Search Results (665)

Due to their advantages, such as abundant raw material reserves, excellent thermal stability, and superior low-temperature performance, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) exhibit significant potential for future applications in energy storage and electric vehicles. Therefore, in this study, a commercial pouch-type SIB with sodium iron sulfate cathode material was investigated. Firstly, a second-order RC equivalent circuit model was established through parameter identification using multi-rate hybrid pulse power characterization (M-HPPC) tests at various temperatures. Then, both the specific heat capacity and entropy coefficient of the sodium-ion battery were measured through experiments. Building upon this, an electro-thermal coupling model was developed by incorporating a lumped-parameter thermal model that accounts for the heat generation of the tabs. Finally, the prediction performance of this model was validated through discharge tests under different temperature conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed electro-thermal coupling model can achieve the simultaneous prediction of both temperature and voltage, providing valuable references for the future development of thermal management systems for SIBs. Full article

In this study, a selection of active materials were coated onto commercially available intermediate modulus carbon fibers to form and analyze the performance of novel composite cathodes for structural power composites. Various slurries containing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), active material powders, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and carbon black (CB) were used to coat carbon fiber tows by immersion. Four active materials—lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA)—were individually tested to assess their electrochemical reversibility. The cells were prepared with a polymer separator and liquid electrolytes and assembled in 2025-coin cells. Electrochemical analysis of the cathode materials showed that at C/5 and room temperature the measured capacities ranged from 39.8 Ah kg⁻¹ to 64.7 Ah kg⁻¹ for the LFP and NCA active materials, respectively. The full cells exhibited capacities of 18.1, 23.5, 27.2, and 28.2 Ah kg⁻¹ after 55 cycles for LFP, LCO, NCA, and NMC811, respectively. Finally, visual and elemental analysis were performed via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) confirming desirable surface coverage and successful transfer of the active materials onto the carbon fiber tows. Full article

This work focuses on the fabrication, characterization, and performance of a structured iron catalyst to produce hydrocarbons by the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The structured catalyst enhances the heat and mass transfer and provides a larger surface area and lower pressure drop. Iron-based structured catalysts indicate more activity in lower H₂/CO ratios and improve carbon conversion as compared to other metals. These catalysts were manufactured using the sponge replication method (powder metallurgy). The performance of the structured iron catalyst was assessed in a fixed-bed reactor under industrially relevant conditions (250 °C and 20 bar). The feed gas was a synthetic syngas with a H₂/CO ratio of 1.2, simulating a bio-syngas derived from lignocellulosic biomass gasification. Notably, the best result was reached under these conditions, obtaining a CO conversion of 84.8% and a CH₄ selectivity of 10.4%, where the catalyst exhibited a superior catalytic activity and selectivity toward desired hydrocarbon products, including light olefins and long-chain paraffins. The resulting structured catalyst reached a one-pass CO conversion of 84.8% with a 10.4% selectivity to CH₄ compared to a traditionally produced catalyst, for which the conversion was 18% and the selectivity was 19%, respectively. The results indicate that the developed structured iron catalyst holds considerable potential for efficient and sustainable hydrocarbon production, mainly C10–C20 (diesel-range hydrocarbons), via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The catalyst’s excellent performance and improved stability and selectivity offer promising prospects for its application in commercial-scale hydrocarbon synthesis processes. Full article

The potential of king grass biomass as a precursor for carbon-based materials was evaluated through comprehensive physicochemical characterization. The biomass showed high fixed carbon content, reactive oxygenated groups, and favorable atomic ratios, supporting its suitability for conversion into porous carbon structures. This study focused on the synthesis of graphene-like materials via high-temperature pyrolysis (~1000 °C), employing FeCl₃ and potassium ferricyanide (K₃[Fe(CN)₆]) as catalytic agents. Although FeCl₃ is widely studied, it showed limited capacity to promote graphitic ordering. In contrast, K₃[Fe(CN)₆] exhibited a synergistic effect, combining iron-based catalytic species (Fe, Fe₃C) and potassium-derived activating compounds (K₂CO₃), which significantly enhanced graphitization and porosity. Characterization by Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM confirmed that materials synthesized with K₃[Fe(CN)₆] presented improved crystallinity, lower defect densities (I_D/I_G = 0.37–1.11), and distinct 2D bands (I_2D/I_G = 0.32–0.80), indicating the formation of few-layer graphene domains. The most promising structure was obtained from cellulose treated with alkaline peroxide and deoxygenated prior to pyrolysis with K₃[Fe(CN)₆], showing properties comparable to commercial graphene. BET analysis revealed surface areas up to 714.50 m²/g. While non-catalyzed samples yielded higher mass, the catalytic approach with K₃[Fe(CN)₆] demonstrates a sustainable and efficient pathway for producing graphene-like carbon materials from lignocellulosic biomass. Full article

There is an urgent need for new approaches and strategies for the introduction of antioxidant drugs in medicine. Despite hundreds of clinical trials with potential antioxidants, no antioxidant drugs have so far been developed for clinical use; this is mainly as a result of commercial reasons, but also due to insufficient data for regulatory authority approval. Antioxidant activity is a physiological process essential for healthy living. However, increased production of toxic free radicals and reactive oxygen species is observed in many clinical conditions, which are associated with serious and sometimes irreversible damage. Antioxidant drug strategies may involve short- to long-term therapeutic applications for the purpose of prevention, treatment, or post-treatment effects of a disease. These strategies are different for each disease and may include the design of protocols for the inhibition of oxidative damage through iron chelation, enhancing antioxidant defences by increasing the production of endogenous antioxidants, and activating antioxidant mechanisms, as well as the administration of synthetic and natural antioxidants. Both the improvement of antioxidant biomarkers and clinical improvement or disease remission are required to suggest effective therapeutic intervention. More concerted efforts, including new academic strategies, are required for the development of antioxidant drugs in clinical practice. Such efforts should be similar to the fulfilment of orphan or emergency drug regulatory requirements, which, in most cases, involve the treatment or clinical improvement of rare or severe diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Promising results of antioxidant therapeutic interventions include mainly the repurposing of the iron chelating/antioxidants drugs deferiprone (L1) and deferoxamine, and also the iron-binding drug N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In some clinical trials, the lack of pharmacodynamic and ferrikinetic data, wrong posology, and insufficient monitoring have resulted in inconclusive findings. Future strategies involving appropriate protocols and drug combinations, such as L1 and NAC, appear to improve the prospect of developing antioxidant drug therapies in different diseases, including those associated with ferroptosis. New strategies may also involve the use of pro-drugs such as aspirin, which is partly biotransformed into iron chelating/antioxidant metabolites with chemopreventive properties in cancer, and also in other therapeutic interventions. A consortium of expert academics on regulatory drug affairs and clinical trials could increase the prospects for antioxidant drug development in medicine. Full article

The windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta) is common in coastal areas of the Philippines, thriving in brackish waters. Its shells underpin the local craft industries. While its meat is edible, only small amounts are consumed locally, most going to waste. Utilization of this potential nutrient source is hindered by the lack of information concerning its organic and mineral content, the possible presence of heavy metal ions, and the risk of microbial pathogens. We report extensive analysis of the meat from Placuna placenta, harvested during three different seasons to account for potential variations. This comprises proximate analysis, mineral, antioxidant, and microbial analyses. While considerable seasonal variation was observed, the windowpane oyster was found to be a rich source of protein, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates, comparing well with the meats of other shellfish and land animals. Following pre-cooking (~90 °C, 25–30 min), the standard local method for food preparation, no viable E. coli or Salmonella sp. were detected. Mineral content was broadly similar to that reported in fish, although iron, zinc, and copper were more highly represented, nevertheless, heavy metals were below internationally acceptable levels, with the exception of one of three samples, which was slightly above the only current standard, FSANZ. Whether the arsenic was in the safer organic form, which is commonly the case for shellfish, or the more toxic inorganic form remains to be established. This and the variation of arsenic over time will need to be considered when developing food products. Overall, the meat of the windowpane oyster is a valuable food resource and its current (albeit low-level) use should lower any barriers to its acceptance, making it suitable for commercialization. The present data support its development for high-value food products in urban markets. Full article

Although cemented carbides have been manufactured by the powder metallurgy (P/M) technology for over a century now, systematic developmental efforts are still underway. In the present study, tool life improvements in metal grooving applications are the key objective. Four PVD-coated cemented carbides compositions, dedicated to groove steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminium alloys, have been newly designed, along with their manufacturing conditions. Physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics—such as sintered density, modulus of elasticity, hardness, fracture toughness, WC grain size, and the chemical composition of the substrate material, as well as the chemical composition, microhardness, structure, and thickness of the coatings—have been studied. A series of grooving tests have also been conducted to assess whether modifications to the thus far marketed tool materials, tool geometries, and coatings can improve cutting performance. In order to compare the laboratory and application properties of the investigated materials with currently produced by reputable companies, commercial inserts have also been tested. The experimental results obtained indicate that the newly developed grooving inserts exhibit excellent microstructural characteristics, high hardness, fracture toughness, and wear resistance and that they show slightly longer tool life compared to the commercial ones. Full article

This study reports on the magnetic properties of commercial cornflakes, which are primarily influenced by the iron content. An initial analysis of X-ray fluorescence on a brand of cornflakes evidenced the presence of a high concentration of Cl and up to 10.9 mg/100 g of Fe. After the extraction of iron from the cornflakes of two different brands, as iron filings, X-ray diffraction measurements indicate the presence of crystals of elemental iron, and no traces of other crystals of iron-derived compounds were found. The Fourier Transform Infrared analysis on the iron filings does not show any binding between iron and oxygen, which further discards the presence of iron oxides. The magnetic hysteresis loops of whole powdered cornflakes exhibit weak Langevin-like magnetizations, which principally correspond to the iron used as a fortification element. The diamagnetic behavior of the higher organic material content significantly attenuates this magnetic response. The hysteresis loops of the iron filings reached magnetic saturations 1% and 5% lower than those of a pure iron sample. Additionally, the indirect measurement of magnetic susceptibility of the iron filings by magneto-thermograms revealed only one Curie transition very close to 771 °C, which corresponds to pure elemental iron. Full article

Concern over the presence of pharmaceutical waste in the environment has prompted research into the management of emerging organic micropollutants (EOMs). In response, sustainable technologies have been applied as alternatives to reduce the effects of these contaminants. This study investigated the capacity of filamentous fungi isolated from iron mine soil in the Amazon region to biodegrade the drug chloroquine diphosphate. An initial screening assessed the growth of four fungal strains on solid media containing chloroquine diphosphate: Trichoderma pseudoasperelloides CBMAI 2752, Penicillium rolfsii CBMAI 2753, Talaromyces verruculosus CBMAI 2754, and Penicillium sp. cf. guaibinense CBMAI 2758. Among them, Penicillium sp. cf. guaibinense CBMAI 2758 was selected for further testing in liquid media. A Box–Behnken factorial design was applied with three variables, pH (5, 7, and 9), incubation time (5, 10, and 15 days), and chloroquine diphosphate concentration (50, 75, and 100 mg·L⁻¹), totaling 15 experiments. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The most effective conditions for chloroquine biodegradation were pH 7, 100 mg·L⁻¹ concentration, and 10 days of incubation. Four metabolites were identified: one resulting from N-deethylation M1 (N4-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)-N1-ethylpentane-1,4-diamine), two from carbon–carbon bond cleavage M2 (7-chloro-N-ethylquinolin-4-amine) and M3 (N1,N1-diethylpentane-1,4-diamine), and one from aromatic deamination M4 (N1-ethylbutane-1,4-diamine) by enzymatic reactions. The toxicity analysis showed that the products obtained from the biodegradation of chloroquine were less toxic than the commercial formulation of this compound. These findings highlight the biotechnological potential of Amazonian fungi for drug biodegradation and decontamination. Full article

This paper catalogues a series of experiments we conducted to explore how to 3D print a DC electric motor. The individual parts of the electric motor were 3D printed but assembled by hand. First, we focused on a rotor with soft magnetic properties, for which we adopted ProtoPasta^TM, which is a commercial off-the-shelf PLA filament incorporating iron particles. Second, we focused on the stator permanent magnets, which were 3D printed through binder jetting. Third, we focused on the wire coils, for which we adopted a form of laminated object manufacture of copper wire. The chief challenge was in 3D printing the coils, because the winding density is crucial to the performance of the motor. We have demonstrated that DC electric motors can be 3D printed and assembled into a functional system. Although the performance was poor due to the wiring problem, we showed that the other 3D printing processes were consistent with high performance. Nevertheless, we demonstrated the principle of 3D printing electric motors. Full article

Background: Cefiderocol (FDC) presents challenges in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). The reference standard is the broth microdilution (BMD) method with iron-depleted cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (ID-CAMHB). Still, it is cumbersome for routine clinical laboratory use, while variable accuracy has been reported with available commercial systems. Variability in interpretive criteria and areas of technical uncertainty (ATUs) further complicate assessments. Methods: This review and expert opinion presents: (1) an overview of non-susceptibility to FDC and then delves into the performance of current FDC AST methods for Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii complex; (2) a practical decision framework to guide clinical microbiologists in making informed choices. Results and Conclusions: For Enterobacterales, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we propose disk diffusion (DD) as a preliminary screening tool to classify isolates as susceptible (S) or resistant (R). Confirmatory testing using the UMIC^® FDC system or the ID-CAMHB BMD method is recommended for R isolates. In cases of discrepancy, repeating the test with ID-CAMHB BMD is advised. Additionally, isolates falling within the ATU during DD testing should be retested using the UMIC^® system or ID-CAMHB BMD. For A. baumannii complex, since EUCAST breakpoints have not been defined yet, we propose a stepwise framework based on the first DD result: isolates with inhibition zones < 17 mm are considered non-susceptible and should be confirmed with standard BMD. Those between 17 and 22 mm require retesting with a commercial BMD method, with further confirmation recommended if S isolates with zones ≥ 23 mm may be considered S without additional testing. Full article

Magenta Cherry or Eugenia (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol _Trolox/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems. Full article

The scientific literature currently lacks studies that evaluate the nutritional composition of the tissues of cattle raised in different systems, so that the nutritional effects can be known and used to enhance consumption and use in the diet. The aim was therefore to assess whether the mineral content of muscle tissue (longissimus lumborum) in cattle finished during the rainy season in the Eastern Amazon is influenced by different farming systems. The treatments consisted of four systems (three pasture production systems and one feedlot system). 1. native wetland pasture in Santa Cruz do Arari (Mesoregion of Marajó); 2. native wetland pasture in Monte Alegre (Mesoregion of Baixo Amazonas); 3. cultivated dryland pasture in São Miguel do Guamá (Mesoregion of Nordeste Paraense); and 4. Confinement in Santa Izabel do Pará (Metropolitan Region of Belém). The analyses were carried out on samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle tissue of 48 male, castrated, crossbred Nelore cattle, twelve per breeding system, from commercial farms, destined for meat production, finished during the rainiest period of the year (between January and June). In systems 1 and 2, the animals were slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses; the animals in systems 3 and 4 were slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses. Food sampling and chemical analysis, soil sample collection and analysis, longissimus lumborum muscle tissue collection, sample preparation and digestion, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized in a linear model with four rearing systems and one period (rainy). The data was compared using the Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) program. All analyses were carried out considering a significance level of 0.05. Samples of the diets offered (pasture and concentrate) were also collected. The Amazon systems influenced the macro- and micromineral content in the muscles of cattle (p < 0.05). The interaction between pasture systems vs. confinement showed differences in the minerals calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the values of sodium (Na), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) between the rearing systems (p > 0.05). By contrast, the cultivated pasture system vs. extensive pasture showed differences in all the elements evaluated (p < 0.05). The rearing systems of the Eastern Amazon influenced the mineral content of beef, which continues to be an excellent source of macro- and microminerals and can compose the human diet. Full article

Gastrointestinal signals present a major challenge in magnetic particle imaging (MPI) because of their strong background interference. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the gut MPI signal in mice fed six commercially available diets in Australia, including Gordon’s Specialty Stock Feeds (normal and low iron), Specialty Feeds (normal and low iron), a Western diet, and Gubra-Amylin NASH (GAN diet). We also assessed the impact of 24 h fasting on gut signal reduction. Each diet group included three mice, and the gut signal intensity was monitored over seven days. The results indicated that the standard diet produced signal intensities approximately eight times greater than those of the low-iron diet from specialty feeds and over eleven times greater than those of the GAN or Western diets. Notably, switching to GAN or Western diets led to a tenfold reduction in the gut signal within 24 h, a decrease comparable to that achieved by fasting. These findings suggest that dietary modification—particularly the use of low-iron diets—can effectively minimize gastrointestinal signals in MPI, reducing background interference by up to 90%. This simple dietary adjustment offers a practical and noninvasive method for improving image clarity and experimental reliability in preclinical MPI studies. Full article

Carbon capture technologies are largely considered to play a crucial role in meeting the climate change and global warming target set by Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2050. These technologies can contribute to clean energy transitions and emissions reduction by decarbonizing the power sector and other CO₂ intensive industries such as iron and steel production, natural gas processing oil refining and cement production where there is no obvious alternative to carbon capture technologies. While the progress of carbon capture technologies has fallen behind expectations in the past, in recent years there has been substantial growth in this area, with over 700 projects at various stages of development. Moreover, there are around 45 commercial carbon capture facilities already in operation around the world in different industrial processes, fuel transformation and power generation. Carbon capture technologies including pre/post-combustion, oxyfuel and chemical looping combustion have been widely exploited in the recent years at different Technology Readiness level (TRL). Although, a large number of review studies are available addressing different carbon capture strategies, however, studies related to the commercial status of the carbon capture technologies are yet to be conducted. In this review article, we summarize the state-of-the-art of different carbon capture technologies applied to different emission sources, focusing on emission reduction, net-zero emission, and negative emission. We also highlight the commercial status of the different carbon capture technologies including economics, opportunities, and challenges. Full article