Search Results (9,449)

Alginate is a widely used and versatile biopolymer with an ever-expanding range of applications in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. This highlights the importance of developing sustainable and renewable production sources. Conventional extraction methods, although effective, are often energy-intensive and rely on harsh chemicals. In this context, brown algae are a promising alternative due to their abundance and renewability. This study investigated the potential of Saccorhiza polyschides and Sargassum muticum as sources of sodium alginate (SA), thus optimising an extraction process that combines acid treatment with an alkaline step. The extracted biopolymers were characterised using FTIR, H-NMR, STA, SEM/EDX, viscosity measurements, dynamic light scattering, and spectrophotometric assays of residual polyphenols and proteins. The optimised extraction conditions produced yields above 20% of high-purity alginate. When compared with commercial SA, the extracted materials showed comparable quality while relying on a simplified, solvent-reduced protocol that improves process efficiency and reduces the environmental impact. These results demonstrate that S. polyschides and S. muticum are promising, locally available sources of high-quality sodium alginate, and that industrially relevant yields (>20%) can be achieved through an environmentally conscious two-step extraction process. Full article

Fresh baby leaves are commercially marketed in various mixing ratios and packaging amounts, creating very distinct microenvironmental conditions that significantly affect the postharvest quality of the fresh product. This study investigated the synergistic effect of mixing ratio (50LB, 50% lettuce + 50% spinach; 75LB, 75% lettuce + 25% spinach; 100LB, 100% lettuce) and packaging amount (125F, 125 g; 250F, 250 g) on the antioxidant qualities of baby lettuce and spinach mixes during 9 days of storage at 4 °C. The results showed that 50LB × 250F inhibited the degradation of chlorophyll and carotenoids and preserved 28% higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 43% higher total phenolic compounds (TPC), and 20% higher vitamin C (Vit.C) than the mean values of all samples, resulting in 0.8% lower O₂ and 14.7% higher CO₂ levels at the end of storage. TPC, Vit.C, and carotenoids were the main contributors to TAC, with strong correlations (p < 0.001). The total bacterial (TB) and yeast + mold (Y + M) counts were only affected by the mixing ratios, with TB increasing by only 1 Log₁₀ cfu g⁻¹ FW, and Y + M remaining within the same order of magnitude over time. After 9 days of storage, the leaves were still fresh and marketable. This study not only provides a practical strategy for the fresh-cut industry to enhance product quality but also underscores the significance of multifactorial synergism in salad mix packaging. Full article

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂RR) to methanol represents a promising approach for sustainable methanol production. Despite this potential, current technological limitations constrain both economic viability and environmental benefits. This research introduces a solar-driven multigeneration system that integrates CO₂RR to enable the coproduction of electricity and green methanol. A comprehensive energy integration analysis was conducted, alongside a combined techno-economic, energy-efficiency, and environmental (3E) assessment. Multiobjective optimization was conducted using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II). For solution selection, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was integrated with the order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodology. Results indicate that the integrated system achieves a 4.2% reduction in total utility consumption. The optimal levelized cost of methanol (LCOM), net specific carbon emissions (Net_SCE), and energy efficiency (η_EN) are USD 0.526/kg, −1.16 kg CO₂SCE/kg CH₃OH, and 6.52%, respectively. LCOM decreases by 30.6% compared to the initial system, Net_SCE increases by 3.44%, and η_EN improves by 5.84%. Under optimal operating conditions, CH₃OH production capacity and grid power consumption reach 45.27 tons/day and 475.83 MWh/day, respectively. The system does not currently meet the commercial threshold and becomes economically viable only if the electricity price exceeds USD 0.223/kWh. This study provides a valuable reference for future research in system-level integration of CO₂RR and multiobjective solution selection. Full article

The sustainable use of resources in construction requires alternatives that reduce the extraction of natural raw materials and promote circular-economy practices. Eggshell waste, rich in calcium carbonate, can serve as a renewable precursor for lime production, while fly ash offers pozzolanic activity for soil improvement. This study compares the performance of eggshell-derived lime and commercial lime in stabilizing a clayey soil, incorporating different lime contents (3%, 5%, and 7%) and fly ash percentages (0, 12.5, and 25%). Initial Consumption of Lime (ICL) tests guided mixture design, followed by Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests performed at various densities after 28 days of curing. Mineralogical and chemical analyses were conducted through laser granulometry and X-ray diffraction. Results indicate that all mixtures enhanced soil strength, with eggshell lime showing superior mechanical performance under identical experimental conditions, supported by qualitative microstructural observations. The findings demonstrate the potential of eggshell-derived lime as a sustainable substitute for conventional lime, reducing environmental impacts while supporting resource-efficient soil stabilization strategies. Full article

Promoting the clean energy transition in rural areas is essential for achieving China’s “dual carbon” goals and advancing rural revitalization, with important implications for ecological sustainability and household welfare. However, empirical evidence on rural household energy transitions remains limited, largely due to the scarcity of high-quality micro-level data. Using household survey data from Jiangxi Province, this study applies binary and ordered Probit models to examine the mechanisms underlying rural households’ clean energy adoption and usage intensity. The results indicate that modernity-related mechanisms, including education level and non-agricultural employment experience, as well as capability-based mechanisms such as participation in commercial and industrial activities, significantly increase both the probability of adopting clean energy and the intensity of its use. By contrast, identity-based mechanisms, including party membership and village cadre status, do not exhibit statistically significant effects on adoption decisions, suggesting a limited role. In addition, proximity-related factors reflecting transportation accessibility and infrastructure conditions exert the strongest influence on usage intensity. Marginal effects analysis supports these findings, while heterogeneity analysis reveals clear age-based differences: younger households respond more strongly to modernity and accessibility, whereas older households rely primarily on economic capacity and logistical convenience. This study underscores the importance of infrastructure conditions and household endowments in shaping rural clean energy transitions and offers policy-relevant insights for promoting inclusive and low-carbon household energy use in China and other developing economies. Full article

The optical properties of greenhouse cover materials play a critical role in controlling the internal light environment, directly affecting photosynthetic performance and crop productivity. This study evaluates the impact of a high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance and high-light-diffusivity polyethylene film on the microclimate, photosynthetic activity, yield, and disease incidence of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) crops grown in a Mediterranean passive solar greenhouse. Trials were conducted over two consecutive autumn–winter seasons using a multi-span greenhouse divided into two sectors: one covered with an experimental high-transmittance film and the other with a standard commercial plastic. The experimental cover increased PAR transmission by 8.7% and 11.6% at canopy level in the first and second seasons, respectively, leading to improvements in leaf-level net photosynthesis of 9.3% and 17.9%. These effects contributed to yield increases of 5.0% and 17.3% in the respective seasons. The internal air temperature rose by up to 1.3 °C without exceeding critical thresholds, and no significant differences were observed in plant morphology or fruit quality between treatments. Additionally, the experimental film reduced the incidence of major fungal diseases, particularly under higher disease pressure conditions. The use of high-PAR-transmittance films enhances radiation use efficiency and crop performance in resource-limited environments without increasing energy inputs. This approach offers a sustainable, low-cost strategy to improve yield and disease resilience in protected cropping systems under passive climate control. Full article

Climate change necessitates direct measures in horticultural crop production, including the adoption of sustainable agronomic practices, such as the use of biostimulants and the inclusion of alternative species in agroecosystems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two biostimulant formulations, one based on beneficial bacteria and fungi and the other based on seaweed extracts, on the growth, nutritional value, and bioactive properties of three wild edible species, namely, Sonchus oleraceus, Cichorium spinosum, and Scolymus hispanicus, grown in a greenhouse under optimal conditions. Our results indicate that biostimulant application had a variable effect on crop performance depending on the biostimulant formulation and species, with Bactiva showing a clear beneficial effect on the fresh weight, number of leaves, and leaf area of S. oleraceus (increased by 63.2%, 32.4%, and 51.1%, respectively, compared to the control), while seaweed extracts mostly improved the crop performance of S. hispanicus and the number of leaves and the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index of C. spinosum (increased by 1.1% and 24.8%, respectively, compared to the control). Moreover, Bactiva significantly increased the leaf protein content of all the studied species (increased by 2.1%, 5.2%, and 6.9% for S. oleraceus, C. spinosum, and S. hispanicus, respectively, compared to the control), whereas a varied response was observed for the rest of the macronutrients, depending on the species and biostimulant. Similarly, the macromineral content (N, P, and K) increased for the application of Bactiva and/or seaweed extracts in S. oleraceus (increased by 2.1%, 22.4%, and 14.0% for N, P and K, respectively, compared to the control) and C. spinosum (increased by 5.2%, 19.3%, and 14.7% for N, P, and K, respectively, compared to the control) leaves, while for S. hispanicus leaves, only N and K increased for Bactiva (increase by 7.0% and 17.9% for N and K, respectively, compared to the control). Finally, the use of the studied biostimulants had a varied effect on the polyphenol content of the three species, and the antioxidant activity also varied among the three assays implemented. In conclusion, the use of biostimulants on these underexplored species showed promising results in terms of crop performance and chemical composition/. However, considering that the plants were subjected to optimal conditions, further research is needed to reveal the stress-mitigating effects of these biostimulant formulations for their integration as a sustainable agronomic tool for the commercial exploitation of wild edible greens. Full article

An Integrated Energy System (IES) integrates electricity, heat, and natural gas, optimizing energy use and management efficiency. These systems connect to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for demand response dispatch in the electricity market. However, the impact of VPP load on the IES is often overlooked, which can limit the IES’s effective market participation and stability. To address this issue, this study introduces a two-layer collaborative model to coordinate VPP scheduling for multiple IES units, aiming to improve collaboration efficiency. The upper level involves the VPP setting electricity prices based on load conditions, guiding IES units to adjust their market strategies. At the lower level, the model encourages integration and optimization of different energy types within the IES through enhanced energy interactions. Additionally, the application of the Shapley value method ensures fair benefit distribution among all IES members. This approach supports equitable economic outcomes for all participants in the energy market. The model employs a multi-strategy improved Dung Beetle Optimizer (FSGDBO) combined with commercial solver techniques for efficient problem-solving. Experimental results demonstrate that the model significantly enhances the VPP’s peak-shaving and valley-filling capabilities while preserving the economic interests of the IES alliances, thereby boosting overall energy management effectiveness. Full article

This paper proposes a collaborative optimization strategy of regenerative braking in heavy-duty electric logistics vehicles under complex driving conditions to improve energy recovery efficiency. Based on the actual operational data of 18-ton electric trucks in the southwestern region of China, three driving scenarios for heavy commercial vehicles are determined via the K-Means clustering algorithm. Key features are extracted using Recursive Feature Elimination and employed to train a Learning Vector Quantization neural network for precise real-time condition recognition. The identified driving condition parameters, including vehicle speed, remaining battery power, and braking force, collectively regulate the intensity of regenerative braking. Simulation results under double-WTVC (World Transient Vehicle Cycle) conditions indicate that the proposed strategy can effectively adapt regenerative braking behavior to diverse road conditions. In comparison with conventional control methods, this approach enhances battery energy recovery efficiency by 5.8% while preventing control discontinuities. Full article

This paper presents the results of research on an innovative, integrated IACMS (Intelligent Integrated Automation, Control, and Monitoring System), developed for energy-efficient operation of auxiliary machinery in ship engine rooms. The system, validated both in the laboratory and during full-scale operation on the MF Skania Ro-Pax ferry, integrates process monitoring, diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and intelligent energy optimization within a unified control architecture. This approach enables a significant reduction in electricity consumption while maintaining thermal safety and operational reliability. Laboratory tests focused on a pump cooling system with PLC and frequency converter control, achieving a 90.5% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional constant-speed operation. During full-scale validation, the IACMS managed the seawater pump via adaptive frequency control (30–60 Hz). Two consecutive voyages demonstrated energy savings of 84.6% and 86.0%, with a daily energy reduction of 0.84 MWh, resulting in a decrease of approximately 0.5 tons of CO₂ emissions per day. Additionally, an observed reduction of about 6–7% in daily generator-set energy was recorded during the analyzed period; this vessel-level value is indicative, as the generator supplies multiple onboard consumers. All trials confirmed stable cooling system temperatures, and comprehensive diagnostics revealed no negative impact of inverter control on the technical condition of equipment. The findings indicate that IACMS is a universal and scalable tool for improving energy efficiency and enabling predictive maintenance in ship engine room auxiliary systems. The system was positively validated in commercial operation and certified by the Polish Register of Shipping, confirming its technological maturity and readiness for widespread adoption in the maritime industry. The results pave the way for further deployments of intelligent energy management solutions in shipping, supporting maritime decarbonization goals. Full article

This study evaluates the performance and scalability of fluoride-salt-lubricated hydrodynamic journal bearings used in primary pumps for Fluoride-salt-cooled High-temperature Reactors (FHRs). Because full-scale pump prototypes have not been tested, a scaling analysis is used to relate laboratory results to commercial conditions. Bearings with different length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios were assessed over a range of shaft speeds to quantify geometric and hydrodynamic effects. High-temperature bushing test data in FLiBe at 650 °C were used as inputs to three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations in STAR-CCM+. Applied load, friction force, and power loss were computed across operating speeds. Applied load increases linearly with shaft speed due to hydrodynamic pressure buildup, while power loss increases approximately quadratically, indicating greater energy dissipation at higher speeds. The resulting correlations clarify scaling effects beyond small-scale testing and provide a basis for bearing design optimization, prototype development, and the deployment of FHR technology. This work benchmarks speed-scaling relations for fluoride-salt-lubricated hydrodynamic journal bearings within the investigated regime. Full article

Non-contact monitoring of human vital signs using microwave radar has attracted increasing attention due to its capability to operate unobtrusively and through clothing or light obstacles. In vector network analyzer (VNA)-based radar systems, vital signs can be extracted from phase variations in the forward transmission coefficient $S_{21}$, whose sensitivity strongly depends on the electromagnetic performance of the antenna system. This work presents the design, optimization, fabrication, and experimental validation of a high-gain 12 GHz 4 × 4 microstrip patch antenna array specifically developed for phase-based vital signs monitoring. The antenna array was progressively optimized through coaxial feeding, slot-based impedance control, stepped transmission line matching, and mitered bends, achieving a simulated gain of 17.8 dBi, a measured gain of 17.06 dBi, a reflection coefficient of −26 dB at 12 GHz, and a total efficiency close to 74%. The antenna performance was experimentally validated in an anechoic chamber and subsequently integrated into a continuous-wave VNA-based radar system. Comparative measurements were conducted against a commercial biconical antenna, a single patch radiator, and an MIMO antenna under identical conditions. Results demonstrate that while respiration can be detected with moderate-gain antennas, reliable heartbeat detection requires high-gain, narrow-beam antennas to enhance phase sensitivity and suppress environmental clutter. The proposed array significantly improves pulse detectability in the (1–1.5) Hz band without relying on advanced signal processing. These findings highlight the critical role of antenna design in $S_{21}$-based biomedical radar systems and provide practical design guidelines for high-sensitivity non-contact vital signs monitoring. Full article

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a small-grain cereal traditionally cultivated under low-input conditions, where locally adapted populations have contributed substantially to the maintenance of genetic diversity. Despite this importance, Greek rye germplasm has received limited attention at the molecular level. In the present study, 33 rye accessions, including gene bank landraces, locally cultivated populations and one commercial variety, were analyzed using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), start codon-targeted (SCoT), and exon-based amplified polymorphism (EBAP) markers. All three marker systems generated high proportions of polymorphic loci and comparable estimates of expected heterozygosity, indicating considerable genetic variability within the studied material. Multivariate analyses revealed moderate population structuring and consistently identified a small number of genetically divergent accessions, most notably T-492, K-163, and K-166. No clear clustering according to geographical origin was detected, as in most cases of landraces or local populations. Taken together, the results provide a detailed molecular overview of Greek rye germplasm—which has never been performed before for Greek rye genetic material—and offer a useful basis for conservation priorities and future pre-breeding efforts. Full article

Wildfire activity is intensifying under climate change, particularly in temperate East Asia where human-driven ignitions interact with extreme fire-weather conditions. This study examines wildfire risk during the March 2025 large wildfire event in Korea by applying explainable machine-learning models to assess ignition-prone environments and their spatial relationship with socio-environmental features relevant to exposure and management. CatBoost and LightGBM models were used to estimate wildfire susceptibility based on climatic, topographic, vegetation, and anthropogenic predictors, with SHAP analysis employed to interpret variable contributions. Both models showed strong predictive performance (CatBoost AUC = 0.910; LightGBM AUC = 0.907). Temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed emerged as the dominant climatic drivers, with ignition probability increasing under hot (>25 °C), dry (<25%), and windy (>6 m s⁻¹) conditions. Anthropogenic factors—including proximity to graves, mountain trails, forest roads, and contiguous coniferous stands (≥30 ha)—were consistently associated with elevated ignition likelihood, reflecting the role of human accessibility within pine-dominated landscapes. The socio-environmental overlay analysis further indicated that high-susceptibility zones were spatially aligned with arboreta, private commercial forests, and campsites, highlighting areas where ignition-prone environments coincide with active human use and forest management. These results suggest that wildfire risk in Korea is shaped by the spatial concurrence of climatic extremes, fuel continuity, and socio-environmental exposure. By situating explainable susceptibility modeling within an event-conditioned risk perspective, this study provides practical insights for identifying Wildfire Priority Management Areas (WPMAs) and supporting risk-informed prevention, preparedness, and spatial decision-making under ongoing climate change. Full article

Multi-laser powder bed fusion is an emerging additive manufacturing technology that enables the production of high-performance components with intricate geometries and large aspect ratios. These tall, slender structures are highly susceptible to steep thermal gradients and residual stress, leading to deformation that compromises dimensional accuracy and structural integrity. This study investigates how geometric compensation, support structure design, and part scaling influence thermal deformation in Inconel 718 components fabricated via multi-laser powder bed fusion. Using pre-compensation, iterative support refinements, and scaled experimental builds, the deformation response across multiple geometries and print strategies is evaluated. Both compensated and original designs are printed on a commercial system equipped with three simultaneously operating lasers. Results show that printing high-angle surfaces without support structures is infeasible, as thermally induced warping and delamination lead to catastrophic failures. Conical support structures spanning critical regions reduce deformation by more than 50% compared to unsupported builds. Reduced-scale parts, however, do not reliably replicate full-scale deformation behavior due to altered boundary conditions and thermal pathways. These findings highlight the need for integrated design-for-AM workflows where compensation, support design, and scale effects are addressed jointly. The study demonstrates that deformation mechanisms do not scale linearly, emphasizing the limitations of small-scale proxies and the necessity of full-scale validation when developing reliable, deformation-aware design strategies for multi-laser powder bed fusion. Full article