Search Results (3,076)

Heat stress is a critical constraint to poultry production in tropical regions, where the temperature–humidity index (THI) frequently exceeds thermoneutral thresholds. Despite growing interest in climate-resilient livestock, limited research has explored the genetic sensitivity of local chicken breeds to increasing THI levels. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic effects of increasing THI on growth performance traits in two tropical chicken breeds. The data included body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and absolute growth rate (AGR) from 4,745 black-boned and 3,001 Thai native synthetic chickens across five generations. Growth data were collected from hatching to 12 weeks of age, whereas temperature and humidity were continuously recorded to calculate daily THI values. A reaction norm model was used to estimate genetic parameters and rate of decline of BW, ADG, and AGR traits under varying THI thresholds (THI70 to THI80). Results indicated that the onset of heat stress occurred at THI72 for black-boned chickens and at THI76 for Thai native synthetic chickens. Heritability estimates for BW, ADG, and AGR decreased as the THI increased in both chicken breeds. However, the Thai native synthetic chickens consistently exhibited higher genetic potential across all THI levels (average heritability: BW = 0.28, ADG = 0.25, AGR = 0.36) compared to the black-boned chickens (average heritability: BW = 0.21, ADG = 0.15, AGR = 0.23). Under mild heat stress (THI72), black-boned chickens showed sharp declines in all traits (average reduction in BW = −10.9 g, ADG = −0.87 g/day, AGR = −3.20 g/week), whereas Thai native synthetic chickens maintained stable performance. At THI76, both breeds experienced significant reductions, particularly in males. Estimated breeding values (EBVs) for AGR decreased linearly with THI, though Thai native synthetic chickens showed greater individual variability, with some birds maintaining stable or positive EBVs up to THI80—suggesting the presence of heat-resilient genotypes. In conclusion, Thai native synthetic chickens demonstrated superior thermotolerance and genetic robustness under increasing THI conditions. The identification of breed-specific THI thresholds and resilient individuals provides novel insights for climate-smart poultry breeding. These findings offer valuable tools for genetic selection, environmental management, and long-term adaptation strategies in response to global climate change. Full article

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used in aerospace due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and tailorable properties. However, these properties critically depend on the CFRP curing cycle. The commonly adopted manufacturer-recommended curing cycle (MRCC), designed to accommodate the most conservative conditions, involves prolonged curing times and high energy consumption. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an efficient and adaptable method to determine the optimal curing cycle. The effects of varying heating rates on resin dynamic and isothermal–exothermic behavior were characterized via reaction kinetics analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheological measurements. The activation energy of the reaction system was substituted into the modified Sun–Gang model, and the parameters were estimated using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. Based on the curing kinetic behavior of the resin, CFRP compression molding process orthogonal experiments were conducted. A weighted scoring system incorporating strength, energy consumption, and cycle time enabled multidimensional evaluation of optimized solutions. Applying this curing cycle optimization method to a commercial epoxy resin increased efficiency by 247.22% and reduced energy consumption by 35.7% while meeting general product performance requirements. These results confirm the method’s reliability and its significance for improving production efficiency. Full article

The interface between high-performance thermoelectric materials and electrodes critically governs the conversion efficiency and long-term reliability of thermoelectric generators under high-temperature operation. Here, we propose Al_xCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys (HEA) as barrier layers to bond Cu-W electrodes with p-type skutterudite (p-SKD) thermoelectric materials. The HEA/p-SKD interface exhibited excellent chemical bonding with a stable and controllable reaction layer, forming a dense, defect-free (Fe,Ni,Co,Cr)Sb phase (thickness of ~2.5 μm) at the skutterudites side. The interfacial resistivity achieved a low value of 0.26 μΩ·cm² and remained at 7.15 μΩ·cm² after aging at 773 K for 16 days. Moreover, the interface demonstrated remarkable mechanical stability, with an initial shear strength of 88 MPa. After long-term aging for 16 days at 773 K, the shear strength retained 74 MPa (only 16% degradation), ranking among the highest reported for thermoelectric materials/metal joints. Remarkably, the joint maintained a shear strength of 29 MPa even after 100 continuous thermal cycles (623–773 K), highlighting its outstanding thermo-mechanical stability. These results validate the Al_xCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys as an ideal interfacial material for thermoelectric generators, enabling simultaneous optimization of electrical and mechanical performance in harsh environments. Full article

Direct copper-plated ceramic (DPC) substrates have emerged as a favored solution for power device packaging due to their unique technical advantages. AuSn, characterized by its high hermeticity and environmental adaptability, represents the optimal sealing technology for DPC substrates. Through the application of vacuum sintering techniques and adjustment of peak temperatures (325 °C, 340 °C, and 355 °C), the morphology and composition of interfacial compounds were systematically investigated, along with an analysis of their formation mechanisms. A gradient aging experiment was designed (125 °C/150 °C/175 °C × oxygen/argon dual atmosphere × 600 h) to elucidate the synergistic effects of environmental temperature and atmosphere on the growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The results indicate that the primary reaction in the sealing weld seam involves Ni interacting with Au-Sn to form (Ni, Au)₃Sn₂ and Au₅Sn. However, upon completion of the sealing process, this reaction remains incomplete, leading to a coexistence state of (Ni, Au)₃Sn₂, Au₅Sn, and AuSn. Additionally, Ni diffuses into the weld seam center via dendritic fracture and locally forms secondary phases such as δ(Ni) and ζ’(Ni). These findings suggest that the weld seam interface exhibits a complex, irregular, and asymmetric microstructure comprising multiple coexisting compounds. It was determined that Tpeak = 325 °C to 340 °C represents the ideal welding temperature range, where the weld seam morphology, width, and Ni diffusion degree achieve optimal states, ensuring excellent device hermeticity. Aging studies further demonstrate that IMC growth remains within controllable limits. These findings address critical gaps in the understanding of the microstructural evolution and interface characteristics of asymmetric welded joints formed by multi-material systems. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and allergic diseases, traditionally considered immunologically opposing entities, may share pathogenic mechanisms rooted in immune dysregulation. While MS is predominantly mediated by Th1 and Th17 responses and allergies by Th2 responses, emerging evidence suggests overlapping immunological pathways, including the involvement of histamine, regulatory T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiological and immunopathological associations between MS and allergies. Epidemiological studies have yielded inconsistent results, with some suggesting a protective role for respiratory and food allergies against MS onset, while others find no significant correlation. Clinical studies indicate that food allergies in adults may be associated with increased MS inflammatory activity, whereas childhood atopy might exert a protective effect. In addition, we review hypersensitivity reactions to disease-modifying treatments for MS, detailing their immunological mechanisms, clinical presentation, and management, including desensitization protocols where applicable. Finally, we explore how treatments for allergic diseases—such as clemastine, allergen immunotherapy, montelukast, and omalizumab—may modulate MS pathophysiology, offering potential therapeutic synergies. Understanding the interplay between allergic and autoimmune processes is critical for optimizing care and developing innovative treatment approaches in MS. Full article

This study investigates the influence of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) on the polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate (MMA) during in situ suspension polymerization at 70 °C (343.15 K). Four CNF concentrations were evaluated and compared to a reference system without CNFs. Polymerizations were carried out in a thermostatted flask immersed in an ethylene glycol bath and covered to ensure thermal stability. The temperature profiles of both the reaction medium and the surrounding bath were continuously recorded, allowing for the calculation of heat flow, polymerization rate (R_p), and monomer conversion. The incorporation of CNFs led to a significant increase in R_p and faster MMA conversion. This effect was attributed to the presence of nanocellulose within the polymerizing medium, which restricted diffusion and contributed to the onset of the phenomenon of autoacceleration. Additionally, CNFs promoted a higher total heat release, underscoring the need for thermal control during scale-up. The resulting material qualifies as a biocomposite, as biobased nanofibrils became integrated into the polymer matrix. These findings demonstrate that CNFs act as effective kinetic promoters in MMA polymerizations and may serve as functional additives to enhance both reaction performance and sustainability. However, safety considerations remain critical when transferring this approach to industrial processes. Full article

The formation and evolution of haze layers in planetary atmospheres play a critical role in shaping their chemical composition, radiative balance, and optical properties. In the outer solar system, the atmospheres of Titan and the giant planets exhibit a wide range of compositional and seasonal variability, creating environments favorable for the production of complex organic molecules under low-temperature conditions. Among them, Uranus—the smallest of the ice giants—has, since Voyager 2, emerged as a compelling target for future exploration due to unanswered questions regarding the composition and structure of its atmosphere, as well as its ring system and diverse icy moon population (which includes four possible ocean worlds). Titan, as the only moon to harbor a dense atmosphere, presents some of the most complex and unique organics found in the solar system. Central to the production of these organics are chemical processes driven by low-energy photons and electrons (<50 eV), which initiate reaction pathways leading to the formation of organic species and gas phase precursors to high-molecular-weight compounds, including aerosols. These aerosols, in turn, remain susceptible to further processing by low-energy UV radiation as they are transported from the upper atmosphere to the lower stratosphere and troposphere where condensation occurs. In this review, I aim to summarize the current understanding of low-energy (<50 eV) photon- and electron-induced chemistry, drawing on decades of insights from studies of Titan, with the objective of evaluating the relevance and extent of these processes on Uranus in anticipation of future observational and in situ exploration. Full article

This study investigates the strengthening mechanisms of char in silicon dioxide thermal reduction through systematic high-temperature experiments using three char types (YQ1, CW1, HY1) characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. HY1 char demonstrated superior reactivity due to its highly ordered microcrystalline structure, characterized by the largest aromatic cluster size (L_a) and lowest defect ratio (I_D/I_G = 0.37), which directly correlated with enhanced reaction completeness. The carbon–silicon reaction reactivity increased progressively with temperature, achieving optimal performance at 1550 °C. Addition of Fe and Fe₂O₃ significantly accelerated the reduction process, with Fe₂O₃ exhibiting superior catalytic performance by reducing activation energy and optimizing reaction kinetics. The ferrosilicon formation mechanism proceeds through a two-stage pathway: initial char-SiO₂ reaction producing SiC and CO, followed by SiC–iron interaction generating FeSi, which catalytically promotes further reduction. These findings establish critical structure–performance relationships for char selection in industrial silicon production, where microcrystalline ordering emerges as the primary performance determinant. The identification of optimal temperature and additive conditions provides practical pathways to enhance energy efficiency and product quality in silicon metallurgy, enabling informed raw material selection and process optimization to reduce energy consumption and improve operational stability. Full article

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the occurrence of two or more pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation. RPL is a common medical condition among reproductive-age women, with approximately 23 million cases reported annually worldwide. Up to 5% of pregnant women may experience two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Previous studies have investigated risk factors for RPL, including maternal age, uterine pathology, genetic anomalies, infectious agents, endocrine disorders, thrombophilia, and immune dysfunction. However, RPL is a disease caused by a complex interaction of genetic factors, environmental factors (e.g., diet, lifestyle, and stress), epigenetic factors, and the immune system. In addition, due to the lack of research on genetics research related to RPL, the etiology remains unclear in up to 50% of cases. Platelets play a critical role in pregnancy maintenance. This study examined the associations of platelet receptor and ligand gene variants, including integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3) rs2317676 A > G, rs3809865 A > T; fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG) rs1049636 T > C, rs2066865 T > C; glycoprotein 1b subunit alpha (GP1BA) rs2243093 T > C, rs6065 C > T; platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1) rs2812 C > T; and platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) rs822442 C > A, rs12137505 G > A, with RPL prevalence. In total, 389 RPL patients and 375 healthy controls (all Korean women) were enrolled. Genotyping of each single nucleotide polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and the TaqMan genotyping assay. All samples were collected with approval from the Institutional Review Board at Bundang CHA Medical Center. The ITGB3 rs3809865 A > T genotype was strongly associated with RPL prevalence (pregnancy loss [PL] ≥ 2: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.505, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.262–4.969, p = 0.009; PL ≥ 3: AOR = 3.255, 95% CI = 1.551–6.830, p = 0.002; PL ≥ 4: AOR = 3.613, 95% CI = 1.403–9.307, p = 0.008). The FGG rs1049636 T > C polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk in women who had three or more pregnancy losses (PL ≥ 3: AOR = 0.673, 95% CI = 0.460–0.987, p = 0.043; PL ≥ 4: AOR = 0.556, 95% CI = 0.310–0.997, p = 0.049). These findings indicate significant associations of the ITGB3 rs3809865 A > T and FGG rs1049636 T > C polymorphisms with RPL, suggesting that platelet function influences RPL in Korean women. Full article

The Maillard reaction refers to the reaction between carbonyl compounds with reducing properties and amino-containing compounds that undergo condensation and polymerization to produce melanoidins. In flour product processing, the Maillard reaction is a critical chemical reaction influencing color, flavor, nutrition, and safety. A moderate Maillard reaction contributes to desirable color and flavor profiles in flour products, whereas an excessive reaction leads to amino acid loss and the formation of harmful substances, posing potential health risks. This review summarizes the substrate sources, reaction stages, influencing factors, impact on quality, and mitigation strategies of harmful products, aiming to provide a reference for regulating the Maillard reaction in flour product processing. Currently, most existing mitigation strategies focus on inhibiting harmful products, while research on the synergistic optimization of color and flavor remains insufficient. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of reaction pathways, understanding multi-factor synergistic effects, and developing composite regulation technologies to balance the sensory quality and safety of flour products. Full article

The synthesis of “green ammonia” from “green hydrogen” represents a critical pathway for renewable energy integration and industrial decarbonization. This study investigates the green ammonia synthesis process using an axial–radial fixed-bed reactor equipped with three catalyst layers. A simplified two-dimensional physical model was developed, and a multiscale simulation approach combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) employed. The simulation results demonstrate that the majority of fluid flows axially through the catalyst beds, leading to significantly higher temperatures in the upper bed regions. The reactor exhibits excellent heat exchange performance, ensuring effective preheating of the feed gas. High-pressure zones are concentrated near the top and bottom gas outlets, while the ammonia mole fraction approaches 100% near the bottom outlet, confirming superior conversion efficiency. By integrating PINNs, the prediction accuracy was substantially improved, with flow field errors in the catalyst beds below 4.5% and ammonia concentration prediction accuracy above 97.2%. Key reaction kinetic parameters (pre-exponential factor k₀ and activation energy Ea) were successfully inverted with errors within 7%, while computational efficiency increased by 200 times compared to traditional CFD. The proposed CFD–PINN integrated framework provides a high-fidelity and computationally efficient simulation tool for green ammonia reactor design, particularly suitable for scenarios with fluctuating hydrogen supply. The reactor design reduces energy per unit ammonia and improves conversion efficiency. Its radial flow configuration enhances operational stability by damping feed fluctuations, thereby accelerating green hydrogen adoption. By reducing fossil fuel dependence, it promotes industrial decarbonization. Full article

This study examines how the newly established United States pursued economic development through diplomatic and commercial initiatives with the Ottoman Empire, navigating regional powers and the era’s political-economic conditions. It analyzes using American archival sources how America endeavored to establish commercial and diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, which it viewed as critical markets in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, before signing any formal agreement. The research tracks how these early efforts laid foundations for what would become one of the world’s largest economies. The study analyzes America’s diplomatic efforts to secure an agreement with the Ottoman Empire prior to the 7 May 1830 trade agreement—which laid the foundation for bilateral relations—alongside the reactions of regional powers, the prevailing conditions of the period, and the Ottoman administration’s reluctance due to various factors, based on U.S. archival sources that, to the best of our knowledge, have not previously been utilized in existing studies. Full article

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

This study aimed to investigate the effects of mental fatigue on physical and cognitive performance (lower-limb power, isometric and handgrip strength, and psychomotor vigilance). Twenty-two physically active young adults (12 males, 10 females; M_age = 20.82 ± 1.47) were randomly assigned to either a Mental Fatigue (MF) or Control group (CON). The MF group showed a statistically significant (p = 0.019) reduction in non-dominant handgrip strength, declining by approximately 2.3 kg (about 5%), while no such change was observed in the CON group or in dominant handgrip strength across groups. Reaction time (RT) was significantly impaired following the mental fatigue protocol: RT increased by 117.82 ms, representing an approximate 46% longer response time in the MF group (p < 0.001), whereas the CON group showed a smaller, non-significant increase of 32.82 ms (~12% longer). No significant differences were found in squat jump performance, indicating that lower-limb explosive power may be less affected by acute mental fatigue. These findings demonstrate that mental fatigue selectively impairs fine motor strength and cognitive processing speed, particularly reaction time, while gross motor power remains resilient. Understanding these effects is critical for optimizing performance in contexts requiring fine motor control and sustained attention under cognitive load. Full article

The usage of fossil fuels has resulted in increasingly severe environmental problems, such as climate change, air pollution, water pollution, etc. Hydrogen energy is considered one of the most promising clean energies to replace fossil fuels due to its pollution-free and high-heat properties. However, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a critical challenge due to its high overpotential and slow kinetics during water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Electrocatalysts play an important role in lowering the overpotential of OER and promoting the kinetics. Co₃O₄-based electrocatalysts have emerged as promising candidates for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their favorable catalytic activity and good compatibility compared with precious metal-based electrocatalysts. This review presents a summary of the recent developments in the synthesis strategies and mechanisms of Co₃O₄-based electrocatalysts for the OER. Various synthesis strategies have been explored to control the size, morphology, and composition of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles. These strategies enable the fabrication of well-defined nanostructures with enhanced catalytic performance. Additionally, the mechanisms of OER catalysis on Co₃O₄-based electrocatalysts have been elucidated. Coordinatively unsaturated sites, synergistic effects with other elements, surface restructuring, and pH dependency have been identified as crucial factors influencing the catalytic activity. The understanding of these mechanisms provides insights into the design and optimization of Co₃O₄-based electrocatalysts for efficient OER applications. The recent advancements discussed in this review offer valuable perspectives for researchers working on the development of electrocatalysts for the OER, with the goal of achieving sustainable and efficient energy conversion and storage systems. Full article