13 MPa to 90 ± 8 MPa after laser powder bed fusion with chemical vapor infiltration. The melting and re-solidification of silicon allows the silicon to encapsulate the silicon carbide grains, changing the microstructure and the failure mechanism of the silicon carbide ceramics, resulting in a small amount of silicon residue. In the LPBF-CVI SiC ceramic specimen, the LPBF-formed SiC exhibits a microhardness of 24.2 ± 1.0 GPa. In LPBF-CVI Si/SiC, the spherical dual-phase structure displays a moderately increased hardness (25.9 ± 4.4 GPa), and the CVI-formed SiC exhibits a hardness of 55.3 ± 9.3 GPa. Full article
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