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21 pages, 2074 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Analysis of Bilberry NaDES Extracts as Versatile Active Ingredients of Natural Dermocosmetic Products: In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Tyrosinase, Anti-Hyaluronidase, Anti-Collagenase, and UV Protective Properties
by Milica Martinović, Ivana Nešić, Ana Žugić and Vanja M. Tadić
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152374 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits represent the recognized wellspring of bioactive compounds with various documented bioactivities. Although bilberry leaves are often treated as industrial by-products, they also represent a valuable source of phytochemicals with potential dermocosmetic applications. In this study, extracts of [...] Read more.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits represent the recognized wellspring of bioactive compounds with various documented bioactivities. Although bilberry leaves are often treated as industrial by-products, they also represent a valuable source of phytochemicals with potential dermocosmetic applications. In this study, extracts of bilberry fruits and leaves were prepared using both conventional solvents (water and 50% ethanol) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) as green, biodegradable alternatives. The aim of this study was to examine the UV protective activity and inhibitory potential of those extracts against some enzymes (tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, collagenase) that are important in terms of skin conditioning and skin aging. The results of in vitro tests have shown the superiority of NaDES extracts compared to conventional extracts regarding all tested bioactivities. In addition, bilberry leaves extracts were more potent compared to fruit extracts in all cases. The most potent extract was bilberry leaf extract made with malic acid–glycerol, which exhibited strong anti-tyrosinase (IC50 = 3.52 ± 0.26 mg/mL), anti-hyaluronidase (IC50 = 3.23 ± 0.30 mg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC50 = 1.84 ± 0.50 mg/mL) activities. The correlation analysis revealed correlation between UV protective and anti-tyrosinase, UV protective and anti-collagenase as well as between anti-hyaluronidase and anti-collagenase activity. UV protection and anti-tyrosinase activity correlated significantly with chlorogenic acid and hyperoside contents in extracts. The extracts with the best activities also demonstrated a good safety profile in a 24 h in vivo study on human volunteers. Full article
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29 pages, 4258 KiB  
Review
Corrosion Performance of Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel Bridges in the Current Climate: A Performance Review
by Nafiseh Ebrahimi, Melina Roshanfar, Mojtaba Momeni and Olga Naboka
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3510; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153510 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Weathering steel (WS) is widely used in bridge construction due to its high corrosion resistance, durability, and low maintenance requirements. This paper reviews the performance of WS bridges in Canadian climates, focusing on the formation of protective patina, influencing factors, and long-term maintenance [...] Read more.
Weathering steel (WS) is widely used in bridge construction due to its high corrosion resistance, durability, and low maintenance requirements. This paper reviews the performance of WS bridges in Canadian climates, focusing on the formation of protective patina, influencing factors, and long-term maintenance strategies. The protective patina, composed of stable iron oxyhydroxides, develops over time under favorable wet–dry cycles but can be disrupted by environmental aggressors such as chlorides, sulfur dioxide, and prolonged moisture exposure. Key alloying elements like Cu, Cr, Ni, and Nb enhance corrosion resistance, while design considerations—such as drainage optimization and avoidance of crevices—are critical for performance. The study highlights the vulnerability of WS bridges to microenvironments, including de-icing salt exposure, coastal humidity, and debris accumulation. Regular inspections and maintenance, such as debris removal, drainage system upkeep, and targeted cleaning, are essential to mitigate corrosion risks. Climate change exacerbates challenges, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification accelerating corrosion in coastal regions. Future research directions include optimizing WS compositions with advanced alloys (e.g., rare earth elements) and integrating climate-resilient design practices. This review highlights the need for a holistic approach combining material science, proactive maintenance, and adaptive design to ensure the longevity of WS bridges in evolving environmental conditions. Full article
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19 pages, 474 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Technologies and Efficiency of Harvesting Energy from Pavements
by Shijing Chen, Luxi Wei, Chan Huang and Yinghong Qin
Energies 2025, 18(15), 3959; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18153959 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Dark asphalt surfaces, absorbing about 95% of solar radiation and warming to 60–70 °C during summer, intensify urban heat while providing substantial prospects for energy extraction. This review evaluates four primary technologies—asphalt solar collectors (ASCs, including phase change material (PCM) integration), photovoltaic (PV) [...] Read more.
Dark asphalt surfaces, absorbing about 95% of solar radiation and warming to 60–70 °C during summer, intensify urban heat while providing substantial prospects for energy extraction. This review evaluates four primary technologies—asphalt solar collectors (ASCs, including phase change material (PCM) integration), photovoltaic (PV) systems, vibration-based harvesting, thermoelectric generators (TEGs)—focusing on their principles, efficiencies, and urban applications. ASCs achieve up to 30% efficiency with a 150–300 W/m2 output, reducing pavement temperatures by 0.5–3.2 °C, while PV pavements yield 42–49% efficiency, generating 245 kWh/m2 and lowering temperatures by an average of 6.4 °C. Piezoelectric transducers produce 50.41 mW under traffic loads, and TEGs deliver 0.3–5.0 W with a 23 °C gradient. Applications include powering sensors, streetlights, and de-icing systems, with ASCs extending pavement life by 3 years. Hybrid systems, like PV/T, achieve 37.31% efficiency, enhancing UHI mitigation and emissions reduction. Economically, ASCs offer a 5-year payback period with a USD 3000 net present value, though PV and piezoelectric systems face cost and durability challenges. Environmental benefits include 30–40% heat retention for winter use and 17% increased PV self-use with EV integration. Despite significant potential, high costs and scalability issues hinder adoption. Future research should optimize designs, develop adaptive materials, and validate systems under real-world conditions to advance sustainable urban infrastructure. Full article
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30 pages, 25151 KiB  
Article
Prospects for Multimessenger Observations of the Shapley Supercluster
by Valentyna Babur, Olexandr Gugnin and Bohdan Hnatyk
Universe 2025, 11(7), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11070239 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 231
Abstract
The Shapley Supercluster, one of the largest and most massive structures in the nearby (redshift z0.1) Universe, located approximately 200 Mpc away, is a unique laboratory for high-energy astrophysics. Galaxy clusters that comprise it are promising targets for multimessenger study [...] Read more.
The Shapley Supercluster, one of the largest and most massive structures in the nearby (redshift z0.1) Universe, located approximately 200 Mpc away, is a unique laboratory for high-energy astrophysics. Galaxy clusters that comprise it are promising targets for multimessenger study due to the presence in the intracluster medium of the necessary conditions for the acceleration of cosmic rays up to ultra-high energies and the generation by them of non-thermal electromagnetic and neutrino emission. Using the Shapley Supercluster’s observational data from the recent eROSITA-DE Data Release, we recover the physical parameters of 45 X-ray luminous galaxy clusters and calculate the expected multiwavelength—from radio to very-high-energy γ-ray as well as neutrino emission, with a particular focus on hadronic interactions of accelerated cosmic ray nuclei with the nuclei of the intracluster medium. The results obtained allow verification of cluster models based on multimessenger observations of clusters, especially in γ-ray (Fermi-LAT, H.E.S.S., CTAO-South for the Shapley Supercluster case), and neutrino (Ice Cube, KM3NeT). We also estimate the ability of the Shapley Supercluster to manifest as cosmic Zevatrons and show that it can contribute to the PAO Hot Spot in the Cen A region at UHECR energies over 50 EeV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays)
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14 pages, 1342 KiB  
Article
Mitigating Deicer-Induced Salinity Through Activated Carbon and Salt-Tolerant Grass Integration: A Case of Pennisetum alopecuroides
by Jae-Hyun Park, Hyo-In Lim, Myung-Hun Lee, Yong-Han Yoon and Jin-Hee Ju
Environments 2025, 12(7), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12070250 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 563
Abstract
The use of chloride-based deicing salts, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2), is a common practice in cold regions for maintaining road safety during winter. However, the accumulation of salt residues in adjacent soils poses serious environmental threats, including [...] Read more.
The use of chloride-based deicing salts, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2), is a common practice in cold regions for maintaining road safety during winter. However, the accumulation of salt residues in adjacent soils poses serious environmental threats, including reduced pH, increased electrical conductivity (EC), disrupted soil structure, and plant growth inhibition. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of activated carbon (AC) and Pennisetum alopecuroides, a salt-tolerant perennial grass, in alleviating salinity stress under deicer-treated soils. A factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted using three fixed factors: (i) presence or absence of Pennisetum alopecuroides, (ii) deicer type (NaCl or CaCl2), and (iii) activated carbon mixing ratio (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10%). Soil pH, EC, and ion concentrations (Na+, Cl, Ca2+) were measured, along with six plant growth indicators. The results showed that increasing AC concentrations significantly increased pH and reduced EC and ion accumulation, with the 5% AC treatment being optimal in both deicer systems. Plant physiological responses were improved in AC-amended soils, especially under CaCl2 treatment, indicating less ion toxicity and better root zone conditions. The interaction effects between AC, deicer type, and plant presence were statistically significant (p < 0.05), supporting a synergistic remediation mechanism involving both adsorption and biological uptake. Despite the limitations of short-term controlled conditions, this study offers a promising phytomanagement strategy using natural adsorbents and salt-tolerant plants for sustainable remediation of salt-affected soils in road-adjacent and urban environments. Full article
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17 pages, 3209 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Image Analysis for Intelligent Aircraft De-Icing Decision Support Systems
by Sylwester Korga
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7752; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147752 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 263
Abstract
Aircraft icing and snow accumulation are significant threats to flight safety and operational efficiency, necessitating rapid and accurate detection methods. The aim of this study was to develop and comparatively evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) models for the real-time detection of ice and snow [...] Read more.
Aircraft icing and snow accumulation are significant threats to flight safety and operational efficiency, necessitating rapid and accurate detection methods. The aim of this study was to develop and comparatively evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) models for the real-time detection of ice and snow on aircraft surfaces using vision systems. A custom dataset of annotated aircraft images under various winter conditions was prepared and augmented to enhance model robustness. Two training approaches were implemented: an automatic process using the YOLOv8 framework on the Roboflow platform and a manual process in the Google Colab environment. Both models were evaluated using standard object detection metrics, including mean Average Precision (mAP) and mAP@50:95. The results demonstrate that both methods achieved comparable detection performance, with final mAP50 values of 0.25–0.3 and mAP50-95 values around 0.15. The manual approach yielded lower training losses and more stable metric progression, suggesting better generalization and a reduced risk of overfitting. The findings highlight the potential of AI-driven vision systems to support intelligent de-icing decision-making in aviation. Future research should focus on refining localization, minimizing false alarms, and adapting detection models to specific aircraft components to further enhance operational safety and reliability. Full article
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11 pages, 1841 KiB  
Article
Construction of Silane-Modified Diatomite-Magnetic Nanocomposite Superhydrophobic Coatings Using Multi-Scale Composite Principle
by Dan Li, Mei Wu, Rongjun Xia, Jiwen Hu and Fangzhi Huang
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070786 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
To address the challenges of cotton cellulose materials being susceptible to environmental humidity and pollutant erosion, a strategy for constructing superhydrophobic functional coatings with biomimetic micro–nano composite structures was proposed. Through surface silanization modification, diatomite (DEM) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of cotton cellulose materials being susceptible to environmental humidity and pollutant erosion, a strategy for constructing superhydrophobic functional coatings with biomimetic micro–nano composite structures was proposed. Through surface silanization modification, diatomite (DEM) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were functionalized with octyltriethoxysilane (OTS) to prepare superhydrophobic diatomite flakes (ODEM) and OFe3O4 nanoparticles. Following the multi-scale composite principle, ODEM and OFe3O4 nanoparticles were blended and crosslinked via the hydroxyl-initiated ring-opening polymerization of epoxy resin (EP), resulting in an EP/ODEM@OFe3O4 composite coating with hierarchical roughness. Microstructural characterization revealed that the micrometer-scale porous structure of ODEM and the nanoscale protrusions of OFe3O4 form a hierarchical micro–nano topography. The special topography combined with the low surface energy property leads to a contact angle of 158°. Additionally, the narrow bandgap semiconductor characteristic of OFe3O4 induces the localized surface plasmon resonance effect. This enables the coating to attain 80% light absorption across the 350–2500 nm spectrum, and rapidly heat to 45.8 °C within 60 s under 0.5 sun, thereby demonstrating excellent deicing performance. This work provides a theoretical foundation for developing environmentally tolerant superhydrophobic photothermal coatings, which exhibit significant application potential in the field of anti-icing and anti-fouling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)
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31 pages, 8652 KiB  
Article
Study on Road Performance and Ice-Breaking Effect of Rubber Polyurethane Gel Mixture
by Yuanzhao Chen, Zhenxia Li, Tengteng Guo, Chenze Fang, Jingyu Yang, Peng Guo, Chaohui Wang, Bing Bai, Weiguang Zhang, Deqing Tang and Jiajie Feng
Gels 2025, 11(7), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070505 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Aiming at the problems of serious pavement temperature diseases, low efficiency and high loss of ice-breaking methods, high occupancy rate of waste tires and the low utilization rate and insufficient durability of rubber particles, this paper aims to improve the service level of [...] Read more.
Aiming at the problems of serious pavement temperature diseases, low efficiency and high loss of ice-breaking methods, high occupancy rate of waste tires and the low utilization rate and insufficient durability of rubber particles, this paper aims to improve the service level of roads and ensure the safety of winter pavements. A pavement material with high efficiency, low carbon and environmental friendliness for active snow melting and ice breaking is developed. Firstly, NaOH, NaClO and KH550 were used to optimize the treatment of rubber particles. The hydrophilic properties, surface morphology and phase composition of rubber particles before and after optimization were studied, and the optimal treatment method of rubber particles was determined. Then, the optimized rubber particles were used to replace the natural aggregate in the polyurethane gel mixture by the volume substitution method, and the optimum polyurethane gel dosages and molding and curing processes were determined. Finally, the influence law of the road performance of RPGM was compared and analyzed by means of an indoor test, and the ice-breaking effect of RPGM was explored. The results showed that the contact angles of rubber particles treated with three solutions were reduced by 22.5%, 30.2% and 36.7%, respectively. The surface energy was improved, the element types on the surface of rubber particles were reduced and the surface impurities were effectively removed. Among them, the improvement effect of the KH550 solution was the most significant. With the increase in rubber particle content from 0% to 15%, the dynamic stability of the mixture gradually increases, with a maximum increase of 23.5%. The maximum bending strain increases with the increase in its content. The residual stability increases first and then decreases with the increase in rubber particle content, and the increase ranges are 1.4%, 3.3% and 0.5%, respectively. The anti-scattering performance increases with the increase in rubber content, and an excessive amount will lead to an increase in the scattering loss rate, but it can still be maintained below 5%. The fatigue life of polyurethane gel mixtures with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% rubber particles is 2.9 times, 3.8 times, 4.3 times and 4.0 times higher than that of the AC-13 asphalt mixture, respectively, showing excellent anti-fatigue performance. The friction coefficient of the mixture increases with an increase in the rubber particle content, which can be increased by 22.3% compared with the ordinary asphalt mixture. RPGM shows better de-icing performance than traditional asphalt mixtures, and with an increase in rubber particle content, the ice-breaking ability is effectively improved. When the thickness of the ice layer exceeds 9 mm, the ice-breaking ability of the mixture is significantly weakened. Mainly through the synergistic effect of stress coupling, thermal effect and interface failure, the bonding performance of the ice–pavement interface is weakened under the action of driving load cycle, and the ice layer is loosened, broken and peeled off, achieving efficient de-icing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels)
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15 pages, 5168 KiB  
Article
The Anisotropic Electrothermal Behavior and Deicing Performance of a Self-Healing Epoxy Composite Reinforced with Glass/Carbon Hybrid Fabrics
by Ting Chen and Xusheng Du
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132794 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
Hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer-laminated composites are often used under icy conditions (such as for reinforcing parts in aircraft frames and bridge beams), where there is an urgent demand for deicing. In this paper, besides the different mechanical properties of laminates along the longitudinal carbon [...] Read more.
Hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer-laminated composites are often used under icy conditions (such as for reinforcing parts in aircraft frames and bridge beams), where there is an urgent demand for deicing. In this paper, besides the different mechanical properties of laminates along the longitudinal carbon fiber (CF) and glass fiber (GF) directions, the anisotropic electrothermal behavior of a hybrid glass/carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (GCF/EP) is also investigated, as well as its deicing performance and self-repairing capability. The surface equilibrium temperature of GCF/EP composites can conveniently be adjusted by tuning the current magnitude and its flow direction. Compared to the longitudinal CF direction of the GCF/EP, where 0.3 A was loaded to achieve a surface equilibrium temperature of 122.8 °C, a much weaker current (0.03 A) was needed to load along the longitudinal GF direction to reach almost the same temperature. However, besides the higher flexural strength and fast temperature response, along the longitudinal CF direction, the GCF/EP exhibited excellent deicing performance, including a shorter time and larger energy efficiency. Furthermore, the self-repairing ability of the GCF/EP and its effect on the deicing performance of the composite were characterized. Studying the Joule heating effect of GCF/EP composite laminates and their corresponding deicing performance lays the foundation for their design and practical application in icy environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nano-Materials for Anti-Icing and/or De-Icing Applications)
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22 pages, 9661 KiB  
Article
Regional Groundwater Flow and Advective Contaminant Transport Modeling in a Typical Hydrogeological Environment of Northern New Jersey
by Toritseju Oyen and Duke Ophori
Hydrology 2025, 12(7), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12070167 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 502
Abstract
This study develops a numerical model to simulate groundwater flow and contaminant transport in a “typical hydrogeological environment” of northern New Jersey, addressing freshwater decline. Focusing on the Lower Passaic water management area (WMA), we model chloride transport in a fractured-rock aquifer, where [...] Read more.
This study develops a numerical model to simulate groundwater flow and contaminant transport in a “typical hydrogeological environment” of northern New Jersey, addressing freshwater decline. Focusing on the Lower Passaic water management area (WMA), we model chloride transport in a fractured-rock aquifer, where fracture networks control hydraulic conductivity and porosity. The urbanized setting—encompassing Montclair State University (MSU) and municipal wells—features heterogeneous groundwater systems and critical water resources, providing an ideal case study for worst-case contaminant transport scenarios. Using MODFLOW and MODPATH, we simulated flow and tracked particles over 20 years. Results show that chloride from MSU reached the Third River in 4 years and the Passaic River in 10 years in low-porosity fractures (0.2), with longer times (8 and 20 years) in high-porosity zones (0.4). The First Watchung Mountains were identified as the primary recharge area. Chloride was retained in immobile pores but transported rapidly through fractures, with local flow systems (MSU to Third River) faster than regional systems (MSU to Passaic River). These findings confirm chloride in groundwater, which may originate from road salt application, can reach discharge points in 4–20 years, emphasizing the need for recharge-area monitoring, salt-reduction policies, and site-specific assessments to protect fractured-rock aquifers. Full article
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15 pages, 3703 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Hydrophobicity and Icephobicity of Modified Cement-Based Composite Coatings for Anti-/De-Icing of Guardrail Concrete
by Jianping Gao, Pan Zhou, Xianlong Shi, Kang Gu, Hongji Chen, Qian Yang and Zhengwu Jiang
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132263 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Guardrail concrete in cold regions frequently suffers from corrosion due to icing and solutions, significantly shortening the service life of the guardrail. This paper proposed a cement-based composite coating for concrete protection. The hydrophobic agent was synthesized using nano-silica, tetraethyl orthosilicate and perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane [...] Read more.
Guardrail concrete in cold regions frequently suffers from corrosion due to icing and solutions, significantly shortening the service life of the guardrail. This paper proposed a cement-based composite coating for concrete protection. The hydrophobic agent was synthesized using nano-silica, tetraethyl orthosilicate and perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane and used for coating modification as an additive or by impregnation. Also, a commercial hydrophobic agent was used for comparison. The modified coating was characterized by wettability, mechanical properties, chemical stability and icephobicity tests. The results showed that the coating prepared with the synthetic hydrophobic agent presented a higher contact angle than that prepared with the commercial one during the above tests. Moreover, it featured excellent icephobicity by effectively delaying the time of icing on concrete and reducing the icing mass and ice adhesion strength. In addition, the hydrophobic agent used by impregnation was a better choice for concrete surface protection. Chemical composition and morphology analysis of the coating showed that hydrophobicity and icephobicity were mainly attributed to F-containing functional groups and rough structure with low surface energy. This study provided an application potential of modified cement-based composite coating for anti-/de-icing of guardrail concrete. Full article
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17 pages, 1214 KiB  
Article
EECNet: An Efficient Edge Computing Network for Transmission Line Ice Thickness Recognition
by Yu Zhang, Yangyang Jiao, Yinke Dou, Liangliang Zhao, Qiang Liu and Yang Liu
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072033 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
The recognition of ice thickness on transmission lines serves as a prerequisite for controlling de-icing robots to carry out precise de-icing operations. To address the issue that existing edge computing terminals fail to meet the demands of ice thickness recognition algorithms, this paper [...] Read more.
The recognition of ice thickness on transmission lines serves as a prerequisite for controlling de-icing robots to carry out precise de-icing operations. To address the issue that existing edge computing terminals fail to meet the demands of ice thickness recognition algorithms, this paper introduces an Efficient Edge Computing Network (EECNet) specifically designed for identifying ice thickness on transmission lines. Firstly, pruning is applied to the Efficient Neural Network (ENet), removing redundant components within the encoder to decrease both the computational complexity and the number of parameters in the model. Secondly, a Dilated Asymmetric Bottleneck Module (DABM) is proposed. By integrating different types of convolutions, this module effectively strengthens the model’s capability to extract features from ice-covered transmission lines. Then, an Efficient Partial Conv Module (EPCM) is designed, introducing an adaptive partial convolution selection mechanism that innovatively combines attention mechanisms with partial convolutions. This design enhances the model’s ability to select important feature channels. The method involves segmenting ice-covered images to obtain iced regions and then calculating the ice thickness using the iced area and known cable parameters. Experimental validation on an ice-covered transmission line dataset shows that EECNet achieves a segmentation accuracy of 92.7% in terms of the Mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) and an F1-Score of 96.2%, with an ice thickness recognition error below 3.4%. Compared to ENet, the model’s parameter count is reduced by 41.7%, and the detection speed on OrangePi 5 Pro is improved by 27.3%. After INT8 quantization, the detection speed is increased by 26.3%. These results demonstrate that EECNet not only enhances the recognition speed on edge equipment but also maintains high-precision ice thickness recognition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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15 pages, 1826 KiB  
Article
Optimization of the Production of Vaccine Epitopes from Clostridium novyi Alpha-Toxin Using Strains of Recombinant Escherichia coli
by Mellanie K. C. Félix, Tullio T. Deusdará, Hélio S. Brito, Gil R. Santos, Eduardo R. T. Leite, Vanessa M. Chapla, Kelvinson F. Viana, Igor V. Brandi, Maria Edilene M. de Almeida, Luis André M. Mariúba, Paulo A. Nogueira, Elizângela F. da Silva, Juliane C. Glória, Raquel Stefanni R. da Silva, Darleide dos S. Braga, Anderson M. de Lima, Andreimar M. Soares and Alex Sander R. Cangussu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071481 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Clostridium novyi is a common pathogen in domestic animals and humans, and alpha-toxin is the main cause of its pathogenesis. Because it is a fastidious organism, obtaining alpha-toxin is expensive. Therefore, we proposed an in silico study to synthesize epitopes in cultures of [...] Read more.
Clostridium novyi is a common pathogen in domestic animals and humans, and alpha-toxin is the main cause of its pathogenesis. Because it is a fastidious organism, obtaining alpha-toxin is expensive. Therefore, we proposed an in silico study to synthesize epitopes in cultures of Escherichia coli BL21 pLysS (DE3). First, we used a stirred-tank bioreactor, developing a dry mass yield (DMY) of 0.77 g/L in batch cultures and 1.03 g/L in fed-batch cultures, without acetic acid production. With scale-up using a system without mechanical agitation, there was a higher DMY (1.20 g/L) with 0.56 mmol/mL of alpha-toxin epitope 1 (DE3/Ep1) and 0.61 mmol/mL of alpha-toxin epitope 2 (DE3/Ep2), with a similar profile for O2 consumption, glucose, and no acetic acid production. The kinetic parameters µ(h−1), YX/S, YP/S, QP, and QX did not differ significantly; however, the kinetic data were superior. Our results suggest that in silico tools allow epitope selection and bioprocess standardization. This system provides cost savings and technological advances for the veterinary vaccine industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Microbiology)
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14 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profile and Selective Anticancer Activity of Parietaria judaica L. Extracts
by Izabela Bielecka, Dorota Natorska-Chomicka, Wioleta Dołomisiewicz, Arlindo Rodrigues Fortes and Katarzyna Dos Santos Szewczyk
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132739 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Parietaria judaica L. (alfavaca-de-cobra) was investigated as a potential source of anticancer compounds. Leaf extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities were evaluated for their phytochemical profiles and cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma LN-229, lung NCI-H1563, breast [...] Read more.
Parietaria judaica L. (alfavaca-de-cobra) was investigated as a potential source of anticancer compounds. Leaf extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities were evaluated for their phytochemical profiles and cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma LN-229, lung NCI-H1563, breast MDA-MB-231, liver HepG2, renal 769-P, cervical HeLa, and melanoma A-375) and a noncancerous HEK-293 cell line. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis confirmed that the extracts are rich in polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT and SRB assays, demonstrating dose-dependent antiproliferative effects. Among the extracts, the ethanolic fraction (PJ-E) exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity, with an IC50 of 11.82 µg/mL against HeLa cells, while displaying a significantly higher IC50 (139.42 µg/mL) against HEK-293, indicating tumor selectivity. The water extract (PJ-W) showed selective activity against lung cancer cells (IC50 = 87.69 µg/mL), with minimal toxicity toward normal cells. The methanol/acetone extract (PJ-M) displayed intermediate activity, whereas the hexane extract (PJ-H) was the least effective. These findings highlight P. judaica, particularly its ethanolic extract, as a promising source of natural anticancer agents. Further research focusing on the isolation of active constituents, formulation development, and in vivo validation is warranted to support its therapeutic potential. Full article
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14 pages, 5734 KiB  
Article
Rheological Behaviors of Rubber-Modified Asphalt Under Complicated Environment
by Xia Wu, Chunfeng Zhu, Zhenyu Wang, Lei Yang, Fang Liu, Jianxin Chen, Khusniddin Nuriddinov, Shukhrat Giyasov, Natalia Borisovna Morozova, Wenqing Shi, Chao Lu, Anastassios Papageorgiou and Di Tie
Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131753 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 339
Abstract
While crumb rubber powder has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the mechanical properties of asphalt binders, its viscoelastic behavior under freeze–thaw conditions in clean water and de-icing salt, typically urban road conditions in winter, remains insufficiently explored. This study systematically investigated the microstructural evolution, [...] Read more.
While crumb rubber powder has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the mechanical properties of asphalt binders, its viscoelastic behavior under freeze–thaw conditions in clean water and de-icing salt, typically urban road conditions in winter, remains insufficiently explored. This study systematically investigated the microstructural evolution, compositional changes, and mechanical behavior of asphalt modified with rubber under the influence of freeze–thaw conditions in clean water and de-icing salt. The findings revealed that rubber powder incorporation accelerates the precipitation of oil, enhancing material stability in both aqueous and saline environments. Notably, asphalt containing 10% crumb rubber powder (Asphalt-10% RP) and 20% crumb rubber powder (Asphalt-20% RP) exhibit creep recovery rates 50.53% and 28.94% higher, respectively, under de-icing salt freeze–thaw cycles than under clean water freeze–thaw cycles. Therefore, in regions with extremely low temperatures and frequent snowfall, rubber powder exhibits significant research potential, providing theoretical support for the design of asphalt pavements in cold climates. Full article
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